“Life Long Friend(ships)”

This one has been a work in progress for some time now. The concept has been there but the words and the direction wasn’t. Then there is that whole “timing” thing. The time is right.

As many of my postings, I want you the reader to think. Of course I use my own personal experiences to give you some imagery or something along those lines, but your thinking and experiences are what count.  

Let’s start off with the understanding that this is my perception of friends/friendships. There are different levels, some would say of friends/friendships. I tend to believe that may be true depending on your definition. You have them too and honestly, let me know yours. Multiple comments and definitions are what makes this blog so exciting. Feedback.

Journey with me for a few minutes.

I’m very lucky to say that I have been blessed with many people in my life that I can call friend. Some I haven’t seen in years. Our lives have changed and we may not be close as we once were. Some are really new…infant stage if you will. Then there are the Life Long ones. I have one that comes to mind just by stating this title. One that I’ve had since I was five years of age.  There are so many stories that I could share, but will only give you the captions to some of them. “The green machine” stories. “Freshman year” stories. “Laser tag” stories. One of my personal favorite, “Brown robe in college” stories. My list could go on and on. That one person, my life long friend, is in every one with me.

There have been only a few times when our friendship was strained, if you will. One argument that set us to not speaking for a few days. Ever have one of those? I know of times with others, we still haven’t spoke. Pride or stubbornness has been in the way to resolve those issues. But this friendship I’m speaking of, that didn’t happen. We worked it out. Of course we all have our own way of dealing with things, but we both realized that our friendship was bigger than the argument. More important.

I know I know, peoples’ lives change and sometimes you cannot control the friendship fading into the past. Unfortunately, that can happen. How about you and that friend don’t get along anymore? I’ve seen that happen too many times. Guess some would say that you wouldn’t want to call them a friend. So it’s over. Then we move on, right? Some do, some don’t. Some hold grudges and go out of their way to make the other person miserable, or try to. Who really pays for those actions? It’s kind of pointless and yes I’ve done it before.

Bet you’re wondering where I’m going with this? I’ll tell you.

Friends and friendships are actually more fragile than we appreciate. Sometime we use those words rather freely. I have. A friend is a person with feelings and emotions, just like you. I know you know this but sometimes we forget about that and absorb ourselves into our lives. Just assuming our friends don’t mind what we do and will be there for us, even if we hurt them. They’re our friends, aren’t they supposed to be there, no matter what?

Friends need to be there for us, yes and you for them. Think about that for a second. Seriously…have you had a friend/friendship that was uneasy or on the brink? I know I’ve been there. Stubbornness on my part and they decided to walk away from me. It wasn’t worth it for them. After some serious reflection on my actions, I don’t blame them. They gave anything and everything to me when I needed it. I took it for granted and they didn’t want that anymore.

So I’m asking you to seriously think about your friends…all of them. List them if you want to. I do listings to help me see it in black and white. Makes things clearer for me to see. Think about the wonderful things they given you over the years. Think about what you’ve done for them. I’m not saying this with the frame of mind that everything is in trouble…not at all. I’m sure there are many wonderful stories out there and I wish you would share one with me.

My point to this today…do not take your friends for granted. We all have friends and we are friends with others. Be there for each other. Support each other. Pick each other up when we fall, dust them off if necessary. They would do it for you. Oh, tell them what they need to hear…not just what they want to hear. You would expect them to be honest with you.

So to end, think about your friends. Talk to them. Appreciate them. This journey of Laughter Life and Food is about many things, this being one. If you have a friend you haven’t spoke to lately, do yourself a favor. Call, text, write them. Reach out to them. Do not let Pride end something that I’ve done before. Don’t miss out on your life long friend(ships).

“Let’s Paint a Picture”

We all understand that a picture can be worth a thousand words or so we’ve been told. How about a picture that you paint? How many words did it bring to your mind? May have been hundreds that helped you create that picture. I know from my personal experiences, there have been hundreds of words describing most of my paintings…sometimes not that many, just one. Let’s take it a step further tonight. Let’s us paint a picture together. No you don’t have to get art supplies for this exercise. Our painting is going to be done by words. My imagination can paint a vivid picture…as can yours.

If you want to participate in this, clear your mind. If you don’t and still read, thank you. Ready? The words are going to be descriptive and should help you paint a picture. Yours may look like mine did earlier today and then again it may not. Still excited to hear about your “painting”.

Ready? Here we go.

