It's Not What You Say...

Tonight was quite a successful night. The Jazz concert went very well and both groups played wonderfully. My solos went well, and I got quite a few compliments afterwards on them. Of course, there's always a surprise...

One girl told me after the concert that she didn't know I played piano. I thought this was odd, because I always am telling people I play. Then I happened to remember one of life's little lessons:

"People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do"

This is true not only for things like playing piano, but also to things regarding one's character. You can say you're a kind, loving, gentle (ect. ect.) person until you're blue in that face. There will always be room for doubt. However, if you show that you are, if you "do" rather than "say" people will always have reason to believe.

May God keep you, this and every night!


Gentlemen: Same drill. What do you think about this lesson? Are you a "sayer" or a "doer"? Has an example of this occurred anytime within the past few months? Keep up the good work, and remember to email me those responses.

The Long Day

What a rather long yet productive day. Starting early this morning I braved Low Brass class and emerged victorious over the trombone. In Music Theory I faced the challenge of analyzing a very hard piece as well as a few moral and emotional challenges, but I believe I overcame them as well.

This afternoon I ran over to the DMV and got my license renewed, which turned out to be rather quick and painless. This is good because it had been expired for over a month!

Tonight I played a gig with Jazz Ensemble I over at the coffeehouse in the student union. We had a decent crowd and I really had a fun time playing. I'm looking forward to the concert on Thursday. Everyone should come see, it's going to be a lot of fun.

In all the busyness of the day, I ended up getting a little stressed. However I managed to remember life lesson number two:

"For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe"

After I remember this I gave up trying to take on everything and everyone and just relaxed and worried about myself. However, I was able to do this and still show compassion and understanding for others.

Well, I'm exhausted so I think I'll head to bed. As always,

May God Keep you This and Every Night

Gentlemen: Respond to Life Lesson Number Two. Are you "General Manager of the Universe"? Can you focus on yourself and still care for others? What is your opinion? Email it to me at jl64959@appstate.edu

Character and Reputation

Tonight I've been sitting here thinking of different things, and one theme seems to keep popping up. I'm always quite worried about what my reputation is. How do people see me?

Reputation is very important and can have direct influence on the future. A good reputation can open doors just like a bad reputation can close doors and eliminate opportunities.

However, while thinking on this this evening, I found an interesting quote. "Take care of your Character, and your Reputation will take care of itself." I found this to be sooooo true. If we take care of having good character and practicing good morals and values, we should have no problem with our reputation.

I believe that I'll be spending more time thinking on this subject.

That is all for now.

May God keep you this and every night.



Gentlemen: Email a response to the quote. Have you found your other PM's practicing good character? What effect do you think it has on reputation? Email your response to jl64959@appstate.edu. Good luck, and good night.