When I first started on Active Rain, I had just watched "The Secret" with my wife, sons, and co-workers.  I had decided to start trying to implement the concepts, and begin visualizing my first book.  I really wasn't sure which of the many ideas I was going to run with.  A few days later, I discovered Active Rain, wondering if somehow, it might have had something to do with me being drawn here by the World's energy, forces and power.  (WOW, That movie must have really had an impact on me) LOL!  Little did I know that the first book I'd put into print would come from my own story of adversity, and that it would be about the help and support that came from other Active Rain Members, Associates, Clients and Friends.

For those of you who don't know our story, (I think everyone already does) I had written a post called "Overcoming Adversity, Change, and Life's Challenges", a story about our personal journey the first three days of this New Year.  It was one of the craziest New Year's of my life!!  This post not only helped me through it, but my family and many others were affected by it too.  I recall saying in one of my comments, that a co-worker had printed out the entire post and comments, and she was taking it to share with her husband and her friend.  I remember also commenting that I should make a book. Hmmm.....

Just a few days later, our adversity, change, and challenges had "Miraculously" shifted direction, with a new, and very positive outcome.  I posted "The Rest of Our Story" so that friends and members could be updated, and so others might learn from some of the same powerful lessons that we did.  The comments and support here were over-whelming.  I really felt that maybe I should create a book to share with others who may not know about, or read my Blog.  It might help them, like it did us.

 

 


Well Today, I have in my hands, the very first copy of the book entitled, "Overcoming Adversity, Change & Life's Challenges." I have combined both my posts and your comments, bound them with a back and cover, and I now have completed my very first book.  Looking back on my thoughts after watching "The Secret", I'm wondering how true and real the content in that movie was.  After all, I was thinking and visualizing about writing a book.  Funny, but I think this was all part of the "Great Master Plan" by someone way more powerful than I.  Today,I'm truly thankful for this experience, the understanding of it all now, and for the positive outcome the whole thing had on myself and others. 

Now, I plan to read my own book every time I run into any circumstance that makes me feel I am losing control, or losing track of my focus, my goals, my family or my purpose! (Truly A Self-Help Book) LOL!~  When I read my story, it's amazing to me that we all got through it ok.  It's mind boggling how much support and love that came from an on-line community of social networking professionals, that I now call my friends and family.  We really hope to share our story with others who may be going through a similar crisis, or any type of adversity.  There is power in people, power in positive thinking, great power in the Active Rain community, but the highest and greatest power of all is your faith in GOD and your trust in his people!  

This is the first book that I'm aware of to come out of the Active Rain Community, and I know it won't be the last.  It is all thanks to YOU!  The AR Community helped me write this book.  You don't need to purchase my book, the links are already included in this post.  The book is not for selling, it is for giving.  It will be our way of giving back to those that we can help, and "Pay It Forward".  This book has been dedicated to Active Rain and it's members, and also to my family and friends here.  We are looking forward to sharing our story with others who want to see how it really is possible to "Overcome Adversity, Change, and Life's Challenges."

 

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73 Comments on Active Rain Inspires Member's New Book

FEB
02
2008
258,855 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog
congrats - so nice to see you - it is nice to see good things happen to good people :o)
10:29pm • #1
652,119 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad - This is such a great story!  I remember reading your other post on this topic, and I thought that was extremely cool.  I would love to produce a book (or books) of my own.  Take care and God bless you and your family!
10:30pm • #2

Brad,

         I had read your blog about the beginning of the year and I really felt for you and your family. I'm glad things have turned around for you and I am a die hard fan of "The Secret".  I didn't see the movie but read the book and thought it was great.  I look forward to reading your book. 

