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It’s no secret that today, February 14^th, is Valentine’s Day. I have to be honest; I’m not a big fan of Hallmark holidays. Society telling us what love is and what we need to do to show it. Roses, candy, cards, and fancy dinners are naturally the only way to show someone you love them, right?

Wrong. I’ll admit gifts are fun to give and receive and are a way to show love. However, they aren’t the only and might the best way though. We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words”, I believe this wholeheartedly.  Using the same logic we could say, “Love is more than gifts, cards, flowers, etc”.  Let’s back up, I don’t these things are necessarily bad or wrong. Maybe we should start by defining love.

What a loaded question, “What is love?” People have been trying since the dawn of time to define love. According to dictionary.com there are over 20 definitions for the word “love”. It’s both a noun and a verb. These are not including biblical, theological, pop culture and societal definitions of love. To me there are many types of love.  We love everything from intimate objects to being in love and maintaining intimate relationships.  Love is something that everyone longs for and needs.

One of my favorite ways to look at love is to take a look at the Bibles take on love. By looking at 1^st Corinthians 13 we learn that without love we are nothing. Not just the intimate type either. I would like to challenge you to show a partner, a friend, a stranger, the world love. Let’s go beyond flowers and gifts and let our acts of love be known not only on Valentine’s Day but every day.

Have you shown your love lately? Tell me in the comments.

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NBC Photo: Timothy White

I wanted to take a moment and deviate from the normal format of this blog and talk about a few recent events. I’ll start by expressing my thoughts on Conan O’Brian’s resignation from the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show. I might be bias as Conan has always been my favorite late night talk show host, growing up I remember waiting for David Letterman to end over so I could switch over to NBC and watch Conan. For the record: I am not, never was, and never will be a Jay Leno fan.

It saddens me to watch Conan walk away as host, however, I’m very proud that he was able to take a stand for what he believed in and walk away with such thankfulness and pride for all he’s been given over the last 20 years. One thing that really inspired me was night after night, after the jokes about his future, late night, and us current events he would have a serious moment and say something along the lines of “Look what I do is silly, it’s Hollywood, I’m a talk show host,  there are real people dying in Haiti right now who need our help.”

The two organizations Mr. Brian announced on air were Ben Stiller’s StillerStrong.org and George Clooney’s HopeForHaitiNow.org (which is also supported by Tom Hanks and Robin Williams and I’m sure a slew of other stars.)  Sure you can argue that a lot of stars are doing what they can to help in this time of need for Haiti, which is true, yet to me it the way a man who just lost his job (sure there was a 40 million settlement in it for him and his staff) to still be supportive and care about people just spoke to me. His letter to the Press and Farewell speech both spoke to me in a way in which lends him my support for years to come. To put it in a way that you, the internet will understand: I’m on Team COCO.

© Matthew McDermott / Polaris / eyevine

I also wanted to personally urge you to do something to help out the people of Haiti. I have to admit that I’m often guilty of turning the TV off or avoiding the news for a few days waiting for the whole thing to “blow over” but with tens of thousands dead and missing. According to sources¹ over 1.5 million are homeless.  Even if all you can do is give a few dollars every bit helps. You may also want to read the The DOs and DON’Ts of Disaster Donations. I  truly believe it is our duty as one of the richest nations to help out.

There are many organizations you can support here are just a few:

World Vision – http://www.worldvision.org

Red Cross (Text HAITI at 90999 to donate $10) – http://www.redcross.org

Hope For Haiti Now – http://hopeforhaitinow.org

Stiller Strong – http://stillerstrong.org

Clinton-Bush Haiti Relief Fund— http://clintonbushhaitifund.org

Supporting an organization you wish to share or have something to say? Leave it in the comments.

1. http://www.nowpublic.com/world/haiti-earthquake-death-statistics-update-eu-says-200-000-dead-2559557.html [↩]

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“You’re a needle girl
In a haystack world
We are right now.”

Lately these words written by Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman have been resonating in my head. Written for the song “Needle And Haystack Life” off of the bands newest album Hello Hurricane serve as a reminder that we are all the needle in a haystack.  Each of us with our own strengths and weaknesses; adding to the lives of the people around us.

When I think of my relationships it often feels like meeting many of the people are truly the needles in the haystack of my life. The once in a lifetime meetings, chances being taken, living in the moment. That is what makes my life truly worth living.

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Once again the inevitable has happened, another year has come to an end. Keeping with tradition I’m writing this blag to reflect on 2009 and outline some goals for 2010. This past year was a pretty monumental year in my life. I took many necessary steps to become the person I wish to be. What’s in store for 2010 you ask.

The keyword of 2010 is “refinement.” Taking all I’ve learned about being a better person this last year and refining those skills. Learning to not take the time we have for granted but to use each moment as a gift. These goals are good goals which lead into practical applications such as going back to college or finding a job I absolutely love.

These are just a few of my goals for 2010. What are your goals, thoughts, dreams or ideas? It is my hope that though 2010 will being you joy and happiness. Thank you all for being my loyal, readers, family, and friends.

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Wishing you and yours very merry Christmas and a joy filled new year.

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