It's estimated that 215 million people have been influenced by the world-famed Billy Graham. I had an early interest in and respect for him. Over the years some personal views have changed. On this day of his departure I have some thoughts to share. Some of my spiritual heritage may be shocked but most outside that heritage encouaged. More to come.

Today's rant! Emails clamor for attention. Time invasive. Sales strategy of sender. Please, get to the point! 

Respect people and their time. Make powerful points brief. "Brevity is the soul of wit." (Shakespeare) Amen? 

Just learned today Patsy is out of the hospital but under close doctor care. Keep up the prayers. Thank you much!

Did you ever hear the story about two men engaging in a tree cutting contest? At the moment of go one started chopping much like contestants for a car race. The other sat down and sharpened his ax. You can be sure who won! 

There's a good lesson for us all. Best to prepare! In the late 1980's I had one of the best experiences regarding time management. To this day my Franklin Day Planner (now Franklin Covey) the first thing to go into the daily page is "PS". That stands for "Planning in Solitude". With discipline this makes sense for those who want to get the most out of life. Not that planning has been mastered, but the habit of PS being entered is a good one. 

It may not be worth much for the person who might find the planner if lost. But to the owner the Day Planner is valuable. A great way to write a book and keep track of all that is important and in keeping with your life's purpose. My planner collection contains over 6400 ideas, article starters and quotations. There are now about 30 volumes. 

There are many planners on the market. I have yet to see one to match the Franklin Covey! Just for fun try meeting someone and suggesting that you two go for lunch 3 years, 2 months and 14 days at 11;00 AM. Call him or her for a reminder at 8:00 PM the night before for a friendly confirmation. You may gain a lot of respect and appear to have a great memory. 

Incidentally, you were correct if you selected the winner of the tree chopping contest as being the man who sharpened his ax first. Smart, logical and simple!

Patiently checking daily with the reporter on Patsy's condition. Recovery will be a slow arduous process. Sure hope and pray we can have more great conversations. Truly an interesting lady! Many are going to her FB page: Patsy Andersen-Presley, to help with the www.gofundme.com. set up by one of her caregivers. She is very deserving having been prime caregiver to her late mother among many other acts of love. She relates so well and befriends the unfortunate as well as the fortunate.