Good evening, my friends! This entry carries with it many updates and thoughts to ponder. I do believe the seasonal shift from summer to fall is but one major shift in my life this year. As October rolls in and the temperatures start their decline and the leaves change to much brighter colors and descend to the ground, we savor life and the positives of the fall season...football, sweaters, bonfires, chilly air, beautiful nature scenes, and the approach of the holiday season. Man, does life get any better? This year, I would have to say...no, no life just can't get any better!
I also just began my civilian career after spending 365 days from the time I left the Air Force looking for my new job. There are two parts of this which make it amazing. The first reason why this is awesome news is that I didn't even find this career, it found me and I kept my options open and explored the opportunity being afforded me and now I feel I have my last career which should take me to retirement years from now. The second part which is amazing is the number of opportunities presented to me within the past two weeks since I accepted the position. One job offered was done after I pursued that position for about a year with no luck. God really does put us where He wants us and He does it when He wants us there as well. I was constantly reminded to keep the faith, some days were much easier than others though. He again has taught me to have faith in Him and lift all my concerns to Him and He will soothe me, support me, and provide for me. As I am the father of this household, He is my Father whom I should obey, trust, love, and honor.
The other event which reminds me of how completely blessed my life is comes with the arrival of my second anniversary with my beautiful and completely awesome bride/wife. There will never be a day in my life from now on where I forget the feeling I had when she entered the room on her dad's arm in her wedding dress and I knew she was going to be joining me at the end of the aisle and in life. Although unemployment isn't life threatening or any such thing, she was my rock this past year and defined the role of "for better or worse." I know that no matter what happens in our future, as long as I honor and cherish her, my life will never be without her in it.
Finally, I can say I love everything about my life. In the past, there was always a hole somewhere in there. Something just seemed to be missing, but no longer. I have God guiding my life and teaching me daily a lesson which makes me a better person, man, brother, father, husband, and employee...among other things. My priorities are straight and my perspective has been realigned to remind me to enjoy life and all it has to offer. For those struggling, it isn't always going to stay difficult...embrace those who love you and cling to those things which lift you when you need it. I love my life the way it is right now. If nothing ever changed, I could, would, and will be content. However, should life require me to face another challenge, so be it. I know I now have the tools, support, and knowledge to not only survive the adversity, but to thrive through it as well.
Thank you to everyone who has been with me through the highs and lows of the past several years. My life is definitely enriched by having you in it. I love you all!!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9/11 Remembering When...
9/11/2001...a day we all will never forget...EVER! I was a young military officer back then, still honing the skills of leadership. I had already been military for five years prior to that day, but it changed my service and my thoughts on what it meant to serve our country. Every single one of us was hurt, pissed, and ready to do something about it!
For those of you whom are not military, if you have ever watched the show "Army Wives", it gives a good reflection on the daily lives and struggles of military families, albeit Hollywood style. However, the issues are real and reflected quite well throughout the series. Heck, there are times it makes me wish I still wore the uniform so I could volunteer for things and go back to making a difference. The episode last year with the military funeral really rang out loud in my heart. Then the season finale this past week hit me like it was happening for real, the storyline is done so well.
Perhaps it is the thought that my career ended with unfinished business or the fact I still struggle sometimes with the new identity of being a veteran instead of active duty. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and where I am, but there is always the reflection where you wonder what you could have done differently. I guess that is normal in everyone's life though.
Exactly one year after the attacks, I found myself in Uzbekistan, just mere miles from the Afghanistan border living in a tent and doing what I vowed to do that day, something about it! A friend of mine was part of an aircrew that was flying a mission that day. I gave him an American flag to take with him and he did. That flag represents more to me that just about any of my medals or awards ever received in my 16 1/2 years of service. It is properly displayed within my shadow box to remind me daily of what I have done and where I have been. It reminds me to be grateful and to do something with my life each and every day. I hope I keep that promise to myself, to those no longer able to do so, and to those within my life.
How do you remember and honor those lost?
