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.

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!

Soldiers Coming Home from Iraq

After over 3 million miles of flying on planes, there aren't many memorable flights that stand out. Today was one of them. On an American flight from Dallas to Minneapolis today, we all noticed the unique attire of some in our midst--in times of war, army fatigues have a way of making men and women stand out in a crowd. They had started in Iraq, took off from Kuwait, landed first in Ireland, and then to Dallas. For many on board it was their final leg home.

Private Clark who was sitting next to me had been in Iraq since December. The young man was in engineering, and he and his team had been improving the infrastructure in Bahgdad. In recent weeks, things had gotten worse. The Israeli offensive into Lebanon had moved Shiite crowds to a frenzy in some areas. With Ramadan coming in weeks, he expected things to get worse. Some parts of the city were safe. Some areas were a living hell. In his experience, the insurgents were running a smart war. They worked in units of three. They'd come in quickly, initiate an attack and then run away disappearing into the crowds. With the rules of engagement they had to work with, unless you could isolate the enemy, you couldn't fire. When you don't know who the enemy is, it leaves you the target. The only time they could engage the enemy was at night when the city was in curfew. Those still out are the enemy. You do what you can in Iraq, but now Private Clark was coming home to Wisconsin.

From Dallas, he called his mother's cell phone. She answered in church. He told her that he was on a plane from Dallas and coming home. She said that she was in church, and my private told his mom to leave and come get him. When he was off the phone smiling, I told him. I'm sure God and everyone in that church will give her all the permission she needs to worship on the way to the airport--a service of joy was about to happen jn his family.

When the plane landed, the young men clapped--they were home. Tears were in all our eyes. The flight attendant told us to stay seated as the soldiers got off first. After all, their families were waiting. Usually, when they ask to make room for people with connections, no one waits. Today, on this plane, everyone waiting for the young men and women to leave. While they were all standing in the aisle waiting for the door to be opened, I started to clap and the whole plane erupted in applause.

Years from now, history will tell us whether the war in Iraq was a wise decision. We are too close to it today to know. But on this day, we didn't have to wait for history to clarify the moment. These soldiers were in Iraq for us. These men and women were now coming home on 15 days of leave. Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike applauded. There was no confusion--we supported our troops. I cried today and so did a lot of people.

Making Grandchildren Feel Special Is a Grandparent's Job

At the 2006 National Speakers Association Convention in Orlando, it was great to reconnect with all our speaking friends...if you could find them in 1700 milling attendees! there were the usual great performances, good food and plenty of KEEPERS to put into action on my return.

But with Micah and Jeremiah coming to visit tomorrow, it was the comment of two speakers on some very special grandparents that got me thinking about my own role. How do you leave a legacy that lasts?

Phil Van Hooser's grandmother would make it a point of introducing each grandchild to anyone who would listen. She would go from child to child, placing her hands on their shoulders. With Phil, she would proudly announce that he was "Phil Van Hooser and he was a going to be the first Van Hooser Baptist Preacher!" Phil did not become a preacher, but he sure watched them as they preached. He watched how they used their voice and gestures. If he was going to be the first preacher, he was going to do it well. Phil never felt the call to the ministry, but he did feel God's pleasure as a speaker. I'm sure she is smiling down from heaven at his "ministry" as a speaker.

I have decided that I need to do the same with my grandchildren. My introductions might go like this:

"This is Micah and he's gifted with energy and athleticism and will be a great athlete. He's so good to his better that he will be a great team player making others better."

"This is Jeremiah and he's got such an active mind. He loves to talk with enthusiasm. He might be a talker or preacher some day."

Dr. Wayne Sofile, a psychologist who spoke on work-life balance, also was impacted by his grandmother and her sustaining love. Every time Wayne would see his grandmother, she would say, "Sit down next to me. Hold my hand. Let me look at you!" Even at forty-five, she did the same thing. There was a quiet assurance of love in a hectic world.

May I take the time to do the same with Micah and Jeremiah. After all, we do grandmothers always leave the legacy? What special things did your grandparents do that made a difference to you?

A Father's Day Tribute to Dad--Growing Up in Homer's House

Dad is 88 years old and still kicking, laughing, loving, and living life to the fullest! He remains a model for me in so many ways. The fruit does not fall far from the true, and, even if the fruit rolls away a bit, you can still see the tree from there!

