It's a bright, crisp Palm Sunday in North Texas, and as I was getting ready to attend Mass to celebrate the beginning of Holy Week, I received news that my second cousin died unexpectedly yesterday after undergoing a simple day-surgery procedure to repair a hernia. He was only 39 years old.
My sadness is heightened by the fact that his dad -- my first cousin with whom I previously enjoyed a very close relationship when we lived in the same city -- has suffered so much during the past several years. Initially, he lost his brother, who was only 47 at the time, about 15 years ago. Then he lost his wife and his parents within a period of five years or so. And now his son is gone.
I am sharing his unimaginable grief.
When the unexpected death of someone close to you occurs, it is a reminder of how fragile life is and how none of us is guaranteed any tomorrows. The lesson that I should learn from this tragedy is that I should avoid majoring in minor things, such as the day-to-day trials and tribulations that I often create for myself. Life is a gift. And I honor the One who has bestowed that gift upon me by living each day the "abundant life" He intended for me and for everyone.
Today I pray for the soul of Robert Millsaps and of all of the faithful departed.
R. David Weaver
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Focusing on Solutions
Owning a law firm upon which hundreds of clients depend and from which eight dedicated people derive their livelihoods produces daily challenges that sometimes seem daunting. And being the patriarch of a 15-member extended family (soon to expand to 16) produces its own set of challenges. On top of all of that, I am continually occupied with my efforts to pursue my personal goals, which include improving the quality of my relationship with my Creator and further developing my interpersonal skills.
If I spend too much time contemplating the many demands that I place upon myself, I can become overwhelmed and paralyzed. And when that happens, I begin to take on the problems of the entire world, ranging from the ill-conceived National Health Care legislation to real threats to our national security from extremists in various parts of the world.
Whew!
But then I remember that all I need to do in order to successfully navigate my life is to perform, to the best of my ability, each task that is put before me to perform, one at a time. Further, I have an assurance that there is a Power greater than myself who will guide, direct and assist me, if I am willing to rely upon Him.
So when I am frustrated, discouraged, overwhelmed or fearful, I step back, take a break and focus on my solution. As I approach Holy Week, I am reminded that my solution -- indeed, the solution for the entire world -- is unremitting reliance upon the Risen Christ.
I hope everyone has a meaningful Holy Week as we prepare for the celebration of Easter.
R. David Weaver
If I spend too much time contemplating the many demands that I place upon myself, I can become overwhelmed and paralyzed. And when that happens, I begin to take on the problems of the entire world, ranging from the ill-conceived National Health Care legislation to real threats to our national security from extremists in various parts of the world.
Whew!
But then I remember that all I need to do in order to successfully navigate my life is to perform, to the best of my ability, each task that is put before me to perform, one at a time. Further, I have an assurance that there is a Power greater than myself who will guide, direct and assist me, if I am willing to rely upon Him.
So when I am frustrated, discouraged, overwhelmed or fearful, I step back, take a break and focus on my solution. As I approach Holy Week, I am reminded that my solution -- indeed, the solution for the entire world -- is unremitting reliance upon the Risen Christ.
I hope everyone has a meaningful Holy Week as we prepare for the celebration of Easter.
R. David Weaver
Monday, March 22, 2010
Meeting Old Friends
I have been attempting to navigate Facebook for a month or so, and I am absolutely amazed by the power of this technology. I have connected with friends that I have not seen since high school more than 40 years ago.
This experience has been a powerful reminder to me that we all are on this journey together. We may choose different paths, but we travel together through this thing called "Life". Often, we choose a path much lonelier than it needs to be. I know that I have. Finally, after stumbling around for the better part of six decades trying to "get ahead", I discovered that the relationships that we create with others are what really matter.
There has been a lot of controversy recently surrounding Facebook and other social websites, and while it is true that there are those who would use this technology for evil purposes, I remain grateful for the opportunity it has afforded me to connect with others who have been out of my life for way too long.
