When I was growing up on the farm in Nebraska, my piano was my best friend. My mother said she could tell what kind of day I had had at school by what I was playing when she came home from work! Sitting on that piano bench, I poured out my emotions from elation to devastation. Years later, when I went through my divorce, and felt so devastated I couldn't pray, I would sit at the piano and play hymns to God.

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Bertie Forbes, founder of Forbes magazine is quoted as saying, “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.” Research shows that 70% of people who make New Year’s resolutions have abandoned them before the end of the month. The cause: discouragement.

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New Year’s weekend had a variety of physical and emotional challenges for me, and when I woke up on January 3 and looked around the house, there was only one word to describe it: “disaster!” My initial reaction was to start digging in rather than engage in my usual morning routine of coffee, Bible study, prayer, and contemplation. Fortunately, my better judgment kicked in before I got totally off on the wrong track for the day. Add a comment

Recently I spent a week with my mother who is in a nursing home under Hospice care in a small town in Nebraska. It is a challenging situation watching someone you love dearly whose mind is, as we say in NE, "sharp as a tack," but whose body is simply worn out. I wasn't feeling anything but happy. Then on Sunday, I attended church with my brother. The sermon, entitled "Joy versus Happiness", was one of the most wonderful Christmas gifts I have ever received. In a nutshell, Pastor Lyle Schoen put it this way: "Happiness is an emotion you seek; joy is a divine gift you are given because of your relationship with Jesus Christ." I'm not sure why, at the age of almost 65, I haven't understood this before! Add a comment

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the The Career Clinic® with Maureen Anderson. I got the chance to share some valuable tips on handling interruptions at work, eliminating clutter and being as productive as you can so you can accomplish your work. I think you'll get a lot of value listening to this episode. Be sure to share your thoughts with me using the comments link below. I'd love to hear from you!  If you like being productive, please share this post.

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The Clutter Trap is a state of cumulative disorder that diminishes your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or financial health. It is a threat to your productivity, your prosperity, and your peace of mind. Add a comment

I recently heard James and Betty Robison on LIfe Today interview Randy Draper, author of a new book entitled Happy To Do It: Get Your Snap On! The theme of the book is “Attitude is a choice.”   Less than 48 hours after I heard the interview, I had an opportunity to try out the theory for myself.

I was preparing for a particularly busy day -- a videotaping session, shopping for a Christmas party with 34 guests, planning for overnight guests, three telephone interviews, and a community Christmas event for which I promised five gallons of mulled cider.

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