What can you say about Homer Frederick Paulson?

Dad has always had a zest for life that shows in everything he does. If he is playing cards of any kind, he plays with gusto. He relishes his victories, his eyes sparkling with delight. He is not a quiet player you have to read; he's talking and laughing most of the time. He would be a great change of pace for the stoic figures on TV Poker.

Dad loves to create things. If he is not making jewelry, carving wood, painting his ceramic, polishing agates or Maui diamonds, creating tile mosaics, or trying his hand at some new creation, he's not happy. His hands were made for working. He's proud when people treasure his creations, but I think he would do them whether they liked them or not.

If he is not creating, he was fixing. I think it is part of his Illinois farm upbringing. You didn't get to buy new things during the depression. You found a way to fix what needed to work. If he could take it apart; he could put it back together. I think some of that carried over into both Doug and I, we are good with our hands and love to take on projects. We could buy what we need, but there is satisfaction in fixing and keeping what you have until it dies!

Dad is a collector. He likes the satisfaction of the search and getting closure on his collection. He started with coins and eventually went to Heisey Cruets. He'd carry a list of the ones he needed. He's go into coin or antique shops and banter with owners to keep an eye out for what he needed. He was never shy about negotiating the best deals he could get. There was a reason; he never wanted to face Mom with paying too much for one of his collection items. He'd chronicle and learn to be an expert in anything he collected. He made a difference that way. His book showing all the Heisey Cruets is available for sale at the Heisey factory museum. He truly is the "Cruet Man!"

Dad lights up a room with his joy and energy. Whether it's a family gathering or a meeting of seniors at his retirement community in Rancho San Diego, people respond to his energy and enthusiasm. If you need a leader, he'll be your leader and get people involved. If you need someone to carry a conversation, he'll provide all the stories and the opinions you need to get things going. Outside of looking serious at times over key issues, Homer usually has a smile firmly entrenched on his face and light in his eyes. He has the sparkle that his Mom Vera had. I've learned from dad that you can't run out of joy by sharing it, so you might as well spread it around every day. His zest for life is contagious. When it comes to my joy factor, I'm proud to say that I got mine from dad!

Dad is a man of faith in action. I can't say that I remember him reading the Bible to us or praying passionate prayers in our presence. Sure we said grace at every meal, but it was always the same--"Come Lord Jesus. Be our guest, and with this food to us be blessed." God's faith was short, sweet but strong in action. Dad would echo the words of Thomas Aquinas, "Pray as though it depends on God, and act as though it depends upon you." Dad put his faith in action. He would serve on church councils, run stewardship campaigns, provide transportation, give money and support, encourage the pastors, and provide a model of faithful church attendance throughout his life. Thank goodness he never tried to join the choir; singing was not his gift. You don't earn your way into heaven, but the Holy Spirit sure put dad to good use for the cause.

Dad was a model of love to Mom and to our family. They bantered with each other--dad was the can-do optimist and Mom was the "now be careful" protector and provider. Mom would put on the Band-Aid and dad would get us back on the bike with gusto. I never saw dad say a harsh or profane word to my Mom. He laughed a lot. He would discipline when needed out of love. Mom and dad were meant for each other. When she was seriously ill, he would do everything he could to encourage and help her. It was frustrating for him when she would not bounce back quickly. I think Mom got well, because she got tired of dad doing her hair. Just looking in the mirror probably motivated her to get better.

Dad lived the American Dream. He worked hard to achieve results for himself and his family and he took pride in taking time with his family. He lived the balance we talk about. If you haven't guessed, I respect my Dad like no other man. I am who I am largely do to the model he has provided. Thanks Dad for being My Dad!

Memorial Day Needs to Be a Day of Remembrance

What a Memorial Weekend it has been! It's been a time for movies--Andy Garcia's The Lost City and Universal's United 93. Both in their own way challenge us to remember and to stay vigilant. The freedoms we so easily take for granted can be taken from us and can come under attack.

