SeizingMyDay

Paulson Receives Speaking Legend Award

It takes a week to let it sink in. Last weekend I was honored as a member of the 2007 Class of Legends of the Speaking Profession. The award was granted by the Veteran Speakers Conference in Hagerstown, MD on August 25, 2007. The award reads: "Remembering Our Past...Developing Our Future. When the history of our great profession is examined, may the truth of our beginnings be told to those who would grace the platform. Though orators and lecturers created our history and were our forebearers, the legends of modern professional speaking were a pioneering breed whose technique had no benchmark. We salute you...Legend of the Speaking Profession...Terry Paulson. Your creativity, improvisation, risk taking, and willingness to share have set a standard for those who seek 'The Platform.'"   

That is quite a statement. I was honored to be included in the same class as Lou Heckler, Al Walker and Earl Nightingale. Let me share my prepared comments that come close to what I said when I received the award.

"I loved it when Roy Orbison said, 'I may be a living legend, but that sure don't help when I've got to change a flat tire.' Coming here on crutches...with some of my original equipment showing signs of age, I can identify with that statement.But I must say that I love being called a legend by somebody else....especially the caliber of the people voting on this award. It's been said that a trumpeter that blows his own horn ends up playing to an empty theater. I appreciate this honor.

So let me humbly accept this honor knowing how many truly deserve it. If you are known by the company you keep; I'm in good company tonight.

Judy Garland said, 'Let me tell you, legends are all very well if you've got somebody around who loves you.' I've had those people around me throughout my journey:

Parents who loved to laugh and created an audience where it was more important to have fun in life than to be funny.

For Mrs. Nason who challenged me, a pretty shy football player, to compete for graduation speaker on the basis of my oral reports. 

The Lord has been good to me. Through His encouraging love I had the freedom to shine, and laugh, and sing...and work with youth. If you aren't funny and authentic with teens, they will kill you. I worked with Young Life and was a youth director.

I'm thankful for staff around me who recognized before I did that my greatest gift and calling were in speaking...and helping me get there.

For a wife, who didn't require me home every night. She had the confidence and the strength of character to let me serve and shine.

For NSA friends and leaders who encouraged me to serve and lead...and become part of a great family.

For a son, who is now a baptist minister and who gave me the gift of being in his audience and seeing him used by God--flowing with tears.

For giving me two grandsons--one of which won't shut up and has passed from wanting to be puppy when he grows up to wanting to speak.

In Hebrews 2, Paul talked about the great Cloud of Witnesses before us. I feel that tonight--here and on the other side of the divide.

Now, I also know that I'm not done and neither are you. We speak for different reasons now. I don't need to speak for awards or money. I have enough. I speak because I was meant to do it.

I now just have more stories, more depth, and more freedom to tell the truth about what works through my window to the world.

Art was speaking to teenagers and their parents, I had presented to the same group during the week. I asked him how he spoke at 95. He said,

Art Linkletter said, "It's easier. I don't need to prepare. Everything I say reminds me of something else. Just give me three minute sign at the end and I can wrap it up."

I've got my family, my family of God and my speaking family. Thank you for this honor and the company I get to keep because of it."

It was a great honor and a wonderful conference. I hope to return in the years ahead.

My Thirty Favorite Movies of All Time

As I continue to take time to heal from my Achilles tendon surgery and avoid having to use my crutches, I am watching more movies. Since your movie preferences tell a lot about you, I thought I might take the time to identify my favorite 30 films. I tried to make it 20, but failed. I include the following in alphabetical order. Would any of them be on your list?

The Big Chill
Braveheart
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Chariots of Fire
Die Hard
Father of the Bride
First Blood (Rambo)
Forest Gump
Gone with the Wind
Great Escape
Groundhog Day
Hoosiers
Indiana Jones Raiders of Lost Ark
Independence Day
It's a Wonderful Life
The Last of the Mohicans
Little Women
The Magnificent Seven
The Mission
Moulin Rouge
My Big Fat Greek Weddings!
My Fair Lady
Oh God
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Risky Business
Rocky
Roxanne
Sound of Music
Shakespeare in Love
Top Gun

Weekend Warrior Bug Hits Me Again!

Well it took 36 years to get a pair of surgery marks! That's right. On Sunday night, this aging weekend warrior took off for a game of volleyball with the Westlake Lutheran Volleyball Team. Lorie questioned my decision--"Are you sure you want to go? You may get hurt." Off course I disregarded her warning, grabbed my old volleyball knee pads and headed for the gym. With six other aging warriors, we took the court for a game with some young players who actually practiced spiking the ball. We were concerned if we could even touch the top of the net. Ah, but we were ready for action.

