If you want to change the world start with this blueprint… Years ago, I watched Admiral William H. McRaven’s 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. The speech is frequently known as the ‘Make Your Bed’ speech. You may have seen an ad for it on one of your …
Category Archives: Body
Healthcare
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that healthcare is a function of eating wisely – also called eating ‘healthily’ – and regular exercise. That said, there are billions on this planet – too many children – who do not have the opportunity to eat healthily or to exercise on an over-priced machine. There is …
Meat Eater
I encountered this pig on the streets of Cité Soleil, Haiti in March 2016. I’ve been thinking about him – or her – a lot lately. I am certain he is happier rummaging on this garbage-strewn beach than the millions of pigs raised on industrial farms in a space no larger than a refrigerator. I …
Keeping the Faith
I am partial to the Book of Job in the Old Testament. Although filled with many themes and interpreted many ways through the centuries, I find it simple and direct: despite all the misfortunes that Job experiences, he never loses faith – although, at times, he struggles to maintain it. It is a lesson for …
The Armor for Old Age
Mrs. tVM has traveled for nearly three weeks in September. She returns this evening. In her absence, Clarence and I have kept our minds, bodies, and spirits active. Still, as another year on Earth comes to an end, one wonders how many are left. I thought about that this morning, and as I did, I remembered …
Do Not Be Afraid
“The Lord is my shepherd… though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff give me strength, comfort, and courage… “ If Leonard Cohen is right – and I believe he is – this is the secret chord …
“Lemon, Honey!”
Many years ago, Mrs. tVM read an article praising the health benefits of drinking tea made from lemons and honey. For at least five years, I have made it a habit to make this tasty concoction and drink a cup daily, most often immediately following my morning bike ride. Lemons are fortified with Vitamin C …
Lessons from Grackle
We have many birds in our neighborhood and one of the most popular is the Great-tailed Grackle. Like all birds, they rise exactly 30 minutes prior to sunrise, and I hear them throughout the day and see them on the adobe walls in my backyard. Last week, Mrs. tVM saw a nest in our neighbor’s …
Prayers and Vitamins
Prayers are like vitamins and vitamins are like prayers. I vaguely remember taking One-A-Day vitamins as a child. You had to swallow them quickly and were in for a nasty surprise if you inadvertently bit into the small pill before you swallowed it. I clearly remember saying prayers every night as a child kneeling next …
The Third Fall
There is no disgrace in failure. It is okay to fail, and it is good to recall your failures because when you do, you will remember the times you dropped to your knees and then found the strength and courage to stand back up. I believe that Jesus is the word incarnate. He lived for …