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God Will Lead You Home

John Paul Owles
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God Will Lead You Home

The $5.00 Airline Ticket

There is no more important principle to learn as an entrepreneur than that God will lead you. In all my years of traveling and pursuing my dreams, that is the only constant I can communicate to you.

It is really not an overwhelming principle, but one learned by taking small steps, seemingly insignificant steps when you feel you should. We have all heard about that wee little voice in our head which seems to nudge us at the right time to make the right decision. Who knows how it all works. But work it does if you let it. 

I relay this story to you not so much so I can brag how wonderful I am. How faithful I am. Because I am not. I am just like everyone else who constantly seems to fall short of what we know we are capable of. And yet, I have found hope in those small accomplishments when I have listened to the small prompting which tells me that I need to act. Yes, act.

While God’s world is about listening, it is really more importantly about acting. Taking action. When we act on our nudges, we endorse the presence of God within us. We acknowledge that those promptings have a significance to our lives.

Once again, I relate this story so you might see some similarities within your life. That you might re-evaluate the promptings you have had in the past . . . and failed to act on. That you in the future might, just might, give them a chance by acting on them.

And here is the key: this is a process. There is no magic formula to learning to listen, to discern. Rather it is a process where you act on certain impulses and observe their outcomes. The more you are willing to act on the small nudges, the greater God will communicate the bigger ones to you. So simple, yet so complex.

For you see, life is there for the asking. God is there to help you. But He cannot do it alone. He needs you to be His accomplice. So, He can lead you to the life that He wants you to lead. The life that deep down within yourself you know you want. That is the nature of God.

So, as I try to relate this story to you, I will try to acknowledge my shortcomings, but if it sounds so wonderful to you, don’t forget it all started with a $5.00 airline trip.

******

Every year there was a BookExpo which was the largest booksellers’ event in North America. I had been attending the convention since 1999 when I began to think about expanding into book publishing after thirteen years of publishing my Owl Media Guide’s Nevada Media Directory reference book. That year BookExpo was in Los Angeles, and I attended. In 2004, it was to be held in Chicago. At the time, I lived in Las Vegas. I knew I needed to attend, but the previous month had not been financially rewarding. I kept wondering when I would be able to have enough money to make a reservation . . . and to go. Three weeks before the event I still had not made a reservation.

During this time, I had been monitoring a megachurch’s website in the Chicago area called Willow Creek to see if and when my former Senior Pastor was going to be teaching. He had left our Las Vegas church nearly a year before. He had been a strong influence on bringing me back to church and inspired me to becoming a better person by being an authentic person himself. I checked daily for weeks . . . imagining what it would be like to fit in church and the BookExpo. More on that later.

Well, the BookExpo ran from Wednesday night through Sunday the week right after Memorial Day. I was coming closer to losing the best chance at an airfare. I constantly played out scenarios in my mind about how to get there and the cheapest possible way to spend time there.

On a Friday night about two weeks before the show, I was sitting in my living room in Las Vegas. I still had no money. I kept thinking that I was not going to be able to go. And then it hit me . . . rather it nudged me.

Go check out reward travel . . . tonight.

Well, I did not have enough reward miles to get a ticket . . . I was 150 miles short for an AmericaWest airline ticket. I wasn’t even close for a United ticket . . . 8,000 miles short. I knew I could buy miles to make it over the edge, but even that would cost me $50.00 for the reward ticket.

“God if I only had $150.00, I could buy a ticket and save my miles. Yeah right, I am going to get a ticket. What kind of ticket could I get for the $7.00 I have in my bank account,”I said.

Nudge. Go online and look.

So, after procrastinating for awhile, I went to my computer and went to the AmericaWest site. I punched in my reward number and selected flights. I got to the point I selected some tickets which would at least get me to Chicago and a shot at seeing my pastor on Wednesday night before the Book Expo started. 

Hmmm, maybe this was going to work.

I went all the way to checkout. I thought I outconned the system. I was going to get my ticket to Chicago.

Then the dreaded screen came up.

YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MILES FOR A REWARD TICKET. 

YOU CAN PURCHASE MILES FOR $50.00.

I no longer was king. My lack of miles had been discovered. They had tantalized me to the point I thought I was going to get away with it. And then the door shut in my face.

