Every man regards his own life as the New Year's Eve of time.
Jean Paul

Nothing is easy to the unwilling.


Thomas Fuller

We are exactly where we have chosen to be.


Vernon Howard

God gave us two ends - one to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which one you use. Heads you win, tails you lose.


Attributed to Kristi Ross Campbell

Hero

It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.

Norman Schwarzkopf

I can

"What I need is someone who will make me do what I can."


Ralph Waldo Emerson

Seussisms

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store.
Dr. Seuss

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo da Vinci 

Thought vs. Action

Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.


Theodore Roosevelt

Family

"Sticking with your family is what makes it family."


Mitch Albom

Experiment

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.
George Carlin

Gifts

Every gift which is given, even though is be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.
Pindar

Peace

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
Mother Teresa

Here's what I tell anybody and this is what I believe. The greatest gift we have is the gift of life. We understand that. That comes from our Creator. We're given a body. Now you may not like it, but you can maximize that body the best it can be maximized.
Mike Ditka

Cowgirls and Christmas

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
Dale Evans

"A nation can survive it's fools, and even the ambitious. BUT cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gates freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor, he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murder is less to fear."

Cicero's speech to the Roman Senate 50 years befor the birth of Jesus.

Dreamers and Believers

Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.
-Wilfred Peterson

Prayer Strength and Meditation

Prayer is more than meditation. In meditation the source of strength is one's self. When one prays he goes to a source of strength greater than his own.
Chiang Kai-shek

Caffeine and Nicotine

You probably wouldn’t know it I was let go by the man

Hadn’t spoke to Momma on Sunday if I can

Seems like all my old friends never answer when I call

Driving all their fast cars and hanging at the mall

Loving all those girls in their little skinny jeans

There they are a living on caffeine and nicotine

Got out in New Orleans six string in my hand

Had to have a coffee and a local place to jam

Three whole packs of sugar splash of half and half

Then I bummed a smoke from the local Marlboro Man

Looking for those girls and their little skinny jeans

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Four o’clock in the morning need a place to lay my head

Occupy New Orleans took every free bed

Think I’ll walk on over and give that place a shot

So I went to Waffle House for their never empty pot

Waiting for a girl in her little skinny jeans

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Just a little later I was slumped down in my booth

Felt someone tapping on my motorcycle boot

He wore a silver badge and shined a flashlight in my face

No matter what I do seems like someone’s always on my case

Thinking of a girl in her little skinny jeans

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

I think I’m leaving town cops are taking up my space

Thinking bout my baby she looks so good in lace

Headed up to Memphis as fast as I can go

Backseat on a Harley I’m going with the flow

Chasing down a girl in her little skinny jeans

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Memphis is a town where ducks can ride in elevators

Barbeque and blues are often served by well dressed waiters

Whiskey in my coffee helps get me through the day

Hanging on the levee and smoking Tampa Bays

Still waiting for my girl in her little skinny jeans

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Five days gone by I’m about to cry waiting on those jeans

Deep inside I never realized that she could be so mean

Got a prepaid phone Called her at home and this is what she said

Don’t call again Give up your dream I’ll never share your bed

Get a life give up your strife and read a magazine

You only live your life for caffeine and nicotine

Had a cup of coffee found a local place to jam

Three whole packs of sugar and a splash of half and half

Then I bummed a smoke from the local Marlboro Man

Knew I’d find a girl that would be the plan

Yeah I was only living for caffeine and nicotine

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Hanging out and Living on caffeine and nicotine

Paul Mize © 2011  

John Paul Jones

If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.
John Paul Jones

Just do what you do best.
Red Auerbach

Paint and Powder

A ship is always referred to as "she" because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.Chester W. Nimitz

"Getting Better all the Time"

He who stops being better stops being good.
Oliver Cromwell

Action

The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.
Red Auerbach

Ideas and Assets

If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn't any limit to what you can do with your business and your life. Ideas are any man's greatest asset.
Harvey S. Firestone

