Storms of the Mind
When things are really bothering us, we have to ask how much is reality and how much we manufactured. Are we combining selective memory, misuse of our imagination, a story we made up, fear, and repetition to create a magnified and continuous disturbance inside? Yeah, we do that... Just recognizing…
Election Day Jitters
If the US goverment functioned as designed, we would all sleep well on election night as it wouldn't matter so much who was president. The president is not supposed to have the power to spend any money or make any laws. Only Congress is empowered to do that. Unfortunately,…
How are you going to finish this?
If our lives are a journey, and we know our time is limited, shouldn't we decide how it's going to be at the end? What kind of person do we want to be when we get through this? Is it too soon to be that person now?
Beliefs determine experience
Be careful what you decide and believe, because it is likely to come true. "Beliefs determine what one experiences, there are no external circumstances". Pretty powerful words. What do you believe?
Suspend disbelief – to believe
That voice in your head that says "No", "I can't", "It won't happen" - yeah, that one. It's gotta go if you are to push beyond what you think your limits are. Replace that voice with one that believes you can, and then make it happen. Believe you can -…
Keep good relations with your boss
Who has what we want? (Love, money, materials things, respect for you...) Answer - other people. Your boss is one of those people. Consider; your boss decides who gets a raise, who gets promoted, who gets this assignment or that, who gets laid off if tough times come...they have…
Did tractors kill employment?
100 years ago, most people used to be employed growing things. Now we have tractors and combines that do the work of 1000's people. Just as we have computers and other machines that do the work of tens or hundreds or thousands of people. We carry supercomputers in our pockets.…
Immigration in America
In 1967 Shahid Kahn landed in New York from Pakistan. His connecting flight to Chicago was diverted by a snowstorm, so the 16 year old flew to St. Louis instead and took a bus to Champaign to the University of Illinois where he was enrolled as an undergrad. He had…
Storms of the Mind

When things are really bothering us, we have to ask how much is reality and how much we manufactured.
Are we combining selective memory, misuse of our imagination, a story we made up, fear, and repetition to create a magnified and continuous disturbance inside?
Yeah, we do that…
Just recognizing what we are doing and calling it out can make its impact melt away.
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Election Day Jitters

If the US goverment functioned as designed, we would all sleep well on election night as it wouldn’t matter so much who was president. The president is not supposed to have the power to spend any money or make any laws. Only Congress is empowered to do that.
Unfortunately, our recent presidents have taken action by “executive order”, and it has become a habit, while Congress lets them do so.
If we abide by our Constitution, we can avoid intellectual and idealogical mistakes.
With respect, executive orders are executed with Constitutional basis.
An executive order of the president must find support in the Constitution, either in a clause granting the president specific power, or by a delegation of power by Congress to the president. ( 343 U.S. 579, 585. Antieau, Modern Constitutional Law,§13:24 (1969)
With the exception of William Henry Harrison, all presidents beginning with George Washington in 1789 have issued orders that in general terms can be described as executive orders.
We need to hold the “doer” to high standards. The “deed” is well established in American history.
Our Constitution is a great and powerful document. Unfortunately as you mention, it is being abused by our Presidents in recent history and unfortunately the courts aren’t monitoring the balance of power as I believe is intended by the original framer’s of the document. This is one reason I favor the appointment of Supreme Court justices who are strict constitutionalists.
Thank you for the clarity and the simplicity. Got it. 😉
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How are you going to finish this?

If our lives are a journey, and we know our time is limited, shouldn’t we decide how it’s going to be at the end? What kind of person do we want to be when we get through this?
Is it too soon to be that person now?
Delighted to hear that the movie is finished and that it turned out well. Wish I could be there on the 10th to see it!!
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Your Calling

