Tag Archives: banquet

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Things!

Picture 1Things. We really have become a culture of obtaining things. Looking around my home as I write this message I try to evaluate the worth of the things I have collected in my home. Which ones are more important than the others? Is there a hierarchy to their worth? Which ones are my favorites? What could be sold on eBay? There are some things I wish I didn’t have. How did they get here and why do I still keep them? My home is filled with a lot of things, yet I seem to always want more. The television tells me I need this new thing because it’s faster than my old one, or this other thing will somehow make my life easier. My newspaper is filled with pictures of things that it says “I must have”. The mail is delivered to me with advertisements for more and more deals on things. Oh, so many things!

The fires raging out in California have forced the evacuation of many families. My thoughts and prayers go to those displaced people. As the reporters interview them we see the sadness for the homes they lost. They do not cry beacuse of the things they lost, but rather for the loss of their security, memories, and a brush with danger. They will be able to replace many of the things they lost, but photo albums, and family heirlooms are irreplaceable. This sudden tragedy in their lives does force a new look on how we prioritize our life. When we slow down, whether by choice or force, we know life is not about the things, but our interactions with people.

If, God forbid, a burglar would ever enter my home, he may be interested in my computer, televisions, and other electronic equipment that might fetch him some cash, but he would be miss one of my family’s greatest things, our dining table.

Our dining table is not expensive or fancy in any extravagant way. It is not a family heirloom or a handcrafted wonder from remote area of the country. It is a simple dining room table, but it is our greatest thing. It could be replaced with another and we might not even notice because the value is not in the table itself but what takes place at it.

Our family gathers around that table for meals, meetings, prayer, and even some labored homework sessions. My wife makes it a point for each of our daughters to share during dinner a significant part of their day, a current goal they are seeking, and news of their friends. It is where we plan out our vacations, solve our problems, rejoice in our accomplishments, and comfort one another in sad times. I hope you have a table like this and use it with your family. I fear so many simply do not.

Our precious table, like all of the things in our lives, should be seen as what they truly are, a replaceable tool to nurture some incredible interactions with those we love. If we are not using our things for that purpose, then perhaps our things are using us.

May your homes be filled with much happiness and love.

~ Kelly

Kelly is an inspirational speaker  and artist. Please visit his website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives.  Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

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Time Management and The Egg Timer.

egg_timerI’m always looking for ways to better manage my time, and it seems the more simple the method the more likely I’ll use it.  One of the simplest and most effective methods I use for managing my time is $1.29 egg timer.

I recently posted an article about ‘going dark’ and how I would lose track of time while on my iPhone or laptop.  I had attempted to use a built in timer on both devices, and even downloaded another electronic timer that would pop up on my screen.  One or two clicks later and I was right back on.  I found I needed something that wasn’t electronic, so I went to the dollar store and purchased an egg timer for $1.29.  (Shouldn’t it have been a dollar at the dollar store?)

The egg timer is a clunky device that winds, ticks, and rings.  While it is not the best device for all tasks (e.g. writing, reading, brain surgery) it is great for ten minute projects.  Set the timer and get to work. The ticking keeps you focused and the annoying ring startles you to move on to the next task.

My wife thought I was a little off my rocker (and I am, I truly am) when I started using the timer, but she soon saw my results.  She uses it with our children. (I know…I admit I am just a big kid too.)  Awhile back our daughters were taking super-duper long showers.  While we encourage cleanliness, we also encourage ecological awareness and lower water bills.   Voila!  The egg timer. They weren’t thrilled at first, but it worked. 

Some of my favorite egg timer activities include: internet searches, race the clock with house hold chores like the dishes or folding laundry, ten-minute breaks from writing, checking email, making my to-do list, paying bills, and social network updates.

• Take a break.  The egg timer is a great way to keep your break from going a little long.  

• Beat the clock. There are many chores that just aren’t fun but necessary.  Race your timer and increase your productivity.  (This really works great with laundry.)

• Take a bite out of a BIG job.  There are often projects that just appear too overwhelming.  Set the timer and get started.  Yes, I know you won’t finish, but you will feel better you started, something will have gotten done, and the job will not seem nearly as overwhelming.