10:33pm • #3
149,853 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad - What a joy you are.  I know God delights in you and your family.  I love your book idea.  It's always such a comfort to have something tangible, words of comfort to get us through the dark times.  I will be thinking and praying for Brandon as he continues to heal.
10:34pm • #4
149,853 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad - What a joy you are.  I know God delights in you and your family.  I love your book idea.  It's always such a comfort to have something tangible, words of comfort to get us through the dark times.  I will be thinking and praying for Brandon as he continues to heal.
10:34pm • #5
1 Featured Post
This indeed is a great way for you to share and to "Pay It Forward." Congrats my friend and thanks again for sharing..
10:48pm • #6
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

That's a gorgeous book, Brad!   I had my tail between my legs after calling your previous employer an idiot for letting you go and felt sick when I realized my words may have made them feel awful.  I thought about you in church for 2 weeks in a row.  The first week following your being let go, our Pastor spoke about how the way we respond to our trials are a measure of our maturity in our faith.  Boy, did I think of how mature you were in your faith, and I was proved right when you and your wife later shared the song you wrote.  The following week, there was a song, Beyond The Cross, sung.  The words were thanking God for how we can see Him in other events/things/people "beyond the cross."  Of course, I thought of how your faith was bringing you through your trial and how your wife was so strong for you and I was seeing Him "beyond the cross." 

Now, I'm coming from beneath my shell and hopefully forgiven for the words written from emotions...I wish I had written this sooner.  :>)  I'm positively thrilled that your life is back to normal! 

10:59pm • #7
162,020 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router
That's great - Congrats! The power of The Secret is amazing.
11:08pm • #8
183,750 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Brad it's so wonderful to know you've come out the other side of all this and are doing well. I hope your son is faring well too w/ his arm.

Colleen

11:10pm • #9
202,620 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad (and family),

It comes as no surprise to me that you would take these challenges and chronicle them into a positive force.  I was heartbroken to learn of the challenges that were dumped on you and your family, one after the other, for what seemed liked days on end.  I know how defeating and frustrating that can be.  I've been there.

To know that the power of prayer, the strength of people who truly care, the support and encouragement that comes from strangers out of the blue, and the evidence that all of those things work in concert, is amazing.  A true reaffirmation of just what can be accomplished when the world, as we know it, pulls together and puts aside all the back-biting, sniping and jealousies that play such a large part in being human.

God blessed you and yours - without doubt.  And He has blessed your new Active Rain family by drawing us all together.

Though we come from many backgrounds, circumstances and personal challenges ... we are all the same.  It's the heart that remains true.   

11:19pm • #10
678,540 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Wonderful, Brad. Others would love to read this. Why not "sell" it for donations to a favorite charity of your related to housing?

Unlike so many others, I have yet to see or read The Secret. One of these days.

Jeff 

11:21pm • #11
3 Featured Posts
Brad:  This is wonderful.  You and your precious family deserve the very best!  God bless you all.
11:34pm • #12
3 Featured Posts
Brad:  This is wonderful.  You and your precious family deserve the very best!  God bless you all.
11:34pm • #13
Thesa - thanks, it's great to see you too!  If great things happen to great people, then some great stuff must be happening with you!  :-)
11:41pm • #14
Jason - anything you'd love to do...YOU CAN DO!  It's all about just making it happen my friend.  Somehow we manage to get the important stuff done each day, you just have to figure out what's most important to you today!!  (Probably The Superbowl) LOL!~  Thanks my friend!  Enjoy!
11:43pm • #15
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
This is such a neat thing that you did with the book.  When adversity strikes it's very comforting to know that you are loved and supported no matter what. 
11:46pm • #16
Gaye - thanks for staying with us through our new year extravaganza!  I liked the Secret, just didn't have time for the book so we watched the movie. Loved how it was so simple to understand, and how they didn't require a bunch of payments of more money to begin implementing the ideals. Great stuff!
11:46pm • #17

Brad - What a joy you are.  I know God delights in you and your family.  I love your book idea.  It's always such a comfort to have something tangible, words of comfort to get us through the dark times.  I will be thinking and praying for Brandon as he continues to heal.

