Spectrum Connection: June 2020

From the desk of Dave Smalley: HUMBLING

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These past couple months have been humbling, and they have afforded me quite a bit of time to think and reflect. One could make the case of too much time. Many of the things I love are currently are out of reach. Gratefully, those I love surround me and are in reach. Count me humbled for their love, care, and encouragement.

In my own personal reflection, many of the qualities I thought I had, I have called into question. I can be- come, and must become, a better person, father, husband, and friend by applying myself more wholly. I can think more of others, and walk in their shoes.

The lack of control in the face of this virus brings to light that, only on the rarest of occasions, have I ever found myself the smartest person in the room. Hum- bling. I have always believed there is a fine line be- tween confidence and arrogance. I’ve counted myself as confident, and I see arrogance as a sin.

I understand that determination is in the eye of others. Admittedly, these months have taken a toll on my personal confidence. From time to time, I have found that I am questioning myself on every level. This has been a huge obstacle for me. Without confidence, it is next to impossible to lead or to make solid decisions. Without belief in yourself, it is hard for others to believe in you.

I know that a champion is defined by getting up when they get knocked down. As of late, we have, I have, been knocked flat down, some might say sucker punched. Yep, knocked down time after time, day in, day out. But I get up, ready to fight, time after time. Sometimes it takes me more than a moment to get off my knees and onto my feet, but I get there, ready to fight. But, who or what am I fighting? I don’t how who I am fighting! Who is the enemy, and how do I defeat the enemy and claim victory? I want to win.

In my reflections, it turns out that I am my enemy. My negative thoughts and my insecurities are my enemies, and they come out when I think I am knocked down. Knowing my enemy is in my mind allows me to control my internal narrative. When I find my confidence, my hope, my swagger, and my faith, I see and find a good person. Me, a champion! My hope erases my doubt.

We often talk about the enemy of GREAT is “good enough.” Well, the enemy of a champion is doubt. We must not doubt ourselves. We must not let something we cannot control in the first place, control us. Together, we can all find our championship mentality. Has there ever been an obstacle we could not collectively overcome? No, there has not, and this is not going to be the first. By admitting that the enemy is the doubt in my own mind, I can confront it, I can beat it.

It has been said that the Corona Virus took the wind out of our sails, but the damn Corona Virus doesn’t own the wind! We are the wind! When we feel knocked down, we will get up, must get up, rise up! Often, it will be with the helping hand of our family, extended family, and friends. But sometimes, by God, we just have to get tough, have faith, and stand up on our own two feet, and FIGHT.

That is where I am today, and I wanted to share that with you. There are dark moments, but those moments are ever more fleeting with the humility I gain through the love of those surrounding me. They do, we do, surround you, too! You can do anything! Keep getting up, keep getting up, Keep getting up!

With Profound Love and Admiration,

Dave Smalley

 

From the desk of Melanie Smalley.

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The Spectrum “Connection” has taken on a new meaning; well maybe not a new meaning, but a more poignant meaning right now. By definition, the word connection means, “a circle of friends or associates or a member of such a circle.” Well, YOU are, WE are, connected with each other.

The Spectrum Connection gives us a platform to stay in touch, to share with each other, maybe make an announcement (any graduating family out there or special family birthday), or a chance to share some joyful personal news with your Spectrum family.

While the current SC issues may seem a little sparse, I’d really like to encourage YOU to contribute to the July issue – let’s fill it up y’all! Send some thoughts, some photos, a shout out, a poem – any message that is important to you that you’re Spectrum family can celebrate!

Social distancing is a real thing, in the physical sense anyway. We don’t have to distance through our newsletter; let’s get closer than ever, now is the perfect time.

I’ll go first and share a couple of photos and shout-outs! I hope that you’ll be encouraged to share by sending your special moments to Samantha ( srozier@spectrumfcs.com), and allow her to create some memorable pages to our newsletter.

Wishing you all good health, faith, and love. Miss your faces! Let’s stay CONNECTED!

 

Virtual workout with my favorite coach – my sister, Jennifer! Getting strong!

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This guy, my nephew Joshua, is graduating high school. Class of 2020! So proud of you, kiddo!

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Happy 23rd Bday to my one and only kiddo! So proud of the young man

that you are today, love you infinity!

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Wicked Whisk : We miss you!

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Cornbread Panzanella Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 30-35 minutes Yield: Serves 4

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cornbread, torn or cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives
  • Salt and pepper for serving

 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Arrange the cornbread in a single layer on a sheet pan, bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and toasted, tossing the cornbread halfway through cooking. Cool to room temperature. For the vinaigrette, combine the garlic, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. To as- semble the salad, combine the cornbread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and chives in a large bowl. Gently stir in the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pep- per to taste.

 

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