pastoryancy

The lifetime Reading Plan, by Clifton Fadiman is not only the title of a book it is also the focus of this installment of A Charlois Book Review.  One of the things that many people especially, me, is their desire to be a well-rounded person.  One of the best ways to accomplish this is to be a lifelong learner, especially by reading widely.

As I’ve said on other occasions is, I want to be the best version of myself that I can be.  That includes being a well-rounded individual, or polymath.  Naturally that means reading a lot, so, I am undertaking a quest.  Over the next ten years I plan on increasing my reading so that I’m reading the great literature of history.

But how does one choose what to read?  There is a myriad of ways to find your list.  Fadiman’s Lifetime Reading Plan lists 103 authors that he feels should comprise most peoples lists.  The Great Books by Britannica is a similar list that covers 74 of the world’s great literature.  This set even has reading plans to guide a person through 10 years of reading.  Another way of determination is computer lists of “best “……” books to read” , which may include websites that cover popular categories.

For me, I’ve decided to follow a multipronged approach.  Over the next 10 years I’ll be following the Great Books 10 year reading plan, which will be my core reading list.  Add to that a reading list of the 100 must read books from reedsy off the computer.  Also included will be selections from other non-fiction lists that I may find.

Whatever you choose to read, I suggest we get intentional about increasing our reading time.  It is one of the best ways of improving yourself.

Happy reading,

Robert A. Charlois III

Are you noticing that I’ve been rather erratic in my posts?  Since late last year I have struggled.  Everything in my life has been shaken up.  However, I am taking steps to get past that.

I have started Journalling, both in my private journal and here on this blog.  I have every intention to become more consistent in my posts.  That’s not to say I won’t mess up occasionally, but I’m going to try.  Beginning with this post I am working on a weeks’ worth at a time.  In other words, I have 6 posts in the works at all times.  This is not the only project I’m working on.

My reading is expanding.  Next week I plan on starting The Great Ideas Reading Plan by Britannica, and will continue that for the foreseeable future transitioning into Britannica’s 10 year reading program.  Add to that, for recreational purposes I’m reading the classic writings as listed on the Reedsy website.  And I’m reading various selections from my public library. There is more.

Yesterday I signed up for the Daily Stoic’s Spring Challenge.  It’s a program designed to help you restart your dreams for the year.  This looks to be the “kick-in-the-seat-of-the-pants” that I so need.

As you can see, I’m tired of wallowing in self-pity and eager to regain my focus on a purpose;  become the best version I’m created to be.

Until next time,

God be with you,

Yancy Adamson

It has been a while since I’ve posted anything, but that is not indicative of any problems in my life.  In fact, things are going pretty well.  It’s just a result of me getting things ordered the way I want.  Since late last year I had some struggles with my mental health team going through a transition.  While I was dealing some personal issues my treatment was sporadic, often times not seeing anyone for weeks at a time.  That has all changed.

My current team has someone that touches base with me every week, that is a plus.  It’s not that I need it every week but sometimes things come up that could be addressed.  I now have that in place.

Another issue is, I’m coming to terms with my limitations.  That has been hard considering the life goals I had.  That to is being dealt with.  I have accepted the fact that I just need to be myself and let God use me how He sees fit.

I’ve come a long way these past few months but I still have a long way to go.

Until next time,

God be with you,

Yancy Adamson

Trying to get back on track with my life.  It has been made clear to me that these last few years have been very productive for me, in a lot of ways.  It is no wonder I’m coming down, and that’s ok.  But now it’s time to pull it together.

I had a mental health appointment yesterday and we started a conversation about keeping it real.  Don’t get me wrong, having goals is a good thing; even if they’re highly unlikely to reach their intended completion.  But there are times when we need to evaluate and adjust.  That is what I have been doing, as painful as it’s been.  Now, I would like to see my dreams come true, but I’ll not be the one to make them happen.

I am starting to get ideas about what I want the rest of my life to look like, which I shared some of in my last post.  From here on out I’ll be working on being the best version of who God created me to be.  I spent most of my life trying to make other people happy by being who I was expected to be.  No longer.  I don’t know what the future holds but I’m going to live it on my terms as I feel God leading.

This blog is basically going to stay the same as far as order; only a few changes.  Mondays will still be foundations, (or basic beliefs), Tuesdays and Thursdays will now be “The Charlois Life”,   ( my personal journal), Wednesdays is dedicated to my other interests, (Fellowship of ALL God’s Children and The Charlois Co., LLC), Fridays will continue to be focused on reading, and Saturdays will cover Pastoral Reflections.

Come along for the ride and maybe we’ll all grow in the process.  God bless. 

Yancy N. Adamson Jr.

I need to make a confession; I’ve not been doing well lately, actually, since late last year.  Every since my book came out I’ve not had a driving purpose or any sort of motivation.  My therapist and I have been working on it but there doesn’t seem to be much progress.  I’m just sinking deeper into depression.

Things may be taking a turn for the better.  I’m at least trying to try different things to shake it off.  This, my blog, is one of the things I’ve decided to give a try.  By focusing on keeping a web log of my journey I believe I’ll feel I’m being held accountable, which I need.  If you want to help you can comment on these posts, or send me an email.  Just knowing you’re out there will be a great boost.  That and using this site as a journal will help keep me focused.

Other things I’m going to be doing are conducting myself in a manner that reflects who I desire to be.  This will include giving up some things and starting others.  First on the list, smoking.  Smoking has been my number 1 issue most of my life.  Not only is it bad for my physical health but my emotional wellbeing suffers because of it.  The financial cost is oppressive as is the drain on what could be time used for more productive pursuits.