In Andy Garcia and Cabera Infante's The Lost City, we experience a family's love affair for Cuba and its capital Havana. The memories of what was is contrasted with the unpredictable and tragic impact of revolution and of freedoms lost. One family's struggle and the divisions it created becomes the vehicle to explore how fragile the values of free countries can fall victim to chaos an anarchy. We watch the rise of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro in response to a cruel and abusive Batista government. We watch suppression of demonstrations turn underground into covert plots to overflow tyranny. But the revolution turns as repressive as the government it overthrew. We watch the dismantling of freedom through the experience of Andy Garcia's nonpolitical character, Fico Fellove. Fico is the owner of El Tropico, an upscale Vegas-style nightclub. We see the communists outlaw saxophones and close the nightclub when two musicians are caught playing cards for money. Life as they know it dies a quick death. See the film, and you'll appreciate how blessed we are to have been born American and to have so many who have fought so hard to sustain the freedoms we so easily take for granted.

Memorial Day brought pride and tears. We attended the annual Memorial Day Tribute at the Griffin Cemetery in Westlake Village. The patriotic music, moving reenactments, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the fighter flyovers and the moving reactions of so many veterans in attendance is how every Memorial Day barbecue should be forced to start. We have come every year for the last five years. I hope it is a tradition we can continue. Watching parents who have lost children in recent wars put wreaths on the stage and hearing their comments in support of our country and our need to remain strong made for one meaningful morning.

But our day was not done! With an almost full theater, we took time to see the Universal Studios film, United 93, a movie that accurately portrayed the heroic actions of citizens on the hijacked flight that was to crash in Pennsylvania. The plane was on the way to Washington; it's target was the capitol building. Other planes had targeted each of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. They had been successful. Once the passengers gradually came to realize that they were to die as a terrorist missile, they decided to take the plane or die trying. Their actions resulted in a crash of United Flight 93, but it saved the capital and who knows how many lives. May we never forget. May we always be vigilant. May we be ready to do our duty to fight the fight against terrorism on every front.

Remember. Remember. Remember. Freedom is never secure. It is earned and reearned in every generation. We do not know whether on any given day that we will be the warriors called into action to defend that freedom. May we respond as nobly as the soldiers and the citizens that have gone before us.

24's Jack Bauer Takes Logan Down and Ends Up on a Cruise to China

Well, the fifth day of Fox's 24 is over. President Logan is in custody with a good chance of being killed by those who don't want him to squeal. Chloe has rebounded from the loss of Edgar into the arms of Morris. Who is Morris? He is a women's shoe salesman with unparalleled computer skills and a British accent who just happens to be Chloe's ex-husband we have never heard of. Secret Service Agent Aaron survives and is surely willing to help the First Lady get over the loss of her husband.

Thankfully, the story is set for 2007, and the "obvious" enemy is for 24 Day Six is China. That's right, Jack Bauer has been captured by the Chinese special forces for his attack on the Chinese Consulate in 24 Day Four. We see 2006 with Jack asking for death, which with a three-year Fox contract was unlikely, and the Chinese security agent saying, "You are too valuable to Kill."  We close 2006 with Jack on a very low budget cruise to China. It's apparent that it's a room without a balcony and the midnight buffet is probably water and rice.

There are questions that remain. Did President Logan and his gaggle of coconspirators arrange to have the Chinese special forces take out Jack? Did the French agent that was cheated by Jack help the Chinese? Will Audrey ever be able to consummate her love for Jack? Will the enemies of the US finally realize that the only person they have to really worry about is Chloe? Will China's economy survive the ill will generated by 24 fans if anything happens to jack Bauer when in their custody? Should we write President Bush to negotiate the release of Bauer before the 2007 season to avoid damage to fragile diplomatic relations? After all, if President Bush can negotiate Jack's release from China, his poll numbers will obviously rebound!

For now, a true Fox 24 fan signs off for another season with plenty of things to think about until January 2007 when a new season makes Monday nights meaningful again!

Fox's 24 Is a Gift in a TV Wasteland

There are hundreds of channels and nothing to watch on TV. Do you feel that way? I certainly do. But there are some rare exceptions and one of them is a show I have loved watching for five seasons--Fox's unique and engaging "24," starring Jack! Yes, Kiefer Sutherland plays Jack Bauer, the all knowing, invincible warrior for justice and the American Way. He gets more done in 24 hours than any man alive, and he never gets tired or loses his focus. The rest of his life must be very boring in comparison.

