Do you ever think about the meaning of life? I do. I’m working on writing my life story (aka, book) and as I look back on everything that I have had to go through, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the meaning of life. If I asked 100 people this question, I would probably get a 100 different answers. From sarcastic to I-don’t-know, each answer would be different I am sure. I don’t believe that meaning of life is whoever has the most cookies (maybe kale chips) wins. Here are some of my thoughts on this thing we call life.

Perhaps you are going through some deep, dark, lonely valleys. I’ve been there (and am there). Perhaps you wonder what the hell the meaning of life is all about. Why does bad stuff have to happen to ME?  Sometimes life just sucks. Life hurts. Other people hurt us. Dear friends die. Family members suddenly pass away. Parents abandoning their children. Unexplainable things. Things that will never make sense. 

Here is the thing. Tough (bad) things WILL happen to us, how we react to them is up to us. We can either get mad or cling to the faith that got us this far. See I don’t believe that God tests us, He does use life events to bring us closer to Him. To trust Him in everything we are going through- the good and bad.

See, most of us get mad at God when things go wrong. But how many times are we HAPPY with God when things go right? Probably not much. Perhaps those dark places is God’s way of saying, “hey, I love you and care about you, trust me with your life and follow me.” Maybe those dark places are a chance for you to share how you’ve kept your faith in God when you couldn’t see 2 steps in front of you.

To me the meaning of life is this: To love God and show the world His love by being a light in this dark world by helping/serving others.

The meaning of life. Do you have an answer?

peace, sweat, love: life

Photo credit: How I See Life

Day two of #ProjectCheer! Thanks to Ryan (@nomorebacon) for a wonderful article. Cheers!

Day 2: Unplug

Give Yourself the Gift of Unplugging

I’m not one of those people who uses the Internet occasionally for looking up recipes or chatting with friends on Facebook. I actually live inside the Internet. I am connected from the moment I send out my good morning tweet to the second I hit send on my last client email at night. If they made a belt buckle that kept me up to date on all the social media and news happenings in the world, I’d buy one for every pair of pants I own. That being said, this holiday season I’m taking a day to step away from all of it.

I’ll be spending the day trying to focus on the people around me instead of spending the day focusing on the rat race that the internet can be. I plan to slow down, and maybe even roll back the clock a bit.

Here’s how I plan on filling my time.

1. Writing Thank You Cards – Now as much as I love the convenience of the eCard or the ability to send real cards via the Internet with a semi-personalized message, there are few things I value more (gift-wise) than a hand-made card with a very personalized message. I am the worst arts and crafts person alive, but instructables.com has step-by-step guides that even I can’t screw up (just do a search for ‘Greeting Cards’).

2. Calling Old Friends – Facebook is great for staying somewhat connected to old friends but it’s on a ridiculously superficial level right? I mean, reading about your cat’s intolerance to its new diet only tells me so much about how you’re really doing. This year, I plan to call some of those friends who I haven’t talked to in a few years and just shooting the breeze. No timer, no logging in or out, just listening to how they are and learning about them on a more personal level. You know, like real friends do.

3. Taking My Wife Shopping – Now while this one might seem a little odd, the main reason it’s pretty much monumental is because my iPhone will be left at home. Yeah, I KNOW! I’m arranging the babysitter, the phone is staying at home, and it will just be her and I spending quality time together and truly connecting. I may even spring for dinner first!

Can you give yourself the gift of unplugging this holiday season? How would you spend your time?

By Ryan Sullivan. After you have unplugged, you can find Ryan on Twitter at @nomorebacon or visit his website

Photo by: KIUKO

Change of plans for me means goodies for you. As in cookies, brownies, bars-you know the wonderful calorie stuff you are craving:) So, here is what I am going to do (don’t let me bake for myself now!)

#1) I will bake cookies, brownies, bars, etc

#2) You will get a 2 dozen assortment

#3) Pay $30.00 via PayPal (if you want to give more, that would be awesome! Be sure to include the address so I can ship them to you!)

#4) Where does the money go? Good question! Two of the causes I help support are Luke’s Wings & The Disposable Hero’s Project. So, do some good this season & help me, help them.

#5) So, please make me happy in my kitchen this week. Come on, you know you want too:)

PS: I had a bakery back in the day. You know they will be fabulous!

Caution: May contain nuts, dairy, calories & the need for more.

UPDATE: Because of the demand, I will be doing this until the end of the year. If you have a cookie exchange, this is a PERFECT idea (if I do say so myself). If you need express shipping, let me know (additional charges may apply).

Photo by Visualpanic