I was pleased with my early play, but after ten minutes, both sides of the net heard a clearly audible POP as I lunged toward a ball. As my Achilles tendon gave way, I fell to the floor. I didn't have to guess. Thirty-six years ago, I had done the same thing to my left Achilles tendon driving for a basket in a pickup game against some hotshot high school players. I think my play was to win the game. Instead of scoring, I heard the pop and my left leg gave way before I could complete the lay up. In both cases, surgery was required to repair the damage.

In December of 1971, I was in graduate school at Fuller Seminary. It was my left leg, so that even with surgery, I was able to drive. I remember the surgery because of the unique nature of the timing. I was admitted to St. John's Hospital for surgery. Just down the hall was football great Joe Namath waiting for knee surgery. He was the buzz of the floor. Rumor was that he had a woman in his room long after visiting hours were ended. There were guesses as to what the then playboy was up to behind closed doors. We were scheduled for surgery at the same time in different operating rooms.

Dr. Phillip Hay did a great job on the surgery, but what I remember was waking up in recovery coming out of a hazy fog to see a number of nurses around my body. One said, "Is this Joe Namath?" For a moment, I was questioning whether that was possible. Then Joe Namath was wheeled into the room, and another nurse said, "No! That's him!" I've never felt so alone. I'm lucky I had no complications, or they might nit have caught it. The nurses were busy looking at the playboy! It makes for a great story. 

Now, on Friday, July 13th, I get to replicate that surgery. There should be no Joe Namath, just this aging weekend warrior. Here's hoping that thirty-six years has improved the surgery methods ,and I will back from recovery quicker. At 61, I got things to do and fewer years to do it.

Some would be disputatious of operating on Friday the 13th, but I figure more people will not want to risk it, and God will have fewer to watch. All I can say is that maybe I ought to let my volleyball career end--ten minutes of joy...and a little bit of pain. Over the years, I can enhance the story. After all, since Lorie was right, the chances of me getting out of the house again are minimal.

But I am blessed even in the midst of these challenges. God has been so good to me that when you are dealt cards like this...you just play the hand and keep going!

The Ten Inventions that Have Made the Biggest Difference in My Life

A recent USA Today feature isolated the "eureka" moments of the past 25 years. I decided to list my own list of top ten inventions that I most value. What would you put on your list? Here's mine:

1. The laptop computer has changed my life. As a professional speaker that travels, these ever smaller powerhouse computers allow me to connect to the Internet and the world, send and receive e-mail, write articles and columns, deliver stimulating programs and crunch the numbers I need. Even though I have to take out for airport screening; it's an innovation I wouldn't want to do without! You can add to that the softwares I value most--Explorer, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and ACT. I hardly use anything else.

2. Everyone values their cell phone, but I love my Treo 650. It combines a cell phone, calendar, camera, Internet access, email and travel tool that serves me well! I don't want five different things hanging off my belt. Give me one that works. By the way, I use my cell phone to call out. I hate to give out my number to others; who wants to be interrupted 24/7?

3. The microwave is a must invention. Who needs Starbucks when I can heat my water and add a tablespoon of Folgers Instant Coffee? I love putting a bag or meal into a microwave and having something good to eat in minutes. What would we do without it? I wouldn't want to try.

4. I love my digital cameras--still images and DV recorder! I love the digital world. You only keep the pictures worth keeping. You can store them, share them, enhance them, print them...what more could you ask for? We won't have any trouble finding images of our past; the trouble will be sorting through it to find what is worth seeing!

5. My IPOD is a treasure. I have the songs that I want to listen to available when and where I want to enjoy them. With my mini IPOD and my BOSE noise-canceling headset, I can enjoy the gift of music the way I want to experience it. I use it to bring peace, energy and inspiration to my travels.

6. TIVO has changed my life. I can watch what I want to watch on TV when I want to watch it. I can speed through commercials. I can store what I want to keep and view a great play as many times as I want to! I've watched UCLA beat USC in football over and over again. Now that is a great invention!

7. Credit Cards are wonderful. We never carry a balance. We just use them to avoid carrying cash, to ensure quality purchases that can be returned or contested, to keep records of our purchases, and to otherwise make life easier. The new gift cards allow us to take $500 in the form of a credit card with a limit. Now that is an invention worth honoring.

