Archive for March, 2011

I need your help

Posted: March 23, 2011 in The Book
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Hey there!  As many of you know, with God’s help, I was able to write and have a book published that is called UnWritten.  You never know how something like this is going to go. I felt like the story line was something that would speak to people and encourage them to live life to the fullest and also be encouraged to draw near to God.

Well… I am humbled and overjoyed with the feedback I am getting on this book.  There have been mother and daughters that have reconciled, youth pastors wanting to get copies for all of their youth, people who do not have a faith in God, now reaching out to find the Lord, and people from all walks of life sharing how the book impacted them and looking to get copies now for friends and families.

The book is available to bookstores across the nation, however, because I am an unknown, new author and the book has only been out for three months, the book is not on the shelves.  However, you can go into any Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any other book store, request the book and they will order it in.  It is also available on Amazon and will be available as an e-book very soon.

But here’s where I could use your help.  We have established a website, for ease of book purchasing.  I humbly ask for your help in  spreading the word and letting people know about it.

http://theunwrittenbook.com/

Also, a friend named Dave Bode produced a video promo for the book that is worth a viewing.  People can check it out right on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQLJm6vl5A8

Again, I am asking for your help because I believe God is using this book to touch hearts and change lives.  It is a tool you can share with those who have faith in God and those who don’t.

Thank you for your consideration!

Harlan

Snow Well!

Posted: March 2, 2011 in Leadership, Life
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Living in western NY, I have grown accustomed to snow. It snows here, and then… it snows some more. After that, when spring has come and the season of snow has ended, it snows again!

We have reached that point of the season where, honestly… I am done with snow and ready for spring. So, last week I looked out the window and could not believe what I was seeing. More snow. As I began to complain, my six-year-old son interrupted me in mid-complaint. Right when I was voicing my snow grievance, he says with childlike exuberance, “Dad! Snow is like a dream come true! It makes everything white and pure!”

Wow

I was speechless.

The perspective through the eyes of my six-year-old, presented me with an alternate point of view. With one brief childlike expression of honesty, I was challenged, corrected and received an attitude adjustment. Thank you Josiah! This momentary encounter got me thinking. There are many areas in life where it seems like “seasons of snow” just will not end. As humans, we do not like hardships, or trials or testings of any kind. I know I don’t! I like sunny days without rain. I like days where everything goes well. Days where I get my way, where I am right, where I get to do what I want to do and nothing gets in my way. I like days where every traffic light is green, and I get a raise and a bonus just for showing up.

Ok, let’s be REALLY honest!

In my humanness, I want money without work. I want to be paid to sleep in. I want to do what I want, when I want without anyone telling me what to do, how to do it, and why. I want to be in control! I want, I want, I want…. And I want it all without any cost! That’s me… just being human. But, when I look at things through the eyes of my six-year-old, I realize something. Snow ain’t all that bad! There are many seasons in my life I would like to forget or erase or get a “do over”. However, those seasons have led me to where I am. They have assisted in making me the person I am.

We read in James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Another version reads like this: James 1:2-4

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Remember, after the snow, comes the spring. After spring, comes the summer, where – even here in Western New York State – it gets hot. Then, comes the temptation to complain about the squelching heat! Every season in life has it’s challenges. I just need to remember the lesson learned from my little son Josiah. Perspective is everything!

The outcomes of life seasons are primarily determined by the attitude of the person living them.

Well, I think it’s snowing again, so excuse me while I go enjoy the end of a season.