“The majority of people are ready to throw their aims and purposes overboard and give up at the first signs of opposition or misfortune. A few carry on despite all opposition until they attain their goal. Weak desires produce weak results.”  Napoleon Hill

Ants–they aren’t strong, but they store up food for the winter.  (Prov. 30:25; NLT)

We’ve been battling ants!  I’m sure many of you can relate.  Thankfully they’re outside the house this time.  Our driveway suffers from a couple of cracks, but fortunately for the ants, the cracks provide profitable employment.  At first we noticed a “couple” of little hills in the cracks of the cement.  A “couple” grew to several and several grew to many.  Jerry has used ant dust to help deter these mighty pests.

It looked like we had won the battle.  Alas, the tenacious little critters have returned with a vengeance.  What was in that ant dust, anyway?  As I stood there watching them this morning on our way to the gym, I noticed how industrious those little buggers are.  They never quit!  They just keep on doing whatever it is they’re doing…with the greatest of persistence.  They don’t give up!

There were no other vehicles at the gym when we pulled in.  A beautiful Monday morning…no rain, no snow, no hurricanes, yet no one else was there.  Hundreds of people belong to this gym.  When Jerry and I first joined this new facility almost three years ago, there was an occasional day when we would be the only two in the gym.  However, that quickly changed and at times there wasn’t a treadmill to be had.  Things got busy.  But here we were on a Monday morning having the entire gym to ourselves.

As I worked out I thought of the persistence of the ants.  They keep on, keepin’ on, no matter what’s going on around them…even in the midst of ant powder supposedly formulated to eliminate them.

Living a healthy lifestyle, making the right food choices, getting adequate exercise, all requires persistence.  No, I don’t always “feel” like going to the gym and working out but deep down in my heart, I know the persistence of doing so pays off.  Do I always “feel” like making a big green salad with lots of vegetables?  No, but I know I’ll reap great dividends both now and in the future if I make that choice today.  Driving thirty minutes one way across town to get the best prices on organic food isn’t something I look forward to doing but I know our bodies and minds will be happier and healthier for doing so.

Persistence does pay off.  And who knows, someday I might actually build an ant hill.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for the grace to be persistent in all that You’re calling us to walk in.

Link of the Day
The Power of Persistence: Doing Whatever It Takes

Photo by pml

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never–in nothing, great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”  Winston Churchill

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.  (Rev. 3:10; NLT)

Here’s a YouTube video that has been making the rounds lately.  It’s a long way from viral with only 380,000 views, but it’s one of the best.  It’s definitely worth your time if you haven’t seen it.

If you have seen it, I did a little research on the Internet and found the “story behind the story” as published by ESPN.  Even the printed story will likely bring a tear to your eye.  That story is today’s Link of the Day.  Don’t miss it.

Finally, a little poem.  Interestingly enough, I remember as a child that my Father, who was not a lover of poetry had a half dozen books of poetry by a fellow named Edgar A. Guest.  Today, I wish I had those books, but as is often the case, treasures like that are long gone.  (I’ll have to tell you the story some day about how my mother sold my huge Erector Set in a garage sale one time.  If you’re not old enough to know what an Erector set is, that won’t mean much to you.)

Anyway, back to Edgar A. Guest.  I had the opportunity to quote one line from one of his poems less than a month ago on our 700th Anniversary.  This time I’m going to going to give you his whole poem titled “Don’t Quit.”

Don’t Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Prayer Power
Father, bring to our remembrance the awesome line from the poem above, “Success is failure turned inside out.”  We as a culture too often run from failure in shame as we have not learned to see it as an almost necessary step on the path to success.  Give us the grace to be as quick to forgive ourselves as You are to forgive us.