For those of you whom are not military, if you have ever watched the show "Army Wives", it gives a good reflection on the daily lives and struggles of military families, albeit Hollywood style. However, the issues are real and reflected quite well throughout the series. Heck, there are times it makes me wish I still wore the uniform so I could volunteer for things and go back to making a difference. The episode last year with the military funeral really rang out loud in my heart. Then the season finale this past week hit me like it was happening for real, the storyline is done so well.
Perhaps it is the thought that my career ended with unfinished business or the fact I still struggle sometimes with the new identity of being a veteran instead of active duty. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and where I am, but there is always the reflection where you wonder what you could have done differently. I guess that is normal in everyone's life though.
Exactly one year after the attacks, I found myself in Uzbekistan, just mere miles from the Afghanistan border living in a tent and doing what I vowed to do that day, something about it! A friend of mine was part of an aircrew that was flying a mission that day. I gave him an American flag to take with him and he did. That flag represents more to me that just about any of my medals or awards ever received in my 16 1/2 years of service. It is properly displayed within my shadow box to remind me daily of what I have done and where I have been. It reminds me to be grateful and to do something with my life each and every day. I hope I keep that promise to myself, to those no longer able to do so, and to those within my life.
How do you remember and honor those lost?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Life vs Work Rewards
Well, within the past several weeks, I've been fortunate enough to finally land quality interviews with sensational opportunities. One interview was via panel and was perhaps the most intense interview I've ever encountered. The second one was well planned with numerous people in the process, yet it had a hint of fun in it. I came away asking myself, if offered both positions, which would I want. The money isn't a huge consideration because the starting salaries are fairly close, so what does one look at when making their decision...I don't know. Here's my thoughts on weighing this hefty decision I hope is presented to me within the next few weeks.
Let's take a look at the first opportunity first, it is a senior executive position. This is the type of position one works for throughout their professional career reflecting the years of leadership training, the time dedicated to pursuing the degrees required and recommended. The hours may be long, but the prestige would be immediate and the impact on my professional life would be vast. The hours and working environment are not really known yet, but I do know I would be responsible for much immediately. This is definitely the easy choice for prestige. Now, let's look at the other side, the personal side. When I interviewed, I interviewed with the senior leaders in a room I was escorted to and then escorted right back out afterwards, no view of the working environment whatsoever. There is a huge part of me wanting this position because the work is for the home community, very directly. Yet, the job itself was a personal graitification with the job title. Yet, I can also see the intense levels of stress which may come with the position and affect my life, my family, and my health.
Now, let's take a look at the interview I completed earlier today. The interview and position were not unexpected, yet there was a surprise. Part of the interview process was a tour of the facility, complete with the on-site health clinic and fitness center. I also saw the employees in their natural work environment in addition to the interview room. Yes, I was escorted, yet, I was not hidden from where I would spend my days. Three words kept coming out during the interview: professionalism, team, and fun. Yes, I just said fun. The leadership knows the work can be stressful for the employees at times, so they work hard to maintain morale and dedication to the work center. In my research, I also found they were an extemely veteran friendly company, has won awards for its leadership development, and voted consistently high by its own employees. Almost all employees had been there for over 15 years, that speaks volumes as well. The job title isn't as prestigious, but the work is meaningful as well.
Having said all this, either position would be an honor to be invited to hold. The first position is an individual position and the second one is held by several individuals. So, there are pros and cons to both. When the time comes and if the offers both come, these will all be factors I utilize within my decision making process, along with the benefits and long-term goals of the organization, my family, and myself. Positive perspectives produce positive people, and this journey too shall be an adventure. I'm looking forward to it!
Let's take a look at the first opportunity first, it is a senior executive position. This is the type of position one works for throughout their professional career reflecting the years of leadership training, the time dedicated to pursuing the degrees required and recommended. The hours may be long, but the prestige would be immediate and the impact on my professional life would be vast. The hours and working environment are not really known yet, but I do know I would be responsible for much immediately. This is definitely the easy choice for prestige. Now, let's look at the other side, the personal side. When I interviewed, I interviewed with the senior leaders in a room I was escorted to and then escorted right back out afterwards, no view of the working environment whatsoever. There is a huge part of me wanting this position because the work is for the home community, very directly. Yet, the job itself was a personal graitification with the job title. Yet, I can also see the intense levels of stress which may come with the position and affect my life, my family, and my health.
