A New Year ... A New Beginning!

My relationship with "Social Media" has turned into something of an infatuation. Although I don't spend much time reading other blogs, etc., I find myself drawn to Facebook Friends and keeping in touch. I have spent much time and energy "branding" myself on my business page (www.facebook.com/chuckmalonerealestate) and my business blog (http://www.yourhomemalone.com/) as well as a You Tube Channel (www.youtube.com/user/cmalone44) all in an effort to stay current with the communication trends and serve my real estate clients.

But this Blog Site is dedicated to more personal musings ... an opportunity to express feelings that otherwise might not be appropriate for a business blog.

So it's a new year ... and a new opportunity to shed the grey and sometimes dark clouds of the previous decade. I look forward to being able to write about good things happening in 2011 to the Malone Zone.

Stay tuned, at least weekly.

A New Chapter Begins

I keep having to remind myself that ALL of life's experiences are for our good, as another door closes ... others open.

Somewhere along the line I used my free agency and chose to live the life of an entrepreneur over a safe and secure "job." That choice has provided many experiences over the course of my working life that have molded me into the man I am today. I truly enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of not having the same environment to report to every day, the flexibility to coach a softball team, or attend parent teacher conferences, or just be around the family while I earned my way.

Why do we choose certain professions? I was accepted into Palmer Chiropractic School, having graduated from ASU in 1969, but after selling our home, quitting my job, and practically having the car loaded for the trip, Linda started to miscarry, and we were advised ... no, told NOT to even think about leaving town, by Linda's physician, who happened to be our neighbor as well.

So I begged the person who bought our home, to give it back ... they did. And I crawled into work, asking for my old job back ... but I got a better one. And our second child (Stacy) was born without complications ... and life continued on a different course that would lead ultimately to a career framed with variations of the real estate industry ... Real Estate Broker; Home Building and Land Development; New Home sales; Land Brokerage; Construction Management; Environmental Consulting; developing Gas Stations with the new attraction, Convenience Markets; and later developing and managing Retail Strip Malls and Travel Centers for clients.

Just before the recent economic "crash" I had associated myself in a partnership with a local real estate family to develop and manage self-storage facilities. We had accumulated 3 locations and were just minutes away from pulling the trigger on the construction of our first facility. Again, timing was against us and unfortunately (or fortunately) we pulled in our horns.

Throw in a few "specialized" detours such as starting a lumber company that merged with another company to become R&K Building Supplies; an LDS bookstore that became Desert Book on Mesa Drive; a metal building franchise that bit the dust in the first year; a very successful Independent Amway Distributorship; a Dairy Queen franchise in Tempe; a Published Author (magazine articles); a paid Public Speaker and Trainer; a Merchant Services Representative in the credit card and financial services industry; and most recently a Project Manager at a local Extended Stay Hotel.

If you are reading this blog, you probably have already received an email announcing my recent affiliation with Keller Williams Realty East Valley. Wow! has the real estate industry changed since I opened my doors in 1974 with Malone Realty & Investments and then Old West Realty.
Today, there are specialists for everything! You can be a Buyer's agent, a Seller's agent, a Transaction Coordinator, an Open House sittee :0) ... An REO, Short Sale, Foreclosure Specialist with professional designations. All I wanted to do was to serve people with problems to solve. That is what I have done all my life and continue to do today. A long-time client of mine quipped the other day "We don't give you anything easy do we?" No they don't, but then, why would they?

I look forward to the next chapter in my life. It certainly is not called "retirement." My "gun for hire" persona invites all sorts of future challenges and accomplishments. If you know of anyone that might benefit from the cinemascopic (is that a real word?) view of life I have chose to call "ChuckHasSolutions.com" I would appreciate the referral.

So stay tuned for the development of the next chapter ... in the life of Gun for Hire, Chuck Malone.

2009, A Year to Remember ... or Forget?

One Christmas tradition that has continued after the death of both my parents has been a Christmas Eve "lighting of the candles" with my sister and her extended family. The Malone children, their children, and my sister's extended family have dinner together and then conclude the activity by gathering in somewhat of a circle, pass out the white candles, and prepare to share what this year has meant to each, young and old, as the candles are lighted one by one.

My observation this year was that every family spoke of trials they had encountered during the year. Not in a "feel sorry for me" way, but of a sweetness that comes only from being tried and living to tell about it, only to be tried and tested again.

Some say, this year of 2009 was second only to the Great Depression in it's effect upon our lives and previous standards of living. I will leave my comments about that to a future blog ... but only reference it now to make the point that 2009 will indeed be remembered as a year of universal trial. Some of us, however, will remember 2009 as a year to be forgotten, and that would be a shame if we forget.