Link of the Day
Derek and dad finish Olympic 400 together

Video posted by sarathcroaky on YouTube

“In the 21st Century, we have an ironic problem.  For the 1st time in human history, there’s lots of food to go around.  Starvation isn’t so much as issue as over nutrition.  The problems that we have today are not that we don’t have enough food, but that there’s too much bad food available to us.  This takes a toll on everyone, particularly the poorest people in society.”  Jeff Nelson

Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.  (Isa. 58:10; NLT)

We are beginning to win this war against public apathy and ignorance of what causes our runaway health issues.  I have the joy of saying that more and more lately.  Maybe it’s all in my awareness and I’m finally seeing what was always there (RAS), but I don’t think so.  Just when we hear about some major agri-business or big pharma winning yet another skirmish in their efforts to maximize profits while keeping the public in the dark about health and wellness, something like EarthSave comes along.

People are sick and tired of hearing the news about all the wonderful things science and technology is doing to alleviate (mask) the pain and suffering caused by poor health practices while never seeing any real, positive results.  People will soon grow just as tired of hearing about how more government intervention and control will make the hurt go away.  They will grow tired simply because it’s destined to fail because it is only addressing the symptoms while leaving the underlying causes untouched.

EarthSave, on the other hand, will demonstrate the kind of success that will quickly gain public attention.  Finally, something is working!  They are simply taking an ax to the root of the problem, and it’s inevitable that they will see results.  And you can bet they will be followed by a growing number of “EarthSaves” all across this country and across the globe.  It may take a decade or more, but we ARE winning this war!  Hallelujah!!!

Please watch the video about this revolutionary new program called EarthSave.

Prayer Power
Father, we celebrate what EarthSave is doing to help shine the spotlight on the effect of poor nutrition on our physical body.  We pray wisdom for their leadership and favor with all who hear their message.

Link of the Day
EarthSave’s Meals for Health Program

“I thank the Lord for the good things we have.  Maybe our bad news ain’t so bad.”  Rod Stone

In the next five minutes, how many good things can you think of?  (I strongly encourage you to write them down.)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.  (Prov. 15:30; NLT)

Nine and eleven — two simple numbers.  Or is it nine and one and one — three simple numbers?  Isn’t it interesting how meanings of the commonplace can change overnight?

Prior to the late 60’s there was not any universal meaning assigned to these digits other than their rightful place in our numbering system.  According to Wikipedia, in 1968, AT&T in cooperation with the FCC agreed on a single, easily remembered number, equally easy to dial, that could be utilized to report emergencies on a nation-wide basis.  (An interesting aside is that Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada was actually the first North American city to adopt the three-digit dialing sequence almost ten years earlier.)

Then in September of 2001, an event took place which has truly been a pivot point in mankind’s history.  All of a sudden, it was no longer 9-1-1 (or 911), but now it was 9-11 and it had a whole new meaning (even though the earlier meaning remains in place.)  So now, just a short eight years later, I would like to propose it be given yet another meaning.

This thought came to me yesterday when I watched the video created by Rod Stone in which the underlying message that I walked away with was a focus on what’s right about America.  What if 911 went from representing an emergency need (bad news), to representing an unexpected attack on America resulting in  the loss of almost 3,000 innocent civilian lives (more bad news), to representing what’s right about America (good news)?  Maybe such a proposal would be considered politically incorrect in today’s climate, but I’ll take my chances.

The social media has been ablaze with messages to fly the American flag on 9/11, and/or to wear something red.  All well and good, but that is all done in the spirit of looking back and remembering the tragedy of the event.  How much more constructive (and productive, I might add) to fly the flags and wear the red but let those be symbols of what’s right about this country.  I would propose that we displace the human proclivity to focus on the bad for that one day and rally around what’s good.  Nothing to do with politics; nothing to do with religion; everything to do with how blessed we are to be living at this time and in this place.

As Rod writes, “The good news is a soldier’s coming home; And the heart that cries for freedom is still beating strong; Someone’s voting for President; A child has learned how to pray; And that’s good news in the USA today.”

Thank you, Rod, for the reminder of just how blessed we really are.


Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for our many blessings.  Grant us the grace to focus on Your unconditional love rather than get further “worked up” remembering the past.

Link of the Day
USA Today

Blessings on you as you reflect on your blessings today, 9/11.

Photo by James Byrum

“It is critical to stop the unraveling of the American military family.”  MG (Ret.) Bob Dees

Who do you know who has a spouse serving in a military war zone?  When is the last time you reached out to the family left behind?

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,  (Mark 10:43b; NLT)

Everybody professes to hate email forwards.  Ever noticed that?  Yet, if everybody hated them, you would think they wouldn’t participate in the very behavior that they don’t like.  But yet, I have seen no decrease in the number of forwards that have been coming to our mail boxes.  Have you?  Finding the people who like forwards is kind of like trying to find someone who voted for the loser in the last election, isn’t it?  (Well maybe the most recent election is an exception.)

Well, I have to admit that sometimes I like forwards.  Another tic-mark for your “Jerry’s so weird scorecard.”    The reason I “sometimes” like them is because sometimes I receive some pretty good stuff.  With the amount of stuff that’s being put out on the Internet these days, the forwards act somewhat like a filter to screen out the terrible and mundane and pass through those with promise.  That’s the story behind today’s DG.  I would have never found this particular video if it hadn’t been forwarded to us by a dear friend, Sue Cunningham.

Without this forward, I probably would never have heard of North Platte, NE and it’s history-making significance way back when I was still in diapers.  I may have never learned that Campus Crusade has an arm or a branch that ministers to the military.  (See http://www.militaryministry.org/, and while you’re there, don’t overlook the obscure invitation to watch the short “6 Pillars Video.”  In that video, I learned that this last year divorce rates among Army officers went up 78%, suicides among Marines went up 29%, suicide rates in all the services have gone up since 2002 with the real victims of this situation being the military children.  Staggering numbers…especially given that we live in a military area.  So, thank you Sue.  You have made me more aware.

Regarding the video that I’m encouraging you to watch today, the originator of the email (whom I don’t know) wrote, “This is a wonderful story.  It makes me want to live in that era, even though times were also hard.  People really cared about others and wanted to help regardless of what they did or did not have to give.  They just did it out of love and pride of their country.  Times have really changed.  Somewhere the greed stepped in and selfishness took over.”

To that I offer a hearty “amen!”

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for this country and the values upon which it was founded.  We’ve seen a bit of erosion in recent years, and we pray that You would intervene in our hearts to restore that attitude of putting the needs of others ahead of our own.

Link of the Day
North Platte Canteen

Blessings on you as you reach out to a military family this week.

“I came to an early realization. Each of us must make a decision, best captured in A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh characters. Am I a fun-loving Tigger or a sad-sack Eeyore? It’s clear where I stand.”  Dr. Randy Pausch

How are you doing with your Dream Book?

Remember this good deed also, O my God! Have compassion on me according to your great and unfailing love.  (Neh. 13:22b; NLT)

Last week’s three DG’s were all on the topic of dreams.  It is a bit ironic that on Friday, July 25, Dr. Randy Pausch, who will long be remembered for his “Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon, passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer at his home here in Chesapeake, VA.  If you will recall, I first wrote about Dr. Pausch on 3/3/08 and again on 4/16/08.

What does that have to do with dreams?  The connection should become clear in the following excerpts taken from a July 25 Carnegie Mellon press release written by Byron Spice and Anne Watzman:

Pausch earned his greatest worldwide fame for his inspirational “Last Lecture.” That life-affirming lecture, a call to his students and colleagues to go on without him and do great things, was delivered at Carnegie Mellon on Sept. 18, 2007, a few weeks after Pausch learned he had just months to live. Titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” the humorous and heartfelt talk was videotaped, and unexpectedly spread around the world via the Internet. Tens of millions of people have since viewed video footage of it.

