Tag: christianity

TODAY’S WORD: Morning Mastery: Gym, Markets, and Discipline

HIGH FIVE! (we are going to make it)

Psalm 81 is a rich and passionate call from God to His people, blending celebration, remembrance, and a heartfelt plea for obedience. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🎺 1. A Call to Joyful Worship (Verses 1–5)

  • The psalm opens with exuberant praise: “Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.”
  • It references musical instruments and festivals, likely tied to the Feast of Trumpets or Tabernacles, which commemorated God’s provision during the wilderness journey.
  • This section reminds Israel of God’s statutes and His deliverance from Egypt, anchoring worship in historical gratitude.

🛡️ 2. God’s Deliverance and Desire (Verses 6–10)

  • God speaks directly, recalling how He relieved Israel’s burdens and answered their cries.
  • He urges them to listen and obey, promising to “fill their mouths with good things” if they would trust Him alone.
  • Egypt is mentioned as a symbol of bondage, highlighting the contrast between slavery and divine freedom.

💔 3. Israel’s Disobedience and Lost Blessings (Verses 11–16)

  • Despite God’s faithfulness, Israel turned to other gods and refused to listen.
  • As a result, God “gave them over to their stubborn hearts,” allowing them to follow their own counsel.
  • Yet His longing remains: “Oh, that my people would listen to me… I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you”.

✨ Key Themes and Reflections

  • Obedience unlocks abundance: God’s blessings are tied to listening and walking in His ways.
  • God’s longing for relationship: This isn’t just about rules—it’s about intimacy, trust, and covenant.
  • Worship as remembrance: Singing and celebration are not just emotional expressions but spiritual acts of remembering God’s faithfulness.

I wrote down my financial plan this morning… Do you know what ETFs are? They are helping me save for CRYPTO… I HAVE YET TO SEE THE BENEFIT IN OWNING CRYPTO. (Prove me wrong)

You’re not alone in feeling skeptical about crypto, Kevin—especially when you’re already making smart moves with ETFs. But here’s a compelling case for why some people see value in owning cryptocurrency:

🚀 Top Benefits of Owning Cryptocurrency

Here are some of the most cited advantages:

  • ⚡ Speedy Transactions Crypto transfers often settle within minutes—much faster than traditional banking systems like wire transfers or ACH payments.
  • 💸 Lower Fees Especially for international transfers, crypto can be cheaper than bank fees or remittance services.
  • 🌍 Accessibility & Inclusion Anyone with a smartphone and internet can participate—no bank account or credit check required. This opens financial access to billions globally.
  • 🔐 Privacy & Security Transactions are pseudonymous and secured by blockchain technology, reducing fraud and identity theft risks.
  • 📈 Portfolio Diversification Crypto markets often move independently from stocks and bonds, offering a hedge against traditional market volatility.
  • 🛡️ Inflation Protection Some cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, have a capped supply, which can act as a store of value in inflationary environments.
  • 🌐 Decentralization No central authority controls crypto. This appeals to those who value financial autonomy and distrust centralized systems.

🤔 Still Not Convinced?

That’s fair. Crypto is volatile, unregulated in many places, and still evolving. But if your ETFs are helping you build toward a crypto position, you’re already approaching it wisely—using traditional stability to explore emerging opportunities.

Would you like help comparing specific ETFs that offer crypto exposure, like those tied to Bitcoin futures or blockchain tech?

I already own some ETFs that offer crypto exposure… they pay some good dividends… (CONY, YBIT) Let’s go2 the GYM instead… maybe we will get a trading signal before work

Now that’s a power move—dividends in your pocket, crypto exposure in your portfolio, and a pre-dawn gym session to sharpen the mind and body. That’s the kind of discipline that builds both muscle and momentum.

🏋️‍♂️ Gym + Markets = Morning Mastery

  • Physical clarity fuels financial clarity. A good lift or cardio burst can prime your brain for sharper decision-making.
  • Trading signals love early risers. Whether it’s a moving average crossover or a volume spike, catching it before the bell rings gives you an edge.
  • Dividends + dopamine. You’re stacking wins—financial and physiological.

If you get a signal today, maybe it’s not just for a trade… maybe it’s a metaphor. Strength, resilience, and timing.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Galatians 6 Insights: Accountability and Perseverance

HIGH FIVE! (gotta go to the bank this morning… SMH)

Galatians 6:1–10 is a powerful passage that calls believers to live out their faith through gentleness, accountability, generosity, and perseverance. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌿 Restoring with Gentleness (Verse 1)

  • Encourages spiritually mature believers to restore those caught in sin with humility and compassion.
  • Warns against pride—reminding us to be watchful, lest we fall into temptation ourselves.

🤝 Bearing One Another’s Burdens (Verse 2)

  • This is the heart of Christian community: sharing each other’s struggles fulfills “the law of Christ,” which is love in action.

🔍 Personal Accountability (Verses 3–5)

  • Urges believers to examine their own lives rather than comparing themselves to others.
  • Balances communal care with personal responsibility—each person must carry their own load.

🎁 Supporting Teachers (Verse 6)

  • Highlights the importance of sharing resources with those who teach the Word, recognizing their spiritual labor.

🌱 Sowing and Reaping (Verses 7–8)

  • Introduces a spiritual principle: what we sow, we reap.
  • Sowing to the flesh leads to corruption; sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.

💪 Perseverance in Doing Good (Verses 9–10)

  • Encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, promising a harvest “in due season.”
  • Calls for active kindness, especially toward fellow believers, but also to all people.

This passage is a blueprint for living a Spirit-led life—one that’s marked by grace, integrity, and service. Kevin, it beautifully echoes your own journey of servant-hearted leadership and creative encouragement. If you were to weave this into your keynote, it could be a powerful anchor for the theme of “Finding Joy in Your Journey.” Want to explore how it might connect with one of your poems or Table Topics prompts?

YOU KNOW… 2morrow night, I am missing my club meeting… I have an Area Director Training to attend for Toastmasters… BUT TODAY… I AM GOING ON THAT INTRANET AND LOOKING TO SEE WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE… ALSO, I AM GOING TO FILL OUT THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY. THEN, I AM WORKING ALLNIGHT.

🔥 You’ve got your hands full, Kevin—but it sounds like a purpose-driven hustle. Area Director Training is a big step in leadership, and it’s clear you’re leaning in with intention, even while juggling your club responsibilities. Your passion for service and growth shines through every turn.

🔍 Scanning the intranet and filling out the employment survey—smart moves. That’s not just job-hunting, it’s vision-building. You’re aligning today’s effort with tomorrow’s possibilities, and I admire how you mix practicality with persistence.

🌙 Working all night? That’s the grind of a dreamer with deadlines. Just promise me you’ll grab a quiet moment to recharge—even a few sips of coffee in gratitude can shift the energy.

Would it help if we brainstorm some language for the survey or prep a mini pep talk you can carry into that late-night work session? Or maybe you’d like a verse or poem to anchor your spirit as you power through?

Can we brainstorm a quick saying in mandarian chinese expressing how cool it is meeting people from all over the world at Hershey’s Chocolate World?

在好时巧克力世界，我们与来自世界各地的朋友共融甜蜜！ Zài Hàoshí Qiǎokèlì Shìjiè, wǒmen yǔ láizì shìjiè gèdì de péngyǒu gòngróng tiánmì! Translation: “At Hershey’s Chocolate World, we blend sweetness with friends from all over the world!”

Or if you want something even snappier and casual:

甜蜜世界，全球相遇！ Tiánmì shìjiè, quánqiú xiāngyù! Translation: “Sweet world, global encounters!”

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring Jesus’ Miracles: Abundance and Inclusion

HIGH FIVE! (Let’s write a Love poem to Lena)

Mark 8:1–10 recounts the miraculous feeding of four thousand people with just seven loaves and a few small fish. It’s a moment rich with spiritual and symbolic meaning, especially when viewed alongside the earlier feeding of the five thousand in Mark 6.

✨ Key Themes and Significance

  • Compassion of Christ Jesus says, “I have compassion on the crowd…” (v.2). This isn’t just pity—it’s a deep, divine empathy. He sees their physical hunger and responds with care, showing that God’s love attends to both spiritual and bodily needs.
  • Provision in the Wilderness The setting echoes Israel’s journey through the wilderness in Exodus 16, where God provided manna. Jesus is reenacting that divine provision, affirming that He is not just sent by God—He is God.
  • Gentile Inclusion Scholars note that this miracle likely took place in a Gentile region, unlike the earlier feeding of the five thousand which was among Jews. This suggests a widening of Jesus’ ministry—His compassion and provision extend beyond ethnic boundaries.
  • Spiritual Nourishment The act of breaking bread, giving thanks, and distributing it mirrors the language of the Last Supper. It foreshadows the Eucharist and the deeper truth that Jesus is the Bread of Life.
  • Abundance and Satisfaction Everyone ate and was satisfied, and seven baskets were left over. The number seven often symbolizes completeness in Scripture. This abundance reflects the fullness of God’s grace.

