Freemasonry Explained

Posted Jan 31st, 2011

From our Brothers in Portugal comes this short film that truly identifies who we are as Masons.  Many of my friends have asked, “What does it mean to be a Mason?” This short film may provide the answer with a glimpse of who we are as Masons.  Please, give a few minutes to learn about Masonry and me.  Thanks, DR

State of the Union

Posted Jan 26th, 2011

Success is: “The progressive realization of pre-determined worthwhile goals.”

So do you see success as a destination like a city on a map?  Or do you see it as the road you’re on?

Last night, President Obama gave his State of the Union address as most of us already know.  There were several statements made that were certainly positive; however there needs to be much more known before any of us can call it a successful meeting.

The theme is clearly “Winning the Future – Rebuilding America.” Who doesn’t want that?  Are we on the road to financial recovery?  It seems so.  So the question becomes, where’s the map to get us there?  The answer is: there is no map.  There were some pretty broad statements with absolutely no real (other than reaching across the aisle) “how to” statements made.  Actually, that’s the good news.  This is the really good news.

The President went on to say that the solution to rebuilding America is our own creativity. He said, “Let’s fix what needs fixing and move forward.” He also said, as a challenge to us all, “We do BIG things.” Both of these statements shed some light on how we can all help turn this ship (America) toward the waters of greater economic certainty.

First, if we can agree that the U.S. Government is not the solution but a resource to support our nation’s economic turnaround, then we’re on common ground. (more…)

Success Principles

Posted Jan 24th, 2011

We all learn principles and values that could potentially lead us to success.  In my case, my Father died at the age of 42.  My Grandfather was the person in my life that gave me many of the principles and values that mean so much to me.

It was a few weeks before he died (at age 87) that he shared where he learned the principles he held so dear. “The Bible and the education you receive as you strive to become a 32 degree Mason.”

Many years later I would meet my Father-in-law whose a 33 degree Mason, Past Master and Past Potentate for El Bekal Shrine in Orange County, California. Another extremely principled man.

Today, those lessons come from others.  The very first motivational book [that I ever read] that contained success principles was written by a man whose last name was Shultz.  The book is out of print and after so many changes in life, I’ve lost the book.  I still remember some of the principles like goal setting that were taught in the book.

Later in life came the great Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone.  Next was Anthony Robbins and Jack Canfield.  Stone was also a mentor to Canfield when Canfield worked directly for him.

I have a friend named Gavriel Sanders.  He and I have decided to take this book on [again] as a tool to better understand and apply the principles of success.

I think Jack would be the first to say that the book is not all inclusive.  However, it is very important.  When studied like a text book, it can be a great tool.

The very first chapter is about taking responsibility for your own life.  How many of us really do that?  Not as many as you’d think.

A chap by the name of Jeff Snider taught me to look for the VOIDS.  In other words, “what’s missing.” The opposite of where’s Waldo but the same idea.

All of us are missing something.  If that weren’t true, we’d all have achieved our objectives.  The problem is that not all of us are equipped to even look for “what’s missing.” (more…)