8. My small, battery-powered yard blower is one of my favorite possessions. Why sweep when with this small but mighty blower I can blow leaves and debris away in moments? These blowers are real keepers!

9. My Olympus Digital Voice Recorder WS-200S can record hours of my speaking and fits into my shirt pocket with room to spare. It makes MP-3 files I can listen to anywhere and transfers easily to my computer through a USB 2.0 port.

10. Finally, as a traveling professional with over 3 million miles on American Airlines alone, I love my luggage with wheels! I have an endless supply of wheeled marvels to choose from, and I love them all. Why carry it when you can wheel it?

That's my top ten. What would you change on your list?

(USA Today, May 21, 2007, p. 8B)

Graduations, Weddings and Travels Adventures in Arizona

What an amazing weekend of special events interspersed with frustrating, but ultimately funny, slapstick moments on our journey of celebration. It was a full weekend celebrating Christopher Leland's graduation from California Lutheran University and the Laurie and Seth Davis wedding in Scottsdale, AZ. Life in the fast lane makes for funny follies when you are on a tight schedule to make things work.

With the hard work Chris put in to earn is diploma, we had to be there for our nephew's graduation. After all, he graduated Magna Cum Laude! We've watched him grow up. He's joined us at NSA youth programs. He knows we are in his corner, and it makes us so proud to see him graduate. He has a job waiting for him at a respected accounting firm starting this Fall. He's got a charming, smart and fun girlfriend, Danielle, who we hope turns into much more--God willing and they both agree! It will be exciting to watch him find his place in the future.

As to the graduation, it was like all graduations--alumni, presidents, and students had their time at the microphone. There were penguins with caps and hoods everywhere. Unfortunately, there was the long and somewhat tangential commencement address that seemed to have nothing to do with the young men and women graduating. As it dragged on and dragged on, we were afraid we might have to leave before Chris received his diploma. Leland was almost at the end of the line because diploma's were given out starting with A in one line and Z in the other. Thankfully, we had time to catch him in his glory and made time for a picture, a hug and a brief congratulation before heading for LAX.  We are so proud of Chris and the young man he had become.

The trip to LAX down 405 was slow, even in the diamond lane, but we made it with time to grab a pizza before getting on the plane. The only problem on the plane was the woman behind me. When we got on the plane and got off, THIS WOMAN kept falling into my trailing luggage! It didn't help that this woman was my wife! Lorie's travel falls just added to the rushed, slapstick adventure we had on this quick trip to Arizona.

When we arrived a bit early, we went to the National Car rental to pick up our Emerald Isle car. We picked what looked like the best car available, a new Altima. Little did we know that although it had keys to get in, you didn't need a key to start. It was a keyless ignition. You push the button and the lights come on. When it failed to do anything, we searched in vain for a place to put in the key. Now, with time passing, I was getting more and more frustrated and my language a bit more colorful by the second. If only we had hit the brake, the car would have worked.

Instead, Lorie suggested the simpler Ford next to us. I hopped out of the car and in the rush hit the panic button on the Altima. The horn was sounding throughout the facility. I thought it was the Ford, so I pushed that panic button only to start the second chorus of honks. Finally, I silenced them both. Lorie decided ti best to remain quiet as I got the Ford in gear and headed for the checkout. A few minutes later, we had a good laugh as Lorie said, "Did we succeed in setting off two security alarms back there?" Yes, we were off to a memorable adventure.

We arrived at the Seth and Laurie Davis wedding with only moments to spare. I parked the car in 104 degree heat and headed past the bridesmaids to the outdoor wedding area. It was beautiful but hot. The service was lovely. Both Lutherans, the young couple was challenged to keep love, faith, forgiveness and hugs at the center of their lasting commitment. I love weddings. It means a reminder of how much I love Lorie, good food, and a chance to dance! All were realized at this wedding event. It's always great to be with friends. As usual, I took a lot of pictures and even had them transferred to a CD to give to the families and the couple. Pictures early mean more than pictures late!

On Sunday, we again continued our adventure when I wrote down the wrong address for the Community of Joy Church service. Even the GPS navigator was confused, sending us in circles around a non-existent address. By the time we figured it out, we went to the middle service instead of the early service...convinced that God had decided to humble me for all this talk about being a seasoned traveler.