A set of three crosses on a hill, a place named the Skull. The sky is dark and gloomy. By looking in the sky, you can almost hear the thunder in the near distant. A warm not so calming breeze is in the air. The smell of sweat and blood is moved throughout the air because of that breeze. Those three crosses are high off the ground and three men are fixed to each of them. Two tied to the cross, the other man, not so much. He may have been tied as well but also something done extremely horrific. Spikes, roughly 12 to 16 inches long. Some type of iron or metal. Effective for the purpose. One goes through His feet, one foot over the top of the other running done the cross support beam. Each wrist is stretched across to the cross beam. One spike through each wrist, attaching Him to that cross. He had a crown of thorns placed on His head as a mockery to Him being a king. The thorns were roughly one to two inches in length. It wasn’t just laid there, it was pressed firmly, piercing His brow, encircling His head. Blood and sweat were running down this man’s face. Remember, He was made to carry that cross to the place where it now stood with Him on it. A soldier eventually took a spear and punctured His side.

This man, had a name, Jesus Christ.

There are several people gathered at this event. What do these people look like? Probably soldiers, city folks interested to see what is going on. Commoners.  Those people there are definitely different from each other. Some are there because they are assisting in making sure this crucifixion takes place. Some were there to wonder when this king would save Himself. Some were there to cry out. Sadness was in their eyes and hearts. A few have followed this man unconditionally because of His teachings. They gave up their past lives to follow Him.

How does your painting look? I’m sure it was very detailed from your creative imagination.

Why did this event happen? Most of you know why but I want to say it very clearly. I don’t want any misunderstanding of it. It was done for you and me! You get that? This man, this king, the Son of the Almighty God, died for you and me. How many times do you forget about that? I do a lot. A man, died for me and didn’t have to. Chose to. Why? He saw something in me worth dying for. God sent His perfect non-sinning Son to take on all my mistakes, sins, whatever you want to call them, so I can live. I don’t deserve that gift. God gave me His grace. Not only did He take on all my sins, yours were taken too. All of mankind’s sins from the beginning at the garden to the end of times…every one of them.

In the Bible, Mark 23:34 states this, “Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Really? He is asking God to forgive us. He has just been nailed to a cross to die by mankind and yet He is asking for God to show us mercy.

I’m sure your picture was awesome. I hope it made you think about something we may have not thought about in a few days or weeks. Stop and think about it this way, if you have a child or children, would you offer them to be crucified for everybody’s sins? No you would not. You would gladly die for them, but not have them die for your sins or anybody else’s .

I want to share with you something. The Almighty God, creator of everything….EVERYTHING, thought we were worth something so He sent HIS son to die for us. Because of Jesus’ death all those years ago, we can live. We were given a gift. Thank God for that gift. If you don’t have a relationship with Him or have chosen not to, He is waiting. He is right there with open arms, waiting for you to come to Him. Trust me, I chose for years to avoid that relationship. I thought I didn’t really need it. I was wrong. God never gave up on me and will always be with me. He will do the same for you.

Purposeful Meaning

Have you ever thought about this blog’s title? Well of course I have…one would hope right?!

What do those three words mean? No offense to the word “and” either. Let’s focus on the three of Laughter, Life, and Food for this thought provoking article. With that, no I will not define any word to you. I know all of you can define them, probably better than me. Besides it’s your definition I want to hear about.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Laughter”? For me, a great moment. Amusement. Things along that path. How about “Life”? You started thinking a little deeper there didn’t you? I do. Maybe your existence. I am pretty sure that you all have great thoughts flowing now. One more word, “Food”. For me, loving to cook, my mind goes all over the place. I love all kinds of food to eat. From wood-fired pizzas to fish tacos all the way to a delicate cheesecake (Any of you that personally know me, know I love making all of those and then some). I bet on that word, you started thinking of your favorite dish. Maybe you thought of a comfort food. Some may have even thought of a deep-fried Twinkie (And if haven’t had one and can, it’s a must).

Do you really see anything not so good with those three words? If you really wanted to sit and think about it, you probably could. But was your first thought negative? Maybe the lack of laughter, life and food, you can get upset or depressed. Guess what? I know this first hand. From not having a job to moving to loss of a family member to seeing folks dying because of the lack of food is rather upsetting isn’t it?

