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We all have certain things which make us feel happier, content, less stressed, and wanting to claim more from life. For some, it’s the smoothness of silk against their skin, the adoring face of a puppy, a friendly encounter, a child’s laughter, or the sensuality of a lovers kiss. True, all these things can bring a huge smile to ones face and they definitely do mine, but I’ve also learned that weather can have a humongous impact on an individual’s emotional outlook, giving many a needed boost after the depressing effects of grey skies among bone-chilled winters.…  ( Click for more )

With one click of a computer’s mouse, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg became one of the richest people in the world, if not in history when the company he founded became public last week. And as most know, Facebook was created among the confines of a Harvard dorm room utilizing nothing more but an ingenious idea, entrepreneurial drive to succeed, and discovery of a golden niche revealing the thirsty desire people have to connect and share their lives with others. The young Grandfather of social media is definitely the wonder boy of new-age business, probably carrying both…  ( Click for more )

No matter who you work with, marry, be-friend, date, parent, or live beside, sooner or later there’ll be personality traits which you don’t agree with, or find uncomfortable to be around. We’re all created differently, are an original masterpiece created by God, and like any living thing, there are no two of us exactly alike. It’s what makes the human race such an incredibly diverse body of souls. But, how we interact, and appreciate each others positive and negative qualities is more about our personality rather than the individuals inside our target zone. …  ( Click for more )

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Dallas, one of the first moments I ever remember the topic of homosexuality coming up was during an episode of M*A*S*H*, that mega-popular sitcom starring Alan Alda and many other upcoming stars. The scene displayed a soldier afraid of going back to his military unit for fear of ridicule from his fellow officers, conveying his fears to the sympathetic ears of Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John M.D. Liberalism was starting to come into the fold among television land back then (another example: Archie Bunker), so the writers made sure the…  ( Click for more )

I was sitting in a church auditorium recently, listening to a preacher talk about the power words have on us all, both written and spoken, and the great impact they convey to those around us. It was a well articulated speech, causing me to think about how large a role words play in our lives.

Words are extremely powerful— carrying the strength to heal or wound, encourage or discourage, speak truth or deceive, praise or criticize. In fact, the Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Since that’s true, controlling what we say and how we say it…  ( Click for more )

While eating lunch recently, I couldn’t help but overhear this statement coming from the next table, “My husband has never made enough money for me to be happy, I wish he’d change jobs or do something else.” The words were spoken in a disappointing, almost angry tone.

This touches on the vast majority of recent surveys and psychological reports pointing to the fact that people are much happier, at least temporarily, when their mates or companions make more money. While listening, I also thought about the image she might see her husband in. Maybe she no…  ( Click for more )

Many of us recently watched on TV the Space Shuttle Discovery being piggybacked to its final resting place inside the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. You were also flanked by the Capital Building, a symbol of American pride and strength showing the world that America is a land to be admired and revered. But, as I looked , I saw images of a country that isn't looking to the future as a land of innovation, discovery, ingenuity, and aggressive growth. Instead, it's pointing backwards, diving towards governmental control and socialistic programs. My point: We must start…  ( Click for more )

As we head into General Election campaign mode with Mitt Romney driving toward becoming the Republican nominee, something which is unsurprisingly hitting the headlines fast and furious is discussions over his religious beliefs. Here’s my question: Should they really matter?

Mitt Romney is a Mormon. And in our land of religious freedom, he’s certainly entitled to his beliefs. I am a Christian, and what Mr. Romney believes is somewhat different than me. Truthfully, I don’t fully understand the teachings of the Mormon Church. But, that’s okay, because come…  ( Click for more )

If you were like millions of others recently, your eyes probably darted to the television set sometime in the later evening hours while the Mega Millions jackpot was being drawn. After all, there were only around 650 million dollars up for grabs to the lucky winner(s), and most likely, visions of what you could do with all that free cash flew through your mind at super-light speed as the balls on the screen began to drop into their final resting places. Winning the lottery is one of our ultimate fantasies, a sudden life changer (for better or worse), and offers a unique blend of…  ( Click for more )

In order for a disadvantaged child to become educated, skilled, resourceful and ready to tackle the world with competitive spirit, the books and developed love of reading they have available to them oftentimes arrive through the love of selfless hearts. And right now, there are literally hundreds of book drives and charities which, through the use of volunteers and determined will, deliver free books and other reading materials to low-income children who otherwise wouldn’t enjoy the world of literature.

For children to become strong readers, they need books in their…  ( Click for more )

It's sometimes nice getting something for nothing. No matter if it’s hitting the sweepstakes jackpot, being picked for a job you really weren’t qualified for, scoring a free tank of gas with your next fill up at the local 7-Eleven, or a winning hand in Vegas, it’s in our genes from the moment we’re born till the day we die. But realistically, part of being a responsible adult knows what crosses the line between getting something for nothing, morally and legally, or the same abusively, therefore making others pay simply because a structure’s in place…  ( Click for more )

I had the pleasure of seeing blues legend, B.B.King perform during the 90’s in Washington D.C., and most recently here in Dallas a few weeks ago. He’s definitely slowed down some, lagging the aggressive and mesmerizing zip he once had (taking about 30 minutes to introduce his band). But, despite the fact that Mr. King is now well into his 80’s, thousands still flock to see him play every year looking to catch the wave of a living legend, still doing what he can to make us smile through his supreme gift of music. And after recently reading his biography, he knew…  ( Click for more )

There I was, filling up my car, watching the digital numbers flying at warp speed inside the glass on the gas pump, and then cringing at the grand total when the trigger on the handle finally clicked. It wasn’t a good feeling; it made me angry, and caused me to become even angrier knowing that it didn’t have to be this way if only the folks in Washington would learn to do what’s best for the American people.