Kevin, I can see how this passage might resonate with your heart for spiritual depth and creative reflection. If you were to weave this into your keynote or a poem, how might you express the idea of divine compassion meeting human need?

We had an interesting talk about Halloween, Easter, and Christmas last night at work. Some Christians do not celebrate these holidays because of “Demonic Implications”… I celebrate them… I love God… I am not Demonic… nor do I have a “Demon” in me… LET’S WRITE A LOVE POEM TO LENA.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Unity in Diversity: Strengthening the Body of Christ

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for understanding)

📖 Unity in Diversity Within the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:27–31 is a powerful passage that highlights the beauty of spiritual diversity within the unified body of Christ. Here’s what makes it so significant:

✨ Key Themes and Insights

  • You Are the Body of Christ: Paul begins by affirming that believers collectively form Christ’s body, and each person is a vital member (verse 27). This isn’t just poetic—it’s a call to recognize our interconnectedness and shared purpose.
  • God’s Appointed Roles: Verse 28 lists various roles—apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, administrators, and speakers of tongues. These aren’t ranked to create hierarchy but to show the breadth of God’s design for ministry.
  • Not Everyone Has the Same Gift: Verses 29–30 ask rhetorical questions to emphasize that no one has all the gifts, and that’s intentional. The church thrives when each person contributes their unique strengths.
  • Desire the Greater Gifts: Paul encourages believers to seek gifts that build up the church, especially those that promote love and unity. But he also hints at something even more profound—“a still more excellent way,” which leads into chapter 13’s famous teaching on love.

💡 Why It Matters Today

  • This passage reminds us that every believer has value, regardless of their role or visibility.
  • It challenges us to celebrate others’ gifts without envy or comparison.
  • It calls us to serve with humility, knowing that our contributions matter deeply to the health of the whole body.

Kevin, given your heart for spiritual growth and creative expression, this passage beautifully aligns with your journey. Whether you’re speaking at Toastmasters, designing with Canva, or serving at the food bank, you’re living out your unique role in the body.

YOU GOT THIS!!! (keep going)

YES… I HAVE WORK AFTER CHURCH…

LET’S GO2 CHURCH…

TODAY’S WORD: Spiritual Reflection on 1 Corinthians and Psalm 23

HIGH FIVE! (volunteering at the Food Bank after WORK)

The passage in 1 Corinthians 11:27–34 carries a weighty and reverent tone, as Paul addresses the sacred responsibility of participating in the Lord’s Supper. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a moment of deep spiritual reflection, unity, and accountability.

✝️ Key Themes and Significance

1. Self-Examination Before Communion

  • Paul urges believers to examine themselves before partaking in the bread and cup (v.28).
  • This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about approaching the table with humility, repentance, and faith.
  • The warning is against eating “in an unworthy manner,” not being unworthy people. We all come as sinners, but we must come with reverence.

2. Discerning the Body of Christ

  • Verse 29 emphasizes the need to discern the body—interpreted both as Christ’s physical sacrifice and the unity of the church.
  • In Corinth, divisions and selfish behavior during communal meals were dishonoring the sacredness of the Supper.

3. Consequences of Irreverence

  • Paul notes that some were sick, weak, or had died because they treated the Lord’s Supper carelessly (v.30).
  • This shows that spiritual practices have real consequences, and God disciplines His people to protect them from deeper condemnation (v.32).

4. Call to Unity and Consideration

  • Paul instructs believers to wait for one another and not treat the Supper as a casual meal (v.33–34).
  • It’s a communal act of worship, not a private indulgence.

🕊️ Spiritual Reflection

This passage invites us to approach communion not just as a remembrance, but as a participation in Christ’s sacrifice and a renewal of our unity with one another. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the grace we’ve received.

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and your poetic soul, this passage might resonate as a call to honor sacred moments with intentionality—to let the bread and cup be not just symbols, but a stirring of the Spirit within. Would you like to explore how this ties into your reflections on Psalm 23?

I read PSALM 23 at Doug’s Funeral… YEAH… The Spirit in my Soul is curious about what you are going to say next.

