Daniel Skognes

Let’s face it: it is easy to lose focus in a world full of distractions. Cell phones, laptops, people, school, jobs, animals, and worries are all vying for our attention. Personally, I love the sound of silence. Early mornings are my time to focus on the day. I get so much more done when everyone else is asleep. LOL.

Is it any wonder that lack of focus is a problem for most people these days? It stresses people out when they can’t focus. It is like someone switching the light on and off rapidly as they are trying to think! Just my opinion here, but it seems self-evident that if you cannot focus, you will never be at peace.

First of all, we need to get our priorities straight:

1. We need to focus on God. He is our rock, our refuge in time of need, our provider, our hope, and our salvation. Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

2. We need to focus on our family. Next to God, family is the most important thing. Family comes before jobs, hobbies, me time, etc. If you lose focus of your family, there are lifelong consequences that you will regret. Blessed be the ties that bind.

3. Focus on your friends. If you are fortunate enough to have 3 or 4 really close friends, you are indeed wealthy! There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Be that friend!

4. Focus on yourself. Be the best person that you can possibly be. We are all works in progress. There is nobody that can claim they have arrived. We always need to be learning, improving, self correcting, and striving for excellence.

5. Focus on your work. Whatever you choose to do in life, do it with all your heart. Work is a blessing….not a curse. Learn to enjoy what you do. Bloom where you are planted.

6. Find balance in your life. It is hard to walk if you lose your balance, right? Same thing if events in your life are in constant chaos. Make better choices and take time to unwind. That is why God said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” We all need time to recharge our batteries and refocus on what really matters in life.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

1. Life is not fair. Get over it and quit whining.

2. Not everyone is trustworthy. Choose your friends wisely, and learn from your mistakes. Don’t give repeat offenders access to your inner circle.

3. Quit blaming someone else for your choices. You are responsible for the decisions you have made. This is part of growing up…so grow up. Own your mistakes.

4. You have to play the hand you were dealt. Play wisely. Consider the consequences.

5. You have two choices when you look at the glass of life. It is either half full or half empty. You have to choose which one you will drink from. Stay positive!

6. You don’t have to like everyone you work or live with, just learn to respect them and give them their space. If you want respect, give it. Remember that you can’t change anyone. Work on yourself and you will have your hands full.

7. Not everyone is going to like you, so quit trying to please everyone. Just be you…but make it the best you that you want to be.

8. Learn the power of forgiveness. If you forgive someone, they no longer have control over you. That is peace, power, and gives you freedom to move on.

9. Love conquers all. Let love rule your life. If you don’t know where to start, remember that God is love. Love God and love people.

10. Give thanks. Have an attitude of gratitude. A grateful heart will open the door for blessings.

11. Quit worrying about tomorrow. It does no good. Live today to the fullest. Trust God.

12. Learn the power of kindness. A simple act of kindness can help someone make it one more day. Be the person that extends a hand to help those who cannot help themselves.

13. Remember that everyone has issues. Cut them some slack and give them the grace that you need when you are having a rough day.

14. You find your purpose when you find your passion. Find what you are wired to do and you will love the life that you live. Everyone has a gift and a purpose, but we each have to find it on our own. Don’t give up on your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you who you are supposed to be. Let God direct your steps.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

Can you believe it has been 20 years since we were attacked? I remember that day very clearly. I was still working in the medical field and was getting ready to call on the VA hospital in Oklahoma. I was eating my breakfast and watching TV as the news flash came on saying a plane had struck one of the twin towers in New York city. It was a surreal moment to be watching the smoke and flames coming out of the tower and the speculation was that a small private plane had run into the tower. It was just a few minutes when the next plane was seen plowing into the second tower and we knew that we were under attack.

Many people have likened that moment to Pearl Harbor, but that was before my time. I do remember watching the first man walk on the moon when I was living in Abilene, TX, and I remember hearing about JFK being shot when I was in elementary school in Dallas.

We tend to remember moments like these because it brings us to an understanding that we are witnessing history. Whether it is horrific or just historic, we remember those moments because we know that life as we know it has changed. The Covid Pandemic is the most recent shocker that has changed our world forever. While I don’t remember the exact day I heard about it, I will never forget that year. 2020 was definitely an eye opener for everyone.

I don’t know what today holds, much less tomorrow, but I am grateful for the sacrifices that have been made to safeguard us and protect our freedom. We still live in perilous times, and evil is alive and well, so we have to be diligent and on guard continually. To those who have given their lives, we salute you. To those who serve in our armed forces now, we thank you and pray for you. To those who work as first responders, you are our heroes. Thank you for the sacrifices you make for us on a daily basis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless and keep you.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes