What's going to matter when you're 6 feet under?

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful...that's what matters to me. Steve Jobs

What lasts beyond our physical life is our acts - of kindness or not - not our stored up treasures. Even Steve Jobs, one of the richest men, knew this. Even he knew that in this life it is not our material possessions but our deeds that are remembered long after we are. All of his wealth didn't matter if he wasn't known for acts of kindness. We all should have this perspective. Yes, material possessions are nice but our deeds have a deeper impact. And it's important to note, I think, that our deeds - good or bad - impact. And we are remembered for either of them. People will remember what a jerk we were if we behave badly. And people will remember what a lovely person we were if we behave kindly. And if we are a jerk and leave tons of money to "make up for it" I have news for you...it doesn't make up for it. There will still be hurt, bitterness, anger, resentment, etc in the person whom you treat poorly but leave material wealth to. Sure, go ahead and "store up" material wealth* but make sure you store double of good deeds for that is what you will be remembered for.

*Just in case you are scratching your head because something about this whole topic seems familiar, click here. :) Obviously there's a lot more to be discussed in light of that passage but I'm content to leave it here for today.

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April 5, 2015

The Feast of Firstfruits & Easter Go for Broke Day If it scares you this is the day to go for it no matter what. One Day Without Shoes Day Today is to raise global awareness for children’s health and education. Why shoes? Because shoes help protect from bacteria in the dirt, rusty nails, dirty needles and shoes enable feet to withstand the long distances most children in developing countries need to walk to get to school. Join TOMS One for One There is plenty of criticism out there for TOMS and its short term solutions. Critics don't even buy the "at least they are doing something" statement. However, you have to start somewhere. And every bit of awareness helps something go from short term to long term. We all have a part to play. Read a Road Map Day One of the many reasons I would stink at The Amazing Race is because I never did learn how to read a road map well. I remember doing worksheets and class lessons on maps and I was able to skate by ...

Butter someone up

There are two probable origins for this idiom and I think both are equally plausible. The first one is that when you spread butter on bread you are buttering it up like one would do when trying to flatter someone. The second is in ancient India there was a practice of throwing balls of butter at statues to ask for favor, i.e. buttering them up. ( source ) When we use the phrase today we generally mean that extreme flattery is used to gain information or favor. It's not always necessarily a compliment.

A dime a dozen

"It's said that in the year 1796, the first U.S. dimes were produced for circulation. Hence, it would make sense for this phrase to originate sometime after." Read more here . Today the phrase carries the meaning that something is cheap or without value if it can be lumped in with other similar or exactly-like things. It's more of an insult than anything.

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