Grand Council Line

Grand Line

District Deputies

District Instructors

Living MIPGMs

Committees

Office	Companion
Most Illustrious Grand Master	Thomas A. Olsen
Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master	O. Benjamin Geiger II
Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of Work	John A. Kraniou
Right Illustrious Grand Treasurer	Robert C. St. John, Jr., MIPGM
Right Illustrious Grand Recorder	Carl E. Gilmore, MIPGM
Illustrious Grand Chaplain	Harold L. Ritchie
Illustrious Associate Grand Chaplain	Jack A. Holloway
Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard	James E. Draeving
Illustrious Grand Conductor of the Council	E. Richard Coles
Illustrious Grand Marshal	James R. Billberry
Illustrious Grand Steward	Jonas Seda
Illustrious Grand Sentinel	Brian R. Poole
Illustrious Grand Organist	Dana K. Oldenburg

District	Councils	DDGIM
01	10, 17, 24, 44	Max Bornstein
02	9, 25	Jeffrey T. Lawrence
03	8, 14, 34	Dana K. Oldenburg
04	4, 11, 43	Richard A. Vogt
05	1, 5, 20, 28	Randall Brocius
06	13, 36, 38	Joseph A. Schoonover
07	3, 15, 18, 46	Stephen Urban, Jr.
08	27, 35, 39	Michael Leebove
09	26, 30, 31	Donald J. Goss
10	7, 29, 33	Joshua W. Schutts

District	Councils	DDGIM
01	10, 17, 24, 44	Garry M. Paxinos
02	9, 25	Christopher Tilman
03	8, 14, 34	V. Kirk Hinote
04	4, 11, 43	A. Randy Chancey
05	1, 5, 20, 28	Carlos J. Crispin, Jr.
06	13, 36, 38	Stephen C. Nelson
07	3, 15, 18, 46	Stephen M. Meserve
08	27, 35, 39	Thomas E. Metcalfe, Jr.
09	26, 30, 31	Neils H. Hesse
10	7, 29, 33	Daniel R. Parks

Year(s)	MIPGM - Florida
1992	Robert E. Burleson
1996	Paul Friend
2000	Richard S. Agster
2001	Charles L. Hollinger
2003	Stephen H. Clark
2005	Donald T. Harriott
2006	Louis A. King
2009	Carl E. Gilmore
2011	M. Daniel Fullwood
2012	Larry R. Gillespie
2013	Dayle L. Schrock
2016	Benjamin J. Holland
2017	Robert C. St. John Jr.
2018	Glenn E. Chandler, Snr.
2019	John D. Pickford
2020	Thomas J. Rawsthorne
2021	Wm. Allen Sorbie
2022	Gene A. Lance

Year(s)	Jurisdiction	MIPGM
1990	Washington D.C.	Sheldon Arpad
1998	Michigan	Ronald B. Blaisdell
2010-2011	District of Columbia	Charles W. Wagner
2022-2023	Alaska	James Hogg

