Funerals!

Have you ever attended a funeral and you just wished it could have been more of a celebration?

I have attended a few funerals in my day and rarely do I feel that a lifetime is summed up properly. 

I love the moments of reflections from families and friends. 

I love to hear the songs that defined the person’s life. 

I enjoy the pictures and videos made to celebrate a life.

Perhaps there is a way to change the old traditions. ..Garth Brooks sings about the “dash” which represents the space on your tombstone.   1957 - ????  How is your dash coming along?

Consider planning a celebration of your “dash”; involve your friends and family before someone else makes those decisions for you!  

It is my opinion a funeral (not sure I would still call it that) should take place wherever the person wants to have it.  A field, farm, beach, restaurant or concert hall.

Put a person in charge that you know can get it done the way you want it.

If you are a religious person by all means involve your church and clergy.  If not, then celebrate the way you lived your life.  Be authenic! 

Create a folder and start planning now, the reflection will be healthy and inspiring!

Many years ago I attended the funerals of Bob Wareing and his Dad John Wareing (Wareings Gym).  I laughed; I cried and enjoyed celebrating two men that lead impactful lives.  We gathered at the VB Convention Center.  I’m not sure there was a minister present however there were many prayers given and it was truly a most memorable event.  Simply deserved a “well done” from me!

Chris Shaughnessy just pasted away, a good friend and accomplished Realtor.  His buddy got up in church and asked if everyone would turn their cell phones ON, Chris would not want anyone to miss a deal at his funeral.  That was cool, made me smile and think of my good friend Chris.

Several of my friends have committed to allowing me to plan their celebration of their passing, providing I don’t go first!  What an extreme honor for me!

I don’t know about you guys; I plan to go out big!  Go Big of Go Home!

And no guilt!

NobleOne

The Noblemen are not a Church

However, I think there is a lot of “Church” in The Noblemen.  

As a kid I grew up in Virginia Beach and attended First Presbyterian Church with my family @ 36^th and Pacific Ave.  Sunday School and Church every Sunday and then to Nicks Restaurant for lunch.

I taught senior high Sunday school, ushered, served on the Session and hosted the Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday for 14 years. 

I guess the reason I tell you this is simply because it validates me to talk about why I no longer attend church regularly.  Funny thing, every time I take my Mom to church and attend on special occasions, I am always asked, "where do you attend church now?" as if there were no options!

In a nut shell, for me, the greatest thing about church was the people that I got to know.  Over the many years I met and was mentored by great men and women who shared a part of their lives with me and me with them.

On the subject of “God” I would have to say that “God” resides inside of me and not just in the church.  If I go to church then I bring God there with me.  I rarely get inspired by sermons or lessons and sometimes get turned off by the “us and them” attitudes.   

Quiet times, meditations, long runs, and spending time on the water allow me to “tap in” to the “God” in me.  I am so blessed to know this relationship and for its “rudder” in my life.

I founded The Noblemen to enjoy the best parts of church, a gathering of men or women that have fun and collectively use their resources to “give back”.  Quite frankly I admire the churches that are active in the community and use the synergy of their members to do great deeds in their communities.

The return on investment is like no other.  The satisfaction you receive by saving kids. And changing lives is hard to beat.

I had breakfast with a member the other day and he shared with me that that one of the reasons he attends Noblemen meetings are to get the things accomplished that he wished his church would do. 

Please understand I love what the church offers and I consider it to be a part of what makes the world go around, however, it simply is not for everyone!

Perhaps our motto should be The Noblemen, We meet on Monday’s not Sunday’s or The Noblemen, a great Church with less guilt and no worship! 

Upcoming blog… My views on Funerals!

NobleOne

10 Secrets I stole from Wayne Dyer

I have bought this book and given it away many times!  Take a moment to reflect what these secrets mean to you…

Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing…

Don’t die with the music still inside you…

You can’t give away what you don’t have…

Embrace silence…

Give up your personal history…

You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it…

There are no justified resentments…

Treat yourself as if you already are what you would like to be…

Treasure your divinity…

Wisdom is avoiding all things that weaken you…

These are from 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I first read this book over 10 years ago and shared its wisdom with so many of my friends that, like me were searching for a more powerful way to lead their lives.

I feel the secrets are more helpful if you just consider then one by one and ponder what they mean to you. 

I would love to see your comments as to which ones are your favorites and take you to a place of  “Oh yea, I get that”

NobleOne