“But I don’t have $50.00. Make an exception. I am so close. I won’t tell anyone.”

The screen did not magically change and grant my wish. Maybe, God had forgot to tell them it was OK to give me the ticket.

I closed out the browser and started over again. Afterall, AmericaWest should have another chance at giving me the ticket. A fresh chance.

So yes, I started all over again. That’s right. I logged back into the site, punched in the dates and city, selected the flights, and pushed Order Tickets. I knew God had enough time to communicate with them. He is omnipotent. Click.

I was horrified by what I saw on the screen next.

YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MILES FOR A REWARD TICKET. 

YOU CAN PURCHASE MILES FOR $50.00.

“Huh. Didn’t you get the memo from God? He sent me one while I was on the couch to get my tickets.”

The screen did not flicker. The infamous blue screen from Microsoft did not overcome my computer.

I did what any sane person who do. I haughtily got up from my chair, walked over to the couch, sat down, and turned on the television. But my mind kept saying:

“God, what’s the deal? Are you testing me? Well, I passed. I went over to the computer and tried. But God you didn’t do so hot. I got no tickets. Omniscience. I thought you knew the mileage requirements for a reward ticket. At least now you do. Thanks a lot.”

“Or is the Devil teasing me?”

Who cares? Let’s get back to watching the boob tube. Enough of this nonsense. And that is where I left it for the next hour.

“Go get your ticket.”

Yeah, right. I continued watching TV. I would tell you what I was watching, but I don’t remember. Time marched on.

“Go get your ticket.”

In defiance, I stood up. Sure, makes sense. I am sure the rules have changed in the last hour. What was I thinking? They say insanity is marked by doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I was being mocked. Well, I am going to do this. And show the world. I went to the computer.

Guess what. AmericaWest’s site worked very well and, on the screen, came:

YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MILES FOR A REWARD TICKET. 

YOU CAN PURCHASE MILES FOR $50.00.

Third time is the charm. Duh. Well, life is not always the way we want it to be. Call the white jackets. I am ready to be admitted. Not really, but I was feeling melodramatic. Self-pity flooded me.

“Go get your ticket.”

I can’t say why I did it. But when insanity has been declared, you look for different answers. I decided to let United Airlines mock me too.

I punched in my ticket request knowing I did not have enough miles . . . about 8,000 miles short to be more precise.

I went through the routine of picking days and times . . . trying to see my pastor and get to the BookExpo and out of town as fast as possible. I tried the red-eye on Tuesday and the 6 a.m. on Wednesday so I could get into Chicago for church and leave late Sunday after the show. Four days in a hotel max.

Having crafted my timetable of efficiency and expediency, I hit enter.

Rejection is never a pleasant experience. United was not buying this itinerary. I added a day at a time trying to get a ticket.

“No thank you,” said United. “Try again.”

I had the church’s website in one window. United in another. BookExpo in another.

I must have played with it for fifteen minutes trying to get something to qualify for a ticket . . . I would have even been satisfied for a reasonable ticket, even though I had no money to buy it. Some small victory at least.

“Go get your ticket.”

At this point in trying, I was at the Saturday before the BookExpo opened (5 days in advance) and the Tuesday after BookExpo (2 days after the event closed). Ten (10) hotel nights. Ten (10) days of car rental.

Yeah, this is smart. This is going to work. Oh, what the hell! 

Click.

I don’t recall what actually happened next. It was either “Select Your Seats” or “Confirm to Continue.” Or something. It was one of those moments that time stands still. You can’t believe your eyes. You wander if you are hallucinating. But there it was.

“As a way of introducing Ted, our new airlines, this United Airline’s special promotion requires only 15,000 miles.”

Miles Used: 15,000.

Total Amount Due: $5.00.

$5.00. Five Dollars. 

Where is that decimal point? Count the zeroes. Breathe. Don’t touch the keyboard. Remain calm.

I had 18,000 miles in my account. 

And then my mind turned a new way. Yes, I will be honest with you that the following occurred. I am not proud of it, but I do acknowledge it.

“Well, that’s great God. $5.00 for a ticket. Such a deal. Ten days in a hotel. Ten days in a rental car. That $5.00 is going to cost another $1,000.00 to pull off. I have $7.00 if I combine both of my bank accounts. I think I am going to be short.”

