life beyond the well…


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100 Days!

It’s official.  President Obama has survived his first 100 days in office.  In case you’re not clear on what has been accomplished, you can check out this very neat interactive calendar provided by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

You can click on each day, and a pop up shows something that President Obama accomplished on that day.  I think it’s pretty cool.

I also think that over these past 100 days, President Obama has become more comfortable and extremely more confident in his ability to lead our country.  While he always spoke very eloquently about his belief that he had what it takes to lead our country, I feel that now he’s being more assertive about his agenda, and really tackling the issues head-on…as a president should.

Yes, it’s a crazy chaotic situation in America.  We’re at war, in a horrible recession, and facing a terrible sickness-  among other things.  But overall, it’s been a good 100 days.

Kudos to you, President Obama!


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Book Review: The Noticer

We all need to be noticed.  And there are times where we can all benefit from a different perspective.  It’s with these themes that Andy Andrews writes the awesome book, “The Noticer”.

Andrews tells the story of a man named Jones- not Mr. Jones, just Jones, who sweeps through a town changing lives by imparting a valuable change of perspective.  Jones encounters different situations that have the opportunity to truly make or break a person’s life: divorce, poverty, an unsuccessful business; and easily and gently explains how that situation can be changed if the person’s perspective is changed.

This book is an easy read, yet a profound one.  I found myself reading it very quickly, then uncovering a valuable lesson or thought, and going back to make sure that I completely understood and benefitted from the lesson.

While some books that encourage a change of perspective can be rather preachy or condescending, this one is not.  It’s light and encouraging, providing useful advice in the same manner that a grandmother might provide over cookies and milk: you don’t feel as if you must adopt the advice, but it seems extremely beneficial and worthwhile to consider.

There are some religious/spiritual undertones in this book; however, it’s not an overwhelming undertone where one may feel as if they are being beat over the head with biblical principles.  Additionally, I found a light reference to some other books that had small biblical references.

Did I enjoy this book: 100%!  Would I recommend it to others: I would absolutely, without hesitation!  I would especially recommend it to those who have struggled with overcoming some of the different situations life presents us (and I think that would be all of us).  It’s not necessarily a book for children, but I would say that a mature young adult could enjoy and benefit from the story that Andy Andrews tells.

All that said- head out to get a copy of The Noticer- and maybe grab one for Mom for Mother’s Day as well.  It won’t disappoint!