On the Mound

It was quite a day Had a game to play Winning meant the season

If we won today more games to play a chance to win the Region

I was on the mound all my friends around cheering all the time

Just throwing heat Could not be beat Slider breaking on a dime

Coach said boys great game we won on more than luck

Daddy waived my curfew and gave me 40 bucks

Riding down the highway breaking all my Momma’s rules

Hanging out the window just acting like a fool

Shotgunnin red bellies feeling mighty fine

Hanging out the window slinging empties at road signs

Jumped out the truck hooked a line up to the trailer hitch

Four wheeled the sign and dropped it in my girlfriend’s front yard ditch

Heading home It was getting late We all had laughed a lot

Suddenly I remembered what I had forgot

My girlfriend’s dad He was big and bad He was the local law

Monday morning homeroom a shadow crossed the wall

Marshall was his name Took me away Megan she was screaming

Dad you’re really bad you make me sad you better get my meaning

Was not real scared knew the judge loved our high school’s baseball season

Then he said destroying public property is a felony my son

He scratched his head Felt like I was dead Then he slammed his gavel

Said Son I was a pitcher to play baseball you must travel

Plead guilty now  Public work Probation and I’ll let you pitch

In the morning with a shovel I was cleaning out the Sheriff’s ditch

Megan drove by said she was my ride took me to my practice

Coach gave me a hug and had me run 40 sprints from fence to fence

Two days later after school we took a long bus ride

Flashing lights Escorted by the Sheriff and Megan by his side

Stopped inside the parking lot stared at the wire fence

Coach called me to the front and said don’t give up any hits

It was quite a day had a game to play Winning meant the Region

A win today meant games to play for a Championship Season

I was on the mound all my friends around cheering all the time

Just throwing heat Could not be beat Slider breaking on a dime

The game was done Sheriff said Son Get in the backseat of my car

Coach waved by I gave a sigh and rode home with the law

Megan gave me a wink Did I need a drink Water or Mountain Dew

Daddy called ahead your Momma’s making fried chicken for you too

I was on the mound all my friends around cheering all the time

Just throwing heat Could not be beat Slider breaking on a dime

Paul Mize © 2011

Caffeine and Nicotine

You probably wouldn’t know it I was let go by the man

Hadn’t spoke to Momma on Sunday if I can

Seems like all my old friends never answer when I call

Driving all their fast cars and hanging at the mall

Loving all those girls in their little skinny jeans

There they are a living on caffeine and nicotine

Got out in New Orleans six string in my hand

Had to have a coffee and a local place to jam

Three whole packs of sugar splash of half and half

Then I bummed a smoke from the local Marlboro Man

Looking for those girls and their little skinny jeans

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Four o’clock in the morning need a place to lay my head

Occupy New Orleans took every free bed

Think I’ll walk on over and give that place a shot

So I went to Waffle House for their never empty pot

Waiting for a girl in her little skinny jeans

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Just a little later I was slumped down in my booth

Felt someone tapping on my motorcycle boot

He wore a silver badge and shined a flashlight in my face

No matter what I do seems like someone’s on my case

Thinking of a girl in her little skinny jeans

Living on caffeine and nicotine

I think I’m leaving town cops are all around need a little space

Thinking bout my baby she looks so good in lace

Headed up to Memphis as fast as I can go

Backseat on a Harley I’m going with the flow

Chasing down a girl in her little skinny jeans

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Memphis is a town where ducks can ride in elevators

Barbeque and blues are often served by well dressed waiters

Whiskey in my coffee helps get me through the day

Hanging on the levee and smoking Tampa Bays

Still waiting for my girl in her little skinny jeans

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Five days gone by I’m about to cry waiting on those jeans

Deep inside I never realized that she could be so mean

Got a prepaid phone Called her at home This is what she said

Don’t call again Give up your dream I’ll never share your bed

Get a life give up your strife and read a magazine

You only live your life for caffeine and nicotine

Had a cup of coffee found a local place to jam

Three whole packs of sugar and a splash of half and half

Then I bummed a smoke from the local Marlboro Man

Knew I’d find a girl in her slinky skinny jeans

Yeah I was for living on caffeine and nicotine

Need my daily fix of caffeine and nicotine

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Living on caffeine and nicotine

Paul Mize © 2011  

Spark

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Albert Schweitzer

Ability

Each of us has been put on earth with the ability to do something well. We cheat ourselves and the world if we don't use that ability as best we can.
George Allen, Sr.