Committee	Chairman	Member(s)
Advisory	Glenn E. Chandler, Snr., MIPGM	Darryl A. D'Angina	Gene A. Lance, MIPGM
Audit	O. Benjamin Geiger ,II	John A. Kraniou	James E. Draeving
Awards	Paul W. Friend, MIPGM	Damon Sansom	John A. Kraniou
Budget & Finance	O. Benjamin Geiger ,II	John A. Kraniou	James E. Draeving
CMMRF	Dayle L. Schrock, MIPGM	Glenn E. Chandler, Snr., MIPGM	Larry R. Gillespie, MIPGM
CMMRF District Representatives	Rafael Far-Vieira (D-1) John F. Wermann (D-2) Carl E. Gilmore, MIPGM (D-3)	Larry R. Gillespie, MIPGM (D-4) Charles Linder (D-5) John D. Pickford, MIPGM (D-6)	Richard Ayers (D-7) Albert Kimball (D-8) Charles Morgan (D-9) Jerry Miller (D-10)
Committee on Work	John I. Gray	Rusty M. Ludlam	Thomas E. Metcalfe, Jr.
Constitution Review	Glenn E. Chandler, Snr., MIPGM	John D. Pickford, MIPGM	Larry R. Gillespie, MIPGM
Convention Board	Thomas A. Olsen	Rusty M. Ludlam	Henry A. Adams, Carl E. Gilmore, MIPGM (ex officio)
Convention Manager	Carl E. Gilmore, MIPGM
Distinguished Guests	Steven Q. Steele
DD & DI Liaison	Damon Sansom	James Billberry	Edgar Coles, IV
Grand Representatives	James Billberry	Ronald Eigenmann	Randal L. Burkett
History	Glenn E. Chandler, Snr., MIPGM	Robert E. Burleson	Paul W. Friend, MIPGM
Homecoming	James Billberry	Randal L. Burkett	Richard Ayers
Investment	Wm. Lee Popham, Sr.	Dayle L. Schrock, MIPGM	Paul W. Friend, MIPGM, Steven Barnett
Jurisprudence	Paul W. Friend	ALL MIPGMs
Lodge Representatives	Eric W. Kleinbach	Randal L. Burkett	Jonas Seda
Masonic Youth	Paul Mast	Damon Sansom	Eric W. Kleinbach
Membership Development, Training & Education	Thomas E. Metcalfe, Jr.	Rusty M. Ludlam	Albert Kimball
Mentor's/Instructors Manual	Todd Connor	Rusty M. Ludlam	Mark Balester
Necrology	Brian R. Poole	Carl E. Gilmore, MIPGM
Perpetual Membership	Christopher Lanham	Ronald George	Ronald Eigenmann
Registration,Returns & Credentials	Eric W. Kleinbach	Edward Mayfield, Jr.	Dwight N. Ridgeway
Souvenir Program	Michael Leebove	Eric W. Kleinbach	Carlos Correa
Technology	Arthur J. Ahrens, III	Wm. Allen Sorbie, MIPGM
Thanks	Randal L. Burkett	James Billberry	Carl Thorwart
Time & Place	O. Benjamin Geiger	Corey D. Kosciuszko	Ronald A. Naumowicz
Unfinished Business	Gene A. Lance, MIPGM

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. No one has ever become poor by giving.”

"- As Masons, we should always be there for those in need, but giving at a random moment to someone and watching their joy, is what we're all about!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The art of life is not controlling what happens to us, but using what happens to us.”

"- As Masons, we get to decide the impact our experiences have on our lives. While we may not control every outcome, we do have a choice in what motivates our actions."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Life is a collection of moments. Mindfulness is beautification of the moments.”

"- As Masons, we should be mindful of the present, time can slip past us without our awareness. But when we become more intentional about taking in and appreciating every moment, life takes on more beauty. Every occasion has the potential to be breathtaking — we just have to notice it."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“In every conceivable manner, the family is the link to our past, the bridge to our future.”

"- As Masons, we understand that family history is crucial in shaping one’s identity. Though family can be complicated, those ties can tell us plenty about ourselves — and where we want to go from here."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent.”

"- When we are going through our darkest days, hope is the little ray of light that reminds us there are brighter times ahead. Hard times are not permanent, and holding on to hope that this, too, shall pass, is what gives us strength to get through them."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. To find your gift is happiness.”

"- As Masons, if we spend life’s precious days intentionally unearthing our own greatest talents, passions, and abilities, happiness will follow where they lead."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed.”

"As Masons, our commitment to our work encourage us to be patient with our ambitions, giving each step the attention it needs so that we can continue to grow."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.”

"- As Masons, we understand that haste rarely fosters meaningful solutions!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.”