All this to the God of the Universe. The provider of all things.”

“Go get your ticket.”

Well, I really have nothing to lose . . . except for $5.00. I opened another window and logged into my bank. I transferred $4.00 from one account to the other. I now have $6.72 in my business account.

I enter my business debit card information in United Airlines site. I click Order and hold my breath.

The hourglass appears. My blood pressure is rising. Tension is in the air. After what seemed an eternity:

Congratulations! Here is your Confirmation Order number and Itinerary.

I am going to Chicago.

“Got your ticket?”

I inwardly smile.

“Yeah, I’ve got my ticket.”

I was just looking in the wrong place. Not exploring all the possibilities. Doubting myself. Limiting the God of the Universe.

And yet, setting all my self-doubts aside, I tried. I acted.

******

Several weeks later, I sat in Willow Creek Church on Sunday morning.

Faithfulness was the topic. How faithfulness was a quality of a follower of God. How we need to be faithful to our word. Faithful to our family and friends. Faithful to God.

Tears filled my eyes. My heart swelled with emotion. I thanked God.

All this because of a $5.00 ticket.

Defining Great Service

Paul Ruby
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Defining Great Service

What is good service? When guest expectations are low, and we exceed them … not too exciting. But when guest expectations are high, and we manage to do even better, then we have accomplished something. In order to be able to seize every opportunity to do the things that help to create guests for life, we first must be able to identify those opportunities. Being aware of what is going on around us at the moment—and knowing what is going to happen in the future—helps.

A guest may refuse assistance with their luggage as they struggle to carry their bags up the stairs, but this does not mean we can’t run up the stairs ahead of the guests to open the door for them. What is the alternative? Watch the guest carry their bags and then open the door for themselves.

Our focus and mindset must be “What can I do to make a positive impression on every guest that I come in contact with?” It takes initiative, anticipation, caring, and sometimes a little hustle.


When you recall your most memorable hotel, dining, or other hospitality-related experience, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the room, the view, or the food?


When I think of memorable all-around top service experiences, the first one that I can recall happened soon after I was promoted to general manager. I was headed on a vacation to Florida with a buddy. The owner of the hotel arranged for us to play golf at The Jupiter Hills Club. Knowing it was ranked in Golf Magazine’s top 100 courses, I had high expectations and was looking forward to playing.


You only have one chance to make a first impression, and boy, did the Jupiter Hills Club get off to a great start. To this day I am not entirely sure how they pulled it off, but when we arrived at the security guard station and I rolled down the window of the rented minivan, I was immediately made to feel important when the guard said, “Welcome, Mr. Ruby, to Jupiter Hills,” as if he had been anxiously waiting to meet a celebrity. My buddy and I shrugged our shoulders and without saying a word we both knew that this was going to be an excellent day.


The staff seemed to sense we were out of our element and anticipated our every need. We were then escorted to the bag drop where an attendant opened my door and again greeted me by name. The attendant took our bags, the valet took care of the van, and a locker room attendant said, “Please follow me, Mr. Ruby,” and brought us to our lockers, which of course had our names on them. We were then escorted up to the pro shop, greeted by name by one of the golf pros and then introduced to our fore caddie who took us to the first tee.

We finished playing the front-nine, and we were just starting to get used to our caddies doing everything except actually hitting our balls for us …  (However, out of mercy, I think my caddie used a wedge when he thought no one was looking so I would avoid an impossible shot). We were instructed that it was time for lunch.

A table was already reserved for Mr. Ruby, and the hostess acted like she had known me for years. Every staff person I encountered was not only polite and proactive; they also seemed to genuinely enjoy making two twenty-something average Joes from Chicago, who were not members, feel special.


The service afforded us was unforced, and providing hospitality, was clearly more than just part of their job. Every staff member seemed to have put themselves in our golf shoes and knew how to make two regular guys feel like rock stars for a day. The bottom line is I have no idea what my score was that day, or if played well or poorly. I can’t even remember anything about the course aside from I am pretty sure there were more hills than usual in Florida—and I have no idea what I had for lunch.


But the one thing I will never forget about that day was how the staff made me feel. Almost thirty years later, I can think back to my day at The Jupiter Hills Club when I need an example of what I consider to be great service.

Mission

John Paul Owles
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Mission

The Owl Network is determined to transform the world by encouraging and helping others to lead the life they are destined to share with the World.

Deep down inside every one of us, we secretly desire a dream in which we are happy, fulfilled, and an asset to the planet Earth. All too often, life and its experiences sidetrack us to living in the world rather than with the world. We all have been given gifts that if we allow ourselves to share with others, we enrich the lives of everyone. The Owl Network wants to provide encouragement, but more importantly, provide the tools and information we can use to transform our lives.

We are dedicated to providing a group of people who are authentic and know what they are talking about. We want to provide a direct pipeline so you can hear from the experts directly, and not through the filter of the media. And in the process, we want to encourage you to contact us to share your experiences and the knowledge you have gained by making changes in your life.


When will the owls cease to be Watchers?

John Paul Owles
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Owls have been known to perch among the branches—and have been accused of watching the world go by. While Truth has it that owls have been long sought out as birds of wisdom, so too does it tell that owls are tremendous observers.

And that the watchers of society need to heed the wisdom inherent in owls. For, although it is granted that owls do indeed see everything, they tend to be pictured as aloof—above the fray. And yet, in a turmoil-boiled world, comfort can be derived from the fact that owls are designated to observe, comment, and inspire.

Maybe, it’s not the owls’ aloofness that bothers watchers. But rather the owls’ ability to transform a moment of silence to a flutter of activity within a once tranquil sea of conformity.

Or maybe, it is the unknown quality behind those pictures of owls that seem to frighten people.

There seems to be a power gathering beneath the owls’ surface which will eventually be released—when the owls cease to be Watchers.

We are all Entrepreneurs

John Paul Owles
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We are all Entrepreneurs

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a business executive, we are all running a small business, which is called our life.

Thank You Libraries!

John Paul Owles
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Thank You Libraries!

The convention celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association was held at McCormick Place in Chicago. It was my privilege to be invited as Media among the 14,000 attendees. And I mean that very seriously.

Imagine being surrounded by people who care about reading and their community. Who spend countless hours shelving and reshelving books for all of us so we can find that book which might just change our lives. Imagine how technology has changed the library. How the card catalog is now online and searchable. How volumes of information have been entered into a computer so we can have access to the knowledge of the world. Imagine helping all age groups to find their passion and provide programs where they can explore themselves and the universe.

As I sit in my local library, I marvel at all the books and computers that are available to everyone. My library card provides me access. It does not ask me about what I do for a living, how rich I am…or poor. It does not ask me for my nationality or religious beliefs. By simply being a resident in my community, I am welcomed to explore. Where else do you find that? And I know, I forgot to mention it: IT IS FREE!

There is no guardian at the door like Costco who makes you scan your card just to be able to enter. Instead at your library, you are encouraged to come inside. Explore. Let your mind wonder. Whether you are a parent with young children, a school student, or a senior, there is a place for you. And there are people who are ready to assist you any way they possibly can.

And get this, I can take home a book for no charge. Just with my library card. Here I am creditworthy, unless I demonstrate otherwise. But that is true for not just books, but videos, eBooks, magazines, Roku sticks, and so much more material. Just ask.

As my mind returns to the convention, I marvel at the hundreds of authors with their books which are available for the librarians to take a copy with them. The smiles on both the author and librarian are infectious as they exchange words while the author signs the book.

It is incredible to witness the international publishers and authors who have traveled to Chicago for an opportunity to showcase their creative talents and words. And to be received with such dignity and respect. My wish is that the outside world could reflect the same openness and willingness to listen and share with so many different races, nationalities, and opinions—to understand each other and share the wisdoms each have experienced and created so others can appreciate their insights.

So, the next time you drive by your library, be proud that so many people are dedicated to opening the vaults of information and making them accessible to everyone in the community. All without a charge. Free to those in the community who are welcomed when they walk through the doors of their local library and encouraged to explore.

Thank you to all the librarians who make this possible for all of us. Thank You!