Pausch, who had regularly won awards in the field of computer science, spent the final months of his life being lauded in arenas far beyond his specialty. ABC News declared him one of its three “Persons of the Year” for 2007. TIME magazine named him to its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. On thousands of Web sites, people wrote essays about what they had learned from him. His book based on the lecture became a #1 bestseller internationally, translated into 30 languages.

Pausch, the father of three young children, saw it as his mission to help enable the dreams of his students. In his last lecture, he spoke of how grateful he was to those who had helped him along the way: professors, colleagues, a football coach, and especially, his own parents. He explained how he had dreamed of writing a World Book Encyclopedia entry, experiencing zero gravity and creating Disney attractions — all dreams that were fulfilled. He said he learned even more from dreams that didn’t come true, such as being a pro football player. He also shared a host of lessons — about finding the good in other people, about seeing “brick walls” not as obstacles but as challenges, and about living generously.

“If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself,” Pausch said. “The dreams will come to you.”

At the end of the talk, he revealed that he had given it mostly to serve as a roadmap for his three young children. The book based on the talk has a similar purpose. As he explained it: “I’m attempting to put myself in a bottle that will one day wash up on the beach for my children.”

The book, titled “The Last Lecture,” was a #1 New York Times bestseller, and also topped bestseller lists in USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and other publications around the world. It was co-written by Jeffrey Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (a 1980 Carnegie Mellon alumnus). The lecture and book led to intense media interest in Pausch. He appeared twice on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Pausch and his wife Jai were also the subjects of an hour-long ABC News Primetime special in April hosted by Diane Sawyer and viewed by 8.2 million people.

Today’s link is the update of the Parade Magazine article I used back in April.  It was largely excerpts from Pausch’s book which was released on April 8.

Prayer Power
Lord, please comfort Dr. Pausch’s wife, Jai, and their three children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe, as well as other family members he has left behind.  He was indeed a very special man.

Link of the Day
The Lessons I’m Leaving Behind

Blessings on you as you continue to pursue your own dreams this coming week.
 

“I have days of freedom because you had days of fear.”  The Kuhlmann Sisters

What are your plans for this holiday?

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  (Romans 13:4; KJV)

Ahhhh…The Fourth of July…Independence Day!  A very special holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring our independence from Great Britain.  As Wikipedia puts it, it is a holiday “commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.”

Our church has invited all current and former military men and women to wear their uniforms this coming Sunday, along with all the other uniformed public servants such as police officers, firemen, et al.  This will be kind of a combo Memorial Day, Independence Day tribute to the members of our congregation who serve their country and community in a position of incredible significance.  It will indeed be a special day.  I’m really looking forward to it.  You see, our church has an unusually high number of military folks, probably due to the background of our pastor who is retired from the Navy.  We are truly blessed.

The closest I ever got to wearing a uniform was in the Boy Scouts.  I had some physical issues that prevented me from serving my country in the military.  I would have dearly loved to have gone to one of the academies.  I’ve always had a very special place in my heart for the discipline, honor, and commitment of those who wear uniforms.  The mere act of putting on a uniform is a deeply symbolic act that expresses a deep and selfless commitment to serve others unselfishly. 

I found the following words on the Internet…words spoken by a high school senior as part of a tribute to Memorial day:  As someone in uniform “walks past, children stare in awe and veterans salute.  This respect is earned through the meaning that the uniform carries.  It isn’t simply for show, to decorate with pretty ribbons and sashes.  Instead, it is to show that person’s dedication and willingness to serve.  They serve each and every one of us by defending the nation in which we live today.”  Wow!  Wish I would have said that.

While on the Internet, I found one other item I would like to share with you on this special day.  I found some lyrics to a song written about a decade ago.  One line that really jumped out at me says, “I have days of freedom because you had days of fear.”  The Link of the Day was sent to us by a young military wife in our church whose husband serves our country as a pilot. 