I found the antonyms for each of those words. Imagine this blog being called, “Despair Death and Beverage”. Kind of makes you frown a little. Depending on the beverage, you may not frown all the time. I know that I would not have the great opportunity to hear from you as much as I have in the past. Then again, would I? Would you make comments to that blog?  Your feelings wouldn’t be the same either. Once you finished reading the articles, you would be left with an emptiness.

Now that I’ve got you thinking on all kinds of levels, I want your complete and total attention. Clear your mind of the past not so fuzzy feeling paragraphs. Ready? I will wait for you to clear your mind….

Laughter Life and Food does describe me. It’s who I am. But going deeper, it’s who you are too. Do you see why I called this that title a little more clear now? This isn’t just about me. It’s not just about you either. It’s about us. Our journey together of Laughter Life and Food is only going to get better and better. You know why? It’s because of us. This is not just about me in this blog…yes I use my personal experiences to drive a point but don’t you have the same experiences? Yes you do. Laughter Life and Food is OUR experiences.

So the next time you use any one of those words, think briefly of how you feel. That is you or something that means something to you. I’m going to step out on a limb and say, you felt pretty good at that moment one of those words was used. I’m just asking you to stop and think. Realize this please; even when you may lack one of those words or all of them, you are a part of something. Come back to this blog…It’s not just mine, it’s ours. Now go enjoy your Laughter Life and Food with someone!

Super (Hero)

Now many of you out there have your own personal definition of a super hero. I know that I do. Want to have some fun? Of course you do….who doesn’t. You all know that I love defining words and I will do it here. Actually let’s break down the word “super hero” and see what we get.

The definitions come from the website dictionary.com.

Super is defined as: of the highest degree, power, etc.

Hero is defined as: a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.

Was that different from the typical comic book hero we all have read or dreamed of becoming as a child? For me, yes. Wanna know something about me? There is a picture out there of me in a homemade superman costume…tights and all. If you’ve seen that picture, please be kind. No I have never been able to leap over a building in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet, however, I felt like a super hero that day. Why? It is singled down to one reason…the costume. I got it in my head that because of it, I could do anything. Did I do some grand deed or have powers, nope I wasn’t even close.

Bet you’re wondering why the title is about super heroes. I’m going to briefly make you think for a few minutes. Ever meet a hero? I have, several times. Want to hear some from my list?

My unconditionally giving mom and dad. My compassionate brother. My loving sister-in-law (who has a special look, which I love). My courageous sister.

"Really Michael…those are easy to identify." I am going somewhere with this I promise.

How about those in the Armed Forces, police, firemen or EMS? Those seem like the definition of a hero…actually they deserve “super” in front of hero. I met a guy in the USMC in Asheville. Great guy. Defending my freedom at his own personal risk. Met a firefighter in Asheville too. Also, a true hero. I have a friend who is a hero to me because of her noble qualities…telling me exactly what I didn’t want to hear but told me anyway (she was risking a lot by doing that too).

Hey guess what? I have even considered myself a hero from time to time…nothing super, but I have done some brave deeds, noble if you will. I’ve helped others in need. Wouldn’t someone who has gotten blood from the American Red Cross thought of me as their hero? Probably…again not super.

Did I ever swoop in and save the day? Probably not, but did I help someone. Swooping in and saving the day is really a dramatic statement, don’t you think (see, I’m asking you to think).

Anyway, think about your hero or heroes (I'll wait for you think for a second). Got your list?

Why are they that to you? Did they fall into those definitions? I bet they did. What makes you think of them as a hero or even a super one? Have you ever been told that you’re a hero? How did it make you feel? I’m not a betting guy, but I would say you felt pretty good. But that feeling was a side-effect…you still would have done it because of who you are…a hero.

Do you know what it takes to risk everything for others? Most heroes do it because of who they are. Brave and noble. I know one Super Hero who risked His life for mine. Died for me. I didn’t deserve it either (some of you know me too well). You know whom I speaking of? In case you don’t, it was Jesus.

This was simply a journey regarding super heroes. We all have them. We all can be one from time to time too. I need them. You do too. Acknowledging the comic book ones on tv and movies is fun, but shouldn’t we do it for the non-fiction ones more? I believe we should.

I’m going to make you all a promise right now (and with it being typed out, I cannot go back on it), if you have been, are or become one of my heroes throughout my life, I will tell you. You deserve to know it. Maybe you won’t make that promise online as me, but promise yourself you will do that…tell someone that they are your hero. Watch them light up. Because when it happens to you, you also will light up and that feeling you get, you will have given to them.