Rachel Maddow

John Paul Owles
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Rachel Maddow

OPENING GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER

Rachel Maddow is the host of the Emmy Award-winning The Rachel Maddow Show, which airs Mondays at 9pm ET on MS NOW. The Rachel Maddow Show features Maddow’s take on the biggest stories of the day, political and otherwise, including lively debate with guests from all sides of the issues, in-depth analysis, and stories no other shows in cable news will cover.

In Maddow’s new book, Department of Fate: The Promise, the Power, and the Collapse of America’s Most Consequential Institution, available November 10, 2026, she leads a revelatory, rollicking trip through the history of the Justice Department, finding heroism and treachery in equal measure—and, in the end, a rescue effort for our battered democracy.

Over its nearly 150 years, the United States Department of Justice became America’s most consequential institution, determining the rules and limits of what makes us who we are as a country: our political freedoms, our economy, and our nation’s most revolutionary core principle: equal protection under the law.

As the Department made wildly consequential decisions about what types of Americans to target, and for what crimes, it has been steered at times by patriotism, bravery, and self-sacrifice, but just as often by lust for power, corruption, and vengeance. Its political masters have cherrypicked economic winners and losers, determined which causes will be allowed to succeed or fail, and dictated which people and places will thrive and which will be beaten down. The department has fixed the path of the nation’s political swings.

In this searing new history, Rachel Maddow traces these triumphs and misdeeds through the founding and rise of the KKK, the riotous chaos of the Red Scare, civil rights murders and violence, railroad barons’ crushing of unions, cabinet scandals that make Watergate look like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the faux erudite lawlessness of the Reagan Administration, and the collapse into thug rule in the Trump Administration.

Written in her typical whip-smart prose and with a biting sense of clarity, Department of Fate invites us to see how the history of this key institution illuminates a path ahead for a more resilient, re-democratized America committed to making good on even its loftiest promises. In a moment beset with polarization and misinformation, Maddow’s voice shines in this blistering demand to do better—to rebuild the republic, and stronger this time. 

Maddow is the author of DRIFT: The Unmooring of American Military Power, which debuted at #1 on the New York Timesbestsellers list in March 2012, as well as Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth, which was released in October 2019 and also #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list. Her latest book, Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism, was released in October 2023.

Maddow received a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University. She earned her doctorate in political science at Oxford University, where she attended on a Rhodes Scholarship. She lives in New York City and Massachusetts with her partner, artist Susan Mikula.

American Library Association opens registration for its 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago

John Paul Owles
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American Library Association opens registration for its 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago

The American Library Association (ALA) opened registration for the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, to be held at the McCormick Place Chicago Convention Center and surrounding hotels in Chicago, June 25-29, 2026.

ALA has released its first speaker announcement, featuring two respected thought-leaders. Rachel Maddow, host of the Emmy Award-winning The Rachel Maddow Show on MS NOW. Maddow released Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order, her fifth original podcast and first under the MS NOW brand in her expanding multiplatform portfolio. The six-part series has been at the top of Apple Podcasts’ Top Series chart for weeks and exposes the extraordinary chain of events behind the U.S. government’s decision at the outset of World War II to incarcerate tens of thousands of immigrants and U.S. citizens solely based on their race.

Wayne Brady is a multiple Emmy Award-winning actor, Grammy-nominated singer, author, podcast host, and television personality, known for the American version of the improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Showtime’s American Gigolo, and as the host of Let’s Make a Deal since its 2009 revival. His musical theater credits include Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, The Wiz, and Kinky Boots, as well as the Chicago production of Hamilton. His podcast, Wayne Brady’s What If? with Jonathan Mangum, can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. Brady makes his sci-fi debut with award-winning author Maurice Broaddus: a time-travel thriller about a father searching for his son, who has been sent to a prison located outside of time.

Eight additional mainstage speakers will be announced soon.

This year’s conference comes with a special milestone as ALA celebrates its 150th anniversary. Thousands of library workers, leaders, authors, exhibitors, and advocates will gather in Chicago to recognize 150 years of impact while exploring what’s next for libraries. Signature experiences include mainstage speakers, educational sessions, hands-on learning, the Library Marketplace, and plenty of opportunities to connect across library types and roles. Along the way, attendees can celebrate the journey so far, share ideas with colleagues, and look ahead together.

