It's interesting how our lives change, often in ways we couldn't have imagined only a few years ago. In 2019 I became a grandfather for the first time! What an incredible blessing!!! My granddaughter Paisley is such a doll ( I know, I know ALL grandparents say that!) and her smile lights up the room.

In addition to being a new father, my son Nick has been in Alaska serving our country in the Air Force. In just a couple days he will be deploying to the middle east. He has grown into an amazing young man! Seeing him hold his daughter for the first time warmed my heart! "How time flies" is something we hear a lot...it's so true! Don't miss seeing your children grow up and be part of it!
"The Best Gift We Can Give Our Children Is Our Time"

A dear friend who lives in another state and I have a phone call once a month or so. These calls often last two hours or more! We talk about our families our health, personal challenges, victories, faith and so much more...seldom politics. He has taught me so much as he continues his battle with cancer.  His unwavering faith, determination and positive outlook are and always have been such an inspiration to me.
As we begin another year I've been reflecting on the past year. Not just mine but of friends too! While the usual new year's resolutions are out there...lose weight, save money, quit smoking etc. more are looking at where they are in their lives. Some have moved to other states to pursue personal dreams, others are looking at possessions in a different way...seeking experiences over things and some are considering if their careers are what they really want to do or is there a bigger calling?
I've never set New Year's Resolutions and I don't plan to this year but I am examining my life in a deeper and more profound way. I have ideas about some things I want to do, passions I want to pursue and hopefully make a positive impact on people...friends, family and total strangers.
Here's to an awesome 2020!

Have you had a dream you've been putting off? Wanted to make changes in your personal life? I think we've all had those "aha moments" that tell us...Yes! that's what I want to do!!! But we find excuses why it can't happen or it's not the right time. First, there will never be the "right time" and second, if it is really important you'll find a way...if not, you'll find an excuse.
What have you been wanting to do in your life? A new job? An adventure? A relationship? Everything begins with a decision! When I decided to do my bike ride that was it! The decision was made and there were no other options. I told my employer what I was going to be doing...taking 3 months off to ride my bike across America and I hoped that I had their support but was prepared to lose my job if that's what it came to because THE RIDE WAS WHAT WAS IMPORTANT TO ME! Not only did I not lose my job but I had their total support! Did I know everything about bicycle touring? Not even close! Did I train for it? I commuted to work the month before I left. Did I have the bike I "needed"? No, I rode across the country on a $350.00 department store mountain bike. Could I afford it? No, but the decision was made and to my amazement and gratitude friends, family and total strangers supported me throughout the entire journey!
Excuses are easy...decisions are tough but the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something you wanted to do even if you had doubts about the outcome are life changing!
What's your excuse????

In Toby Keith's song "My List" is a lyric that says "start livin...that's the next thing on my list". This is so appropriate for the way we sometimes look at our busy lives. So many obligations, errands and tasks to complete that this is the one list item that often gets pushed to another day...week...month or year. How we define "livin" is going to be different for each us. It could be canceling that meeting at work to attend a child's performance in a school play or taking your son fishing instead of washing the car or maybe it's something really big, a personal dream you've been putting off for years. However you define "livin" I encourage and challenge you not to put it off for another day but to make it the next thing on your list!