Marlene - those words were the ONLY thing that got us through each day of our ordeal.  Having something tangible is not only good to comfort us, it's good to help us remember.  Thank you for your continued prayers for my little guy Brandon, he's not quite out of the woods yet, but we are believing in the power of positive thinking and positive prayers!  Thanks again Marlene.  Hope to see you again real soon!  :-) 

11:54pm • #18
Nick - thanks my friend, I couldn't think of a better way to share the love than paying it forward.  I know there are others out there that will benefit from hearing our story and reading the returned comments.  There is so much positive energy and wisdom generated from those comments, shame on me if I don't get it out there to be enjoyed by others. Enjoy your Superbowl Sunday!  (I always love the commercials and the food all day)  :-)
11:58pm • #19
FEB
03
2008

That's a gorgeous book, Brad!   I had my tail between my legs after calling your previous employer an idiot for letting you go and felt sick when I realized my words may have made them feel awful.  I thought about you in church for 2 weeks in a row.  The first week following your being let go, our Pastor spoke about how the way we respond to our trials are a measure of our maturity in our faith.  Boy, did I think of how mature you were in your faith, and I was proved right when you and your wife later shared the song you wrote.  The following week, there was a song, Beyond The Cross, sung.  The words were thanking God for how we can see Him in other events/things/people "beyond the cross."  Of course, I thought of how your faith was bringing you through your trial and how your wife was so strong for you and I was seeing Him "beyond the cross." 

Now, I'm coming from beneath my shell and hopefully forgiven for the words written from emotions...I wish I had written this sooner.  :>)  I'm positively thrilled that your life is back to normal!

Natalie - untuck your tail and have no worries.  No one will ever be offended by your comment, in fact, it may have the opposite effect more than you think.  Your comment was heartfelt and came from the emotions for a friend.  You are forgiven in my eyes even though I don't feel your concern is necessary.  I really don't think they even care.  No phone call, no letter, no email, no contact with me what-so-ever!  I have let go and moved on, and you are welcome to join me.  Thanks so much for your comment here and for sharing the message from your church the past couple weeks.  My ears are open more now days, and I am listening to what is being said in and through others like yourself!  Have a Blessed Superbowl weekend!  :-) 

12:04am • #20
169,989 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Brad,

Congratulations on being a published author!  We need the bad times to appreciate the good ones. 

12:43am • #21
641,434 Points 104 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Brad- Congrats on making one of your dreams come true and I am sure that it is just one of many more dreams. I love the movie the secret, it changed my life. And I am so glad to find another Christian who likes the Secret too! I have a squidoo lens on the secret for Christians and I got this one lady who just thinks I am so evil for believing in the secret, yet, the truth is , Jesus taught the secret and so did his apostles, it is throughout scripture. 

I too am writing a book, how to be a successful real estate agent, and AR is what motivated me to begin to finish it. And you have encouraged me even more, Katerina 

1:09am • #22
426,114 Points 47 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Brad - Hope you are doing well. I am sure the book is really interesting. Of course I read quite a few of the comments on your post. It really does show what kind of synergy and also the caring nature of people in this forum. I wish your luck to continue...I know it will because positve people always make things happen for the better.
6:14am • #23
246,928 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad - Congrates on the book. What seems like a disaster, is really just an opportunity to change direction. Keep your mind open to opportunities, and they will appear.
8:45am • #24

Kevin and Monica - thanks!  It really is no secret, it's something we all know and have inside us already.  I think the movie just helps us see that thinking and speaking with positive affirmation really can make things happen.  

:-) 

10:11am • #25
Colleen - Brandon is doing well, no pain, but still has to keep seeing the OS doctor regularly to confirm the bones are growing back together properly.  Surgery is still not out of the question if the bones fuse abnormally.  We keep praying and thinking positive though, at this point, that's all we can do. Thanks for your comment and caring.
10:15am • #26

 

A MUST READ COMMENT WRITTEN BY CAROL:
She really has a gift with words and the ability to express them in a way that I struggle with when writing...

by Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH  

 

Brad (and family),

It comes as no surprise to me that you would take these challenges and chronicle them into a positive force.  I was heartbroken to learn of the challenges that were dumped on you and your family, one after the other, for what seemed liked days on end.  I know how defeating and frustrating that can be.  I've been there.

To know that the power of prayer, the strength of people who truly care, the support and encouragement that comes from strangers out of the blue, and the evidence that all of those things work in concert, is amazing.  A true reaffirmation of just what can be accomplished when the world, as we know it, pulls together and puts aside all the back-biting, sniping and jealousies that play such a large part in being human.

God blessed you and yours - without doubt.  And He has blessed your new Active Rain family by drawing us all together.