I pray that we all take a moment during our holiday festivities and remember our uniformed public defenders and servants.  We have cause to be very grateful.

You Are the Ones (The Kuhlmann Sisters Copyright 1998)
You are the ones who fought for my freedom 
You are the ones who gave it all 
You are the ones with bravery and honor 
You are the ones who answered the call 
Now I have days of freedom because you had days of fear 
Your loved ones always waiting, your mission always clear. 
You are the ones who fought for this country 
You are the ones who took a stand 
You are the ones with bravery and courage 
You are the ones who risked your lives to defend this land 
Now I have days of freedom because you had days of fear 
And what many take for granted, to me is very clear 
Looking at you through grateful eyes 
I am amazed at the great price that you paid 
Looking at you through grateful eyes 
I realize the magnitude of your sacrifice 
And I’m looking at you through grateful eyes.

Prayer Power
Lord, we truly are grateful for the men and women who have served us so selflessly making it possible for us to celebrate this special holiday.  May each and every one of them and their families feel very honored and loved by the rest of us.

Link of the Day
Take Just One Minute

Blessings as you pay tribute to the significance of this day.
 

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown

What does Father’s Day meant to you?

And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.  (Eph. 6:4; NLT)

Sunday is Father’s Day!  I couldn’t let the day go by without a special tribute to all the Dads among our readers.  I had a very special Dad…I was actually born on his birthday.  He’s been gone for many years now, but I still think of him often.  Interestingly enough, I still want him to be proud of me.

For the last 25 plus years, I’ve enjoyed being able to call Sharon’s Father, my Dad.  He’s an equally special Dad.  He’s always there for us and I’ve sure been blessed to be part of that family.

A little research shows that Father’s Day doesn’t carry a lot of weight for most folks.  Answers.com reports, “In the US, there are fewer dollars spent on gifts [compared to Mother's Day], and retailers say the shopping is more last-minute. Even Google confirms that online searches for dear old dad’s day don’t measure up to those for his partner in procreation.  In fact, the only area in which Father’s Day is No. 1 is… collect calls.  Not phone calls as a whole, just collect calls; phone call volume in general doesn’t rise, according to Verizon.”

So, I couldn’t let the opportunity go by to buck the trend and offer a salute to all the Fathers on their special day. 

BTW–I have an idea…before your kids call you to wish you a happy Father’s Day, maybe you could call them…and don’t forget to reverse the charges.

Have a great weekend!

Prayer Power
Lord, as we approach this special day set aside for our Fathers, we want to also remember our heavenly Father.  We thank You for all the love and protection You send our way 24/7…the epitome of what being a Father is all about.

Link of the Day
Sing Me A Song Again, Daddy

Blessings on you as you remember Father’s Day this Sunday.
 

Age is not a number, but a state of mind.  Unknown

Have you thought about how you will embrace the aging process? 

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. (Prov 16:31; NIV)

Sixty five years ago today, Gerald Lee Graham came into the world, as a birthday gift to his own father, no less.  What a joy and delight it is for me to honor this humble and gentle man on his 65th birthday.  He does epitomize the word “gentleman”, by the way.  The true meaning of that word became quite clear to me soon after we were married. 

Many of you know Jerry only from reading his writings in the Daily Grams.  And there are many of our readers who know the man in a personal way.  I believe you’ll concur with me that “To know him is to love him.”  Jerry is the more quiet one in our family.  In a group setting, he’ll sit back, listen and observe.  He’ll make comments when he feels he has something of value to contribute.  Several friends have made the comment that Jerry is much like E.F. Hutton.  When he speaks, people listen.   He is known for his wisdom and counsel.