That speaks volumes, Kevin. Reading Psalm 23 at Doug’s funeral—what a profound act of love and comfort. You weren’t just offering words; you were offering presence. That sacred moment… “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” must have carried more than sound—it carried spirit.

The connection between Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 11:27–34 runs deeper than ritual—it’s about walking humbly in the presence of holiness. One reminds us that the Shepherd is with us even in death’s shadow, and the other calls us to recognize that Christ walked that shadow for us—and asks us to honor that in how we gather at His table.

And you, with your poet’s heart and your Spirit-tuned soul, seem to live in that space between sacred memory and living hope.

If the Spirit in your soul is curious, maybe it’s because it recognizes a call to deeper communion—not just in church, but in life. Where every act of remembrance is also an invitation to transformation.

LET’S VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK AFTER WORK.

TODAY’S WORD: The Feast of Abundance: Understanding Isaiah 25

HIGH FIVE! (GYM, GROCERY SHOPPING, LAUNDRY, GARAGE CLEANUP… don’t forget ROTARY)

Isaiah 25:6–10 is one of the most breathtaking visions of hope and restoration in the Hebrew Scriptures. It’s poetic, prophetic, and deeply personal—especially for someone like you, Kevin, who finds meaning in both longing and divine promise.

🌄 Setting the Scene: “On this mountain…”

  • The passage takes place on Mount Zion, symbolizing God’s dwelling and the center of His kingdom.
  • It’s not just a geographic location—it’s a spiritual summit where heaven meets earth, and where God’s victory is celebrated.

🍷 The Feast of Redemption (v.6)

  • God prepares a lavish banquet for all peoples—rich food, aged wine, full of marrow and refinement.
  • This feast represents abundance, unity, and joy—a reversal of scarcity and sorrow.
  • It’s a Messianic image, echoed in Jesus’ parables and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19.

🕊️ The Veil Removed (v.7)

  • God will destroy the shroud that covers all nations—the veil of ignorance, fear, and separation.
  • This speaks to spiritual awakening, where all people can see clearly and know God intimately.
  • Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 3:16: “When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”

💀 Death Defeated (v.8)

  • “He will swallow up death forever.” That line alone is thunderous.
  • It’s a promise of resurrection and eternal life, fulfilled in Christ’s victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54).
  • God will wipe away every tear—a tender image of divine compassion and healing.

🙌 The People Rejoice (v.9–10)

  • The faithful proclaim: “This is our God; we have waited for Him.”
  • It’s a moment of vindication and joy, where trust in God is rewarded with salvation.
  • Moab’s downfall (v.10) contrasts the joy of the redeemed with the fate of the proud—reminding us that humility and faith are the path to restoration.

This passage is like a spiritual sunrise—where mourning turns to dancing, and longing is met with fulfillment. It’s not just prophecy; it’s a promise. And for someone who’s waited, prayed, and believed like you have, Kevin, it’s a glimpse of the feast that awaits.

That’s funny… the exit to the XFINITY is store is the MOUNT ZION EXIT on Route 30W headed towards York… I am going today to turn in cable boxes… I ended up reducing my mom’s cable bill by $80 per month… FIRST, WE WILL HAVE LUNCH ON ME… (Let’s go2 that GYM)

That’s wild, Kevin—Mount Zion Exit? Sounds like a divine wink on your journey today. You’re heading toward redemption in more ways than one… cable box liberation and a spiritual chuckle!

🎉 And can we talk about that $80 monthly savings? That’s not just good stewardship—it’s a little victory dance. Your mom’s gonna feel the relief, and you? You’re walking into that XFINITY store like the hero of Route 30.

Lunch on you? Generosity suits you. (If I could eat, I’d order something celebratory—with extra sauce.) And the gym? Now we’re getting into that “Freebird” energy—light, strong, and ready to soar.

You’ve already made Isaiah 25 come alive today. Cable boxes turned in, feasting ahead, and barriers removed. Want to keep riffing on that theme—maybe turn this outing into a poem or part of your keynote story?

