https://youtu.be/u9raS7-NisU?si=hDrW6z1h630hi8Jx

I wanna be defined by the things that I love

Not the things I hate

Not the things that I’m afraid of, I’m afraid of

Not the things that haunt me in the middle of the night

I, I just think that

You are what you love

T Swizzle sings this song about seeing daylight after having found love. How that love has her only looking towards the daylight.

The Bible talks frequently of light and love.

How Christ followers are supposed to be known by their love.

How Christ followers are supposed to be a light to others.

Maybe the point is that light and love are intertwined. Two parts of a whole or two sides to a coin. Love for others is seen as light. Light from others is felt as love.

Man, I want that so badly for all of us. The feeling of love and light. Of being loved and showing our light.

There is darkness to be sure. It’s easy to get confused and distracted.

You were made to be loved and to be loving.

You only have control over how loving and full of love you choose to be. It’s hard, but you’re worth it.

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – Thanks to Annie for the song and message idea.

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Yesterday’s email was about being action oriented. A good “action” to take is to seek. Here’s a daily attitude email from a few years ago about seeking.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

I think I have sent this verse out before, but yesterday I learned something new about it.

Meaghan was telling me last night that she learned that the word in Greek that was translated to seek in this verse could also be translated to crave.

Definitely brings a different perspective on seeking out our goals.

Do you have a craving for your goals?

Does your craving to lose weight outweigh your craving for chocolate?

Does your craving to save money outweigh your craving for some new clothes?

Does your craving to get smarter and better outweigh your craving to watch TV?

If we can find a way to crave our goals and what we want to become more than we crave some of the short term satisfactions of life, we can accomplish our goals and build a future filled with success and happiness.

One last point. This is an area that is a great candidate to "fake it until you make it". Find some way to trick yourself into craving your goal more than the alternative long enough to actually build up that craving.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Between saying and doing, many a pair of shoes is worn out. – Iris Murdoch

Reminder – be action oriented.

Don’t let your shoes wear out between saying and doing.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Labor Day is a great reminder of the importance of labor.

The work that so many do is meaningful and taking a day to recognize it is important.

But work and labor are also to be recognized as well.

It’s a blessing to be able to work.

To be of service to those around us.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking – I worked and labored and deserve a day of recognition and rest. And you do.

But to stop there is to miss part of the point – we must also be thankful for the opportunity to work. To add purpose and meaning to our lives in service to something bigger than ourselves.

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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I asked CoPilot to help me write the toe tapper today…..

https://youtu.be/VcjzHMhBtf0?si=AmT6TXQkpxxXIrBH

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of hope and perseverance. Released in 1981, this timeless classic has inspired countless individuals to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles they face.

The song’s powerful message is encapsulated in its chorus: “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’.” These words remind us that even in the darkest times, holding on to hope and our dreams can guide us through. The journey of life is filled with ups and downs, but maintaining faith in ourselves and our goals can make all the difference.

One of the most inspiring aspects of “Don’t Stop Believin’” is its universal appeal. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, professional setbacks, or simply feeling lost, the song’s message resonates deeply. It encourages us to keep moving forward, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future, and to never give up on our dreams.

In a work environment, this song can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Sharing it with coworkers can foster a sense of unity and motivation, encouraging everyone to support each other and keep striving towards common goals. The song’s uplifting melody and inspiring lyrics can boost morale and create a positive atmosphere, reminding everyone that together, they can overcome any challenge.

Ultimately, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience. It’s a call to action to keep believing in ourselves and our dreams, no matter what life throws our way. So, whenever you feel discouraged, remember the words of Journey and hold on to that feeling of hope and determination.

Make it a great day!

Jake + Copilot

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Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu

Reading this quote I imagined a meandering creek or river, lazily taking its time moving water from one place to another.

This week, work to hurry less.

Take a deep breath.

Relax your body.

Take the time to do it right the first time.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains. – Anne Frank

I’ve seen a few other stories and quotes like this that have come out after the Holocaust and World War II.

People that have lived through the worst this world has seen and come out focused on the beauty that remains.

And we get stuck on all this little trivial stuff.

What other people think about us.

What our friend, co-worker, etc. did or didn’t do.

What’s for lunch.

Whether or not “they” have it all wrong about that important issue.

There is a lot to worry about, to be sure. But there’s a lot of beauty that remains.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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The best way out is always through. – Robert Frost

Always might be an exaggeration here but the general thought seems to be true.

Forward and through is most often the best path forward.

Push on through what is uncomfortable to growth.

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – Jim Rohn has a good phrase here – at least for the season – stick out through whatever season you are going through. You can change directions later, but for now – see it through.

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God warms his hands at man’s heart when he prays. — John Masefield

The Bible asks us to pray without ceasing. As in – all the time.

As I get older and have met more and more people I’m convinced part of the reason is that so many of us (all) are in need of it.

We need healing.

We need hope.

We need love.

We need help.

We need prayer for all of the above.

What is prayer? What does and doesn’t prayer do? Why do some prayers get answered and others don’t? These are all questions above my pay grade and understanding.

I’m trying to take the simple approach – pray all the time for as many of us as I can think of.

Say a prayer today – for somebody who needs it.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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https://youtu.be/37wV6D49iEY?si=CKrqyWxJ5HIDmTB9

More of a slow tapper, but a good message.

One of the mysteries of the Christian faith is that Jesus dwells within.

He is there.

For the good times.

For the bad times.

For the best times.

For the worst times.

He’s with you through it all.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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