Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Happiness

What brings you happiness?
I mean REAL happiness?

But remember, don't mistake "happiness" for "joy." Happiness is because of what happensjoy is in spite of what happens.

So … I'll ask again … what brings you happiness? Real happiness?

But, after seeing the difference between happiness and joy, does it really matter what brings happiness? It almost sounds materialistic, selfish, or greedy.

It's kind of like that age old question: "What do you want for Christmas?" i.e. "What can I give you to make you happy?"

You see, happiness depends on something physical, material, or an action. What can you give me, do for me, say to me, buy for me … to make me happy.

So … I'll ask again … what brings you happiness? Real happiness?

Or, after what you've just read, does happiness seem pretty insignificant now … temporary … short-lived … meaningless …

Sure, happiness can "fill the void" of joy … but, it's kind of like using mud to do tuck pointing in a foundation. It's not going to last … it's temporary … it's short-lived … it's insignificant … it's meaningless … it's worthless in the broader scope of time and life.

So … I'll ask again … what brings you happiness? Real happiness?


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Sunflower Smiles






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Monday, July 30, 2012

Catching Up

Seems like forever since I last posted on my blog… I could say I've just been way too busy, but in all honesty I just haven't made the time.

But, it's time I get back into a routine of regularly writing posts.

Below are pictures of the kids from our recent family vacation to Wisconsin…








It was the 48th year my family has gone to Wisconsin for vacation (it would have been the 50th, but we missed a couple years back in the 60's).

It was possibly the most perfect weather we've ever had while in Wisconsin; high 70's everyday and no rain except for our first night. A needed break from our high 90's and 100's in central Illinois.

Fishing was pretty worthless while we were there, but we made the most of it anyway. My son Andrew participated in the weekly fishing derby (for kids on the docks) and caught a record number of fish (bluegill and sunfish) in 20 minutes: 29!!!





Andrew used a "secret weapon" made by my dad… I guess it worked!

This how we spent most of time:


Yes… lots of relaxing. And when we weren't relaxing on the beach, we were relaxing in the cabin. But, we did take time to have some fun, too.


Laurie and I ran the 5K for Orphans in June… we were both very happy with our times and have seen a lot of improvement since we started running over a year ago. We are in the middle of training for the We Care Twin Cities Half Marathon taking place here in Bloomington/Normal on Sept 29… I had a little setback in training due to an achilles tendon that became aggravated at me for trying minimalist running shoes, but after a couple weeks off I'm back at it again.


We're both a little nervous about the half marathon, but excited, too. It's an awesome goal to reach for and we're looking forward to crossing the finish line and celebrating.

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