What gifts will you share today?

Wow ~ I must say I feel pretty good about writing these every day.  One~ it is a sense of accomplishment.  Two, it reminds me of all of my blessings.  Three, I have gotten some great feedback (some of you have chosen to respond through a private message ~ and I am doing my best to get back to each of you by the end of today!)!

Today, as we see everyday, there is a mixture of emotion.  There are 3 key situations my family and I have been through in the last 2 days.


One:  My father's health.  Most of us deal with a sense of difficulty as we see our parents or loved ones get older.  My father who is a diabetic with a heart condition has had some recent health issues.  Sunday, I decided to share my concerns with my core group of friends at church.  They prayed for him and put him on the church prayer list.  Wow ~ I love that support.  It is so important.  On Monday, my father had to have surgery ~ a catherization on the heart.  The doctors saw that he had a blockage and that was causing him difficulty in breathing and problems with his legs. (Plus, they wanted to make sure his bypass from 20 years ago was still in good shape.)  On Monday afternoon, I received a call from my sister.  My father had been in surgery for less than 1 hour.  The doctors couldn't find any blockage and the bypass was in perfect condition!  AWESOME ~ the power of prayer ~ and even more so when we are in agreement in those prayers!  BLESSINGS!


** I learned that it is okay to be transparent and be vulnerable.  Share my hurts, my fears.  It is okay to ask for help.


Two:  my earthly rock (Erin) has injured her back.  As a "typical" woman, doing too much, taking too much on ~ she was holding our 22 pound turkey (Patrick) while she was running.  Ten minutes into her thirty minute workout she felt a pop in her back.  And, guess what, she kept going ~ thinking the pain would subside.  And, it doesn't.  Now, she is in pain, can't move.  And, you know the kids ~ daddy just doesn't do it the same way mommy does.  She is a trooper.  She keeps going as much as she can. 


** I can learn from her strength.  From her ability to push through the pain.


Three:  Erin's Kentucky Grandfather "Pop" went to spend his time with Jesus yesterday afternoon.  I know that must sound a bit confusing.  When Erin's family moved to Kentucky ~ her family became very close to the Donaldson family.  And, Vicki's parents were part of the package.  Mimi and Pop became Erin's Kentucky Grandparents (since her grandparents were in New York).  Her heart hurts just as if she lost a biological grandparent. Yet, she has this amazing understanding and knows that Pop is dancing in the streets of gold.




** I love how her family is not just those she is related to by blood ~ her family consists of those who are close in her heart. There are blessings in every situation ~ even if we don't quite know what they are yet.


Despite the mix of emotions today ~ I know there is still so much to learn and so much to share.  Who can you learn from today?  What blessings are you ready for?  What gifts will you share with the world? Who can you contact and tell them how you feel? And, how can you be more vulnerable and Transparent?

My Hero ... Who is yours?

What does "hero" mean to you? Is it a leader, someone who gives back to the community, someone who speaks up for what he/she believes in? A role model for those who need guidance? Who is your hero and why?

A hero is all of these things for me ~ someone who thinks of others first and takes action by making them a priority. A hero is someone who stands up and speaks out for their belief ~ but does it in a way that doesn't make anyone else "feel wrong" for how they believe. A leader has strength, compassion, and is full of love. A hero doesn't have to shine to millions or be popular in a crowd. All they have to do is shine for that 1 life they are to impact at any given moment.

My Heroes: Jesus, My Wife (Erin), My Parents, My Children, and Walt Disney

I look forward to hear about who your heroes are and why!

Now, how can we take all those hero characteristics that we hold dear ~ and do something with it.

Proverbs 14:23 ~ All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 

Even if my "reward" was simply feeling outstanding, being blessed with an awesome, supportive family ~ I know I would be wealthy.

It reminds me of 2 stores

First story is of 2 brothers.  One extremely "rich."  He was in the spot light ~ loving all the attention and material things. His brother(who was just your "everyday" guy and put others before himself) would write him letters ~ starting each one out, "To the richest man in the world,".  And, his brother would conclude each letter, "From the Wealthiest man in the world".

Second is an episode from Little House on the Prarie.  A company Charles did work for went bankrupt and couldn't pay him ~ leaving his family in debt, little food, and hope dwindling.

Yet, the family came together.  Charles got odd jobs for minimum pay; Caroline worked the farm.  Mary took a break from school to sew full time.  Laura did all the chores before and after school. And, yes, after a few weeks, they had enough money to pay their debt to the General Store, and even had some left over to purchase some sugar and other items. Mr. Oleson said to Charles, "You are truly the wealthiest man in Walnut Grove."

