As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders. I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

Monday I began a series entitled A Treasure Chest Of Wisdom, including:

1. Don’t Hold Grudges
2. Take Care Of Your Health.
3. Compassion Makes Sense and Giving Is Better Than Taking
4. Greed Gains Momentum
5. Gratitude Leads To Contentment

Contentment Leads To Generosity

Note: This post in NOT intended to brag or boast.

“Things change.”

“Things change. Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary.”

Mark Anderson is speaking at TreeHouse’s Women of Hope event today. 

Last night in a room-full of interested listeners Mark Anderson captivated us with humor, heart-ache and wisdom.  In Mark’s inspiring story entitled “Defeat to Victory” he shared some strategies that have enabled him to overcome tremendous obstacles and achieve high levels of performance in his life.

Mark and his family faced many challenges growing up. Fortunately, as he said, “things change.”

Today is Blog Action Day.

The theme this year is the Power of WE.

In light of that I thought I would list some of the causes, charities and concerns that we have contributed money to. Not to give ourselves a pat on the back, but to affirm our belief in the value of giving and sharing; the power of WE.

Thus far this year we have given to many individuals and families, we believe in supporting local people — our “neighbors” — as well as:

Why Come To TreeHouse?

You’ll learn you’re not alone in dealing with any issue.
You’ll learn how to support someone else in need.
You’ll realize you’re lovable, capable and worthwhile.

At TreeHouse you will always be listened to and what you say matters to others.

Mentoring at TreeHouse Makes Life Better

Decrease at-risk behavior – 98% reduce at least one at-risk behavior
Build healthy relationships with God, self & others – 81% choose to
Graduate High School – 24% more likely to graduate than their peers
Pursue an educational or vocational track for their future – 93% choose to

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. 1

Sharon Williams is sixty-six years old.  She is a mother of five children, and a grandmother of several grandchildren.  Sharon spent her professional career trying to make the world a better place.

Several years ago she chose to hear God’s call to “remember me.”

Sharon was a good person, but with God’s help she became a life-transforming person. 

In the years since Sharon retired from public service she continues to serve the community helping organizations raise money from the comfort of her living room.

Do you know that there are unwritten public bathroom rules?  Of course you do.  I live in the Midwest United States and I’m guessing that the unwritten public bathroom rules vary from place to place, but some things are common in most public bathrooms.

I was in Budapest Hungary alone suffering through an unplanned layover awaiting my next flight.  I was tired, lonely and uncomfortable.  I hadn’t slept in more than twenty four hours and all the strange people speaking strange languages had gotten to me.

I had already walked everywhere I could through the airport.  I had already “shopped” the one small Duty-Free shop that was open.

Monday I’ll write with words again.
Today I’m creating music!

Huh?!?

I’m well known for my very eclectic music collection.
I’m also well known for not being able to keep a beat.

Trivia – I know exactly when I first knew I heard the “beat” in a song. It was August 7, 1998. You can read about it here.

October 2011

Last fall I debuted a “song” for our TreeHouse teens.

I blended a techno-house beat with the text of Philippians 2:4 using an audio version of the Bible.

Mario Manningham, the NY Giants wide receiver was a good receiver in 2010, but the 18th worst at catching the football this year.  Fortunately, when it mattered most he caught the football that helped save the season for the Super Bowl winning Giants. 1

Most of us live life like Manningham, success one moment and we fail the next.  We want to be the best but stumple into stupid fights with the people we love the most.  It’s a those times we need to be the clutch player and choose to do what’s most needed.

Clutch At Home

When blinded by distortions of reality people flounder in pain.

Lost in loneliness.  Trapped in trauma.

U2′s Get On Your Boots hits on one such distortions:

You don’t know how beautiful
You don’t know how beautiful you are
You don’t know, and you don’t get it, do you?
You don’t know how beautiful you are

Each week at every TreeHouse we remind one another that we are all “lovable, capable and worthwhile.”  It’s a critical concept. When we understand, embrace and apply the truth that we are all “lovable, capable and worthwhile” it overrides the lies of not good enough.

Thanksgiving weekend is a time when millions spend lots of time and money shopping.
Best Buy & Kohl’s, Target & Home Depot, the stores and malls will be filled.
I must admit I’m a little jealous.

Instead of spending money we gave money
We avoided the Black Friday shopping spree.
Instead we expressed our “thanks” by giving away our undesignated charity fund.

Less stress. More peace.
Less crowds. More fun.
Less stuff. More freedom.

Last year I wrote in a post entitled “Got Money Stress?” that budgeting discipline learned through Dave Ramsey principles had improved our financial situation despite the economy.