Some Thoughts

 

Through the years God has been so good to my family and me. This collection of thoughts, ideas, lessons, and praises are an attempt at small repayment. My hope is that the reader might gain some small measure of encouragement. 

This document is not one of research, but one of sharing. Some might not agree with conclusions I have made; my goal is simply to share experiences and the lessons I have learned. 

The source of the thoughts has been varied. Whether from a devotion, during Scripture reading, a business success or failure, a school board happening, or a college teaching event, the ideas were of special meaning and blessing. 

Many of the following experiences were shared with my wife Sharon and our three daughters. They not only were the catalysts for change in my life, but also sacrificed in time and attention while I was growing. 

Family members were a special blessing through the years. I regret there were fewer chances to share than there could have been. Too often we don’t understand the significance of family until the chance to share has passed us by. We are also limited by memory, or the lack of it. 

Others were also important in this spiritual and personal growth process. I have been fortunate to have K.B. Murray of Millington Street Baptist, Michael Schepis and Mike O’Donnell of Grace Baptist, and Bob Perryman and Larry Moff of Overland Park Baptist Church as pastors. 

During the formative period of my insurance and business career: Paul Hutsey and Jim Cinotto of Prudential and Bob Proctor and Larry Wilson, whose motivational programs inspired me to become a goal setter. Bill Gothard of Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts inspired me to be daily in the Scriptures and to seek to live according to scriptural principles. 

Many others have also inspired me. I will share their insights throughout this book. Their place in my development is immeasurable. So, as someone has said, “Let’s get on with it.”