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.

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!

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!

Christmas Day for the Paulsons Means Finding Room in the Los Robles ER!

Life has a way of intruding on your best laid plans. Christmas was to be a relaxing day with an early evening dinner with Reeta and John. Who were we to make such definite plans?

Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday this year, and, as usual, we went to worship at the early but crowded Christmas Eve service at Westlake Lutheran. I, along with others on the Alive Music Team, provided the special music for the evening. We left early for our annual trip to the Hollywood hills and the Leland Christmas Eve rendezvous with Santa at Ron and April's gallery.

As we were driving to the Hollywood, I noticed chest pains that radiated into my jaw. After disclosing it to Lorie, she asked if we should go to the hospital instead of the party. I said that it seemed too insignificant to warrant such an action, so we enjoyed the evening. There was no additional chest pain. I slept well, but Lorie was restless wondering if something more significant had occurred and whether I would survive the night.

Being somewhat prudent and having a wife who would not let me rest without checking things out, I agreed to check with Sally, a cardiac nurse and friend from church. She suggested that the tightness in the jaw warranted taking it more seriously. After dropping by the church and taking a present to Johnny and Linda's, Linda called for backup, another friend and nurse, Janel Perez. As a speaker to the American Heart Association leadership later in January, I was having a hard time not taking this experience and recommendations seriously. After all, how can you speak in support of their mission without living their recommendations!

To make a long story shorter, we spent much of Christmas Day at the Los Robles Hospital ER. It was quite a humbling but enlightening experience. The room was filled with a cosmopolitan collection of families who didn't plan on being in the ER for Christmas. There was a man with a wrapped towel around his uplifted arm trying to stem the flow of blood from a cut. He had been there for hours; his would was not life-threatening. Like others he had to wait. There was a boy who scratched his eye; his concerned parents were trying to console him and give directions to family still at home who had to take care of his diabetic brother. They eventually left before being seen after their son's eye seemed to be fine. Time can heal.

There was a woman with cramps, crying frequently, rocking in her seat. We tried consoling her; she thanked us but knew she too had to wait. I would gladly have given my space to her had she not been seen before me. There was a young man from San Diego who had recently had an appendectomy and now, while visiting his parents a week later, he was experiencing sharp pain. There was pain, disappointment, frustration and boredom, but within it all there was a spirit of compassion in the room. It was like Christmas had come to the ER. People tried to console each other. The father of the young man from San Diego talked to me about his chest pain that had turned out to be nothing serious.

There were even moments of laughter. When I asked those around me if I could turn from poker to NFL football, all agreed. Then one gentleman said with a smile, "If you told me I would be watching the Dallas Cowboys, I would have said No!" I was reminded of the words of Alexander Nowell, "God does not comfort us that we may be comforted but that we may be comforters." God was comforting through all of us that day.

Some would seem to go out of turn because an ER isn't fair; they take those in need first. Like the first Christmas, even the savior found that all things aren't fair. Sometimes you get stuck with a stable instead of nice room. Sometimes God doesn't promise a Merry Christmas...just His abiding presence and His saving grace.    

Faith does make a difference. As I sat in the ER, I trusted that my eternity was secure; I just didn't want to take advantage of salvation this quickly. I was aware of the gift of life, the gift of love, and the gift of friends and family. I appreciated the Los Robles staff who tried to bring some joy to the crowded ER. Many were wearing Christmas smocks in honor of the day. They smiled and encouraged us, confirming that we had done the right thing by coming in. One nurse, Cherami, took time to explain her unique French name meaning beloved or cherished friend. Indeed that day, she was such a friend to all she touched. I hated being in the presence of so many germs for one day; she and her colleagues faced that collection of germs every day. That's dedication; that day, Lorie and I appreciated it first hand.

After five hours of waiting, two EKG's and blood enzyme tests, I was discharged with instructions to have further tests under my doctor's supervision. Dr. Liberman had said that I was a "boring" patient at my physical the week before, but things were changing. At her direction, I took the CTA test, supposedly the gold standard test. It is yet to be determined whether insurance will pay for the $1,000 test, so it may cost me a lot of gold, but it was worth it to get a good picture of all those little blood vessels in there. I have been given a clean bill of health, but that did not mean I was healthy.

Our memorable holiday was not yet complete. Unfortunately, after seeing the movie, "Dreamgirls," with Jim and Paula Cathcart, we went to dinner at Rosti's. Nearing the end of the meal, Lorie suddenly announced that she felt very sick and needed to go home. I quickly paid our share of the bill, and left to take her to the car. She was noticeably pale and weak. She was having a hard time standing. I held her tightly as we tried to walk to the car. Before I could get her into the car, she fainted. I caught her and laid her onto the ground. Paula had followed to see how we were. A couple coming from the parking lot saw what happened. She was nurse and after realizing she had fainted but was now conscious, suggested that we call 911. I agreed. Lorie vomited and seemed to be aware that she had been asleep. We all comforted her as she prepared for what was to come.

Soon the parking lot at the Promenade was filled with an ambulance and fire truck. The team checked her blood pressure, heart rate and vitals. They suggested that she be taken to the hospital to check her out.