"- The power of the human will is an incredible force, and even in the most daunting times, we are capable of making a positive difference. As Masons, we handle our personal business within the length of our cable-tow, however, if you are unable to supply all of the "light" you need, every Brother within your network will be willing to share a part of theirs with you!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

"- In a go-getter society that prizes prodigy and speed, it can be daunting to go back to the drawing board to pursue a new goal. But as Masons, we are reminded that no matter your age, it’s never too late to dream of something new. We are also reminded that passion and commitment, much more than age, are the keys to reaching your goals."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker

"- As Masons, our commitment to equal rights and representation encourages us to stand up for our own beliefs and values, and to never let society or other people diminish our sense of self-worth."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Dare to be naïve.”

"- It is auspicious to approach any situation from a deferential, inquisitive place. Conceding that there is much to learn is the best blueprint for discovering something new. As Masons, we should always be searching for new light. Knowledge is power!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that while our thoughts and aims may be noble, it is our actions that speak loudest. No matter how lofty our plans may be, they make little impact if we don’t eventually act on them."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“I change myself, I change the world.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that working on our own personal development is the first step to shifting the world around us. In breaking down our own barriers, we make ourselves more effective vessels for change."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“We come close to greatness when we are great in humility”.

"The best human trait is a modest and unassuming nature, which enables us to listen well, form unexpected bonds, and learn from others."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“True love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have.”

"- People are unique in their own ways, and as such, show love in different ways. As Masons, we are reminded that true love should always feel nourishing."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“A person without an imagination is like a teabag without water.”

"As Masons, we should always be encouraged, and encourage others, to always think outside the box. Without imagination, we might never discover our true purpose and potential."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.”

"- As Masons, we need to understand that vision is the ability to see not just what’s in front of us, but possibilities, dreams, and triumphs that haven’t happened yet — because that is the first step in being able to pursue them."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

"- When we are accountable for our words and actions — and act with integrity even in the face of adversity — we are far more likely to find pride, confidence, and respect for ourselves. Taking responsibility is not always easy, but it’s a worthy pursuit. People with self-respect exhibit a certain toughness, a kind of moral nerve; they display what was once called "character.""

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Find the thing you do well and do it again and again for the rest of your life.”

"- As Masons, our devotion to mastering our craft encourages us not to give up on finding the spark that motivates us to search for new light — that thing that drives us to be a better Man!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded to balance our passions with a level head: Marrying drive with patience and diligence remains the best way to move toward our goals."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive.”

"- As Mason's, each person we meet and befriend invites us to explore more of ourselves and discover new insights. Our interests, personalities, dreams, hopes, and thoughts are made richer and brighter when shared with someone else, and sometimes it takes the arrival of a new friend to awaken our truest identities."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.”

"

As Masons, helping others — especially those in need — is the path toward a fulfilled life.

"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Patience and tenacity of purpose are worth more than twice their weight of cleverness.”

"- Rather than relying on quick shortcuts, clever tricks, or corner-cutting, as Masons we should practice the virtues of patience and determination as we pursue our goals and dreams. Though the road may be longer, the journey will be that much sweeter when we are motivated by a sense of purpose and commitment, and utilize the strength of the human will. We should always be on the lookout for more light. The more knowledge acquired, the better understanding we have of Masonry!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”

"- As Masons, it doesn't matter if we can't dance as good as others or even dance at all — we just need to let go of our inhibitions and experience the joy of moving to the music. It’s a lesson that can be applied to all areas of life: Fear of imperfection should never cause us to miss out on life’s wonders."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say.”

"- As Masons, we need to be straight forward and truthful from the beginning, but gentle in our delivery, not harsh. Others might not like hearing the truth but will have a greater respect for you in the end."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.”

"- The message of modern culture often centers around doing more: getting more likes, buying more things, consuming more content, making more money. As Masons, we need to strive to simplify our daily lives. By stripping away unnecessary distractions, we make room for the objects, experiences, and people that are essential to our happiness and peace."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

"As Masons, we should understand that grief is a heavy emotion to bear, but the ability to feel a deep loss means we also experienced a profound sense of love. Through the pain, the sorrow can serve as a reminder of the indelible impact that those we cherish have on our lives."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Be wise enough to explore any door that is opened to you. You’ll never know where it leads, unless you walk through it.”

