Let It Roll

I love Casinos...OMG! He did not just say that! I know, half of you just gasped with fear, twenty-five percent just started to rebuke and pray for me. But before you pass judgment take a moment...Take a gamble on what words are in front of you. You might just like it. A casino is just another visual depiction of life. From the entrance, or beginning, you're entry is based off your age, whether you're eligible to be allowed in. Once drug through the zodiac, eye color, address, zip code and identity check questions you'll be let in. You're first time in is mesmerizing, much like you're first steps through life. The lights, the sounds, the people all tingle through you, sparking every sense into a caffeinated high. It's exhilarating. But it's just like life. Filled with highs and lows, sights and sounds, happiness and sadness. Segregated by high and low limit table and machines, all demanding your attention to pick a number, a color, a side, or an end result. Take a seat in any spot and be zoned into the moment. Hit. Stand. Fold. Double. Raise. Press it. Evens. Odds. Take your pick. In the walls of the building include every comparison of what you're going through. Call it a chance, brave, challenge, venture or risk...Call it whatever you want, but you do it every day. Win some. Lose some. You have to keep on your game. You can play safe, but you'll win small. Play big, lose big, win big. Take your eyes off the prize for one second and you could lose the thought, opportunity or moment to up the stakes and come out on top. No one else can play the game for you. It's up to you. Wait for the right opportunity and might miss another. Wait for the right opportunity and it might take too long. Every second is a gamble. You disagree? You took a gamble. You always do. You gambled with wearing that shirt today. With what you said to your boss. Your friend. Your loved one. You gambled getting out of bed that you would make it through today. You gamble with believing what's true, real, right or wrong. You aren't guaranteed a win, but you can take the steps to make sure you come through ok. I'm taking a gamble that the other 25 percent of you are actually taking this in, seeing that everything around you is because someone took a gamble on you. Four cards down, one more decides it all. One more pull of the arm. The wheel spins. The dice roll. Your odds are out. What's it going to be? Fold? Take a chance? Make that gamble? Let it ride and Defy The Odds.

Support A Cause

Real Men wear pink. Better Men wear it for a cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show Your Support and Inspire. Be The Revolution

Check...

I know it's difficult sometimes. Things don't always go as planned. As the sun rises, so do new challenges and tasks that test our very existence. Every second we're faced with a choice that effects our future. It's as if life were a huge game of chess, one wrong move, you lose your advantage, and possibly lose the game. Every piece plays a part, no matter how far or what direction each piece moves, it still has a great effect to the game.

Picture yourself standing there.

All around your acquaintances, your pawns, there's more of them than anyone else. Doesn't seem like they do much, but if they weren't there, you're life would be more vulnerable to attack. Cherish your acquaintances, you might forget their names, they might be distant, but they are there for a purpose. And even sometimes if they make it to the end with you, they become more.

The next, keep life moving forward and direct, the Rooks are our jobs, skills, trades, and talents. They may move back and forth in front of us, but they keep us going forward. But when things get tough we have the option to take a step back and look at where we're going. They have great purpose, but not many directions. Each person's Rooks may be different than the next, but they serve the same purpose. A purpose of advancement.

The Knights are our materials and effects, whether necessity or desire. Our homes, cars, clothes, music, and social networks create the personality of us. Every other piece is more direct, but our Knight shows the curve of who we are. Strangely placed just right to wrap around our lives. It tells our swag, our style, and our dare to be who we want to be.

Your faith, beliefs, hopes, dreams, and even fears are your Bishop. It separates us mentally from the rest, with the ability to indirectly affect our lives. No matter how many times we move, or no matter how long the game, we will always be on the same color mind set we started.

The best part about these three is if we lose one, there's another chance to take our other Rook, Knight, or Bishop for a little back-up and make more of an impact on our lives.

The Queen is our everything. She's our family, our closest of friends, and those there for us in any way possible. She helps us through the hard times. Makes sacrifices when she needs to. And even if we lose her, sometimes comes back. She's by our side from the beginning, and fights harder than anything. She is worthy of her title.

