Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 19

Life’s Not Fair

I don’t know how many times I have said, thought, shouted, written, contemplated, debated, scoffed that life isn’t fair.

I don’t know how many times I have been told the same saying while suffering, begging, hoping, praying, clinging, dreaming.

I wish I could see the world in black in white, but I’m lost in the land of grey. It’s like an earthly purgatory where what seems right is flipped depending on the situation and circumstances.

I often wonder how God sees the world? We are called to see the world from His perspective, but I wonder if his point of view is much bleaker than mine? Because He sees all the crud, not just the big oil spills of our souls, but the soap scum of daily complacency we tend to overlook in comparison to the mortal sins of our neighbors.

I wonder if God thinks life is fair?

I wonder if He looks down on us and shakes His head at how we mumble about fairness when we cannot extol a little grace to another?

If God sees and knows my daily flaws and shortcomings that I casually wipe away with a grace sized Bounty paper towel, is that fair?

Is the grace I receive truly fair when it was paid with pain and death? Is it fair that I can accept it with a repentant heart and a two minute prayer and then go about my way of life with my one way ticket to Heaven in my back pocket?

We speak of fairness from our perspective because we believe we deserve the best. So then others we are close to, or given a bad hand, or facing a tough situation deserve the best as well.

Sadly, life isn’t fair. Or on some grand scale is it fair, but we really don’t see it because our eyes are veiled?

Nah.

Because I cannot say a 4 year old deserves leukemia as a 90 year old rapist collects his social security checks. To me that isn’t fair.

But if I saw from God’s perspective, what would He see?

Would He see two people needing grace just the same?

Two people given a chance to receive His grace to have fairness in the afterlife. Not fairness here in the corruptible world.

I wonder if that is our problem. We long for fairness in the here and now, but fairness was never the point of our creation. We were designed to be perfect, but that only lasted until the first bite of the forbidden fruit. Then everything went to pieces.

Was it fair when God banished Adam and Eve from paradise? Yes. They messed up.

So they entered a world where mess ups were all around them. Where murder happens at traffic jams. Where drug deals happen in suburbia tennis courts. Where lies deserve promotions and backstabbing is applauded.

How can we demand fairness, when this world we are living in wasn’t created for fairness. It was created as the prison for the crimes committed in the Garden of Eden.

A prison we are all living out a life sentence for our crimes against God.

But in the midst of the decay, there is hope.

We are not bound to the life of this world forever. We will be reconciled. We will be renewed. We will be redeemed.

We will have fairness.

We just have to wait until Heaven I guess.

What do you think? Because I don’t know anymore. I’m just here thinking in the shadows of what used to be and dreaming of what will come.

Peace

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60d6bcd1cffb5', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', } } }); });

Europe is Opening Up – Italy Here We Come

Almost 2 years ago my trip to Iceland was cancelled due to Covid. But it seems I will be returning to Europe soon.

I purchased some plane tickets in February in hopes of going to Amsterdam with my family in August. I was optimistic that COVID wouldn’t stop the world for 2021 as well. Slowly, some countries were opening up, but The Netherlands was not.

I was fearful of not being about to go. So I booked a flight for us to head to California. The price of the tickets were astonishingly cheap. And apparently the airline company knew that and cancelled them a couple of days later.

I woke up disappointed when saw the cancellation email. But then I remembered something that made my heart rise up. I got a Scott’s Cheap Flights email about Italy the night before. And Italy was already starting to open up.

So I got up, quickly scurried to see if the flights were still cheap. In a matter of 20 minutes I had transferred our tickets to Milan.

So, I wonder if third times the charm?

Because this year I have booked 3 different flights for this one week in August. So, I’m hoping this one will stick.

But to think of it, there are some other threes. For this trip.

This will be my third time exploring Italy.

Through the trips to Italy my group has gotten bigger from going by myself first, then taking my sister and mom the second time, to now adding my other sister and niece to the three of us. 5 of us together for a week.

This will also mark the third trip I’ve taken my mom over seas. (Ireland, Italy and Italy).

This will also be the third time going to Venice.

When my sister Lori mentioned going to Venice, I didn’t shake my head and say I’ve already been there. Venice is like a city untouched. It just seems imaginary with the canals and lack of vehicles. It seems like stepping back in time and after this year, going back in time seems like a wonderful idea.

Going back to the days of getting lost in the mazing alleyways of Venice while trying to find the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s Plaza while eating my second helping of gelato for the day.