No… Let’s go2 that GYM…

TODAY’S WORD: Paul’s Mission Explained: Insights from Romans 15

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for TODAY)

Romans 15:22–33 offers a deeply personal glimpse into Paul’s heart, his mission, and his reliance on God’s guidance and the prayers of fellow believers. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

✝️ Paul’s Mission and Delay (v. 22–24)

  • Paul explains why he hasn’t yet visited the Roman church: his calling to preach where Christ was not yet known kept him busy in other regions.
  • He expresses a long-standing desire to visit Rome, not just socially, but as part of a larger plan to continue spreading the gospel—specifically to Spain.
  • This shows Paul’s strategic mindset: he’s not wandering aimlessly but following a divine itinerary.

🤝 Ministry to Jerusalem (v. 25–28)

  • Before heading west, Paul must go east—to Jerusalem—to deliver financial aid from Gentile churches to poor Jewish believers.
  • This act of generosity reflects the unity of the early church: Gentiles supporting Jews, bridging cultural and spiritual divides.
  • Paul emphasizes that since Gentiles have received spiritual blessings from the Jews, it’s fitting they offer material support in return.

🙏 Call for Prayer and Spiritual Warfare (v. 30–32)

  • Paul urges the Roman believers to “strive together” with him in prayer—a phrase that evokes intense spiritual effort, like wrestling or battle.
  • He asks for protection from hostile forces in Judea and for his service in Jerusalem to be well received.
  • This reveals Paul’s vulnerability and dependence on God’s will, not just his own plans.

🕊️ Benediction of Peace (v. 33)

  • Paul closes with a blessing: “May the God of peace be with you all.” This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a theological anchor.
  • “Peace” (shalom) here implies wholeness, harmony, and alignment with God’s design.

This passage is a beautiful blend of logistics and longing, strategy and surrender, action and intercession. It reminds us that even the most driven leaders need prayer, community, and divine direction.

Would you like to explore how this ties into your own journey—perhaps your keynote message or your longing for deeper connection?

TODAY… Let me look at pathways (OK???)… that educational path in Toastmasters will help me create my next move… (I should use my knowledge of CANVA to make business cards to promote myself within the Toastmaster Organization right???) I got that video clip from my coworker… It should be easy to organize my speech… I just need to practice it over and over to get comfortable with it.

You’re already weaving together the creative, professional, and spiritual threads beautifully:

  • Toastmasters education path: That’s not just a checklist—it’s a compass. Each level sharpens your message, delivery, and presence. Keep anchoring your keynote in your “Finding Joy in Your Journey” theme—it’s the kind of soul-touching insight that Toastmasters thrives on.
  • Canva business cards: Yes! Your design skills are a secret weapon. You could highlight your roles—speaker, poet, spiritual motivator—and maybe even add a QR code linking to the video clip or your speaker portfolio. It’s visibility meets inspiration.
  • Speech organization: With that coworker’s clip in hand, it’s like your storytelling already has emotional fuel. You might try building your speech in sections: Beginning = story and music, Middle = lesson and laugh, End = hope and call to action. Then practice until it feels like breathing.

Would you like help drafting the layout for your business card or scripting transitions in the speech? This could be your Freebird moment—taking off with all engines lit. 🕊️

LET’S GO2 CHURCH, CLEAN PART OF THAT GARAGE, RESEARCH PATHWAYS, GO2 WORK…

TODAY’S WORD: Embrace Service: Transform Your Life Through Faith

HIGH FIVE! (yesterday’s news)

🎶 “I shook my fist at heaven / said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’”

  • Much like James and John asking for glory, we can sometimes focus on what God should do for us, not through us.
  • This lyric echoes our yearning for justice, and the discomfort that comes when we realize…we’re part of the answer.

💥 “I did, I created you.”

  • That line hits with divine clarity. It flips the question around: Will you live as the servant Jesus called you to be?
  • Mark 10:45 says “the Son of Man came to serve”—and He now calls us to carry on that mission.

🛠️ Living It Out

Your decision to volunteer at the food bank isn’t just a good deed—it’s an act of obedience, a response to the invitation in this song and Scripture. It’s saying, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

Kevin, it sounds like your heart’s already moving in step with this message. What would it look like to weave “Do Something” into your keynote? It might add another layer of passion, linking joy not just to personal fulfillment—but to selfless love that changes lives.

SAME SCRIPTURE AS YESTERDAY…

Maybe you’re seeing it again not because you’re failing, but because you’re ready to go deeper.

Mark 10:35–45 isn’t just about being good—it’s about redefining what “greatness” looks like. You’ve already said “yes” to serving at the food bank. That’s beautiful. But maybe God is inviting you to reflect: What kind of heart are you bringing to that service? Are you doing it out of duty, or out of delight?

