Just another rant...

[Papa Zook]

As I have said in the past, I'm not a bible thumper and certainly have my faults and shortcomings, BUT I am a believer and have committed to making 2012 a year of growth and service to the man upstairs. I must confess, this is a challenge for me since my nature is competitive and to look out for me and my family first and foremost. I think a lot of that mindset comes from the kinds of challenges that I, and many of you, have experienced over the last couple of years. There have been financial, and physical challenges for me and many of you as well and its awfully easy to get discouraged due to the demands of running a business or working a job and supporting a family and or staff, especially when you're not well. In my case its been supporting a family and business and providing college tuition and all the related expenses for three kids simultaneously, while surviving the worst downturn since the great depression. For some of you its been much harder than that, as some are dealing with chronic, life threatening illnesses.

Despite the challenges, I am writing this to encourage each of you to make a difference in 2012. Reaching out to encourage another in need, whether though prayer, a helping hand with a project, finding a solution to a problem for them or just being someone to listen, is a very important blessing for them and for YOU. Trust me on this. Recently my pastor has been teaching on selflessness and its been an eye opener for me. I surprised myself and got involved with a couple of small groups at my church. They go to the nursing homes and hospitals as well as visiting shut-ins and hospice care patients and I'll tell you, it really makes a difference in the lives of these people, a BIG difference! They are so thankful that someone cares enough to visit, encourage and help them. There are a lot of tears shed on both sides. Its been a life changing experience and for whatever reason I cant get enough of it. I go every opportunity I get, and with any group I can and it blesses me as much as it does them. Please don't take this as me preaching at anyone, because I'm the last guy qualified to do that. I am just sharing with you how cool it is to see God work in the lives of those on the receiving AND the giving end.

[Nana]

Thank you for sharing, Randy, and for the encouragement and the challenge. I also believe God gives us blessings so that we can bless others. We so often just need the suggestion made or the idea shared to realize how little it takes to bring joy and blessing to another person. It's not just money that is needed; often sharing a skill, a hug, a smile, a listening ear, and a little time are the greatest gifts. And you are right --- the "giver" is usually surprised at the joy and satisfaction they receive themselves.

[Lunchbox1983]

Well spoken Zook. This past Christmas we displayed our bikes at the local nursing home, a LOT of old bikers came outside to run their hands along the bars, you could see that "feel the wind in the face look in their eyes" as they told me about the bikes they owned and the rides they had been on. I know riding home that day I noticed the wind and smiled a little more.

[Ironhorsepilot]

I having a hard time voicing my appreciation and admiration
to what you just said and your new outlook on life other then to say "AMEN".

[motorcyclemania]

Randy I think your right on. We all have something to give back. I'm a minster here in the Baton Rouge area and try to go once a month and teach at a half way house. I don't were I would be at today with the accident I had. My faith has pulled me through this time in my life. I go to churches and give my testimony of what God has done in my life. I hope that God bless you for your wiliness to help me.

[Doctoss]

Strange you wrote that as I am reading a book called "Halftime" by Bob Buford about living the second half of your life for "significance" rather than "success" like the first half. My wife of 31 years died of pancreatic cancer in 2011 and too bad it takes a crisis like that to see the things that really matter, the eternal things. I guess it is better to learn late rather than not at all. So I am with you to make 2012 a significant year for the things that last forever.

[Nana]

Strange you wrote that as I am reading a book called "Halftime" by Bob Buford about living the second half of your life for "significance" rather than "success" like the first half. My wife of 31 years died of pancreatic cancer in 2011 and too bad it takes a crisis like that to see the things that really matter, the eternal things. I guess it is better to learn late rather than not at all. So I am with you to make 2012 a significant year for the things that last forever.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, Doctoss. What a painful time for you and your family! You will be in our prayers as you continue to move forward, and I know God will continue to give you comfort and strength.

[41inWV]

God Bless you Doctoss. I lost my wife of 32 years to Cancer in 2008. This call to live and perform things of 'significance' is a noble charter. And goes a distance toward allowing you and us to cope.

[Bob Witte]

Amen brother!!

[Veritas44]

Amen Zook,,, AMEN.
God's Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace are Gifts available to all who will accept.
The only thing He asks in order to keep them is...
That we selflessly Give Them Away.

Matthew 22: 36-40
it's as simple as that

P.s. This is NOT a Rant, It IS a Mantra.

[Lucky]

Better to give than to receive.

[tommy loso]

What a way to wake up and read an article about a MAN bearing his soul..I'm sure that that wasn't the easiest thing to do..It made me realise that I too need to make some changes in my life and rid myself of some negative thoughts-words and deeds..Thank you to all of you for your words of encouragement..Day 1 has just begun