• Set Deadlines.  There are some projects that you can just spend too much time on.  I can be a perfectionist with my correspondence.  When I write a letter I alway want it to read like Shakespeare and quite often that is over doing it.  The egg timer is great for deadlines. 

Does it have to be an egg timer?  No, you can use the timer on your stove, microwave, or watch, but for some reason that inexpensive egg timer marvel beats them all hands down. Try it and see if you agree.

Do you have any new uses for the egg timer and time management?  I would love to read them.  Please comment on this blog and let me know. 

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Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825    

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives.  Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

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Going Dark

off-switch-lg-gt_full_width_landscapeI have recently been introduced to the urban slang ‘going dark’ and have applied it to my life. ‘Going dark’ has three meanings. The first comes from the world of espionage, where an agent does not speak or communicate for a given time to protect himself from possible danger. The second, applies to the general populace when they purposefully turn off their cell phones, computers, and other social networking devices for a period of time. Finally, going dark also has an environmental meaning whereby consumers turn off electrically powered devices for a period of time to conserve energy and make a positive impact on the environment.

I am very much ‘plugged-in’ having an iPhone, laptop, and many social networking sites. I use technology with my family, which is spread throughout the United States, to share family photos and updates. Technology assists me in sharing my art and message with the world by maintaining a website, blog, and other social networking sites and sending out newsletters like this one. As you have seen in my art presentations, I also use technology to bring my art ‘to life’ and to enhance my performances. My laptop is an alternative art canvas where I create customized animations, cartoons, caricatures and other artwork, and it is also the keeper of my schedule, and where I write. Yes, I am plugged-in. I’m sure I check my email, texts, Facebook, and Twitter pages a little too often.

Now, knowing all of this, you can very well see why the idea of “going dark” is appealing and beneficial to me, and I think quite possibly to you as well. When I am connected electronically I am at those times disconnected with other areas of my life. The internet has this “super market time loss” effect on me. Sometimes when I go shopping for a few groceries I get sidetracked and unknowingly walk out an hour later with items I don’t need, and a loss of time I regret. The same is true when I’m online; I lose time. (Perhaps some of you know someone like that. Perhaps it is you.) It is better for me to go into the market with a list and an eye on my watch then go in blindly. The same is true for my online time. I monitor it much more carefully now. I also set predetermined times to “go dark” and completely abandon online activity. These dark periods are gifts. Some times that I choose are special times like family dinner, my girls sporting activities, and dates with my wife, while others include work related activities like writing. Without ‘going dark” some of my projects would not be finished on time. Just because we can be reached 24/7 does not necessarily mean we should.

I realize ‘going dark’ is just an exercise in discipline, and I accept that, but it works. I encourage you to discuss periods of ‘going dark’ with your spouse, children, and coworkers to enhance the personal social interaction that is at times lacking. Set up some guidelines for yourself to keep you safe, and productive and more importantly, personally connected. Some corporate offices have recently implemented ‘no email’ days and ‘no texting’ zones in their buildings to increase productivity. There is now even software available for downloading that will disable your computer to get online for set periods to allow you opportunities to focus on offline activities. The entire world attempted to ‘go dark’ on March 28 for Earth Hour to increase environmental awareness. Millions went unplugged simultaneously in 88 countries for a single hour.

The Season of Lent this year has been an exercise in ‘going dark’. I have greatly disciplined my online presence and used that time to mediate in prayer, scripture, and reflection to grow closer with God and with my family. My work has not suffered, in fact the added discipline has brought forth a renewed sense of focus and energy. I have benefited greatly from this practice.

In short, the social networking technologies of our modern age are wonderful tools to allow us to reconnect with family members and friends, and the entire world, but used poorly, however, and they will damage or destroy our most important relationships and steal from us the precious and irreplaceable gift of time. May your homes be filled with much laughter and happiness this month as you consider the possibilities and rewards of going dark.

Kelly is an inspirational speaker and performance chalk artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

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One of the Best Inspirational Stories!

A good friend of mine, Frank Shelton, shared this video with me.  I had heard parts of the story before, but this was the first time I had seen all of the wonderful shots this incredible and special basketball player made.  Remarkable! Amazing! Inspiring!

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

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How I Get Things Done: Behold the Index Card!

