As of late, I have found a sanctuary if you will from listening to smooth gospel, jazz music. Last evening, as I relaxed on our hammock, I listened to some of the WOW worship music to yes cleanse the soul. As I reflect and closed my eyes what a wonderful God we have. It seems as though it is Gods way of speaking to us directly through the words of the music.

This phenomenon of centering our mind and body is truly remarkable to be in God’s presence. Now, I don’t make these claims without scripture text. I thought I’d share some scripture that may justify where this topic is coming from. Check out Proverbs 15:14, Phil 4:8, Romans 12:2 and 1 Cor.2:15-16 each of these passages relate to the mind in that what we put into it, determines what comes out. And how to renew yours along with how to have the mind of Christ.

As, hopefully you reflect on the listed scriptures, quiet you mind to hear the words of music. Listen for the message that can be very soothing to your mind, body and spirit. My hope and prayer is this post finds you in good health and above all in an attitude of faith for our Lord and Savior. Can we hear an Amen. God Bless the USA. Don

As a baby boomer this topic resonates very prominent. As we plan for that next earthly cycle in our respective lives that variable of health is difficult to plan for as part of an overall retirement planning perspective. This somewhat unknown phenomenon of our future health is in the hands of our Lord and Savior, I truly believe that. Now you all have heard some of the earthly ways to extend life by the staples of exercise, eat right, sleep right etc. To discuss these to give my take on each would like to share some thoughts that you may or may not have thought about. These are basic but fundamentally believe sound principles for us to consider.

First the value and reasons to exercise will help you with more energy to tackle your daily routine. Maybe smarter thinking is a product of exercise. Hopefully better sleep and a deeper type of REM sleep which is good for our bodies. A more optimistic outlook on life in general. Exercise also boosts our immune system which we do need to go through our surroundings. Also, better circulation of our circulatory system of our bodies is a by product of exercise. A big one reduction of stress in our lives, this is probably in my opinion one of the best reasons to exercise. Staying on this training of thought higher self esteem always a good thing. Physically better clearer skin, stronger muscle and joints and overall exercise promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Now addressing the eating right aspect of the overall health is your wealth. Believe you should control what you put into your body. Short version good healthy foods and believe you know what those are, the product of this practice will assist you. I’ve heard the saying and I’m sure you have also “you are what you eat” there probably is truth in that. Take eating to another level by monitoring what and how much you put into your body.

Sleep is important for our overall health to rest and cleanse I believe our wears and tears from our daily lives. Sleep believe should be done on a consistent basis and establishing a good schedule and consistent sleep allocation is important to our overall health.

At future posts will be discussing a little more about the mind, body, spirit aspects of our lives. Hopefully this information helps you take a look and accessment of your overall lifestyle in terms of the value of health in the big picture of this earthly life. Please share your take on this topic, because I like to always learn and what I’ve found since the inception of this blog is there are some very insightful folks out there and truly enjoy hearing and reading your comments. Take care and have a great day. Yours in Christ. Don

As the saying goes we are the champions. I say that in a humble way but we Wesley United Methodist Church won our church league division with a 15-1 record. On the surface I suppose that is admirable but it was the journey that seems more gratifying. Let me explain.

First and foremost, we prayed prior to each game and asked for guidance, safety and fellowship from our Lord and Savior. We had a great group of young and old players who I really enjoyed coaching and playing with. This was I believe a classic example of a unit coming together for a common goal win a championship. And we did. I point this out not to boast, but to reflect on the journey and what it took to get to the end result.

Sport in this case softball, offers the opportunities to play ball as a team, fellowship with other teammates, the support of our church family etc. Player’s wives, girl friends, children came out to the ball park to root us on and that was cool. Sport does teach us to work together, have our teammates back, offer encouragement when an error occurs etc. Sport though is just a medium, which provides a stage for successes and failures. A teaching point intertwined here with a few of the hick-ups during the season is how you deal with that adversity and the ability to move forward when the “chips may be down”. Teammates, prayer is the phenomenon that picks you up when you falter. What is important is to show servant leadership and play to win but in a humble way. Now, I would be the first to admit, I love to compete and work extremely hard at it and hopefully it shows an example to our fellow players. Doing your best, practicing your craft, putting your energies into the team goal of victory is the ticket to becoming a champion. Have to say honestly believe God was the true winner, we are only conduits of his hopes and desires for us to play well and enjoy the friendships and camaraderie that sport provides.