In order to accomplish my goal of being a non-smoker I have a plan; I’ll track my habit and reduce my consumption by at least 1 cigarette per day.  I started this process on Friday, May 10^th, 2024.  On that day I smoked 44 cigs, a little above average but a good starting point.  The next day I smoked 30, a decrease of 14 cigs.  The next day I’m shooting for 28, which is about average.  From now on it will probably be more difficult, only lowering the number by the 1 I’ve planned.

Another practice I’ll be undertaking is a move to add positive habits in the spaces left from my smoking cessation.  I have an ideal daily schedule that I have posted.  Each week I’ll be adding one thing from it to turn into a habit.  So, I have some things to work on.  It’s not the end of the journey but it is a good start.

Looking forward to the future.

Yancy N. Adamson Jr.

After a rough start to the year, I’m finally beginning to pull it together.  I finished up last year with my typical review and found myself disappointed.  It’s not that it was a bad year, I mean I published my first book, “The Charlois Manifesto.”  But in my reflection period I came to realize I was off course.  The goals I’ve been working on for the last few years are mostly out of my reach.  I came to see that I was not God’s gift to humanity, but rather just another piece of His plan.  And that is OK.  It was hard to accept my place when I had such lofty plans.

Now I’m beginning to regroup.  Revisiting my mission statement.  Exploring how I can use my gifts to better my life and also that of others.  One thing I know for sure is there will be a change in the website / blog.

In the past I was trying to make this site the cornerstone of everything Charlois; no longer.  From now on it will be a log of my journey to become the best version of who I was created to be.  From these tales I hope that some of you will be inspired to embark on your own journey.

In the past I was hoping I could monetize it but that is no longer my desire; it doesn’t fit with who I want to be.  I will continue to present the schedule for posts in nearly the same format as before, with only minor changes.  What you will notice is the more personal approach I take to these posts.

It is my hope that this new approach is received in the way it is intended.  As always, if you have any thoughts, they can be shared through the comment application.

Robert A. Charlois III

In my most recent Pastoral Reflection, I wrote about the three aspects of God and the interrelatedness of all things in the universe.  That could be the number one “Foundational Statement” in all of Charlois.  With that being said, let us examine the concept further.

Throughout Scripture we see that it constantly refers to the different aspects of God and man and how they work together.  This synergy is to be expected considering, in the simplest terms, all matter is of the same substance, and all energy is of the same sort.  The only thing that distinguishes the parts of the created order is the individual consciousness of all the different parts.

So, when the Bible says “love neighbor as self,” there is a reason; we are the same as our fellow creations, just assembled in our own unique way.

Some day everything will be reunited bringing about ordered perfection.  Until that time may I suggest that we work toward bring an ordered mutually beneficial way of existing.

God bless, and have a great day.

Robert A. Charlois III

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness,”                                    Genesis 1: 26a

What does it mean to be made in the image of God?  To answer that question, we need to know God in His totality.  He is all in all, creator and sustainer, love embodied in its purest form.  We must not forget that He is one in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This is what we want to focus on.  Everything that is, comprises of three parts; a consciousness that is in control, a physical that gives substance, and a spirit that provides the life force.  In that way we are one with the universe, interconnected in all ways.  As such, we need to support all aspects of creation.

Throughout scripture there are references to care for one another, the less fortunate.  If the universe is filled with abundance we need not fear not getting enough; in fact there is so much available we can never give it all away.

So, in your days be grateful and share with others.  As you give so shall you receive.

God’s peace to us all.

Pastor Yancy

Welcome to 2024.  It is going to be a great year of abundance.  The reason I say this is because it is within my power, and yours, to make it so.  One of the things we seem to forget is that we are made in the image of God.  With that comes our power to create a life we can love.

You may be saying there is so much outside of our control.  That may be true to an extent, but how we respond to situations is totally within our control.  With that being said, how we react stars a process that can be turned into a benefit for us.  Therefore, it is within our control.

This brings us to the beginning of another year.  After reflecting on the last couple of years I’ve come to realize that some of my former goals were pretty unrealistic.  With that in mind I am dedicating this year to focusing my gifts to helping those I encounter to have their best life possible.

I will do this by improving my writing and web presence.  By dedicating myself to improving myself to becoming the best I can be I’ll act as a coach and inspiration to others.  That is what the Charlois life is about; helping each other in our quest for a great life.

Here is to a successful goal.  God bless.

Robert A. Charlois III

“Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not with things that can be observed, nor will they say, “look, here it is! Or there it is!”  For in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”  Luke 17: 20-21 NRSV.

This passage has always intrigued me.  The main reason for this is the way, “it is among you,” is translated in other versions.  The first time I read it, it was in another version that read, “The kingdom of God is within you,” translation from I don’t know where.  Upon further research I discovered that the only other place it is recorded is in the apocryphal book of, The Gospel of Thomas.  There it is rendered, “The kingdom of God is within you,” with some more comment.

Now the Gospel of Thomas is considered to be a Gnostic writing and should be discounted.  I believe that it was contemporary with the other gospels, and possibly purer.  At any rate, it should be of note that at some point it was believed that Jesus made the implication that we are more like him than savior / servant.  Carrying it one step further, if we are like Jesus and He is one with God, wouldn’t it reason that we are one with God?

You may be thinking that such thoughts are blasphemy, but I believe it opens a whole host of possibilities for our relationship with the Father and His creation.  Something to consider.

May God bless you and keep you, Amen.

Pastor Yancy