"- As Masons, we should be consistently recognizing and accepting challenges, to learn more light. Saying yes to opportunities is how you learn more about what Masonry truly is and what it can do for you! Only you, can make yourself a better man!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The only thing people regret is that they didn’t live boldly enough, that they didn’t invest enough heart, didn’t love enough.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that taking risks is an essential part of living. With every chance we take, we make ourselves vulnerable to failure and hurt. But at the end of the day, we’re more likely to regret a life lived too cautiously to be enjoyed fully."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“It’s not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance.”

"- As Masons, we should understand that "abundance” need not be measured by the amount of money or things we amass in our lifetime, but rather by the amount of passion, love, and joy we feel. Learning to appreciate what we have over longing for what we don’t brings peace and contentment, which is the secret to happiness."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“There is only one success… to be able to spend your life in your own way.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that accomplishments are defined by individuals, not society, and self-awareness can clarify our own unique sense of success."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

"- All spiritual virtues — such as love, hope, faith, patience, and mercy — have little meaning if they disappear in the face of danger or persecution. It is easy to be kind, forgiving, or strong when times are good, but retaining those qualities during times of adversity requires great courage."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Great necessities call out great virtues.”

"- It is in times of need, distress, and reckoning that Masons rise to the occasion and act. Hard times require us to act on our best qualities."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.”

"- As Masons, we should encourage self-respect in the face of mistreatment by those who dismiss, limit, or neglect your value. We should inspire them with the determination to overcome it. A true friend is someone who supports you and encourages you to be your best!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”

"- Trying to avoid pain in pursuit of only happiness is a fruitless endeavor, in fact our most profound joys are only made sweeter in contrast to the bitterness we all experience. As Masons, we should be encouraged to dive headfirst into life, and to never stop fully living, no matter what comes our way."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?”

"- As Masons, to be of service to the people in our lives is one of the most important things we can do with our time."

“The blizzard doesn’t last forever; it just seems so.”

"- As Masons, we are encouraged to stay strong — though it seems like problems last forever, they will eventually subside, and we will come out the other side."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”

"As Masons, we need to understand the infectious quality of happiness, and the importance of spreading joy during times of suffering."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last.”

"- As Masons, we should see curiosity as a never-ending quest; it expands your mind — and the more that happens, the more curious you become. So as we learn, our thirst for knowledge deepens, and our curiosity leads us to explore even further — turning learning into a lifelong process of enrichment."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Leadership is not about necessarily being the loudest in the room.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that leaders make the most impact when they listen to the people around them, try to find common ground, and lift up those who need it most."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The truth isn’t always beauty, but the hunger for it is.”

"- As Masons, we understand there are innumerous ugly realities in the world, there is also beauty in humankind’s devotion to finding truth and justice."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Always remember: Silence and smile are two very powerful tools.”

"- A smile is the way to solve many problems and a silence is the way to avoid many problems. As Masons, we are reminded that the power of words can cut both ways, and the discretion to know when to keep quiet and offer a kind smile is just as valuable."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

"- Sometimes we find ourselves feeling so comfortable that we take the most basic aspects of life for granted. The Extraordinary does not let you walk away and shrug your shoulders. But the Ordinary is a much harder case, the Ordinary has got itself in a bad way with us: we hardly ever notice it. As Masons, we are reminded to treat everything — including the ordinary things — with gratitude."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

"- As Masons, we cannot dictate circumstance, but we can work hard and train in our chosen vocation so that when opportunity presents itself, we’re ready."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”

"- As Masons, there is nothing more valuable to an organization than when the people in positions of power can humble themselves enough to listen, learn, and digest new information."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The beginning of wisdom is to do away with fear.”

"- As many of us know, fear is often the greatest roadblock to our happiness and inner peace. As Masons, we recognize that we cannot begin to learn and grow until we conquer the things that scare us and move forward with courage."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Never get tired of doing the little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.”

