Videos

This page contains the resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. Admittedly, it is an eclectic list. It contains everything from quotes and books that I like to podcasts, videos, and slideshows.

If you don’t want to scroll through the entire list, you can click on one of the links below and filter the resources by specific category.

I will update this list as I discover new resources. If you have a resource you think I should add, please email me.

Today is Veterans Day, a day on which we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorates the official end of World War I during the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of November, 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

President Woodrow Wilson recognized the first Armistice (Veterans) Day on November 11, 1919 when he proclaimed:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

This short video is courtesy of a young friend of ours, Brandon Hess. 

Brandon submitted this short film as his entry for Sean Hannity’s (Fox News) “Great American Video Contest“  in 2010.

The video, which won first place in the national contest, was shot entirely on location in and around the Harrisburg region and the actors featured all served in our military.

Brandon and his wife Tara, are currently living in California and are writing the feature version of their thesis film, First in Flight, which depicts the story of the Wright Brothers.

They also have started a production company under the label of Hess-Tucker Productions and are making a difference in Hollywood!

Much of the freedoms we enjoy today in our country are attributable to the sacrifices made on our behalf by many brave men and women.

To coin a familiar phrase “Freedom is not free!”

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If you cross paths with a veteran today, I’d like to encourage you to take a moment and in the spirit of Brandon’s film, pass along some honor today!

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If you care to add to your “thank you” a random act of kindness, go for it!

THANK YOU to all those who have served our nation to ensure we have the opportunity to live the lives we so richly enjoy! 

If you know of a veteran who may be blessed by Brandon’s film, by all means share via the Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn buttons or pass along an email.

Photos Courtesy of Brittany Castillejo

One never knows where a rabbit trail may lead.

One simply has to follow the trail to see where the path may unfold.

I was in rabbit-trail mode earlier today and the journey was worth the time spent.

In the course of surfing some of my usual websites this morning before I left for work, I came across the following quote:

“Employees dread the work week and live for the weekend. Their world is made up of two spheres, work and play. The rich don’t know the difference. Their work is their play because they’re passionate about what they do.” – Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad)

Given it was a Monday morning and the work week awaited, it was an invitation to ponder a few thoughts which are out of the norm.

I certainly aspire to my work being my play.

I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad several years ago but the quote escaped my memory.

I decided to Google the entire quote and was lead to this article, written by Robert Kiyosaki.

Running a little late to get out the door, I postponed reading it until later in the day.

Good move. It allowed me time to think.

There are times, if I allow it to consume me, where I think about the traction I am making on my efforts to write content for my blog.

The content for the most part comes easily.

It is making the time amidst a busy schedule which is the challenge.

I read about many bloggers with thousands of subscribers.  At this point, that ain’t me!

Yet!

However, if I allow it to consume me the thought can be discouraging.

Not this time.

The rabbit trail lead to much encouragement.

Kiyosaki’s article highlighted a story about Caine’s Arcade.

I will defer to you to watch the video on this post to catch the story.

Although the article, and rightfully so, is about Caine’ passion for what he does it spoke a different message to me.

It reminded me of an obscure yet powerful verse found in the Old Testament:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin….” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT)

For me, it is putting one foot in front of another (and repeating the process over and over and over) which matters.

It is the advent of small incremental steps toward a sustainable and realistic goal which counts.

I may not be reaching thousands at this point, but I am reaching more than one.

Your feedback and comments are testimony to it, which I sincerely appreciate and in which I am often encouraged.

What about you?

Are there things in your life where you might be tempted to wonder why you are doing what you set out to do in the first place, becoming frustrated by the “slowness” of the process?

If so, I would encourage you to “not despise the day of small beginnings” and to gain some perspective by carving out some time to listen and learn from Caine’s story.

Not only is the story heartwarming, there is a lesson for all of us to absorb.