Though we come from many backgrounds, circumstances and personal challenges ... we are all the same.  It's the heart that remains true.  

Carol - I think your comment should be a "Featured Post!"  You are so good with words, so accurate with articulating truth, I am blessed to just have your comment on my blog and you as a friend!  Thanks for summarizing this entire story so eloquently!  You are amazing!!  :-) 

 

 

10:24am • #27

Wonderful, Brad. Others would love to read this. Why not "sell" it for donations to a favorite charity of your related to housing?

Unlike so many others, I have yet to see or read The Secret. One of these days.

Jeff - that's a great idea, getting them published and printed is the next step.

Regarding the Secret, it's a pretty cool movie and book.  It talks about the laws of attraction and how they work. I liked most of it, but there are some parts that will make you wonder a bit for sure. Overall, great concept and you should pick and choose what you want from it.  Then apply what you believe in and what you think will work in your life. :-)  

I still am planning on calling you, just seems like every time I think of it, I'm always in the middle of something!

Enjoy your Superbowl Sunday my friend!   

11:58am • #28
Jan - you are so sweet, thank you so much.  We deserve what we deserve and if in your opinion, that is "the best" then it explains why we have you as a friend!  :-)
12:05pm • #29

This is such a neat thing that you did with the book.  When adversity strikes it's very comforting to know that you are loved and supported no matter what.

Lisa - it is very comforting, not sure what we would have done without the emotional support we had here! Thanks!!  :-)

12:09pm • #30
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
"Natalie - untuck your tail and have no worries"   Okay, I feel much better now!  :>)    Also, I have to agree with you on Carol's comment.  She is such a gem. 
12:52pm • #31
300,286 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad,
That is awesome.  I believe growth and life lessons come from the difficult times and you (your book) are a testament to that.
1:20pm • #32
Brad and family~so relieved to hear all is going much better for you. The book is a beautiful expression of yourself and family. What a wonderful gift to others undergoing trials.  You and this community never cease to amaze me,  I'm grateful for becoming a part of it. Tell Brandon we're so pleased he is mending and look forward to hearing in the near future of his full recovery. 
1:56pm • #33
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

Brad,

Congrats ...  A Published Author ...  another feather in your hat (crown ??).  I know that you have a spirit of contribution and enjoy giving to others.  I'm sure the words in the book and the songs will help many others.  Maybe here on AR we can brainstorm a way to get the links spread across the blog world everywhere, so those in need can find them.  Thanks again for sharing your pain, sorrow, family, blessings and the great outcome. 

List and Sell (and always come from a spirit of contribution)   Gary @ RentonHomeFinder

9:58pm • #34
Fran - to be honest, I'm not published yet, and the author's include all those that commented on those posts. Maybe I should get it published and put it into public print.  I'd have to delete all those graphic security words first! LOL!!  :-)
10:09pm • #35

Brad- Congrats on making one of your dreams come true and I am sure that it is just one of many more dreams. I love the movie the secret, it changed my life. And I am so glad to find another Christian who likes the Secret too! I have a squidoo lens on the secret for Christians and I got this one lady who just thinks I am so evil for believing in the secret, yet, the truth is , Jesus taught the secret and so did his apostles, it is throughout scripture. 

I too am writing a book, how to be a successful real estate agent, and AR is what motivated me to begin to finish it. And you have encouraged me even more.

Katerina - I guess it's not really a secret anymore is it?!? (Big Smile).  I think people have to be a little open minded when viewing the secret.  You can only apply what you believe you can.  I love the quote that says, " Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can't, either way, you're right!! 

Good luck on your book, I know it will be great!!  Thanks!  :-) 

10:15pm • #36

Brad - Hope you are doing well. I am sure the book is really interesting. Of course I read quite a few of the comments on your post. It really does show what kind of synergy and also the caring nature of people in this forum. I wish your luck to continue...I know it will because positve people always make things happen for the better.