So, you guessed it; we were off to the ER again for the second day in a row. They even recognized us, but this time we went first class. The ambulance has a way of getting you in the back door. No lines this time; she was in a room and on an IV very quickly.

Because of Lorie's diet and exercise, I questioned the thought that it was serious, but again, we had to do tests. She was throwing up with an elevated HR and chills. In short, it turns out that it is a stomach flu/virus. We had confirmation of that because by the time she was ready to be discharged at 1:30 am, I was throwing up in the car as we left the hospital.

We figure the woman sitting next to us in the ER the day before had stomach cramps, chills. We had tried to comfort her. She may have given us a special gift in return, proving that the most unhealthy place to be is the hospital.

We are now trying to nurse each other to health and both of us feel much better. It will be a Christmas we will never forget. We are left with an appreciation for life and what people who have to use the ER must go through. We are also thankful for the health professionals that are there to serve while the rest of us celebrate. There may not have been any doctor's offices open this Christmas Day, but we did find room in the Inn--the Los Robles Medical Center.

A Very Special Letter from a Friend

It's the day before Christmas. I've taken time to enjoy number-one-ranked UCLA beating Michigan in basketball. I've seen three movies in three days--The Holiday, Rocky Balboa and We Are Marshall. All experiences were impactful and worthy of comment.

There have also been hundreds of Christmas cards sent and received. Lorie and I have been blessed by the presence of our grandchildren, Micah and Jeremiah. We are still recovering from their energy! Tomorrow we celebrate the last day of Advent and Christmas Eve as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest of all gifts! I could have written about all, but tonight, I want to highlight a special letter from a very special friend, Bill Bradley.

Bill and I have shared so many memories--working in the training world, UCLA season tickets and a standing bet on the UCLA/USC game, and a comfortable knowledge that our friendship would last and could be picked up on a moments notice whenever needed. For a number of years, Bill has been in Oregon. He actually and completely retired to be with family--more specifically, a great bunch of grandchildren. He's taken time for vacations in the sun and with soccer, but he is enjoying his retirement years and family with no pressure to achieve any further hurdles. He says, “I continue to personally downsize and feel wonderful about it.” He is down to “three essential requirements: My big screen TV, my I-Pod and computer.” His weeks consist of a half-day reading to kids in need in a local elementary school, a half-day with his local grandkids, reading 5-7 books a month, learning beginning Spanish, yoga and badminton. One of the gifts of that kind of lifestyle is time to look back and remember--time to say thank you and I love you.

This year, two days before Christmas, I got a Christmas letter from Bill--there were the traditional pictures and updates on life with Bill Bradley. But along with it was a personal letter that I include here. It touched me because he was touched and took time to share it. I include it now to let you know that you too may have letters you need to write. I certainly know that I do. Thank you Bill for taking time to give me this gift of remembering what we have together...even to this day.

         Dear Terry:

         I keep a box of my favorite cards received over the years. Some are family, kept
         mainly for sentiment. A child’s first “I love you grandpa” is always the best.
         Some are funny. Birthday cards that are aimed straight at me. They make me
         laugh and I know the other person spent some time thinking about me before
         they purchased the card.
         
         Some say “Thank You.” A few people actually felt I made a difference in their
         lives. Those are very special and sometimes I even get misty-eyed reading
         them. I have one from a woman named Cherie from a small town in Oklahoma
         that dates back to 1983. I can’t even remember who she is, but her letter still
         gives me warmth and happiness.

         But the best card I ever received was from you. It is of a beautiful nature scene
         with an eagle soaring, a river winding through a tree-lined valley and sunlight at
         an acute angle casting glorious shadows on a rugged and beautiful landscape.
         And dominating the landscape is a series of majestic snowcapped mountains.

         Inside the card the caption reads “Mountains of Thanks”. But what really makes
         the card a “keeper” is your message to me. You list 14 reasons why I am and
         continue to be your friend. Your message wasn’t scribbled in a one-minute get-
         out-the-card moment. It was thoughtful, specific, detailed, personal and kind. It
         was as genuine as any communication can ever be.

         It was accepting me as I am, foibles and all. It described me in all my
         humanness, better perhaps than I can describe myself.

         I reread your card frequently. Your message was 100% accurate, yet I think it
         says more about you than me. As I grow increasingly saddened by world strife,
         various forms of greediness and corruption, the indifference so many people
         have to what is going on around them, I take a deep breath and read your card.
         It reminds me that there are good role models out there. You are a great role
         model. You are the best. You live your messages and I am the number I
         beneficiary.

         Thank you my friend for being my friend. I wish you and Lone a Merry Christmas,
         Happy Holidays and a very Healthy 2007.      

         Love, Bill         

         PS: Oh yeah, enclosed I am donating 1% of my annual retirement income to
         further your causes. However, I am expecting an equal donation from you next
         year. Bet on it!

Thank you, Bill. You indeed are special. Friends forever! But I do want you to know that if you think writing a letter like that is going to make me feel bad about UCLA beating USC and my taking your money, forget about it!