Experience, observe, write, and inspire...

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible.
George Burns

This is my forth Blog and I thought I would comment a little on this new experience for me. What I have observed is that two things happen when you put down your thoughts and ideas on paper so that others may read and experience them. The first observation is it makes me (the writer) feel kind of good. I feel I am paying attention to the little things that happen to me. By putting these details down in writing I am giving myself the opportunity to reflect on what I read, see, hear, and feel throughout the day. The Blog also inspires the people who take the time to read it. It gives them something to think about; maybe even an idea that will change their life forever. This is the most rewarding part of the process. It brings to mind one of my passions, writing and giving sermons, two things I should do more of (note to self). Wouldn't it be great if each of us as humans took some time each day to write and reflect, to remember the amazing little miracles that brushed past us that day. These miracles happen for a reason. Experience, observe, write, and inspire... Jen has been doing this for years, I am so glad she persuaded me to give it a try!

"Now" what?

"There is no better time than now. The time to live is now. The time to dream is now. The time to imagine and forget the past is now. The time to shine is now. The time to bleed, sweat, and determine yourself for the things you want most is now."
(Anonymous)

Things happen in the "now." They don't happen in the past and they don't happen in the future... they happen "now." Sometimes "now" is a good thing, a 1st date, a spontaneous vacation, a passing mark on an exam you were worried about. However... sometimes your "now" is not so good.. bad news, a fight with a friend, an accident. What I believe is that whatever our "now" is, it quickly becomes our past and it is our challenge to use that "now" to enhance our future. Our "now" happens for a reason and we need to rise to its purpose and show the world that we are in control of our lives and no matter what life dishes out; that we are capable of finding good in the things that happen in our lives. Stand tall, dig deep, and know that your future is the sum of your "nows." More importantly... its how you handle what you are given that determines who you are. Your "now" is a gift, it just might still be in the package.