My Freedom Does Not Include The Right To Violate Your Freedom

Freedom is a wonderful thing.  But freedom can only work well in a society when it is tempered by fairness and justice.  Fairness and justice will mean that a person’s freedom cannot extend to the point that it violates someone else.  In other words, the just exercise of my freedom does not give me the right to trample on you and your freedom.

Nadia's "Fancy" Birthday Dinner

Nadia said, “For my birthday I’d like to go to El Gallo Mexican restaurant.”

I said, “Hold on just a minute!  Are you sure you can actually handle all that fanciness?”

She said, “I’ll try not to be overwhelmed.”

So there she is, in the photo, along with Rachel and Taylor.  They are not dressed up in the elegant eveningwear in which we typically dress for a visit to El Gallo but please understand that in our imaginations we are lavishly adorned.

Feliz Cumpleanos to my lovely wife!

Dealing With Terrorism And The Fear It Provokes

You probably know that a man recently beheaded a woman in Oklahoma. I suspect all the facts regarding this brutal, vicious, ugly action are not in but, at this point, my understanding is that the man beheaded the woman with a knife.  A knife! I keep trying to get my head around that reality but this kind of barbarism is hard to process.

When I heard this story, like everyone else, many thoughts went through my head.  I will admit that some of my thoughts weren’t very nice. But I suppose horrible actions will tend to generate thoughts that are not nice.

There are a number of things I’d like to express when it comes to this story because it has stirred up a bit of anger in me and I feel like venting.  But I’ve taken a few deep breaths and counted to 10 and I’m realizing it is probably wiser for me to exercise some caution and not go on a rant with a bunch of my initial thoughts because a person in a Christian leadership position is supposed to be a person who behaves responsibly.  (Hey, I might as well start with this responsibility thing now, huh? Better late than never.)

I will share this thought, however: My experience as a pastor has helped me understand that many people in our culture struggle in serious ways—sometimes even debilitating ways—with fear.  Obviously, when we encounter stories like this one—a story that deals with a person in our own country being beheaded—it stirs up even more fear for many of us because it can feel like this: a savage and cold-blooded form of terrorism may now be coming to our homeland and operating in ways we have never before had to deal with.

The Evil One wants us to live in fear. Fear is a fertile breeding ground for the type of chaos and hatred he wants to perpetuate. Terrorists operate utilizing fear as a primary tactic, as well. Fear can be very effective for their purposes.

God, on the other hand, does not want us to live in fear. In fact, God’s love and God’s presence can dispel fear. Please know I do not write these words as glib clichés, I write them in all seriousness and with a genuine desire to offer help.

I present this truth to you based upon firsthand experience and based on the authority of the Bible:  God’s love and God’s presence can dispel fear.

I’m not suggesting that other forms of preparedness and awareness are not necessary. They are. I pray that our nation’s leaders will be vigilant and untiring in their efforts to prevent terrorism of any kind. One of the most basic and essential purposes of the government is to provide for the protection of the citizens. I am trusting our leaders will take this responsibility very seriously.

However, fear is a difficult emotion to dispel. It doesn’t always respond to pure reason or intellectual arguments offered to assure safety. Terrorists know this and they hope we will respond to them in fear.

My beloved friends, I write this in humility and love:  Fear is not inevitable and it is not unavoidable.  We don’t have to be afraid.

God Knows Best Even When We Don't Understand

Sometimes a young child does not understand what a loving parent is doing and the young child might even interpret the parent’s actions as mean or cruel (for instance a doctor’s visit that involves a shot).  The truth is that the parent knows much more than the child and, frankly, the child doesn’t even know enough to realize how much he/she doesn’t know.

This can happen with our interpretation of God’s ways.  The gap between what God knows and understands (which is literally everything) and what we know and understand (which is extremely limited) is vast.  So, there may be times when we simply cannot comprehend why things are happening.  And God’s ways may seem to be unkind.

Be assured that God loves us and that He knows what’s best even when it is hard for us to understand.

Our Sorrows Are Temporary

For those who trust in Christ the sorrows that happen in life are temporary. This is not to say that they are insignificant or not real. The sorrow is real. Pain and tragedy are real. We grieve and that is real. But there will be a time when the sorrow turns to joy. All things will be put right. I am extremely grateful for this truth.

Doing Difficult Things And Learning From Failure

Every now and then it’s not a bad idea to do something hard.  Something difficult at which you are likely to fail. 