The service was joyful and meaningful on Mothers Day. He preached on Revelations, but what stuck with me was a quote Pastor Walt Kallestadt attributed to his dad, "You can't know what the future holds, but you can know who holds your future!" What assurance to know that no matter how many wrong turns and trips we make on our journey, God is with us all the way working out His plan in our lives. Now that is a firm foundation for life! We survived the rest of the trip and made it back home without further incident aware that celebrating the memorable moments of life with family and friends is a blessing we must never forget to take advantage of!

Leaving Footprints of Faith with Other Men of God

I just finished leading the combined men's retreat for the Westlake United Methodist and Westlake Lutheran congregations. You could feel the Lord's presence and the power of the Spirit working as we explored Ephesians 6:13-18--"Putting on the Full Armor of God--A Christian's Guide for Dressing for Success." God is so good. Men may not always be the first to want to get away for dialogue about faith issues, but when they do, mighty things can happen. I's love to say it was the stimulating presentations, but there was even more power in the small group discussions of Bible verses that expanded our appreciation for truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer and the cloud of witnesses that have nurtured and sustained us in the family of God. I learned as they did--God is full of surprises when you are open to His message.

It's easy for men to think about being warriors, but warriors for God are driven by love and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a blessed assurance that the war is already won, and that when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, we can lift each other up when we fall. We can encourage, tell the truth in love and serve with strength. There were some great men of God I value and trust from our church--Lou Fiore, John Bell, Kevin Barry and Joe Bulock. We grew closer and probably had more conversations than we have had in a year of after-service goodie times.

I think we realized together that a spiritual life on autopilot is not what we are called to live. Like the disciples, we should feel compelled to take a stand for our faith. We are Christians and as John Wooden said, "If I were ever persecuted for my religion, I truly hope their would be enough evidence to convict me." It's time to leave evidence, trails of testimony, shared spiritual wisdom, claimed verses and prayers for those we love. Many took time to write journal notes affirming their faith.

We ended with an appreciation for the great cloud of witnesses--the teachers, parents, pastors, faith mentors, and saints that have witnessed and nurtured our faith. These men and women believed in our faith when we had not yet believed what we were capable to do in the Lord. They deserve our appreciation and our prayers. They will be applauding as we finish the race. May we never forget to thank God and thank them for the gift of grace we are now blessed to receive. I think of Lou and Mary Ann Fiore, Lew Smedes, Lee Travis, my dad and mom, Bob Lawson, Pastor Craig Beeker, Mr. Bosco my youth Sunday School teacher, Mark Sanborn, Naomi Rhode and Glenna Salsbury, my son Sean and, of course, Lorie, my companion in life, love and faith. I thank God for their witness, their prayers and encouragement.

There was great food, even better conversation and a new sense of renewal. I think the men of God will soon have a revitalized men's group meeting on Saturdays from 8:00-9:30. It's time to put our calendars where our priorities are. Join us. Join a men's group at your church, and know that together we are the men of God.

I end with the admonition of Paul in I Corinthians 16:13--"Be on your guard; stand firm; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." And with a chorus of heavenly hosts, they all said AMEN!

Our Weekend in Tahoe with Micah and Jeremiah

What a blessing...and a challenge...to spend a weekend with our favorite grandchildren, Micah and Jeremiah, in favorite spot, Lake Tahoe! That describes it well. It was a blessing and a challenge.

First, Lorie and I are reminded of how all-consuming it is to have young children. There is the quantity of clothes and stuff you have to take with you just to get by--child seats, extra clothes, snow clothes, toys, movie players, DVD collections, medicine, "time-out" carpets...and earplugs! Yes, we drove from LA to Cooperopolis for a big surprise--Jeremiah and Micah were going to their first visit to Tahoe with Grandma Lorie and Papa Abba...alone! Yes, mom and dad were getting a two days off, and we were getting our first grandparent survival test!

We loved almost every minute of the experience. There was the three hour drive to Tahoe with high-decibel discourse coming from the back seats. There were kicks, blaming statements, intermittent tears and, of course, a series of warnings from the front seat--"Are we going to have to stop the car?" We didn't. Like all parents who point out the beautiful scenery; they didn't seem to care about what was going on outside the car. They wanted to know when we get there, and whether there would be plenty of snow.

There was quite a bit of snow for this time in the season and a threat of more to come that weekend. It did during the night before we had to drive out in that snow! But that is yet to come.

