text: The Beat Goes On: May 2007
  Good day to you my friends. Been a couple weeks since I last blogged and the cause for the delay is the usual suspects, the busyness of life and yes…the weather. The continued rain in my area of the world has posed certain daily challenges for a guy who rides a motorcycle every day. But that's not what I came to blog about today.
  Counsel is what I'm talking about. Not counsel such as Denny Crane, the quirky lawyer portrayed by William Shatner in one of my more liked television programs Boston Legal. But then again, the premise is the same. The definition found at www.yourdictionary.com is as follows: n. 1. The act of exchanging opinions and ideas; consultation. 2. Advice or guidance, especially as solicited from a knowledgeable person. The second definition is where I'm headed today.
  As I contemplated this subject, I found it rather ironic that my view on this has changed during the course of my life; perhaps your experience has been similar. As a young man, before I had left the care of my parents, advice and guidance was the last thing I wanted, from them especially. I am now on the other side of that coin, and one of the most common phrases I hear from my own teenager is, "You just don't get it!" I used to feel that way…a lot. In fact, that feeling led me to drug use and addiction. I was convinced that no one could possibly relate or know how I felt and the drugs were an escape and way to numb the emotions and feelings I didn't know what to do with. More correctly stated – the emotions and feelings I wouldn't share with anyone.
  I now have a completely opposite view of advice and guidance; I know the importance of counsel. Accepting sound counsel helped me to walk away from drugs. Accepting counsel keeps me from walking away from family, friends and situations that get tough. Good counsel is priceless, and can be found in many different places, not just a lawyer to represent you in a court of law. But for the record, I recommend one should you find yourself there.
  People who love you often give good counsel because they care about you; they want what's best for you. Teenagers would do well to learn that lesson early on. There are times in life when a professional counselor may be warranted, a completely neutral voice viewing your situation from the sidelines can give you a perspective you may not have considered. One of my favorite counselors is the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus was crucified, he told those he spent time with that after him would come a helper, a counselor – the Holy Spirit who would lead, strengthen and guide us. I've found that to be true.
  And the coolest part is that because it's a spirit thing, that spirit appears in those I love, my family and friends, people who appear in my life and help me. God, in His infinite love for me moves among those I come in contact with and does what He said He would – never leaves me alone. I challenge you today to open your spiritual eyes and look for the counselor that God has promised you, and then listen. I'm sure good advice or guidance is sure to come.