Italy is a place of no judgement when it comes to eating. And I plan to indulge as usual.

But this trip marks a nice change in adding two new travelers, my sister and niece. I laugh to myself and wonder if this will be a one and done trip with them. If my traveling tendencies will get them annoyed. My cheap hotels where you can spread your arms and touch both walls. Yes, I’ve been able to do that when I’ve traveled alone. I think a few of my hotel rooms in the past have been closets they turned to rooms. Just put a temporary number on the door and voila, you got a room.

I’m looking forward to this trip. The scenery looks amazing since we will be going to 6 cities in 7 days (5 cities I have never been to.) We shall see various types of Italian culture, history and atmosphere.

But I think the memories made will be best part. The train ride conversations. The nighttime strolls in the quiet villages as the tourist leave for the day. The number of smiling photographs (hopefully smiling). Maybe I’ll even drink an Italian latte…nah.

So, Europe is open for travel. Let’s cross our fingers that it stays that way for the next 50 days.

And who knows…maybe another trip in the fall if cheap flights arise.

Peace

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60d54e2937dfe', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', onClick: function() { window.__tcfapi && window.__tcfapi( 'showUi' ); }, } } }); });

I’m Not a Model

One look at me and you will notice I am not a model. I don’t have the chiseled muscles, the strong jawbone, the height…I am definitely not a model.

There are other things I definitely am not.

I could list my non-accomplishments with ease.

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Apostle Paul to the Church of Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:30)

I hear people say often that God qualifies the called.

I do believe that. I believe with God anything is possible.

But I also believe God has blessed each of us in different ways and we are to use our talents and gifts for Him.

I will never boast about my painting skills in order to show the glory of God because my painting will look like a Picasso when I was really trying to paint a cat. I didn’t intend on the cat looking sideways. Picasso good. Me bad.

So I will never use my weakness in that way.

But I will use what God has blessed me with to share His love.

We can say God used David to defeat Goliath. But we can also say, God blessed him with strength and skills from being a shepherd to defeat Goliath.

Did David need great accuracy with a slingshot with God on his side? No. But God allowed David to use his strengths to defeat Goliath. Not so David could boast, but so David could point to God.

There are many people in the Bible who used their skills for God. And God blessed them.

So, let’s come back to you.

What are your strengths? What are you good at? What is something that comes natural?

Do you not think God, the maker of your DNA, formed you to be great at woodworking, or electronics, or even pole vaulting?

Do you think your skills and talents are just flukes?

Well, with God there are no flukes. Your strengths and weaknesses were ordained by God. And God wants to use both of them.

So, what are you doing with your talents?

Are you using your gifts to share the love of Christ?

Are you using that skill that other people marvel at to help make the world a little better?

You may think, what can you do? How can one person change the world?

If you want to know, take a look in the Bible. Without David stepping up, who knows what would have happened. Or what if Mary said “No,” to the Angel. What if Moses stayed silent? What if Rahab didn’t let in those two spies? What if Saul didn’t become Paul? What if?

What if you keep your talents to yourself?

You may think nothing will change.

But what if it does cause a change?

What if your step of faith causes another to step out. And then someone sees that other person step out in faith and they decide to step out.

You may think one person can’t make a difference, but God created you for a purpose. He created you for a difference. If God didn’t need to use you, He wouldn’t have created you. Nothing God creates is without a purpose.

It’s time to find your purpose and step out.

I just won’t be stepping out on the catwalk.

Peace

If you enjoy my blogs, check out my books available on Amazon or where books are sold. Unsung is always Free.

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60cd5be70d086', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', onClick: function() { window.__tcfapi && window.__tcfapi( 'showUi' ); }, } } }); });

Lunch With a Fellow Dreamer

Last week I was on vacation. I spent the first half of the week editing my next book. Then I spent the second half reading and editing my book I hope to release around October (it’s my first spooky novel).

I got a text from a fellow dreamer about lunch. So I jumped at it.

There is something so refreshing to talk openly about dreams, passions, ideas, thoughts. To not see the deer in headlights look, but the aha look of knowing how I feel.

We spent an hour discussing books, songwriting, and other possible ventures in the future.

Oh, did I mention he is in his 60s.

It’s never too late to dream.

God can stir hearts, open doors, ignite a passion inside you no matter your age.

You just have to be foolish enough to follow.

That reminds me of one my favorite songs, Fool for You on This Mystery album. The chorus says

I would be a fool for You, all because You asked me to.