Bill - I am doing so much better, feel like I found a home in my new company.  The support and synergy that comes from AR is unparalleled.  Thanks for your caring nature, I hope things are going well for you.  I know life has been sending everyone some challenges, so how are you doing?  Would love to hear what's going on in your neck of the woods. :-)

10:19pm • #37

Brad - Congrates on the book. What seems like a disaster, is really just an opportunity to change direction. Keep your mind open to opportunities, and they will appear.

Larry - you are 100% correct, just sometimes when you're in the middle of chaos, it's really hard to see the road ahead.  What direction to go is always what creates fear in us.  But an open mind is truly what it takes to see or find those opportunities.  Thanks for reading and commenting Larry, it means alot!  :-)

10:23pm • #38
Natalie - glad I made you feel all better! (Big Smile) :-) Carol really is a GEM, I'd have to agree, and I think you're kinda special too! Thanks!!  :-)
10:25pm • #39
294,901 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Brad, it's good to see you back posting. Your challenges certainly were extensive, and I think it's really cool that you put that entire episode in a book. You can reflect back and remember what you learned. ;-)

Pepper

10:32pm • #40
Cynthia - we learn so many life lessons, it seems like it is the most difficult ones that teach us the most.  You have to go through it believe it though. Life is a funny thing that sometimes just can't be taught.  I hope my little book will help make a difference when it comes to learning from someone else's life lessons.  :-)
10:35pm • #41

Brad and family~so relieved to hear all is going much better for you. The book is a beautiful expression of yourself and family. What a wonderful gift to others undergoing trials.  You and this community never cease to amaze me,  I'm grateful for becoming a part of it. Tell Brandon we're so pleased he is mending and look forward to hearing in the near future of his full recovery.

Hi Sue - thanks for being such a supporting person and a friend!  One day I hope to thank you in person....one day soon.  I will tell Brandon that you want to hear about his full recovery.  I think I will invite him to do a post on my Blog when he's all better! That would be kinda cool huh? Thanks Sue, have a great week!  :-) 

10:38pm • #42

Brad,

Congrats ...  A Published Author ...  another feather in your hat (crown ??).  I know that you have a spirit of contribution and enjoy giving to others.  I'm sure the words in the book and the songs will help many others.  Maybe here on AR we can brainstorm a way to get the links spread across the blog world everywhere, so those in need can find them.  Thanks again for sharing your pain, sorrow, family, blessings and the great outcome. 

Gary - I'm not actually published....yet.  But I'll take the feather anyway! LOL!~  I figure this post and the others will make it on to the computer screens of those who need to see them most, however that may happen. I have already sent a few folks that don't read my Blog the links or told them of my posts.  I also know for a fact that it is having an impact on those who don't make comments either, I just looked at the stats on AR to see how many had actually read both posts and I'm pleased to see the results.  I will just have faith that others will still be touched by these in the future!

Date Title Comments Views What are views? Clicks What are clicks?
02/02/2008 Active Rain Inspires Member's New Book 42 278 142
01/26/2008 Has The Market Bottomed Out? - The Crystal Ball Says... 228 2269 1450
01/26/2008 FLOCK - The New "Social Web" Browser 42 1149 247
01/12/2008 A Life Lesson - Don't Give Up 145 3381 1004
01/05/2008 Overcoming Adversity, Change & Life's Challenges 201 4740 1557
10:54pm • #43
Teri - I hope to be reflecting for a long long time...as in rear view mirror reflecting!! LOL!~  Thanks, it's nice to hear from you an to be back with the AR family and friends!  :-)
10:56pm • #44
   Brad, what a nice tribute to yourself and all of the members of AR. When does  your next book come out?
Light Bulb




11:04pm • #45
Brad - It's always a treat to read your posts.  Wow, now I'm in the midst of another author!  I think you should have it published.  Knowing the basic content, and of course being a part of it (LOL) I figure why not?  It's heartfelt, moving and will make a difference.  It's just a matter of how many will it reach.  Your stats above are very dramatic!  Like you said people are getting it, even if they don't comment on it.  Good luck on your next chapter.
11:54pm • #46
FEB
04
2008
Hey Brad! Great to see another fellow Placer Title Person on Active Rain! Great Job. I am in Roseville for Placer Title.
3:34pm • #47
139,779 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Brad, what a great way to take a challenge and turn it into a victory.  I admire the ingenuity you had to think of taking your post and comments and create a book.  I watched the Secret last November and have been trying to practice the Law of Attraction daily.  What a difference it is making in my life both professionally and personally. One of the best things is that I can teach my children by example, a true example, of how life really works.  How awesome it is to be able to do that.