So to those with whom I recently have re-connected, I say, "Thank you for once more becoming a part of my life."
R. David Weaver
This experience has been a powerful reminder to me that we all are on this journey together. We may choose different paths, but we travel together through this thing called "Life". Often, we choose a path much lonelier than it needs to be. I know that I have. Finally, after stumbling around for the better part of six decades trying to "get ahead", I discovered that the relationships that we create with others are what really matter.
There has been a lot of controversy recently surrounding Facebook and other social websites, and while it is true that there are those who would use this technology for evil purposes, I remain grateful for the opportunity it has afforded me to connect with others who have been out of my life for way too long.
So to those with whom I recently have re-connected, I say, "Thank you for once more becoming a part of my life."
R. David Weaver
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Happy Birthday, Matthew!
I cannot believe that 12 years have passed since my first grandchild was born. Unfortunately, I was not able to be present at his birth, because his dad was in the military and stationed in the Seattle area at the time.
I suppose it's natural for a person to automatically assume that his descendants are going to be just like himself. I was no exception. I simply assumed that my own children and grandchildren would be, at age 12, big and dumb and interested only in sports (just like I was). I could not have been more wrong.
Matthew (my only male descendant so far) is a quiet, sensitive and very talented young man. He sees past most of those things that keep the rest of us from fully interacting with our fellow travelers on this Earth. A good example is how Matthew befriends those at his school who often are ridiculed or abused by their classmates because they are different, either as a result of a physical handicap or some other anomaly. How many of us -- even in our adult years -- shy away from those who are different from ourselves? My grandson has taught me the value of being sensitive to the need of all people for friendship, companionship and understanding.
I could go on forever about my grandson's outstanding qualities, such as his artistic and creative talent expressed in the original comic strips that he creates or his musical talent expressed in the manner in which he performs for his school orchestra.
Sometimes there is a lot of pressure being the only male in a jungle of female siblings and cousins, but Matthew navigates the course with style.
Happy birthday, grandson!
Grandpa
I suppose it's natural for a person to automatically assume that his descendants are going to be just like himself. I was no exception. I simply assumed that my own children and grandchildren would be, at age 12, big and dumb and interested only in sports (just like I was). I could not have been more wrong.
Matthew (my only male descendant so far) is a quiet, sensitive and very talented young man. He sees past most of those things that keep the rest of us from fully interacting with our fellow travelers on this Earth. A good example is how Matthew befriends those at his school who often are ridiculed or abused by their classmates because they are different, either as a result of a physical handicap or some other anomaly. How many of us -- even in our adult years -- shy away from those who are different from ourselves? My grandson has taught me the value of being sensitive to the need of all people for friendship, companionship and understanding.
I could go on forever about my grandson's outstanding qualities, such as his artistic and creative talent expressed in the original comic strips that he creates or his musical talent expressed in the manner in which he performs for his school orchestra.
Sometimes there is a lot of pressure being the only male in a jungle of female siblings and cousins, but Matthew navigates the course with style.
Happy birthday, grandson!
Grandpa
Monday, March 15, 2010
March Madness -- It's Not Just College Basketball
It's March. It's windy. And it's wild!
We have been dealing with our insurance company on not one, but two different claims for damage at our house. We had an indoor water problem that ruined the wood floor in our master bedroom, and we discovered that our roof was damaged by last year's hail storm. That's two claims, and two deductibles. Ouch!
But it hasn't all been bad news. We celebrated the birthday of our oldest granddaughter, and we will be celebrating the birthday of our grandson on March 18. Our latest addition to the family celebrated her one-month birthday, and our youngest daughter is home from Korea to have her new baby next month. And we celebrated the first birthday of my brother's first grandchild last week. The tribe is growing.
My beloved Baylor Bears made the quarter finals in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, and they are heading for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in more than a decade. In addition, my Texas Rangers look like they really may become serious contenders this year.