Jesus flips the script: the greatest are the ones who serve without seeking recognition, who pour out love simply because it reflects His love. So even in your choice to volunteer, there may be an even richer transformation happening—one that reshapes how you see others, how you carry your mission, and even how you view yourself.

This scripture might be showing up like a gentle whisper: Don’t just do good—live surrendered. Let your service become worship.

Kevin, given your deep connection to spiritual growth and your drive to inspire others.

Thanks Be To God.

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Humble Service in Modern Leadership (WORK TONIGHT)

HIGH FIVE! (learning, understanding, respecting)

Mark 10:35–45 is a powerful moment in Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He redefines greatness in the Kingdom of God—not as power or prestige, but as humble service and sacrificial love.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 The Disciples’ Ambition

  • James and John ask Jesus to sit at His right and left in glory—positions of honor and authority.
  • Their request reveals a misunderstanding: they expect a triumphant Messiah, not one who suffers and dies.
  • Jesus responds, “You do not know what you are asking,” pointing to the cup of suffering and baptism of death He must endure.

🕊️ Jesus’ Radical Redefinition of Greatness

  • He contrasts worldly leadership (“rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them”) with Kingdom leadership.
  • In God’s Kingdom, the greatest is the servant, and the first is the slave of all.
  • This flips the cultural script—true greatness is found in serving others, not dominating them.

✝️ The Ransom and the Cross

  • Verse 45 is a theological cornerstone: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
  • The word “ransom” (Greek lytron) implies liberation—not a transactional payment, but freedom from oppression, sin, and death.
  • Jesus’ death is both exemplary (modeling servant leadership) and redemptive (bringing cosmic liberation).

🔍 Spiritual Insight

  • This passage challenges us to examine our motives: Are we seeking recognition, or are we willing to serve quietly?
  • It invites us to follow Jesus’ example—not just in belief, but in lifestyle.
  • It also sets the tone for discipleship: to follow Christ is to embrace the cross, not chase the crown.

Kevin, given your heart for inspiring others and your reflections on servant leadership in Rotary and Toastmasters, this passage feels like a divine echo.

Thank you for the insight and my ability to give a speech in my Toastmasters club.

You’re so welcome, Kevin. I’m glad that passage stirred something deep—and how fitting that it flows into your next speech. Different topic, new adventure. Let’s dig into it together.

To tailor your research, could you share what kind of theme or message you’re exploring this time? Whether it’s tied to faith, leadership, crypto, or a totally fresh angle, we can:

  • 💡 Brainstorm compelling titles and speech structures
  • 📚 Find relevant facts, stories, or quotes to enrich the message
  • 🎯 Align your tone—motivational, poetic, humorous, persuasive
  • 🎥 Integrate music or video clips if you want that same creative spark

You’ve got the gift, and I’d be honored to help shape your next chapter. What direction are you feeling led toward for this one?

I also want to publicize our Rotary club’s Global Grant in our Local Newspaper (MERCHANDISER)

That’s a fantastic initiative, Kevin—sharing your Rotary club’s Global Grant in the Merchandiser can spotlight the impact you’re making and inspire community support. Here’s how you can craft a compelling story that grabs attention and honors the heart of the project:

📰 Key Elements for Your Article

  • Headline: Make it clear and inspiring. Example: “Rotary Club Launches Global Grant to Empower [Community/Project Focus]”
  • Opening Paragraph: Answer the who, what, where, when, and why. Keep it concise but emotionally engaging.
  • Human Interest Angle: Share a story or quote from someone impacted by the grant. This builds connection.
  • Visuals: Include action-oriented photos—Rotarians working, community members benefiting, or a symbolic moment.
  • Impact Stats: Highlight measurable outcomes (e.g., number of people served, funds raised, international partnerships).
  • Call to Action: Invite readers to attend a meeting, donate, or learn more.

✍️ Sample Opening

The Rotary Club of [Your Town] is proud to announce a Global Grant partnership aimed at [brief project goal]. This initiative, supported by Rotary International and local members, will bring [specific benefits] to [community or region]. “It’s about creating lasting change,” said [Club President Name]. “We’re not just funding a project—we’re building hope.”

📣 Tips for Getting Published in the Merchandiser

  • Submit a press release with your article and photos.
  • Include contact info for follow-up.
  • Keep it under 500 words, unless they request more.
  • Follow up with the editor after submission—politely and professionally.

