tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18230033953022022082024-03-12T16:03:50.538-07:00No Bonz About It!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-12039778023413171322018-08-19T16:10:00.000-07:002018-08-19T16:10:37.050-07:00Roots and Reinvention<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is an interesting thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, I understand those are not the most profound words ever
written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when we step back to
reflect, sometimes the best way to start is to acknowledge the obvious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the few – and maybe the only – constant in our lives
here on Earth is change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, we don’t
even know what is going to happen each day when we wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think about it, this can be
exhilarating, exciting, nerve-wracking, terrifying as well as any other emotion
you can conjure up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s a lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The thing about change is the fact that it is constant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t going to stop because we want it
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always going to be there, it
is always going to happen and if we want to be fulfilled it is up to us to
recognize that and embrace it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognize
that there is going to be change and embrace it in all aspects of your
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a moment and think about the change currently going on
in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it is spiritual or
professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it is a milestone
birthday and the physical and mental change that comes with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it is good and other times it is
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be a combination of
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what it may be, take a
moment in quiet to think about it, recognize it and embrace it for what it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now the hard part – How do we go forward from there?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While it is great to recognize, accept and embrace the
change for what it is, action is needed on our part to move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a variety of ways as well as a variety
of words to describe this action – Adjust, Adapt, Acclimate just to name a
few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is one in particular that I
have grown fond of as I have been experiencing it personally in various ways as
of late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Reinvent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are a number of ways one can reinvent themselves when
it comes to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be the sum of
subtle modifications over time or it could be taking everything that was once
known, tearing it down and going in a different direction entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I’ve decided to reinvent myself
by going back to my roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By prioritizing
what is truly important in my life, my relationships and my values, I’ve been
reinventing myself by taking what I have learned and trying to apply that
on both a personal and professional level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Root Reinvention if you will – it has a nice ring to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s not always easy and it isn’t supposed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has taken me more than a few proverbial
kicks in the ass to get from Point A to Point B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, change <b>IS</b> going to happen, and it <b>IS</b>
always going to be constant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Life is an interesting thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Imagine how much more refreshing – and joyful – it can be if
we recognize, embrace and reinvent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-48975272600093902792018-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:002018-07-25T09:24:46.558-07:00Maps, Detours and Signs<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i>It's been a little while since I've posted, I'll consider it a bit of a summer break. On the other hand, maybe it is a sign that I should be writing a little more often..</i>.<i> Hope you enjoy!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Back in the “old days”, people of the world used maps
to navigate where they were going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Opening up a map to plot Point A to Point B was sometimes an adventure
unto itself – especially folding it back up into that perfectly creased, multi-page
rectangle it once was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem with
these maps was they could and would become outdated in a relatively short time frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Rand McNally
wouldn’t be able to keep up with new road construction in real time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Nowadays, we simply have to punch in an address into a
GPS or phone without doing much research and we are on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as we’ve come, however, some times
those devices are not updated either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, sometimes those GPS systems can be flat out wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
“I would have been here a half-hour ago, but my GPS
took me down a dirt road, through a cornfield, past a circus tent and I had to
stop to get directions,” said just about everyone I know at some point in their
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Thankfully, when confronted with situations such as
this, there are signs along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we are cognizant of them, we can and will arrive at our destination
safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be successful though, it is
imperative that we pay attention to the signs or else we can easily get
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
I believe life is like that as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
There are times in life when we know where we are
going and exactly how to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More
often than not, we think we know where we are headed but we run into detours or
even roadblocks along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do
not pay attention to the signs, it can be very easy to get off course or even
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Sometimes these signs are big, clear and easy to
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RIGHT TURN ONLY or DO NOT ENTER
come to mind in both a literal and figurative sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience, the type of signs that we
must pay attention to are much more subtle the majority of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we want to see them, we need to look for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By staying in the moment, being
aware of our surroundings and taking time for personal reflection, these signs
can and will come into focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
always easy, but if we take the time to look hard enough, they will reveal
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Everyone needs help along the way, just like we have
all asked for directions in this journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personally, I believe in someone much bigger than myself and I try to
ask Him for help when I do veer off course or get lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
An Ultimate Tour Guide if you will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
While asking is great, ultimately it is our
responsibility to dig deep and look for those signs, both inwardly and
outwardly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next step – the action to
follow the signs revealed to us – then falls directly on our shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
This can and will be tough at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, at times it will simply suck – even
more than having to take a long detour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much like a detour, this will also take faith, patience and trust along
the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Detour signs are put out for a reason – to
get us to our destination safely. These “Life Signs” will do the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
We just need to look for them and follow them along
the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-69021544082894423532018-04-26T11:37:00.000-07:002018-04-26T11:37:52.755-07:00A Wonderful ThingA wonderful thing happened to me today.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t have a disease nor any type of sickness that would
prevent this, thanks be to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
it is a gift to be able to wake up and use the day to find joy, serve others
and strive to be the best that I can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a chance to find the face of Christ in others and – God willing –
have others find the face of Christ in me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, that’s not to say I have a perfect life, far from
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There simply is no such thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I do have is an opportunity to make
today better than yesterday and set the tone for tomorrow, but only if I take
that opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you are reading
this, YOU have the same opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I read a book called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wake Up Happy</i> by Michael Strahan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been a book that I’ve wanted to read for some time, not only
because I’m a New York Giants fan, but mostly because I admire his work ethic,
determination and his ability to consistently re-invent himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the points Strahan discusses in his book is about