  • Take the first step.
  • Put one foot in front of the other.
  • Repeat the process, over and over and over as you walk the road toward your destination.
  • Enjoy the journey.
  • Forget about all those you may not be reaching and focus more on those you might be reaching.
  • It’s not about you and it’s not about me.
  • It’s really about those with whom we share our stories and lives.

In what ways can you see yourself getting past the concern of your small beginnings and focusing more on enjoying the journey?

Are there times in your life where the seemingly impossible is staring you in the face and will not disappear?

Is the path before you laden with obstacles, small and large, which stop your forward progress before you dare to take the first step?

Does the inaudible voice inside your head scream to get your attention, “Don’t even try to do this, it cannot be done!” ?

Has the weight of self-limiting thoughts squeezed you so hard that every bit of imagination and desire to think in terms of the “possible” vanished?

If so, you are not alone!

Without going into great detail, I have been bombarded lately with wave after wave of thoughts telling me:

  • “It’s useless, nothing is going to change.”
  • “Try all you want, you won’t succeed”.
  • “You are stuck with your situation; it is what it is and there is nothing you can do about it.”

Unless I intentionally change the tuner to a different frequency, the thoughts will morph into actual beliefs.

I cannot allow that to happen.

I can recall many times encouraging the ladies on my basketball team, “do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do!”

Perhaps it is time to down some of my own medicine.

Thank God for the input of others and timely answers to my prayers.

I read a post earlier today written by my friend, Jen McDonough. A nugget she shared had the effect of nudging my thoughts in a more positive direction.

Jen states, “Stepping into your fears will bring you to the most thrilling achievements in your life.”

I was also reminded of a book I read last year, Do the Work, by Steven Pressfield.

In the book, Pressfield asserts the following:

“There is an enemy (which he identifies as the Resistance). It is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us. Step one is to recognize this. This recognition alone is enormously powerful. It saved my life, and it will save yours.”

Recalling the book allowed me to take aim at an identified target and begin the process of moving in the direction of the “possible”.

As beneficial as these thought vitamins were to me, consuming a visual anecdote tipped the scales in favor of destroying the aforementioned thoughts determined to take me down.

I’d like to thank my son-in-law, Jeff, for passing along the video I share with you today. It turned the tide for me!

As you begin to watch the video if your thoughts are anything like mine you might be saying, “this guy is nuts”.

You might have a point.

Danny MacAskill, the mountain biker, returned to his native home on the Isle of Skye in Scotland to take on a death-defying ride along the Cuillin Ridgeline.

At the outset of the short film Danny states:

“Growing up in Skye, the Cuillins for me have always been a very inaccessible place…I always wondered if it would be possible to ride my mountain bike up there”.

I do not think I will be saddling up with Danny anytime soon!

However, he allowed me to travel with him in the theater of my mind to many, many places.

In thinking of his quest, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

He entertained “the possible” instead of succumbing to the impossible.

As you watch the clip, allow the scenery to overwhelm you.

It will!

More importantly, let the “possible” drown out the “impossible” circumstances you may be facing.

Step into your fears.

Do the work.

Allow what’s possible to take you to places you otherwise thought were impossible.

As you do, consider this truth:

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

What seemingly impossible thing in your life can be overcome be entertaining what might be possible?

 

T.G.I.F!

Four letters strung together.

Everyone knows what they mean.

Thank God it’s Friday!                            

Those four letters are the National Anthem of workers everywhere and the lament of the weekend warrior.

Translated, “the work week is over, I am outta here, and I get a brief respite from whatever it is I do the other five days of the week.”

Stop what you are doing.

NOW!

Check out this post-game interview with Apollos Hester, a young football player for East View High School in Austin, Texas.

It’s gone viral and it is just the shot you need, I need.

It’s time to jack up your Friday!

Let’s add some cayenne, chipotle, and jalapeno all wrapped up into one!

This interview demonstrates the power of words spoken with heart and conviction.

Here are a few sound bites for you to chew on and digest.

  • “Sometimes in life you might start slow….it’s how you finish.”
  • “All that it takes is an attitude to be successful…it will be hard…you’re going to have to fight for it.”
  • “Believe you will be successful…no matter what the scoreboard might say…because if you put in the time….hard work…effort…it will pay off.”
  • “Even if it doesn’t…give God the glory.”
  • “Win or lose….we will be all right.”
  • “It’s a mindset….you can do anything you want to do…never give up on your dreams.”
  • “If you fall down….get up…just get up…others will help you…God will help you up.”

Here’s hoping this short clip launches you into your weekend and it gets off to a great start!

If you want a bonus dose of inspiration, check out this interview.

T.G.I.F!

This past Saturday was a perfect day.

The sunlight was brilliant and the air was crisp.

The clouds were puffy white, with a gentle, cool summer breeze escorting them across the Windsor skyline.

We were in the company of our two stroller bound grandchildren, Danalyn and Garrett, as their Mom and Dad were off for some alone time.

As we made our way through the Windsor Royal Shopping open market, a small crowd gathered.

Both of the children fell fast asleep as we made our way through the small group of people.

We had to stop and take in the moment.

The unexpected snuck up on us and invited itself into our world, even for a brief moment or two.

It was a gift of God given to us by a complete stranger.  Please allow me to share it with you in this short video.

A young woman, Jennifer Coleman, with the voice of an angel offered her gift to any and all who would listen.

Jackie and I stood in awe of what we heard, simply enjoying the moment.

I was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down my face and my voice quivering as I tried to explain to Jackie what I was experiencing.

God met me in the moment and it is one which I will not forget. The gift of song completely swept over me like a wave at the ocean.

You may or may not enjoy classical music. It was my first dip in this pool.

However, it would be well worth your time to check out what this young woman has to offer as she attempts to support her studies at The Royal College of Music in London.

Her collection, Simple Gifts, is outstanding!

Seth Godin in his book, Tribes, talks about one offering their art to those who would follow. It does not have to be perfect art, simply art offered and improved upon in the process.

You do not have to sing soprano.

Nor do you have to paint formally as my sister-in-law, Joan, does. Although I may be biased her art is well worth the time to stop by her online gallery.

You simply have to offer what you may have.

Your offering could be:

  • The gift of working with children as my wife offers each day of the school year.
  • A smile offered to a stranger.
  • Making someone laugh.
  • Doing the dishes while visiting another’s home.
  • Creating masterful cupcakes to share with a neighbor.

My encouragement to you is this. Please offer your gift, whatever it may be, with those in your world.

You never know when what you have to offer might make another’s day!

How might this post encourage you to share whatever gift you might have to offer?

 

I’ll spare you the play-by-play account and allow the message of this short clip to stir you. 

You may never know the full impact of a kind word expressed, a hug given, taking a moment to listen to someone, or a simple smile shared.

I encourage you to give the gift of SIGNIFICANCE to another. 

Choose to take what you have, who you are, and make a difference in someone’s life – TODAY!

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday and we are going to detour a little and talk about food.

If breakfast is on your mind, maybe an omelet or bacon and eggs might suit you.

Perhaps you have a craving for a salad or wrap for lunch.

Dinner, or “supper” as it is referred to in my neck of the woods, offers endless possibilities.

Are you hungry for eggplant?  How do you like it prepared?

  • Deep fried?
  • In lasagna?
  • As the featured item in a salad?
  • Not at all? (My personal vote!)

Personally speaking, eating eggplant is like biting into a sponge – tasteless for sure!

If I was forced to choose, I would go the route of Eggplant Parmesan.

At least the cheese and pasta sauce would serve as a disguise and hide the main attraction.

For a healthier version check this out.

In my version of Eggplant Made Easy, check out this video clip as you head into your weekend – it’s time for a feel good story.