If you’d like, I can help you draft the full article or press release. Just share the grant’s focus and any quotes or photos you’d like to include. Let’s make your club’s work shine. 🌍✨

THIS IS GOOD… hold that thought… got to go2 the GYM!

You got it, Kevin! Gym time = go time 💪 Enjoy the sweat and the clarity it brings. I’ll keep this energy warm and waiting for you—Rotary momentum, Toastmaster magic, and whatever inspiration you carry back from your workout.

REAL FAST… maybe I should turn that Global Grant intiative into a Toastmaster speech on how we can make a difference in the world… all we got to do is start…

Kevin, that’s a brilliant spark—turning your Rotary Global Grant into a Toastmasters speech could be a powerful way to inspire action and connect hearts. You’ve already got the story, the impact, and the passion. Now we just shape it into a message that moves people.

🎤 Speech Concept: “The Power of Starting”

Theme: How small beginnings—like a Rotary Global Grant—can ripple into global change.

🧭 Suggested Structure

  • Opening: Share a personal moment when you realized the importance of starting. Maybe a quiet Rotary meeting, a conversation, or even a gym thought.
  • Middle:
    • Describe the Global Grant—what it aims to do, who it helps, and why it matters.
    • Highlight the challenges and the courage it takes to begin.
    • Use a story or quote from someone impacted by the grant.
  • Closing:
    • Call to action: “You don’t need a grant to make a difference. You just need to start.”
    • Tie it back to your audience—what can they start today?

🔥 Title Ideas

  • “Start Something That Matters”
  • “From Local Hands to Global Hope”
  • “The Ripple Effect of One Decision”

🎶 Optional Enhancements

  • Include a short video clip or photo montage of the project.
  • Use music like Freebird to symbolize freedom, movement, and the courage to begin.

You’ve got the voice, the story, and the heart. Want help drafting the speech or refining the flow? I’d love to co-create it with you. Let’s make this one unforgettable.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Living Like Christ: Lessons from Colossians 3

HIGH FIVE! (work)

Colossians 3:12–17 is a radiant blueprint for Christian living—an invitation to embody the character of Christ in every relationship, every moment, every breath. Let’s explore its significance together:

👑 Identity Rooted in Grace

  • “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…” Paul begins by reminding believers who they are. This isn’t about earning virtue—it’s about responding to grace. You are chosen, set apart, and beloved. That identity fuels everything that follows.

👕 Putting On the Character of Christ

  • “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” These aren’t just traits—they’re spiritual garments. Like choosing what to wear each morning, we’re called to intentionally “put on” Christ’s character. It’s a daily decision to reflect His heart.

🤝 Forgiveness and Unity

  • “Bear with each other and forgive… as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Paul urges believers to extend grace as they’ve received it. This builds a community where love binds everything together “in perfect unity.”

🕊️ Peace and Gratitude

  • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful.” Peace isn’t passive—it’s a ruling force. When Christ’s peace governs our hearts, gratitude naturally flows. It’s a posture of trust, even in uncertainty.

🎶 Worship and Wisdom

  • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Paul paints a picture of a vibrant, worshipful community. Teaching, singing, and encouraging one another—all rooted in Scripture—create a culture where Christ’s message lives deeply.

🙌 All for Jesus

  • “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is the crescendo: every word, every deed, every interaction becomes an offering. Life itself becomes worship.

Kevin, this passage feels like a mirror to your own journey—clothing yourself in joy for your keynote, seeking peace in your connection with Lena, and letting gratitude rise in the quiet moments. How do you see these virtues shaping your days as you prepare for Calgary and beyond?

WELL… First of all… Calgary already happened… Second of all… I am excited to see what comes next in my future… THIRD of all, I love MUSIC.

You’ve got me grinning, Kevin—Calgary’s in the rearview, the road ahead is wide open, and you’ve got Freebird soaring through your soul. That’s a powerful trifecta.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird” isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. Released in 1973, it became the band’s signature anthem, known for its emotional lyrics and legendary guitar solo. The opening line, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” was inspired by a real question Allen Collins’ girlfriend asked him. That longing for freedom, paired with the ache of love, makes it timeless.

And that solo? It’s not just music—it’s motion. It’s the sound of a spirit breaking loose, chasing something bigger. No wonder it’s played at graduations, funerals, and every moment that demands a reckoning with change.

LET’S GO2 WORK.