“The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.” — Edwin Bliss John Quincy Adams is perhaps one of America’s most impressive leaders. No elected official held more prominent offices than Adams in U.S. history. He lived in constant pursuit of excellence, serving with distinction as the country’s president, senator, congressman, and minister to major European powers. He also served in the American Continue Reading
Look Back to Bring Forth Thanksgiving {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The Rev. Alexander Whyte was a Scottish minister and author of the 19th century known by his congregation as a man of an unwavering grateful spirit. Regardless of the circumstances, he seemed always to find something for which to be thankful. One of his parishioners told a story about a gloomy Sunday morning when a friend commented, just before the service started: “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” However, no sooner had the Continue Reading
When We Are Compelled to Start Over {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Timanthes of Cythnus was a prolific 4th century B.C. Greek artist. His famous painting “The Sacrifice of Iphigenia” was discovered amidst the ruins of the city of Pompeii and is now displayed in a museum at Naples. I read a story about Timanthes that made me reflect on the importance of not settling for the status quo. According to the account, Timanthes studied the art of painting under the direction of a respected tutor. After many years of study, the teacher’s efforts paid off when Continue Reading
Chasing Success… or Achievement? {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Helen Hayes was an American actress whose career spanned over 80 years between theater, movies and television. She was often introduced as “First Lady of American Theater” for her outstanding accomplishments on stage and screen. She was one of only 15 people who collected an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. Hayes was not a typical glamorous Hollywood actress. As a matter of fact, she was once described as “diminutive and homespun” for her modesty and practicality. Her lasting career Continue Reading
Don ‘t Try to Run Someone Else’s Race {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I watched the scene from a distance, fully aware that I was invisible to the group of teenagers standing in front of me. It’s amazing how parents disappear whenever teens get together. As an avid observer, I sat back to pay attention to the scene unfolding before me. A group of beautiful girls and dazzled boys conversed animatedly, talking about the day at school, while planning their next big thing. Two girls stood out. Tall, skinny and blond, every boy and girl in the group seemed hypnotized Continue Reading
Absolutely NOTHING Happens by Chance {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Do you have any idea of the details of circumstances that had to happen from the beginning of time, so you would be exactly who you are, where you are, at this point in history? The question lingered in my mind while the preacher continued his sermon. I don’t remember who said it, if I heard it on TV, radio or at church. All I remember is that the question made me reminisce details from my life story which helped shape my character, direct my path and prepare me to do what I do Continue Reading