A simpleton who’s seemingly naive,

I do believe, You came and made Yourself a fool for me.

Nichole Nordeman

Maybe we all need to be a little foolish. Maybe we all need to get a little crazy. Because mediocrity is often overlooked.

But you can never overlook crazy.

My truest character is an introvert who hates attention. I’m a wallflower by nature. In a room of a hundred people, I will be hidden somewhere sitting along the edges.

But when I feel passionate about something, I don’t mind to get a little attention. Because ultimately, I’m not trying to bring attention to me and my myself, but I hope it comes off as bringing the spotlight to Him.

I hope when people see my books, they don’t think, Eric is cocky. But I hope they read them and see the faith written through the pages.

I hope when people see my blog posts, they don’t think, there he goes again. But I hope they read them and feel inspired by the words given to me by the One that inspires me.

I hope when people see my crazy side and they wonder…I hope they think…I hope they consider. What does he have that I’m missing?

And then I hope they ask.

And then I hope I’m brave enough to share.

I hope that even though I’m a simpleton who’s seemingly naive, I do believe, You came and made Yourself a fool for me.

Peace

If you enjoy these blogs posts, check out my books. If not for any other reason than to show you, if I can do it, you can do whatever God places on your heart.

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60cc4b0812b90', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', } } }); });

Free Book Monday

Who doesn’t like free?

For 2 days starting Monday, June 14th you can download my latest book.

This book has been a passion of mine for years. It brought me to wonder, question, research, consider, dream of the possibility of what happened in these days that were not recorded in historical books.

To me, these days are the darkest days in history.

I would appreciate a review if you take me up on this free offer.

Peace

If you enjoy this book, check out my other books. And coming in July 2021, the third installment of Solomon’s Dreams – The Price of Freedom.

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60c700a4891aa', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', onClick: function() { window.__tcfapi && window.__tcfapi( 'showUi' ); }, } } }); });

Friends and Their Podcasts

I’m not a big podcast listener, but I have various friends in my circle that each have a podcast. If you enjoy podcasts you may want to check these out.

1. One Life Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-life-podcast/id1434594186?i=1000523198043

This podcast is hosted by my friend Sarah Inman and pastor Bret Nicholson. You do not have to attend One Life Church to listen because topics vary each week with guests from inside and outside the church to discuss and dissect the issue of the week.

Sarah puts a fresh voice to the issues with her inquisitive nature while Bret adds his perspective with his years of experience and knowledge.

The banter is comical at times with doses of seriousness. It’s like sitting down at a coffee shop with a couple of friends. But with each episode I usually come away with a new insight or takeaway.

So, if you are interested in hearing topics such as marriage and family, social issues, community services and involvement, and anything else they want to broadcast, give it a shot.

It won’t disappoint.

2. John and Paula’s Bible Study

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-and-paulas-bible-study/id1509494997?i=1000524955856

This podcast is hosted by a husband and wife duo, John and Paula Wallace who I have grown quite fond of in the last few years. And in their intro they warn this is a podcast for beginnings to bring their brain and their sense of humor, an open mind and thick skin.

And that sums up their show perfectly.

John has a well of knowledge as he cracks open the Bible and goes verse by verse sharing his findings from years of biblical studies. And Paula…well, Paula is the pupil who asks the questions we were all thinking. But it’s not a boring Bible study to say the least.

This podcasts gives the listeners a peak into their life, because how they act on the show is how they act in real life. One minute you may be laughing out loud with their zingers and Paula’s personable attitude and the next you could be thinking, “Huh…I didn’t know that.”

So, if you are looking for a new podcast that is out of the ordinary of your typical Bible study, definitely give this one a try.

But be warned….bring your brain and thick skin.

3. We Love That Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-love-that-podcast/id1568926575?i=1000000000000

This podcast is hosted by my fellow YoungLife leader, Paxton Pritchett with his two co-hosts Garrett and Adam. This is a really new podcast with only a few episodes. They are learning and growing.

But if you are interested in the Marvel Universe, DC Comics, the latest Lord of the Rings announcement, television show in the works, or Anime, give this podcast a listen.

This show centers on these 3 early 20 something guys love of a plethora of topics and they proudly proclaim their love as they will say, “We love Star Wars,” or “We love George Lucas,” or “We love that podcast!”

They are vocal with their loves and they each have a speciality or niche. But they also know what they don’t like. Sometimes they agree and sometimes it’s a difference of opinion, but they each give a unique take on the Hollywood scene with their loves.

