National Public Radio - Smart Radio

National Public Radio is a national treasure and is on air and online. While going to Hiwassee College for an alumni meeting I tuned in to WUTC the local NPR station and I was hooked. I know its been a resource that has been around for decades but somehow I have been into commercial talk radio. NPR seems to have an intelligence and dedication to telling a story. I listened to All Things Considered and Car Talk two of their flagship shows. I will be listening to this station on my way to work on Monday. Giving NPR a long-term audition is going to be a good thing. I even downloaded the app for my Android phone so I can listen that way too. NPR is also home of The Prairie Home Companion as well as other programs.

Blogging For Me

I have been blogging in a couple different places lately. Here and Tumblr. I have decided to focus on blogging for me and not for an audience necessarily. Tumblr is a good place for many folks and I enjoy it there but mostly its blogs that are copies of other blogs. Sometimes you need to get back to social writing with originality and focus on my deep thoughts. Blogger is a great platform and it does a lot for me. It's also a shift on being as integrated with the Google family of products. Here's to some happy blogging.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

I took a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich to work a couple of days ago. Ironically it was National Peanut Butter Day. Sometimes a PB and J is a comforting thing in a world full of complexity and chaos. It takes you back to when you were a kid and things were simple then. Now you are all grown up and things are different. There are lots of advantages and bonuses to being an adult but there are days when we all yearn to return to easier times. The PB & J is the thing that does it for me. Of course you gotta grow up and eat something with substance and flavors a sign you are maturing and being a man or woman instead of boy or girl. Sometimes you can have that childhood favorite paired with a spicy dish like chili. You can do adult versions of your childhood favorite but sometimes the basics are what’s best. PB & J is a metaphor for life and something worth savoring.

Everyone Needs Encouragement

1 Chronicles 28:20 - David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 

This verse talks about being strong, courageous and finishing the work of God. Sometimes its easy but often times its just as difficult. Life has a way of putting up road blocks and pit falls. Everyone needs encouragement going through life. In our ever changing world nothing is ever the same. You can’t let fear get the best of you. These are things I often struggle with in such as doubt and self esteem issues. God wants a great life for his people and with him it can be better.

Some who read this do not come from a religious or spiritual background. These words have meaning for you too. Don’t let things stand in your way of having peace. Seek those who would support you and lift you up when things are down. Family or friends who will stand beside you all the way are a great comfort to everyone.