Lorie and I like House and ER, but none matches the community of second-guessers and amateur antiterrorism citizens who like watching the intense and engaging show. We suspend belief and join the world the show creates. We hate to see our favorites die--President Palmer, Edgar, Tony, and Michelle. They have all died this year. Luckily, Jack and Chloe continue to live in. In fact, those two certainly have kept America, if not the world, safe for five years. Chloe has the humor, smarts and wicked honesty who keeps coming up with great lines. Jack has more lives than a cat.

Why do I like it? It gives you enough information to keep you guessing and going back to past shows to pick up the setups to the plot shifts that occur almost every night. Nancy, Lorie and I always discuss the show the day after. We talk about plot lines and what to expect from key characters. We complain about how impossible it is, but we are still hooked. In an age locked into the fast lane, 24 is the perfect show. It matches our lives and our fears. In a war against terrorism, we hope Jack remains on our side...and that there is another season!

A UCLA Bruin Is Forever Proud!

March Madness is coming to an exciting close and UCLA is back where it belongs--in the Final Four! Win or lose in this year's tournament, I could not be prouder of the young men on the team and of Ben Howland the coach who has brought excellence back to the UCLA Basketball Program.

The team plays hard every moment with a strong focus on defense. In the last eleven games of the season, only one team barely scored over 60 points on the Bruins! They put their heart on defense, and it is showing in victories.

This year brings back memories of the golden years of UCLA basketball under the Wizard of Westwood, John Wooden. John Wooden created team play focused on sustaining a dynasty. By doing so, he built one. John continues to be a man of integrity and faith. He made great athletes play team ball, and they thrived. They are once again playing team ball at UCLA. The young team shows the potential of going far, not only this year but for years to come.

Ben Howland knows how discipline, focus and support his players. He embraces the legacy of John Wooden while having the confidence to believe his teams can live and play at the same level. He's not threatened by the past; he's used the past to inspire the future. What a great approach.

I'm a father, son, husband, Christian, psychologist, author, columnist, conservative Republican, Swedish-American, and, certainly not least, a proud UCLA Bruin! In the department store of life, sports is the toy department, but it sure is fun to spend time there! Some people never care about sports; I fear they are missing a potential great joy! OK, and a source of some disappointment, but that goes with making the highs so wonderful!

Go Bruins! Win or lose, you are first in my book!

Footprints of Faith

I just started another blog. I do have a tendency to get carried away don't I? I have business and self-help blogs. I have a political blog. But to really reflect what makes my life tick, I need to have a blog that values my faith.

I remember when Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, was once asked at a presentation to executives at the Los Angeles Times, "You've been so effective in motivating others. What do you do to motivate yourself?" His answer was a strong statement of faith in action. He said to the stunned audience, "I'm so glad you asked. Every day, I get up early and study the Word of God and take time for prayer. That centers me on what is really important and provides all the motivation I need to make a difference."

A month later, when I was to speak to the same group, it was not Ken's presentation that they were talking about. It was his faith-based answer to an important question. Ken might have liked one of my favorite verses from the Old Testament: Psalm 118:24--"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Amen.

I decided that our faith community at Westlake Lutheran needed a blog to create community--a community dedicated to leaving Footprints of Faith for a future generation of believers at our church and our extended Christian community. We can capture interviews, pictures and stories that define us.

The name of the blog, FootprintsofFaith, comes from an article of the same name. It shared the story of a Jewish convert, Wendy Walton. Wendy had become a Christian and thought she was alone in her family. But as Wendy looked through an old water-stained pasteboard box of faded family photographs, a brittle piece of faded paper dropped to the floor. The script was faint, but the handwritten prayer was still visible. It read, "This day, July 10, 1912, I hereby sign and give my son Robert over to the Lord, for the Lord to redeem his soul from sin and to make him an earnest Christian."

Suddenly, a shared faith connected Wendy to a great-grandmother she had never met. She had found a Footprint of Faith in a family that to her had seemed godless. God had honored her grandmother's prayer in a way she could never have known. Just as the Jews of the scriptures recalled God's faithfulness from father to son, her family's story reminded her that the Lord renews His covenant with each generation.

I look forward to having many authors share their input and members give their comments to this new blog. Don't hesitate to join in yourself! For now, just know that it reflects something important about me--may faith is what grounds me and gives me a sense of purpose. To not share that would somehow not be honest. So I guess I'm just leaving a few footprints here....