About
Below is the official bio. More to the point is my desire to reach people who need that “little, extra” umph to help them achieve their dreams.
If you have any questions, want to book me for a speech, or simply discuss my die-hard faith that the Cubs will someday (I’m praying for this century) play in the World Series, always feel free to contact me. My email is stephenedwards922@gmail.com.
The Bio
I left home at the age of fifteen. Within four years I had created nearly a seven-figure income; none of which was earned legally. After more than thirty arrests I experienced a “life revelation.” For the first time, I realized the destructive outcomes of my past choices not only for myself, but also for those around me.
As a part of this turnaround, I created a running program, ultimately running 3,160 mile across the United States. This accomplishment led me to understand how people are capable of far more than they believe.
Embarking upon a career (now retired) as a member of the management team of a Global 100 manufacturing firm I focused on benchmarking success in critical areas of associate development. I helped create programs and pathways to track high-potential and high performing employees.
My strategies for success are street smart, practical, and can be easily understood and implemented. For individuals, I excel at providing core principles and formulas to help overcome life’s issues. When hiring me one can expect:
- A life revelation to reveal your true potential.
- Real and practical steps to create success in your life.
- Revelation of your fears and turning them into strengths.
- Creating Sustained Motivation to get up and do what needs be done…everyday!
- Find peace and contentment in your life
I am available for speaking, coaching, and mentoring. Please contact me for effective real-world solutions to your challenges.
Be encouraged!
LifeRevelation 
You might have one of the most amazing bios i have EVER read! I love your message and the focus of your blog! Keep it up!
Well I don’t quote the Grateful Dead much anymore, but this line ceertainly applies, “What a long strange trip it has been.” Thanks for the words of grace.
Be encouraged!
That’s a great quote!
What an incredible story! Thanks for sharing your life experiences & knowledge with the world Stephen!
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate the affirmation.
You are welcome Stephen!
I’m very impressed by the way in which you turned around your life and are helping others with your blog and ongoing work in the world. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Karen…while I rarely quote the Grateful Dead anymore, one line from one of their songs does sum it what I feel about my life…”What a long strange trip it has been.”
I enjoyed your butterfly vid, but tell me…did the flutter of those wings cause a tornado in Kansas?
Be encouraged
Thank you very much for your supportive ‘likes’ on my site, and for helping others attain what they feel is beyond their grasp.
Hey you are more than welcome…you earned each one of those likes…thank you.
Be encouraged!
I love your story and your new passion for life. It’s so uplifting. A lot of people would probably like to bottle it! Thanks for signing up to A Gripping Life. I’m trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I feel like I crammed a lot into the first part. We shall see. I’m always looking for things to inspire me.
Thanks for showing up today!
Well my goodness…you would probably retract most of those words if you knew me better, but I’ll gladly receive them now…and hope we never meet…lol.
If I may be so forward as to venture forth with a little bit of advice…and please feel free to disregard whatever portion(s) seem to flakey. When you are thinking about “trying to figure out what you want to with the rest of your life”…what do you think about? Where does that mind of yours wonder off to? If the money/time/self-imposed restraints where all suddenly not an issue…what would you do? Think about it…you might find this gets you closer to answering that pesty “what do I want to do” question.
Best wishes.
Be encouraged!
Inspiring bio!
Thanks David…hope you have a great weekend.
Be encouraged!
My Father was a marathon runner and I learned much at his knee/elbow..
Your history is wonderful, hopeful for so many. I have yet to write about my kne scrapers, one day.. Until then I’ll be inspired by you and others..
Oh man…I’ve had knee, ankle, foot, arms, butt, chin, and just about every part of the body that can find its way to stick out and get hit scrapes. Yet, I love to run, unfortunately I am waiting to see if I’m going to need a hip replacement or not. Currently I am doing a lot of cycling and trying to nurse the hip while I attempt to convince the doctors that cycling is actually good for a degenerative hip bone…although I have to admit the medical facts are not exactly stacking up in my corner.
Thanks for your kind words.
Be encouraged.
I’ve enjoyed looking through your blog. Thank you for your comment on mine!
Thank you for your gracious words…I hope you will come back, put your feet up, scratch where it itches, and enjoy a few good reads.
Be encouraged!
I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. You can find it here:
http://mylifeworthliving.com/2012/04/28/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Well you silly girl…there must be some kind of mistake…you included me with some really great bloggers…but before you get a chance to edit the post and remove me, I’m going to go ahead and accept this honor (however misguided you may be)…thanks.
I am swamped at the moment with a writing assignment I’m trying to finish, but as soon as I get it done I’ll post some amazing witty blog…lol.
Thanks again…I am really honored you thought of me.
Be encouraged!
Awe I don’t even want to hear your discouraged words lol. Keep up the great posts and good luck with your writing. 🙂
I had to snicker when I read your reply…my comment was written while suffering from 103 degree temperature and a left ear that feels like someone with an ice pick is trying to claw their way out…I’m surprised it came across anywhere near positive.
Thanks for replying…and you keep taking care of your little one…love on him…shower him each day with kisses…play with him…tell him each day not how smart he is,but how proud of him you are, because of the effort he makes to get things right.
And, of course as always…be encouraged!
Wanted to drop in and thank you for the like you left on my Cattails at 20 Lines A Day. 🙂
You are more than welcome, Bill…but remember…you earned it.
Be encouraged!
I believe certain things have to happen for other wonderful things to happen. Sounds like there has been an amazing force at work in your life. Enjoy your blessings and how wonderful of you to share your gifts and wisdom that you have picked up along the “trip”. 🙂
As always…thank you for your beautiful words…the “trip” while unique has definitely born some wonderful fruit.
Be encouraged!
3000+ miles with just 2 feet? you are the MAN! Your line of work sounds very similar to my line of work 🙂 And I agree with you completely that “street smart” does implement very well with business strategies. I will pray for your growth and further success of your business, you are a positive inspiration.
That is 2 feet and a whole lot of prayer…
Thanks for the gracious words.
Be encouraged!
Very inspiring!
Thank you Aina for your gracious words…hope you and and yours are enjoying a wonderful week.
Be encouraged!
Yours? Sorry? Unfortunately, it’s just me. U too, have a wonderful week 😊
Well then you go out and make this an awesome week…have fun…look up and be grateful for a wonderful day…enjoy life…read a good article in a magazine…go get your favorite food…call a friend…write a knockout post…let me know how it goes…
Be encouraged!
Wow! Stephen, ur ideas are all good, but I’m not at libery to do those as I am in school. But thanks anyways. You have a great day!
Well Aina…then just do the best to enjoy the week…thanks.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger award because I like your blog. Check out my post for details: http://learningtobeblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/thanks/
Thank you soooo much. I appreciate you thinking enough of the blog to nominate it.
Be encouraged!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for visiting my blog Stephen. Interesting and inspiring experiences here.
Thank you for the gracious words.
Be encouraged!
Hey Stephen,
Like so many others, I have to thank you for coming by my blog.
I want your optimism. Really, I could use a good dose of self-encouragement.
I read above that you are awaiting hip surgery. How do you deal with the pain and still enjoy everyday? I was wondering what your thoughts are on recovery from surgery and how you would deal with two years in debilitating and excruciating back pain? I hurt my back in Feb 2010- herniating two discs and compressing three nerves- and had a two level spinal fusion surgery in March of ’11. I am looking at more surgery in August either to remove the hardware and alleviate the pressure on my nerve, or a second fusion, this time of the broad part of the disc with bone harvested from my hip rather than the coral bovine mix that was used last time. I just get so sick of recovery day after day and having nothing change. I attend physio three days a week and have for two years, in addition to walking at least an hour a day I strength train twice a week and do spinal health pilates three days a week. I am in good shape, right down to my transverse abdominals and multifidus stabilizing muscles. (I realize this is a jumble of a paragraph, I am trying to give you a general back ground without writing a massive comment, if you would like to read more see http://secretworldofs.wordpress.com/back-surgery which will give you a more complete summary and the link to my back surgery recovery blog. By no means am I trying to entice you back, I just really want your opinion.)
Again, thanks for coming by! 😀
Best,
– S.
I apologize for not answering your comment earlier…I am afraid it went to spam and I just now checked…so please forgive me.
Fortunately my hip issues are not so severe, while there is pain it is not debilitating. What pain there is, I handle by grinning and bearing it. My years as an ultra-distance runner conditioned me to have a very high pain threshold. It sounds like your condition is far worse than mine. Probably trying to stave off pain killer addiction would be as much as I could bear.
To say I wish you the best sounds rather hollow, but I do hope there is something out there for you to manage the pain and discomfort is a positive way, that leads you back to whole health without throwing drugs down your throat all the time. I think you are doing a lot of good things with the walking, strength training, and pilates. Have you tried cycling. When my back is giving me fits, I can still cycle. Weird I know, but because I am fitted so well to my bike, it takes all the stress off my lower back…just a thought…but spend a little $$$ and make sure you are fitted correctly…even millimeters can make a world of difference.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Be encouraged!
Oh, I love your story. Really good to meet you and just keep going! Onward and upward.
Best,
M.
Well thank you Melissa for the kind words…I hope you and yours are having a great week.
Be encouraged!
Inspiring! 🙂
Thank you for visiting my blog by the way! Great connecting with you. Cheers,
Glad you felt inspired…hope you and yours have a great weekend.
Be encouraged!
Beautiful story. One of my favorite quotes – ‘there will come a time when you believe everything is ended – that will be the beginning’. I know that the absolutely worst thing to happen to you can be the absolutely best thing to happen to you (if you let it). Always, we choose where the future takes us – but when we can, the least we can do is stand atop our lessons to get a better view. Thank you for sharing this piece of your story. I look forward to knowing more. ~ Love, Bobbie
Thanks Bobbie for all of those kind and gracious words. I am “living proof” that people can turn their lives around, no matter the personal wreckage they may now be living.
BTW…some pretty good writing coming out of your blog as well…keep it up.
Be encouraged!
You have been nominated for the Sunshine Award! Be encouraged!! 🙂 http://mylifeuncutalmost.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/awards-thank-you/
Thank you Anne…I am humbled.
be encouraged!
Thank you for your kind words.I am indeed encouraged.It feels great to receive a like.
You are welcome…and remember you earned it. I know what it is like to sit at the computer…finally hit the publish button…then hope and pray somebody, somewhere will read what you have poured your heart into and like it.
Be encouraged!
Hi, Stephen just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog with the beautiful blog award: http://writingyourdestiny.com/2012/05/31/awards-day-one-lovely-blog-kreative-blogger-beautiful-blogger/#comment-1413.
Well finally…someone realizes my great beauty…I am surprised it has taken this long…what is that you say?…the beauty is the blog, not the blogger?…crap.
LOL…LOL…LOL…
Thanks Karen, I know you think you had a good reason for nominating me for this award, but I’m sure after you think about it for a while you’ll realize your mistake. However, before that happens I’m going to post my acceptance…I think the rule is you can’t take it back after I post…so it is all mine now, Baby…
Be encouraged!
Stephen i have nominated your inspirational blog for:
‘The Very Inspiring Blogger Award’.
There is no time frame for accepting the award.
Please visit the link below and accept it.
Deeply appreciate you thinking of me.
Be encouraged!
As you liked some of my posts..I was confused to find I was not receiving any of yours..therefore leading me to your site and realising that I haven’t been “following” you..which is weird, because I clicked that button weeks ago!
Anywhoo..I should now be a firm follower of #TeamStephen (and not because you have the same name as my little brother who coincidentally happens to be much bigger than me..ha) and look forward to reading your posts!
Yay 😛
Hey so glad you are “following” me (sounds weird to hear doesn’t it?). Your little brother is probably bigger than me too (5′ 8″/164 lbs).
Thanks for taking the time to comment…I appreciate it.
Be encouraged!
lol…yeah he is..6ft 1 and I duno how much he weighs but he plays american football for his University..lol
Ouch…I suspected as much…Susie and I have two boys…one is 6′ 3″ and weighs 263…the other is 6′ 3″ and weighs 174…go figure.
Be encouraged!
Stephen, I just read some of your posts. Backstabbing really hit me in the stomach. I have not come across a blog as yours. I do not know if you have read The Road Less Traveled, but I consider the posts you write equivalent to the writings of M. Scott Peck. Wowie! I have finally met a real man who stands up for his values. I am a retired grandmother, who woke up after a long sleep. For I was the one that experienced a family business backstabbing. I look forward to following your blog…a blog of value, and character.
Well thank you very much…I am ashamed to admit how long I participated in far less than virtuous behavior. Having a life revelation gave me the voice and opportunity to say enough is enough. At some point, we have to call things they way they are, without spin, without worrying about our return on investments, without worrying about what the popular thought of the day is, without worrying how we will make money, feed our families, put a roof over our heads, whether people will like us, whether we are eloquent, whether anyone else will care…we just have to say STOP…this is a crazy way to live and we would all be much happier if we returned to the very things that we thought were originally strangling us…instead they are essential boundaries for our well being.
Whew…almost went into rant there…I hope you feel better…I know I do…lol. 🙂
Be encouraged!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the follow
You are more than welcome…and regarding the follow…you earned it. 🙂
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen, thank you for stopping by my blog, ppm4u. I browsed around your site and like what I have been reading. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Have a great evening!
Thank you, appreciate your graceful words.
May you and yours enjoy the holidays.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen…thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to catching up on your blogs. So glad I found ya!! Blessings…
I was amazed by your post regarding your daughter’s initiation into learning how to stand firm and be humble and repentant when we don’t. Your daughter’s response says as much about her learning compassion and honesty as it does about your parenting skills. So thank you for the energies and prayers you and your husband have poured into your children.
Blessings to you and your family.
Be encouraged!
Wow…I appreciate your kind comments. To God be the glory for all that He’s done in and through us. Bless you my brother!!
You, your husband, and your daughter earned it, maybe with a little help from the Holy Spirit.
Be encouraged!
Hi…I just thought I would update you re Cindy and the fact she was supposed to have come home today but she wasn’t able to after all as her blood tests today were not as good as they were so won’t know when she’s getting out until at least tomorrow…as I will be speaking with her…saw your ‘like’ on Good News and thought I would tell you…Diane
Thanks for keeping me updated…we had our own little family emergency, but all is now well…I deeply appreciate you taking the time to let me know…please tell her she is still in our prayers and we are hoping for the very best.
Be encouraged!
and here I am to say thank you for the prayers and the hopes and good thoughts!hope your family Emergency wasn’t too awful.
God just needed me away to talk to and teach. And He used it to bring my Muslim friend to his knees in prayer to MY God-not Allah for healing. Stephen, he wrote out the most beautiful prayer and then sent me pictures of Jesus to comfort me.
He called me twice in the hospital-and the 2nd time was so open to discuss the Lord and His talking back to him now that he has opened up the lines of communication!! My friend is actually excited about it. He deeply wants this peace and love and joy that I talk about and that he has seen in me now again, in spite of the circumstances. he doesn’t understand it, but he is starting to want it. He even said if my family finds out they’ll kill me-not really but they’d want to. Isn’t God incredible? I am so privileged to be so used.
thank you again, and blessings…
Family emergency is kind of ongoing…but we will manage. Great to hear how God is working through your life…and equally wonderful to see/hear you are back. Glory to God.
Be encouraged!
oh I am sorry. anything I can add my prayers to?
You’ve inspired me! So I’ve nominated you for the Inspiring Blogger Award. Thank you! http://lazyhippiemama.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/500-likes-and-2-kind-awards/
Thank you for thinking of me. I am always amazed (and humbled) when I receive one of these. Writing something that causes people to think, has been one of my goals for quite some time.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen: I have nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award. If you’d like to accept it, please visit http://armouredup.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/one-lovely-blog-award/ to collect it. Blessings to you…
What an inspirational blog and message you have! I am very, very impressed. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog and following. I am honored. God bless you.
Well thank you for all the kind words…but don’t be too impressed…no doubt sometime in the future I will write something that makes you think I am seriously addicted to meth, have my brains fried, or both…hahaha 🙂
Be encouraged!
Hey Stephen! I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! I love reading your posts and think you are a great writer. Keep up the positive insightful messages. Check out the nomination here: http://georgemhayward.com/2012/07/28/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you so much…I am grateful anything I have written you somehow found to be inspirational.
Be encouraged!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and subscribing to follow it! You have such an interesting story to tell! Keep on writing! People need to hear your story.
God Bless!
Thank you for all your gracious words…be encouraged!
Thank you, Stephen! God bless you!
Thank you for your gracious kindness…have a great upcoming week.
Be encouraged!
Quite an amazing bio! I look forward to following some of your posts! All the best to you! 🙂
To quote the Grateful Dead (which I don’t often do anymore)…”What a long strange trip it has been…”
Thanks for following…I hope you not only find something you enjoy, but from time to time something that makes you think. 🙂
Be encouraged!
I can understand why someone else commented on how to bottle up your enthusiasm and positiveness!! I could use a bottle 😀 Really super encouraging, thank you for sharing your inspiring outlook on life!
If I could find a way to bottle my enthusiasm and sell it, I could probably retire on the income alone. I tend to be way over the top. All my friends have a difficult time understanding my energy level is not provided by the local meth dealer.
I’m glad you found my story encouraging and I hope you will continue to find inspiration in the words I write.
Be encouraged!
I see your site allows comments,now! Thanks for all the “likes” at TheConqueringMom.com and at katharinetrauger.wordpress.com.
You are so faithful to keep coming by! 🙂
I know some people have had trouble making comments…but the site has been available and people having been making comments since I opened shop back in Feb….so far we’ve had over 1600.
I apologize if you’ve encountered any difficulty. Hopefully in the future you won’t.
Be encouraged!
I probably gave up too quickly, but glad the troubles passed!
Me too…and thank you…have a great rest of the week.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen!
I am glad that you found me. It gave me an opportunity to connect with you. I am enjoying your vibe!
Well I hope you have a good time…but I also hope the content helps to make your life at least a little bit better…enjoy the trip.
Be encouraged!
Hi, I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. If you’d like to accept you can find more information here: http://yogawithmaheshwari.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/sunshine-award/
well thank you very much…although I am pretty sure I am not worthy of this…or any other award.
Be encouraged!
Wow, what a past you have. And who even knows about the future! Good luck and thank you for sharing your amazing journey (literally!).
All the best.
Thank you for your gracious words. While I rarely quote the Grateful dead anymore, one line still finds a home in my brain, “what a long strange trip it has been.” To which I can only add, Amen.
Be encouraged!
Cubs fans are the best and I don’t think any fans are more loyal than a Cubs fans, although Bears fans come pretty close too!
Nancy
Ah Ha…I just knew you were a decent woman…I’ve been a Cubs/Bears fan since I could inhale on my own…and it except for one year in the 80’s with the Bears it has been a very hard slog.
Be encouraged!
That was a glorious year. And between Mike Ditka and Jim McMahon, it was a three ring circus too. You never knew who was going to do what outrageous thing next.
I know this reveals my true “old school” tendencies, But God how I loved Ditka…he was what the Bears were and should always be…they just hit you harder and ran faster than any one could imagine…I think I’m getting old.
Be encouraged!
I know this reveals my true “old school” tendencies, But God how I loved Ditka…he was what the Bears were and should always be…they just hit you harder and ran faster than any one could imagine…I think I’m getting old.
Be encouraged!
Crud…I forgot to say thanks for following…I am such a jerk…
Wonderful to know you and your story Stephen! A rapture inspiration:). Enjoying your blog shares here…. And wishing you ongoing joy and sussess.. great health & love! –Robyn
Thanks for your gracious thoughts…and please, except them right back.
Be encouraged!
Are you ok Stephen? I have a great sense of personal turmoil from your recent postings. My email is my name at the new outlook address.
Well there might be some who wonder if I’m ever okay…but other than the pressure of trying to finish my book and starting up a our new company, I would say I’m doing alright.
But thanks for asking and being sensitive to what I write.
Be encouraged!
I found you through a pingback on Justice for Raymond and love what I’m reading. Ironically, my “phrase” or “saying” that I am known for is “Keep on going.” Soooo, from one blogger to another……Keep on going.
Well I’m glad you “found” me…and I love “keep on going”…there have been times in my life that was all I had.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen. I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award. Your posts are an inspiration. If you choose to accept the award, you can find my nomination at this link: http://davidkanigan.com/2012/09/19/432am-inspired/. Please understand that you are under no obligation to accept – this is just a simple thank you for sharing your inspirations.
Thanks David…difficult to think I might actually inspire anyone…but I deeply appreciate you recognizing my efforts.
Be encouraged!
Anyone who turns their life around earns my vote and support for their courage and determination. It takes a great deal of humility to see where you are going wrong, own it and then do the work to change. well done and God bless. Regards Leanne
Leanne, I thank you for your gracious and kind words, but really it was God who rattled my cage and then extended the grace and mercy I needed along the way.
Maybe instead of humility it was just plain old fashion shame. I literally could no longer stand to look at myself in the mirror. I became completely overwhelmed by just how disgusting and rotten of a person I had become.
Once again thank for your thoughts…but please thank Him for reaching out to someone like me.
Blessings to you and your family…and as always…be encouraged!
Stephen, He can only reach and bring change to those who are open to such grace. We are given a free will, as you well know and can chose to turn our backs to God. If you want to own that you did that, which you have courageously done then you are just as responsible for your own turn around…you saw what you didn’t like and you changed it…yes, with God’s grace but you had to cooperate with it…you had to make the choice and follow through. So again I say, well done to you for your honesty and courage and yes Thank God for the part He plays in all our lives as we embrace our need to improve, to do better, to be better. God bless and thanks for bothering to respond. Leanne
First of all, no bother at all…I absolutely love it when people take the time and make the effort to write. I’m just stupidly grateful knowing that what I write or what I’ve experienced touches folks.
Of course you right in everything you wrote, but I am always cautious with myself about accepting too much praise for my part. I lean toward letting my head (ego) get so big that I am unable to leave the room I write in…and it has a double door. 🙂
To live the life I now live…coming from where I was…never cease to amaze me. I have a beautiful home, a gorgeous wife, three great children who are grown and have given us two fantastic grandchildren, two awesome dogs, and three wonderful cats. My wife and I worship with a community of believers who are honest and sincere in their efforts to walk with Christ.
Even our new start-up company has seen truly outrageous miracles as we develop the content and production.
Honestly, it is far more than I deserve, theological points not included.
Leanne, I hope you will continue to return and find interest in what I write and/or reblog.
Be encouraged!
Hi Stephen, I just nominated you for the Reader Appreciation award. I hope you will accept! http://www.Fridaymorningbookclub.com
Well thank you very much…you are much too kind…but I’ll accept anyway.
Be encouraged!
Hello Friend – what a great Bio (life filled with soul-growth…and that’s what we’re here for after all!). Just stopping by to say thanks for adding support to my fledgling FB Page…I have high hopes that it will inspire many! Peace and Light – j.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little of my history and then commenting…I don’t often quote the Grateful Dead anymore (except in this situation) but, “…what a long strange trip it has been..”…thankfully I am still around to enjoy it. 🙂
Best wishes with FB and if there is any way that Susie (my wife) and I can help out, don’t hesitate to let us know…we would be honored.
Be encouraged!
Thanks for this – a very kind offer, and I will for sure keep it in mind.
Yes, it must be a Grateful Dead type of night, because I just used “ripple in still water” – and I TRULY don’t remember the last time I’ve used a lyric of theirs. But man, that’s a pretty good one if you look at it! Enjoy your evening, and remember you are blessed!
“…we haven’t had that spirit here since 1969…”
When you have lived like I have and come out on the other side…you ALWAYS remember to be grateful…
Be encouraged!
Nice revelation! Thanks for following my blog. 🙂
You are most welcome…and enjoy a wonderful weekend…be encouraged!
I just wanted to check in and say thanks so much for stopping by my blog and clicking the like button each time. I appreciate your interest and support… as a matter of fact I look forward to see you show up! Thanks also for sharing your wonderful messages on your blog. They evoke all kinds of reactions ranging from engaging in deeper thinking to feeling inspired and grateful. Take Care, Thea
Thank you for being so gracious. When I write there is always a part of me that wonders if this is all really worth it. Then I receive a comment like yours…well honestly it fires up the Spirit…so again I thank you…I hope you get at least a small understanding of just how much they meant to me.
Be encouraged!
You wrote a kind comment on Pensees Sans Frontieres. Hers is a complex and horrifying story and you were kind and supportive and that is what WP should be about.
I was there once…glad its over, but I still distinctly remember all the feelings and emotions.
As I wrote, I’m just an old man who picked up a few ideas along the way that seemed to work…and I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for your kind and gracious words…and please…be encouraged!
I am! Life is good. I like your two words. Thanks.
Your blog is too sweet, hence I am nominating your blog for Super Sweet Blogging Award ! You can check it from http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/super-sweet-blogging-award/
God bless. Keep Smiling
Well thank you very much…although calling me Super Sweet is stretching it way, way beyond the limits of believe-ability…hahaha…be encouraged!
Yes. Your blog deserve the award.
Regards.
and life smiles.
🙂
Be encouraged!
What an inspiring bio! Thank you for sharing your experiences… I have experienced a “life revelation” as well & hope that I can follow your lead & encourage others.
Yeah…although I don’t recommend my path for everyone…awesome you’ve had your own “liferevelation”…blessings to you and yours…be encouraged!
…and thanks for following!
I enjoy following you blog & it is quite pleasing to discover you also enjoy viewing my posts as well. Thanks for sharing
You are more than welcome…btw…you write a an awesome blog…many thanks…be encouraged!
Thanks my friend. I means a lot to have your support & encouragement. Be safe.
Just noticed my comment gets a little loose with grammar…but thanks for your gracious words…be encouraged!
Congrats, I just nominated you for a blogging award! http://readtomlucas.com/2012/10/25/sweet-sweet-lemonade/
…and all this time you seemed normal…who knew you are unhinged enough to nominate me for an award…much thanks, although I can absolutely assure you, I don’t even begin to deserve it…shine on you crazy diamond…be encouraged!
I’ve poked around a bit and am intrigued. I’ll be back. 😉
Thanks…look forward to it…be encouraged!
I love the word encouraged because it contains the word courage!
Right on! Keep doing your thing and we will all benefit.
Thank you…have a great weekend…be encouraged!
I don’t mean to intrude on your blog, but I just wanted to thank you for visiting Cry and Howl. I think your site here is great.
Intrude as often as you wish…in fact, make it a habit to intrude…and thank you for your very kind words, they are greatly appreciated…be encouraged!
Here, have an award on me! http://readtomlucas.com/2012/11/20/whats-this-oh-its-just-another-award/
You are much too kind my Friend…and thank you from the bottom of my heart…be encouraged!
Cheers!
Award time! 2012! Check it out! http://allthingsboys.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/rendered-speechless/
You silly girl…are you sure you are actually reading my posts?…no way they should receive this award…but thank you very much…you are wonderful…be encouraged!
I nominated you for One Lovely Blog award. Keep on going.
Stephen, Only want to inform you that I have nominated you to “The Blog of the Year 2012” Award. Have a great weekend. – http://wp.me/p293Pw-4pi –
You really are much too kind…thank you…it is wonderful to realize people actually read what I write…and maybe even occasionally like it…be encouraged!
Stephen, you have been so supporting to me … too.
The pleasure is all mine.
Hi Stephen, just read your bio. Glad to meet a kindred soul. Out by 13 found myself 9 years later. Been a heck of a ride. Thanks for following my blog. Sorry it took so long for me to get over here. While enjoying this ride of life, I became a little ditzy.
Survivors…that is what we are…we refused to give in, even when the problem was ourselves…blessings to you…be encouraged!
Amen brother
Merry Christmas…be encouraged!
Stephen, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hope all is well. Peace, my friend. ~Paul
And to you and yours…thank you for being so wonderful…much love…be encouraged!
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My friend,
I have nominated you for the “Wonderful Team Member Readership Award”, I am so grateful for all the comments and likes that you have contributed over the last few months, I appreciate them all.
Thank you so much,
Wayne
I greatly appreciate the nomination, but you deserved everyone of those likes…and you have made tremendous progress in your own life…much love and many blessings to you…be encouraged!
Stephen,
I just had to stop by and say I wish you and your family a safe and prosperous New Year. Thank you for visiting Cry and Howl as often as you do. Having the support of good people like you make life worth living. I see where you ended up your long run in Rehoboth Beach, De.
I went to high school in Delaware and it looks like 2013 will be my 45th class reunion. (jeez! we’re getting old!)
Your site is a blessing to all and I hope only the best for you and yours.
Steve
45th…you are getting up there around my age…hahaha…isn’t it wonderful?…Susie and I will never forget running across the boardwalk and down the steps, then into the Atlantic Ocean on that wonderful day, March 3, 1997…much love and many blessings to you and yours this new year…be encouraged!
Stephen ….I noticed you have been doing a lot of reading of my blogs…It’s very nice of you …and you read and re-blog many others as well…I just wanted to say that I think you encourage a lot of bloggers….Happy New Year…and may God bless you richly …Diane
Diane, you are far too gracious to an old codger such as myself, but thank you…your words mean a lot to me…blessings to you and yours as well…be encouraged!
Nice to see you tip-toe-ing around Source of Inspiration today. Best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and love-filled new year. hugs, pat
Thanks Pat…and best wishes to you and all of yours…be encouraged!
Hi Stephen, this is to wish you a happy new year, and to enquire how your book is coming along! Lots of love to you and yours. Yaz
Hey Yaz, do me a favor and check in the DSM-IV-TR and see if there is a listing that describes someone who isn’t finished with their first book then starts a second…I had so much that wasn’t fitting in the first book…so I kept notes…than the notes kind of grouped together into paragraphs…then the paragraphs took the form of chapters…and now I’m writing two books at the same time…surely this is some type of mental conundrum based on an inept person’s lack of proper reasoning faculties.
Be encouraged!
I say, go with the flow, Stephen! If that is what Life is urging you to do, then do it. Its important to enjoy the process, so do just that ENJOY!!!
I am enjoying the process…living in the moment…cherishing the interruptions…but still, at times, it feels like the flow is being emitted from a fire hose…hahaha…be encouraged!
I’m very inspired by your story. What a beautiful transformation! Many blessings to you on your continued journey…
Thank you…I cruised by your blog and was impressed with your content. I’m not much of a judge of writing ability, but I can feel “heart” a mile a way…and you’ve got it…many blessings to you and yours…be encouraged!
Because you are always interesting to read and as Stephen says above, so much heart!
Sharing the Liebster Blog Award 🙂
Thank you , thank you, thank you…although I REALLY don’t think I deserve this…but I’m glad you do…be encouraged!
A little encouragement goes a long way 😉
Hi Stephen
I have nominated you for four awards, yes that’s right, four awards, please visit http://thebottomofabottle.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/awards-catch-up/.
Thank you for being a friend and all your continued support.
Wayne
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for deciding to follow it. I am happy that you enjoyed it, and I hope that continues to be the case.
I’ve explored your blog a bit, and I already feel inspired by it. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow it and read your wonderful posts. Thanks again! 🙂
Glad you looked around a bit…and of course you are always invited back any time…be encouraged!
Dear Stephen, I was really touched by your biography. One is not defined by the past, but the person that they are here and now in the present. Our past is a teacher not a mirror of who we are or aspire to be. It seems that you have reflected after much soul searching and now have peace, purpose and joy in life. I loved your story; it was very humbling, sincere and takes courage to express. I sincerely wish you all the best in future and may you serve to inspire others around you.
God bless you
I have struggled (and continue to do so) with the concept of not being defined by our pasts…bear with me for a moment while I share with you what I mean…I will use only my own experiences, because it is them I know the best and I wouldn’t dream of attempting to talk for some one else’s…I have come to think that while we are not completely defined by our past, neither are we immune from their effects on us…they do shape us in ways…ways that we might not thoroughly understand…for instance…I know I would not be as quick to forgive (and please I do not mean this in any egotistical way…please extend me some grace in my limited way of expressing myself)…if I had not been forgiven so much…nor would I be able to give my heart and soul to my precious wife if I were not intimately knowledgeable of what it means to be a dirty rotten scoundrel who can only see how to use people…I think you get what I’m trying to say…Your words were filled with grace and I deeply thank you for them…my road has been long and I have inflicted more pain on others and myself than seems possible…yet for His grace I would have continued until my death…I pray you not take offence at my words…I can assure you that is not my heart’s intent…it is just that this idea of our pasts not contributing in any way to who we are is something I’m not so sure of…but one thing I do know…I’m much happier now…much love and many blessings to you and all of yours from all of us…be encouraged!
Greetings Stephen
My dear friend your words would never give me offence, far from it they are actually steeped in pain but tempered with wisdom and a desire to become a better person, which manifests humility, courage and above all faith.
In actual fact I agree with you completely. I take back what I said, we are definitely defined by our past. What I meant to say without properly expressing it, is that we shouldn’t be enslaved by our past. Your comments are beautifully written. How can we know good unless we experience evil, how is it possibly to experience forgiveness, in the purest form without experience hatred and selfishness within oneself. I think back on my life and wish that my thoughts, words and actions could have been expressed in a much more compassionate and selfless way for the benefit of others. We choose the path of our lives as a result of our experiences. For myself I chose the difficult and long but rewarding road that leads to “The kingdom of Heaven” It’s a journey, but faith in Christ is what balances my suffering and tribulations in life with a sense of peace, joy and above all love.
Thanks for your beautifully written words Stephen, I am honoured and humbled to have made your acquaintance.
God bless you and your family in every way.