Now, let's take a look at the interview I completed earlier today. The interview and position were not unexpected, yet there was a surprise. Part of the interview process was a tour of the facility, complete with the on-site health clinic and fitness center. I also saw the employees in their natural work environment in addition to the interview room. Yes, I was escorted, yet, I was not hidden from where I would spend my days. Three words kept coming out during the interview: professionalism, team, and fun. Yes, I just said fun. The leadership knows the work can be stressful for the employees at times, so they work hard to maintain morale and dedication to the work center. In my research, I also found they were an extemely veteran friendly company, has won awards for its leadership development, and voted consistently high by its own employees. Almost all employees had been there for over 15 years, that speaks volumes as well. The job title isn't as prestigious, but the work is meaningful as well.
Having said all this, either position would be an honor to be invited to hold. The first position is an individual position and the second one is held by several individuals. So, there are pros and cons to both. When the time comes and if the offers both come, these will all be factors I utilize within my decision making process, along with the benefits and long-term goals of the organization, my family, and myself. Positive perspectives produce positive people, and this journey too shall be an adventure. I'm looking forward to it!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
What Season Are You In?
Greetings all! As the school buses start their engines and the hussle to get that last vacation or cookout in before the winter months arrives, it is evident the weather seasons are about to change. Summertime will start to recede and fall will surround us with falling colorful leaves, jacket and sweater weather, and football season. As we prepare to embrace this seasonal shift, one can also reflect onto their own lives and determine which season they are in and if they are about to undergo a personal season shift.
In my book, "Bushels and Barrels - Redefining the American Dream", we discuss what the four seasons are with respect to our lives. Are we in crisis management or are we entering a shift in relationship status? Regardless of what is going on in your life, you are either in a particular personal season or shifting into another one. Just like the weather shifts, our lives will transition many times throughout the years, we must be ready for the ups and downs.
If you happen to be in a dark and cold season in your life, take heart, it will only last a certain amount of time, but the length can be determined by you as well. If you recognize all the positive around you, regardless of the negative, you can pull yourself into a brighter, warmer place in both your heart and in your head. When you're in the trees, it is very hard at times to see the edge of the forest and to know you are just about to exit into a field of green grass and sunshine!
In many of the books I've signed thus far, one saying I have adopted is "positive perspective produces positive people." I believe this to be a true statement and will continue to try to live my life by this mantra, it has served me well the past few years and I believe it will continue to do so into the future.
What season are you in? Are you ready for a change? If so, work for the change. If you are happy where you are, just remember, there will be passing clouds, but try your hardest to prevent them from becoming storms and seasonal shifts. Pick your favorite season, move your life into it, and then enjoy the weather there!
In my book, "Bushels and Barrels - Redefining the American Dream", we discuss what the four seasons are with respect to our lives. Are we in crisis management or are we entering a shift in relationship status? Regardless of what is going on in your life, you are either in a particular personal season or shifting into another one. Just like the weather shifts, our lives will transition many times throughout the years, we must be ready for the ups and downs.
If you happen to be in a dark and cold season in your life, take heart, it will only last a certain amount of time, but the length can be determined by you as well. If you recognize all the positive around you, regardless of the negative, you can pull yourself into a brighter, warmer place in both your heart and in your head. When you're in the trees, it is very hard at times to see the edge of the forest and to know you are just about to exit into a field of green grass and sunshine!
In many of the books I've signed thus far, one saying I have adopted is "positive perspective produces positive people." I believe this to be a true statement and will continue to try to live my life by this mantra, it has served me well the past few years and I believe it will continue to do so into the future.
What season are you in? Are you ready for a change? If so, work for the change. If you are happy where you are, just remember, there will be passing clouds, but try your hardest to prevent them from becoming storms and seasonal shifts. Pick your favorite season, move your life into it, and then enjoy the weather there!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Overcoming Challenges to Chase a Dream
Well readers, it is that time again...you know, the Olympics! Where else can we watch with such pride, anticipation, and patriotism? To watch athletes compete after dedicating years and most of their lives to training is inspiring. Sometimes they win. Other times, they fall short of the top of the medal stand. However, do they really fail if they don't reach the podium? I would argue they don't, they just fail to meet the ultimate goal, but they are already winners!