Within moments of arriving at our shared home in Stateline, the boys had their clothes and toys all over the house. We were trying to establish order; they were trying to create chaos. Lorie and I are still not sure which side won. We learned the importance of "getting kids tired" by hiking them, letting them play at playgrounds in the park and at McDonalds. Micah and Jeremiah, to their credit, play hard and get along well with other kids. They make friends and they race through every tunnel, every slide, and every swing set. We were proud of them. They enjoyed their hike to the lake through the reserve at Stateline. I took turns putting the boys on my shoulders...which will never be the same. We raced; we threw snowballs at each other; we laughed and we loved. They touched Lake Tahoe for the first time. We added that memory to our past joys associated with the hike. We used to take Runner and Sunshine to this area and watch them run. It was their favorite place. We hope the kids felt the same thing.

The first night was a challenge and a joy. There was the nightly reading to settle them down. Micah, who is now reading well, did most of the reading. He has made so much progress and loves to read and sing. It was a blessing. We then went to the rooms for stories. I told them stories, and they told me their own. They tried to stay in the same room, but that was not working. We split them up and put music in the hallway. They went to bed at 8:15, and we were in bed by 9:15. No TV, and barely time to get online to check e-mail. I can see why parents have a hard time keeping up with news or life! I was up twice during the night to put the kids back to bed and encourage them when they were afraid. I was suddenly glad that we went to bed early.

Saturday, we took a hike near the home by the creek. We went further than Sean and I had ever gone when he was a child. These kids are "true boys;" they love to take risks and take on the world. later we hiked at Emerald Bay to Eagle Lake with Micah leading the way. We then went back to McDonalds for food and more play time. Again the boys made a new set of friends. We went from there to the movies...to rest the grandparents...and take in the only "G" movie playing--"Meet the Robinsons." We loved the movie. It was a positive movie about adoption and the importance of "Keep Moving Forward" instead of getting stuck on past failures. We loved the movie...but like the scenery...we fear the message was lost on the kids. I guess that is what parenting is all about--thousands of such messages over and over again with the hope that some sticks. Lorie and I came to appreciate how great a job Sean and Nicole were doing to give the kids positive, faith-filled messages instead of just letting the kids watch anything. We tried to hold to those standards. It seems to be paying off for these two wonderful boys.

The final night brought more reading and more stories...and a great nights sleep with not a single interruption. Unfortunately, the great snow we wanted came when we were leaving. We had to drive through it instead of play in it. That was not as much fun, but thanks to four-wheel drive, we made it without chains back to Cooperopolis and...rest...for grandparents.

We not only survived the experience. I think they had fun and a new set of memories. We certainly have memories we will treasure. It was challenging but worth every minute it took to make it happen. After all, that's what grandparents are for--breaks for parents, memories for kids, and love...lots of it! What will I remember most, the moments I had with each boy to say how special they were and how proud we were to have them in our family.

Being a President for God Means a Lot

I've been President of both the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers, but, this month, I became council president for Westlake Lutheran Church, my home congregation in Westlake Village, CA. Today I ran my first congregational meeting.

A good leader values the past, acknowledges the present and builds hope for the future. We took time to take a look back, giving acknowledgment for those who were there in the beginning. We talked about how we were one vote away from being Love Lutheran Church, but today being a loving family of God powered by Christ is central to who we are. We didn't vote for it, but we try to live it.

The biggest difference between a vision and a hallucination is the number of people who can see it. With the two building blocks of a vibrant small group ministry and youth ministry programs, we will be building the base to take us on the final step towards having our own church home. God willing and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be moving toward a vision we have had for over ten years.

I look forward to leading. Why? These people are my church family, the people of God who know and love us. We could live in any community close to a major airport, but the older you get, the more you realize people are more important than places. It will be fun to lead. I'll keep you posted.

A Perfect Weekend with our Grandkids and the Family of God

What a great weekend in Copperopolis and Murphys! I guess any weekend with your grandkids has to be that way. Papa Abba and Grandma Lorie are in town--tackle the old man and don't let him up! That seemed to be their opening game plan from the moment we entered the house. Participating in energy in overdrive is fun, even when you are the target of all the actions. Arms grabbing my head, the other boy leaping onto my back, and little boys seem to call this love.