“The better person I can be is calling, and I must go.”
Good Morning Isaac!!!!!
Hope you have a great day today ::))
Rick j
You can do it, Isaac!
Isaac keep a positive mental attitude and trust God and the doctors
Wishing you well Isaac!
Hey Isaac, we have a whole gang routing for you. Hang tough and keep fighting. We are all behind you.
Hi from Chicago Isaac ! Never give up! And tell your mind and body that each day and you will win !
Hello Isaac, well wishes from WV. Stay Strong
Isaac, Happy Friday and keep up the good fight!
Isaac keep up the fight. You can over come this. Prayers …. Best
I love the sound of that voice calling me to be better!
Hi from TN Isaac. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. Hang in there.
Good morning Issac. Keep up the fight!!
Hi Isaac – wow getting messages from all over the country! Hope you enjoy your time at home and have a good Halloween !!?
Good morning Isaac! Hello, I am listening! Keep fighting. I’m sending prayers your way!
Hi Isaac, you’ve got a lot of good people all over the world thinking good thoughts and praying for you, I believe that you are going to beat this!
Roy
Stand strong Isaac. I will say a prayer for you. Keep your head up and fight, you will overcome this hurdle.
Good morning Isaac from Fargo ND, we are praying for you my friend we stand beside in this battle! Your friend Keith
Isaac,
Remember that God keeps you and holds you close to his heart were you belong and will always be, because he loves you.
Thinking of you and praying for you.
Hi Issac-
Stay focused and positive. Lots of good energy is going your way.Take the best of Eastern and Western medicine- it’s all out there for you.
Be well Issac, many powerfully positive thoughts are focused on your from all over the world. Oregon and Washington are thinking of you. Cheers to your complete recovery.
Good Morning Issac.
I pray for you and I too have a problem that sometimes puts me down for the count. When that happens I am encouraged to do what I wouldn’t if I am on point.
Ask for the help you need from the people who love you, and seek the power of God as you understand him.
Walk into the Light…your shadows are behind you. Walk away and your shadows remain in front of you.
Keep a positive attitude and do ass much as you can to stay busy, this may help to relieve the places your mind takes you.
Isaac, you are stronger than you know. Wishing you all the best from MidAmerica Basement Systems.
Good morning Isaac!! Happy Friday!
Perfect timing on this one for me!! Ironic actually!!Yesterday I literally said I can be a better version of me!! And so I made a list of positive ways I would like to change my thoughts and ways I want to improve myself to be a better person. And by better I just mean happier, more productive and not focus so much on what others are doing(or not doing). Just keep doing what I am capable of doing and be content with that. Focus on myself, what I want to accomplish and try not to feel so overwhelmed…One foot in front of the other! 🙂 I can do it!
Seize the day,
Michele
Good Morning Isaac! Thoughts and many prayers are coming to you today from Denver! Keep fighting, keep praying and keep believing you WILL beat this! Hope you have an AMAZING day!!!
Casey Jo
Hey Isaac…You GOT THIS! Keeping you in my prayers.
Isaac, I’m sorry I am new to this…
I wrote above about the quote to Larry…
my struggles are small…
God Bless your Isaac, you are in my prayers!!
hello Isaac, May god protect you and heal you….
I pray healing for you Isaac!
Hello Isaac, we have you in our thoughts. Stay strong my friend!
Isaac,
Your Positive Attitude + Our TEAM’s support and prayer’s will give you the strength and stamina to weather this and all of life’s challenges!
Your Support TEAM @ Basement Systems!
Dear Isaac:
Best wishes from Virginia. Stay Strong.
Hey Isaac! Stay strong my friend! Prayers going out to you buddy.
Great message Larry!
Wishing you well Isaac! Stay strong!
Isaac,
Praying for you now! God Bless!
Hey Isaac, A friend of mine went through this, you can do it, hang tuff.
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Beliefs determine experience

Be careful what you decide and believe, because it is likely to come true.
“Beliefs determine what one experiences, there are no external circumstances”. Pretty powerful words.
What do you believe?
Ephesians 4:14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
Also, powerful words…
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If you don't change…

If you don’t change, what does the rest of your life look like?
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Suspend disbelief – to believe

That voice in your head that says “No”, “I can’t”, “It won’t happen” – yeah, that one. It’s gotta go if you are to push beyond what you think your limits are. Replace that voice with one that believes you can, and then make it happen.
Believe you can – or you won’t.
One of my favorite books as a small child was “The little train that could.” Deeply embedded this concept from an early age. Still refining it daily.
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Keep good relations with your boss

Who has what we want? (Love, money, materials things, respect for you…) Answer – other people.
Your boss is one of those people. Consider; your boss decides who gets a raise, who gets promoted, who gets this assignment or that, who gets laid off if tough times come…they have to call those shots – it’s part of their job.
So who do you think will be looked at favorably when he/she has to make those decisions –
1) The people who they know well, have shown an interest in participating in the companies mission as much as possible, have asked how they can be of more value and have adjusted/improved their performance based on that feedback, and that they like,
OR
2) The people who they don’t know well, have not asked how they can help advance the cause more meaningfully, and that may or may not be doing a good steady job or just going through the motions until five pm each day, they just don’t know because they don’t have much of a relationship with them?
It’s a good idea to have great relations with the boss. Isn’t it?
Having a great relationship with one’s boss also makes each day much more productive and enjoyable. This is in the context of being excited about being in the same boat, and rowing in the same direction as the leadership of your company.
I certainly think so; My boss is my husband! All kidding aside, I do watch the “Respect-o-meter” when I hear others and including myself interact with him. We are fortunate that our staff cares about our company. Many have come up with some great ideas that we have implemented. Also, Wayne is a good listener.
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Did tractors kill employment?

