Tales of Connection, Creativity, and Growth in 2024

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Psalm 68:6 declares, “God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing.” This truth has woven itself into the fabric of our lives this year, shaping how Lisa and I see our purpose and relationships.

The ritual of reflecting on the year began in 1986, with only a Day-Timer and a few rolls of film. Back then, I would review the calendar, journal entries, and photographs—sifting through moments to uncover meaning. Today, the tools have changed (95,472 photos and 7,500 videos are a bit more than a few rolls of film!), but the heart of the ritual remains the same. I step back, look for the highlights, and ask what God has been teaching me through it all.

The categories help: family, business, Glen Rose, friends, favorite books and movies, and, of course, a special section for our grandson, Gwydion. However, I’ve realized that what stands out most this year isn’t just the milestones—it’s the people and their stories, the moments of connection, and the ways we’ve seen God at work.

For Lisa and me, 2024 has been a year of deep satisfaction as we’ve found a rhythm at River Rose Ranch. The toil of restoration is behind us; now, it’s where lives are being restored. Whether helping local families, supporting neighbors through her food pantry work and Read to Little One’s book ministry, or offering a home to those who need one, we’ve learned how to step into others’ lives with compassion and without judgment. These aren’t just stories—they’re our family now.

We’ve seen incredible pain and resilience, and we’ve learned to live with a deeper appreciation of what it means to “suffer with” others, to walk alongside them when life feels unbearable. This year, the Sermon on the Mount has been my study, and Jesus’ words about loving and serving without conditions have taken root in a new way.

It’s a gift to be significant to a few rather than marginal to many. Whether it’s someone in crisis, a best-selling author grappling with loneliness, or a friend who texts me with words of gratitude I don’t feel I deserve, this year has shown me that trust and loyalty transform lives—including our own.

 Sundays with Gwydion have become a cherished tradition. Our mornings start with an early ride, breakfast at McDonald’s (his favorite), maybe a stop at Starbucks, and a visit to Mamaw’s house before heading to church. Afterward, there’s time on the playground and afternoons exploring the ranch. Gwydion turned three in September, and his curiosity keeps us on our toes.

We rotate between the train set in the barndominium, Pop’s office, and adventures by the creek. His parents, both autistic, share the same unique fascinations our daughter had as a toddler. How do we know? At the zoo, the vending machines steal the show. Longhorns, donkeys, and sheep are ignored for an iron gate with a doorknob at the tree farm. Even on a trip to Best Buy, the security tags and display locks take priority over electronic toys. 

I’m learning to live in Gwydion’s one-mile-an-hour world. It’s a pace where curiosity takes the lead, and every detail becomes a new frontier. Sundays with him are a masterclass in setting aside my adult agenda to immerse in his wonder-filled perspective fully.

Take, for example, our trips to Best Buy. Watching him rearrange price tags on cell phones or test every button on the speaker display isn’t just amusing—it’s a glimpse into the intricate workings of his mind. Of course, I return the price tags to their rightful places when his attention shifts, but I can’t help but marvel at his intuitive focus, the way his curiosity consumes him entirely.

This reminded me of the NASA research I often share as part of the origin story for Genius Spark. NASA discovered that 98% of children between the ages of three and five test as creative geniuses. At this age, their brains are dominated by Theta waves, which foster intuitive, almost hypnotic states of focus and creativity. Children naturally live in this imaginative space until they are about seven or eight years old.

Watching Gwydion, I don’t just see this research in action—I feel it. His complete absorption in the moment is a weekly object lesson in creativity. Whether it’s exploring the creek, playing with his train set, or delighting in the mechanics of a doorknob, he pulls me into his world.

The most profound part of these Sundays is not simply observing his creativity but relearning my own. By sharing in his experience—allowing curiosity to lead and agendas to fall away—I am reminded of what it means to engage the world with wide-eyed wonder. Understanding creativity as a concept and sharing it through my work is one thing. It’s another thing to experience it alongside my grandson, who unknowingly teaches me something new about genius’s origins each week.

Springtime brought its own magic to our property: acres of bluebonnets, adventures along the creek, and the joy of seeing our dam overflowing after much-needed rains. This is another part of our day with Gwydion, whose favorite activity is anything to do with water or throwing rocks.

Speaking of natural rhythms, our grandson Gwydion has become my greatest teacher in the art of full engagement. On ranch days, he's a perpetual motion machine, throwing himself into every adventure with the kind of unbridled enthusiasm only a three-year-old can muster. When it's time to head home, we might hear a protest or two, but within ten minutes on the road, he's sound asleep - nature's perfect reminder of how we're meant to live—full throttle in our passions, followed by complete rest.

Watching him has made me reflect on why Sundays have become my highest-output day of the week, according to my WHOOP app. For 2025, we're crafting a plan that releases his boundless energy and Pop’s and Mamaw's need for recovery—finding that sweet spot between nurturing his genius and preserving our own. I’ve learned I can do far more when I find the rhythm and embrace it. 

Lisa and I celebrated 45 years of marriage in March with a two-week trip to Amsterdam. The tulips at Keukenhof were everything we’d hoped for: a perfect trifecta of vibrant blooms, great weather, and Dutch apple pie. Wandering along the canals, visiting world-class art museums, and immersing ourselves in Holland’s Golden Age of history left us inspired (and temporarily abandoning our low-carb diet!).

While the beauty of the art captured our imagination, we were intrigued by the conditions that allowed such genius to flourish during that extraordinary period. Here are five key factors that stood out:

1. Artistic Innovation:
   • Rembrandt: Mastered the interplay of light and shadow to convey profound emotional depth.
   • Vermeer: Created intimate, timeless moments with unparalleled realism and gentle light.
   • Ruisdael: Brought landscapes to life with drama and vivid storytelling.
   • Frans Hals: Revolutionized portraiture, paving the way for Impressionists like Manet and Van Gogh.

1. Shipbuilding Mastery: Dutch shipbuilding innovations produced faster, more maneuverable, and cost-effective ships, securing dominance over the seas.
2. Amsterdam’s Strategic Role: Its prime location made it Europe’s commercial epicenter, fueling growth and creativity.
3. A Center of Learning: Freedom of thought and emphasis on education attracted scientists, philosophers, and entrepreneurs across Europe.
4. A Haven of Tolerance: Amsterdam welcomed talent from all backgrounds, fostering collaboration and ingenuity.

Reflecting on this period made me think about the environments we create today—what conditions can we nurture to allow the genius within each of us to thrive?

Two weeks without distractions, unusually beautiful weather, delightful food (desserts), artistic mastery and leisurely learning about a different world and a different time provided the recipe for lasting memories. 

Glen Rose stands as a testament to what makes Texas towns endure. Founded in 1849 as a trading post along the Paluxy River, it's a place where history runs as deep as the dinosaur tracks embedded in the riverbed. Our historic house, built in 1910 from petrified wood, fossils, and stone, sits on land that once held two tabernacles—one by the river and another where our barn-dominium now rises against the Texas sunsets.

The town's story reads like a Texas history book come to life. In the 1930s, when Somervell was the poorest county in Texas, Glen Rose became the moonshine capital until the Texas Rangers wrote the final chapter of that era. Today, we're known for different treasures: those ancient dinosaur tracks that draw paleontologists from around the world, the masterful bronze and oil works of Robert Summer, and the grit of hometown hero Dan Campbell leading the Detroit Lions. If you stop by, I’ll take you down to the creek to show you our dinosaur footprint. 

Glen Rose retains its authenticity of frontier grit and deep ties to family and community. With just over 2,600 residents and a high school football stadium that seats 6,500, you get the picture of what matters here. The rhythm of life moves with the seasons—Fourth of July parades, Homecoming festivities, and a Hometown Christmas that turns Barnard Street and the town square into a gathering of every generation. 

This year brought change at its own measured pace. The Paluxy Music Festival has reemerged, Three B’s has opened as our first micro-pub, and with the arrival of Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell, it was when Whataburger came to town that we knew Texas was smiling on us. But the heart still beats at places like Debbie’s breakfast cafe, where the Table of Knowledge, old-timers only, has solved the world’s problems over coffee for the last 36 years. I heard there was a similar gathering at the Dairy Queen each morning. I haven’t checked it out because bacon and eggs are on my low-carb diet, and going to Dairy Queen is a non-starter. 

At River Rose, we've created our own chapter in this ongoing story. The land speaks for itself—from the winding Paluxy River to the towering live oaks shading our 37-foot screened deck. We've hosted visionaries imagining the future of work and spiritual guides seeking deeper wisdom. The kitchen at Oma Leens and Whiskey Woods keeps the tradition of Texas hospitality alive, serving up flavors that tell their own stories.

