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Making a Difference in Hurricane, WV PDF Print E-mail
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June 3, 2008: Hurricane, West Virginia

Thirty five years after his own graduation from Hurricane High School in rural West Virginia's Putnam County, Austin returned home at the invitation of Hurricane's First Baptist Church and Pastor Jim McGehee, Austin's high school track coach and good friend. Preaching the morning service at First Baptist, Austin spoke about the incredible impact made by Coach McGehee, and his biology teacher Gloria Maddox, and high school counselor Flora Frances. All three are members of First Baptist and Austin tells their story in this recording about the life-changing importance of "Making a Difference".

Listen and learn how Coach McGehee, Mrs. Maddox and Mrs. Frances put Austin on a path to the Navy, a life goal of astronaut selection, and a strong grounding in the fundamentals of life. You too can make a difference in the people around you. Put an arm around someone who is 'invisible,' a person you might not otherwise pay attention to. When you do, you are setting in motion a lifetime of positive change in that individual. You will make an eternal difference in his or her life, as well as the lives of the people that are touched through the change that you sparked. Austin traces his life's success back to one particularly important moment, a word of encouragement from his teacher and dear friend, First Baptist's Jim McGehee. That encouragement made all the difference.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 September 2008 )
 
Austin Boyd - full of B.U.L.L. !! PDF Print E-mail
ImageB.U.L.L. – In a gentle poke at a good friend and STEDTRAIN Chairman, Dr. Mike Baran, Austin coined a term for the a motivational speech he gave to the 2008 award ceremony for Huntsville, Alabama's Science and Technology Education and Training Program (STEDTRAIN). Thirty-eight teachers received grants of $1000 for innovative concepts to be employed in their classes this year. One hundred and thirty local teachers have received this grant over the past years, a program funded by local businesses and prof

Entitled "Baran's Unified Laws for Living" (BULL), Austin provided the keynote address about five fundamentals, or laws, that lead to a successful and enjoyable life. Dr. Mike Baran, ever on the prowl for a prank, deciphered the acronym before Austin could finish the first sentence of his speech. The audience thoroughly enjoyed this fun, yet uniquely inspirational message about five keys to 'living large.'

Listen to Austin's short talk (click the link) to learn more about how you can look at life in a new way, and learn to enjoy every day to the fullest. While you're listening, be sure and find out more about the STEDTRAIN grants from the Huntsville Area Technical Societies (HATS).essional societies in the greater Huntsville, Alabama area.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 September 2008 )
 
Austin @ Nimitz Reunion! PDF Print E-mail
I spoke to the annual reunion of the USS Nimitz and about 80 retired Navy men and their wives this past June in Nashville. My talk centered on "Turning Challenges into Opportunities" and it seemed to resonate with the audience. What a great night we had, sharing sea stories, swapping lies, and reminding each other that, in life, great opportunities are brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. I hope we get a chance to meet again. The USS Nimitz Association was a wonderful audience and the source of many new friendships.

I would also like to thank Carlton Lee Harbaugh, of C. L. Harbaugh Bay Images, for taking and sharing these wonderful pictures with me! Be sure and click on the images below to see larger versions!
-AB

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 August 2008 )
 

Austin's Info

If you'd like to correspond with Austin, drop him an email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it !

Austin's Next Speaking Engagements:

“Make the Most of Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference”: 7 – 9 PM, March 25th 2010
At the Lakeside Lounge of the Mount Hermon Conference Center, Mount Hermon, California. Nestled among towering redwoods near Santa Cruz, California, the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference is the leading venue for writers seeking the opportunity for networking, mentoring and worship. Join me to learn more about how to pitch your book concept to an editor, and how to grow your skills as a writer.


“Change the World”: 6 – 7 PM, May 5th, 2010
At the Owens Crossroads Baptist Church, Owens Crossroads, Alabama. Join us to celebrate the National Day of Prayer and share in a discussion about the imperative for every citizen to get active and make a difference in community. Don’t wait for the government to fix things. Get busy and do it yourself, changing the world one life at a time.Room 241, First Baptist Church

“Be the Wave”: 4 – 7 PM
Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, California. I will join with friends from Mount Hermon and dinner sponsor Mr. Doug Cavanaugh to promote the incredible impact of the Mount Hermon camping ministry for families, writers, musicians, and youth of all ages. For more information, contact Director of Development, Mr. J.R. Loofbourrow at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it