"- Brothers, giving goes without saying. As Masons, putting someone's needs before ours is the backbone of our fraternity!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.”

"- As Masons, we understand that by exercising our liberties is how we build a better world for ourselves, our communities, and future generations."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“He who has a ‘why’ to live for can bear almost any ‘how’.”

"- As Masons, having a strong purpose in life gives us a reason to continue on through adversity, and inspires us to find a way past any obstacles that may present themselves."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”

"- Only through the acceptance of the present can we begin to overcome those negative feelings and enjoy wherever life has taken us, as if it had been our preferred path all along. As Masons, we need to look for the "positive", in all things of our daily life."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

"- As Masons, we understand that a meaningful goal equates to a steep climb. Even if you don’t achieve your highest objective, the steps taken will lead you somewhere satisfying."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.”

"As Masons we must choose to lean into life’s fluctuations, rather than trying to control them. We need to try and ground ourselves when we get overwhelmed by our circumstances. If we remember that all feelings eventually pass, like a storm that gives way to clear skies, we can gain control in any situation."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Learning never exhausts the mind”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that broadening our horizons is healthy. Exploring new fields and skills will only create a richer life."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

"- As Masons, we should be encouraging ourselves to stop focusing our energy on trying to change ourselves into someone we aren't and simply learn to accept who we are, flaws and all. Ironically, it’s often that very acceptance that creates space for personal growth and change. Masonry gives you the tools and paths to make yourself a better Man, if you allow it to! Only you can help yourself change!"

a | PDDIGM

“These are the times in life — when nothing happens — but in quietness the soul expands.” – Rockwell

"By physically and mentally distancing ourselves from the source of stress, we can achieve serenity through simplicity."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.”

"It’s more fulfilling to give as much as you can — becoming a person of value — than to take what you can to become a person of "success"."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself, you cannot tell it about other people.”

"- As Masons, one virtue in our mind that stand above the rest is truth. Honesty breeds creativity, but we must tell all truths, including the unpleasant ones. It's difficult to openly paint ourselves as petty, vain, mean, selfish, unfaithful, or unsuccessful. But only after we take an honest look at ourselves are we able to see the truth in others."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The reason they put erasers on the end of pencils… because people make mistakes.”

"- But just as this metaphor suggests, as Masons, our flawed characters often get a chance at redemption. Moving past our mistakes offers us an opportunity to prove something to ourselves and come out stronger and more confident on the other side."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The difference between misery and happiness depends on what we do with our attention.”

"- As Masons, we need to encourage self-compassion as the first step to changing our perspective. We have more control over our outlook than we think, if we can learn to choose where to focus our energy."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

"- As Masons, the road to reach our full capability can be perilous, but if we are strong enough to continue pushing forward into new and unknown territory, we’ll be rewarded with personal greatness."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Very little is needed to make a happy life.”

"- Strong-willed people who cultivated their inner peace and positive emotions can find happiness regardless of circumstance, and don’t need fortune, fame, or material goods to achieve satisfaction in life. If we can seek out joy in the small things, happiness is always within reach."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You can’t learn style. Style, I think, it is in your DNA.”

"- As Masons, we should discourage following trends. If you present yourself to the world in a way that feels authentic, it breeds a confidence that will take you far."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Maybe happiness isn’t what you believe, but who you believe.”

"- As Masons, the people closest to us can tell us a lot about our own values, and it’s important to surround ourselves with those who bring love, support, joy, and fun into our lives."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control.”

"- As Masons, we need to focus on the need to let go of attempts to control our lives in order to reflect more deeply. In loosening our grip on a situation, we can also release the fear that surrounds it, making way for the calm that comes from acceptance."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Only by not forgetting the past can we be the master of the future.”

"- As Masons, we understand that no experience exists in a vacuum. By reflecting on where we’ve been, we can chart the course ahead to steer us in a better direction."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.”