100 years ago, most people used to be employed growing things. Now we have tractors and combines that do the work of 1000’s people. Just as we have computers and other machines that do the work of tens or hundreds or thousands of people. We carry supercomputers in our pockets. Over the years, imports from other countries have increased. Did any of these things kill employment in the US as some would claim?
At 5% unemployment, apparently not. Sure there have been changes and redeployments. Today, we just work doing different things. We have deployed our human capital in areas where we can get the most productivity, and productivity has gone way up.
One thing is for sure, our standard of living is higher than it has ever been; not just in the US but around the world. Our lives are easier than ever, and we can buy more for our money – for our comfort and entertainment.
Only those that want things to be the same for the rest of their lives have reason to fear.
I think your right! Just like the “oil shortage”, we just started making electric cars :)) . We must change and adapt (easier said than done I’m sure)
So very true Larry! My favorite recent saying on change and peoples resistance is “the only one that actually enjoys change is a wet baby”
The other one reflects what most people’s philosophy is about change “Oh yeah, I love change. You go first!”
Hey Larry- thanks for the shout out.
I’m getting married in February!!
Yes, but our we healthier, happier more fulfilled? Do we have the wisdom to know the changes that will enhance our lives? Or living in a mythology that the newest technological device will do it for us?
Maybe but they did cause the Great Dust Bowl.
Lawrence – Thanks for the interesting blogs and continued advice. Even though I have not worked for you since 2010 I still learn and grow from you and your experience.
Be well.
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Immigration in America

