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Feb 04 2022

The Gardens of Chartwell

Do you ever take time to stop and smell the roses? I try to as often as I can, and when I do I always tell myself “why don’t you do this more often you dummy!” If I could have chosen a career (without worry of money) I would have definitely chosen gardening and landscaping. There are aspects of landscaping that I love so much and the visual appeal of something alive and beautiful has just always attracted me.

I tell my family all the time that “I love trees” and they look at me like I’ve flipped my lid. Trees to me, especially those that have stood up to decades or even centuries of weather and insects, are amazing creations. A massive oak tree sits on the hilltop across the road from our house. This tree stands head and shoulders above all other trees on the hill and I’m convinced that it was standing there 200 years ago when Indians and pioneers roamed this land. I love looking at that oak tree and wondering who it gave shade to back then.

Are you anything like me? Do you enjoy a meticulously designed landscape? I may be weird in this but I’m definitely not alone. Many famous people throughout history have had the same love and in many places around the world there still is evidence of it. Two places come to mind: The Biltmore in Asheville, NC, and Chartwell House in England. I’ve seen Biltmore and it has amazing gardens and meticulously kept lands for as far as you can see. Chartwell House is on my bucket list and I hope to eventually see it in person.

Sir Winston Churchill is one of those men in history that stands head and shoulders above others, just like the giant oak that I see from my front porch every day. He showed such courage and leadership during WWII and was one of the primary reasons for the defeat of Germany’s evil regime. I have always respected his leadership style and ability to stay calm during incredibly difficult times. Not only do I respect him as a leader, but I also respect his good taste in homes… and landscaping…

Chartwell House was the home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family for several decades up until his death. I wonder how many giant oak trees still stand on the grounds of this grand estate in honor of Mr. Churchill?

If you are not familiar with Churchill’s amazing ability as a leader, I encourage you to do some reading and learn from his example. Adopt his courage and tenacity and you too can be a great leader.

Photo by Charlie Seaman on Unsplash


“Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill

Written by Chris Burton · Categorized: Inspiration

Jul 02 2021

Chicks Have Arrived

We finally received our Rhode Island Reds from Murray McMurray hatchery. Yes, we ordered them over the Internet and they were delivered through the US Postal Service. A small little chirping box made the journey to Columbia.

Written by Chris Burton · Categorized: Inspiration

Sep 04 2020

Maintaining Balance

“Success can get you to the top of a beautiful cliff, but then propel you right over the edge of it.”

Where are the Shortages, Overages, and Sweet Spots in my life? Am I appropriately focusing my precious time and energy on activities that will shift everything into the Sweet Spot? Have I over-complicated life by focusing on so much detail in each of these categories and therefore feeding the monster of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder?

I can see the benefit of creating a 3-column spreadsheet and populating it with all the important aspects of life – spirituality, health, money, relationships, etc. The Shortages and Overages columns will tell me the areas in my life that require attention in order to get them moved to the Sweet Spot. Once in the Sweet Spot, areas must not be ignored; therefore, I will build systems that maintain the Sweet Spots so they never again get categorized as a shortage or overage.

Inspiration for these thoughts came from The Sweet Spot, an excellent article on finding and maintaining balance in life.

Photo by Uriel Soberanes on Unsplash

Written by Chris Burton · Categorized: Inspiration

Sep 02 2020

Relentless Pursuit of Purpose

Life is too short for it to be wasted. We are given plenty of time to achieve our life purpose; therefore, start today making the most of every moment available. Be honest about my life purpose and focus all my energy on doing things that help me achieve that purpose. Do not compare what I do to the world’s standard but rather to God’s standard. Take the time to be productive, to take chances, to forgive others, and to encourage family and friends to do the same.

Inspiration for these thoughts came from Life is Too Short. It is a great article so read it!

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Written by Chris Burton · Categorized: Inspiration

Apr 09 2020

Grip it Tight

John Wooden made history several decades ago by becoming one of the most successful basketball coaches of all time. His 10 NCAA national championships in 12 years as coach of the UCLA Bruins cannot be matched, and there may never be a coach that comes anywhere close to this achievement.

Coach Wooden’s success came not only from his use of an amazing system of proven basketball strategy but also from his daily commitment to represent Jesus Christ in all that he did. He exemplified this in the way he treated people, the manner in which he led his teams, and the thoughtful and caring way in which he helped each of his players grow.

He “gripped His savior tight” every day by carrying himself in a manner worthy of His savior, and he also gripped a little metal cross tight in his hand while coaching. A rolled up basketball program was always visible in one hand and unknown to most there was a small cross being held in the other hand. Coach Wooden knew where the ultimate strength in life comes from and he always carried a physical reminder of it with him while coaching.

Are we gripping the cross tight every day?


Written by Chris Burton · Categorized: Inspiration

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Sunset from Front Porch
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Cades Cove 2020
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