To see such inspiring stories and nicknames such as the Blade Runner and Flying Squirrel shows an adoration and relation to these athletes. Gabby Douglas, the Flying Squirrel, left all she knew and her family to train for these Olympics and has made history. The Blade Runner, Oscar Pistorius, had to fight not only physical obstacles to train, but political and society acceptance as well. He was a winner the second he walked into the stadium in his uniform and was announced as an Olympic athlete! Sometimes chasing a dream comes at a cost, but the journey is well rewarded...medals or not. Have you chosen your dream? Are you still chasing it?
There will be setbacks, of course. All one has to do is watch Jordyn Weiber's face when she failed to make the Women's All Around Gymnastic competition. She was crushed beyond belief. Her dream was in tathers. Yet, two nights later, she had pulled herself together, readjusted her dream, and went after it for the chance to win the gold medal alongside her teammates. She achieved it and they won! Sometimes, we have to adjust the dream, or the path to the dream, to achieve it. Yet, as Jordyn did, we must continue to strive for the dream. If we give up when the obstacles reach us, then we are giving up on ourselves and our dreams. We are better than that!
There is no greater illustration of what "Bushels and Barrels" tries to illustrate to my readers than the Olympics. It is about facing the barrels, challenges, and reaping the blessings, bushels. The Olympic Games and my book, "Bushels and Barrels - Redefining the American Dream", both are strong reminders that we can only achieve our dreams if we are willing to go for them and adjust our sights when needed. Have you achieved your dream yet? I'm still chasing mine!
To see such inspiring stories and nicknames such as the Blade Runner and Flying Squirrel shows an adoration and relation to these athletes. Gabby Douglas, the Flying Squirrel, left all she knew and her family to train for these Olympics and has made history. The Blade Runner, Oscar Pistorius, had to fight not only physical obstacles to train, but political and society acceptance as well. He was a winner the second he walked into the stadium in his uniform and was announced as an Olympic athlete! Sometimes chasing a dream comes at a cost, but the journey is well rewarded...medals or not. Have you chosen your dream? Are you still chasing it?
There will be setbacks, of course. All one has to do is watch Jordyn Weiber's face when she failed to make the Women's All Around Gymnastic competition. She was crushed beyond belief. Her dream was in tathers. Yet, two nights later, she had pulled herself together, readjusted her dream, and went after it for the chance to win the gold medal alongside her teammates. She achieved it and they won! Sometimes, we have to adjust the dream, or the path to the dream, to achieve it. Yet, as Jordyn did, we must continue to strive for the dream. If we give up when the obstacles reach us, then we are giving up on ourselves and our dreams. We are better than that!
There is no greater illustration of what "Bushels and Barrels" tries to illustrate to my readers than the Olympics. It is about facing the barrels, challenges, and reaping the blessings, bushels. The Olympic Games and my book, "Bushels and Barrels - Redefining the American Dream", both are strong reminders that we can only achieve our dreams if we are willing to go for them and adjust our sights when needed. Have you achieved your dream yet? I'm still chasing mine!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Book Writing or Book Selling...My View on the Difference
Greetings blog followers! After posting reviews of "Bushels and Barrels" lately, I thought it time to write a more personal post. However, since the blog is a reflection of my personal life and thoughts, this post will tend to remain on the topic of books. For those following me because they love this topic, you're welcome!
As a new author whose book is now released via multiple mediums, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iPad, Kindle, Nook, and personal sales, the time to market is now and the time to write has passed. Oh how I miss those days! The purpose of writing the book was to create a product to reach out and help those who needed it in a particular realm...those hurting in life and wanting to find a better way to approach the day and life itself! The writing of the book was the meaningful part and the piece of the puzzle which kept me driven and focused.