being in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just letting
life happen but to truly be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">present</i>
in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When doing this, we are
able to learn from the past, take the information we are given and adjust
moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking up each day gives
us the ability to try our best to be present in the moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sounds great on paper, in real life not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being more present, as with all things in
this game of life, is about progress and not perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we attempt to commit to it every morning –
when we wake up – before too long, a habit is formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good habit of growing personally while
helping others around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, my friends,
is progress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some days it won’t be easy and some days you may want to
simply sleep the day away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
reality of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day, especially those
tough days, just try to remember that waking up is a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gift to make a difference in the world in a
positive way, a chance to make others smile, an opportunity to truly be present
in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We woke up today and oh, what a wonderful thing to have
happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-1342981868826895322018-03-07T09:08:00.000-08:002018-03-07T09:08:49.387-08:00The End or the Journey?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a little something that I wrote recently and I wanted to put it out there to get your thoughts. Truth </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> told, I've not posted something like this before so it does make me a bit nervous. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But hey, what do I have to lose, right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The End or the Journey</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The break of dawn, sun
rises in the east. It’s another day to slay the beast. It’s your choice, smile
or frown. Build it up or tear it down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the answer the end
or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The
road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it
burn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day goes on, now
it’s noon. The choice is joy or the choice is gloom. There are options at hand,
make the decision. Time to think and
think with precision. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No better time than
now to really begin. To let go of that sin and try to win. The choice is the
journey with a smile, knowing it’s ok if it takes awhile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the answer the end
or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The road
we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it
burn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sun sets in the West,
accept mediocrity or expect the best. Today is<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the day to make your
choice. Not to be silent but to have a voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the answer the end
or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The
road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head rests on a
pillow, the day is complete. There’s some trips but it’s not a defeat. The sun
rises in the east tomorrow morn. Again, the journey begins, and we are reborn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer and the end
are out in the distance - enjoy the question, the journey is your
existence. The sun rises in the east
tomorrow morn. The journey begins, and
we are reborn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the answer the end
or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The
road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-41945103965452159502018-02-14T05:51:00.000-08:002018-02-14T05:51:35.824-08:00Night to Shine<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
You really had to be there to
experience it, my words certainly won’t do the night justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, I can get across just a bit of the
wonder of the evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
On February 9, 2018, the church my
family and I attend – St. Pius X in Greensboro, NC – was one of more than 540
churches from across the world to host <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Night to Shine</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tim Tebow Foundation
sponsors this amazing event which is a prom night experience for people with
special needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family was privileged
to volunteer for the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife
helped the women do their makeup, my oldest son served and mingled with
caretakers and parents of the guests while my youngest son and I had the privilege
of being a “buddy” to one of the guests attending the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
From the second the guests were
welcomed by our volunteers to the end of the night, keeping emotions in check<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> was difficult to say the least. </span>The
absolute, unequivocal pure joy of the guests was indescribable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in a flu-season contagious type of way,
but in a “I wish I could bottle this feeling and pass it on” type of way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
The dancing from the guests was
also contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’d like to think
that I have some pretty slick dance moves coming from a mother that taught
dancing for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife may disagree
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, you couldn’t help
but get your groove on because the dance floor was hot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dancing with the Stars could have filmed an
entire season in just two hours that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And every single one of the guests were Stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
Tim Tebow and his foundation got
it right when they named the event Night to Shine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the guests, volunteers and churches
had the chance to shine that night and shine they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, those weren’t the only things that
were shining that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith, hope and
love were shining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, Christ was
shining that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
I met a lot of shining stars
that evening, but there was one person in particular that touched my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWOEY3CU602t3Lon6zoQYbimKyO_OW1oQhbvbAjNcf8SMj7_ORb1P-SD4mbsw0YkK5gCpV3483aeysD4ZqqP8BrrpdDUZKnLgQRW9HgQJpSy6a9S1BlckllpM5bZZPLfJjOhno6SDQZK4/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWOEY3CU602t3Lon6zoQYbimKyO_OW1oQhbvbAjNcf8SMj7_ORb1P-SD4mbsw0YkK5gCpV3483aeysD4ZqqP8BrrpdDUZKnLgQRW9HgQJpSy6a9S1BlckllpM5bZZPLfJjOhno6SDQZK4/s200/IMG_0161.JPG" width="150" /></a>Night to Shine is where I met
Nathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
Together, Nathan and I ate, danced,
smiled and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a way of
reminding me to see the joy in all things both big and small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Christ in the faces of each guest that
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no other way to describe
it but pure joy and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
I not only saw Christ in the
face of Nathan, I had the honor and privilege of experiencing it
firsthand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
I started the night as Nathan’s “buddy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
By the end of the night and now each
day moving forward, I am blessed to be Nathan’s friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe58PrGd1LEgRbp8_7Zto82VqoOC7x2MWljPYuh28eklPnYZ02R4Te2ozjrSCgUce3111nzzt5Sp5felNHLa3nAMknHRtCFHmDdv9634TPXF9iVrTNzG9OfKwwKJ7LcFPQ-MCNPWl80e8/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe58PrGd1LEgRbp8_7Zto82VqoOC7x2MWljPYuh28eklPnYZ02R4Te2ozjrSCgUce3111nzzt5Sp5felNHLa3nAMknHRtCFHmDdv9634TPXF9iVrTNzG9OfKwwKJ7LcFPQ-MCNPWl80e8/s320/IMG_0175.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-221802874001944262018-01-19T10:06:00.000-08:002018-01-19T10:06:13.282-08:00Attitude, Gratitude and a Little Miracle<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have an attitude of gratitude.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 92.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Thomas Monson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 92.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A noble thought indeed, and I would go so far as to say it
can be used as a mantra for life. The
thing is though, it’s not always easy.
In fact, sometimes it can be downright difficult because life can be
hard. Real damn hard sometimes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a little secret about that though – it’s okay. It’s okay to feel like it is a struggle to be
grateful at times. Life is not always
roses and unicorns, and sometimes it is simply the effort of being grateful
that counts most. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things that I’ve personally learned recently is
to try to be grateful for those things which you may not even like at the
time. For me, that’s not always easy,
especially when it is something that I don’t want. Many times, what I want versus what I need
are two different things and while I think I may know the difference, that’s
not always the case. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do have faith that there is One that knows that difference
and He will always provide me with what I need, even if I don’t recognize it at
the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For that, I am grateful.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are having trouble, remember that it is okay. Start small.