Thanks for not taking offence…sometimes it is difficult to write about your feelings…I put so much stock in my tone, inflection, and pauses…I know what I mean…I can only pray it comes across.
That difficult and long road is Truth. I’ve come to believe it is in our struggles that we become more perfect. Hence the desire for always pursuing the easy, the quick, and the fast can only lead to the many problems we seem to suffer from in such abundance.
I am honored and humbled to have made your acquaintance as well and look forward to seeing where this takes us.
Much love and many blessings…be encouraged!
You are an inspiration, Stephen. May you touch all those lives that are destined to be touched by yours. Warmest Regards from me to you.
Oh my goodness…if you only knew the half of it…I can assure there is ample evidence to the contrary of my being an inspiration…so I hope we never meet…hahaha…but seriously, thank you very much…you words are kind and gracious and I deeply appreciate you sharing them.
I do pray I can be a force of positive change in the lives of those I encounter…whether it be via the internet, speeches, books, or in person one-on-one…may God grant this old man that one prayer.
Thanks for taking the to write…be encouraged!
Stephen…all I can see is an inspiring life….I am sticking with this view 🙂
Have a lovely day ahead !
Sounds good to me…thank you…Susie and I hope you and yours are enjoying the weekend…much love and many blessings…be encouraged!
You and your blog help to keep me inspired so I wanted to include you with the nomination.
If you care to accept simple go to this link and follow the rules.
http://inkarasworld.com/2013/02/11/very-inspiring-nomination/
🙂
You are way too kind and thoughtful…thank you very much, Kara…you are truly wonderful…be encouraged!
Your story sounds incredible. I wish you’d write more posts about it so readers could learn more about you. Thank you, as always, for visiting my site. 🙂
Jessica thank you for thinking I should write more posts about myself…but there is always this…I’ll call it tension…that exists between wanting to relate many of the occurrences that have happened in my life that I believe people might be interested in…and coming across as a maniacal, egotistical demigod who thinks people should worship at his feet…so I’m cautious about talking about myself to me and try to help others get the word out about their well written posts.
Thanks for taking the time to write…and please feel free to comment any time you wish.
Be encouraged!
Thank you! I am encouraged just talking to you. You know, it’s funny… I think people would find your story interesting. How you portray it—god-like or otherwise—is up to you. I recently shared a pretty traumatic story in my own life on my blog… I don’t think I came across as thinking I was awesome for surviving—at least I hope not! Haha. Anyway, your mission to help others get out their well-written posts is commendable, too. Thanks for replying!
I’m not very good with the god-like thing…I much more comfortable simply relating my experiences and letting those who read about them pick between the lines for the Truth…hope you and yours are enjoying the weekend…be encouraged!
Thank you for the like & follow. What amazing things you’re doing here. Truly wonderful!
The only thing “amazing” about my blog is the fact that people read it…but thank you for your kind and gracious words…they warm my heart..be encouraged!
It is my pleasure to nominate you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award.
Oh my goodness…I can assure you there is very little super sweetness within me…hahaha…but thank you so much for the award…I am grateful…be encouraged!
Put yourself down if you will but others can see the good in you.
I’m not so sure it is “putting myself down” as much as it is an honest appraisal of where I’m at in life as compared to where I want to be…I also use it to deflect (however inefficiently) any tendency to make me be someone special.
I am a very common, ordinary man who has made a lot of bad and horrifying decisions in his life, but somehow (by the grace of God) has spent the last 20 years sharing with others in the hope of sparing them pain and suffering.
Many years ago I learned the importance of truth, not as a let me hit you up against the side of head type of truth, but the let us set down and I share the thoughts of my heart type of truth.
I thank you for all of your kind words…so please continue your work…and be encouraged!
check out my word family post… http://inkarasworld.com/2013/05/06/do-you-want-to-be-apart-of-my-wordpress-family/ xoxo
Been noticing that I’ve not seen any posts for a while – miss seeing them in my reader. Hope all is well.
Sorry Leigh for not posting, however all has not been well in our household…we lost one of our rescues…Callie the Sleek Dog got to be in so much pain we had to put her down, which was very difficult for Susie and I…then Susie’s father passed away…he was 86 years old with just about as many years worth of baggage, bad karma, and basically being an incredibly difficult person to be around…not a good situation, but Susie has three sisters so they were able to shore each other up spiritually…then her and I hit a rough patch in our relationship, fortunately we have come together to face it and have successfully worked through the issues, but it wasn’t easy…then we decided to curtail our involvement in LifeRevelation the company we started and dedicated the blog to, and turn it over to two of our employees…then as if that wasn’t enough we decided to launch a new start-up called Truth Works with the idea of showing companies that by telling the Truth and operating with integrity they will create greater employee loyalty, increase customer satisfaction, and experience a significant upsurge in revenue.
We hope to later this year launch our start-up, along with a book, website, and blog…so stay tuned.
And Leigh thanks for asking…it is wonderful to know someone out there misses us.
Be encouraged!
Stephen