“I HEARD the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.””
Invictus
“Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.”
― William Ernest Henley, Invictus
My Greatest Heroes Are My Biggest Fans
My greatest heroes, also happen to be my biggest fans–my Parents. Whenever I think of those who have helped me the most in this life, I can't help but think of my generous, and selfless Parents, especially my Mother. My Mother, Esperanza Miranda, gave birth to a son with multiple learning disabilities and childhood difficulties. Despite the adversity that surrounded me as a child, she was always right beside me, defending me, loving me, protecting me, and encouraging me to persevere, especially when I most needed it. She never gave up on me.
As a child, one of my greatest difficulties growing up, was overcoming my dyslexia (if there happens to be some evidence of it in this post please forgive me;)) and ADHD. I can't even imagine how difficult it was for my parents when my school alerted them that I had a learning disorder, and that I was going to be held back due to my condition. It must have been difficult when "experts" were recommending my Parents to suppress my condition with medication, or else I wouldn't learn. It definitely was uncharted territory for them, but however difficult it was, my Parents never gave in to the "symptoms" labeled on me by others. Instead, they dedicated their lives to helping me grow and live an abundant life free of restrictions, free of labels.
I remember my Mother whole heartedly (and joyfully may I add) took on the many challenges ahead of her in order to help her son not only learn and develop knowledge, but also, grow in wisdom and faith in the Lord. I still can remember my mother coming to our little humble home after work, only to labor away into the night with me, as I fought to learn how to read, write and decipher my minds interpretation of letters, rhythm and word structure. There were many late nights, and many frustrating nights, as I feared I would never improve.
But improve I did, and it was because of my Mother! In fact, I remember the first book my Mother gave me to read–a Precious Moments Bible. It's amazing to look back and think about the things that stood out the most growing up–that little book was one of them. Indeed it became very precious to me. I can't begin to tell you the elation my Parents and I displayed when I could read and dictate the words of the Precious Moments Bible on my own.
Their grace and love led me to continue my Bible reading. For my fifth birthday, my Mother upgraded my Precious Moments Bible to the real thing, an old Good News Bible, the one with the cool little drawings (which I still have till this day:)). I remember reading that Bible every night until five years later I came to the last sentence of the book which read,
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." – Revelation 22:21
My Parents have supported me so much over the years, even when my decisions have been uncertain. But one thing that has remained constant is their love for me. One of the greatest legacies they've shown me is this:
Grace has the power to change a life.
Their love changed me. Their grace grew me. Here's to you Mom! Here's to you Dad! Thank you for lifting the barriers when I couldn't and for setting my mind free to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord!
Humble Confidence
I read this explaination of confidence today and thought it was perfectly stated.
"Keep in mind confidence is not bravado, or swagger, or an overt pretense of bravery. Confidence is not some bold or brash air of self-belief directed at others. Confidence is quiet. Confidence is a natural expression of ability, expertise, and self-regard."
When I read that, I couldn't help but be reminded about the verse in the Psalms that says, "Be still and know that I am God." Truth be told when I do that, I'm confident, because my focus is on the Lord.
AI, great pro's with even greater woes. What is technology taking away from us?
I read this article on AI from Ellie Zolfagharifard earlier this month from Mail Online, a U.K based newspaper. Ellie's article has still been on my mind, and for me has further begged the question, "what is technology taking away from us?" Maybe it's a question we all should be asking ourselves.
Artificial intelligence 'could be the worst thing to happen to humanity': Stephen Hawking warns that rise of robots may be disastrous for mankind
- Renowned physicist discusses Jonny Depp's film Transcendence
- He says dismissing the film as sci-fi could be the ‘worst mistake in history’
- ‘AI would be biggest event in human history,’ he wrote in the Independent. ‘It might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks’
PUBLISHED: 07:27 EST, 2 May 2014 | UPDATED: 12:23 EST, 7 May 2014
A sinister threat is brewing deep inside the technology laboratories of Silicon Valley. Artificial Intelligence, disguised as helpful digital assistants and self-driving vehicles, is gaining a foothold – and it could one day spell the end for mankind. This is according to Stephen Hawking who has warned that humanity faces an uncertain future as technology learns to think for itself and adapt to its environment.
Stephen Hawking has warned that artificial intelligence has the potential to be the downfall of mankind. 'Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history,' he said writing in the Independent. 'Unfortunately, it might also be the last'
In an article written in the Independent, the renowned physicist discusses Jonny Depp's latest film Transcendence, which delves into a world where computers can surpass the abilities of humans. Professor Hawking said dismissing the film as science fiction could be the ‘worst mistake in history’.
He argues that developments in digital personal assistants Siri, Google Now and Cortana are merely symptoms of an IT arms race which ‘pale against what the coming decades will bring. ’But Professor Hawking notes that other potential benefits of this technology could also be significant, with the potential to eradicate, war, disease and poverty. ‘Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks.’
In the short and medium-term, militaries throughout the world are working to develop autonomous weapon systems, with the UN simultaneously working to ban them. ‘Looking further ahead, there are no fundamental limits to what can be achieved,’ said Professor Hawking ‘There is no physical law precluding particles from being organized in ways that perform even more advanced computations than the arrangements of particles in human brains.’
In fact, IBM has already developed smart chips that could pave the way for sensor networks that mimic the brain’s capacity for perception, action, and thought. One day, it could allow computer scientists to develop a machine with a brain that is even more intelligent than that of humans.