Kudos on your book. 

4:11pm • #48

Brad,
Good for you, my friend.  It's good to know that your year has gotten progressively better!  Take care!

8:23pm • #49
132,502 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Brad, what an inspiration! I had not read the first two posts until tonight. Your passion for life and family shine through - Ccongratulations on your first book! Can't wait to read about book #2!

(And a big hug to your son! He has a wonderful role model to follow...)

9:06pm • #50
FEB
05
2008
Sally - hopefully my next book won't have anything to do with me or my life trials!! :-)  I was actually working on a children's book called Larry the Lion.  I am also working on putting together a book called "The Bloggers Manual"  but right now, I am focused on the job at hand!  Helping my clients buy and sell homes so they can use my company for the title and escrow.  Maybe I should right a book about the 2008 Real Estate market and how it changed the world for the better.  :-)
8:34am • #51
Linda - yes, it appears you are surrounded by authors!!  :-)  I really might get it published, but I have to go in and do a bit of editing first.  I need to remove all the dates, and links and video etc.  You know, as I think about it, this book might very well make a great addition to the shelves at Barnes & Noble.  Maybe even next to Jeff's book at Amazon.com!!  :-)  Thanks for your support and encouragement!!  
8:41am • #52
135,148 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog
How cool is that? Good for you! Talk about taking lemons and making lemonaide...
10:19am • #53
2 Featured Posts
That is so awesome turning your post and comments into a book.
10:08pm • #54
127,830 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Brad, You are very motivating to me. I love to write and in high school I wanted to be a writer...although my parents discouraged me. Now AR is giving me an opportunity to write and I love it. Your book is a wonderful accomplishment. May your year continue to be great!
11:44pm • #55
FEB
06
2008

Hey Brad! Great to see another fellow Placer Title Person on Active Rain! Great Job. I am in Roseville for Placer Title.

Carlie - We have to hook up some time!  Were you at the kick-off this past weekend?  I love working for Placer Title.  The family and fun atmosphere is refreshing compared to where I came from.  Thanks Carlie, I look forward to working with you, and hopefully meeting you soon!  B-)

8:07am • #56

Brad, what a great way to take a challenge and turn it into a victory.  I admire the ingenuity you had to think of taking your post and comments and create a book.  I watched the Secret last November and have been trying to practice the Law of Attraction daily.  What a difference it is making in my life both professionally and personally. One of the best things is that I can teach my children by example, a true example, of how life really works.  How awesome it is to be able to do that.

Kudos on your book.

Rebecca - thanks!  The law of attraction does exist, just like the law of gravity exists. We just can't see the law of attraction, just like we can't see the pull from a magnet to metal.  The fact remains, that the magnet will pull the medal to it regardless whether we believe it will or not!  That's my best analogy for the "law of Attraction", it is there, it does exist, it's how we use this knowledge that can truly better our lives and our children's lives for generations to come. Thanks for the kudos!!  :-)

8:17am • #57
David - the year has gotten and can only get better for me now!  Nothing that happens from here on out can compare to what we went through th first 3 days! NOTHING!!  Thanks my friend, hope all is well with you, and I hope you're having a fantastic New Year!  How's things going in Myrtle Beach? I gotta make it down there sometime soon.
8:19am • #58

Brad, what an inspiration! I had not read the first two posts until tonight. Your passion for life and family shine through - Ccongratulations on your first book! Can't wait to read about book #2!

(And a big hug to your son! He has a wonderful role model to follow...)

