"Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian." Herman Melville who was born on this date(1819 – 1891). Melville was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist and poet. His first two books gained much attention, though they were not bestsellers, and his popularity declined precipitously after only a few years. By the time of his death he had been almost completely forgotten, but his longest novel, Moby-Dick — largely considered a failure during his lifetime, and most responsible for Melville's fall from favor with the reading public — was recognized in the 20th century as one of the chief literary masterpieces of both American and world literature.

Melville is another example of why we should never give up if we are staying close to our higher power. The results of our efforts may not be fully known in this life time.

Do you know someone who needs extra income right now? Forward this along to him or her:

The Denver Elections Division has approx. 12 paid temporary positions for Democrats (these are positions that require equal numbers from each party). These positions are for the Resolution Board which is part of the process of counting paper ballots. These are 8-hour per day shifts Monday-Friday starting Monday, Aug 4th. The pay is standard temporary worker pay for the office (currently between $11 and $12/hour).

If anyone is interested in these positions they should contact Alton Dillard at the Denver Elections Division 720-913-8683. Tell him you are calling for the Resolution Board positions.

Here's a very interesting podcast interview with Thomas McCaw author of the recent biography of the economist Joseph Schumpeter Prophet of Innovation. McCaw compares Schumpeter to Benjamin Franklin. It's worth the time to take 10 minutes to listen:
http://www.hup.harvard.edu/audio/MCCPRI.mp3

God sows small seeds and lets them grow at their own pace. God does not look for the maturity of an adult from a teenager, nor the wisdom of the elderly from the younger. The seed is put into deep soil, soil which is the product of others’ work. We depend on each other for growth in faith and in prayer, and we find that God ‘grows’ us in the soil of love, mercy, compassion and friendship.
Sacred Space Daily Meditation

If the IDEA Cafe and Franklin Circles that I'm trying to start are truly what God wants they will grow. If they are just an extension of my ego, they will die.

Sam Newton, my dad's business partner, passed on last week and there is a memorial service tomorrow. The business he and my dad started is gone. What Joseph Schumpeter called "creative destruction" brings nearly all businesses to an end eventually. Not so with what God creates, whether it is a marriage or an organization.

Is the work you and I are doing today God's work?

It's never too late for a 2nd chance. Or 3rd. Or 4th.
Here's an inspirational story about a "do over".
The sun will come up tomorrow!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92676216