It’s time for a fresh start with our bees! This April, we’re gearing up to plant three brand-new hives. The harsh winter and a soggy spring put our last hive to an untimely end. Bees need regular attention; they’re vulnerable to threats, and every little danger must be caught early. I’ve learned the hard way about respecting our vital pollinators. After getting swarmed last year—imagine dozens of buzzing bees infiltrating my suit—I was in real peril. The nurses at the hospital counted over forty stings on me! Once I finally escaped that frenzy, I stumbled back into the house, gasping for air. Lisa, insisted I get a check-up immediately, but I thought I could just catch my breath for a moment. Well, that moment turned out to be a mistake, as the venom began to take over. It takes just about one hundred stings to hit a lethal dose, and I consider myself lucky. But I can’t help but think that some of our hive’s struggles stem from my reluctance to check on them. Let’s hope for wiser and better days ahead! 

Glen Rose sits at a crossroads now—between the families who’ve passed down land through generations and newcomers discovering what we found during the pandemic. Some of the old guard want to preserve the town in amber, while others embrace the change that’s occurring as surely as the Paluxy keeps flowing. Either way, this place keeps writing its story, one day at a time.

For visitors staying at our guest house, the view over the river offers a glimpse of what drew people here generations ago. Maybe the same thing keeps drawing them back—not just the healing waters the town was once famous for but the sense that some places still hold onto what matters.

Moving to Glen Rose taught me that not all boots are created equal. My search for the perfect ranch boot started with a revelation from a fellow church member who introduced me to the world of Pacific Northwest boots through his custom Whites, made in Spokane. The discovery led me on an unexpected journey to Eugene, Oregon, piggybacking on a client workshop in Salem.  

Following GPS coordinates in Eugene, I found myself in an industrial district, searching for a workshop that had no storefront, no listed phone number - just a partially raised garage door and the promising glimpse of leather within. What I discovered inside Truman Boots was more than a workshop; it was a testament to the art of making things that last.

Tyler, sporting an impressive beard and accompanied by a friendly Labrador (whose favorite toy was a worn leather heel), gave me an impromptu tour that turned into a masterclass in leather craftsmanship. The Waxed Java boots that caught my eye weren't just beautiful - they carried history in their leather, sourced from Chicago's historic Horween Tannery, a heritage dating back to military-grade "daubed" leathers.

A second visit introduced me to Vince, the owner, and led to my Oxblood Double Shot Cap Toe boots. Now my collection includes three pairs, each with its purpose - ranch work, travel, and dress occasions. But they've become more than just footwear. They remind me that real value often lies in the story and craft behind an object, not just its utility.

In a world of quick consumption and disposable goods, these boots represent something deeper: the worth of things made with care, the importance of supporting true craftspeople, and how seeking quality can lead to unexpected connections. Whether it's boots, homes, or relationships, the most meaningful things in life often come with stories worth sharing.

As we close this year, I'm grateful for these reminders that sometimes the best discoveries happen when we take time to look beyond the surface and appreciate the craftsmanship that makes ordinary things extraordinary.

This year's culinary journey combined new discoveries with fond traditions. Just down the road in Hico, Oma Leens delivered a revelation in the form of chicken and waffles—mysteriously light, crisp waffles paired with battered chicken like I’ve never experienced, drizzled with maple syrup that had me scraping the plate clean and contemplating seconds. It's the kind of dish that makes a short drive feel like a pilgrimage.

June's Neocon trip to Chicago always comes with its own sacred rituals. The cornbread-crusted deep-dish at Gino's on E. Superior isn't just pizza - it's a Chicago institution. Paired with a classic Portillo's hot dog, it's a one-two punch of my Chicago roots. The Blues Fest before the show filled Grant Park with soulful riffs and creative expression, including those always-entertaining T-shirts. And speaking of traditions, after a brief hiatus from my famous bacon posts, I'm officially declaring that bacon is back in the rotation.

When it comes to elevated classics, the Capital Grille along Miami’s Miracle Mile reminded me why some things never need reinvention— their ribeye sandwich stands out as this year’s top-tasting memory. But the real showstopper came during a quick Dallas getaway with Lisa to Deep Ellum’s legendary Pecan Lodge. Their beef rib is more monument than meal—a $43 masterpiece that commands its own tray and justifies every cent of its $35-per-pound price tag. Some might call it excessive; I call it essential Texas research.

Twenty-five years ago, I made a simple promise to myself: master one new habit each year in key areas of my life. Like compound interest, these small commitments have grown into something remarkable. This year's numbers tell quite a story - my heart rate variability is up 30%, and my resting heart rate sits at 42 beats per minute. For those wondering, think of HRV as your body's resilience score - how quickly you can gear up for action and wind down for recovery. A resting heart rate of 42? That's like getting the job done with a third less effort than normal. 