Hopefully, it has been woven into the text of what it does take to be a champion. And hopefully, when you find yourself as part of a team, organization, group some of the above will encourage and inspire you to reach for your respective championship. Take care and see you next post. Cheers, Don

Hope post finds you looking forward to a joyous, safe weekend with family and friends. I have been picking up the frequency of the posts because quite frankly, you all seem to enjoy. For that, I thank you and as the saying goes keep those cards and letters coming. You are the inspiration behind the posts plus our Lord and Savior.

Now to the topic at hand, time and money correlation. I will address this from a baby boomer perspective but hopefully will share from observations and research over the years. Okay, when we are younger we often have time but conservative amounts of money. As we age and get baby boomer age we tend to have resources (money) but long for time to enjoy. Now the variable that none of us earthly folks can put a number on, is our health and the only one I know that knows that is the master. So depending on where you are along this winding road of ups and downs in life, believe still we need to be good stewarts of our resources. What do I mean by good stewards of our resources, well here is a general idea. If it is pleasing in the eyes of Jesus, buy or purchase it if not don’t. Scriptures can provide you guidance here. Basic necessities of life such as shelter, food, water is a good start. Then we get into needs and wants and wow that one can be rough, right. But believe we need to get back to fundamentals of service to our Lord and Savior and be of a servant heart.

The church as most of you can depict is the basis for all these posts, being centered on God is the answer. I can’t begin to explain how my life has worked for the better when I let God lead me. The question I think we need to ask when we look to our time and money is ask God and will that be pleasing to him? The quiet voice within us all, will answer that question.

Time is such a valuable resource and the best thing is we all have the same amount of it per day, per week etc. See the 168 hours per week post for insight into time allocation. Now how we use our given time, is dependent largely upon us and hopefully our walk with God. Going to get started on the weekend until later take care. God Bless, Don

Here is a topic that has triggered some thought. I definitely would like your feedback, thanks in advance. I heard a radio report about generations that use social networking to stay in touch with family and friends may need to change their name at sometime in the future due to the extensive exposure on the cyberspace.

Well, I’d like to share some thoughts on that. I think it is a reality that young people stay connected via facebook, twitter, my space etc that is often the way they communicate. That coupled with cell phones and endless texting. I guess it’s ok, my concern and this is where the traditionalist in me comes out. Whatever happened to the evening meal where family members get together to share in there day’s events of the highs and the lows we all experience. Also, the hand written letter to family members or friends to celebrate a b-day, anniversary or some special occasion. Hey, we had a block party and we received a couple notes of thanks and you got it, it was hand written by let’s say the older set. I guess communication today is a product of your upbringing and the society we live in today yes?

Personally, I like social networking photos, instantaneous photos from smart phone etc. etc. But the question I guess we need to ponder is it worth the extensive exposure we are sharing for basically all to see? And is it really worth changing our names? The logistic of that seems over the top to me. Obviously, this is a somewhat loaded topic, and please share your thoughts. I’m sure you have comment on this, so I’d like to hear what you think. God Bless. Don

Have you pondered just how does a baby boomer communicate in today’s society? I know I have. The fundamental dynamics of the communications landscape is so much different than 20-25 years ago. Hopefully, here will share some insight on how to look at this question. My first response to any issue or concern, ask God how to handle. Now some earthly responses to a meaningful topic.

I revert back to Dr. Massey, and defining the communications skill set, where Dr. Massey talks about how to address a person, a group etc. without even having shared a spoken word with people. To give you the cliff note version of what he offers is, we need to understand what peoples’ experiences to that point in time for their respective generation. I offer this example, say you address a senior type person that is in there 70′s they would be considered a traditionalist that valued hard work, loyalty, structured environment etc. You would address that person different than say someone in there twenties simply because there backgrounds are different. Make sense?