At that moment Charles was Mr. Oleson's hero.

Who is yours????

An Extraordinary Feeling of Inspiration

Wow ~ today I have an extraordinary feeling of inspiration.  And to be totally honest it stems from a slight feeling of frustration.

Yes, even I get frustrated.  Frustated that I haven't impacted more lives ~ frustrated some people just aren't ready to hear it ~ or open to the wonderful things I am ready to share.  

As great as technology is ~ and I know I am able to use it right now to share positivenss and inspiration ~ how much do we as Human Beings hold it to truth.  Do we have to see it on TV to believe it? Do we have to see it on TV to do something that we know we should do already?

Okay ... point.  Last night ABC aired a new show ~ I would have to say an extension of Breakthrough with Tony Robbins meets Undercover Boss. 

They featured a millionaire who made her way from homeless to millionaire.  She goes to visit a very poor area of Knoxville ~ and is touched so much that she decided to give away some of her money. 

Boy, did facebook light up last night!  Everyone said they were feeling inspired.  But, where does that inspiration leave them.  Where is the action?  I then saw several posts that stated, "I can't wait until I have a million dollars so I can share."

Now, what's that about?  What can we do right now?  What can you do right now?  Remember, the decisions we make are an extension of who we are.  Yesterday, I shared with a little about who you are and decisions we make. 

Our decisions shape our destiny.  And, even more important, our decisions show others the light we have inside of us.  The light we have been called to share.

Do we really need to have a million dollars in our bank account before we can share our "wealth"? 

Scenario:  You are on line a the grocery store.  You smile at the cashier ~ and ask her about her day.  She says she is grateful to have a job.  Then, the conversation goes a bit deeper.  She shares it is her son, Joshua's birthday.  And, because her husband recently left her, she doesn't have the extra money to even get Joshua a birthday card.

Time out:  What do you do?

A.  Smile and say you will be praying for her?  Leave and go home feeling a bit depressed? Thinking I wish I had a million dollars so I could share?

B.  Smile and say you will be praying for her.  Go back into the store, pick out a card, get back in her line, pay the card, and give it to her.

Now, I know everyone is going through a "rough" time.  But, if it meant you gave up coffee the next day ~ that heavenly Starbucks as everyone else in the world but me calls it; if it meant you had to make your own coffee ~ wouldn't it be worth it?

YES! YES! YES!

Why? 

Why not?  You just shared your light with someone!  You just impacted someone's life.  And, not just the cashier's.  You impacted Joshua's life!  And, from there who knows! 

What do you want your light to show other people? Are you ready to let it shine? 

My kids sang yesterday ... This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

I'm shining today.  Please take action to be with me on this!

When you know who you are, you know what to do!

Good afternoon my friends ...  It is cloudy, cool day here in Nashville but our home is full of warmth, love, and sunSHINE!

Over the last month, my posts (on my personal facebook page) have typically focused onBeing Who You Are, because we have all asked the questions, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?"

Have you found your answers? YES!  AWESOME!  

Are you still searching?  KEEP IT GOING (and let me know if I can help)!

I heard a great phrase today, and it sums up what I have been sharing with you ~ about being who you are ~ When you know who you are, you know what to do!

And, let's take that a little bit further.  You know what to do, but are you doing what you know?  Aha!  The action part.  Yes, I consistently encourage you to take action.  Because, we are not taking action, someone else is taking it for us (and we probably won't like the results)!

We all have to make decisions ~ each and every day.  What to eat ... what to wear ... Should I go to that party? Will it look bad if I go to lunch with that person?

Decisions, Decisions!  Some may be tougher than others.  Or are they?  What decisions, what actions are you ready to make (to take)?  When it comes to decisions, most of us want to make the right ones ~ because we want to do things that are good for us and for those around us.   Our decisions reflect who we are.

A inspirational thought ~ We don't have to talk ourselves into the right decisions.  When we make the right decision, it sits well with our souls!  You can feel it. 

Tomrrow, we will continue on this path ~ as I know the importance this subject has had in my life ~ in my family's life.

All you have to do is be READY!

I had something written to post today ~ but a feeling of inspiration came over me this morning.  When I heard my wife get up with our 2 little ones at 5:30 am.  I wonder if she ever wishes she could sleep in.  But, I know her, and if slept until the sun came up ~ she would feel like she was wasting the day (another blessing God has given to her).