As our family lit our candles, and expressed what was on our mind and heart, there was a common thread weaving itself through our relationships, other than a common bloodline. We had been tried and had managed to still love one another. Another common thread evident in our remarks was feelings for God and His Son Jesus Christ. Most everyone confessed a deeper love for our Savior and for His spirit touching their lives with comfort and support. No one blamed God for their misfortune or loss of revenue. No one seemed full of regret or hard feelings. We had been tried ... and were found to be humble as we shared our feelings with one another.

As in the past, "this too will pass," and once again we will experience growth and harvest. How unfortunate if we do not learn the lessons from 2009 that were taught in abundance:

1. What matters most is family ... someone to share with and sacrifice for.

2. Avoid debt.

3. Develop a skill that could be used to provide income should the need arise.

4. Don't think you have a "forever" job or occupation ...
just ask those of us who "used" to be developers of real estate.

5. Develop interpersonal skills that could be transferred from one industry to another.

6. Save a little food and a little money, for a rainy day ... or month ... or year.

7. We are happiest when we are serving others.

8. A clear conscience is a great sleep-aid. Give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay;
forgive those who trespass against you; choose honesty over the potential of gain at the
expense of others; integrity means doing the "right" thing.

9. Clip a coupon, chase a sale, celebrate the savings.

10. Remember to give God all the glory and praise for your "new found" happiness and good
fortune as it comes.

Soon, the 2009 year will be replaced with a new year and hopes of a brighter future. It is my hope and prayer that the changes in me that came as a result of trial, will not be lost or forgotten. I hope to remember the sweet feelings of the Master's embrace as I wept for an other's illness or business setbacks. How I cared enough to mourn with those who suffered loss of loved ones and friends. How I penned a gentle note of appreciation and stamped it with love.

Yes, it was a difficult year ... one that I hope will never be forgotten.

Thoughts on LDS General Conference

Saturday, the 3rd of October 2009, marked the 179th Semi-Annual "General Conference" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the "Mormons"). Fortunately, I was able to attend ALL sessions via BYU TV and loved every minute of it. I have even recorded each session so I can watch segments over the next 6 months and study the words of the modern day Prophets.

At the invitation of our Stake President, I approached General Conference with personal prayer on subjects of personal interest and need. I hoped for answers, but knew that those answers would only come after personal study and meditation. Studying it out in my own mind, then asking God for confirmation.

The first answer came in the form of a hymn sung by the Tabernacle Choir, Saturday morning session. "Choose the Right, and God will bless you evermore." I believe that hymn carried the message of the Conference: "Agency ... We are free to choose."

We choose how we "respond" to challenges. We choose to be more diligent and concerned at home; Agency, the power to choose, was part of our pre-existant birthright; We are free to choose Temperance, Restraint, Yet patient in affliction - hold the course under pressure;

I thought Boyd K. Packers talk on "Spiritual Communication" was timely.

During the Saturday evening Priesthood Session, M. Russell Ballard gave valuable advice to Fathers and Sons on "How to Talk Together."

President Uchtdorph related principles that sustained him through his very difficult youth and early adulthood. He counseled: Work ... Fill your life with work. Be steady and consistent and things will improve.
Learn ... Education is not just a good idea, it is a commandment.

I loved President Eyrings talk "Those who are prepared, shall answer the call." He recalled an experience when a neighbors child had been hit by a car and not expected to live. President Eyring was called by the parents to administer. He had no time to prepare, but had oil and faith, and had lived the gospel so that God would have no trouble "finding him." He blessed the child ... and she lived.

President Monson spoke of "Anger." A feeling that many of us have found invading our souls as times get tougher. Sometimes we place blame for our circumstances ... and that leads to anger.

There were others ... but President Monson's talk on "Service," just confirmed my own convictions that unless we loose ourselves in the service of others, we are left to reflect on our own miseries ... and become selfish with our time, talents, and means. "We loose ourselves in pursuit of the "thick of thin things," when we don't serve," said President Monson.

My testimony of God and His eternal plan of happiness was strengthened by listening to conference and then studying the notes I took, and recording my feelings in my journal. How blessed I feel to have access to a "fountain of living waters," even the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its Prophets and Apostles. To be taught what God would have us know about how to survive these troubled times, is truly the Pearl of Great Price spoken of in the scriptures.

I know God lives and that he loves us. I also know that there are laws on which blessings are predicated, and obedience to those laws are essential to receiving those blessings. I feel I am better equipped to live those laws, having sat at the feet of wise men and women during this Conference.