Maybe before you lay your head on your pillow at night, find just one
thing to be grateful for throughout that day.
Over time, try to find three, or five.
It doesn’t have to be big, keep it simple, keep it small. Little miracles count just as much as big
miracles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, no matter how the chips may be falling at the time,
if you put forth your best effort to be grateful for what you have and who you
are, the more things you will find to be grateful for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is the true miracle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-39095399593156257542017-10-31T09:25:00.000-07:002017-10-31T09:25:47.762-07:00One more<div class="MsoNormal">
The other night, I had the opportunity to watch a fantastic
movie with my son called <i>Hacksaw Ridge</i>. While the movie was fantastic, it was even
better because of the time spent with Emerson.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The film was set during World War II in the Pacific Theater
where Allies were attempting to take over a ridge to move forward to Okinawa
against the Japanese. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on true events, the main character of the movie,
Desmond Doss, was a conscientious objector that would not bear arms but served
his country as a medic during the horrific battle. The focus tells the story of how
Doss risked his life to save many others all while holding to his beliefs. (There are no spoilers in this blog)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In particular, there is one line spoken by Doss that I’ve
been thinking about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lord, help me get one more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doss prays this multiple times as guidance and protection to
help him save one more life on Hacksaw Ridge.
He ends up getting about 75 more.
While many of us may never be faced with this type of life and death
situation, the meaning can ring true in our daily lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it isn’t as drastic as saving a life, maybe it can
be. Perhaps it is “Lord, let me help one
person today,” or “Lord, let me see Christ in one person today.” It could even be “Lord, let one person see
Christ in me today.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saying this is easy.
Living it can be a different matter entirely, especially with all the
negativity in the world. It can be easier to do nothing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, if we could
just get one more each day, wouldn’t our lives and the lives of those around us
be in a better place? Not five, ten or
twenty but just one more. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And maybe, just maybe, that one more that you help today
will save them from their own personal Hacksaw Ridge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-81237639650666580172017-10-13T12:36:00.001-07:002017-10-13T12:36:42.092-07:00Life is like a box of chocolates... Sort of<div class="MsoNormal">
Forrest Gump was partially correct when he uttered those
famous words – “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re
gonna get.” The detail that Mr. Gump
neglected to let us know however, is sometimes you get one of those chocolates and
it isn’t exactly the surprise you were hoping for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It hasn’t been the easiest of days as of late. It is a very difficult thing to have to look
in the mirror regarding mistakes that have been made and while it is necessary
for all of us to do, so we can learn and grow, it certainly does not make the
exercise any less difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is going to be easy, said no one ever. The fact of the matter is, we are all dealing
with something. What is small to one
person may be big to another. At the end
of the day, everyone is dealing with something because no one on this earth is
perfect. The fact that we all struggle
at times – fairly or unfairly - is
simply a part of life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider being the hand that reaches out to someone in need,
whether you know that individual’s situation or not. What you consider small may be something very
big to another person. In my experience,
I’ve come to find that most times it helps me even more than the person I’m
attempting to help. These are the things
that help build His kingdom here on earth.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do your best to have fun along the way and keep trying those
chocolates in the box from time to time, even if you get one you don’t like. That’s called life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because if you keep trying, sooner or later, you’re going to
find that one chocolate that is just your taste.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-73665386865036701922017-09-14T10:39:00.000-07:002017-09-14T10:39:49.056-07:00Tasks, Elephants and Lunches<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever felt like you know a task must be tackled, but
you’re just not sure where to begin?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe the task is a big one – an important presentation at
work say. Perhaps it is not as big but
still needs to get done, like mowing the lawn.
The task could even be a necessary evil such as making lunches for your
children so they can eat at school the next day (making lunches – the bane of
my existence).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The situation can get murkier when multiple tasks need to
get accomplished. The circumstances can
get even more daunting when you don’t know where one starts and the other ends. Before you know it, your head feels like it
is going to explode! It begs the question…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does one eat an elephant?!?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The simple answer – one bite at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We, as human beings, have the uncanny ability to make
ourselves feel bad about ourselves when we don’t get everything done <b><i>RIGHTNOW</i></b>. Part of it is societal nature with a never-ending
news cycle, part of it is the constant demand of social media posts and buzzing
phones, but I’d venture to say most of it is just human nature – people being
people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To keep our heads from spinning constantly, it is imperative
to find time to take a break every so often.
And if we can’t find time to take a break, we must make time to
rest. Even the good Lord rested when He
created the universe and well, if it is good enough for Him then it is for sure
good enough for us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be careful not to confuse peace with boredom lest that
guilty feeling of not getting everything done can quickly creep back in. We have heard all of them before - “Stop and
smell the roses”; “Life is a journey, not a destination”; “Take a step back”. There’s a reason people came up with quotes
like this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, don’t forget to take a break occasionally. Find joy in both the little and big things. We only get one shot at life and not
only is it important, it is healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Besides, that’s what they make lunch money for.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-83790794990608653462017-08-31T15:24:00.000-07:002017-08-31T15:24:57.341-07:00Mistakes, Growth and Cookbooks<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve heard it said the greatest cooks in the world have made
the most mistakes at their craft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If that is the case, I must be Julia Child.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, I wrote a bit on forgiveness. Quite often, the prerequisite for forgiveness
is a mistake, but there is a wonderful opportunity for growth when a mistake is
made. The key is to take action to learn
from the mistake and grow from it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can own the best cookbook ever written. But if I never open it up and learn it…..
Well, I’m still going to be hungry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend of mine once told me that it isn’t a mistake the
first time, it is a learning experience.
I’ll take it a step further because some of us can be a bit hard-headed every
so often. We may even make the same
mistake multiple times before we fully learn the lesson. However, if we are trying to take action and
the learning process begins to take place, we are headed in the right direction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, it takes a few tries with a recipe to get it
right. Truth be told, there may be some recipes
that we continually trip over time and again.