"- Misfortunes may not resemble our modern plights, even our worst circumstances can hold the possibility of good: Often, it is when we reach rock bottom that we are able to start changing our lives."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“It is not worthy to give up.”

"- As Masons, we are assured that even in the face of extreme difficulty, resilience and tenacity are innate qualities of the Masonic spirit."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.”

"- As Masons, we should continually strive to reach our best selves. We should constantly remind ourselves our progress in life is up to us, that we need the courage to move forward into the unknown."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Live, and be happy, and make others so.”

"- As Masons, if we can pursue true happiness, and seek to bring joy to others as well, we can celebrate a life well-lived."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

"- As Masons, we should understand that failure is just as important as success. We are reminded the dreams that come with risks are worth pursuing, no matter how daunting they may seem in the beginning. In fact, often what limits us is not the obstacles in our path but the fears and doubts that stop us from dreaming big in the first place."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.” – Dale Carnegie

"- As Masons, it's easy to let our small doubts and anxieties balloon into overwhelming fears — because we allow them too much time and space to grow rather than taking action to face them. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“We can smile and relax. Everything we want is right here in the present moment.”

"- In a culture where we’re conditioned for nonstop striving, as Masons it’s crucial to remember to pause and acknowledge the happiness that comes from feeling connected to our surroundings."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life.”

"- In Masonry, our obligations are clear! Love and care are always available to us, no matter where we are — we just have to be open to receiving it."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.” – Joan Didion

"- As Masons, we realize that life’s most meaningful moments aren’t likely to feel grand or cinematic — profound events are still surrounded by normal context. These moments compel us to embrace each mundane-seeming moment, because we never know when things are going to change."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Walls turned sideways are bridges”

"- As Masons, we face walls daily. Remember, that every problem has more than one solution and by changing our perspective, something that appears as a roadblock may provide a path forward."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.”

"- Success often requires expectation and enthusiasm — you have to keep your head up to find what you’re looking for."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Don’t try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you.”

"- As Masons, we should value the importance of staying true ourselves, even — or especially — if that makes you stand apart from the crowd. Don’t stunt your own growth by toning down your natural talents and skills. Instead, show others what’s possible, and the world may just follow where you lead."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life: Overcome fear, behold wonder.”

"- As Masons, we learn to not to let fear stand in the way of seeking new experiences. In fact, it’s often when we push past that initial resistance that we stumble upon something truly wondrous."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”

"- You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure. The process is its own reward. You can have as much determination as you want, but to reach your goals you also must take the difficult step of acting on that will."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You cannot save people; you can only love them.”

"- As Masons, the best thing we can do for the people close to us is simply to love them, without trying to manage or change them."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.”

"- As Masons, we frequently tend to draw a line between the virtues of faith and reason. We assert that logic can often get in the way of the cultivation of faith, whether in a deity or the belief in an idea or person. Clinging too closely to what we know can obscure the vastness of what we still have yet to learn."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You are never strong enough that you don’t need help.”

"- As Masons, there should always be room for someone to help us and teach us something new, no matter how much we accomplish and learn. Remember, knowledge is power!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Fear builds its phantoms which are more fearsome than reality itself.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that fear can blind us to the reality in front of us, and we can achieve great things by not letting fear win."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Pay attention to what you pay attention to.”

"- As Masons, we should watch our mind at work, we'll start to notice patterns of thought, which will show us where our strengths are. It’ll also be good practice for when we get voted into that new position, since good work does — always and necessarily — require focus and attention."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

"- The description of shade on a warm, sunny day is a perfect metaphor for the importance of long-term thinking and investing in the future. When we realize our actions can either help or harm our future selves — or later generations — the choices we make become immensely impactful. It may require sacrifice and hard work today, but we will surely be thankful for our efforts in the long run."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Out of the wreck I rise.”

