Control is an illusion; presence is real We, as human beings, tend to live in an eternal quest for control. Whether it is control over our finances, our kids or the path of our lives in general, we are constantly chasing the illusion that we are in total control of what's coming up next. People … Continue reading Bursting your bubble
Life’s Random Musings
The small stuff
It's not every day that you get to do something, to give of yourself in some way, that will truly make a significant difference in someone else's life. Or, is it? Yes, that's right, I've resorted to making an opening statement that I will then purposefully refute, followed by a simple question with an obvious … Continue reading The small stuff
Our questionable use of words
We, as humans, pride ourselves on our superior communications skills. Next to walking upright and operating can openers, it's the single most important attribute that separates us from our pets and our food. Over the last 40,000 years (give or take) we have refined our communications skills to the point that we now have a … Continue reading Our questionable use of words
9/11: Daring to dream of a better world
This post is a transcript of an address I gave this morning at my daughter's school, Emerson Middle School in Enid, Okla. I was reluctant to speak on this topic, but the topics we're reluctant to face are the ones we must face. I pray my words had some meaning for them, and that they … Continue reading 9/11: Daring to dream of a better world
Dela-where?
I came across this old column a few days ago and it really took me back to my early days as an east coast transplant in Oklahoma. The culture shock was pretty severe, adjusting to having no water or hills around (yes there are! look at that gypsum rock formation 10 miles away!) and having … Continue reading Dela-where?
The Ex Games
Entertainment comes in many forms. Sometimes it comes in a completely passive form, such as holding down the couch and absorbing a healthy dose of television. Sometimes it comes in more formal or organized settings, such as concerts, fairs or off-track betting venues. And, for many, entertainment takes on a more active form, such as … Continue reading The Ex Games
The gift of purpose
If you’re like me at all, you may struggle from time to time to find a deeper meaning in your daily work – a purpose in the daily grind that serves a cause much greater than our own self-interest. I think most of us want to know that our work is serving something greater … Continue reading The gift of purpose
Pray for Independence
I love Arnold Friberg’s classic painting “The Prayer at Valley Forge.” This painting depicts George Washington taking a knee in the snow, falling down before God to pray for strength and guidance at perhaps the darkest hour of the Revolution. It is a painting oft-portrayed on patriotic occasions, and I think it is very fitting … Continue reading Pray for Independence
Am I a Feminist?
This past Saturday millions of women – and men – marched in cities around the globe in response to the inauguration of a man who, at best, has been tainted with a reputation for misogyny. I’ll not go further into the politics surrounding that particular development in the history of our Republic. That’s an entirely … Continue reading Am I a Feminist?
Facing the World As It Is – A Lesson in Virtue with Anne Bronte
Today is the birthday of Anne Bronte, the youngest of the famed Bronte sisters. The birthday of arguably the most under-appreciated of the Bronte sisters would be an appropriate time to reflect on her literary work. But, that is not my purpose here. What I would like to reflect on is the role Anne played in her short … Continue reading Facing the World As It Is – A Lesson in Virtue with Anne Bronte