If you are waiting for the punch line it’s not coming.  I’m actually serious about the idea of doing hard things that are likely to fail.

First of all, we tend to learn more from failures than from successes.

Second, even if we do fail, we learn a critically important life lesson: Failures are not fatal.  It is genuinely helpful to know we can fail at something and it is not the end of the world.  Life goes on.

Third, even if it’s a long shot, we might just succeed.  If we actually succeed at something when we were likely to fail it opens up entirely new ideas in our minds regarding what is possible.

“You will not grow without attempting things you are unable to do.”

Dr. Henry Cloud

NOTE:  If you know someone who would like to receive the “Daily Thought” just have them send an e-mail to this address (cog111st@aol.com) and write: “Please send the Daily Thought” in the subject field.

Returning To The Father Who Loves Us

There are people who know, in their hearts, the truth about God but at this point in their lives they are choosing not to walk with God.  In a certain sense they feel torn.  They know what is right.  They know the wise course of life.  But for whatever reason they keep God at a distance and go their way without Him.  My heart is heavy when I think about this.

Their situation is similar to the young man in the story Jesus told—a story known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  If you know the story, you know that the Father is constantly scanning the horizon just waiting for the Prodigal Son to come home.  The Father’s love for the Prodigal is always perfect, complete and unwavering.

When the Prodigal finally returns he does not get these kinds of responses:

“What took you so long?!?”

Or… “Well, well, look what the cat drug in.”

Or… “You ought to be ashamed of yourself for pulling all those antics…”

No.  Instead what the Prodigal receives is love and grace...and even excitement at his return.  The Father is thrilled and throws him a party!

Patience. Mercy. Forgiveness. Love. Grace. I find these qualities of the Father to be exquisitely beautiful.

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Finding The Motivation For Exercise

When I woke up this morning I did not feel like exercising. Did you ever have one of those days? The energy was not there. The desire, definitely, was not there. It wasn’t intentional but I found that I was gradually talking myself out of it, grasping at every little excuse.

But then I went outside, took a deep breath and got started, anyhow. I put one foot in front of the other. And within a few minutes, you know what?  I felt better. In fact, the next thing you know I was zipping along with vigor, intensity and stamina!

I think you can tell I learned a valuable lesson, in the process, about grit, determination and commitment!

…And that’s the story of how I completed a 7 ½ minute walk today.

A Time For Action And A Time For Rest

There is a time for action, being productive and getting things done. These achievements are important. But there is also a time for rest. In fact without the appropriate times of rest the productivity tends to plateau, we lose effectiveness, and fewer things actually get done.

A Selfie During The Procedure? Really?

CNN is reporting that Joan Rivers’ doctor took a selfie during the procedure in which she died.

When I encountered this information my initial thought was, “Really?”  That thought was quickly followed up by this one, “This is hard to believe.”  But that thought was very quickly followed by this one, “Sadly, I’m not surprised.”  This story is a reflection of some of the current troubles of our culture, i.e.:

We are obsessed with celebrity.

We seem to be increasingly more irresponsible.  (And this includes people in positions of great responsibility.)

We are extraordinarily self-centered.

We are losing a sense of what it means to behave with dignity.

None of the troubling matters which are mentioned above are new to the human race, of course, but it really does seem like these issues are continuing to increase in ways that are not healthy for a society.  It seems we are no longer ashamed of behaviors and attitudes that genuinely are shameful.  (I know that even using the word “shame” will seem ridiculous to some. It would be sort of amusing if someone read this and thought I should be ashamed of myself for using the word shame, huh?)

I understand doctors are human.  But I really want to believe that during a medical procedure a doctor is intensely and seriously focused on the task at hand not, “How am I going to get a fantastic selfie to share?”

There are people who are on the look-out for signs of moral decay within our culture. This story qualifies.

It's Important To Be Encouragers To Each Other

There are all kinds of circumstances in life which can be discouraging. 

You’ve discovered that, already, haven’t you?  Yeah, me too.

Events may occur in which we are tempted to think, “Oh well, what’s the point?”  Or, “why do I bother?”  Or, “nothing I do will make a difference, anyhow.”  Or, “I’m tired of trying anymore.”  Or, “Even when I try to do the right thing it, somehow, becomes an ugly mess.”

So, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that over and over again in the Bible we are instructed to encourage each other.  Here’s an example, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We all, from time to time, need encouragement.

The encouragement that is urged in the Scriptures often has to do, specifically, with encouraging each other in matters that have to do with our faith in God.  But encouraging one another in many different ways, areas of life, and pursuits is good, helpful, important and right.