Meanwhile, I have been busy developing and marketing the law firm's new financial rehabilitation program. Just as "March Madness" is more than just basketball, our financial rehabilitation program is much more than just bankruptcy relief. Although I realize that the marketing of a professional service is more of a marathon than it is a sprint, I cannot help but be a little impatient for results. There are so many good people who could benefit greatly by what we are offering, and I am anxiously awaiting their call.
It's spring, and new growth is everywhere, as is our new hope for a better today and tomorrow.
R. David Weaver
We have been dealing with our insurance company on not one, but two different claims for damage at our house. We had an indoor water problem that ruined the wood floor in our master bedroom, and we discovered that our roof was damaged by last year's hail storm. That's two claims, and two deductibles. Ouch!
But it hasn't all been bad news. We celebrated the birthday of our oldest granddaughter, and we will be celebrating the birthday of our grandson on March 18. Our latest addition to the family celebrated her one-month birthday, and our youngest daughter is home from Korea to have her new baby next month. And we celebrated the first birthday of my brother's first grandchild last week. The tribe is growing.
My beloved Baylor Bears made the quarter finals in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, and they are heading for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in more than a decade. In addition, my Texas Rangers look like they really may become serious contenders this year.
Meanwhile, I have been busy developing and marketing the law firm's new financial rehabilitation program. Just as "March Madness" is more than just basketball, our financial rehabilitation program is much more than just bankruptcy relief. Although I realize that the marketing of a professional service is more of a marathon than it is a sprint, I cannot help but be a little impatient for results. There are so many good people who could benefit greatly by what we are offering, and I am anxiously awaiting their call.
It's spring, and new growth is everywhere, as is our new hope for a better today and tomorrow.
R. David Weaver
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy Birthday, Hayley (And Sic 'Em Bears!)
Today is my granddaughter's 10th birthday! She is a beautiful red-head with an active imagination and a gentle and sensitive disposition. With six grandchildren (and another on the way), I cannot single out any one of them as more special than another; each has his or her own very special and unique qualities.
For Hayley, it is her very active mind. She is blessed with a natural curiosity that, properly tempered by discipline, will serve her well as she grows and learns. She has a very gentle disposition. She loves and feels deeply, and she is not afraid to express her feelings in a way that makes everyone around her feel special.
I have very high hopes for her.
My much-aligned Baylor Bears finally, after a long and frustrating drought, have moved back into the national spotlight. The men's basketball team begins play in the tough Big 12 Tournament this week as the number 3 seed. The team is almost certain to win an invitation to the NCAA Tournament, and although Big 12 coaches predicted that the Bears would not finish the Big 12 season in the top half of the standings, experts now are saying that the Bears may well go deep into the NCAA Tournament.
If only our football team would take a few notes from the basketball program and wake up from its long hibernation, 2010 could become a banner year for Baylor athletics. Perhaps those who have criticized Baylor's selection as a member of the Big 12 will now be silenced.
For Hayley, it is her very active mind. She is blessed with a natural curiosity that, properly tempered by discipline, will serve her well as she grows and learns. She has a very gentle disposition. She loves and feels deeply, and she is not afraid to express her feelings in a way that makes everyone around her feel special.
I have very high hopes for her.
My much-aligned Baylor Bears finally, after a long and frustrating drought, have moved back into the national spotlight. The men's basketball team begins play in the tough Big 12 Tournament this week as the number 3 seed. The team is almost certain to win an invitation to the NCAA Tournament, and although Big 12 coaches predicted that the Bears would not finish the Big 12 season in the top half of the standings, experts now are saying that the Bears may well go deep into the NCAA Tournament.
If only our football team would take a few notes from the basketball program and wake up from its long hibernation, 2010 could become a banner year for Baylor athletics. Perhaps those who have criticized Baylor's selection as a member of the Big 12 will now be silenced.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
5-Star Client Reviews
I found out today that I have been reviewed by three former bankruptcy clients on the Lawyers.com website, and the reviews were quite favorable (5 stars, preeminent). I am told by the Martindale-Hubbell folks that the reviews will be published within 24 to 48 hours.