So, my feeling of inspiration came ~ a felt a need to share this again ~ a note I wrote a couple of week ago on my personal page.  Just as much as this note focuses on the signs we are given in our lives ~ it focuses on "the marigold" ~ Stong ~ Bright ~ Passion ~ Resilent

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share it again.

Signs...

There are signs all around ~ we just have to train our eyes to look for them; we have to open our ears to hear them; and we have to take time to feel their presence.

 Feel like you are in a Mel Gibson flick yet?  Standing in the middle of a corn field?

At some point in our lives, we have all searched, craved, for signs.  Something, please, to tell us which way to go ~ which path to take ~ what is the right answer ~ just want should I do.

And, it doesn’t matter how certain we are in our current direction, as soon as an obstacle blocks our path ~ we begin to question.  And, we raise our hands toward the sky seeking a sign.

At this time, a couple of things pop into my head.

Question:  What would Jesus do?  (Really, this is more than just a popular wrist band from 15 years ago ~ what would He do in this situation?)

The Statement my wife taught me: What is popular is not always right.  And, what is right is not always popular.

So, what does this mean?  Where does that leave me?

Anyone who knows me or has been to one of my events ~ knows I am Mr. Visual ~ a million things going on at the same time.  You know, the pin ball.  Multi-tasking, bouncing from place to place.  Yet, with the pin ball if the ball doesn’t get bounced the right way (an obstacle), the ball wants to roll down and start all over again.

This weekend I stood in amazement of Erin’s (my wife) faith.  And, all I could was learn. 

Side Note:  God is my first rock (this is my belief ~ whatever you choose to believe at this very moment, believe it with all of your heart, live it to the fullest and if you are ready to talk about God, send me a message).

My earthly rock is Erin.  I am not putting her on pedestal or idolizing her.  But, I know I can learn from her and her relationship with God.

After dealing with a difficult client on Friday ~ I began to question the purpose in working with this person.  In fact, I actually thought about “firing my client.” LOL!  I was pretty fired up over it ~ frustrated.

Sharing my feelings with Erin.  She simply stated, “Keith, everything has a place and in every place we find a purpose.  Please go read my favorite verse Romans 8:28.

Background:  At the age of 17, Erin was in a very back car accident.  She was held by angels and only received a cracked sternum, bruises, and a swollen lip from the air bag.  Easily she could have been ejected from the car and killed.

There was purpose in her life continuing.  Through her my relationship with God has become clearer and stronger.

That night, her best friend woke up at 2 am with the verse, Romans 8:28.  The next morning, he brought that to her with a marigold. 

Why a marigold?  Marigolds are strong, resilient.  The marigold symbolizes passion and creativity. Of all the flowers typically seen in an American garden, the marigold never disappoints. From its resilience, outlasting most other annuals well into the fall months and thriving in even the hottest driest weather, to its intense fiery color, the lowly marigold fills in the bare garden spots more efficiently than many other flowers. Even its name suggests how intensely this humble flower brightens the landscape. Marigolds were also believed to encourage more cheerful conversations.

This is Erin.

Sunday ~ during church ~ I scanned our pastor’s “Talk it over notes” for the sermon.  And, I am sure you guess what happened.  There read, Romans 8:28.

And, the sign was received.  It was received because I was open to it.  I was ready for it.  I was the student.  When the student is ready … the teacher will appear.

What are you ready for in your life, right now?  Are you listening to the right people?  Where are your eyes ~ living in the past or dreaming of the future?

Your sign is waiting for you.  All you have to do is be ready!

Signs ...

There are signs all around ~ we just have to train our eyes to look for them; we have to open our ears to hear them; and we have to take time to feel their presence.

Feel like you are in a Mel Gibson flick yet?  Standing in the middle of a corn field?

At some point in our lives, we have all searched, craved, for signs.  Something, please, to tell us which way to go ~ which path to take ~ what is the right answer ~ just want should I do.

And, it doesn’t matter how certain we are in our current direction, as soon as an obstacle blocks our path ~ we begin to question.  And, we raise our hands toward the sky seeking a sign.

At this time, a couple of things pop into my head.

1.     Question:  What would Jesus do?  (Really, this is more than just a popular wrist band from 15 years ago ~ what would He do in this situation?)

2.     The Statement my wife taught me: What is popular is not always right.  And, what is right is not always popular.

So, what does this mean?  Where does that leave me?

Anyone who knows me or has been to one of my events ~ knows I am Mr. Visual ~ a million things going on at the same time.  You know, the pin ball.  Multi-tasking, bouncing from place to place.  Yet, with the pin ball if the ball doesn’t get bounced the right way (an obstacle), the ball wants to roll down and start all over again.