All of these pieces, people, characteristics, and things come together for one purpose, to overcome, to make a stand, to become victorious, and to protect the King. You are the ruler, director, and the King in this game. You have everything you need to win. To become everything you want. To overcome. You have every piece you need to rule your world right at your fingertips. It's your time to become a revolution and show everyone you are more than you ever expected. It's right in front of you. As simple as black and white. It's time to keep moving.

It's your move.

Check...

The Beat Of The World

Check your pulse. Are you alive? But are you living? Feel your pulse. Feel the beat. That's the beat of your life. Just like music, the beat keeps us alive. We dance. We sing. We move. It makes us smile, it makes us cry. Music has been the way of life since the creation of time. With so many genre's, the music culture is the greatest influence in lives all over the world. From the sleepless streets of New York, to the festivals of Rio de Janeiro, to roaring pubs of Dublin, to the desolate plains of South Africa, to the fortuned population of Tokyo, and to the beaches of Honolulu, music makes the world flow.

Music is the universal, timeless connection the world has. One chart topping hit has the power to travel the world in seconds. The revolution of music has been more epic than anything in time, with the transition from LP's, to 8-tracks, to cassette tapes, to CD's, to MP3's, to satellite and internet radio. It segued to new heights in the past 70 years that no one could have predicted. There’s no denying music has been a part of the history of life, we grow with it. We love one generation of music, and hate the next. However we all come together for that one special song that makes the right moment perfect through the year. We remember old acquaintances in the first few seconds, say I love you, fight our Irish out, Mariachi out, sing blessings on the 4th, sing spells to ghouls and goblins, and watch red nose reindeer.

We have our driving songs. We have our church songs. We have our club songs. We have our funeral songs. We have long summer day songs, and long winter night songs. We have songs stapled to memories, and memories stapled to songs. We have songs that makes us rock, songs that make us jive, songs that calm us down, songs that rile us up, songs that break us down, and songs that build us up. We all have a song we wake up to, and we have a song we go to bed to. We have a beat. We have a rhythm. We have a message. We have a life. Put them together and we have a song for the world. Never stop singing. Never stop dancing. Never stop the beat.

Stage Of Life

Shakespeare definitely had it right when he said, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts..." I think it's forgotten from time to time that we all have a part to play in this world. We never fully understand what our sole purpose is, but we will see other's. Friends, family, and even total strangers help paint an astounding picture of who we are. The epic thought of the stranger next to us is shadowed by the simplicity of the word stranger. Just like a friend or family member, they have a purpose in your life. Whether it be for the moment you're experiencing or another fateful encounter. There is a part that human being is playing in the stage of your life. Cherish every moment you spend in life, you never know when your last curtain call will be.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

 

In Memory of a father, a grandfather, a husband, a brother, a son, the humble, the caring, the security, the direction, the best tour bus driver I've ever seen. He'd give you the shirt off his back, and today I take my hat off to you. My life will be forever changed because of you friend.

 

Paul Trice, I love you and I will never forget you.

Be The Revolution

Be The Revolution.

This is a statement of promise.

This is a declaration of life.

This is an assurance of a better way.

I, ______________________________________, do hereby promise to live to the utmost greatness for the duration of this God given blessed life.
(Print Name)

Life:
I will wake up every morning with the will for an epic purpose, whatever your impressively great reason for being may be. I will help those in need for the just cause of being there for them. I will never let anyone discount me, and will drown their insolent opinions or comments with nothing more than what is necessary without lowering my standards. I will donate in whatever way feasibly possible to better the lives of those around me. I will spend every moment exhausting the importance of Life to the audiences of the world. I will change the world with only one life to live. I will live to Be The Revolution.

Liberty:
I will never let anyone come between me and my principles. I will make a difference through the avenues of responsibility which have been given to me. I will vote when reasonably necessary, because my vote counts. I will do whatever it takes to stand for what I believe in. I will justify my reasoning and purpose when necessary, because my place in life matters. I will change the world with only one life to live. I will live to Be The Revolution.