So, if you are interested in a playful podcast of news, opinions, and comedy rages, give this podcast a try.

I know this post is out of the norm, but just trying the spread the word of some of my friends passions. And that is what my blog is usually about, encouraging people to take that step into the unknown.

So congrats to each of you on your podcast journey. You never know who may be listening next and from where.

And if you are reading this and you have a passion or dream of starting a podcast, look into it. Research it. Keep thinking and planning. And then do it. If my friends can do it, so can you. Anything is possible with Him.

Peace

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60c30bd4ce173', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', } } }); });

Made For This…What Were You Made For?

A couple of days ago this question was asked, “What is your made for this?”

That question caused my insides to churn in a good way. Like a country full of butterflies in my stomach.

So, here I go.

I feel like my made for this moment has changed through the years. Not to say I was wrong in the past, but I had to journey to where I am at. And the mysteries of God may lead me to a new moment in the years to come.

In college I thought I was made to be an accountant. I graduated. Earned my degree. Passed my CPA. And worked day in and day out as a CPA.

But I have come to learn that me being a CPA isn’t what I was made to do. This is my occupation to allow me to learn and grow in other areas.

But God instilled something else in me.

So often I hear people quote this verse

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

But God has more than one plan. He has plans.

So for years I was a closeted writer. Only a few people knew I wrote. I tried for years to get my books published, get an agent, get a foot in the door. But it never happened. I would get good feedback, but “We are going to pass. It’s a good story, but you are unknown.”

So I continued to write secretly.

My second book I wrote was an inspirational book to encourage people to chase their dreams God gave them. I tried to get it published. It failed again.

I sat it in the corner in my closet for a decade. But occasionally I would dig it out and read it. I soon realized, what if God had me to write this book not to encourage others, but to remind myself to keep following Him? So I felt at peace. I had a book God gave me to remind myself He is faithful through the journey I have been on. And He will be faithful for what comes ahead.

Years passed and other books were written. No deals.

Finally I let a few people read my books. I opened myself to be told, these are awful and to stop living in a dream world.

But I was told they were good. Like, really good and to release it. (I have learned to have those friends who will tell you the truth and not what you want to hear.)

So after a year of waiting I released my first book.

I felt a nervousness that the secret is out. I’m a nerdy guy who sits at home in his free time and writes. But then reviews started coming and the majority praised the book.

I’m nothing special. I’m just a guy who wrote a book and released it. But I hoped it caused other people to think their dreams were possible.

So I pulled out my little book I used to encourage myself and released it.

I wanted this book to be used to help other believers chase the dreams God has given them.

But I have learned that as people age, many stop dreaming. I have been told by someone that I use the word passion more than anyone else they know.

They may have been saying it as an insult but I took it as a compliment because we are called to be different. We have Christ in us and we should be changed. We should want to share the Good News we have in an outlet we love. So I have chosen writing.

The interesting part of my writing journey is even though 10 years ago I thought this was my made for this moment. It isn’t.

I like to write. I like to concoct ideas and create characters and plot lines that will keep people guessing.

But do you want to know what I love?

I love helping people discover their made for this!

Since releasing my books I have discovered a group of people who dream but didn’t know what to do.

So now I have a circle of people I would have never met that I get to encourage on their journey. We discuss our various ideas and encourage one another.

I know I may be strange. I tend to not have a large group of adult friends but more acquaintances. But I have a good small group of friends who love and support me.

So I spend some of my time leading a group of middle school and high school guys. I see potential in the students of this day.

When I talk to adults about their dreams, many don’t dream. Many don’t get excited very much.

When I talk to students about dreams, they have them. Their eyes light up on things they want to do.

So I pour into them and their love of video games because God can use that. I pour into their enthusiasm in golf because God can use that. I pour into their creative side because God can use that.

But so often we lose that sense of wonder. We lose that butterfly feeling and we succumb to being an adult.

And our dreams die.

But I’m here to say God is still dreaming of what you can do for Him.

You may say, I like to paint, or I like soccer, or I’m good at baking, or I love to landscape my yard. But how can God use that?

God can use all of our skills and talents to further His kingdom. It’s when we don’t use what He’s given us when I believe we sadden the Holy Spirit.

If you don’t think God can use your love of painting, have you ever looked up the sky with the swirling blues and clouds. God is a painter and creator.

And have you ever looked at a kangaroo with its powerful kicking legs? Is there no reason for the kangaroos? Then there is a reason for your soccer skills as well.