Primary Program

Linda leads the music in Sacrament Service and I usually sit in my assigned seat two rows from the front, so we can sit together during most of the service. Today was our Ward Primary Program and the entire choir seating area was filled with primary age children. By themselves, they usually put on a real entertaining show, but today the 3-year olds stole center stage. Placed on risers in front of the podium, each with his/her own little chair, they sat their like little angels, just waiting for their turn to sing and present.

Linda and I had the best seat in the house. The teachers were sitting on the front row facing their charges, but that didn't stop the individual acts that took place right in front of us. It was a case of twenty five 3-year olds turned comedian. At first, all seemed normal as all eyes turned to watch the chorister. After a few songs, the attention span of a 3-year old turned to entertaining the congregation. With thumbs planted in each eye, he pulled down and revealed red eye sockets. Getting a little rise from his audience, the blond haired kid stood up and took a bow ... sending all of us in the front couple of rows into silent hysterics. Watching him attentively, another little boy decided to catch mom's attention, somewhere in the congregation, so he stood and waived a princely wave at him mom. Simultaneously, a little girl on the top riser became the object of attention as her seat mate noticed the beads on her brightly colored dress and began to pick at them ... which caused the little girl to react by falling off the riser, chair and all. Her teachers were off the pew almost before the little girl hit the floor. Put back into her place, the look of satisfaction she gave the boy brought tears to my eyes.

Then there was the nose picker, the hair puller, the "I can't keep my hands to myself" boy, and the ever popular "turn around and stand on my chair so I can see the group behind me," kid. I know I can't possibly describe the three-ring circus and do it justice, but it was so pure and real, we still got the message of the program, that no matter who you are; no matter your personality, your warts, or your beauty, God accepts us all and desires for each of us to return to His presence.

To help us find our way, he calls special Sunday School Teachers with the patience of Job, to lead, guide, and teach us what we should know. I watched with amazement how the teacher(s) of each class, treated each child with tender love and care, as they proudly guided their charges to the microphone to discharge the carefully prepared script. Teachers, thank you for your sacrifice and faith in preparing tomorrow's leaders each Sunday. You truly are special!

I can't wait until next year's presentation and for certain I will try for 2nd row seats.

Does God HAVE To Answer All My Prayers Pt 2

Let's see, where did I leave off ...? Let's see if I can catch up to my earlier thoughts. Agency produces trials. Trials bring experiences. Experiences develop character. Character is the sum of all the parts. ... Or something to that effect. If we believe that this earth life is staged and premeditated by a higher source of power and love, and I do ... then there must be some purpose for allowing bad things to happen to good people and good things to happen to bad people. It is called "Agency."

We are free to choose. What a marvelous principle.

But sometimes choices are made FOR us. Then we are still free to choose how we will REACT. I was recently terminated by a Company I had given 9 months of effort to. They called it "voluntary Resignation," but it was termination. Other than the pride hit ... it was the right thing to do. The Company made a choice in terminating my employment. I chose to react, not by blaming God for my plight, but by choosing to think out of the box and start another company. Whether or not that was a good choice, will remain the topic for future posts, but for now, I am filled with hope that I can benefit others with a service that will help build their business and provide substanance for my family and I. Another choice that will bring experience and trials and character and opportunity for growth.

If God answered our prayers WHEN WE WANTED THEM ANSWERED and in the WAY WE WANTED THEM ANSWERED, how would that work out? Well, I probably would have married my math teacher, for starters. I was 12 and she was probably 30. Not a good fit. Probably wouldn't have worked. Ya Think??

One thing to consider. God is perfect in His ways, or He wouldn't be God. You have certainly internalized the quote: God's delays are not God's denials," haven't you? For me, this means that God gives us time to season, if it is in our best interests to do so.

God doesn't forget us, although right now as I am being tried, it certainly seems so :>)
I was recently recommended for a position of employment that I felt I was perfect for. I submitted the most compelling resume, dripping with "choose me, choose me" sauce.
I didn't even get called in for an interview. OK, my pride was hurt for a couple of days, but then I came to realize that I would have had to give up other parts of my life and income, to work in this new environment. I still don't know if I would have enjoyed the experience once the novelty wore off, but had I been selected for an interview and ultimately offered a position, I would have taken it.

Only God could know that moving into that environment would have been like having a fish out of water. I might have suffocated. I might not have been happy long term, with the income ... even though RIGHT NOW it would be a blessing. IN THE LONG RUN, it might not have been. I have to TRUST in God that it wouldn't have been a good fit, and MOVE ON.

I hope I have explained my feelings correctly, just in case someone really does read this. It is not my intention to try and convince anyone to think or believe the way I do ... but if sharing my life's experiences helps someone else get through their troubles, then the time it takes to write and post will have been worth it.

God bless.

Does God HAVE To Answer All My Prayers? Pt. 1

Perhaps at one time or another, we have all been on our knees searching for answers to life's trials, only to fall short of receiving satisfactory responses or clear direction. Sometimes when we do receive what we interpret to be an answer and we act on that interpretation, we later discover that it wasn't in our best interests after all. "Why would the Lord confirm my prayers to accept this new job and move to another town, only to be laid off a few months later?" you ask.

The purpose of this post is to share some revealing insight into my own quest for understanding why I don't get clear direction when I sincerely ask for it during "need it, want it, got to have it" - type trials in my life.

Recently, a friend of mine came home rather abruptly after a few weeks of traveling in a foreign country. I went to his home and we talked for a time about his experiences and about his new found passion for the Constitution of the United States of America. He explained to me that he was torn between following this new passion to Washington, DC to march with other like minded people on 9/12 ... as a show of support for our country, or use that money to pay his bills. "It sure is easier to let our emotions rule our actions, than it is to provide a measure of control and reason" I counseled. "But the choice is yours to make. And there will be some type of reaction to the choice you make. How you develop from whichever choice you make, will determine in the long run whether or not it was the right choice at the time." If he chooses to spend the money in support of his current passion, and comes home, only to lay on the couch ... and not become involved with local causes, then spending the money had no benefit other than to provide a weekend of diversion. If he chooses to pay his bills with the money, but gets in contact with those who went to the rally and offers his support to them on a local level, putting in place a plan to attend the next 9/12 march in 2010, then he made the best of his choices, in my opinion.

I use this example only to introduce the concept of "Agency." In the Bible, we read of the great war in Heaven, where 1/3 rebelled against a plan of "Agency" that would provide each person the right to choose his pathway back to God. Some would choose a path that led to everlasting death ... and others would choose the way of eternal life ... but each would choose for himself. The other plan presented was to "guarantee" the successful return of each of us, and the glory be rendered to the the author of that plan. 2/3 of the hosts of Heaven expressed support for Agency ... the right of choice.

In order to exercise our agency, the Lord gave us principles, laws, and commandments to follow, and allows Satan, the author of the "other" plan, to tempt and persuade us to disobey. To get on our shoulder and whisper "lies," thus testing our resolve to stay on the pathway that leads to eternal life.

Choice came early after the formation of our world. In the Garden of Eden, Adam was presented with a choice ... either to stay in the Garden and remain true to Gods commandment to NOT eat of the forbidden fruit, or keep God's commandment to multiply and replenish the earth with Eve as his companion. If Adam did not partake of the fruit, he would have been left alone ... and by eating of the fruit, he would be cast out. Either decision would extract an experience. Only by making a choice would there be an "experience" to follow. It would be through these experiences that Adam and the rest of his posterity, would grow and strengthen in character and understanding. As trials and adversity would come to Adams children, they would pray for answers and direction. It seems from reading the Bible and other revealed scripture, that in those days answers to prayer often came from personal revelation and instruction from God himself, or one of his angels When Christ came to earth and taught his disiples they learned to depend upon him for their instruction and teaching. As the day of Gethsemene drew closer, Christ gathered his disciples to him and spoke of the "Comforter" that would come once Christ was gone. It would be the Comforter, the Spirit of God, that would teach and inspire. This would need to be so, so that all of Adams posterity might have access to Him.

What does all of this have to do with receiving answers to prayer? Everything!

If we will step back and look at our earthly experience as a blip in a long line of blips ... then the fact that we lost our job, lost our money, our home, our car, went through divorce, encountered sickness, etc., would not be of any consequence UNLESS we let one of those experiences derail us from taking the pathway of eternal life back to where God dwells. What matters most is how we react ... and what we learn from life's trials and adversities.

Many of us are currently undergoing great trials in our life right now. It might be related to work, money, debt, sickness, relationships, children ... There appears to be a tide of turmoil spreading across our land in the form of adversity and personal trial. Prayers are being sent heavenward by the droves; many sent from persons who haven't prayed in decades, but now find themselves unable to figure things out ... having to humbly seek the attention of a familiar relationship that existed many years ago, but somehow got dulled over the years of inactivity and independence.

Many faithful prayer warriors are even finding their own domains under attack and in need of support and direction. In these trying times, it is more important than ever to understand the principle of Agency and how it changes the way we think about prayer.

If you have had an experience as I have recently, in not getting a clear signal ... a clear answer to sincere prayer, then this next segment is for you.