Look around. Most likely you’re sitting inside somewhere, taking a break from your everyday life, and giving me some much appreciated attention. The…  ( Click for more )

I read a book one time about ways of discovering your life’s meaning. It was informative, and filled with lots of ideas and methods of taking your existence into positive territory. And one of the areas I enjoyed most was an exercise in listing at least ten of your biggest moments so far—those trinkets in time helping shape who you are and that left the greatest impressions. For everyone, those experiences can be both, good and bad; a divorce or bad breakup, childhood bully, death of someone you loved. Or maybe it was the thrill of graduating from college, getting your…  ( Click for more )

Most have experienced it: staying with the same person no matter how bad and unhealthy a relationship becomes, hoping against the odds that things will eventually get better allowing love to prevail. Some look to God, wish upon a star, or seek out and counsel with every psychologist around to heal the broken seams, replace bad with good, take another drink of love potion which brought bodies together in the first place, and inflame the sparks both felt while first meeting. But realistically, sometimes the right thing to do is walk away early on before you wake up one morning, aged,…  ( Click for more )

I usually don’t write about politics. Along with religion, it’s one of the most debated subjects we have as a people. No matter if you’re a democrat or republican, we all have our viewpoints. But, given the political year we’re all about to engage in, I felt it time to express my position of where I see America, as it currently stands. I realize many won’t agree here, but holding back hasn’t ever been my strongest trait.

America has become an extremely divided nation, and angrier. It’s now rich vs. poor, liberal vs. conservative, democrat…  ( Click for more )

Happiness is that wonderful, peaceful feeling when we believe our personal universal stars are meticulously aligned, giving us that oozing and satisfying feeling. It can be found everywhere, and can hit you when least expected, sending you soaring to new heights along your life's super highway. Many of us think we know what will make us truly happy: that winning lottery ticket, a romantic relationship filled with never-ending butterflies, or perhaps becoming eye candy for paparazzi-infused photographers hanging on your every thought or gesture. Once again, we all think we…  ( Click for more )

Writing can keep you from sleeping, eating, and being around people. It can cause you more stress than you can imagine when all you're trying to do is produce a story which you love, and believe others will feel the same toward. You see, when you're not writing just to please yourself, an audience of one, but to sell your story to the literary marketplace, it can quickly become one of the hardest actions you'll ever do. You must be completely excited about the story, its characters, its places, sounds and energy; because if you don't, others simply will not. And when the last…  ( Click for more )

Most have imagined lives of incredible richness and success, wanting to claim their stake on earth as part of their individual plans. How we visualize, and drive toward attaining these desires ultimately determines how quickly they become reality. Those of us who make strides in the world of creativity are obviously dreamers. We make something from nothing, hoping it will produce a lasting impact on those we share our efforts with. The artist paints his canvas, the actor rehearses his lines, the musician plays his songs over and over, and the writer, well, the writer writes…  ( Click for more )

For those of us who live inside the world of artistic creativity, chasing that ever-elusive muse is more satisfying than the strongest of addictions. It often comes easy, like drawing an effortless breath or taking a Sunday drive along an oceanfront road, allowing the world of make believe to magically enter your bloodstream. It's thrilling, and oh so satisfying and rewarding when it happens, most likely leaving you craving and hungering for more as it leaves, disappearing like a adrenaline-filled lovers kiss. When I first began writing, doing something creative was pretty…  ( Click for more )

I love movies, and being the red-blooded guy that I am, two recent releases advertising some adrenaline-filled action caught my eye causing me to walk inside the darkened rooms of the silver screen. I've seen both of these movies within the past few days and thought I'd share some of my insights on both before you pluck down some of your had-earned dollar bills. Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol: This is the fourth installment of the mega-successful thriller which actor, Tom Cruise, has made famous again by resurrecting the theme of the TV series from decades past. Cruise,…  ( Click for more )

It’s the Christmas season, meaning most are thinking of presents under the tree, trips to shopping malls and brightly-colored boxes filled with things on our wish lists. The holidays are a magical time, giving us hope and reasons to be thankful. The beginning of a new year will also start soon, dusting off those resolutions always filled with good intentions and promises to keep. But, aside from the gifts and changes we want, did you know that right now you’re already overflowing with everything you’ve always desired? That the person God created you…  ( Click for more )

Many people are staying single these days, a choice which is becoming more common than ever before. Let's start with some stats: According to some of the latest reports, the amount of all men who never marry past the age of 44 is roughly 21%, for women it's 15%. Our nations divorce rate is ever-changing, but Wikipedia states that the overall numbers in the 21century have decreased compared to the 1990's. In 2010, it was 48% under the age of 18,29% between 18-19, 29% between 20-24, and 24% over the age of 25. This draws opposition to the well-used statement that "over…  ( Click for more )

Do these words sound familiar? “If you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan. If you like your Doctor, you can keep your Doctor…period!” Again, sound familiar.

These words were spoken over and over (some 34 times) by our current President in an attempt to derail insurance companies, conceive the truth, lie to and make fools out of the American people in regards to his signature policy. It’s all coming to pass right now, and will give new merit to the old saying, what comes around, goes around when the elections of 2014,2016 finally…  ( Click for more )