Pursuit of Happiness:
I will go above and beyond my means to carry out a beautiful day, no matter the circumstances. I will play all day. I will dance all night. I will run faster. I will walk slower. I will climb higher. I will see more everything. I will instill an upstanding, respectful work ethic toward any vocational opportunity, and absorb the knowledge and prospects to better my life. I will do more everything. I will travel outside of my comfort and try new things, unless considered demeaning to my personal belief. No matter where I end up, I will never forget where I came from. I will change the world with only one life to live. I will live to Be The Revolution.

By signing this I confidently concur with the above.

I will Be The Revolution...

____________________________________________________ _______________________
(Signature) (Date)

____________________________________________________
(Contact Info--Cell,Email,Address)

This should be the statement of Life, this is for you to consider. It's time to stop mediocrity. It's time to step up and live. If you would like me to hold you to this; print it off, fill in the information, and send it to me. All I ask is that you stop, take a look around, and make sure you're getting the most out of Life.

What did I do during 2010?

1 year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,765 hours. 525,948 minutes. 31,555,926 seconds.

 

What did I do during 2010?  

 

January 1st I was freezing down on Grand, in St. Louis, for First Night, with Emmanuel Gutierrez. We watched the clock, the insane Juggling Jeff, listening to the incredible abilities of The Cadence Drumline, and taking pictures on what would become an absolute staple for me, my Droid. Gained a new friend for life who forever makes me smile, thank you Tiffany Axton. Dominated the building of the Arch at the Science Center with Larissa Hunt, Jared Hunt, Riley Ries, Logan Braswell, Josh Walker, Veronica Schwartz, Sam DeWald, and others. Took a ride in Grease Lightning with Amanda Tate and Taylor Hicks at The Fabulous Fox. Then both of us drooled over the beautiful cars at the St. Louis Auto Show. We celebrated Amanda’s 21st birthday with a night filled with Olive Garden, Brunswick bowling, and friends. And I cried at the devastation left from the Earthquake in a country all too familiar to my family. Haiti, I love you, my grandpa Carlton Barton loved you, and you will forever be in my prayers.

 

On February 6th I shaved my head, for the first time ever, and raised over $1,000 in donations for my beautiful Aunt Erica Albert to help her fight Ovarian Cancer. The unfinished video of the whole process gained almost 25,000 views on YouTube from, literally, all over the world. Followed by a flop of 106 views for two syrups jars vomiting into a cup at IHOP with Ryan Tate and Erica Anderson. I branded and predicted the greatness of the year with a toast at Epicly Everafter, our Valentine’s Banquet for the youth group, as we all embarked on a new Endeavour with Aaron Batchelor and Breanna Batchelor.

 

In March I fooled the world with my Danny Gokey look-a-like profile picture on Facebook. Created an ongoing list of Rules I will forever abide by and challenge others with. Rule #1 - Live. Rule #2 Love. Rule#3 – Laugh. Rule#4 Learn. Rule#5 Laugh. Dance. Conquer. Rule #6, I like it quiet in the morning. Rule#8 Don't be stupid. Rule#10 Be Epic!!! Rule #11 - Enjoy the little things. Rule #12 Never settle with doubt. Rule #13. Don't just Live in the moment Rule #14, No regrets. Rule#16 Take Time to Breath Rule #18 Always wear deodorant. Rule #24, Christmas lights should be gone no later than the first week in January. Rule #28 - Step outside of the box. Rocked out with Kristin Sims at the John Mayer & Michael Franti & Spearhead concert. Downed disgusting Lemon Water from Sonic with Brianna Whitman. Bugged Lindsay Stephenson as much as possible at Verizon.

 

In April, Amanda, Riley and I traveled as the three best friends anyone could have to Missouri Youth Convention in Kansas City. Anxiously waited for an update on my phone with Issa David. Zac Klinedinst, Riley Ries, Jeremiah Klinedinst, Sam DeWald, Amanda Tate, Tyler Cummings, and I gave a going away night to the beautiful and talented Kalee Christian, as she moved on to warmer weather and pastoral duties. Stopped tasting our tongues and Road tripped with Amanda, Sam, Riley, Tiffany A., and Jeremy Prino to Lambert’s in Sikeston, Missouri as one of the five best friends anyone could have. Made new friends, incredible memories, and great BBQ with Joanna Moncayo, Chris Chiodo, and Courtlyn Martin. Gained an awesome friend and wonderful mentor in Louis Green at A’mis in O’Fallon, and finished with a nice talk over tickets with the Missouri Highway Patrol.

