Keep Shining

Baxter's Buzz


I'm a HUGE sports fan. As the NFL has returned, there are players signing new contracts for big, big money. Once a player signs a contract, that changes the market value for other playing his position. In the regular world, we don't sign for millions of dollars, but we still allow folks that run our companies to put values on us.


You are worth more than they're paying you. You have to recognize that your worth doesn't come with what shows on your pay check.


My wife has a beautiful engagement ring. Depending on the lighting, it can look even more beautiful or not as nice. And when she goes to it cleaned, it looks like it did when she first received it out the box.


My Aunt called me this week and read me a letter that I wrote her over 7 years ago. I was surprised about a few things. I was so confident at the time. I had many things going on at the time but I was excited about them all! I was also surprised about how well written the letter was. (Its different hearing someone else read YOUR writing). My aunt's call was much needed. Life has a way of "scuffing up" your self image. We may be around the wrong people and the lighting won't allow us to shine like we know we can. Being around positive and supportive people and those who will challenge you, helps you keep your shine. Strengthening your relationship with God helps you shine.

Being around people who don't have a good outlook on their own lives takes away from your shine, believe it or not. Have you ever seen beautiful diamonds together on one ring? The shine of one helps the shine of the other. Surrounding yourself with people who are striving, helps you to strive.

Hearing that letter reminded me of the person I want to become. The person I have shown that I can be at times: Confident, energetic, focused and disregarding obstacles like a small fly on the face of a black bear.

God has a way of finding you wherever you are and delivering His message and I am thankful for that. I've hit some bumps along my road recently, but now I'm shining again! Don't let anyone take your shine. Thanks Auntie!

A special prayer to those who sacrificed their life on September 11, 2001 and those consequently went to war because of those events. And also to the families that have lost anyone. Ever.