Now, getting back to the original title. I think as baby boomers we need to be flexible, so we can communicate with a range of ages. Here are some thoughts as it applies to these different age groups:

Less than age 20 brush up on social networking, facebook, twitter, my space etc. and know the nuances of how to communicate within that medium. Short responses, abbreviations, slang etc.

Less than age 30, same plus often these people are focused on starting families or career development therefore goal orientation discussions can be an effective conversation point etc.

Less than age 40, some social networking, raising children, activities events of kids, somewhat rushed to get your kids to a multitude of activities therefore get to the point quickly when you talk with this group.

Less than age 50, getting more established in your life, probably experienced some travel and general moving towards next stage in life, more seasoned if you will. Therefore, communicate with this group, know just what you are discussing because we will check the validity of your comments.

Less than age 65, again more seasoned and have your facts accurate or will lose these folks real quick, documentation and references are good.

Less than age 75, reflection memories of kids and grand children etc.

Over age 75 give these folks time and respect, please.

Having worked with the later age group the past 4 years for our church have seen first hand what makes this older set tick so to speak. And what makes them tick is family, grand kids, conversation in general very simple things. This age group is about spending time with hearing what they have to say, and more importantly taking the time to listen, just listen. I guarantee you will gain a wealth of information from an experiences standpoint. Your time with them will be meaningful and enriched. The common thread I have seen is for whatever reason, maybe the younger set too often does not take the time to listen to this age group, but believe those that do are richly rewarded.

This topic is a study in itself and realistically a book could be written on this, but hopefully this abstract if you will, will give you information you can use in your daily lives. Baby boomer or anyone for that matter can better communicate in today’s society. God Bless the USA. Don

Recently, have been doing some research on the next life cycle, that being retirement. Although, I’ve got too many irons going to consider that at this time. But..it never hurts to have a spiritual game plan to sort out just what you would you’d like to do in your golden years. First and foremost, ask your Lord and savior for guidance in this matter. OK, some earthly thoughts as the title of this post says Baby Boomers and anyone for that matter, follow your passion. Now, we all have been blessed with spiritual gift(s), surely you know what yours are, if not, would recommend getting with your pastor and explore and define exactly what your passion (s) are. Then, write them down, would keep your list to 5 or less, too many and you will not hold your focus, I do believe. Now here’s a tangent folks, the scriptures talk about guarding your heart, well folks there will always be someone or something that wants your time, do you hear what I’m saying. Therefore, guard your heart and only( let me repeat) only let those you can trust be privy to your passion. Too, often what I call verbal pollution is very prevalent out in this world, but hey, you do have control to deal with those issues, and that is to walk away, repeat walk away from those that do not have your back. You may ask, how can I do that when it may be a superior (whatever that means), you should listen, but that doesn’t mean it needs to register if you understand what I’m saying. The only one that we truly need to register with is GOD!

Get back to the topic, Donald. Once you have defined your passion(s) it’s time to set an action plan in motion. Allow me to share with you an example, something I’ve been giving some thought to as of late. I love to be on a golf course, now remember this is not an impulsive desire, I’m 55, but have been blessed with formidable athletic skills. The workouts these days are borderline crazy, but love to push myself from a physical standpoint, the human body is an unbelievable mass that with God’s help, I believe can achieve anything you truly desire. So, this passion thing, living in the Midwest our golf season is maybe 8 months or so, to get to professional caliber, probably need to play year round, therefore a warmer climate of say a 10 month golf season would be desirable. Playing in tournaments believe will better prepare for where my golf game is in terms of professional consideration. My research shows that to consider the champions tour takes $3K then a series of qualifying 72 hole events, I know with the right swing coach which do already have, but Jim is located a fair distance away (275 miles) from my home base so will need to get address that issue. Believe have the physical tools but the great thing about golf is it challenges your mind in unbelievable ways. Focus is the key on any passion you have when you waiver, you’re screwed, so stay the course. Some words of wisdom heard from Lou Holtz in Peoria, Illinois he said “the only way you will change were you are today to 5 years from now is the books you read and the people you meet.” Therefore, if there are some astute readers (better yet pro golfers) who can shed some light on my passion please shoot me a direct email to dmutch55@gmail.com. So hopefully, this gives you an idea of creating an action plan for your passion, and do it, keep your focus, surround yourself with positive mentors and trusting people and who know what you can achieve, but I know it will be great!