The popular Library Marketplace will feature exhibitors showcasing innovative products, services, and titles; publishers hosting established and new authors on live stages; Meet the Authors and the Autographing Area; e-zines and makerspaces for creative projects; free advanced reading copies of books; the STEAM booth; and additional fun activities.

Gathering in the host city of Chicago offers many exciting local attractions. The ALA Ticketed Events will allow people to tour local libraries and attend receptions, summits, and more.

Explore the Preliminary Scheduler, with education programs, President & Chair programs, Ticketed Events, and exhibitors.

Learn more about the conference at ALAAnnual.org and follow the hashtag #ALAAC26. Updates are available on social media at ALA BlueSky,  ALA Facebook, ALALinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

Media interested in registering for the session may contact the ALA Communications and Marketing Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America’s libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

An Entrepreneur’s Dream

John Paul Owles
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An Entrepreneur’s Dream

When I first started my enterprise, I was sharing it with someone. It was their dream. Not mine. Since one can only accept a Dream, sharing it is the only thing to do. Once you believe in a dream, do not stop! Otherwise, how would anyone know when you are serious? No, once you accept it, you have no choice. For unless you complete it, it will haunt you. 

Revenue ideas are all right, but Spiritual ones are better. It all really depends on the mix.

~

Patience is what is called for. Why hurry the process as if you are the one to decide the outcome? No, this event isn’t your staging. We are talking about Dreams. Not your everyday ordinary Reality, are we now, Mate? You already know about that reality, don’t you? Otherwise, why would you be here?

In Dreamland.

No, there are other rules here. We shy away from them, especially when they are not compatible with the Scheme. No, this land is not going to be easy. Everyone is doing it up here—but for real!

~

The computer is a special kind of human. It isn’t. Oh, you can capitalize it but only if you know the right key. You can let it whip out multitudes of comparisons of yourself. The Programmer. You can tell that instrument what to do. A constant healer.

But the Truth is. A handshake does not do it anymore. No, we have created a pile of manure between you and that handshake. After all, here is what it boils down to: 

If the World is where the action is, where is your niche? It is no good to be on the outside looking in. Lyrics for a song, maybe.

If you are out in left field, nobody is going to know that you are in the game. Home plate is definitely where the action is intended to be. So everybody is trying to score. 

Hit pay dirt. Land the big one. Hollywood. 

Whether you be more in line in some areas than others . . . 

The Big Eve comes.

Vision of an Entrepreneur

John Paul Owles
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Vision of an Entrepreneur

As an Entrepreneur, you are most concerned about yourself 
since you are trying to build an extension of yourself . . . EGO.

If that is what you really want to do, then that Spirit must be built with a delicate hand. 
Go to where you feel at ease. For, if this Dream is to happen, then that is where it will happen.

However, if you reap Negative thoughts, those will happen too. 
But only consider the amount of energy needed to change them to Positive will be the same. 
Turn your cheek to the Negatives for your Dream will come true, if you believe.

For every Entrepreneur runs after their rainbow, their Dream. 
Yours is no less valid than any other. 
In fact, it really does not matter which one you pick. 
Your Attitude will decide what will happen to you. Why fight?

If every person desiring to make a statement. 

Any statement. 

Would.

Recognize the Changes Needed to Reach Your Dream as an Entrepreneur

John Paul Owles
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Recognize the Changes Needed to Reach Your Dream as an Entrepreneur

As an Entrepreneur,

you are most concerned about yourself

since you are trying to build an extension of yourself…

EGO.

If that is what you really want to do,

then that Spirit must be built with a delicate hand.

Go to where you feel at ease.

For, if this Dream is to happen,

then that is where it will happen.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, your dream will reveal the type of person you want to be and the life you want to lead. To realize your dream, you must nurture your Spirit and become that person. You need to merge with your vision in order to become the person you want to be. And turn your dreams into reality.

Your dream will oftentimes reveal a fresh, new exciting person who wants to emerge from within. Your vision will, more often than not, require you to change in order to become this new person. You will need to transform yourself so that this new person can emerge.

Why do I say that? 

Because your dream will often highlight a part of you, in which you are not satisfied. Maybe you do not currently see yourself achieving the goals you want in your life because you lack perseverance. Perhaps, you lack commitment and have a problem maintaining your focus on your dream. Maybe, you become distracted too easily.