I always am gratified by the generous and supportive comments that I receive from my clients. After all, they are the people with the kind of first-hand knowledge and experience with an attorney who can provide trustworthy information about the quality of service that the attorney delivers. And that does not mean that the attorney always is able to get the result that a particular client wants. What it means is that the attorney is competent, genuinely interested in the client, attentive and tries hard to accomplish the client's goals. As long as I continue to demonstrate these traits, I can expect to continue to receive the kind of comments and reviews that I have been receiving from my clients.
If you want to take a look at what some of my clients have said about the work I have performed for them, go to the Weaver Law Firm Facebook "Reviews" page or to www.lawyers.com/Bankruptcy/Texas/Arlington/law-firms.html and click on my firm's listing there. And while you're at it, don't forget to visit my new bankruptcy website, www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com.
R. David Weaver
I always am gratified by the generous and supportive comments that I receive from my clients. After all, they are the people with the kind of first-hand knowledge and experience with an attorney who can provide trustworthy information about the quality of service that the attorney delivers. And that does not mean that the attorney always is able to get the result that a particular client wants. What it means is that the attorney is competent, genuinely interested in the client, attentive and tries hard to accomplish the client's goals. As long as I continue to demonstrate these traits, I can expect to continue to receive the kind of comments and reviews that I have been receiving from my clients.
If you want to take a look at what some of my clients have said about the work I have performed for them, go to the Weaver Law Firm Facebook "Reviews" page or to www.lawyers.com/Bankruptcy/Texas/Arlington/law-firms.html and click on my firm's listing there. And while you're at it, don't forget to visit my new bankruptcy website, www.arlingtontxbankruptcy.com.
R. David Weaver
Monday, March 1, 2010
Rainy Days and Mondays
The Carpenters (in my original post, I incorrectly said the Mommas & The Pappas, but no one has read it, or if anyone did, they didn't notice it) sure got it right! It's rainy and it's a Monday here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. And although I may be a little down due to the dreary weather, I am a long way from being out.
We have developed a system here at the office for tracking new client calls, and I hope to find out that all of the time, money and effort that we have expended during the past couple of weeks to expand our presence on the internet soon will yield fruit. Since I have a lot of eggs in this basket, the idea that this effort was useless simply is unacceptable! So I have very high expectations, not only of the effectiveness of my new marketing campaign, but of myself and my staff in delivering what we are promising, and more.
I am excited that you have chosen to follow our progress and are along for the journey. The road is a little unnerving at times, but I am convinced that I am doing the right thing. The impact that my staff and I have an opportunity to make in the lives of those struggling to keep their heads above water is both humbling and exciting.
If you would like to help us help others, then spread the word. Tell your friends, family and acquaintances about the unique financial rehabilitation services we are offering. It will make you feel good for having helped someone in need, and all it will have cost you was a friendly word and a recommendation to a firm that has worked hard to earn your trust and confidence.
Thank you for being here for us.
R. David Weaver
We have developed a system here at the office for tracking new client calls, and I hope to find out that all of the time, money and effort that we have expended during the past couple of weeks to expand our presence on the internet soon will yield fruit. Since I have a lot of eggs in this basket, the idea that this effort was useless simply is unacceptable! So I have very high expectations, not only of the effectiveness of my new marketing campaign, but of myself and my staff in delivering what we are promising, and more.
I am excited that you have chosen to follow our progress and are along for the journey. The road is a little unnerving at times, but I am convinced that I am doing the right thing. The impact that my staff and I have an opportunity to make in the lives of those struggling to keep their heads above water is both humbling and exciting.
If you would like to help us help others, then spread the word. Tell your friends, family and acquaintances about the unique financial rehabilitation services we are offering. It will make you feel good for having helped someone in need, and all it will have cost you was a friendly word and a recommendation to a firm that has worked hard to earn your trust and confidence.
Thank you for being here for us.
R. David Weaver
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