MIRROR, MIRROR ...

MIRROR, MIRROR ...

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

-       I want to know what will come next;
-       I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!

-       What makes one strong and another weak?
-       What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?

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I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES

I HAVE A BOX OF MEMORIES

I have a box of memories.

Shining, bright, and bold.

I have a box of memories.

Some warm, some very cold.

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COMPASSION HEALS

COMPASSION HEALS

The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.

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THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.

  • Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?

  • Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?

  • Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?

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LET'S MAKE A DEAL

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize.  And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.”  A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.  

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COME BACK!

COME BACK!

If you want to save your soul;

come back to God.

If you want to save your family; 

come back to God.

If you want to save our country;

come back to God.

If you want to save our Church;

come back to God.

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THE WORST DAY EVER

THE WORST DAY EVER

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some good does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

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WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?

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THE TAXI RIDE

THE TAXI RIDE

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...

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Resolution

Resolution

Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did. 

What events?

Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.

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THE 100% CLUB

THE 100% CLUB

Research shows we retain...

  • 10% of what we read
  • 20% of what we hear
  • 30% of what we see
  • 50% of what we see and hear
  • 70% of what we discuss
  • 80% of what we practice
  • 95% of what we teach
  • 100% of what we love
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THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.

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THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.

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THIS TIME OF THE YEAR

THIS TIME OF THE YEAR

This time of the year is marked with certain time-honored traditions.

Purchasing of gifts for those near and far. Attending holiday parties with friends and family members. Packing up the car to make extended trips. Baking cookies, making pies, and taking out Grandma’s recipe of sweet potato casserole – the one with mini-marshmallows.

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THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

There is a missing piece of pie served at my holiday feast, and I’m not sure why.
• Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?
• Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?
• Maybe someone dropped the pie and put back what was left to cover their tracks?

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THE THANKSGIVING LETTER

THE THANKSGIVING LETTER

It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor.  Judy and her daughter, Michelle, cuddled together on their living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly. 

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THE BANK OF GOODWILL

THE BANK OF GOODWILL

I went to the Bank of Goodwill today and made a deposit -

  • I thanked my wife for her support 

  • I wished my kids a great day 

  • I recognized a fellow Associate for her great performance 

  • I opened the door for a stranger 

  • I made a customer’s vacation dreams come true 

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MAKE SOMEDAY...THIS DAY

MAKE SOMEDAY...THIS DAY

Someday, we will have that catch. Someday, we will take that walk, have that conversation, laugh, have lunch. Someday, I will write "thank you" cards, eat better, exercise more, say "I love you.” Someday, I will make a difference, dream, serve others, give more, expect less.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

MIRROR, MIRROR

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

I want to know what will come next;

I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek;

What makes one strong and another weak?

Read More
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IT'S TIME

IT'S TIME

Take a vacation... if just for a minute.

  • Slow down to take a look at a flower;

  • chat with an old friend; 

  • close your eyes and imagine something wonderful;

  • read a few lines from a good book;

  • make some popcorn (...with extra butter).

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