JD – “It’s like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.”

― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

EB – Well, you’re just going to kiss a few pigs along the way.

JW- I’m glad that’s over. – Ethan Warmbir

MS – But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. – James 3:17

I really liked the quote above from “The Name of The Wind”.

What a great way to look at and seek to improve our attitude and belief system about ourselves.

The story we tell ourselves in our head is that story that we build ourselves out of.

What kind of story are you building?

Looking down the road, do you see anything that you would like to change?

Why is it you are telling yourself that story?

Is it something you came up with or that someone else did?

If you could change one thing, what would it be?

Does the story fill you with anxiety and dread or hope and happiness?

You get to pick the answer to all of these questions. Choose wisely.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Never mind what others do; do better than yourself, beat your own record from day to day, and you are a success. – William J. H. Boetcker

We all already know that there is no use in comparing ourselves to others.

The idea of “keeping up with the Jones’s” is something most of us know not to try to do.

But, we still get tempted.

Jealousy still rears its ugly head.

Focus on setting your own goals. Focus on what is meaningful to you.

Break your own records. Forget what everyone else is doing.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. – Vince Lombardi

This quote always makes me think of trying to get the little things right.

The idea being that if you can practice a bunch of small action steps they can add up to bigger success and skills.

Think about your goals and desires.

What little things do you need to start practicing?

There are always small steps to get started.

Pick one and do it right.

Make it a great day.

Jake

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”

― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

Coming home after a few days out of town always feels good.

You come home with a new appreciation for everything.

You are reminded of everything you have to be thankful for.

Make it a poing to go away soon. So you can come home with new eyes.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/ZJJvyPXPssg

Today we will be spending the day at Ford Nationals in Carlisle Pennsylvania.

I know this song isn’t technically about a Ford, but close enough for me.

It’s been amazing to participate in my own small way in this community.

It has a been a great example of what can happen when a bunch of people with a similar interest and hobby get together. It creates a feeling of family and a lot of fun.

Embrace the community in your life.

Whether it be your church, your small town, your local charity group or a nationwide group of enthusiasts for Ford Broncos.

Make it a great day.

Jake

“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Yesterday my dad and I got to spend over 7 hours on the road together heading to Pennsylvania.

I used to dread long car rides like that.

But lately I’ve tried to have a better attitude about it and learn to enjoy the ride.

We can look at life the same way.

Either just a series of long car rides along the way to getting where we want to go.

Or a journey to embrace and enjoy as we move from one adventure to the next.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/l5-EwrhsMzY

A letter to a person on their first day here from Kid President.

In order to encourage you to spend the few minutes watching this one.

One line sticks out though.

I’m glad you’re here.

Make it a great day.

Jake

"America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor." – – Paul Tsongas

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Memorial Day is about remembering those who have lost their lives fighting for our great country.

It is about remembering to honor their sacrifice.

It is about remembering the price of war.

It is about remembering that freedom is worth fighting for.

It is about remembering to do our part in this great country.

It is about remembering what is important.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/2Oo8QzDHimQ

As each season passes in our lives, don’t forget to celebrate.

Don’t let a season go by without taking that time to pause for a minute and celebrate another great season.

All too often in life we get ourselves so busy and anxious, we miss out on the chance to celebrate.

Take the time to celebrate and recharge your batteries as the seasons pass.

Make it a great day.

Jake

JD – If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay in there forever. – Winnie the Pooh

MS – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

EB* – Everything in life is temporary. So if things are going good, enjoy it because it won’t last forever. And if things are going bad, don’t worry. It won’t last forever.

JW* – Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. – Dr. Seuss.

Last day of school today.

School years are a great test case for learning to embrace the seasons of each life.

Each has an exciting and challenging beginning.

Each has an end that leaves you happy and a little sad.

Watching the kids learn these lessons over the last few years has reinforced some of the thoughts from the quotes above.

Life is going to happen.

Some good, some bad. Some beginnings, some endings.

The key is to make the most of it.

Make it a great day.

Jake