In 1967 Shahid Kahn landed in New York from Pakistan. His connecting flight to Chicago was diverted by a snowstorm, so the 16 year old flew to St. Louis instead and took a bus to Champaign to the University of Illinois where he was enrolled as an undergrad. He had $500 in his pocket. Kahn got a job as a dishwasher for $1.20 an hour. “I was overjoyed. You couldn’t get a job like that where I came from. My immediate thought was,’ ‘Wow, I can work. I can be my own man. I can control my destiny.”
Kahn eventually got a job as an engineering manager at Flex-N-Gate, an automotove parts manufacturer. Today he owns the company with 6.1 billion in revenues and 12,000 US employees. He’s building a new plant in Detroit now, that will employ another 1000 Americans.
Discrimation of immigrants is not new. 100 years ago there were cries to send the Irish and Germans back. Perhaps it is human nature to reject people who aren’t like you.
Without immigration, there would be no America. Who reading this is not an immigrant or doesn’t owe their existence here to an immigrant?
Our history shows that it’s America’s unique ability to take in immigrants and assimilate them that has been crucial to our incredible record of opportunity, upward mobility and wealth creation. Immigrant success here means success for all Americans.
Beautifully said…………..
I appreciate your perspective, always balanced, thoughtful and challenging.
Your timing of this subject is suspect. Disappointing.
Thank you for saying this, I think it all the time.
“Without immigration, there would be no America”. I totally agree with you.
Absolutely right on target!
Larry for president!
Larry Trevor and I read your post every morning. You are an inspiration to us all. I especially liked your post today, it certainly reminds everyone that America and Canada are diverse nations, made up iof many ethnic groups, we are so fortunate. If you set your mind to it, you can do or be anything!
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. There are countless more like this one. This nation’s strength is the amalgam of its people.
When our Founding Fathers immigrated here they established this nation of law and moral law. It is often called the “great experiment” as there has never been a nation like ours. 52 of the 55 Founding Fathers agreed that Christian principles will be our foundation and those who immigrated here would assimilate to those Godly principles as best for a society to operate. Gov’t had very little to do with meddling in peoples lives. Immigrants who come here now are assimilating to a confused country and consequently do not know how they fit in or if they are welcome. Without immigration we would not have a country like ours… without moral law we will not have a country. We need secure borders and order… lets start there.
I do believe that LEGAL immigration is not the issue, as nearly all Americans are courteous, inclusive and generous to a fault. Maybe you could have clarified that the key element to your story was a desire to help build America, not make America into Pakistan for Mr. Khan. Also, ILLEGAL immigration is still a crime.
This only partly true. Given our current political situation I don’t know if you were being unclear, pollyannaish or purposely deceptive. There is a lot of each going on these days. I don’t know of anyone, including our current crop of politicians, that is against all forms of immigration. However, there are a multitude of reasons to stand against illegal imigration. There are wonderful people from around the world who want to come here to become Americans, learn English, contribute, support the constitution, and better their families. Bring them on. Once vetted, we all want them here. The problem is there are also terrible people that desire to come here. Most immigrants are awesome people, but have you really looked into the number of violent crimes committed by many of them? Have you never read any of the stories about criminals being deported repeatedly only to walk right across the border again and in there criminal career graduate to rape or murder? What about those who are deported for repeated DUI and walk back across to continue the same life style and kill a family because they were driving while drunk again?
Finally, if you want mass immigration and a sustainable county at the same time you cannot have a welfare state. I the government did not help you or stand in your way but only inforced the law then that would work. The problem is far to many people come here to take. We must be able to vet anyone coming here. We must be able to stem the massive tide of heroine coming across the southern border. We must also welcome those immigrants who want to work and not take with open arms. Gee, what kind of apparatus would allow that?
Larry, this issue is far to nuanced for people on either side to make such a blanket statement.
Thank you for inspiring us to be better human beings.
The problem with immigration today is the people coming to the usa don’t want to adapt to the american way. we are adapting to their way. my grandparents had to learn to speak english to exist no one printed anything in italian. i resent the fact that i have to push 1 for english. etc., etc.,!!!! i blame the american people also for letting this happen. i think they forgot government is for the people by the people, not the government controlling everything or big business. (smile) just had to comment. weeeooooo.!!!
I came here from Ireland in 1988 with my wife and two children I had $3000 which I had borrowed and Immediately lost $1000 on a deposit for an apartment which we couldn’t rent We found a place in Danbury for $750 a month and got a car for $500 We slept on the floor until we could afford to buy beds I got a job in construction and eventually got more furniture It was tough going but I wouldn’t change it for the world The US has given me opportunities which I am extremely grateful for Life is good Thanks for your post and have a great day
Thank you Larry for your comments. While this is a complicated issue I have to say I believe we become more tolerant of others, open minded, and richer human beings when we are exposed to different cultures and people, which is what has made our country so great for so long. This is a very personal issue for me. I am here because my father was an immigrant and our country welcomed him and my grandparents. We are now making it very difficult for good, well educated, talented people, like my Italian daughter-in-law, to come here and live, and contribute to our country. She has gone through our incredibly complicated, tedious legal process to live here and has been treated with hostility and suspicion along the way, certainly not feeling welcomed, and that makes me very sad and ashamed. This is not the America I was raised to believe in. When we isolate ourselves from others outside of our world, our world becomes small and we, as humans become small and fearful. We can’t afford to go down that road. My family and I will continue to embrace other cultures and people of all backgrounds, I would hope we can do that here in America.
Sounds like Mr Kahn wanted to 1. Work, and 2. Be an American. Most everyone is good with that scenario.
1st. Great comment Larry.
2nd: “legal immigration” I wonder how many of us would be here as Americans if our ancestors had to jump through the same hoops back then that constitutes “legal immigration” now. Many ( I would say most) of our ancestors had to do one thing to “legally” immigrate here……show up. Land on Ellis Island and say you want to be an American. That was all it took…..for decades. It amazes me that a segment of our society can scream about “big government” and “over regulation” , but have no problem with the bloated bureaucracy that is our current immigration policy. We have moved the goal posts so far from their starting point at this time that “illegal immigration” is often the only choice. If I was some poor Hispanic gentlemen living in Mexico and I wanted to escape drug trafficking violence ( whose roots lie squarely at our feet due to our demand for the drugs ) and bring my family to safety there is no way I am waiting for the “proper channels” to play out. I am getting my family to safety.
” Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” There is no “unless” disclaimer.
You are absolutely correct Larry,but the key word is assimilate.Without their willingness to do that,they are only a burden to themselves and our citizens.
Those of us whose ancestors are indigenous to North America may not agree with you. For the Native American, immigrants greatly contributed to their being “contained” on lands that their people knew were wastelands…and those who put them there knew this as well.
Secondly, times have changed dramatically since the 1960’s, with more and more “immigrants” coming to American to destroy her rather than to enhance her.
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The timing of this Think Daily was perfect! I really needed this one today Larry. Thanks as always!
JD
SO GOOD!!
Hey Larry,
I sent this to my daughter who is in her Junior year in a really demanding boarding school and feeling the crunch. This is the email string…
Thanks, Dad. I really really appreciate you looking out for me. Love you!
On Nov 2, 2016, at 11:11 AM, Dave Bryan wrote:
Hey Bear,
This is a blog I get every day. It is from the guy who started Dr. Energy and Total Basement Finishing. He is a really smart guy and I often find his perspective helps me to improve mine. I read this one and thought you might appreciate it.
Love you TONS
Dad