God understands that we live in a fallen world and, therefore, discouragement will come our way.  We have all been in need of that word of encouragement.  So, He calls us to make an effort to be encouragers to each other. One of the nicest, most helpful, most meaningful things we can do is to be the one who gives encouragement to that person who really needed it today!  The act of encouragement really can be one of those small gestures that becomes a big deal for someone.

Being Discerning When It Comes To Polling Data

Every now and then I see “man-on-the-street” interviews in which random people at a mall or random people on a busy street are asked relatively simple, basic questions, about political issues or matters of American history.  These interviews reveal that many people are woefully uninformed when it comes to these matters.

So, when I see polls which tell how the American public feels about some slightly more complex issue I must admit I am skeptical regarding the value of such information.

If many average people cannot identify a picture of the Vice President of the United States or provide his name, what are we supposed to think when we encounter the results of a poll which tells us the opinion of the public regarding some type of policy initiative?  Are these poll results reflecting the opinions of, basically, the same folks who are unable to tell us whether or not Lincoln finished out his final term in office?

If some group seeks to influence us by reporting the results of a poll which claims to provide insight into the public opinion about a matter it would probably be wise for us to be careful and discerning when it comes to our interpretation of those poll results and their usefulness.

Making Christianity Burdensome?

Sometimes when I listen to preachers, I start to feel like the life which is being presented to me is

This doesn't happen all the time, by the way, but it does occur once in a while.

It happened today. I heard a portion of a sermon on the radio this morning which actually made me feel weary. I thought, "Oh brother, here we go!" I almost pulled to the side of the road to take a nap. (Perhaps this is one of the results of having access to too much information.)

Then this thought occurred to me, "Don't be too quick to exempt yourself, Dan, you've probably done this in your teaching, too!" I apologize for my errors in this regard.

Living the life to which God has called us is not without challenges. Jesus never promised, "Follow me and life will be a cakewalk."

(In fact I just double-checked and the phrase "cake walk" does not even appear in the New Testament. Crazy, huh?)

However, Jesus does not intend for us to carry unnecessary burdens and it is not His desire to make life miserable and oppressive. In fact, Jesus gives life He does not rob us of it.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30

intentionally designed to be unpleasant and burdensome. Or it feels like no matter what I'm doing to try to serve God they are pointing out how there's some sense in which I'm doing it wrong.

I Got My Cookies After All

Last night I posted a story about going to the new Mariano’s by my house.  In the story, I mentioned that I was going to buy a box of oatmeal raisin cookies but the check-out lines were very long so I put the cookies back on the shelf and left.

Many people told me they felt deeply saddened and spent a couple of hours crying when they heard I did not get my cookies.  It’s an understandable reaction since it is incredibly heartbreaking to discover that a slightly overweight man did not get his box of cookies.  Even now I suspect some of you are wiping tears from your eyes.

So you can understand my surprise when I walked into my office after the second service today and saw a box on my desk.  “What is this all about?” I wondered.

As I got close enough to see clearly a huge smile broke out on my face.  It was a box of oatmeal raisin cookies from Mariano’s!  I began laughing.  These words were written on the box:  “Pastor Dan.  Enjoy!”  It was from my friends Voe, Karen and Matt Zintak.

What a great surprise!  And the cookies are REALLY REALLY good, I might add.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift Voe, Karen and Matt!

Love and blessings, Dan.

I Really Am Thrilled When People Go To Church... No Kidding!

This past week a friend said to me, “I’m thinking of going to church this Sunday.”

I said, “I would be THRILLED if you did that.”

My use of the word “thrilled” was not, in any way, an exaggeration.  I really would be thrilled by my friend’s attendance at church.  I would be thrilled because I care so deeply for this person.  And I would be thrilled because a church (which is technically people, not buildings) is blessed whenever new people come to share in the experience of worship.

Perhaps this goes without saying, but I will say it, anyhow.  I would be thrilled if any of you who live in the Chicagoland area would come to our services today, as well!  We have been planning and praying and we are already believing God has a terrific blessing in store for us!

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Services at 9am and 11am

Checking Out The New Mariano's

A new Mariano’s store opened this week about 4 blocks from my home and I’ve been hearing so much about it that I decided to go take a look.  I went to the store at 7:45 on a Saturday evening because I didn’t want to go when the place would be extremely crowded.

