Today’s a new day! Fear is infectious. Let it spread and it will paralyze us all. The only antidote for fear is courage which is also infectious. ~OC
When to Speak
Today’s a new day! Do not speak unless your words improve the silence. ~OC
A Life of Significance
Today’s a new day! What is a “Significant Life?” I think it is one which can be measured as having great worth and value–forged by carefully chosen crossroads leading to the sum of a life well spent. It is a life whose moments are not wasted on the material things of life, but lived out in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to God.
I am eternally grateful for meeting God at the age on ten (Unfortunately, I did not always live for Him in those early days). But at an early age God pulled me close and began to open my eyes to eternal matters–but I regret at times I’ve wandered through the “ordinary” days, grumbled and complained as I trudged through the difficult days, and frivolously skipped carefree through seasons which could’ve been spent with more forethought and purpose.
As the decades of life are quickly flying by, the brevity of life as described in Psalm 90 bears heavy on my heart and one thing I know: All that matters is living for Christ.
I don’t want to waste another single moment of my life. I desire to bear fruit for Him until my last breath is taken. I desire to live all out for His glory–whatever that may look like in this crazy beautiful health journey.
As I write these words, I reflect back on the wasted moments, days, opportunities for fruitfulness–but I have hope for those which are before me.
I want to challenge you to spend some time reflecting on the following questions:
*Am I currently living a life of significance?
*Am I using my gift of time wisely?
*Am I allowing something other than God to drive my passion for life? ~OC
Standing Beside You
Today’s a new day! True friendship and good character is all about how a person nurtures another person when they are vulnerable and can give very little in return. Thus, it’s not who’s standing beside you during good times, but the ones who stick by you through tough times that are your true friends.
So take note of who remains in your life when times get tough, especially the people who sacrifice the resources they have in their life to help you improve yours when you need it most. Seriously, when you come out the other side of a difficult period in your life, look around you. The people still standing beside you are your true friends. ~OC
Today’s My Birthday
Today’s a new day! Another December is here, which means the month of my birth. Today, December 4th is actually my birthday. Some people reading this or watching this video will be surprised. You see, most of my friends have never known the date of my birthday. I have never been one to celebrate my birthday. For me it’s always just been another day of the year. No reason to stop and celebrate. Until this year. Here is why.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. So in my dark humor way, I think is this the last birthday I will actually remember. A few may not find that funny, but this is my journey so I get to tell the jokes. Also later this morning, my bride and I will meet with some of my doctors to discuss a concerning MRI that is revealing some suspicious tumors. That visit may or may not change the outlook on my life moving forward.
But the dementia diagnosis and what might happen at my medical appointment this morning, will not change how I choose to live out my journey. Okay,maybe a little since I did just reveal the date of my birthday. But I promise you, I will not allow my declining health define my future. I will never be the “sick guy.” No, I will continue to overcome all the odds stacked against me and I will thrive.
Instead of acting like today is just another day, I will spend some time reflecting on all of my blessings and celebrate the day God brought me into this world. I will be thankful. ~OC
Warning!
Today’s a new day! Be careful of people who claim to be your friend, feel the freedom to share your story, but you haven’t seen or heard from them in months or even years. Do not allow them to be part of your boat. They add nothing to your story. ~OC
The Power of One
Today’s a new day! More importantly, it’s Rosa Parks Day. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history with one act. Ms. Parks refused to give up her seat on the city bus to a white passenger, as the unjust law demanded her to do during that time of American History. She was removed from the bus and arrested. Yet her spontaneous defiance sparked the ensuing Montgomery Bus Boycott, a movement of blacks and whites that took shape within hours of her arrest and advanced the civil rights movement across the United States. The boycott lasted 381 days. A time in which black commuters walked, rode bikes, or accepted rides from sympathetic supporters — until a district court ruling declared bus segregation unconstitutional. This ruling was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, striking down the practice across the country. And this was just the beginning: the boycott galvanized a national network of support, and created a framework of committed activists, that would form the backbone of the civil rights movement for decades to come. ~OC
“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically… No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” ~Rosa Parks
Memories
Sitting back reflecting on the chapters of my life
Wondering where all the time went
I can’t believe all the memories and blessings God has given me over the years
The chapters of my life come flooding back
I keep those memories close
It seems like some happened yesterday, but 40 years have passed But those memories with friends from the 80’s stay in my heart
still so fresh in my mind
and I will keep them close as always
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from the past stay in my heart and mind forever
Those beautiful memories will never fade
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Living in hope, I would love to add another chapter or two to my collection of beautiful memories, for when that day comes that memories are all I have
I will hold the memories of our love close. Memories from today may be a little harder to recall, but those memories of saying “I do” back in ‘99 will stay fresh in my mind
It won’t even seem I’ve gone. You’ll still be a beautiful memory in my mind
‘Cause our love is bigger than any disease
We will hold onto the love that keeps us strong
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from yesterday’s past stay in my heart and never fade
They stay forever in my mind
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories, is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Memories with family and friends
Are memories forever
I will hold them close
Never forgetting the laughter and joy
The memories made so long ago
Will be what I take when the days begin to fade
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from yesterday’s past stay in my heart and never fade
They stay forever in my mind
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Though it’s hard to recall moments from today
In the Father’s hands I know
That a lifetime’s not too long
To keep those beautiful old memories fresh in my mind. ~OC
Grateful
Today’s a new day! I’m grateful this morning for another day to breathe, to think and make more memories with my bride, friends and family.
I’m grateful for my cup of ice tea and a cool breeze on our balcony.
I am grateful for the anticipation of this new day.
I am grateful to be living in peace.
I’m grateful to still be alive, now, in this place and at this time. I’m ever-thankful for the extra time God has given me.
I am grateful for the freedom to write in my hometown and to write whatever, however, whenever I please.
I am grateful for the amazing people God has brought my way on this crazy beautiful health journey. Thankful to have met so many creative and loving people over the past twenty-two years.
I am grateful for the friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin.
I am thankful that my gratitude stretches around the world with all the people who have walked this journey with me through this blog and my other social media pages.
I am grateful to live in love, hope and peace and cherish this day that the Lord has given me. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 