 

In May, I decided to make a stand a create a better Life by spreading Love and Peace Pics, from random everywhere’s from Summer Ratcliff to Southwest Airlines love from Charollotte Andriotis. I added sweet, loud, crisp, clean SkullCandy Full Metal Jacket headphones to my effects, and name my phone The Alfred Droid, it felt fitting. I gave a “Congratulations” toast to Alex Braswell, Riley Ries, Lerie Gabriel, Amy Henson, Lindsay Sims, Tyler Cummings, Christi Crossley, and Alyssa Morgan, the high school/college graduates of the year. Laughed until I cried watch Young Frankenstein at The Fabulous Fox with Amanda Tate. Shed a tear watching the Special Olympics Torch journeyed down the highway. Watched another finale of American Idol with my favorite family, Jeramy Hearn, Heather Hearn, and Carter Hearn.

 

In June, I received hundreds of Birthday wishes while playing golf with Sam DeWald. Then beginning a scavenger hunt starting with one envelope, which lead me to Applebee’s where Sam DeWald handed me a clue and Mountain Dew with strawberry and mango. Then met Riley Ries at Target who had another clue and brownies. After I found Brittany Drummond at QT with a Monster energy drink and hint, that led me to a rendition of Chris Daughtry’s Home sang by Tyler Cummings at Gateway. All of this put together lead me to my home, where a surprise birthday party was waiting. Thank you Amanda Tate for the best Birthday Part I’ve ever had. Partied with Sonny Albert and Lois Albert at their 50th Anniversary party in Hannibal.

 

In July, we celebrated and watched Fireworks on top of a parking garage with Leann Drummond, Jared Thacker, Malorie McClintock and more. Had Chai Tea Latte with Angel Taylor and Kim Pitts, and found Natasha Bedingfield’s Touch with Becca Da’nae Radford. Had a Family Reunion in Hannibal and met Robin Carnahan. Wow… that was a fast month. All that was left was a long night at the City Museum with all my peoples and Morgan Sharkhetti.

 

Only 2 days into August and I had the day from hell at work, my truck broke down and ended up having an 18 hour work day… ok, so it wasn’t all that bad cause the paycheck was NICE! Went to the first and only Cardinals game with Anthony Telano, Chasity Shea Telano, Dylan Brown, and Arianna Telano; the Astros beat the Cards just for Dylan. Saw Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, and the “Mayor” of the Delmar Loop in Chesterfield, then experienced sweet heavenly goodness from an Apple Crumble at Brickhouse. Plugged in my new computer and closed out the old laptop. Then adventured with The Expendables... that movie was so awesome. And I found out What had happen was, wasn’t always what had happened.

 

September 1st I heard the great statement ever, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” Words to live by, remember them. Got Flash Player on my phone and attempted to show Carissa Marie that Android is much better than iPhone, she’s stubborn, but beautiful so it’s ok. Kept my silence and memories on 9/11. And voted for the New Life Youth Group to venture out as Fusion Youth Ministries. Watched the greatest father ever, Darrell Barton hit… 50 years old… yeah, for real I know. Shhh…he’s old now.

 

In October Riley helped me find the coolest paint ever, IdeaPaint. Seriously, check this stuff out it’s awesome… still haven’t used it, but I will some day. Finally remembered I still had a MySpace, but could never remember my password. Started wonderful religious controversy between John Willis and Michael Henson and another group of people, and challenged them to Richard Simmons their minds. Had an awesome weekend! Watched Dylan Anderson& Ryan Tate play Ping Pong withErica Anderson,Brittany Cozart,Amanda Tate, Riley Ries, and Euvila Clayton Shields, creating one of the greatest inside jokes… ever. Went to Praise in the Park at Silver Dollar City in Branson with the Missouri Youth District. Was inspired by the movie “It’s Kind of a Funny Story.” Announced my Presidential campaign for 2020, with Summer Ratcliff as my running mate. Finished up with becoming Tony Stark/IronMan after many, many hours of working on the costume.