This weekend I stood in amazement of Erin’s (my wife) faith.  And, all I could was learn. 

Side Note:  God is my first rock (this is my belief ~ whatever you choose to believe at this very moment, believe it with all of your heart, live it to the fullest and if you are ready to talk about God, send me a message).

My earthly rock is Erin.  I am not putting her on pedestal or idolizing her.  But, I know I can learn from her and her relationship with God.

After dealing with a difficult client on Friday ~ I began to question the purpose in working with this person.  In fact, I actually thought about “firing my client.” LOL!  I was pretty fired up over it ~ frustrated.

Sharing my feelings with Erin.  She simply stated, “Keith, everything has a place and in every place we find a purpose.  Please go read my favorite verse Romans 8:28.

Background:  At the age of 17, Erin was in a very back car accident.  She was held by angels and only received a cracked sternum, bruises, and a swollen lip from the air bag.  Easily she could have been ejected from the car and killed.

There was purpose in her life continuing.  Through her my relationship with God has become clearer and stronger.

That night, her best friend woke up at 2 am with the verse, Romans 8:28.  The next morning, he brought that to her with a marigold. 

Why a marigold?  Marigolds are strong, resilient.  The marigold symbolizes passion and creativity. Of all the flowers typically seen in an American garden, the marigold never disappoints. From its resilience, outlasting most other annuals well into the fall months and thriving in even the hottest driest weather, to its intense fiery color, the lowly marigold fills in the bare garden spots more efficiently than many other flowers. Even its name suggests how intensely this humble flower brightens the landscape. Marigolds were also believed to encourage more cheerful conversations.

This is Erin.

Sunday ~ during church ~ I scanned our pastor’s “Talk it over notes” for the sermon.  And, I am sure you guess what happened.  There read, Romans 8:28.

And, the sign was received.  It was received because I was open to it.  I was ready for it.  I was the student.  When the student is ready … the teacher will appear.

What are you ready for in your life, right now?  Are you listening to the right people?  Where are your eyes ~ living in the past or dreaming of the future?

Your sign is waiting for you.  All you have to do is be ready!

Comfort Words

As I watch my 2 youngest children finally drifting off to sleep ~ in the midst of a case of the flu ~ I find comfort in their comfort.  Yes, as parents, we find comfort when our children are happy.  And, our hearts break when we see their hearts crack just a little.  We probably feel more pain than they do.

It is this that reminds how “good” comfortable may feel.  That is why we stay there.  Could I sit on the couch all day ~ next to my wife and holding our 8-month old?  Sure.  Feeling his warm head resting on my arm, hearing his quick breaths, watching his chest move up and down.  There is something spectacular in this.

Yet, staying in that comfortable position all day, what would it bring me? Yes, I get to spend some quality time with my family.  But, then what?

We all need comfort every once in a while ~ that why there is that food out there called “comfort food.”  Yeah, you know what it is for you and when you choose to eat it.

When we are out with a group of people, let’s say a networking event, and someone approaches you, begins a conversation, and then asks you the big question, “Are you interested in hearing more about XYZ product?”

What goes through you head?  What excuse can you use this time, right?  What if it is something you really want, but just too scared to ask for it? You may be using your “comfort words.”

It’s not the right time.

I don’t have enough time.

I have to talk to my spouse.

Let me think about and I’ll get back with you.

Yes, I believe we have been guilty of this.  Not sharing what is on our minds ~ being honest with those around us as well as ourselves.

How about those comfort words we tell ourselves.  It’s okay I didn’t exercise today, I’ll do double tomorrow.  It’s okay for me to eat that second piece of cake, I ran an extra mile today.  I know I should let _____ treat me like that, but it’s probably my fault anyway.

No of these words are serving you.  They do nothing to allow good change happen in your life ~ like your GOALS!  They are just comforting the inner child in us.

So what can you do to change these comfort words ~ get out of your comfort zone.  First, be aware of the self talk and words you are using that are not serving you ~ those words that are keeping you from achieving your goals.

Second, when you become aware of using them, stop what you are doing; make a mental note.  Put those words in a bubble.  See that bubble.

And, blow it away.

NOW, use words that will serve you. 

• I must achieve my goal ~ so I will make one more phone call.

• I will get up now so I can exercise.

• I will eat an apple instead of cake.

• I am following up with ______________ who I met a networking event.

• I am a person worth loving and deserve a person who will love me for who I am and everything I bring to this world.

Wow, what a difference.  I feel better already!  How about you?

Live your life with Absolute Certainty,

Keith
The Mentor to Millions