Whatever the roadblocks your dream may expose, there are also answers to reaching your dream. Those answers are within you. 

Dreams reveal to us what we, at first, might not consider our destiny. And yet, we all have a vision of ourselves fulfilled, satisfied, and happy. But often our life experiences—and current situation—seem so very different than where we imagined we wanted to be.

Our everyday life often becomes so overwhelming that we soon forget that we create our own reality. We get caught up with living for the day and not creating the life we truly desire. 

Stay out of that trap.

For as long as your focus remains on today and its realities, you lose your focus of where you are going and how to get there. 

Let your dream or vision reveal its path to you.

So simple, yet so complex.

Maybe you see yourself as a highly successful person running your own business. Examine your dream to see where it takes place and what type of person you must become to merge with that image. As you nurture your dream, more details will become clearer to you.

Ask yourself these questions:

How do you look in your dream? Are you fat? Are you thin? How are you dressed? What type of personality do you have? Where does this dream take place? What are you doing in your dream?

These are the keys to understanding where it is you want to go. You will need to make the necessary changes in your life to realize your vision. Unless you merge with your own personal image in the dream, you will never fully experience your dream.

For example, if in your dream, you are thin and well-dressed, you will not achieve your dream until you reflect this image. Yes, this means the fat has to come off. Yes, that will require work on your part, but the payoff is reaching your goal, your vision.

How can you expect to reach your dream unless you become the person in it?

Your dream will reveal the image you seek. You must work to become that image in your conscious thoughts. Even if you do all the other mundane things involved, you will never reach the pinnacle of your dream unless you merge with your own personal image.

Of course, you can have all the other ingredients. Let’s say, you see yourself as a doctor. You surely can go to college and then medical school. You can finish your residency. But until you merge physically, mentally,and spiritually with your image, you will never experience the success your dream envisions of being a doctor.

A very important part of this process is to go to where you feel at ease. We have all experienced how some places work for us—and how others don’t. To be successful, you need to find the place where you feel at home—where you can nurture your Spirit as you begin to journey into yourself. For my Entrepreneur, the essence of your dream is you. You will never arrive there unless you become the reality you desire.

If your dream occurs in a certain city or country, you will have to travel there in order to become what you envision. It may not be today that you leave for your destination. Sometimes you have to make other improvements and changes before you reach your destination.

Most of the time, we are only willing to make changes when we are frustrated and no longer feel we are progressing. Use that frustration as a guide. It means that a new life awaits you if you are willing to do whatever is necessary to change. Simply moving to another city is not the answer—even if you see yourself in that city in your dream. You may have to make other changes physically and mentally before you proceed.

In order to create a new life, you have to examine your old one. What have you created so far?  What do you need to remove before you can proceed? 

Roadblocks exist in all our lives because we create them. 

When you realize that you have created your own reality, you will also become aware that you can change it—so your new life can begin. You will still have to deal with all the things you have created. Your lifestyle. Your debts. Your children. Your family.

All these factors must be addressed and cleared before you can proceed with your new life as an Entrepreneur. You must discard the old and make room for the new. This is the way of an Entrepreneur.

So look at your dream and where it wants to lead you. Prepare yourself for its inception by preparing yourself. It may seem difficult to address all these issues, but you must before you can make real progress.

Consider who you want to be. Where you see yourself doing business. Where you see yourself living. The more you focus on your dream, the more details will be revealed to you. 

Then you will know where this journey into Dreamland in Reality is leading you.

Courage: Taking the First Step

John Paul Owles
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Courage: Taking the First Step

Courage.
The power to make your own decisions. The ability to act despite all odds when you know you are right. The ability to stand apart from others when your convictions are more important than your popularity.
Courage.
The knowing that comes when you are connected to God and are willing to speak the Truth no matter what the consequences.
Courage.
The ability to act despite the pressure to remain inanimate, passive when you see wrongs that are being committed.
Courage.
The ability to perceive what needs to be done and the power within to act on that knowledge.
Courage.
The ability to allow yourself the freedom to think about things and determine what is best…and act on that feeling.
Courage.
The ability to look within

Master or Slave? The Choice is Yours!

John Paul Owles
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Master or Slave? The Choice is Yours!