When I arrived I discovered that the place was extremely crowded.  (I’ve never been good at predicting how people will spend their Saturday evenings.)

I will admit it is a nice looking store and it smelled really good in the area where they cook things.

There were lots of free samples of food being offered.  At one point, a young woman approached me with a tray and said, “Would you like to try a sample of turkey, cranberry, walnut salad?”

I said, “Sure.”  And took the little cup.

She said, “It’s good, isn’t it?”

With a little grin I said, “It’s hard to tell from that small sample.  I may have to have another one.”  Then I chuckled.

She laughed and said, “No.”  And walked away.  I’m pretty sure she was joking around.

I wasn’t actually doing any shopping, I was just there to see what all the buzz was about.  However, I did pick up a container of oatmeal raisin cookies from the bakery.  When I got to the cashier area I did a double-take.  Every one of the lines were very, very long.  At least five shopping carts long.

“Oh no.  I don’t think so.” I thought.  “I’m not waiting in any of those lines just to get some cookies.” So, I put the container back and left.

I have a feeling Mariano’s is going to be just fine even though they missed out on the vast profits to be gained from my $3.59 in cookie sales.

Bland Homogeneity, Sameness and Political Correctness

I think it may be possible that political correctness and the attempted thought control that goes with it has contributed significantly to a kind of bland homogeneity in thinking and communicating.  There is a bored sameness I am often encountering these days with books, movies, TV, radio, blog posts, magazines, talk shows and other forms of communication.  In fact, I think, in some ways, political correctness is contributing to our culture losing some of its creative edge.

I listened to a podcast a while ago in which it was suggested that stand-up comedians and radio shock jocks are more cautious about what they say nowadays.  I know this might be an odd point for a minister to be making but hang with me for a minute while I try to explain this a little further.

I’m not trying to defend all the things stand-up comedians and shock jocks say.  I’m quite certain people in both of those fields say lots of things I would find to be rude, offensive, inappropriate and just plain wrong.  However, it was interesting for me to hear people who have been involved for a long time in both of those fields talking about being in a cultural climate in which they understand they must censor some of the things they would say.  We’re talking about people who have historically been precisely the ones who would say all the things people know we’re not supposed to say.  They were the rebels who didn’t give a rip.  They were daring.  They were intentionally outlandish and outrageous.

These are the very people who push the boundaries.  These are the people who say what other people may secretly be thinking but would never in a million years speak out loud.  They find the odd things to poke fun at in all the various areas of life.

Please understand, I am not suggesting that if we simply allow stand-up comics and radio shock jocks to be even more vile, ugly, insulting, demeaning and outlandish the bland homogeneity in thinking and communicating will end and creativity will flourish.  In fact, I wrote this essay several months ago and have been hesitant to post it because I’m concerned I will be misunderstood.  I simply refer to that podcast discussion as an illustration.  It is an illustration of the stifling power of political correctness in our culture.  The point is that even for the people who were among the most likely to push boundaries the thought and speech police are having some effectiveness at shutting down free expression.

Think of it this way, if stand-up comics and shock jocks have some hesitation when it comes to speaking their minds what about the average guy who may have an opinion that doesn’t fall within the carefully defined parameters of the cultural watchdogs?

We talk a lot about being tolerant of different opinions and viewpoints but in some ways it really seems like we are becoming less tolerant.  Certain ideas and positions are correct and other ideas and positions are not correct. If your ideas are not the correct ones, we all know you better keep your mouth shut and be careful.

And my theory (it is just a theory, I’ve been wrong before) is that this has an effect.  I realize this is not the only factor, however, this politically correct censorship is a contributing factor to a bland homogeneity of thinking and expression.  I think it is possible that years and years of political correctness is even having an effect on creativity.

Fortunately, there are still some voices that are fresh, creative, interesting, unique, courageous, authentic and surprising.  Freedom of thinking and freedom of expression still exist.  I find myself searching for those voices, even when I disagree with them.  They challenge my thinking.  And at least, they’re not dull.  They are still out there.  I am more and more thankful for those brave voices.

E-Flash From Dan, September 11, 2014

Dear E-Flash Friends;

I’m excited about the Fall Kick-Off this Sunday, September 14^th.  We’ll be starting a new preaching series titled: Powerful Prayers.  In this series we’ll be looking at some helpful, effective and important prayers we find in the Bible and learn the truths they reveal, as well as, how they apply to our lives.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?