Why only bake for yourself when there are people who long for a nice meal or the education to provide for their family.

And God causes the grass to grow and the flowers to bloom. He called Adam to tend the ground.

Our God is a creative God who can mesh our skills with His plans to come up with an incredible journey with Him.

God can use your talents to lead other people to Him.

But you have to trust Him and allow Him to use you.

I often tell people that if you expect everything to go well when we follow God, you are wrong, I’m still waiting to break even on my books.

But if you measure success in the eyes of man, you will never reach it. It’s like selling your soul to the world. There is nothing there to gain.

But I tell people,

Success is the act of obedience. And ultimately when you follow Him, you grow closer to Him. And that is the real success. Knowing Christ more.

So even though my made of this moments have evolved through the years, I’m excited to see what He has in store for the days to come.

So, if you ever need encouragement or help finding your made for this moment. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Come on, walk with me. Who knows what journey is ahead.

Peace

If you are interested in my Dream Chasers book!

Here is a recent review

I loved this book. I knew after the first page that I would. Its simple truths stirred my spirit and reminded me of the faithfulness of God. If you need a pick me you, I would suggest that you read this book. It will bless your soul. If you are feeling a tad bit spiritually sluggish, this should get you back in tune. I am glad I picked it up to read. It was the set time for me. I want to read it again and create a music playlist of all the songs mentioned. I was too far along to start but this book should be reread periodically to catch its insights.

Amazon Customer

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60c18a7ddb289', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', } } }); });

Lessons in Love from the Single Guy

Tonight I spent some time with a good group of high school guys. We laughed, had ice ice cream, drove around and talked. Mostly them mocking me…but I’m used to it. I dish it right back out.

Then the topic of relationships came up.

“You need a girl, Eric! We’ll set you up on Tinder. You’re so lonely.”

I’m so lonely as I spend a evening with a car full of guys driving around, investing in them, laughing, buying ice cream…and I’m lonely.

It’s interesting the people who always tell me I must be lonely are people I spend time with. So, if I’m lonely, does that make you lonely? Nah. They never see it that way.

Or if I were in a relationship, would I be spending my Monday nights with a group of teenage guys or with my wife? Would I be hiking with a group of middle school guys or with my wife? Would I be watching a movie with a group of students or with my wife?

People may think I’m lonely. But I usually have my weeks packed with things to do.

But the thing is, I don’t invest in the next generation because I have free time and I need something to fill it. I invest because I see potential in the next generation and I just want to encourage them and give them advice that will lead in a good direction.

So, after they got off me for a second we started talking about cologne. There was a skunk smell outside and the bad smell brought up what smells good. They mentioned various colognes and I said, “If you want something cheap that is good, get Bath & Body Works men’s lotion and apply it on your skin. It smells like cologne and you can get good deals on it.”

One of my guys said, “I couldn’t go in there. What if a girl saw me. I’ll tell my mom to go in for me.”

I said, “No, let the girl see you. She may like you more. And if she asks, tell her your buying something for your mom and then when she leaves get your stuff. A guy who buys his mom a present will look good to a girl.”

One of my guys said, “No, it won’t.”

I said, “Trust me. It will. You may want to date and have a good time with a girl who doesn’t care what you think about your mom, but you’re not going to want to marry that girl.”

He nodded his head and agreed. “That makes sense.”

As we got into one night stands and those are not good. Don’t do it.

“You’ve never had one, Eric? You’re single.”

“Never. And you shouldn’t either. If you have two little kids with two different baby mommas, you did it wrong. Marriage first.”

Parents, kids want to talk. If they aren’t talking to you, who are they talking to? Because they are talking to someone. Try to find out who their sphere of influence is. Try to find out who they are talking to.

I may be single but I know a few things.

There are fish in the sea who want to be hooked. And then there are fish like me who enjoys swimming alone.

Most people may never understand. They see their typical life with their spouse and kids and believe that is the life everyone wants. So when they see someone without what they have then they need to be fixed.

As if singleness is a disease and there is a vaccine to cure it.

I’ve had various guys I’ve mentored through the years and most have brought up my relationship status. They have all had hopes of finding me a woman. As if finding a wife will fix me.

But I didn’t know I was broken? Guess I’ve been lying to myself my entire life of being happily single.

Nah.

I’m happily single.

And I’m happy spending my evenings with a group of students who care enough for me to want to make sure I was happy. Guys who prod and joke at my loser status but also willing to listen to me for a few minutes as I pour into them in hopes of them not making a mistake that could drastically change their future.