Thank you for continuing this journey of Laughter Life and Food with me, I’m truly honored. You know who you are and I thank you for being my heroes. Now go be a hero and or thank yours today!

Start To Something Good

So here we go, another blog with a title from a song. Again, I want to say that if I use song phrases they come from the song written by Daughtry.

Have you actually listened to that song? It seems pretty clear what the song is about doesn't it? I want to touch on something and have you think...yes I enjoy doing that. Never hurt did it? Thinking that is, actions can be, so be careful about your actions. Anyway, here we go.

I read a passage from a good friend's facebook page that basically stated, that some times you have let something good fall apart so something better falls together. How many times has that happened to you? I will share something with you about me. I lost my job back in February and have been unemployed since. I have had times where I got depressed about not getting a job and being turned down time after time. It stung. Most of you that know me, know that even though it was a job and I complained from time to time, I loved it. The team members, the day to day, really everything...oh yeah, the paycheck wasn't bad either. Talk about a throat punch. It was gone.

What does this have to do with good and better and that song? Sit back and I'll explain.

It was a change for me, I've always had a job...since 16. Living in Georgia was my life for the last 12 years and I liked it there. It was good. My life was good. Check it out, I didn't have that security anymore and didn't have a freaking clue of what I was going to do. Depression wasn't too far around the corner.

I moved to Asheville NC back in June (look at my older blogs about that). Oh, I failed to mention that from the age of 4 to 28 I lived in NC, Cary and Greensboro specifically. Moving away from NC back then scared me to death, but I did it and it was good in GA. Good things were in NC, then better things in GA. Good things were in GA and better things were in NC. Regardless of the state or states that's not the point. The point is, each time I moved or lost something, I had to realize that even if it stung or hurt, something better may be ahead or a start to something good. Making any sense yet? And remember, we're using my experiences to relate. You may have one different but keep in mind the theme.

This blog today isn't about me and losing my job. It's about a start to something good.

Was it a job loss? Lost love? Friend leave? Child go off to school? Scary move? May have hurt, may have scared the mess out of you. Your world was upside down wasn't it. Mine was. You probably have friends and or family that care greatly for you...I am blessed to have both.

Really Michael, where are you exactly going with this?

I also saw a board in a friend's shop that said, "It's ok to be afraid, just do not let the fear hold you back from accomplishing great things".  Very true. I know that I've been very afraid lately and almost let that fear hold me back. A great friend of mine introduced me to the song and it made me smile. I needed it. It came at the right time.

Just know that even if you're afraid, you will be ok. I am. Take it one day at time. Why don't we make a pact with ourselves to know it's ok to be afraid but a start to something good is right around the corner.

My Christmas Thought

I’ve been thinking for a few days now about writing a blog about Christmas. So I started doing some research about Christmas; looking online to get historical information, religious information and just some really interesting stuff about Christmas. Why am I doing this? I have been compelled to do it. Some would say I’m crazy and what am I gaining for doing this. I want to share what I’ve found and get you to think.

Before this goes any further, I want everyone to know that my belief is very simple…I believe that Christmas is Jesus Christ’s birthday (date and year really not too important to me). Do keep in mind that the most important thing to me about Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and the Rev. Billy Graham said, “The very purpose of Christ’s coming into the world was that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas.”

My family and I do exchange gifts (some say exchanging gifts date back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia), set up a Christmas tree, decorate the home, eat great food and give to one another. I found commentary say that those actions are from pagan rituals and was used as an act to convert non-believers to Christianity (which I have found to be interesting to read, but do not deter my belief and do not dictate how I spend and celebrate Christmas). I found out that Saint Nicholas was a real person, a bishop of Myra (part of modern day Turkey) and how he put coins in shoes left out for him. A gift giver some might say. Did you know that Santa Claus originated from the Dutch word of Sinterklaas?

Ok so now you learned a little history…or maybe you already knew it. If you didn’t, you just learned something. Did you know that Christmas wasn’t a holiday in America until the late 1800s? So why does that matter? Guess it is just another piece of history I wanted to share with you. I personally went deeper and will not go into the differences of Julian vs. Gregorian calendars and why December 25^th isn’t thought to be the actual date of Christ’s birth…I was not around then so I cannot say one way or the other. Again, date not important to me.