The worship team has been planning, practicing and preparing.  They have a terrific time planned for us.  I can already picture us on our feet singing and making a beautiful expression of praise to the Lord!  I might even throw in a couple of dance moves.  You never know!

I truly hope you will be joining us.  And there is still time to invite a friend.  Would you pray about that possibility and take the risk of inviting someone?

You won’t want to miss this start to a new ministry season!

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

Love and blessings,

Dan

It Is Important That We Do Not Forget

As the years go by it becomes easier and easier to forget…

The tragedy of that day.

The shock of that day.

The sadness of that day,

The courage of the first responders that day.

The feelings of unity that we experienced with our fellow citizens that day.

It is important that we do not forget.

September 11, 2001

Listening With The Intention of Truly Understanding

It’s not uncommon that when we are conversing with a person, we may not actually be listening intently.  It’s quite possible that we are preparing our response while the person is speaking.  (I’ve certainly done this on a few occasions.)  This is particularly true if the conversation involves some disagreement.  

One of the healthiest things that we can do in a relationship is to genuinely listen; in other words, to listen with the intention of truly understanding what the person is saying.

Look At Our World And See The Reality of God

In the Bible we’re told that people can look at creation and—if they are willing—come to a basic understanding that God exists.  (Roman 1:20)  I was outside walking around, today, and the truth of an amazing, powerful, creative God struck me in a way that resulted in awe and gratitude.  I pray that you as you engage with life today you will be impressed and captured by the reality of our Creator, too.

American Ninja Warrior Is Motivating!

I am loving this American Ninja Warrior show.  And a side benefit to the program is that it is incredibly motivating!  During the commercial breaks I’ve been doing some deep knee bends, push-ups and Pilate moves.  Although I’ll admit the exercises are probably not as effective since I’m doing them as visualizations.

CD Players Are On The Way Out

I looked around the electronics department of Target for a portable CD player. I had a feeling they would not have a very large selection of these items. But after searching through all the aisles I did not find a small selection of portable CD players…I found NO selection of CD players. So I went and found an employee.

“Do you guys still carry portable CD players?” I asked.

He looked puzzled for a moment—as if he was encountering someone who had time-traveled from the past—and then said, “Oh yeah.  Right over here.”

I followed him to an area where he pointed and said, “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” I said, expecting to look at several different models of CD players.  But there was only one model.

I turned to the guy and said, “That’s it?”  But he had already left.  (Hey, people get nervous hanging around with time-travelers.)

I was buying the CD player for Rachel who probably has well over one hundred music CDs.  But once again technology rolls on and it will soon be leaving another type of music collection obsolete.

God Doesn't Take Surveys

We are so accustomed to being led based upon votes, surveys, “what’s popular?” and “how will that play on Twitter?” that we actually try to subtly smuggle these concepts into our understanding of who God is. It’s almost amusing, if you think about it. Imagine God being very worried as He looks into the minds of every human being on earth and then basing His actions on what He discovers to be the consensus.

God does not take polls and He is not concerned with whether something is popular or whether it plays well with certain groups. He is God. God does not adjust to votes or surveys because it is completely unnecessary for Him to do so. It’s not that God is bad, mean, or indifferent, in fact, God is good. He is loving. He is perfect. The very concept of what is good and right is based upon who God is.

It is because God knows what is right in every circumstance that He is not taking a vote in order to get on board with public opinion. In fact, the wise course of action is for us, regardless of public opinion, to get on board with God.

The Big Guy At Taco Bell

While I was waiting at Taco Bell for my order to be filled, a large talkative man who was standing behind me said, "Can you believe this place?"

At first I didn't even know he was talking to me but I looked around and noticed there was no one else standing nearby. I looked behind me and said to him, "What happened?"

He said, "Can you believe how hot it is in here?"

He was right it was very muggy in the restaurant.

I said, "Yeah, their air conditioning doesn't seem to be working very well."

He practically yelled at me, "It's not working at all!!!" He was sweating profusely.

It suddenly felt like he was blaming me for the lack of air conditioning. So I just agreed within him rather than argue about the matter, "Yeah I suppose it's not on at all."

"You're d*** right it's not on. It should feel like an ice box in here!"

And then I watched as the big guy began talking with one of the employees who was taking a break.

(Did I mention he was very talkative? Okay, just checking.)

I couldn't hear what he was saying to the employee, they were on the other side of the dining area. But at one point I smiled because I heard this phrase: "It should feel like an ice box in here!"

The employee wasn't saying very much but he was nodding his head a lot.