That’s okay though, as long as we are still trying to learn from the
mistakes and are still in the kitchen trying our best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, we are and always will be but a Sous Chef. The Master Chef is lovingly watching over us,
teaching us, guiding us. He gives us the
ingredients, recipes and tools to get it right no matter how long it takes
because the Master Chef knows we will all make mistakes and is patient. He gives us the cookbook.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s up to us to open it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-37397761009147457652017-08-22T10:08:00.000-07:002017-08-22T10:08:14.732-07:00Forgiveness<div class="MsoNormal">
To forgive means taking a person as they are – strengths and
flaws. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It means not clinging to past hurts or resentments caused by
someone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is about accepting the imperfections of a person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forgiveness can be hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be able to truly forgive, however, you must forgive
yourself first. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To forgive means taking me as I am – strengths and flaws.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It means not clinging to the past hurts or resentments I’ve
caused someone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is about accepting my imperfections.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Takes a bit of a different tone, doesn’t it? Forgiveness can be hard, really hard. The best things in life never come easy. However, there are few things
more beautiful and few ways to live more peacefully than to be able to give and
receive forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To give forgiveness, you must know forgiveness and to know
forgiveness, you must accept it yourself, from yourself first.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is only One person that has ever walked this Earth
that has had no imperfections and although people have tried to play that role
throughout history – including all of us in some way – no one ever has or ever
will come close. Yet the One with no
imperfections is constantly forgiving us.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take some time to forgive today. Start with yourself, even if it is something
small to begin with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides, it is arrogant of us not to forgive ourselves when
God already has.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-27282181454830030972017-08-11T15:51:00.000-07:002017-08-11T15:51:34.557-07:00Mountains and Valleys<div class="MsoNormal">
To climb a mountain, you must start in a valley. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been in a valley lately, but I’m alright with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simply put, life is like that. Cliché, yes, yet true at the same time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a very good friend say to me just the other day –<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Better is always good.
Without the worst, we wouldn’t know better.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly believe that and I also believe that God has us
exactly where we need to be, because God doesn’t make mistakes. Sometimes, that takes a lot of faith and even
questioning, but that’s okay. I’ve also
come to find through this journey that what we want and what we need are often
two entirely different things. It may
take some time to recognize this, but He knows what He is doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s when I think I have all the answers that I find myself
trying to dig deeper in the valley as opposed to trying to begin to ascend the mountain. I’ve found it better to throw away the
shovel, let go and let God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one can climb a mountain alone. Friends, teammates and a support system are a
must. Sometimes, those people are more
than willing and even want to be there but don’t even realize you are trying to
climb. It’s important – imperative even –
to ask for help along the way. Sure, it
can be scary and it may even take swallowing some pride. Never feel bad about asking for help, because
no one can do it by themselves. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been in a valley lately, but it’s okay because I’m
looking up at the mountain and beginning to climb. There are some amazing friends and family
that are latched on and ready to climb with me.
Plus, I’ve got the best guide of all in God leading the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if there is anyone that needs any help out there, don’t be
afraid. Just ask. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can climb together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-2519276911075197012012-08-03T13:39:00.000-07:002012-08-03T13:39:29.108-07:00ImpressionsEvery day we have the opportunity to touch people that we
come across in our lives. Some of these
people are in our lives on a daily basis, some we see every now and again while
others we may meet once never to see them a second time.<o:p></o:p><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter what category these people fall into, we’ve all
been given the chance to touch those people and make a difference in their
lives. We’ve also been given the gift of
free will so how we decide to affect others is truly our choice. Rest assured, no matter who we come in
contact with, we will make an impression one way or the other – it’s up to us
whether that impression is positive or negative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prior to a recent trip, I got my shoes shined up nice and
spiffy at the airport. The gentleman’s
name that shines shoes at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro,
North Carolina is Horace and if you’ve ever flown out of the US Airways
terminal at PTI, I’d put down a pretty good wager that you know who I’m talking
about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Horace makes an hour and a half commute each day to run his
business and help support his family. He
is a great person, does a great job with his work and consistently tells me how
blessed he feels that I have become a part of his life - whether I get my shoes
shined or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can count on one hand how many times Horace has shined my
shoes. The fact of the matter is that
I’m the one who is blessed to have him in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m blessed because Horace has a certain way of putting
things in perspective. It is so easy to
get caught up in what we have to do the next week, the next day, the next hour
that we forget to smile. From personal
experience, I can tell you that Horace doesn’t forget to smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As important as it is to do our best to make a positive
impression in lives of other people, no matter how long we may know them, it is
just as important to realize the times that people have the same effect on
us. Maybe even more importantly, we need
to take the time to be grateful for those encounters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Horace has taught me a lot in the short time that I’ve known
him and I believe we can all learn a few things from him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>No matter how many miles you’ve gone in your
shoes, there is always room for an extra one<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do
what you can to put your best foot forward<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Strive to learn something about those that you
meet because you may just learn something about yourself<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Never forget to smile when you talk to people
because smiling always brightens someone’s day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
If you are ever flying out of PTI
in Greensboro and you need your shoes shined, I know the perfect guy for the
job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
You’ll come to find that as great
a job as Horace does shining your shoes he’ll do an even better job at shining
your soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<br /></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-75032314261520377762012-07-05T15:15:00.000-07:002012-07-05T15:25:07.676-07:00Silver Linings<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s the
Fourth of July weekend and most people seem to have their own ideas as to what
that means. Between Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn and every other social network out there that connects people,
everyone has their own opinion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">And that’s a
good thing because that’s what makes our country great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s been
quite obvious lately that our country has had its own set of issues. Between the housing market, the stock market,
the health care market and the local market downtown, there are people that are
not happy. At the same time, that’s not
necessarily bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not bad
because we have the freedom to make that decision whereas many places in this
world don’t get the choice to decide what is best for them. Unfortunately, as a country, we’ve been focusing
on the negatives instead of the silver lining.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I think it’s
about time to find the silver lining and make it happen – one person, one
hammer and one nail at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Two weeks
ago, there were a group of high school kids that went to Cincinnati from my
church. They went there to help make home
repairs for those that otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so. Some teens also had the opportunity to spend
time with disadvantaged youth. By the