"- As Masons, we understand that no matter how many wrong turns we take, we can always find hope, grace, and renewal."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

"- As Masons, when we are accountable for our words and actions — and act with integrity even in the face of adversity — we are far more likely to find pride, confidence, and respect for ourselves. Taking responsibility is not always easy, but it’s a worthy pursuit."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”

"- As Masons, when we are curious, changes in our brain prepare us to learn not only the information we originally sought out, but also incidental information we might encounter along the way. Curiosity is at the center of our capacity to learn."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

"- As Masons, we need to trust our inner vibrancy to stoke the “flames and generosities of the heart.” Each of us can be great in our own way, we just need to motivate ourselves to do so."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.”

"- To achieve happiness, it begins with courage. In order to find joy and contentment in this life, we must have the liberty of choice, and to achieve and maintain that freedom, we must have an iron-clad will and unwavering devotion to our convictions. As Masons, it is up to us to stand for all that is good and just. If we allow tyranny and deception to run our lives, are we truly happy?"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

"- As Masons, we are reminded that time heals all wounds, but it takes wisdom and patience to get there."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You have to have confidence in your vision or else no one else will trust in it.”

"- As Masons, we must believe in our own vision in order to create. It’s a truism even beyond the artistic world: When we move through life with confidence, we teach others to trust in us, too."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Success is the process itself.”

"- As Masons, we should feel that the sense of accomplishment does not come from titles, certificates, or even awards, but from the process of creating itself. It's knowing that you gave 100% and did your best work."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

"- As a Mason, we should understand that the road to reach our full capability can be perilous, but if we are strong enough to continue pushing forward into new and unknown territory, we’ll be rewarded with personal greatness."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The older we get, the greater power we seem to have to help the world.”

"- Age brings experience, and the shared respect for that experience — as well as the work done on your past self — has the power to make a great impact on society. The only way to gain experience is to earn it, because you can't buy it!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”

"- As Masons, we understand that no one has all the answers, and pretending otherwise will get you into trouble. Remember, that curiosity is a sign of respect, and indicates a willingness to learn, and grow, from the presence of outside perspectives. This is why we seek further light!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

"- As Masons, rather than lamenting unavoidable hardships, our time is better spent focusing on the choices within our control and making our time on Earth meaningful. We need to use our time here wisely!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“You can’t do your job and be afraid.”

"- As Masons, we should make decisions based on our insight and instincts, and not let fear derail your goals. Get more active in your lodge and district. It not only benefits you, but all of us and Masonry in general."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

"- As Masons, refusing to hold grudges against even the most hostile forces, we can cultivate our characteristic resilience."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

"- As Masons, we recognize two different kinds of bravery: the ability to be emotionally open and feel deeply for others, and the courage to hope for a better world amid the horrors of socialism and terrorism. But these words ring true in any life circumstances. If you’re willing to face what scares you, it will broaden your world. Those risks are not easy to take, but the reward is a fuller, richer, and more vibrant life."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Joy is not in things, it is in us.”

"- As Masons, we should understand that we control our own emotional fulfillment as much as external circumstances do. Remember, that our current situation doesn’t have to control us; indeed, our outlook and mindset can change the situation, and cultivate joy even in the most difficult times."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” – William Shakespeare.

"- As Masons, it stands as a warning not to let fear keep us from trying. Taking a calculated risk could bring gifts we can’t imagine."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

"Starting something new — be it a Masonic project, a relationship, or a major life change — can bring up many questions and doubts. But, as Masons, we are reminded that new beginnings offer something else: possibility. The payoff is just starting - after that, it can only get better!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Love is free; it is not practiced as a way of achieving other ends.”

"- Perhaps the most universally sacred virtue, love is most valuable when it is practiced purely and with no expectation of reward."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“If you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that you play that determines if it’s good or bad.”

"- As Masons, it's how we react to so-called mistakes that determine whether the ultimate outcome will be negative or positive."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“To lead people, walk behind them.”

