Recently, folks in the United States flooded each other with questions like "what were you doing on 9/11?"  Those of us who are old enough to remember that day can also remember the sights, sounds, smells, reactions, and feelings of that day.  We can recount nearly everything we experienced in those moments and it brings back the hopeless, vulnerable, and sad feelings we all experienced that day.  In a sense, they have become part of what anchors that day in our memory.

Most people, including myself, all have certain "anchors" we reflect on.  They're often about a significant day or event we've experienced and when we think about it, it often elicits certain feelings.

One of my anchors was the day, many years ago, when my boss told me he needed me to be the "slide monkey" (that's the guy who pushes the enter button on a laptop to move the PowerPoint slides forward) while he briefed our Plan.  I had helped create and facilitate this plan and when told all I was to do in the brief was be the "slide monkey" it really hurt.  I hung on to that memory for a long time, and even now I am nauseated when asked to be the "slide monkey" during one of our briefs.

Anchors don't always have to be negative though.  I often think back of times when things went really well and savor the feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment.  Just like the smell of a turkey in the oven reminds you of family gatherings at Thanksgiving (and hopefully some good memories!), positive anchors can take you from a bad mood to a good one.

What are the anchors you're focusing on?  Do you find yourself replaying every hurtful things ever done to you or are you focusing on some of your greatest moments?  What you saturate your mind with will play out in your outward attitude and interactions with others.  Negative people project the same negative feelings that are anchored to events.  The phrase "expect the worst and you won't be disappointed" is a classic example.  On the other hand, being optimistic is nothing more than remembering successes from the past and searching out the same kind of success for the future.

Think about all the POSITIVE anchors in your life.  In spite of what others say, look at each challenge as an opportunity to add yet another POSITIVE anchor into your memory bank.  It's a much happier way to live your life, and people can't help but want to be around those who project optimism.  It's nothing but a simple choice, but only you can make it.

I have always been someone who avoids Pan handlers. I always wonder if they are scamming me. I have to admit this is not one of my few redeeming characteristics. Today I read an article about Vicki Julian's forthcoming work, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place. As a Minister, Vicki uses biblical reference for each of her examples. She suggest for the needy who ask You for money (Matthew 5:42). Buy fast food certificates and have them handy to give to those who are hungry. Buy bus tokens or discount store gift certificates to give. Keep numbers and addresses of agencies that can help and give it on a card to the person if they are unaware of where to go for assistance.

I am very impressed with this approach and wanted to share it.

God bless our Firefighters.

Too often we take for granted the hard work and training that our full time and volunteer firefighters do. It is with much gratitude that I express thanks them for the fast and professional reaction to the fires all over Texas. It is an honor to have them as a valued part of our community, working industriously to keep us all safe. God bless you all!

Please remember those folks in the Bastrop area. So far, more than 400 homes have burned and more than 5,000 people have been evacuated. More than 25,000 acres have burned.

Close to home for me is Fort Hood. Our Firefighters have been stretched to their limits. Working night and day keeping the wildfires at bay. On Monday, the Jack Mountain wildfire was 75% contained, when the wind picked up the fire regained strength burning an additional 700 acres. In all, it's burned an estimated 3,700 acres.

More than 1 million acres statewide have been destroyed since April 6.