Fellowship Fridays: Lance’s Jungle of Life
July 17, 2009
I learned what a blog was in January of this year (2009). From my very first post until my most recent, there has been one blogger always present, always smiling, always spreading love… Lance, from The Jungle of Life. He may not even know it, because we haven’t talked at great length, but I have watched and admired him for a long time.
When I first visited his blog I did what I always do with a new blog, I went to read his earliest posts… the ones before he knew for certain what direction his blog would take. His April 30, 2008 post “Are You Having Fun?” absolutely inspired me and helped me clarify in my own mind what I believe is important. From that day forward a change has been brewing in my household, one which I’ll post about on Monday. That post, along with all of Lance’s writing, and comments, and tweets, are clear examples of what a loving and compassionate soul he is.
In fact, this week, when I posted a letter from a reader who needed some comfort and words of wisdom, Lance was the first to jump in there and lend his support. The reader told me his comments had her in tears for all sorts of reasons, but mostly because she couldn’t get over how caring he was towards a complete, anonymous stranger.
But that’s just Lance.
And I’m not the only one who knows this. Bloggers and readers alike come out of the woodworks to show their appreciation for Lance’s writing. When he posts his Sunday Thought For The Day (which I have become completely addicted to, by the way), it may be just a tiny quote, but he has a TON of comments. Part of the reason for this is that he chooses great quotes, but mostly it’s because we all know he is a GREAT guy… who is sharing his loving and compassionate heart with the rest of us.
For example, on a recent Sunday he posted a quote by Mark Houlahan, “If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page.†This one received 60 comments from avid supporters. I rarely comment ’cause I’m more of a lurker, but I read it, and was completely inspired by it, particularly in light of our new life decisions.
Another one that spoke directly to my soul was by Steve Jobs:
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.†(85 Comments on this one!)
Beautiful.
Anyway, for today’s Fellowship Fridays I just wanted to let Lance know how much I appreciate and admire what he does and, more importantly, who he is. I also would like to encourage you, if you haven’t already, to stop by and visit Lance’s Jungle of Life.
If you have met Lance, please take a moment to share your impressions with my readers, and help me thank him for all that he does.
Thanks!!!
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Posted in Fellowship Fridays, compassion, friendship, happiness, helping others, love
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Yep, Lance is truly an inspiration to us all. He was one of the first bloggers who encouraged me, and his was one of the first blogs I read. He’s truly a wonderful soul. Not only is his blog great, but as you pointed out, his comments are awesome! He has a great perspective, and he always adds value to the original posts.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I read a post, and wanted to comment, only to find that Lance had written exactly what I wanted to say. Lisis, LANCE is the reason I almost never have anything to say…it’s because he always says it first!!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..True Confession
Lisis,
I am so deeply moved and honored to be here today. Your words are not only filled with kindness, I feel real love behind them. And that all speaks to who you are, and what a giving soul you are. I can’t help but read here today and be uplifted in what I do. And that’s you, being a light for others along their journeys. You are for me. Know that what you’ve written here today means the world to me. What a gift you are to our world. Thank you, for this today, and for always being “you”.
Now…what am I still doing here, I think I should be out finding my next “Sunday Thought”…oh wait, you’re making it too difficult to leave here today!
Lance´s last blog ..Painting The Masterpiece of Our Life
Jay,
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. Through the world of blogging, I’ve met some very amazing souls…know that you are one of them, my friend. Now…to the idea that I’ve written what you want to say – how about if we go with “great minds think alike”!!…(why do I think my wife might laugh at that one???)
Lance´s last blog ..Painting The Masterpiece of Our Life
Hi, Lance! You’re welcome… and thank YOU for being such an inspiration for the rest of us. You are such a great example that it IS possible to be authentic and share what’s in our hearts with our readers.
I hope you will have a chance to check back in here a couple of times today, so you can chat with other commenters. However, after today, I may have to ban you from commenting until AFTER Jay has said something.
What a great post capturing Lance’s greatness! I love Jungle of Life — it’s such a joy to read — and I’m so happy to see that you’re celebrating Lance and his site here!
Positively Present´s last blog ..7 ways to celebrate summer
Hi Lisis and Lance,
What a wonderful and well deserved tribute Lisis! Lance is truly a loving soul and lifts so many people with his work. SO nice to see him honored here in this way!
Lance — it has been an honor getting to know you.
I always know where to go if I need some soul lifting!
Lots of Love,
Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog ..The Living Matrix New York Premiere
What a great tribute. I also follow Jungle of Life and have been greatly enriched with the wisdom and insight that Lance shares. Thank you Lance for shining your light.
Jill´s last blog ..One of the littles celebrates a birthday
Hi Lisis,
I am blessed to be able to call Lance one of my dear friends. He is a sweetheart of a guy and the real deal. He lives from the heart and is open and honest with who he is whether it is on his blog or not. Not many people walk the walk and talk the talk. He is truly genuine and sincere. So your tribute is perfect!
Nadia-HappyLotus´s last blog ..I Am What I Am
Hi Lisis,
I agree with you completely on the LANCE EFFECT. I am only new to the blogging scene…but i have noticed that he is almost always there to offer his support to all.
I am glad i came to his JUNGLE OF LIFE through your blog. I must thank you lisis for exposing me to such wonderful people though your blog. It just goes to show that The Almighty truly has away when he wants like minded people to meet, whether its in real life or on the real web(internet).