I asked friends on Facebook to comment as well. Resounding comments…Christ’s birthday, sharing, goodwill, love and peace. What does that tell you? I read another quote from an anonymous author, “I’m all for love and peace, but how do you have those without the love of Christ? If you’re drawn to giving, think about what Christ gave to us.” Starting to see the trend here?  How about what one of our past presidents, Calvin Coolidge said, “Christmas is not nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” Really? Plenteous in mercy? Doesn’t God do that for us everyday? Uh, yeah. Seeing the trend yet?

Now I did read some articles about the commercialism of Christmas. How we spend billions of dollars on gifts for family, friends, co-workers, etc. Do you remember the Christmas cartoon, “How the Grinch stole Christmas”? Keep in mind the end of the cartoon when Dr. Suess stated, “Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” I even read something in an economic article about how gift giving is considered a deadweight loss. Wow, that article was hard to read and I cannot detail it for you. I can’t even high-level it.

Happy Holidays. Ok here we go. I get offended that we choose to say that instead of Merry Christmas. Yes, I read articles talking about winter solstice and how it is around this time of year and folks celebrate that instead of Christmas and they would rather say Happy Holidays instead. So should I say Merry Winter Solstice? I had to look up the word “holiday” for the sake of this article. Do you know what dictionary.com says the definition of that word is? I looked it up and there are a few but check this out. Holiday – a day fixed by law or custom on which ordinary business is suspended in commemoration of some event or in honor of some person.  Or a religious feast. (holy day). Now that could make us go on for pages, but I will not for the sake of space. But really, do you see the trend here?

Some of you may say that nowhere in the Bible does it say we should celebrate Christ’s birthday. I also know personally some whose religious beliefs restrict them in celebrating birthdays of anyone and yes even Jesus’. So why do it and is it wrong? I don’t believe celebrating the birth of Jesus wrong. I do it obviously because I was brought up that way. Trust me, I didn’t care to for years. Christmas meant nothing to me…none of it. I made up excuses. Guess what? That’s another blog.

Essentially, Christmas is a celebration and belief. Not the gifts, trees, parties, days off, vacations, lights, decorations, and the like. People like to celebrate Christmas because they desire to celebrate Christ’s birth or because they enjoy the trappings that have been attached to it. Is there anything wrong with exchanging gifts, putting up a tree, decorating the house, going to parties with family and friends? Absolutely not. Just be careful that they don’t become the main purpose and you make them “idols”. Remember the first two commandments.

Finally, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you celebrate with me the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. If you celebrate something else, I invite you to learn about the birth of Jesus and what God has done for us. Providing the most precious gift any of else will ever need…His Son.

Something That We All Are Apart Of....A Must Read

So this evening I watched a recorded episode of The Dr. Phil Show (no rude comments please). It was about bullying. I gotta say, it tugged at my heart a lot. Many of you that know me, especially when I was a child, I was picked on. Some times to the extent of me crying. Did I tell mom and dad? I don't remember doing so. Would they have helped, knowing my parents, they would have gone to the school...so maybe that is why I didn't say anything. Now, I'm grown and understand that I have a lot to offer this world and more importantly, God has a plan for me. With that, did it hurt when it took place? Like most of you out there reading this...terribly.

Watching that show made me think that I need to share my thoughts on this topic. Now, before we go further we all understand that I am not a professional in this topic and am not in any way giving advice, just my opinion. I know someone from my younger years that specializes in this topic and I can give you contact information if you want...that is up to you.

Ok. Where am I going? Think about something for me, just for a second. Have you ever been picked on? How did you feel? Were you to the point of ending your pain? I never got that far, but it still hurt. When you were growing up, did you pick on someone? Call them names like stupid, retarded, slow, fat, and the list goes on. Did you feel good about yourself? How would you have felt if that person you were picking on, ended their life because of what you said?

Most of you that are my age, whether you were picked on or did the picking, probably have kids now. How would you feel if they were being picked on? What would you do? What about if you found out your kid was a bully. This is a big big problem. It ain't as "harmless" as it was when we were young (I used quotations because it never was or will be harmless). If you don't believe me, look up the definition of harmless. You know what, I'll do it for you.

HARMLESS is defined as, without injury; unhurt; unharmed.

Pretty much opposite of what I felt back in the day.

We're all apart of this in one way or the other. Maybe you were picked on. Maybe you did the picking. Or you may have a child doing the bullying or being bullied. Ask questions. Get involved. We need to stop the bullying. If you don't think you should get involved....remember how you felt back when it happened to you. What if it got worse and guess what folks it has...kids are killing themselves. We need to stop this act of violence. Please get involved! Thank you.