‘As Irving Good realized in 1965, machines with superhuman intelligence could repeatedly improve their design even further, triggering what Vernor Vinge called a singularity,’ said Professor Hawking
Professor Hawking added experts are not prepared for these scenarios. Offering a comparison, he said that if aliens were to tell us they would arrive within a few decades, scientists would not just sit waiting for their arrival. ‘Although we are facing potentially the best or worst thing to happen to humanity in history, little serious research is devoted to these issues.
‘All of us should ask ourselves what we can do now to improve the chances of reaping the benefits and avoiding the risks.’
Why I Make Films
I remember when my team began developing the story for Serenity Prayer. To be honest, we had no idea where the story fit, but something within us knew it had to be done, and I'm so glad we did!
Originally created as a commercial piece, we quickly realized that its story was much more profound than could be conveyed in a 30 second commercial. From a professional aspect, we took a big leap of faith to continue to produce Serenity Prayer, it was no longer a commercial, and it was too short to be a film, but we knew its story was powerful and genuine. The project fell into this bubble with our team trying to define what it would become. Fortunately something special happened, it's universal appeal to hope and redemption began to define it for us as Serenity Prayer became an inspirational reminder, and encouragement to many, that hope is all around us, and change is possible–not easy but very possible.
Since making the short available online, we've seen an awesome response from the recovery community, their feedback meant everything to me. One person wrote
A very moving film and a perfect way to end another long day. I had seen my dad drink when I was very young but he never became an alcoholic thankfully. We have been praying the long version, of this prayer, every week at one of my meetings and it hit home big time. Sadly it also makes me miss my dad who died a year ago. Thankfully he was able to see me go from a hopeless drunk to become a productive person. I know that this story is true for thousands. - Randy
Reading Randy's comment reminds me why I make films. I make films inorder to tell a story that can give a little more grace, a little more help, a little more encouragement to all who view them.
If you would like to watch this short but powerful film, it's now available online at www.SerenityPrayerFilm.com. I hope you enjoy it and please feel free to pass it on!
Serenity Prayer Film To Release Online May, 13th.
This month I had the opportunity to watch the most recent film I produced, Serenity Prayer, premiere on opening night at the REEL Recovery Film Festival. The film was well received with a standing ovation and will receive greater distribution through Duffy's Napa Valley, Alcohol Justice, and Writers In Treatment. It feels very rewarding to have made a film that has inspired the recovery community.
If you would like to watch Serenity Prayer, it will go live May 13th at SerenityPrayerFilm.com. Please feel free to watch, and if you enjoy it, pass it along, and pay it forward for others to experience a short story of strength and hope!
Presentation Zen Tip
As you prepare a presentation, exercise restraint and keep these three words in mind always: simplicity, clarity, brevity.
6 Cities in 5 Days, A Lot of Jet Lag but a lot of Fun!
Last week was packed with traveling, work, adventures, friends, family, new friends, food and good times!
It started with a 10 mile bike ride to work so my sweetheart could have the car while I was gone. Then I got all the last preparations in before driving 80 miles to Milwaukee International, followed by a quick flight too Minneapolis for a short layover. Then it was off to California for the good stuff! First, 16 hours of video work in Silicon Valley, followed by the San Francisco premiere of a couple shorts! The films were well received even better than expected–I was invited to the stage to share some thoughts with a brief Q & A.
The day went by so fast, but it was awesome! I made some new friends, shared some laughs, had some heart to heart conversations and thanked the Lord for another fun day at work. To top it all off, I got to wrap up the evening with perhaps the best Tiramisu I've had.
To be honest, I felt a little guilty having all this fun without my precious wife, and I was getting a little home sick. Thankfully, my trip was blowing by me like the wind, and the return home was on the horizon! The return home began with a 10 hour traveling day, drama included (our carry on didn't fit in the overhead), and some inclement weather to follow. Alas, despite it all, we made it back! A rough touchdown in Detroit took us to a stones throw away flight to Milwaukee, where I was finally met with a kiss!
My wife and I spent the night in Milwaukee with our gracious grandparents, but not before a nice date in Old 3rd District Milwaukee with Cuban dinners & royal chocolates. Then it was off to Chicago the next morning to watch my sister perform in the symphony of an opera including an afternoon visit at the Chicago Botanical Gardens! This was my week: bicycles, planes, trains, automobiles, gardens, symphonies, my love, and friends! What more could I ask for?! I even got the cherry on top when we all ended up at an ice cream parlor at the North side of Chicago! :)
Life is good! But God is better!
When Gratitude Changes Your Life
John Milton once said, "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." Milton's perceptive quote rings so true in my own heart, as each day, I sense more and more, the presence of gratitude.
Next week I'll be flying out to beautiful San Francisco to debut a couple short films I made, Serenity Prayer & The Price of Life, both of which were accepted by The Reel Recovery Film Festival, and both of which will premiere on opening night.
I can't help but feel grateful with my collegues who helped bring these stories of redemption to life. I'm very grateful for the opportunity I've had to create content that means something good and right. Each short, tells a powerful story of life through redemption, and the unity that comes with it. One residual quality I love about redemption, is the spirit of gratitude. When one realizes the scope of redemption, one cannot help but feel the rush of thankfulness. In short the redeemed are thankful.
Happy Easter and share the thanks!
Source: http://serenityprayerfilm.com/