 

In November, I embarked on a life changing book called SoulPancake, by Rainn Wilson. No Joke, BUY THIS BOOK!!! You will not regret it. On the 10th, my beautiful and patient mother, Sarah Barton, began the next epic chapter of her life by having gastric bypass surgery. It’s a task, but one I know she is able to handle. Flew to Austin, TX the next day for some Austin Vows, the marriage of my best friend, secretary, and person I owe so much to, Bethany Urshan to Andrew Urshan, sorry your intro isn’t as special Andrew. I toured all over and made some incredible new friends, Angela Pyles in particular who I will never forget. Thanks for the Sixth Street experience. Was blessed by Chuck Carr at Youth Retreat. And filled from Thanksgiving in Hannibal and then Wentzville. Then finished with a challenge for myself on the 29th, no cell phone, no Facebook, no Twitter, no social butterfly, and no Starbucks for one week… yes, I did it too. It was difficult, but it was good. I urge all of you to try it once.

 

Now in December, I began recharged from my sabbatical. Received my personalized Gold Starbucks card for all of the caffeine I’ve chugged. Had a blast with a poker game with the friends. Did all kinds of shopping. Began and finished an incredible book called “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”, yes, that created the movie. You should definitely read this book too. I read more now than I ever did, and I love it. Christmas was wonderful, my dad slept all the way to Nashville. It was good to see Kyle Jennings, Amber Jennings, Kent Jennings, Tiphany Jennings, Chester Jennings, Debbie Jennings, Mckenna, and Kendra, I haven’t seen them in so long. I love you guys. It was wonderful to see my beautiful cousin Laura Albert too, you are so amazing and nothing will stand in your way. And, of course, I ALWAYS adore seeing Erica Albert, she brightens every moment I get to spend with her. Then there’s the one who I respect more than he’ll ever know, John Albert. Smart, funny, talented, patient, loving, and genuine, I love you John. Keep strong. I haven’t left out Cameron Albert out of this whole thing, I just didn’t get to see him, I love you and I’m more proud of you then you’ll ever imagine.

 

And so brings me to right now, here I am December 31, 2010. I’m sitting in my living room finishing up all of this, I haven’t slept all night, but I feel great. This year has been everything I started it to be…Epic. It’s been filled with Peace and Love. Spontaneous and adventurous. Beautiful and complete. . What did I do during 2010? No, the question is What didn’t I do during 2010? I’ve finished numerous writings this year. Became a Gold Status member at Starbucks. Sent over 83,000 … yes eighty-three thousand text messages. Had the best memories with David Guetta, found out who to live for with Katy Perry, stared at Angels with Akon, flirted with the beautiful girls with Bruno Mars, woke up in the morning with Kesha, just threw my hands in the air with Taio Cruz, and Laughed, Danced, & Conquered with Ellen. God blessed me this year more than I would have ever imagined. I want to finish with some of my quotes from the year and a little extra, I hope you enjoy. I've whatever wherever whenever with whoever, however never ever known whyever, but now I do. Because we get one chance and one opportunity. Make a new memory or keep an old dream. Don't pass it up. It'll be worth it. No regrets. When you step out onto the huge stage of Life today. Don't disappoint. Make them laugh. Make them feel love. Make them feel alive. And the same will happen to you. Because With the rising of the sun, so do many opportunities. Don't miss them. And remember An Epic Life is just an ellipsis away! So don't get so caught up in the success to the point you forget why you're here. It’s ok to be selfish sometimes, so don't go for a million, go for a billion. Don't want just one Ferrari, want 5. Don't just meet one person, meet the world! Do Everything More, Because this is Life. One day at a time. Some better than others. Few better than all. None better than one. I’m just watching every other day pass while I wait for the one. Be kind. Be strong. March on. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. Always. Love. Laugh. Live. Live Epic. Live Today. Live Now. Peace!!!