Hopefully, the interview will encourage you.  Below are a few sound bites:

  • “His faith has often times gotten him through…He’s showing me “Hey, I’m real”.
  • “You can cut a million eggplants and you will probably never see that again…God is..within us.  He has different ways of showing it within our lives.”
  • “I don’t know what it means…all I know is it tells me…He real… and nothing else can change my mind about that!”

Was God trying to get this man’s (or others) attention?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

I’ll defer to your judgment on the question.

One day while traveling for work, I had a similar experience. Nothing earth shattering.

To me, it was a simple reminder of His presence.

If you care to read it about it, you can do so here.

A verse comes to mind:

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.  And now…He has spoken to us through his Son” Hebrews 1:1-2 (NLT)

The way I see it – He speaks!

The real question is – are we listening?

Care to weigh in on this discussion? What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love watching a good movie.

At times catching a good flick is a mental escape from the day to day. It is a “take five” moment to be appreciated.

At other times watching a good movie is like a magnet pulling us into something larger than life.

When I see the words “Based on a True Story” appear on the “big screen” before the main feature, something resonates deeply within me about what I am about to view.

Of all the types of movies I have seen, I am particularly drawn to stories around an underdog overcoming the odds.

My hunch is you too may feel the same.

Why is that?

I believe it can be summed up in a short phrase – we identify!

We love to be inspired and we have an affinity for unexpected outcomes.

Many refer to it as a “David vs. Goliath” phenomena.

We love to cheer on a person or a team we least expect to win.

The world of sports is full of “David vs. Goliath” analogies.  This analogy has been grossly overused.

I am currently reading a book which goes against the notion of David being a supposed underdog; the idea David was not an underdog is kind of fascinating.

For now, let’s go with the underdog persona.

  • We struggle with William Wallace in Braveheart as he fights for freedom at the cost of his own life.
  • We pray for slavery to be abolished in England as William Wilberforce leads the struggle for twenty six years as depicted in Amazing Grace.
  • We are in the stands hoping Rudy gets into one game as a wanna-be Notre Dame football player overcomes obstacle after obstacle and gets his chance to get on the field – for seven seconds!
  • Our hearts are thrilled when Jim Morris walks into Texas Stadium and fulfills his dream to pitch in the big leagues as shown in The Rookie.
  • We admire the courage of Bethany Hamilton to get back on the board after a shark attack in Soul Surfer.
  • We step in the ring and take blow after blow with James J. Braddock in Cinderella Man as he typifies the common man inspiring a community as he overcame the odds in making a comeback in the Depression era.
  • Rooting for the underdog has its place in fiction as well as Elizabeth Bennett marries well to do Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.
  • No story was more improbable than that of the 1980 United States Men’s Olympic hockey team referred to as the Miracle on Ice. It was truly a scenario with such and improbable and unifying outcome.  It was the medicine our country needed at a moment in time!

Our stories, if we let them, can take on a similar flavor.

For most of us, life is not and has not been handed to us on a silver platter.

We scratch.

We claw.

We get knocked down.

We get back up, to get knocked down, sometimes again and again and again.

Our choice to stay down or get back up is what makes the difference.

Some of our underdog moments may be small fare – those born of the day to day scenes which enter our vision field.

Other underdog moments may truly be gigantic in our eyes. Not insurmountable by any stretch of the imagination, but nonetheless a test and an opportunity to overcome.

Whatever the case, we have a choice – stay down or get back up.

Much like the storyline in a good movie, the choice is ours.

After all, like the movies, your life is “based on a true story!”

In the list of movies listed above, I have provided a link to the official trailer.

I invite you to take choose a movie or two to get the feel of what it is like to beat the odds.

It is contagious in the best sense of the word.

Choose the awesome outcome which you deserve!

Overcome!

Can you name a favorite movie which strikes a chord with you and helps you picture how you would like your story to be told?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness and all peoples see His glory.”

Psalm 97:6 (NIV)

Be still.

Know that He alone is God. 

Creation was made for us to enjoy.

You were made in His image.

YOU are His crowing glory and are deeply loved!

Video credit – TSO Photography