end of the week, people’s lives were changed for the better. Talk about a hammer and nail at a time! That just doesn’t happen in many other places
in this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">With all
that being said, I bring you a brand new (and probably long overdue) Tidbits
from T-Bonz why it’s great to be an American on the Fourth of July.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">F</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">or Americans, we have the right to
express our opinions on various social media networks about our likes and
dislikes. Personally, I think it’s about
time we focus on the positive.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">O</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ur freedom of religion allows us to
go to church anytime we want, anywhere we want and pray to Almighty God in any
way we want.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">U</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">nder our Constitution, we can
purchase any type of vehicle. Whether
you have a Chevrolet or not, the new tune is catchy… Hot Dogs, Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet…
(You are lying if you aren’t singing it RIGHT NOW).</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">R</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">yan believes that in this country, we
all have the opportunity to make today a better day than yesterday. Even if you </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">just smile at someone you don’t
know. Scientifically, it actually takes
more facial muscles to smile than frown contrary to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">popular belief. The silver lining – it’s a better workout and
who doesn’t want to get healthier?</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">T</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">hanks. We can and should give thanks to all of those
that have defended our freedom. Past,
Present and Future.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">H</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">eroes give us the ability to enjoy
Baseball, Beer and Barbeque on the Fourth of July.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A smile, a positive comment to someone, a good post is all it
takes. One person at a time and we can
grab that silver lining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">And there’s No Bonz About That.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-301532128570936822012-06-09T18:51:00.000-07:002012-06-09T18:51:49.361-07:00Teachers<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My favorite teacher retired recently from the profession
that he loved. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having grown up in a house where education was of utmost
importance - in fact it was what kept the house I grew up in paid for - I have
great admiration and respect for all teachers.
That being said, I can count (thanks to teachers) on one hand the
special ones that have touched me on a deeper level. The truth is, we all have those kinds of
teachers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, there was Mrs. Ramsey in first grade that helped
open up my love for writing. She helped
me enter a school wide story contest where I won my first (and probably last)
writing award. I couldn’t forget Mrs.
Kehler, one of my high school teachers who helped me discover what it meant
personally to be a leader. However, this
piece isn’t necessarily about them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The teacher I’m referring to taught me educational skills,
but more importantly lifetime skills. I’ve
learned from him what working hard, hustling, getting dirty when necessary,
taking responsibility for my actions both good and bad, and always giving my
best really means. He’s taught these
things not only to me but to probably thousands of others throughout his
career.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve just been blessed enough to have him in my life every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first glance, an outsider looking in could see his
teaching methods as unconventional.
While books are used, his primary teaching tools have always been wood,
leather and dirt. He’s taken people time
and again, rubbed them the right way with the result shining like a diamond,
many times shining on the diamond as well.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This teacher has never wanted nor asked for any accolades or
spotlight on him, although it is well-deserved.
Instead, he would always make it about his students, a true
sign of a great teacher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My favorite teacher has always been proud of the ability of
his students on the field, but has always been more concerned how his players
have conducted themselves and the legacy they have created off the field.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 42 years in the game, my favorite teacher has retired
from the profession he loves. I could
not be happier for him. He’s taught me
and countless others so much about the game of life through the game of
baseball.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dad – I love you and thanks for everything. I couldn’t be more proud to be your son.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ACjPTBcTi412Xjm65fArNjmh9R-29neSs70tGUYziRtg5m1kW7dvF1KELWenb7atcT7sfg-N5MTfRqQo8UaT21arByCeH7aNQg8Rcf5xNYmVngNNSsuZnKZRXf6A_lU3kxN6Ljgc-I2L/s1600/Fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ACjPTBcTi412Xjm65fArNjmh9R-29neSs70tGUYziRtg5m1kW7dvF1KELWenb7atcT7sfg-N5MTfRqQo8UaT21arByCeH7aNQg8Rcf5xNYmVngNNSsuZnKZRXf6A_lU3kxN6Ljgc-I2L/s320/Fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Dad, Mom and Kyle in Baltimore a few years ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-62855670207028561642012-05-14T14:51:00.000-07:002012-05-14T14:51:49.637-07:00Son-shine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone has times in their life where things aren’t very
clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things get messy, foggy and
cloudy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, Mother Nature does
the same thing and JUSTLIKETHAT, Mother Nature makes a clearing in the clouds
with a ray of sunshine and even sometimes a rainbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, everything is crystal clear – no
more clouds, no more rain, just sunny skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even if that moment goes away in an instant, the moment happened, the
light is there and it shines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s
for a second, maybe it’s for an entire day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The important thing is we recognize those moments when they
do happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps even more
importantly, we realize who we are with when the sun breaks through the clouds
whether they are with us physically, in spirit or wish they were there in person
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed to have one of
those moments recently where everything became transparent.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being Catholic, First Communion is a major event because of
what we believe as a community of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made my First Communion when I was in second grade and I’d be lying if
I said I remembered a lot of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew
it was important, probably because everyone said it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an adult, I understand now what it means.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My ray of light came because I watched my oldest son take
his First Communion and I was with some very important people in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short, seeing the process Emerson
went through and realizing who I was with made everything come into focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I couldn’t help but think of the scene in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Few Good Men</i> when Jack Nicholson’s
character asks Tom Cruise’s character “Am I clear?” and Cruise answers simple,
yet poignantly – “Crystal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emerson’s
experience, and my experience through him, made everything crystal clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Looking around, I was with family and friends, some Catholic
and some not, but all a family in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isn’t that what it’s all about though?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The celebration of love with loved ones gathered at His table?</div>
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I saw how meaningful it was to my son and I was reminded how
meaningful it is for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help
but think that’s what God’s plan is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wants us to see His Son in others and what better way to do it than having us
see Him in our own everyday life, with our own family.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny day but even if it
was cloudy, His Son shines through the clouds every day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We just have to look for that Son-shine and we’ll find His
rainbow.</div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-54651858227149008242012-05-05T01:03:00.001-07:002012-05-05T01:03:46.026-07:00BubblesHave you ever tried to find the face of Jesus in others? I wish I could say that I do normally, but I'd be a liar if I did. It's something that I want to try and be more aware of doing, but many times it gets lost in the day to day activities of life. To put it plainly, it's really unfortunate. The funny thing is no matter what we do Jesus has a way of putting His face right in front of us. It happened to me today and it happened with bubbles.