Now is the marketing part. Video trailers, book reviews, author spotlights, Facebook, blogging, and Twitter are now part of my day. Heck, until now, I didn't Tweet and doubt I am doing it correctly now. However, all of this is part of the mission to get the book into the hands of those in need of reading the message. Yes, sales are important to help fund the cause, but readership and fulfilling the desire to aid others is much more important.
One particular cause I am focused on is K-Love Radio. I began listening to this Christian station years ago when my world was upside down and the music and message coming out my speakers helped me not only survive the events, but to come out much stronger, happier, and content in my life. Part of my efforts to pay them back is to dedicate 10% of all sales proceeds after recovering the initial cost of the book. I'm hoping this endeavor takes off quickly!
So, from the days of sitting at the computer framing words, phrases, and sentences into a coherent message and story to creating 140 character tweets, I have evolved. Where has your journey taken you?
If you want to join my journey, you can follow my public Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorleeray or find me on Twitter, @LeeRayAuthor. If you're interested in my book, feel free to see more on http://askdavid.com/reviews/book/inspirational/1757. Have a tremendous day!
As a new author whose book is now released via multiple mediums, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iPad, Kindle, Nook, and personal sales, the time to market is now and the time to write has passed. Oh how I miss those days! The purpose of writing the book was to create a product to reach out and help those who needed it in a particular realm...those hurting in life and wanting to find a better way to approach the day and life itself! The writing of the book was the meaningful part and the piece of the puzzle which kept me driven and focused.
Now is the marketing part. Video trailers, book reviews, author spotlights, Facebook, blogging, and Twitter are now part of my day. Heck, until now, I didn't Tweet and doubt I am doing it correctly now. However, all of this is part of the mission to get the book into the hands of those in need of reading the message. Yes, sales are important to help fund the cause, but readership and fulfilling the desire to aid others is much more important.
One particular cause I am focused on is K-Love Radio. I began listening to this Christian station years ago when my world was upside down and the music and message coming out my speakers helped me not only survive the events, but to come out much stronger, happier, and content in my life. Part of my efforts to pay them back is to dedicate 10% of all sales proceeds after recovering the initial cost of the book. I'm hoping this endeavor takes off quickly!
So, from the days of sitting at the computer framing words, phrases, and sentences into a coherent message and story to creating 140 character tweets, I have evolved. Where has your journey taken you?
If you want to join my journey, you can follow my public Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorleeray or find me on Twitter, @LeeRayAuthor. If you're interested in my book, feel free to see more on http://askdavid.com/reviews/book/inspirational/1757. Have a tremendous day!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Third Professional Review of Bushels and Barrels
In his book, Bushels and Barrels, author Lee Ray suggests that on occasion,
people need to “adjust the roadmap” that they’re on. By “revisiting and revising” goals, dreams
and hopes, it becomes possible to recognize the blessings in life that may have
been obscured by the struggle through hardships.
Addressing difficulties most people face, such as divorce, self-doubt, rocky childhoods, loss of loved ones, and career and financial hardships, Bushels and Barrels combats these troubles by highlighting the positive aspects that may come out of them. In doing so, Lee Ray helps readers see the light at the end of the tunnel and recognize the wonderful things around them that they may be having trouble recognizing.
Lee also shares his own struggles and how he found his way through them, explaining to readers that sometimes, a different point of view is all they need to keep going. Each examination of life’s challenges is followed by a chapter that highlights the brighter side of things people face, which serves to help readers alter their perceptions of the life they live.
Eloquently stating “We’re all living the dream, right? Sometimes we just need to change exactly what that term actually means”, Lee Ray sets the tone for his thought-provoking and inspiring look at both the barrels and the bushels, and does an amazing job of helping readers do exactly that. Gently handling each of the difficult and sensitive subjects in his book, Lee’s positive and cheerful outlook provides comfort and hope for anyone suffering through a struggle in their lives.
By writing the book the way he has, barrels followed by bushels, Lee encourages a change of viewpoint and the reassurance that somewhere, in all of the troubles people face, there is still something to be thankful for, if they only search it out.
Recommended for anyone who is having difficulty in their lives, no matter what it may be, Bushels and Barrels is a well-written guide to redefining and living your own “American Dream”.