Thanks

Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.  

~Native American Saying

One day that is ours

There is one day that is ours.  There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to.  Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.  
~O. Henry

"No One Diets on Thanksgiving,"

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?  
~Erma Bombeck, "No One Diets on Thanksgiving," 26 November 1981

To know

You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know.
Oscar Wilde

Change

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.


John Fitzgerald Kennedy

When a man

When a man has once loved a woman he will do anything for her except continue to love her.
Oscar Wilde

Playing with a Tiger

Unless you enter the tiger's den, you cannot take the cubs.
Japanese Proverb

Smile

"We do not smile because something good has happened; rather something good happens because we smile."
Japanese Proverb

Take a Risk

"Life is all about risks and it requires you to jump. Don't be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have or could have had. No one lives forever."
Anonymous

Eternal

While waiting on a job to try

You walked in wearing boots knee high

Your dress was way up on your thigh

Your smile it made me feel so high

And when you left I gave a sigh

I chased you out the door Oh my

You moved so fast I had to fly

A job could wait why should I try

I love you even past the sky

And ever-after when I die

Eternal

I caught you at the next red light

My mouth was stuck I’m filled with fright

Green light go it filled my sight

Then you were gone my head was light

Then you stopped right on a dime

I felt that I had done a crime

When I tripped across your knee high boot

The laugh you made was such a hoot

I love you even past the sky

And ever-after when I die

Eternal

The laugh you made was such a hoot

And there I lay; hand on your foot

My face so red; thought I was dead

Could not believe the words you said

I heard you say I like lattes

I’ve got some time I read your mind

A cup of joe for our first date

Then I must go I can’t be late

I’ll love you even past the sky

And ever-after when we die

Eternal

I’ll love you even past the sky

And ever-after when we die

Eternal

Paul Mize © 2011

Audrey Hepburn

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Audrey Hepburn

Today's Daily Motivation

You hit somebody with your fist and not with your fingers spread.
Heinz Guderian

Drowning

You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Unknown

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE FOLLOW THEIR PLAN

You need a plan to find success.

Wanting success isn't sufficient enough to get it. You've got to ask yourself, "What are you going to do to get the things you want."

Your problem is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach.

You cannot fail with a definite step by step plan, because each step you take will carry you along to the next step, like a track.

All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.

You can not get lost on a straight road.

Max Steingart

Today's Daily Motivation

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.  Henry David Thoreau

Thought for the Day

Actors are the best and the worst of people. They're like kids. When they're good, they're very very good. When they're bad they're very very naughty.

Kenneth Branagh

Today's Daily Motivation

Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.
Horace

Today's Daily Motivation

Being a salesman and an actor were not that dissimilar: It is a good lesson in covering up your feelings. No one wants to buy from someone who looks depressed.
Dougray Scott

Thought for the Day

I think every leading man wants to be a character actor, and every character actor wants to be a leading man.
Bruce Boxleitner

Your failure may prove to be an asset, provided you know why you failed.

Your failure may prove to be an asset, provided you know why you failed. There are a few occasions during our brief time on earth when most of us experience great flashes of insight, great moments of truth that forever change the course of our lives. Most of those experiences result from spectacular failures, not from outstanding successes. It is from the failures that so chagrined and dismayed us that we learn the most lasting lessons. When you are the unwilling recipient of a great moment of truth, extract the useful lessons and then put the entire episode behind you. Learn from your failures, forget about them, and move on to better things. Napoleon Hill Foundation

Today's Daily Motivation

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.

Ferdinand Foch

Today's Daily Motivation

My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.

Ferdinand Foch

Today's Daily Motivation

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Sun Tzu

Today's Daily Motivation

If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head almost nothing.
Marc Chagall

Today's Daily Motivation

Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming. John Wooden

Thought for the Day

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
Scott Adams

Today's Daily Motivation

Without discipline, there is no Marine Corps.
R. Lee Ermey

Today's Daily Motivation

It's my firm conviction that when Uncle Sam calls, by God we go, and we do the best that we can.R. Lee Ermey