Tuesday, March 22, 2011

My Journey Through Lent

This year I was motivated to do something for Lent. For those of you who aren't Christian, Lent is the season that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Here is a detailed explanation of Lent, if you are interested. Most people associate Lent with a commitment to let go of some form of behavior in observance of the season. This year I chose to do something instead.

I had thought about what to do for Lent for a couple of weeks. I wanted to find some action that would be in service to someone I love. Once I really let go of the "how" and focused on the "what" (being of service to someone I love) and idea came to mind that seemed very obvious. All I had to do was get out of my own way. I decided to cook dinner for our family.

Whatever I did, I wanted to accomplish three simple tasks: have it be an act of service, do something physical, and get out of my comfort zone. Being the dinner cook does all three. Wendy doesn't have to cook, preparing dinner every night requires action, and I normally don't prepare meals that don't involve the barbecue. Cooking for Wendy, Shelby, and me was a bit intimidating but not at all daunting.

Once I made this decision another turn of events came into play. Due to unexpected circumstances I also became the culinary artist for my in-laws for the first week of Lent. Both my wife and mother-in-law are fabulous cooks, so........uh-oh. However, I soldiered on. The spirit of Lent 2011 for me is maintaining a helpful attitude and to look for opportunities to provide help to others. You get what you pray for.

Butter Chicken 
Brisket for Corned Beef

Veggies for Corned Beef


Fried Chicken and Fixin's

Chicken Parmesan with Oregano from Our Garden
Irish Soda Bread
The first week was fantastic. I prepared Cajun fish, corned beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread (for my Irish descended friends along with my family), fish and chips, London broil, butter chicken, chicken parmesan, tuna casserole, hamburgers, and my mother's fried chicken (which is unbelievable). I may have missed a couple, but you get the idea.

I plan on sharing with you periodically because this is a ton of fun. I am enjoying the cooking but am especially into being able to be of service to my family. Tonight I am making balsamic chicken. It is a staple around our house and hopefully will be good. My lessons right now are simple; serve others, seek opportunities to help, and have fun doing it. Bon apetit!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Gratitude Post #6, Happy Thanksgiving

This is the final gratitude post before Thanksgiving but certainly not the end of my gratitude! The past several weeks have been enlightening for me, I am experiencing a lot of realization and growth right now. I am far from perfect and, more importantly, far from alone. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and the people you get to celebrate with. May God bless you this year! Today I am grateful:

  1. To have a patient and loving family
  2. To have wonderful and understanding friends
  3. That I constantly have opportunities to learn more about myself
  4. To live in such a beautiful place
  5. To be healthy!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Gratitude Post #5

This is the fifth installment of my annual gratitude posts! Today I am grateful:

  1. I have such wonderful friends
  2. I have the tools to grow and change
  3. To live in the South!
  4. To be supported by my family
  5. To have so many ways to connect with people
I hope you enjoy these posts and I look forward to hearing from you!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Gratitude Post #4

This is installment #4 of my annual autumn gratitude posts. I hope you are enjoying them and participating in your own way! Today I am grateful:

Shelby's First Cheer Medal!

  1. I get to participate in my daughter's passions
  2. My family is close and loves to do things together
  3. To be going to New York this week with Wendy and Shelby (Central Park in fall, you know)
  4. My business has had a really solid year
  5. There are so many ways to connect with people!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gratitude Post #3

Here is the next installment of my annual gratitude posts. Today I am grateful:

  1. I have the freedom to vote
  2. I have a loving and supportive family with whom I get to share my life
  3. I have found a way of life that pushes me to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually
  4. I have the ability to travel
  5. I am healthy!
I look forward to hearing from you, have a wonderful day and week!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Gratitude Post # 2 For 2010

Today I find myself in Charlotte,N.C. This is pretty cool because I am meeting with a group of families who are interested in having us start one of our Insight programs(www.theinsightprogram.com)here.So in that spirit I will begin this post.
1. I am grateful the work I do provides me with the opportunity to help a lot of families
2. I am grateful I get to work with so many committed people
3. I am grateful I got to spend last night carving pumpkins with my family
4. I am grateful I am in a position to do what I love
5. I am grateful I am around teenagers constantly, they are awesome!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Gratitude 2010!


A couple of years ago I started participating in something that has become a tradition for me. For the five Wednesdays ( I realize today is Thursday, but WTF no one is perfect) leading up to Thanksgiving I post five things for which I am grateful. This is something I love to do, it would be awesome if you joined me. If you don't feel like posting your own list, please enjoy mine. I realize this is something I look forward to every year and it has definitely had an effect on how I think throughout the year. So look forward to a gratitude post from me every Wednesday until Thanksgiving! Send me a link toy your blog, I would love to share in your gratitude as well. This week I am grateful for:

  1. The beautiful autumn weather in Georgia
  2. I get to share my life with two awesome women, Wendy and Shelby
  3. I am able to own a business whose sole purpose is to help families heal
  4. A life spent being aware of ways I can grow and change
  5. To be surrounded by so many great teachers!
I look forward to reading your posts!