Today when i have setup my blog and am visiting lovely blogs like yours and lance’s, i truly feel blessed that such positivity does exist in the world today.
Both you and Lance must pat yourselves on the back for the lovely work you’ll are doing. I truly appreciate it.
Zeenat{Positive Provocations for mind body and soul}´s last blog ..How NOT to Panic-The Wallet Incident
@Positively Present – Dani, thank you! Lisis is such a sweetheart, and what a wonderful surprise to read this today! Thanks for being here and for all your support.
@Jenny Mannion – Hi Jenny. You have such a great supporter and real friend of mine for so long, and so seeing you here today is icing on the cake! Thank you, so much – for all you’ve given, and especially today – for being here!
@Jill – Thank you Jill! One of the greatest honors I can receive is knowing that what I’ve written and/or done has been enriching to another. So, your words hold special meaning to me, thank you for sharing here today.
@Nadia – Nadia, it’s so good to have you here today. Getting to know you, and read your words, has been a complete joy. You, my friend, hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being “you”, Nadia. And thank you for all you’re saying here today – my heart is filled with gratitude.
@Zeenat – Thanks so much for sharing this here today. While we’ve only recently “met”, know that your words mean much to me, and it’s great to see you here and have you as part of my community also. Lisis has been so gracious with her words, and I am truly blessed by all the wonderful people I’ve met. Zeenat, know that you are among them…
Lance´s last blog ..Painting The Masterpiece of Our Life
Hi, everyone! I don’t mean to be anti-social this morning (Lance, usually I’m a much better hostess)… but I have a realtor coming to show my house in about an hour. If you read my “Simple is not Necessarily Beautiful” post, you realize what this means. I’ve got to get THIS house looking like the cover of Architectural Digest!
AND, by the way, I hate feeling like Cinderella!
But anyway, the showing is a GREAT thing, and I’m super thrilled to have Lance featured here today… and looking forward to meeting more of Lance’s friends. I just wish I could spend more time here right now.
As they say here, in Georgia, “Y’all just make yourselves at home now.”
Excellent pick, Lisis!
Lance is a favorite of mine, even though I mostly just lurk from the shadows.
Lance, thank you for everything you’ve done for me via your writing and kind words. You’ve helped me get through some pretty rough times and in the process have given me inspiration. THANK YOU!
I hope someday I can positively affect someone the way you have helped me.
Big, huge hugs to you both!
Hi Lisis,
Lance has impressed me with his comments and his consistency to post sunday thought of the day.
He is one of my favorite bloggers. I think you did the right thing to promote him.
Thanks,
Arswino
Inspirational Quotes´s last blog ..The Power of Giving & Gratitude
Hmmmmm. Clearly this Lance fella is worth checking out.
Nelia´s last blog ..Nelia’s Closing : The Mutant Wrap Up
That he is, Nelia… unless you don’t like really nice, super sweet, loving and compassionate, down to earth bloggers. ‘Cause if you don’t, you probably wouldn’t like Lance.
It’s cool to see so many bloggers promoting other bloggers.
Bakari´s last blog ..Why Jed Clampett really moved to Beverly Hills and why Environment is the forerunner of Success
I haven’t met Lance yet, but I’ll be sure to check out his blog. By what you say of him, I already think he’s a great person.
John´s last blog ..Be Yourself and Stop Emulating the Masses
I really enjoy what you write, Lance, and your posts have inspired me quite a few times.
I want to say you thanks for all those good kicks in the ass, keep your awesome stuff coming.
IvánPérez´s last blog ..How About An Old-School Shave?
Hey Lisis…what a person this Lance! We go back a long way. Many, many, many times I have leaned on him and he has always been there for me.
Hugs to you both,
Tammy
Tammy-Cricket´s last blog ..Me time…and wanting to say Hi
@Lori – Lori, it’s great to know you’re “there” with me, and know that the words you’ve shared here are deeply moving for me – thank you for this. And I want you to also know that these words you’ve said here – they are positively affecting me. So, you ARE doing that, you are a light in this world. Hugs right back to you!
@Arswino – Thanks much for the kind words Arswino.
@Nelia – Hmmm…and if you’re here Nelia, you’re in a pretty great place already. Lisis is all kinds of wonderful! Thanks for reading here today!
@Bakari – Lisis has been so sweet and kind…a real shining star in the big WWW universe! Thanks much!
@John – Thanks much, John, for reading here today, and for stopping by my blog – much appreciated!
@IvanPerez – Hey, glad I could help you out! Really, I do very much appreciate you being here, and for the many visits you’ve had to my site. Thank you…
@Tammy – Tammy….sweet Tammy, thank you! Yes, we do go back a long way (at least in internet terms), and I’m so blessed to have had our paths cross. You have been a true friend, a shining light, an inspiration, and a kindred spirit…my life is so much better because we’ve “met”. Tammy, here’s a great big hug right back to you! Thank YOU for being in my life…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Lisis,
Thank you, once again, for this wonderful gift of your writing you’ve shared. You’ve left me floating around on cloud 9! So…if you see something falling from the sky, it’s probably me finally coming back down to earth!
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
I’ll be looking for you, Lance… we need you here!
[...] is the person who introduced me to Lance, David, and Jay, among other awesome people, who have all changed my life for the better in one way [...]