I owe these insights to my faithful companion, the WHOOP app, which keeps me honest with a steady stream of data and gentle nudges toward better choices. But numbers only tell part of the story. Last year's commitment to daily walks around our property taught me something unexpected - while soul-satisfying, these ambles barely registered as exercise. The latest research suggests that Zone 2 training - working at about 65% of maximum heart rate - is where the magic happens for heart health and recovery ability.

So, for 2025, I'm adding a new chapter to this ongoing story: an hour of Zone 2 exercise each week. Don't worry - I'm still taking those property walks. There's something about watching the morning light play across the Paluxy River that numbers can't capture. But now I'm starting my days a bit earlier, hitting the gym to get my heart dancing at that sweet spot between effort and ease. It's just one more small commitment in a quarter-century journey of building better habits, one year at a time.

Sometimes the most profound gifts come wrapped in layers of surprise. This year's green summit for school architects and administrators in Austin, masterfully orchestrated by Jonathan Stanley, turned into just such an experience. Congress Street provided the perfect backdrop, with Texas weather cooperating beautifully for our outdoor sessions. What unfolded closing evening at the Moonshine Grill played like a masterful magic trick - three acts of wonder that inspired us all.

The setup began with the perfect Texas scene: Mexican buffet spreading across tables while country music filled the air. Then came the turn - that moment when coincidence feels like destiny. One of our Boston attendee, who'd visited River Rose in spring, lit up with pure joy when she recognized the band. She'd become their devoted fan, following their journey from afar, and now here they were, providing the soundtrack to our evening. The photo I captured of their reunion tells a story of connections that transcend distance.

But the prestige - that final act of magic that leaves you speechless - was yet to come. From my seat up front, I watched an artist finger-painting to the music's rhythm. The canvas, mysteriously upside down, kept its secret until the final moments. When I glimpsed the familiar colors of my Genius Spark logo, appearing at what I thought was the bottom of the canvas, my heart skipped, “It can’t be!” The artist flipped the painting, revealing my portrait - a gift from Tarkett that caught me completely off guard.

Ten years of collaboration with Jonathan, his contributions to two MindShift books, and our evolution from colleagues to trusted friends culminated in this moment. We both fought back tears, maintaining what I can only call our "Texas composure." Some gifts aren't just objects; they're mirrors reflecting back the connections we've built and the lives we've touched along the way.

The story of Genius Spark this year reads like a testament to the power of simplicity. What began as a vision to help people discover their best selves has blossomed into a movement, touching lives in ways I never imagined. We've crossed the milestone of 5,000 users on our platform, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each user is a person discovering their unique brilliance, crafting their portrait of excellence, and learning to shine brighter.

Our first Guide retreat at River Rose Ranch was a highlight that perfectly embodied our mission. Watching thirty certified Guides from across the country gather here, sharing stories and insights beneath the Texas sky, reminded me why we started this journey. These aren't just trainers – they're transformational leaders who understand that true change happens when we focus on what matters most.

Our tools have evolved following a principle I learned in Lean Construction: eliminate waste and focus on the essential 5% that drives 95% of the results. We've added weekly icebreakers for managers, making it easier to build strength-focused cultures. Our new book club workshops break down each chapter into actionable insights, creating a shared language of excellence within organizations.

2024 marked our first company-wide implementation, a pilot that taught us valuable lessons about scaling our impact. Now, with two major corporations preparing to roll out Genius Spark across their organizations, we're seeing how our simple formula – reinforce, get feedback, reflect daily – can transform individuals and workplaces.

Introducing our custom mugs in December may seem minor, but they symbolize something larger: tangible reminders to encourage everyone to show up as their best selves each day. With our audiobook release scheduled for early 2025, we’re making it even easier for people to create a vision of their best selves and a process to bring it to life. 

2025, I plan to raise $1.5 million to expand our reach. This isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating tools that help tens of thousands discover their genius. We are developing a Genius Spark assessment and mapping others to our Genius Traits to create a universal tool for developing one’s Genius Paragraph. 

What amazes me is how the simplest truths often have the most profound impact. In a world that complicates personal development, we’ve discovered that focusing on the essentials—helping people see, celebrate, and consistently embody their best selves—creates the deepest transformations. It’s not about adding more; it’s about illuminating what’s already there, waiting to shine.

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