jeff noel – Page 1023 – Disney Customer Service Keynote Speaker

I Rescued A Human Today

This story , by Janine Allen, arrived via email the other day, and thought today, the four-month anniversary of Carter’s farewell would be a nice time to share it.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Beauty Will Rise

How’s your Spirit?

Do you ever feel like God is unfair?

This is called doubt. And as your Spirit grows, you allow less room for doubt. Less room for fear.

And it’s like exercise or money, it requires disciplined effort to be in sound physical, financial and spiritual shape.

The past few nights I’ve been working out Spiritually. How? By listening to Steven Curtis Chapman’s newest CD, Beauty Will Rise.

Try to imagine your worst nightmare. And then try to imagine God not being interested or caring.

Madiba

Nelson Mandela’s clan name is Madiba. And so is the style of shirt he commonly wore.

In a busy world, television is one of the things I’ve given up. No time for it after all the more important things get handled.

But last night, with iPad on lap, I casually tuned in and out of the ABC special featuring the FIFA Soccer World Cup from South Africa. I recall Alicia Keys, Desmond Tutu, Madiba, and one other poignant moment.

It’s a moment in history most of us are familiar with, but for some reason, it’s significance really washed over me last night.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and then became President of his Country.

And now, in what should be one of the most joyful moments of his life, is one of the saddest. Heartfelt prayers to Nelson, and to anyone dealing with unbearable pain (which should cover just about everyone).

Are You Praying Too Slow?

There is no fancy website test here. But the question, “How well do you pray?”, is a good one to think about.

For probably 20 years, I’ve thought to myself that the meaning of life is peace and contentment.

Peace with who you are, and content with what you have.

In 51 years, I have found nothing even comes close to offering this, except daily, moment to moment prayer. And in the last ten years, through trial and error, there is great peace and contentment.

The phrase “carpe diem“, or seize the day, means nothing, if you don’t actually do it.

And doing it requires a peace and contentment that is uncommon.

Being present. Being thankful. Being forgiving. Exercise. Nutrition. Rest. Play. Purposeful work.

I don’t think these are out of reach for anyone. Do you?

I Asked God Why

Ever have some amazing, and completely unexpected opportunity sitting in front of you? Me too. What did you do about your opportunity? Has it changed your life, or are you regretting not seizing it?

I’m sitting next to a Pastor right now as I type these words.

Carlos wanted to be a Pastor since he was seven years old, while growing up in Argentina. Carlos’ Father was a vocational Pastor, meaning he worked 40+ years without a salary. He had a full-time paying job, and was a Pastor on top of that. His Father is 79 now and serving the poorest of the poor in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, at Encuemtro Latino.

In the late 1990’s, my phone rang and the person on the other end offered an opportunity to become a professional speaker. Public speaking is our greatest fear, greater than the fear of death.

And I thought to myself, God must want me to become a comedian or a Pastor and this public speaking thing would provide the necessary experience.

I’m still trying to figure out why. 🙂