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edh1001 — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:41:37 +0000

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Don’t Stop Dreaming…Start Living

edhouston — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:15:40 +0000

Today started off with my morning ritual: prayer, meditation and then exercise which got the ground running for a great start of a busy day. Afterwards while launching my calendar, as the e-mails began filling my inbox, I caught this title – “Stop dreaming…start living” and I thought to myself, that really should read, “Don’t Stop Dreaming…Start Living.” The initial subject line was from one of the adventure tour companies I used recently for a hiking and biking tour across the back country of China.

It suddenly hit me, as many people face hard times with the current economic challenges and the media’s constant bombardment of a grim future, some of those dreams that were once illuminating inside most have dwindled down to a flicker. This actually led me to an encouraging realization: If we listen and do what everyone else is doing then we are no better off. We are like cattle moving along to someone else’s beat. However it is when we choose to dance to the beat of our own drum will we discover a life of realized dreams and total fulfillment.

As I look back, some of my greatest life advancements came into being because conditions looked grim or because of the failure of uncontrollable circumstances around me. For instance, when the 911 events hit America, people advised me that it was too soon to travel overseas. Well I didn’t listen and went two weeks later which was my first journey traveling overseas – that was 18 countries ago and still counting. Another example was when I was in a comfortable office position at my corporate job and I left to be in an experimental computer support position within the same organization (this was before the Internet hit big). Once again, people said it was just a fad and that my newly created position was going to fail. I later went on to become the company’s Vice President / Chief Information Officer and oversaw all the technology initiatives.

In 2008 I needed to sell a real estate property and, once again, people said it was not going to sell and that it was a bad market. Needless to say, it sold in 24 hrs and closed in 12 days with a profit. You see, I am no one special; I simply choose to live a God-purpose life. I choose to live the life God designed for me, in spite of what “people” say. No matter the challenges or circumstances, somehow I know things are going to work out for my good (Romans 8:28). Be encouraged my friend, no matter where you are in the journey of your life – “Don’t you dare stop dreaming…start living.”

“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.” – Anais Nin

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Its March Have You Journaled?

edh1001 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:10:41 +0000

This process is very important. If you are not writing down your progress how will you know at any point where you stand in your goals. Journaling is also a great teacher and motivator. There were times I was discouraged and it did not feel as though I would get the victory. But as I looked over my journal and read all my past personal thoughts, ideas, reflections about my goals, challenges I overcame, and things God spoke to me in my personal devotions and so on, I soon changed from discouraged to encouraged and started praising God with great joy. Do not let those precious memories just slip away into nothing. Record them just as you feel them in your heart, mind, and spirit and watch how this simple task will present powerful results.

This is the difference between motivational authors who claim you can accomplish your goals by the mere brunt of your brow and shear hard effort. God is in control. He is your source and your hope. With faith in God all things are possible according to his will. As you put God first, your goals will line up according to the destiny and purpose God has for your life.

Dust off that journal, grab your favorite pen and spend some private time re-visiting where you are in your journey for 2010.

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A Personal Thought for Valentine’s Day

edhouston — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:48:59 +0000

As we approach February 14th, if you’re like me you’re starting to see the onslaught of Valentine’s Day marketing products on TV, in stores, or you may hear from colleagues or friends speaking of big upcoming date plans.

As a single man I have learned to handle Valentine’s Day fairly well and normally go with the flow. However, this year has been a personal challenge as I witness my mother facing very challenging health issues. My father is right by her side, though, helping her manage the constant doctor visits, special diet needs and overpriced prescription fillings which are never covered by insurance.

A few days ago I gave my Mom a box of Valentine’s chocolates; it warmed her heart and she gave me that special smile and, “Thank you,” that only a mother-son can recognize. As I was on my way out of the room I glanced at my Dad and thats when it hit me – that the success of their 45+ year marriage was not based on materialism, bedroom magic or remembering to go through the motions on certain festive days of the year, but rather God bringing two wonderful people together who dated for the right reasons which set the foundation for a successful marriage even when bumps and tumultuous times hit.

It’s always been God’s hand which held them together with His unchanging love.

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Have A Merry Christmas!

edhouston — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:07:10 +0000

This is probably the most simple yet meaningful post I have placed to date. It is simply have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah or kwanzaa the one most celebrated in your household.

Remembering the reason for this season.

May God Bless you and your family.

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My First Bungy Jump in New Zealand

edh1001 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:22:09 +0000

My first jump in New Zealand, Queenstown was an absolute adventure. I hadn’t plan on jumping off a completely good bridge, however after I learned this was just not your average standing bridge. You see this is the very bridge an adventure crazed sports junkie AJ Hackett made bungy jumping a famous adrenaline sport shared around the world. Now I reasoned in my mind Ed, this is an opportunity to experience history, besides when will I ever find myself on this side of the world? If that was to happen I gathered I would come so close only to loose my nerve yet again. NEVER, so I jumped!

So my question for you is what opportunities that are present in your life that you are hesitating to jump on ?