<p>
Recently, I've had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country for my job. I've always tried to take in the beauty of our United States in nature, places and things. Although it's been a fantastic experience to meet other people, at times I've found myself wrapped up in where I've needed to go next instead of taking the time to really see what is passing me by. Has that ever happened to you?
<p>
I met an amazing young man today - his name is Trevor. He can't walk on his feet, but he goes from place to place on his own, knowing what he wants and where he needs to be. He can't talk using spoken words either.
<p>
Jesus talks through him though.
<p>
I introduced myself to him today and using and iPad, he said my name. He also told me he wanted to go outside and blow bubbles, so we did.
<p>
Trevor and I went out on his deck and we blew bubbles - big ones, small ones, funny shaped ones, you name it. We played together for maybe fifteen minutes. It was by far the best fifteen minutes of my day, not only because we had fun but because he was the teacher and I was the student. What you can learn is amazing if you listen, whether or not words are involved.
<p>
In those fifteen minutes, I saw Jesus not only in Trevor, but in his parents. I saw a calling to make the world a better place, not only today but tomorrow and the days looking ahead. There are some very good lessons to be learned here.
<p>
Life can get busy - very busy. But think about what's important. Take time to step back and see Him in others. Even more importantly, take a second to realize when He is talking through others. Sometimes - dare I say many times - it can be difficult to do. However, if we can remember to see His face, we might just be able to see Him in ourselves which brings color to our lives. Color that can radiate full circle to everyone around us.
<p>
Just like a bubble.
<p>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-55327031759372811872011-04-22T19:18:00.000-07:002011-04-22T20:18:32.230-07:00Security BlanketsRecently at an office luncheon, an interesting subject came up - security blankets. <br /><br />I'm not quite sure how the subject came up, but as we were eating lunch I experienced one of those moments where what I was thinking in my head came out of my mouth. You know the kind that I'm talking about. After you say it, everyone else in the room sort of looks at you with an interesting smile and you see it all happen in slow motion - NOOOO, I DIDN'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD - all the while your internal voice plays in slow motion.<br /><br />Well, after I admitted to my security blanket one of my colleagues suggested that I write a blog about it. And yes, I was referring to a blanket I received the day I was born, that is now full of rips and holes. As a matter of fact, I don't sleep well without it to this very day. So, here we are.<br /><br />With that being said, I'll pose the question to you. What is your security blanket? Is it something that is full of holes that you still sleep with? Or is it something that is truly Holy?<br /><br />Today is Earth Day, a day when we celebrate our planet and try to make it a cleaner place. Is your security blanket having the chance to enjoy a beautiful day and listen to birds sing?<br /><br />We are also in the midst of Spring - a time where flowers bloom and things come back to life after the dead of winter. Is your security blanket being able to plant a garden, nurture it, see the fruits of your labor and enjoy them with others?<br /><br />One of my favorite times of year is the beginning of baseball season. I have the chance to play outside with my children, teach them the game like my father did with me and my brother and pass on that knowledge from one generation to the next. Perhaps a certain sport is your security blanket.<br /><br />With summer right around the corner, many are planning an upcoming vacation with family at the beach, lake or mountains. Vacations with family are times that conjure up nostalgia with the anticipation of making more family memories. Is family your security blanket?<br /><br />Whatever your security blanket is - and I'm excited to hear about it - we have to remember what makes it all possible, especially on this day, Good Friday. <br /><br />The Security Blanket where all security blankets come from gave us the Earth to enjoy the birds sing. He made the flowers bloom and came back from the dead. He lives with us every day, from one generation to the next. He is the one that gives us the ability to make more memories if we choose to remember Him. And He is the one that was nailed to a cross for us and was truly Holy.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-73651404674861354042011-03-04T23:55:00.000-08:002011-03-05T00:24:54.318-08:00DifficultiesI am in the midst of writing the most difficult piece I've imagined. It's amazing how one wants to paint a picture, yet the canvas is blank.<br /><br />Each of us come across a life experience that we pretend to know how to deal with. Yet, when that life experience looks us in the eye, we tend to shy away. <br /><br />What about those that can't shy away? When we don't say anything at all, do we make it worse or better?<br /><br />I've come to believe that God writes in wavy lines. We don't really understand how we get from Point A to Point B, but we do get there with grace. Amazing Grace.<br /><br />We look up to people and we all have heroes. Some of those heroes are untouchable and others are right next to you. When it is all said and done, the grace we are given is really something our mind can't comprehend.<br /><br />Yet that same grace makes us believe there is something better. For you, for me, for all of us. <br /><br />As difficult as life may be, rest in the fact that there is something better for us and let grace give us our peace.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-49359996544049974972011-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:002011-01-01T11:50:30.138-08:00Resolution to CommitmentAs one calendar year ends and yet another begins, we all start with the best of intentions. And, honestly, what's not to like about starting fresh? We have what we view as a clean slate with 8,760 hours ahead of us to change the world, one day at a time.<br /><br />Let's be honest with ourselves for a second though. As good as our intentions may be, how often do we truly follow through on our New Year's resolutions? I'm quite sure that there are many that have and do each year. I say kudos to those that have because those are the ones that have really committed to a goal. More often than not, however, we make resolutions and never quite follow through with myself being just as guilty as the next person.<br /><br />It begs the question - Why do we make resolutions each year to begin with? Do we make them with the intention of following through on them or do we make them to make ourselves feel better?<br /><br />I believe that people make resolutions because they want to better themselves and want to accomplish their goals. However, throughout our everyday lives it can certainly be difficult to accomplish those goals and it can certainly be easy to forget what they were in the first place.