But I just want to let them know. If I ever get married, I won’t be buying your ice cream anymore.

I will be buying my wife’s. So enjoy Cold Stone with me while you can. Who knows what the future holds.

And if anyone sees my picture on Tinder…it’s not me.

Peace

The COVID 10…I Joined a Gym

I used to go to the gym a few times a week to stay somewhat healthy…then COVID happened. I quit my gym and started eating out every supper to help the local economy and my pants felt the pain.

I’ve heard of the Freshman Fifteen. But I picked up the COVID Ten.

So today I stepped back into the gym for the first time in over a year.

Gyms are a strange place. It feels like middle school all over again thinking everyone is watching and judging you.

But most likely, I was the only one looking at me.

Isn’t that how life is?

We wear a black and blue sock by accident and notice it at work. Wondering if anyone will notice. Usually when I do things like this I laugh and show people and they normally say, “I didn’t notice anything.”

Even though we have left middle school, we still have the middle school antics of not wanting to be judged. But constantly feeling like we are being judged.

Most likely, no one is paying attention to your mess ups, goofs, or mix-matches, because most people are focusing on their own.

Does that give you a little boost in your confidence? I hope it does.

So, if you packed on a few extra pounds, no one cares except probably you. If your hair is a little grayer, no one cares except most likely you.

So why not do something crazy. Take a chance on something new. Because most likely, if you fail, no one will really care except for you.

So, do you have a dream of writing a book? Start writing it.

Do you have a dream of recording a podcast? Then record it and put it out there.

Do you have a dream of releasing an album? Then play your music proudly.

Do you have a dream of baking, cooking, playing, doing, creating, drawing, painting, sculpting, skating, kicking, shooting, crafting, sanding, acting, sewing, healing, saving, blogging…then do it.

The only one stopping you is yourself.

God has given each one of us a passion.

A talent.

A skill.

A usefulness.

So, are you going to use it to be useful?

Or are you going to keep it hidden for only yourself to dream about?

Dreaming is good, but if you don’t act upon your dreaming, you are no different than a non dreamer sitting around bursting peoples bubbles with their naysayer antics.

You have two options. To do or not to do.

Who knew Shakespeare was so philosophical?

So, may you take this time to realize, no one really cares if you fail. You may be a punchline for a week, but it will fade.

But what if you succeed?

No punchlines.

No laughingstock.

No poking fun at your expense.

What if your dream, a dream God gave you, changes you? What if it changes someone else? What if it changes the world?

It could happen.

But you never know unless you give it a try.

If you need a little more encouragement, check out my book, Dream Chasers.

We all can be Dream Chasers. We were born to be it.

Fare the Well

I cannot believe it’s May 31st. May will be over in a few hours and June will begin. Where does the time go?

It has been a pretty busy month. Tax season took up half of it. Long nights and weekends. Then normalcy happened with busy weekends and weeknights.

There are not enough hours in a day.

It is strange how every day we have the same amount of time, but there are days that seem more productive and fulfilling.

A new week has started and Tuesday is about to begin. Are you already counting down to the weekend?

Why do we struggle and limp through the majority of our life? Shouldn’t we truly count down to every minute we live?

But we don’t.

We have dreams of grandeur with vacations, getaways, retirements, three-day weekends. We look forward to these milestones, but overlook the millions grains of sand along our way.

A tiny grain of sand may be insignificant. But tell that to a beach. A tiny grain of sand may be minuscule, but what if there were no deserts. You may think tomorrow is just a grain of sand, but what are you going to do with it?

You have a couple of options.

You can do nothing.

Or you can use it. Use it as a building block. Build upon the days like a sand castle.

You may think your days are pointless, but it takes hundreds of thousands of grains of sand to build a small tower in the gigantic sand castle.

So, what are you going to do with tomorrow?

Waste it?

Hope for it to pass quickly?

Or use it?

It’s your choice how you use each day.

It’s your choice how you use your life.

You only have one of each.

How will you use it?

Maybe tomorrow will be the start of a dream? Or maybe a day to plan? Or maybe a day to move forward? Or maybe a day do the unthinkable…live it like it was your last.

I hope you have a great one.

I’m going to try.

Peace

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: 'atatags-26942-60b5e9dfa8974', location: 120, formFactor: '001', label: { text: 'Advertisements', }, creative: { reportAd: { text: 'Report this ad', }, privacySettings: { text: 'Privacy', } } }); });