The Rust Belt Chronicles: lifestyle

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Let the "Good Times" Roll!

Why do we always think of the “good times” in the past tense? Is there any reason living today can’t be as relevant?

I have always looked backwards to find the days of enjoyment and pleasure. Everyone can relate to a period when we wished time could stand still, savor the moment forever and never let go. That feeling of total contentment with our life, our place in time and our peaceful surroundings in powerful harmony.

For me, my own life has strangely reached this echelon moment. I know how blessed I am and how lucky I feel to be exactly where I am- today. Not yesterday, or 30 years ago- today.

My wife was unexpectedly laid-off in June. Too make a long story short, despite the stress, frustration, having to change our lifestyle, and not having enough money to live on- we’ve never been happier together!

Go figure!

With both of us working the stress was more than we realized. My wife is a nurse, she was on her feet a lot, constantly up and down the hallways, lifting and turning patients. She carried a great disposition to encourage her patients- despite her stress and sometimes dealing with unappreciative patients and family members. Nursing is a tough job. I couldn’t do it!

Our adjustment during this period has put us closer together and despite working nearly 67 years together at the same facility, we are actually experiencing the “good times” now.

Her experience has made us realize a job isn’t everything. Life is a bigger theater in the quest for doing something meaningful. What really matters isn’t how rich you are; but rather, how rich you live! Today is all we are guaranteed.

When your darkest moment comes, true relationships are all that matters.

Every day, I look forward to arriving home knowing my wife is waiting for me. I wonder what has transpired, inspired or motivated her day. I am blessed to have her and for the first time in my life hoping the “good times” never end!

Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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Friday, September 28, 2012

The Power of Believing in Someone!

While attending a funeral, I spoke with the Pastor prior to the services. We discussed the importance of the power of belief in our fellow man. The value of belief can be unmeasurable and is magnified throughout history in stories of success with life changing results . Here is one example of the powerful lesson of belief.

The Pastor told me a story of a music instructor that took him under his wing and taught the young man how to play an instrument. The young man had transferred between several different school systems during elementary and junior high school and was unable to play a note or read music.

One day the music instructor called him into the office. He said to the student: “You don’t know how to make a sound out of your instrument do you?” The student shook his head. The director promised free lessons, providing he practiced and made a solid effort. The director also informed the student that one day- a favor would be asked in return. The student agreed to the proposal.

The kid was in awe. Someone actually believed in him and was willing to take the time to teach the skills necessary to play his instrument.

The young student attended the lessons, practiced daily and progressed. He enjoyed performing with the band and establishing friendships within the band program.

Then one day the director called the student into his office. The student thought he was in trouble. The director said: “Remember when we made the agreement- I would provide you with free lessons and one day a favor would be asked?” The student nodded his head. The director continued: “Well, this summer you will be a freshmen and I want you to go to band camp and play in the marching band.”

The student was ecstatic. Once again, someone believed in him enough to mentor him and provide encouragement. The student participated in various music activities during his four years of high school. Discipline, leadership and perseverance were taught in the music program.

Had it not been for the band director, the student would have quit band and perhaps followed the wrong crowd. He may have never felt the inspiration of someone believing in him.

Today, Dr. Dave Atkins leads a ministry rescuing orphaned babies and children in Thailand. A majority of the ministry is spent rescuing young girls from a life of prostitution. Many of the young girls contract AIDS and die by the age of fourteen due to the sex slave trade market in Thailand, a corrupted Government and Western tourism. It’s a daily human meat market in Thailand.

Warning: Some may find this video offensive or shocking, but it serves a valid point against the degradation of children involved in the barbaric sex slave trade industry.

Dr. David Atkins is providing many of those little souls with their first real hope of opportunity in life and saving the lives of boys and girls.

All because one man- David A. Wells; believed in him.

That is the power of believing in someone.

It touches lives and produces a domino effect.

Provide hope and inspiration to someone today. It is priceless!