The book is available via Nook, Kindle, BarnesandNoble.com, and Amazon.com.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Professional Review of "Bushels and Barrels"
In Bushels
and Barrels, author Lee Ray takes a refreshingly positive approach to
dealing with the struggles and adversities faced by Middle
America today. Of course we
all grew up with an interpretation of the “American Dream” and we all thought
we’d have exactly that by now, right?
But if we don’t, what do we do then?
It’s so easy to get bogged down and depressed under the weight of the world around us. What people often forget is that it’s the struggles that make us stronger and the adversity that makes us better and more able to deal with things as they come our way. It can be hard to see sometimes, but it is true.
The author writes “We’re all living the dream, right? Sometimes we just need to change exactly what that term actually means.” This is the tone and message of the book: to redefine our dreams and realize that maybe, just maybe, we’re already living them, and we just need to open our eyes and change the way we think to realize it.
All readers will be able to identify with the struggles presented in Bushels and Barrels. The commonality of individual difficulties is widespread, even if the exact problems aren’t the same. Lee Ray’s history and stories of his own life are easily relatable, and his choice to overcome them and move forward in his life and in his faith is inspiring.
Each chapter addressing struggle is immediately followed by another that highlights the blessings we each have, encouraging readers to alter the way they perceive the world they live in and the way they look at hardship. From each complication we face in life, a blessing is sure to be there, too, we just have to look for it.
Bushels and Barrels is a thought-provoking read that helps to remind us that life is what we make of it, just as it always has been and always will be.
To read more about and to purchase Bushels and Barrels, please click here http://www.leeray.shorturl.com.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
"Bushels and Barrels" Faith-based review
Most people who have a strong sense of
faith have found that faith tested at times.
The world that we live in can bring us down, which can make us question
our own beliefs and abandon our idea of the “American Dream”. Sometimes, it can even seem that life was
designed to be difficult, but Bushels and
Barrels author Lee Ray sees things a little differently.
Sharing and discussing his own difficult upbringing and hardships that he’s faced, Lee brings the reader into his world, and introduces them to the idea that maybe, just maybe, the difficulties we endure in our lives are there to make us stronger, better, and more able. By terming the obstacles we face as “barrels” and the blessings we receive as “bushels”, Lee makes it clear that you can’t have one without the other. He tells readers that they have to have the confidence to face the barrels and keep going, stating that “you can’t do this if all you see are barrels…once you start seeing the bushels, you will see the barrels as chapters in your life with lessons to learn to help you achieve your dream”.
An inspiring and uplifting book for anyone who has ever begun to focus on the “barrels”, Bushels and Barrels encourages his readers to try and embrace the positive aspects of life and to try not to focus on the negative. He suggests, “Revisit and revise life’s boundaries when necessary”, and make the changes you need to make to be a better, healthier and happier person.
Sometimes, redefining your version of the American Dream is all it takes to remind you that you are living the dream you envisioned when you were young, it just may not be recognizable yet. Bushels and Barrels inspires readers to take another look at their life, and find the bushels that are just waiting to be noticed.
To read more about the book or purchase your copy today, go to http://www.leeray.shorturl.com.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Rating and Review by Darin Godby
Find below the review of "Bushels and Barrels" by Darin Godby, a Goodreads.com Christian, fiction, and Self-Help reviewer.
With a bushel representing opportunities and a barrel representing the
obstacles we will face, author Lee Ray takes us into
a descriptive view of the American Dream. When one tries to
understand what the American Dream is all about there must be a soul
searching of self-identification of who one truly is within society.
When we are young we seem to have great expectations and later in life
have changed our view and focus of what those dreams encompass.
Getting out of one's comfort zone and moving toward the barrels that
we face in life is necessary to move forward and achieve our goals.
Here are the Ten Barrels and Bushels that Lee discusses within his book:
#1 is the barrel of abuse and the bushel is to discover God's love in
the midst of the circumstance.
#2 is the barrel of strained relationships and the bushel is family.
#3 is the barrel of divorce and the bushel is falling in love.
#4 is the barrel of overcoming self-doubt and the bushel is gaining
confidence and acceptance.