<br /><br />The key is not to make a resolution, but to make a commitment. Whether it is a commitment to being a better spouse or parent, a commitment to improving your overall health or a commitment to becoming closer to God - if we truly commit to something in our heart and soul, it is much more likely that we accomplish what we set out to do. <br /><br />As we close the book on one decade and open a new chapter with another, may 2011 bring us all happiness, health and a true commitment to our resolutions.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-7773618703183585372010-10-06T01:36:00.000-07:002010-10-06T03:00:58.440-07:00CreativityAs a writer (or at least someone who would like to think he is), I have this habit of wanting to write a whole lot in one short amount of time, yet never finding the time to do so. It's a very interesting conundrum to have creative juices flowing at a time when everyone else, including me, should be sleeping.<br /><br />It begs a question - when are we the most creative? More importantly, are we creative when we truly need to be?<br /><br />I've always thought of myself as a creative person which is a difficult concept for others to grasp for a variety of reasons. I feel that I am creative when no one else thinks I should be and at some point in your life I bet that you have felt the same way. <br /><br /> Here's a perfect example...<br /><br />Son: "I don't want to go potty daddy..."<br /><br />Daddy: "Well, do you know that if you don't go potty, that the pull-up monster will eat your pee-pee?"<br /><br />Son: "I'll go potty now."<br /><br />When do you think you are most creative? <br /><br />From my limited experience, the more I read the more creative I am. I tend to answer more questions with logical answers, not because I make stuff up, but because I have become more learned in a certain subject.<br /><br />I could very easily say "Well, I haven't written a blog for awhile, therefore, I'm not going to make you think." That would be too easy. <br /><br />If I didn't want you to think, I wouldn't write what I do.<br /><br />With that being said, I'll ask a very deep, yet simple question. <br /><br />When do you think you are most creative?<br /><br />Perhaps you are most creative when you first wake up, although I doubt you are. Are you the most creative after that first cup of coffee? I'd venture to say that you are not. I could be wrong, but I would bet that you are the most creative when you don’t expect to be. <br /><br />Everyone is different, but at the same time very similar when it comes to creative juices. We are creative when we need to be and when we least expect it, just like the example I displayed above. Creative juices flow with every decision we make on a daily basis and just like we don’t expect to make those big decisions, we don’t expect that creativity to happen. It just does.<br /><br />Perhaps we need to just let it happen, not force it, have faith and let it be it what it is.<br /><br />And there's No Bonz Bout It!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-2646127267564499152010-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:002010-07-15T10:45:16.732-07:00Bob and The BossIn my opinion, to be a true New York Yankees fan means more than just liking the game of baseball or just following the team. To be a true Yankees fan means you are a history student and your teachers are not professors from a university, but the generation before you. And your teachers were taught by the generation before them. My father was my teacher and his father his. Hopefully, I can teach my children this history as they continue to grow.<br /><br />And in this history lesson as a Yankees fan, you learn about personalities and players, heroes and legends. This week, the Yankees and their fans lost not one, but two legends of the Bronx.<br /><br /><em>"Ladies and gentleman, your attention please. Welcome to Yankee Stadium." </em>- Bob Sheppard<br /><br />Two sentences, ten words. Ten simple words so eloquently said so many times by Bob Sheppard. No matter where you might be at the ballpark or what you were doing, when those words were uttered a chill went up your spine. <br /><br />Bob Sheppard transcended what a public address announcer is and did so by exhibiting class and dignity throughout his distinguished career. He became successful the old-fashioned way, through attention to detail and a desire to be excellent. <br /><br />The voice lives on, not only every time Derek Jeter is introduced to hit (through a recording of Sheppard's introduction), but it lives on in countless classrooms throughout Yankee Nation with teachers from one generation imitating (although never duplicating) introductions of Mantle and Maris to students from the next generation. <br /><br />And the voice will continue to live on as teachers from one generation imitating (although never duplicating) introductions of Jeter and O'Neill to students from the next generation.<br /><br />Just like Sheppard transcended the PA announcer position, George Steinbrenner was a larger than life character that transcended what ownership meant.<br /><br />Hell, he almost transcended the city of New York. <br /><br />Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent summed it up best when he said Steinbrenner was complicated. If there were a word that properly hyperbolized complicated, that's the word I would use to describe what Steinbrenner was.<br /><br />However, much like Sheppard, albeit in a different way, The Boss demanded excellence and he turned around what was, at the time, a much maligned organization and returned it to excellence. There's something to be said about that. <br /><br />And there is something to be said about how he threw his money around, and I'm not talking about free agents. Steinbrenner gave millions of dollars to a variety of causes, but most times would never attach his name to the donation giving back to the community quietly and anonymously.<br /><br />Recently, when talking to a friend about the passing of these two legends, he said:<br /><br />"Wow, Shep and now The Boss. I think they will fill mystique and aura's shoes in the new house quite well and I believe their work has only just begun."<br /><br />I think the only way that could have been said better is if Bob Sheppard himself said it with The Boss listening from his owner's box. <br /><br />And There's No Bonz About That.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-76957780399093016862010-07-09T19:22:00.000-07:002010-07-09T21:47:14.780-07:00Coming Full CircleThere are a lot of different cliches about circles. "What goes around comes around", "The circle has no beginning and no end", "The circle of life", and "That guy has a good circle of friends."<br /><br />Well, a very good friend of mine once told me that chronological order was overrated and I can tell you from experience that I'm blessed because he was right, all of those cliches above are true and my family has come full circle recently.<br /><br />I write a lot about sports. In fact, I would go as far as saying both writing and sports are a passion of mine. However, I've always been convinced that the most important things in life don't focus on fame and fortune, one's status in life, sports or a career. We can all take time to put a focus on those things or even be passionate about them. But I truly feel that those things should not be <strong>THE</strong> focus in our lives. <br /><br />The real bread and butter in our lives are our relationships. The relationships with our loved ones and that doesn't just mean immediate family. After this past weekend, the love for my relationships really has "Come Full Circle". Not only with my family but with relatives, friends and all those that I am close to. <br /><br />We are all looking for the "key" to life. And, just like Curly, the character Jack Palance played in the movie <em>City Slickers</em>, the "one" thing in life is this, (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k1uOqRb0HU">imagine Curly holding up his index finger at this point</a>). Although each of us have to figure a few things out, the real answer is right in front of us.