About 10 minutes later I noticed it was feeling cooler in the restaurant. The big guy came over to where I was sitting to refill his drink and he said, "Do you feel a difference?"

I said, "Yes, it's cooler."

He said, "They had it turned up."

I said, "The air was on but they had the thermostat set at a higher temperature?"

He said, "Yeah." And he pointed at the employee he had been talking to, "You can thank that guy for getting it straightened out."

I said, "You're the one who raised the issue."

He waved his hand with a "get out of here" motion. Then he walked toward the door and said goodbye to basically everyone in the place, singling out the employee who turned down the thermostat for a special thumbs up.

He paused at the door and said, "Go Bears!" Then he turned and left.

As I watched him walk away I thought, "I'll never see the big guy again." And I continued eating my soft shell taco.

Keeping An Eye On Our Leaders

I am really bothered and irritated when leaders lay rules, expectations or obligations on the people they serve but do not expect those rules, expectations or obligations to apply to themselves.  I understand there are many unusual and exceptional kinds of circumstances that can occur in life and there may, therefore, be a situation in which what applies to those who are being led does not apply to the leader.  

But, in general, when leaders take a “this-applies-to-you-people-but-not-to-me” approach it is an example of selfish, arrogant, inexcusably pitiful leadership.  In fact, if this type of thing begins to happen a lot, the person in charge is no longer a leader, he or she is something more like a tyrant. This approach is typically an example of everything true leadership is not!

Yet, this type of selfishness happens all too often among leaders in all kinds of fields: business, government, religion, education, etc.  (I started to write a few examples of how our political “leaders” do this but I got so irritated just starting to write about it that I stopped because I think I my head was getting ready to explode.)

Jesus castigated the religious leaders of His day for this type of behavior:

“‘Yes,’ said Jesus, ‘what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden…’”   Luke 11:46

Those of us who are leaders [and many of us serve in a leadership role in some realm in our lives] are called to a high standard.  We are called to be the loving servants of those we lead.  We are called to lead by example. This is the model Jesus gave us.  It is a model that is not followed frequently enough.  I will admit I have not done it as well as I should have.  If we look around our world with discerning eyes we will see that one of the important aspects of the problems we face has to do with selfish, arrogant, corrupt, incompetent leaders.

One of the remarkable differences we have now, unlike previous generations, is access to information.  Now, leaders are not able to hide what they are doing or block the flow of information as effectively as they could in the past.  Those of us who are being led have access to info and ways to communicate info which are, genuinely, revolutionary. 

Let’s open our eyes.

Late Night Ice Cream Run

After the Wednesday night service a couple of folks said, “Hey Dan, we’re going to go get some ice cream.  You want to come?”

I laughed and said, “Get out of here!  There’s no way that people will go out and eat ice cream at 8:30 at night.”  I chuckled a little bit more at the absurdity of such an idea.  Then I said, “We are a society that is incredibly health conscious.  We are constantly thinking about eating in nutritional ways and maintaining our six-pack abs. [My own six-pack abs defy description…so to speak.]  This talk of a late evening ice cream adventure truly cracks me up!”

Then, still laughing, I held my hand up for a high five.  But the folks I was talking with had already left the room.

…Anyhow, this photo was taken at Baskin Robbins at about 8:45 this evening.

Being Discerning Consumers of Information

We are bombarded with information.  The sheer volume of messages that we receive every day is astonishing.  So, it’s good to remember that all information is not equally credible.  It is helpful for us to think carefully and to consider the source of the info we are receiving.  Wise people learn to be discriminating consumers of information. 

Hard Work Is Under-Appreciated!

Hard work is under-appreciated.

Oh I know, lots of people have jobs they really dislike. So you may read that first sentence and think, “The guy who wrote this must be slightly lacking in the intelligence department.”

(Note: Opinions regarding my intelligence vary and the evidence, so far, seems to be inconclusive.)

But studies on happiness have revealed that, believe it or not, most people are actually happier when they are working. Really!

In addition to that, we were created to be productive and to accomplish worthwhile objectives. These pursuits do not come without effort, they require work.

Work is a good thing.

I understand that rest and recreation are important, too. So, if you’re off of work today, I hope you have a great time. Hey, perhaps you could go buy a mattress, I’ve been seeing lots of ads for them on TV!

But when you go back to work tomorrow be thankful, be happy, be motivated. Confuse everyone at the workplace by giving them a big hug and telling them, “I love being here with you. It’s great, isn’t it?”

Happy Labor Day!