#5 is the barrel of the loss of loved ones and the bushel is community
involvement.
#6 is the barrel of the price of military deployments and the bushel
is the pride of military service.
#7 is the barrel of transitions in life and the bushel is morals and ethics.
#8 is the barrel of career changes and unemployment and the bushel is
the bond of friendship.
#9 is the barrel of financial landmines and the bushel is educational
opportunities.
#10 is the barrel of facing life's challenges and the bushel is
recognizing life's rewards.
Lee provides the reader with many of his personal stories and
insights. There are topics such as: marriage, divorce, children,
stepchildren, money, determination, encouragement and so much more.
The reader will find themselves getting caught up within the story
that Lee is sharing and seeing how they can incorporate the positive
things within their lives and work on the areas that need improvement.
There is also a section on the military where Lee discusses his
involvement as well as how families must deal with deployment and the
pressures put upon them. Many times Americans don't realize how
blessed we really are and how those in the military are standing in
the gap for our freedom.
Lee also shares: "The bushels and barrels of an identity shift make
us who we are." He also states: "Life is not only wonderful at
times and painful at others....life is fragile!"
So one may ask will we be able to fulfill the American Dream? Well
let's allow Lee to give us his words of wisdom. He said: "The
American Dream is a way of life, not something we can achieve with a
single accomplishment." So each of us has our own duty in fulfilling
our dreams and desires. Let's all do our part and make America a
better place to live.
I enjoyed reading this book and encourage you to read and grow from it.
This book was provided by author Lee Ray for my honest review and opinion.
You can read more about the book and purchase it from http://www.leeray.shorturl.com.
5 of 5 stars
With a bushel representing opportunities and a barrel representing the
obstacles we will face, author Lee Ray takes us into
a descriptive view of the American Dream. When one tries to
understand what the American Dream is all about there must be a soul
searching of self-identification of who one truly is within society.
When we are young we seem to have great expectations and later in life
have changed our view and focus of what those dreams encompass.
Getting out of one's comfort zone and moving toward the barrels that
we face in life is necessary to move forward and achieve our goals.
Here are the Ten Barrels and Bushels that Lee discusses within his book:
#1 is the barrel of abuse and the bushel is to discover God's love in
the midst of the circumstance.
#2 is the barrel of strained relationships and the bushel is family.
#3 is the barrel of divorce and the bushel is falling in love.
#4 is the barrel of overcoming self-doubt and the bushel is gaining
confidence and acceptance.
#5 is the barrel of the loss of loved ones and the bushel is community
involvement.
#6 is the barrel of the price of military deployments and the bushel
is the pride of military service.
#7 is the barrel of transitions in life and the bushel is morals and ethics.
#8 is the barrel of career changes and unemployment and the bushel is
the bond of friendship.
#9 is the barrel of financial landmines and the bushel is educational
opportunities.
#10 is the barrel of facing life's challenges and the bushel is
recognizing life's rewards.
Lee provides the reader with many of his personal stories and
insights. There are topics such as: marriage, divorce, children,
stepchildren, money, determination, encouragement and so much more.
The reader will find themselves getting caught up within the story
that Lee is sharing and seeing how they can incorporate the positive
things within their lives and work on the areas that need improvement.
There is also a section on the military where Lee discusses his
involvement as well as how families must deal with deployment and the
pressures put upon them. Many times Americans don't realize how
blessed we really are and how those in the military are standing in
the gap for our freedom.
Lee also shares: "The bushels and barrels of an identity shift make
us who we are." He also states: "Life is not only wonderful at
times and painful at others....life is fragile!"
So one may ask will we be able to fulfill the American Dream? Well
let's allow Lee to give us his words of wisdom. He said: "The
American Dream is a way of life, not something we can achieve with a
single accomplishment." So each of us has our own duty in fulfilling
our dreams and desires. Let's all do our part and make America a
better place to live.
I enjoyed reading this book and encourage you to read and grow from it.
This book was provided by author Lee Ray for my honest review and opinion.
You can read more about the book and purchase it from http://www.leeray.shorturl.com.
5 of 5 stars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)