<br /><br />Variations are unique for each person, and just like Curly said, if we stick to it, "everything else don't mean shit". But the heart of that one thing boils down to two things in reality - love and relationships. Without question, the love and relationships that one has it what makes each of us who we are.<br /><br />My "Coming Full Circle" moment happened just recently and my "Coming Full Circle" is my relationships and, most importantly, love. Love of relatives, family and friends. It's never been more evident until the weekend of July 2, 2010. <br /><br />I try to write objectively with some of my own opinion at times, but I have to say, this is pretty subjective. Maybe you agree, maybe you disagree, but I can tell you that after what I experienced this weekend, there is no better way to Come Full Circle than experiencing the Circle of Love. <br /><br />And There's No Bonz About That!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-30596709507877906662010-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:002010-06-11T22:20:48.344-07:00Of Boys, Beer and BaseballIt's been awhile since I've written here lately and I apologize for that. As I'm sure all 19 of you know, I've been writing for a sports website and unfortunately, I've neglected the blog. Please accept my apologies.
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<br />(Please feel free to subscribe to my sports website by logging onto:
<br /> www.examiner.com/x-49904-Greensboro-Sports-Examiner)
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<br />Cheap plug, I know.
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<br />That being said, I recently had a great experience that was put together by my brother and some of my best friends. Now, I know this blog is an open environment where I can say anything, but some of the things that happened on this particular weekend are best left to the imagination.
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<br />What can be shared however is not really about craziness, debauchery or mayhem as much as one may think. What this weekend was really about was what brings you together with the people you are close to. Much like the title says, for me, it was boys, beer and baseball.
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<br />Some of the guys I was with I've known since before I had my first face blemish. All have seen me at my best and my worst. One is so skinny that if he turned sideways you couldn't see him and another I've known since before he was born. But the bottom line is, we all came together for a weekend of camaraderie that was centered around baseball.
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<br />And that's our hook, our thing that brings us together. So, the question goes out to the masses, what is the thing that brings those closest to you together?
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<br />Is your deal a theatrical troupe that you've known forever? Perhaps a group of people where you don't have to act, but can be yourself.
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<br />Maybe it is a certain group of friends that can sit around with a cup of coffee and gossip about the latest celebrity accomplishment or disaster that happened during the week.
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<br />Or it could be a select few that you can count on one hand that share some drinks talking about the politics of the world.
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<br />The bigger question is, who are your "boys, beer and baseball" people and when are you going to get together with them again? And if you have been thinking about it, what's stopping you from picking up the phone to make it happen?
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<br />With all of the ways to "stay connected" in today's world, nothing beats breaking bread with those that are most dear to you, no matter what the common thread is.
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<br />And at the end of the day, your best friends always have a common thread about them. The best part about it is you can always find different people to integrate into that select group. Surely, the new ones will have to pass certain tests and make the grade, but isn't that what life is all about? Opening up your heart, experiencing the good things with others and welcoming another Charlie, Harry, Liam, Jonesy (or whatever the name may be) into the group?
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<br />I believe so and there's No Bonz About It!
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<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823003395302202208.post-20478704995831765632010-05-24T18:47:00.000-07:002010-05-24T20:20:56.842-07:00Inch by Inch and Row by RowI don't know if any of you are familiar with the song, but it's a song that used to play at my house when I was younger. It's one of those songs that brings back memories and although I don't recall the name of the song, I do remember how the chorus went.<br /><br />Inch by inch and row by row,<br />Gonna make this garden grow,<br />All it takes is a rake and hoe,<br />And a piece of fertile ground.<br /><br />I started humming the tune the other day while I was in my garden pulling weeds, ironically enough. This is the first summer that I have had a vegetable garden of my own and to be honest, I don't think this blog has enough room for me to discuss my garden at length. Let's just say that if there is ever a time where you would like to talk about my garden, feel free to give me a call. Be sure, however, that you leave yourself a good hour to talk about it.<br /><br />After I was done pulling weeds and talking to my plants (I mean, uh, I hope I didn't say that out loud) I got to thinking how the characteristics of a good garden are very similar to the characteristics of trying to live a good life.<br /><br />For example, a good garden needs good, fertile soil from which to grow. A solid foundation if you will. Similarly, a solid foundation of values and morals is necessary for a good life.<br /><br />A strong garden needs sunlight to for it grow while a good life needs a guiding light to grow. <br /><br />If you are growing a garden and are not careful, weeds can overtake the plants stunting growth and, quite possibly suffocating the garden. Can't the same be said about our lives?<br /><br />What about the goal of a garden? Isn't the goal of a garden to give good fruits and vegetables for others? Interestingly enough, isn't the goal of leading a good life to give back to others as well?<br /><br />If you're thinking of growing a garden, think of that song. Maybe it will help draw some comparisons for you and maybe it will help that garden grow. And talking to your plants, well, that doesn't hurt either. And there's No Bonz About It!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432469915762956143noreply@blogger.com1