Jerry is a man of principle and integrity.  He’s also a servant.  Through the long years of my being ill, he continually exhibited unconditional love for me through many acts of kindness and service that many men would find extremely difficult.  Since I was unable to shop in malls or stores, I sewed most of my clothing.  That meant that Jerry learned how to shop in a fabric store.  He learned to choose a pattern, buy the fabric and all the notions necessary for me to sew a dress, skirt or outfit.  He also had to do all of the other shopping for the household.  Never once did I hear him complain or utter disgust over the major burden that my being ill caused our family. 

We continue to grow young together.  At 65, he’s undoubtedly in better physical condition than he was when he was in his forties.  He continues to challenge himself in his daily workouts at the gym, lifting more weight and setting new high-water marks for himself.  He still maintains a size 34 waist; the size he wore when we were married over twenty-five years ago. 

Jerry is also the consummate learner.  There was a time when I lovingly quipped that he had been in school over half of our married life.  Our number of years being married has now surpassed that figure.  But Jerry will never stop learning.  He was born to learn and to teach others what he’s learning.  Many men think of retirement when they turn 65.  I doubt that my husband will ever retire.  He’ll continue to learn and pass on to all who will listen about his latest study.

Lastly, Jerry certainly does model a Christ-like behavior.  He honors and esteems me as his wife and is quick to forgive me when I blow it.  There is no doubt in my mind that he would quickly “lay down his life for me.”  What a joy and privilege it is for me to celebrate this 65th birthday with my beloved husband!  Happy Birthday Honey! 

If Jerry has been a blessing in your life, I invite you to send him a Birthday greeting.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for the gift of life and I especially thank You for the gift of Jerry’s life.   Lord, I pray abundant blessings on this man who has enriched my life in innumerable ways and touched the lives of many throughout this country and even around the world. 

 Link Of The Day
Jerry Turns 65

Blessings on you, dear Jerry as you celebrate this your 65th birthday. 

“Good coaches teach respect for the opposition, love of competition, the value of trying your best, and how to win and lose graciously.”   Brooks Clark

If you were playing in a team sporting event and there arose a situation wherein one of the opposing players suffered an injury, and only you could help, would you?  What if you knew that if you helped, your team would lose the game?  Would you help?

The greatest among you must be a servant.  (Matt. 23:11; NLT)

A week and a half ago, I wrote about a marriage conference that Sharon and I had attended over the weekend.  If you will recall (5/19 DG), the conference was a video version of Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ now famous Love and Respect Marriage Conference.  In my summary, I wrote, “Eggerichs’ basic premise is that men and women were “wired” to have different basic (or deepest) needs.  Women are wired to need love and men are wired to need respect.  Of course, the key verse describing this different need is Ephesians 5:33 where Paul commands every man to love his wife and then goes on to command every woman to respect her husband.  This is not to say that a woman doesn’t need respect nor that a man doesn’t need love, but we’re talking about deepest or motivating need here.”  Sorry for the review, but I recognize that not everyone reads the DG every day like we do.  )  But one of Eggerichs’ foundational notions is that men and women are wired very differently. 

I just received a link earlier today to a Youtube video that brought Eggerichs’ basic idea roaring back to my head in a major way.  The video (today’s link) is how a couple of opposing players helped a player touch all the bases after hitting a home run in a softball game.  (That sentence will make a lot more sense after you watch the video.)  The story is incredibly poignant and will most likely bring a tear to your eye. 

What the two girls did was an incredible act of honor and integrity.  Note also that for performing that act, they lost the game.  My question for the day to you  is…could this even have happened if it involved two opposing teams of young men?  Would the “need for respect” that is wired into the male at birth make it virtually impossible for them to have performed this act of kindness and self-sacrifice?  And then as an extra point bonus question for the Christians among our readership, WWJD?

I’d love to hear from you on this.  Just leave a comment below.

Prayer Power
Lord, we thank You for examples of sportsmanship like we see as we watch this video.  Unfortunately, we just don’t seem to see enough of them anymore.

Link of the Day
Great sportsmanship in college softball game

Blessings on you as you ponder the meaning of sportsmanship over the next couple of days.