TommyLog – Determination – Persistence & Team Work

Hey Kids it’s dad, and for today’s Tommy log I want to talk to you about a movie I just saw. The movie is called The Founder. About Ray Kroc and the story of McDonald’s and how he worked with the McDonald brothers to build the McDonald’s empire. Ray Kroc was a very shrewd businessman. He knew what he wanted. He let nothing get in his way.

A couple positive things I learned from the movie were about determination, persistence and teamwork. If you’re determined you can get anywhere. If you’re persistent and keep at it you’ll get anywhere. But let’s not forget the people that are around you and working as a team — there is nothing you can’t accomplish.

When you think about McDonald’s and you think about Ray Kroc’s rise to fame – – all three of those elements come to play. One of my favorite motto it is “gentle pressure relentlessly applied” I learned that from a leader back in my Banta days.

If we apply these three things in your daily life, determination, persistence, and teamwork – – life will be so much better and will get what we want.

TommyLog – The Importance of Family

Hey Kids it’s Dad, and for today’s Tommy log I want to talk to you about the importance of family. Family makes the world go round. Each family member is such an important part of the whole. Each child brings their own individual characteristics that makes us what we are – – a family.

Whether it be Madeline, Clara, Tommy, Emma or Drew. You each have your own loving qualities. Families are awesome and I’m thankful to have you in ours!!

TommyLog – A Musical Tribute & Sharing Talents

Hey Kids it’s dad, And for today’s TommyLog I want to talk to you and close the chapter on the funerals I attended last week. As you recall I attended the funeral of the son of a friend from church. Sadly a few days after his son passed, his wife passed away also. This is about his wife’s funeral.

This funeral had a completely different tone than his sons funeral. For one thing I knew Maggie personally. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Maggie was an internationally known opera singer who spent over 30 years traveling Europe. She sang in some of the most world renowned opera houses in the world.

Her voice was simply amazing!!

At her funeral, one of her students took time out of her busy schedule to pay tribute to Maggie. She sang a few opera selections in Italian – – I couldn’t tell you a word that she said – – but that was so beautiful.

She shared her heart and she shared her talents with us. A touching tribute to such an amazing human being.

There was not a dry eye in the entire place. Maggie spirit filled the room through Jennifer’s voice. It was truly, truly remarkable. While I was listening to this beautiful music and thinking about the life of Maggie, I couldn’t help but think what an amazing tour guide she would’ve been, to take you to all the hottest spot in Europe. From opera houses to famous restaurants to amazing attractions.

Thank you so much Jennifer for bringing in such an amazing spirit and for such a touching tribute to sweet Maggie. You are an amazing example of how you let your talents shine and not hide them under a bushel.

Till we meet again song bird Maggie. Again thank you Jennifer for making this memorial service one of the most awesome ones I’ve ever attended. You’re an amazing human being.

Kids – – we need to all be a lot more like Jennifer. Share your talents wherever you go. You never know the impact he will have!

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TommyLog – How Do You Want To be Remembered

Hey Kids it’s dad, and for today’s Tommy log I want to talk to you about an experience I had last week. Last week a friend of the family lost his son. His son was struggling with some health issues in recent years. He was only 53 years old.

The service was held at Appleton alliance church. This is a much different congregation then I’m used to going to at the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because this was a new church, I wanted to arrive early, get my bearings – – pay my respects and give my condolences to the father.

The music was beautiful as was the message. But things were very different. During the eulogy I was told about a man who was star running back on his high school and college football teams. Was a community leader and branch manager of a financial institution here in town. But when I looked around I got sad. I saw less than 50 people at the service. I just didn’t understand.

As I do at many memorial services I kind of sit back and reflect on my own life. I sat back and thought what would people say about me. Here is this man and all he gets is an hour. His 53 years all summed up in music and spoken word lasts about an hour. He wasn’t some mega A-list celebrity and won’t  get a huge memorial service. He probably will not have a building named after him – – and won’t have a star on the walk of fame.

What is your legacy going to be? You’re only going to get an hour – – what will people say about you?

This really hit me hard. I don’t know why. I don’t know why am so concerned. But I am. I love you all. And I’m thankful to be your dad.

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TommyLog – One Door Closes – Another Door Opens

Hey Kids it’s Dad, and for today’s TommyLog I want to talk to you a little bit about 2016. 2016 was A good year. A lot of learning, a lot of change. Change makes us stronger. When one door closes, another door opens. I’ve had some wonderful opportunities in 2016. A couple great jobs. Sadly one job job ended. All out of my control. I’ve had some amazing opportunities come since I’ve been laid off. The Lord has watched over the Clifford family. Tom Clifford’s network has come out in spades. So many great people have come to help. Jobs and opportunities have come out of the woodwork. I’m thankful for each and every person who is reached out to us. We had an amazing Christmas. Was it easy? No it was not. But that makes us stronger.

Had an amazing job offer come in yesterday. I’m super excited. It’s a part-time gig, but it’s going allow me to grow. And last night a couple other possibilities formed. Don’t know where they are going – – but it will be fun to watch. I am very blessed.

Just remember, when one door closes, another door opens up wider and brighter. I’m so excited to be a part of 2017 and for the amazing things that are in store for the Clifford family!

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