jayosmond.com Blog

I got back home last night, from a very good trip. It started in Canada, then we drove to Minnesota. We then flew to Detroit for a couple of shows in Monroe. The fans were wonderful, and the shows seemed to work well! I only have one regret, and maybe I am overly sensitive to this, but there was a communication mix-up between the limo drivers and our bus driver at the venue in Winnipeg. The cars were waiting outside for us after the show in the front of the venue, waiting to take us back to the hotel. However, the bus was in the back of the theater, also ready to take us back after the show.  We found out later that there were about 20 or so loyal fans outside in the front by the cars (freezing) waiting for us to come out. We got on the bus in the back, not knowing the limo drivers (or the fans were out there in front).
Anyway, I just wanted to apologize for the communication problem and the missed opportunity to say hello to those sweet people who were standing in the cold waiting to see us!
Sincerely, Jay 

When it’s all said and done, the most important thing we can do down here on earth, is to be spiritually directed.
This entails being in tune enough to hear the right messages (called inspiration), so we can be guided in making decisions that will not only bless ourselves, but others as well.
When I was in Branson a few years ago, there was a time when I got pretty lazy about setting things up (like checking drum stands, saxophone reeds, etc.), before the shows.
Apparently, one of my boys was playing around one night with my saxophone before one of the shows, and didn’t tell me.  When it came time for our saxophone number during the show, I (without warming up) started blowing, and let out a major squeak that was not only out of tune, but also ear piercing!
It taught me a good lesson in two ways…
First, to always check my instrument before a show, and secondly, to realize that we, like instruments, need to be in tune if we are to be instruments in the hands of the Lord!
As Christians, we are taught to pray, read the scriptures, keep the Sabbath Day Holy, etc., so we can enjoy the Spirit, be happy, and help others.  When we don’t do these things, we find ourselves out of tune, out of sync, and distant from God. When we get out of tune, it’s because we have become lax. We have moved–not Him!
Striving to live the Gospel is something that takes effort on a consistent basis, and requires checks periodically.  Though we are not perfect (nor will we be in this life), the willingness to apply the principles of the Gospel to our everyday lives, is a sign to God that we love Him, and are trying to be intelligent and tune in to His Spirit!

Love, Jay

I saw this great documentary on TV awhile ago. It was called, “Afluenza.” It was about a flu-like symptom people are having these days, because of the afluence of modern society.  Hence, “afluenza.”  It talked about how materialism is taking over the minds and beliefs (especially with the youth), that “things” will make us happy. And, because of modern miracles and the ease of conveniences, our expectations and lust for instant gratification is increasing. Fame and fortune are becoming our chief aim.  Humility and appreciation is slowly decreasing.  It is true, that money WILL bring comforts, but it is NOT true that it will bring happiness and bliss! Happiness is a state of mind, not an estate of holdings.
It seems to me, that gratitude and contentment are no longer on the top of the list.  The old saying, “Those with the most toys, wins,” is about as silly as the saying “Life is just a bowl of cherries” (that is, unless you can learn to swallow the pitts). It is a false illusion to think that life would be wonderful “if only I had money.” With this kind of attitude, we are literally buying into an epic portion of “afluenza,” and a worldly philosophy.

When needs are blurred with wants, life becomes a vacuum…a never ending quest for fulfillment.
Our perception of “the good life” is becoming tainted as commercials paint a rosie picture of what we should be having, instead of what we are already enjoying. Though we need to work hard to take care of our families, it seems to me, that we are confusing necessities with niceties. There is nothing wrong in wanting nice things, but excess (or fluff as I call it) is dangerous because it creates an un-real perception and expectation that the purpose of life is to get ahead of others, and to out-smart our opponent.

The world of haves and have nots, as well as the painful reality of poverty,  is not so much a physical condition,  as it is an attitude of depravation (created by the media), that tells us that our dreams are fulfilled only by materialism and fame.  It’s no wonder so many people are depressed and feel like their lives are unexciting.  Becoming financially stable is a great goal, and is one of the points of my star analogy. But, seeking for riches in order to gain the praise of others, or to fulfill an unsatisfying life, needs to be carefully looked at with a different pair of glasses on!
~ Jay

Hello everyone,

Thank you again to all those who post messages to me on my blog. You are all wonderful people!
I thought it might be timely to write this week on the third point, or one of the goals, of the star- “physically fit.”  I struggle with this one more than I do with the others (especially being on a cruise ship-ha!).  However, I know that what I’m about to say, is true!  We all have a different fitness goal, and have different objectives with different timeframes. Whatever they are, it’s going to take discipline, dedication, and time to accomplish them.  Before the work and sacrifice takes place, you have to trust in a plan that you know will work! So, when times get rough in keeping the commitments that you have made, you will find the will-power and strength to keep going.
It’s like living the Gospel. You either believe it, or you don’t. If you follow a plan, then you don’t forget your purpose. That’s why I love the scripture in the Bible that tells us: “Faith without works, is dead.” Also, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
It takes a lot of faith and work to go on a health plan (physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, and financially), but when we have faith that what we are doing is right, we can endure the challenges that beset us. As we see ourselves improving, our self-esteem grows, our confidence increases, and our peace deepens.  Sure, we will have setbacks and moments of weakness, but that’s when we get back up, learn from our mistakes, and get going again!  So, in the face of opposition, we refine ourselves and keep these five areas (of the star analogy) active.
May you all be blessed as you move toward your physical goals (and other star goals).
Until next week – take care,
Jay  

Thank you for all of the nice birthday wishes left here on my blog!  I had a very nice, relaxing birthday.

I hope you are enjoying seeing the PBS special. One of the things that I’ve learned through producing this show with Jimmy is an appreciation for all those who helped make this show a reality. It all started with a thought, an idea. It wasn’t that long ago, we were just talking about the possibility of doing a show with the whole family. It’s amazing to think how an idea can be turned into a reality!

I remember a few years ago, when Kandilyn wanted to build a house. I said “no way.” I saw my brothers do this, and it created nightmares for them.  I was really negative, but she kept at it until her dream became a reality. The saying that “nothing good comes easy” is a true statement!  It takes hard work, sacrifice and a positive mental attitude!

My Mother used a ton of affirmations on us when we became depressed or negative. For instance, she used to say, “Prepare yourselves and the opportunities will come,” “This too shall pass,” or “We’ll laugh at this someday, why not laugh now?” She taught us the importance of having a positive mental attitude, and being grateful and appreciative of others.  We constantly give off positive or negative vibes that can either build people up, or bring them down. It’s all in our attitude. Being “mentally positive” (which is one of the five areas of the star analogy), can make life seem bright and clear. I’ve heard it once called having an “attitude of gratitude.”  So many times during this past year we have been hit with challenges that have made us stretch, but as we all know, we grow through adversity. “Lemons can be turned into lemonade,” and fear can be changed to faith. Someone once said to me, “If there is no solution, there is no problem.” With a change of perception, “the glass can be half full, not half empty.”

Jay