Unfortunately, Nicole was not feeling well and had retired to their bedroom to try to get some rest...highly unlikely any sleep with the noise coming from all the action in the living room. Sean cooked the meal, and we gladly ate it. The boys are still a handful but you can see such progress. The need structure and respond to it. Just when you feel they could get out of control, there may be a brief time on their carpet square or a calming story. They do respond. Micah is talking much more clearly, and Jeremiah is just talking...period...all the time. His engaging smile makes him hard to resist; he's got a little spark in his eyes that lets you know fun is coming whether you like it or not. His mind is a steel trap. One of the words I often use as an exclamation is "Chiwawa." He remembers it--Papa Abba says "Chiwawa." We can look forward to some fun years ahead as they both grow into young men.

It was also a week of affirmation in the power of the family of God wherever you are. Whether it was dinner Friday night with Sean's mentor and his wife, Dave and Jill Kinney, a men's prayer breakfast in a ranch bunk house next to a roaring fire and pond, or worshiping for the first time with Sean's new Copper Canyon Baptist Church, God's Spirit was evident throughout the weekend. God is so good.

There is nothing more exciting than to feel God moving in a mighty way in this new church. Every Sunday, new people come to see the new pastor. It's contagious. Instead of being comfortable, people are challenged to make it their church and to keep it alive and growing. Even more exciting as a father is to watch your son being used by God, and to sense that he has found his calling. Whether it's the relationships you see him build or the sermons he delivers, you sense he is tapping God's Holy Spirit in a strong way. There is much I can learn from my son's journey. I look forward to a time we can spend more time with him and his family, our grandchildren and the family of God Sean is helping to shape in Copperopolis.

It's back to LA, but part of our heart remains in the Gold Country Sean now calls home.

2006 Paulson Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

Here's a quick look at a special year for the Paulson family! Sean and Nicole finalized their adoption, and the boys celebrated their new start by taking on new names, Micah Dale Paulson is now 6 and Jeremiah Michael Paulson will be five on December 30th. Micah has started kindergarten, and both boys are growing so fast and loving their new home.

Sean and Nicole now live in Murphys, CA, but they have been called to a new opportunity just miles from their home. Sean is the new senior minister at Copper Canyon Baptist Church in Copperopolis, CA. The church is a Southern Baptist mission church in a fast growing community (http://www.coppercanyonchurch.org). He has over 50 attending on Sundays and Nicole already has a Praise band going. As we have always said, there is nothing better than to see our son used by God in such a strong way. We're just glad that they didn't move farther away; we have grandkids to love and spoil! God is good!

The joys were matched by some losses and my father's health challenges. We lost two wonderful women to heaven, my Aunt Arlene and Judy's mom, Dottie. My father, Homer, had a scare. What started as a dangerous infection in one of dad's artificial knees, turned into knee surgery and an aggressive antibiotic treatment to deal with a sepsis infection that kept him in the hospital for weeks. He's home and doing better every day. We are blessed by great medical treatment, Doug and Judy being so close to the folks, and God's grace in keeping dad with us. After nearly 14 years, we lost our beloved Dalmatian, Sunshine, pictured here in the Tahoe meadow she loved to run.

Travel was another blessing again in 2006! In June, I was able to speak on a Baltic Cruise that visiting ports in Scandinavia and Russia. Of course, Lorie joined me for the cruise! In Stockholm, we were able to see our Paulson relatives, Anna, Maria, Anders and Carina Molin. We had time to see the Old Town, visit the palace, and take in a wonderful meal and boat trip. We also found a way to get past the visa requirements in St. Petersburg to see Ludmila and her daughter Olga. Ludmila had been our tour guide when we visited the former Soviet Union in 1988. She had visited our home in Agoura, and we had not seen her in nearly 17 years. What a joy to see them all, and to have Anna decide to visit us again over Thanksgiving. At 26 years of age, Anna is one of our honorary "daughters," and we loved hosting her for a special holiday and getting caught up again with her life.   
   
Lorie and I have continued to shepherd our Alpha Course at Westlake Lutheran. I'm on the church council, work with the new youth minister and sing in the choir. Lorie is active in two women's Bible studies! I continue to speak professionally on leadership, change and optimism. I finished a new book, Leadership Truths One Story at a Time, and still love making a difference for the audiences I serve. Lorie helps with our business accounting. I continue to enjoy writing two columns a month for the opinion page of the Scripps Howard Ventura County Star.

I hope you have taken advantage of my 12 Days of Christmas daily e-mail inspiration series; See samples and sign up at http://terrypaulson.com/christmas.shtml/. We are blessed by having a great family, wonderful friends, faith blessings and good health. But for now, we again in anticipation await the celebration of Christ's birth. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very joyous and very meaningful New Year!