Hi Debbie -  Thanks, I think I'll hold off on book number 2 for awhile, I am still living through book #1. LOL! I'm glad you got the chance to find my post and hear our story. Inspiration is what I'm sure it was meant to be. Not just for my family, but for others too!  It's incredible what one story in a persons life can do for others who see, hear, know, or read about it!  This one certainly made an impact on many people's lives, mostly ours! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment about it....and Brandon says to give yo a big hug back!!  :-)


8:27am • #59
Kelly - thanks!  It was the worst lemons I have ever tasted!!  LOL!~
8:29am • #60
Mary - It was just meant to be I guess!  The inspiration that was generated from all the comments was just too good to not share with others.  Since not everyone reads Blogs or looks for these life changing stories, I thought it would be great to share outside the rain, and outside the cyber-world and blogoshere.  :-)
8:31am • #61

Brad, You are very motivating to me. I love to write and in high school I wanted to be a writer...although my parents discouraged me. Now AR is giving me an opportunity to write and I love it. Your book is a wonderful accomplishment. May your year continue to be great!

Tina - Write, write and write some more!  If that is your passion, then forget about the past, and do what you are driven and meant to do.  AR and blogging, along with many members here have helped me to become a better writer, and if it weren't for their support and encouragement, I wouldn't be here typing this comment to you now!

There is no place better to learn that I know than Active Rain.  The knowledge, experience, and resources here is like none you'll ever find anywhere else.  I have only been here close to a year, and can tell you that AR and the people have changed my life in soooo many ways!  Write write write and let me know when YOUR BOOK gets published!!  :-)  

8:36am • #62
FEB
07
2008
What a great concept Brad. I firmly believe not only should we have a solid vision of where we would like to, or need to go in life. But we also need to keep some of the stuff we have gone through so we do not forget what got us to where we are.
6:59pm • #63
474,722 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I love your new book.  It is not for selling, but for giving.  How wonderful!

Don

7:21pm • #64
Rob - you are so prophetic!! :-)  I couldn't agree with you more completely! My theory is similar in that I think we need to look in the rear view mirror on occasion just to see what's behind (the memories) but then keep our eyes mostly on the road ahead (the mystery). Always great to have your comments and visits my friend! Thanks! :-)
11:02pm • #65

Donald - of course for the right price, I might consider a sale or two! LOL!~  My wife wants to send it to Oprah! 

Nice to see you, how's things going in Bucks County?  How's the New Year treatin ya?  I hope well...  :-)

11:05pm • #66
Good Stuff! I had just blogged on a few days back stating how many books would eventually be inspired from the all the great writing that we share. 
11:36pm • #67
FEB
08
2008
1 Featured Post

BRAD, your story is a great example of the prophetic words, 'When one door closes another one opens' Life is full of mysteries and lessons that test us to the core and actual defines the person within.

As usual, I wish you well. May the year 2008, that started out like an emotional roller-coaster ride end being the most positive, most progressive and the most spiritually educating year of your life. 

Take care.

12:43am • #68
Don - thanks! Looks like the inspired writings have begun!  :-)  Your prediction has come true...
7:47am • #69
Dionne - thanks for your thoughtful and very kind words.  Life is a roller coaster ride, we just need to fasten our seat belts, and enjoy the journey!!  :-)
7:50am • #70
FEB
15
2008

If you read this Oprah, it's all very true, it's an incredible journey of trial, faith, relationships, and the universe.
There's an invisible higher power than humans can't see or sometimes understand.  There is a limit to our ability to be able to understand or even scientifically prove why and how some things happen in the world. 

I know this post was sent to you by another reader here...  I hope you'll take the time to read it and then invite us to your show!  :-)  This whole story could have taken a much greater turn for the worst, but thanks to people helping people, and us putting it "all" out there into the universe, it's really what we believe helped us through it!

Thanks for your time, and for considering this story for your show. 

 

8:38pm • #71
FEB
19
2008
1 Featured Post
Well, Brad, after my other comment on another blog of yours, I'm sorry I haven't been on AR for a while, and sorry I didn't know what had happened at the beginning of the year.....It's no surprise to me that you prevailed, because you are who you say you are, and you have never been ashamed of your faith.  The truth is God is faithful, even when we don't know what will happen or understand our circumstances.  You're always an inspiration! 
5:15pm • #72
FEB
20
2008
Joddie - I'm soooo blessed to have friends like you here on AR.  Thanks for your kind comment, support and friendship.  It means more to me than any post or circumstance I could ever experience.  You're the BEST!  :-)
12:11am • #73

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