Well, hope this post resonates with you all, and you pursue your passion with a desire that is unmatched. Ask for God’s guidance and just do it. Share your comments always enjoy hearing from you, although tend to only listen to the positive ones, but it’s okay if you have a different slant, we’re only human beings for now. God Bless, Don.

Back in the USA. And quite frankly am a little on edge with the political landscape, maybe more so now than in recent memory. Do you ever get the feeling of what the heck do these politicians really do? I know, I do, they say you often vote your pocket book, well I don’t know about you, but with these economic conditions we’re blessed (not) with these days isn’t exactly stellar. Comprehend yes, no. Well you’re not alone. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some honorable men and women in our government, but I think the general public is fed up to here with our elected officials. Can we trust them, is a question we must ask, what is your answer?

So, what do we do about it? Well….my older colleagues ask where are the statesmen that stand up for a position no matter what there political agendas may be? Do these elected officials have the mocky to stand up and be accountable, even when it is an unpopular position. Do these folks have the courage to go against the masses because you know morally it is the right decision, and best for the overall good of the cause whatever that may be. I think our youth are searching for people they can trust, not someone you shake their hand and have to check how many fingers you still have… Good old fashion fundamentals of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect seem almost like a distant memory. Understand I’m a baby boomer and old school is still the right school in my opinion. Where hard work, honesty, fairness are staples to a good life. So, what do we do? That is a difficult question that warrants considerable often a complex answer. The same old, same old quite frankly doesn’t seem to work. As long as the human element and behavior is involved, their will be issues and that is okay but and this is a big but…

I believe we must look to the scriptures for guidance here folks. What would Jesus do? I know some of you probably are thinking where is this guy going with this. Frankly, just what I said. I believe we must ask God for direction through prayer, devotions, quiet time with God etc. I think a spiritual based form of organization would be a good starting point in solving outstanding issues that will always be there. Can we do it, I believe yes, will we do that….hope so. One must have good leadership to chart the course, will there be obstacles absolutely, will we prevail yes, can we make it work I believe yes…

Yes, the future is now. Reflect on what has been said in this post, ask God where you fit into this puzzle and go after it now, not tomorrow but now… God Bless the USA.

Wanted to share some hopefully useful information for the worldly travelers out there. First of all, we must give the glory to our Lord and Savior. What a beautiful land here in Costa Rica. A few noteable sites and sounds that are a must see if you are ever in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano is a keeper, what beautiful views from our Volcano lodge resort, to view the volcano and the rain clouds that often come in, often in the later afternoon is a sight to cherish. The views of the Arenal volcano top is inspiring and wonder about the quest to climb that volcano would be neat. Those that hike can understand what we´re talking about here. Probably not a good idea on the climb to the top of a volcano though, since it is active to a degree. It´s something the locals say erupted 200 years ago and caused substantial property damage. Given its history the clock may be ticking for another in the near future. Therefore please listen to your counsel and travel personnel for current conditions.

Something that was very evident this trip is the weather was like God talking to you in terms of the rains that greened the countryside and in the evening the other night the thunder that would occur that was a very powerful reminder of just who was in charge. To give you a visual of this, was sitting outside our villa listening and watching the rain when a loud lighting occurred that literally made me jolt from the patio chair.

Next, should see the Canopy suspension bridges that oversee the awesome views of the canyons in the upper parts of Arenal Volcano area. The views are like something that may be in the heavens. Plus, having seen the lush vegetation prominent to the Costa Rican rain forests was truly beautiful to even yes a guys eyes. Also, the hot springs we experienced in the evening are very relaxing and refreshing you could feel the cares of our earthly existence leave your body, and a strawberry daiquiri is quite refreshing near the natural waterfalls. An evening dinner with the family was neat. Traveling the local countryside seeing a local soccer game being played in a small village was cool being a sports type person. You would see families coming to watch the local soccer game, the families would come often by foot and bicycles to this village to watch their guys play some soccer. Soccer is definitely the sport of choice here there version of football.