"- As Mason's, you have to have a solid understanding of who you are leading, and that knowledge is best obtained from a position of service rather than of command. We need to understand that by putting the needs of those under your care above your own, you can better serve them — and if you know how to serve them better, you will become a better leader."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“We restore ourselves when we’re alone. A career is born in public — talent in privacy. “

"- As Masons, we are reminded that we make some of our most meaningful progress in private, when we are free of the expectations and projections of others. Remember Brothers, experience is earned, not bought!"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Life is made of ever so many partings welded together.”

"- As Masons, we should understand that it is merely the nature of life to have to say goodbye to the people, places, and experiences we have loved. It’s rarely easy, but we can take comfort knowing that at the end of each parting is a brand-new beginning."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Optimism is a perfectly legitimate response to failure.”

"- As Masons, we should practice that hope and positive thinking are the only productive responses to failure."

a | PDDIGM

“The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.”

"- As Masons, we understand that our achievements prove that an “impossible” task is often simply something that’s never been done before. If we have the patience and tenacity to conquer even the most difficult goals, what was previously unimaginable suddenly comes into the realm of possibility."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.”

"- As Masons, most of us have something in our lives we fear, but if we can get past that fear, our experience of life expands enormously."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“He who is not satisfied with a little, is satisfied with nothing.”

"- As Masons, the aim of life should be to find happiness in simple pleasures. We make feeling the rule by which to judge of every good thing.” The joy of a philosophical conversation with friends far outstrips the satisfaction of accumulating material goods. When we find ourselves dissatisfied with our lives, perhaps what we need is not the latest gadget or gizmo, but rather a deep and engaging conversation with a loved one."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

"- As Masons, we should be encouraged to look for the silver lining whenever we are faced with disappointment. Letting go of our expectations may lead to an even better outcome than what we thought we wanted."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Patience is a necessary ingredient of genius.”

"- There is a moment when a heavenly light rises over the dim world you have been so long creating and bathes it with life and beauty. Accept this omen that your work is good, and revel in the sunshine of composition.”"

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The human mind always makes progress, but it is progress in spirals.”

"- As Masons, we understand that the path through life is not a straight line, and neither is the road to change; it is human nature to make progress in increments, as our beliefs are challenged, reconstructed, and transformed over time."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“We must believe that we are gifted for something.”

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. Masons should always strive to seek more light, as knowledge is power. To become a better man, he must attempt to acquire new knowledge on a regular basis."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The first problem for all of us, is not to learn, but to unlearn.”

"- As Masons, our collective fear of straying from “popular wisdom” can limit forward progress for us and society at large. We can all benefit from looking inward and questioning whether our inherent ways of thinking are serving ourselves and others."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”

"- Only through the acceptance of the present can we begin to overcome those negative feelings and enjoy wherever life has taken us, as if it had been our preferred path all along. As Masons, we need to look for the "positive", in all things of our daily life."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Whatever you are, try to be a good one.”

"- As Masons, we understand that it doesn’t matter what you do in life; what matters is striving for excellence in any task, big or small, because the effort itself can be the greatest reward."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that not every road is laid out for us, we must believe we can move forward together before taking the first step."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.”

"- As Masons, if we approach the unknown without fear, we’re more likely to gain understanding we didn’t have before."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Mix a little foolishness with your prudence; it’s good to be silly at the right moment.”

"- As Masons, we are reminded that while virtue and discipline are important, it is just as necessary to find lightness, humor, and silliness in life. Moments of laughter and playfulness rescue us from feeling the weight of our obligations and help us stay balanced as we navigate our day to day activities."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Men who are in earnest are not afraid of consequences.”

"- As Masons, our dedication shows us that committing to a cause can offset our fears and empower us beyond our imagination."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows or judge all he sees.”

"- As Masons, we should heed this quote as initial observations and impressions, may be deceiving and few of the facts known."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

"- As Masons, we need to understand that people who are true to themselves leave the strongest imprints on the world."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”

"- As Masons, we should sing the praises of anyone who “strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again,” fervently dismissing those who stand back and critique the efforts of people attempting to do something difficult."

Alan "Randy" Chancey | PDDIGM

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