jayosmond.com Blog » November Blog

11-27-06

Administrator — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:57:01 +0000

I wanted to let everyone know this week, how happy I am that many of you have found my blog a place to stop by and not only read what I’ve posted, but to communicate with others about my topic each week. I’ve decided I will continue with this format until the end of this year – with Christmas being my last blog post. From that point on, I will be concentrating my efforts on taking the topics and putting them into book form, as I mentioned earlier on in my blog. My goal is to release my book by the end of 2007. However, the blog will not be completely gone, it will take on a new format with the new year! Terri will work with me on bringing the ”Ask Jay” segment from my website together with my blog, and we will start “Q & A With Jay.” You will be able to post your questions, and I will periodically go in and answer them. I think this will be fun, and hope you look foward to the changes!

Have a great week,

Jay

11-20-06

Administrator — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:22:50 +0000

My son Eric gave me the following eight questions titled, “Am I a Forgiving Person?” These questions really made me think.

Am I a Forgiving Person?

1. Do you ever say, “Well, I will forgive, but I can never forget?”

2. Are you ever secretly happy when something unfortunate happens to someone you don’t like?

3. Do you ever wish you could get even with someone for something he/she has done to you?

4. Is there anyone you avoid or to whom you refuse to speak?

5. When you get angry with someone, do you sulk and take a few days to get over it?

6. Do you ever talk unkindly to others about someone you think has offended you?

7. Is there someone in your own immediate family whom you resent just a little for something he or she has done?

8. When you get in arguments with your brothers or sisters, do you bring up things they have done before that made you angry?

11-13-06

Administrator — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:11:29 +0000

A song came on the radio the other day, and struck a chord in me that I haven’t heard for a long while. It is amazing to me how music will activate a vivid memory about a certain moment in time, and bring out your emotions as if you were right there. I’m sure you can all relate. However, this particular song brought out a mix of feelings – some good, some bad. I can remember so well the situation backstage during a show with Andy Williams…

I was really tired of performing, and wanted to go home. We were at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I was thinking about my dog, Lady. She was the best friend a kid could ever have. I could picture her waiting by the gate for me to come home. She must have spent hours and hours at that gate. According to our neighbor, she was there most of the time. Anyway, the song I used to love to listen to was “A Hard Days Night” by the Beatles. When this song came on the radio, I remembered it playing that night in our dressing room. I was thinking about Lady, and then going on the stage with Andy. Suddenly, as if someone switched channels, the song “Music to Watch Girls By,” by Andy Williams, came on. My feelings completely changed from that sad moment to a number of happy, reminiscent times with Andy and my brothers. I couldn’t believe the change in me, and the quickness of that change of emotions.

The power music (or a mindset) can have upon us is a little scarey, but nevertheless, powerful. I wish you all the best of uplifting thoughts, with some from music, to help you through your day!

Sing-cerely,

Jay

11-6-06

Administrator — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:48:27 +0000

Right before our Christmas shows in Branson started, my son Marcus talked me into going to Silver Dollar City. I thought that would be fun to do, and it would give him a chance to go on the big rollercoaster before it closes for the season. Well, when we got there, he told me that he would be proud of me if I would be brave enough to go on it with him. I reminded him that rollercoasters are not fun for me, and that this so called “thrill,” is “torcher” in my mind. He continued in his pursuit to convince me that I would love it if I just closed my eyes and enjoy the ride. No matter how I phrased it, I could not get my point across!

Somehow, he talked me into going up to the front of the line with him, and then I could make a decision if I would go on it or not. Right as they opened the gate to get on the ride, this horrifiying thought came over me. I told him that I just couldn’t get on!

He looked at me with these disappointed eyes and said, “They would kick you out of the Airforce dad.” I just looked at him as he got on the middle car by himself. The gate closed, and I just saw this little guy on the ride by himself looking at me. I mustered up courage, and asked the gate keeper to open the gate, “My boy needs me!” I reluctantly got on, and sat there, torn with fear and joy at the same time. He said, “Dad, I’m proud of you, you made it.”

Needless to say, I did not change my mind about rollercoasters after that ride, but I realized that my son needed me and that I would do anything for my kids!

I had a tiny glimpse that day, of what the Savior might have thought for a brief moment. He didn’t really want to go through that experience, but He did it for us.

With a renewed awareness of our Saviour’s sacrifice, I wish you all a great week!

Love, Jay