https://youtu.be/ApAth15BXVc?si=ugfT14LOaOWIa67_

Listened to a Jim Rohn session on worry last night.

He described worry as a thief that can rob us of our purpose, our joy and our future.

So let’s end the week with a reminder – don’t worry (bout a thing)!

At least for the weekend….give it a shot.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed. – Charles M. Schulz

This sure feels like for me. As I get older and hopefully wiser – the preciousness of time becomes more and more apparent.

Today’s reminder is to make the most of each day.

Not in some hedonistic chase for the easiest and most pleasurable result.

But in pursuit of the highest service in love.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

Jesus said the following when asked what is the greatest commandment. The crowd then asked him “Who is our neighbor?" (Jake paraphrase)

Jesus then launched into the story of the Good Samaritan.

How a man was robbed, beaten and left for dead on the side of the road.

How many “good people” passed by and didn’t offer help but a Samaritan (an enemy and hated nearby country) stopped, helped the man and took care of him.

The story is meant to illustrate that loving our neighbor involves even those we think we don’t like.

After the attacks on September 11th – we banded together as a country and loved our neighbors better than we had in a long time.

The difference was noticeable and the country was better.

Right now we are going through an election cycle that leaves many feeling like their “neighbor” is hard to love. That we are so different and polarized that love has no place.

But that’s just not true. Loving our neighbors is needed now, just as much as it was in the wake of the horrific attacks of that horrible day.

Our need to come together is still as important as it was in response to the hatred and evil shown on that day.

I’m going to work on loving my neighbor during this cycle and I’d like it if you joined me.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal. – E. Joseph Cossman

As I get older I realize that a key ingredient to peace and joy is to keep your eyes on the goal.

To not let others or distractions get in the way.

That’s the easy part. The hard part is to pick the right path.

We can follow a path of selfishness. This will lead to heartbreak and disappointment.

We can follow a path of selfless love and service. This will lead to joy and peace.

Choose wisely.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. – Herman Melville

Jim Rohn says “it’s hard to find a rich hermit”.

On this planet, our success and significance are tied to relationships.

This is a great area to apply the laws of sowing and reaping.

We sow into relationships by being of service, caring about others, being humble and generally being the kind of person we’d like to be in relationship with.

The more we sow, the more we reap.

We also don’t get to control the reaping process. It isn’t a quick fix or a short term situation. It plays out over a lifetime through continual sowing and reaping.

What is something you can do today to get to sowing?

Make it a great day.

Jake

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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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