Bat Dad and His Awesome Wife

I don't know how this lady puts up with this so much, but she is super awesome for doing so. I got my friend Anne hooked on these videos and now she sends new compilations to me. This one in particular is pretty darn funny.

Bat Dad (Jen compilation)

Interesting

14 Things I didn't Say

One of My Favorite Dudes from High School

Harold Foxx

Harold is one of the most sought after black comedians who is deaf. We had some darn good times together in high school!

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D.

4.5/5

The opening line of this book states "life is difficult." When one is reading this book they are probably reading this book during a time of need or struggle. When we make decisions to better ourselves and the lives we live, we must fully commit to every aspect of that betterment. If we go to counseling, we must be there every time, fully engaged, and prepared to open up and express our feelings. When we supplement the counseling by sharing our struggles with friends, loved ones, and even strangers we do the same. We do not leave out the details, we share them all. When it comes to reading books that can help us out, we must take the same approach. Writing can have some that same effect too.

I was hoping to finish this book about a week ago, but realized you have to take your time to grasp every little detail that you can. As the author states in one section that we must become better listeners, I had to become a better reader and really study with all of my heart and soul.  I always made sure to have a pen or highlighter handy so I could be able to record the crucial information to help along this journey. I have already with some friends how this book helped me dig down very deep to find some root causes of my insecurities.

This book is divided into four sections:

1. Discipline
2. Love
3. Growth and Religion
4. Grace                                                                                                                                                 

These sections are then broken down into various topics that the reader can relate to in various situations. Some of the language might be a little over one's head, but you just need to slow down and check for your context clues to offer further insight on to give you a clearer understanding. I took quite a bit from this book, especially through topics such as:

• Self-Sacrifice, 
• The Myth of Romantic Love
• Withholding the Truth 
• The Miracle of Evolution
• The Welcoming of Grace 

A few bits and pieces from one of my favorite paragraphs in the book on page 268. "But what is this force that pushes us as individuals and as a whole species to grow against the natural resistance of our own lethargy?" "When we grow, it is because we are working at it, and we are working at it because we love ourselves. It is through love that we elevate ourselves". "Love, the extension of the self, is the very act of evolution." "Among humanity love is the miraculous force that defies the natural law of entropy." 

I look forward to passing this book off to my buddy Terry soon and seeing how he can grow from reading it. I should have given this a 5/5, but retracted on that thought. It is pretty hard for me to give anything a perfect score. There is definitely not much room for improvement, just needed some parts to be a little more simplified. As this reading was coming to end, I realized in life when you decide to fight that resistance, you yourself are choosing to take "the road less traveled."

The next book to read on the list is called A Return To Love - Reflections of the Principles of A Course In Miracles by Marianne Williamson.

Korean Churches

Here is an interesting piece about how religion goes in Korea. In some countries in the world, (like America) there is just as much corruption in churches as there is politics. Korea has the largest population of Presbyterians in the world. I would not suspect them to be as open minded as our P.C. USA folks are. Koreans are still very conservative in their ideals - regardless of religion/denomination. 

This is definitely an interesting read, regardless of your faith/ideals. 

The Biggest Megachurch on Earth

This is awesome

Close your eyes and let the music move you!!

Eric Church covers Hallelujah

Thank You

I just wanted to be able to personally say thank you again for your support of the Team Gleason fundraising efforts through my own personal page.

                                                      Pre-race photo at Rebirth Statue

We raised over $55,000 and some of us are still receiving funds even though race day has passed. The rain held out during the race, though not so much at times during the post race party.

                                                           Team Photo for Team Gleason

We gathered at 7:15 on Saturday morning for a group photo in front of the Rebirth Statue that leads to one of the Superdome entrances near Champions Plaza. For those that may not know the Rebirth state depicts a famous play that Steve Gleason made in a football game almost ten years ago to re-ignite the city upon its return to New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina. 

                                                                  The name says it all

The race course was perfect. A slight bit of humidity only altered the quickness of the course as we ran through the French Quarter, then down Esplanade Avenue, and then finished among the beautiful scenery at City Park, exactly 6.2 miles from the start line that was downtown by the Superdome.  In good 'ole New Orleans fashion, there was even a "dehydration station", for those who wished to partake in a little early morning booze before reaching the finish line.  One of the greatest experiences of my year so far was being able to hear various chants of "Go Team Gleason", during this somewhat easy run on Saturday. 

                                                    The race ended at this beautiful park

                                       This beautiful museum was the backdrop for the finish line

I was able to meet Steve Gleason on Saturday and it was a somewhat humbling experience. His eye recognition software was unable to function as it usually would due to the glare of the sun at that time he was under the Team Gleason Party tent. Before his arrival, Steve would have had to compete with some intermittent rain showers. Steve Gleason is now entering year number five with ALS (average expectancy is two to five years). 

                                          My good friend Wonneken, myself and Steve Gleason

Team Gleason was founded so Steve could stand with others who live with ALS and ensure they have the technology needed to live comfortably with ALS. Most importantly the goal is to find a cure for this crippling disease. Steve and his wife Michel have also assisted in helping folks with ALS be able to experience extraordinary life adventures in life such as climbing Macchu Picchu, cruising the Panama Canal, and even attending Super Bowls. 

                         It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be awesome. Awesome ain't Easy - Steve Gleason

                       

                           

Recently at the Sundance Festival, the documentary Gleason was such a powerful film that even Amazon Studios purchased the rights to it. Stayed tuned for its release in July. 

I hope you have enjoyed a few pictures that I have attached throughout this post. 

Thanks again for your support,

   John T

          

   Ran into an old buddy        Under the Team Gleason Tent

   We were treated very well as charity runners!