20071105-index-cardsI have always valued organization.  I know the importance of organization.  I have purchased many organizational tools. The index card, however, is without a doubt the most valuable organizational tool I use regularly.

My iPhone has revolutionized my life.  Seriously, I have replaced a bulky leather planner with calendar, contact list, notebook, and more with one slim device that not only does all of that but allows me to share everything in it with whomever I wish at a touch of the screen.  Still, the most useful organizational tool I have at my disposal is an index card.

Index cards are inexpensive, rugged, and easy to use.  There is no typing, syncing, or uploading. They are a sturdier to regular paper. You can organize all of your plans for the day on a card and check them off as you go.  They fit into your pocket nicely too.  I’m just a fanatic about my index cards.  Here’s how I use them:

Each night before bed, or early in the morning I plan out my day.  I prefer vertical index cards.  They’re inexpensive, but if you want to see a life hack on how to make your own click here.  I write the date at the top of the card and the day of the week.  I draw a dot or bullet before each must-do task to let me separate ideas. I do my best to put the three most important tasks at the top. These are what I focus my day on accomplishing.  At the bottom of the card I write the name of anyone I need to phone and their number. It just makes calling easier. I also include a slot for exercise, and a fun activity too.  Keep the list to a minimum.

The blank reverse side is a great place for recording notes from the day.  Phone numbers, names, dates, etc. can be added to my smartphone later when I have time.  

I file my cards into a plastic box in my roll-top desk for about a month.  I sometime review these cards to check progress, phone numbers, or just see what I once thought was important.  I use the notecards in conjunction with my journal. I take my dreams and goals and break them down to tasks. These tasks go on the cards.  My journal and index cards compliment each other. 

I check my card throughout the day and take great pleasure in accomplishing a task.  Sure, it’s a glorified to-do list, but it works.66cards

If you write down the three most important tasks of each day and accomplish them before bed, you will do many great things.  The key, like anything, is to fill out a card daily and act on it.  Consistency and discipline are the keys to success.

More on the power of index cards to come.

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

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A Spiritual Resolution for 2009

moses_blessing_zoomI have decided to read the entire Old Testament in 2009.  It is quite an undertaking, but something I am looking forward to accomplishing. First of all, I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read all of the Old Testament. My devotion to scripture has been focused nearly entirely on the New Testament.  I have jumped around from book to book  in the Old Testament, but I have not read it through from start to finish.  Second, there is much in the Old Testament that confuses me when I read it; another great reason to give it more attention.  It is so difficult for me to understand how Noah lived to be 950 years old and I am not even 40 yet, but I know devoting this time to God’s word will only strengthen my faith.  There are greater miracles in the Bible than a man living to be 950 years old, but it challenges me to make connections with the word.

I am focusing on this spiritual resolution in the same way I do physical challenges and goals.  I want to make spiritual gains and I realize it will take time.  I need to do small workouts each day and build myself up to longer sessions.  Also, you always workout better with a partner, so I plan to share my progress and questions with others whose spiritual strength I admire.  I plan on keeping a workout log of my readings, discoveries, and challenges in my journal.  In the end, just like training for a race, I know that I will grow and gain strength from this excellent devotion to scripture.

I will revisit this spiritual resolution in a few months and let you know where I’m at and what I have discovered.  

If you feel like joining me send me a note, I would enjoy the company.

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

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America’s Got Talent Underestimates This Contestant: Follow Your Dream!

Follow your dreams!  

I must admit, I have never been a fan of American Idol nor America’s Got Talent, but the shows are starting to grow on me after viewing this video. I just don’t like the judges’ condescending attitudes. I realize judges are supposed to evaluate, but as a veteran teacher and coach I think that needs to be done in a nurturing way.  I’m certain American Idol’s popularity has something to do with the cruelty of the judges toward contestants.  That’s too bad.

With that said, here is an inspiring video that encourages all of us to chase our dreams and a reminder that we should never judge others on appearance alone. I enjoy this video so much because the singer is so underestimated when he takes the stage and ends up receiving a standing ovation.  Amazing!  (Those smirks are soon wiped clean off the judges’ faces.)

Whatever your dream is, go after it today! Be relentless in your pursuit for doing what you enjoy.

Send me an email about your dream: kcroy@me.com

~ Kelly

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825