Working out early in morning was awesome near the beach of Juco, Costa Rica in a 24 hour gym. The walk there from the hotel was along the beach and waves from the ocean were scenic. At the gym worked in the boxing ring for an hour or so, didn’t knock anyone out, but could I suppose. Tend to love to push the body too extremes, it clears your mind by swimming, running football routes on the local soccer field, weight training, cardio, exercise ball etc. you get the picture. Back to the trip, zip lines is a must, you travel up to 40 mph. on the cable line and that is a real rush, a great team building activity for families and groups looking to share a bonding type experience.

Next, and probably the highlight of the trip was white water rafting along the Pacuore River, my words can not explain the beauty of this, but will try. First of all, if your able to experience this with your family please do, you´ll learn how to work together as a team by listening to the commands from your guide. Commands such as forward, right back, left forward etc. It is cool to work together not only for your family but the other new friends on the raft with you. These native white water rapids which we´re told are category 4 which basically means challenging to a first time participant, but what a rush to experience this 3 hour or so journey down the river. Some neat things along the 20 mile raft ride was the scenery of tall trees that seemingly stretched to the sky, lush vegetation due to rains, a jump from the cliffs into the river, flowing down the river with your family where the water temperature was constant and comfortable. The rains that occurred along the ride were invigorating to your body, cleansed your pores etc. Told you this is hard to put into words, you just need to experience these moments with your love ones. Our guide Kevin a native Costa Rican told us he has worked in Italy, Spain, France etc. and when asked where the best place for white water rafting, he instantly reverted back to his homeland of Costa Rica. Primarily because the water temperature was not to cold or hot, just right for your body. Well, needless to say, could go on seemingly forever….but hopefully you have gotten a visual picture of this experience for our family and friends during our stay. Friends, God has blessed us with a beautiful earth and hopefully you get the opportunities to see other parts of the world that God has created for us. Until then, may God be with you, Yours in Christ Don

To be a winner in life on our earthly existence, it’s quite simple, follow the first five words of this post. If you are on the fence about church that’s OK, but try it you’ll get a warm, good feeling when you serve our God. Believe, believe, believe. We are all blessed with special spiritual talents and skills from God, we need to sift out the extraneous stuff and do God’s work. I know this will seem a little heavy duty for some, but trust in the Lord and he will show you the right path.

For those baby boomers out there, we always have challenges we face (remember I’m one of them age 54 with a B-Day July 11, 2010) perseverance, dedication, desire, determination we all know them but do we REALLY focus on them 24 hours per day (7 hrs. sleep is enough right?) it’s difficult. I believe in this hectic schedule we all have inherited, time management is key. Also, establishing a good balance of mind, body and spirit is essential. Check out the 168 hrs. per week post where I share some insight in the time management principles.

Now, how does this all transition into being a winner in life? Well….follow the Masters’ (God) directions through silent prayer and scriptures. I use the pamphlets: My Daily Bread, Upper Room free, online devotions etc. etc., you will be amazed at how an issue is addressed that may be tugging on your mind. Then with God’s help will be addressed in almost a magical way. The timing often is unbelievable and often unexplainable. Now then, this concept shared with you when properly executed can be the ticket to success and prosperity. Focus on the present, change what you can control, formulate a collective plan, then simply execute that plan. This plan must be crystal clear in your mind, put affirmation scripts you can read daily or photos on your refrigerator. Hopefully you…won’t see it too often, that means you may be eating too much (ha, ha). This will create a win / win situation in business and personal relationships, so both parties our friends, spouse, business associates etc. etc. get a piece of what they desire and ultimately you will get what you desire, thus you both are WINNERS! The key is, it takes two to tango, so work with people you can trust, the scripture says guard your heart because lets’ face it, there are people out there that given the chance will want to tug at you. You need to build that trust and be
convinced this person is true to their word, then you can proceed. I’ve seen this in the work place, socially, church, etc. etc.

Ladies and Gentlemen there you have it, I do do motivational speaking engagements and for a contractual arrangement will speak to your group or organization. Best way to contact me is go to email: dmutch55@gmail.com. my associate will assist you. God Bless.