Across the world, there is mounting chaos. With recent ostentatious displays of disharmony, greed, and war, we see a world in turmoil. I wonder what lies ahead for mankind…and this planet we call Earth.

Will technology greet us with a new enlightenment…or will we actually find ourselves further enslaved to our own technology? Will the computer’s drive for us to be more efficient and productive be the vehicle to our freedom…or our enslavement? Enslaved to a mechanism which takes no breaks…a mechanism which does not take the time to share the humanness we all share with one another.

Will we master this new technology…or will it master us? The answer waits in the future. But our actions today will determine the future we bring.

Slavery or Salvation. Masters or Slaves. Freedom or Constriction

Each day we choose our Path. We make decisions which affect our own lives…and the lives of others…with the choices we make.

What will be your choice today? Will you empower yourself…and those with whom you work? Or will you continue to exploit a hierarchical scheme in which empowerment has a much different meaning?

We are the Masters of our Future. Will you be your own master…or have you given your power to another? So they may rule your future. Be aware of the gifts the future brings…and be wary of those bearing gifts. For you may be a pawn in a larger Scheme. You…through your actions…must decide whose Scheme you will participate in.

For there are many houses in My Mansion. It is up to you to decide which room you will occupy. Will it be the servants’ quarters…or will it be as the Master of the House? And, if it is as Master of the House, how will you rule? How will you guide others so they too may advance to become the Master of the House? Or will you use your position to keep them in their place…so you can remain their Master.

And yet, life is so fleeting. It quickly moves on…ever changing…constantly flowing…never waiting…while you decide what type of Master you will be. Choose now…but being ever so careful. For the world is filled with many people who believe they are Masters…only to discover they are really Servants to the Chosen. So choose wisely…but choose.

For the river flows on endlessly…always picking up the drops and carrying them downstream. Never wary…never hesitant…for the river knows it must flow. That it must keep moving…lest it evaporate into thin air. Only to start the cycle again…when it will become a drop again…in the endless flow…of the river we call Life. Don’t stop the river by not choosing the right path.

Rather join the flow…and return to the Source of all that ever was.

Are you willing to stand up for Truth?

John Paul Owles
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Are you willing to stand up for Truth?

So far, the answer appears to be a resounding “No!” for the majority of us.

A friend of mine called me today and asked what she should do. A neighbor had openly told her that her teenage son had tested positive for COVID-19 and was having systems which the doctors had decided did not warrant hospitalization (yet) but that he needed to be quarantined. She took him home and put him in one of the rooms of her house although everyone shared the house as if nothing had happened. Soon, the neighbor’s youngest daughter was experiencing symptoms. However, the mother refused to allow her young daughter to be tested for COVID because she said the cotton swab used for testing was infected with the disease.

Meanwhile, the mother continued to go to the store everyday for her latte and groceries unmasked. Her other daughter continued to work in the local restaurant. The daughter with symptoms continued to go to elementary school, unmasked.

No one in the neighborhood knew that the son had tested positive, that the young daughter was symptomatic, and they were all living in the same house with no masks or precautions. Instead, they continued their lives oblivious to the fact they were spreading the virus throughout the town without anyone’s knowledge.

Until that point, my friend had no idea that the family was against the vaccines, and even though her son tested positive and the young daughter was symptomatic, the neighbor insisted COVID-19 was all a HOAX. A conspiracy. Fake News.

My friend was asking me what she should do. Who should she tell? Should she remain silent? Afterall, the neighbor told her as if it was nothing. There was no issue of personal privacy. The neighbor didn’t say, “Please don’t tell anyone?” Nope, instead, she was quite proud of her inaction and of herself.

I asked my friend what she knew she should do. You know, that feeling you get when you know God is telling you to act, and instead, you want to try and hide, hoping it will pass. She had very deep concerns about the neighbor next door who was 85 and in failing health…and all the other unsuspecting neighbors with health problems.

And then, I asked the question:

How will you feel if your dear neighbor of 85 dies when you could have done something?

So, I ask you, “What would you do?”

CES 2026 January 6-9, 2026

John Paul Owles
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CES 2026 January 6-9, 2026

Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES is the only trade show that showcases the entire tech landscape at one event.

CES showcases companies including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more. It also includes a conference program where the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers address the industry’s most relevant issues.

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