Fourth of July

July 4, 2016

My country,’ tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride, from every mountainside let freedom ring! My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills; my heart […]

Aaaahhhh

June 30, 2016

Maybe we too have special angels who cradle our heads when sleep rules the night. Perhaps they help banish all worries and doubts and gently remind us that faith conquers fear.

The power of praise

June 28, 2016

Heisman trophy winner Danny Wuerffel tells the story of a voice he heard throughout his whole life. He heard it in first grade when he was trying to win a race. “You’re the fastest boy in the grade, Danny!” the voice said. He won. He heard it in the third grade as he turned his […]

Grateful

June 28, 2016

How could we be anything but grateful? Grateful for her life, her love, and the memories that will last a lifetime How could we be anything but hopeful? Buoyed by her fortitude and faith the faith now rewarded with joy everlasting How could we be anything but thankful? Thankful for another day to share her […]

Invincible

June 27, 2016

I close my eyes and see you on your best day when the passion pours from you and you’re unstoppable The day when you look in the mirror and see no trace of fear because you’re unbeatable I close my eyes and see you leave a bag at the curb the one filled with needless […]

If only

June 27, 2016

I’d see you in the lunchroom sitting by yourself and think there must be some reason you chose to sit alone I was too busy laughing and clowning to see the despair written on your face I could have befriended you could have eased your pain if only I had taken time time to care […]

One brave soul

June 27, 2016

The sidewalks were sizzling as the temperature climbed above one hundred People flooded to ice cream parlors….. movie theatres….and the library to find relief from the heat I had just pushed the down button on the elevator at Koelbel library when a woman in her seventies entered the front door She was assisted by a […]

Gone but not forgotten

June 27, 2016

Our brother Chris has been gone for more than twenty years. I miss him today as The 4th. of July approaches. I miss his zany sense of humor and the devilish twinkle in his eye. Chris was clearly the most fun-loving of the five boys in our family. You would have loved him in minutes […]

Drama king

June 27, 2016

Kevin bolted through the back door and said….’Oh my, he’s really losing it!’ A 12 year old boy in the sectional tournament was instructed to exit the tennis court with his opponent because rain had made the surface dangerous. Kevin said the pampered little tyrant was berating the official who had made the right call […]

Friends

June 27, 2016

True friends are doorways to our souls, and loving friends are the grasses that soften the world. It is no accident that the German root of friendship means “place of high safety.” This safety opens us to God. As Cicero said, “A friend is a second self.” And, as Saint Martin said, “My friends are […]

Bye bye blues

June 23, 2016

Kyle was just laid off from a sales job he loved. He and Jenny have been struggling to keep up with expenses as her salary is just enough to get by. When Kyle begins feeling blue, Jeremy and Jacob are right beside him. ‘Life is good,’ he realizes as his two sons are the most […]

Balance

June 22, 2016

Even the most experienced surfers catch waves that hurl them to the ocean floor. Soon, they grab their board and search for the next wave….the next chance to come out on top.

Fun seekers

June 22, 2016

Some people are blessed with a few more silly bones than their more serious neighbors. From their earliest years, they create laughter and pursue wackiness like a bloodhound on a fresh trail.

Father’s Day

June 21, 2016

With Father’s Day slipping beyond the rear view mirror, it’s nice to know that a lot of dads realize what matters most.

Trust

June 19, 2016

“In the eyes of a child…there is joy, there is laughter… there is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future…” Air Supply

Prioritize

June 18, 2016

Sandy retired in 2014 after twenty years with a well known non-profit. At first, she traveled frequently and volunteered at a local church. Lately, she discovered the joy of walking and it has become a part of her daily routine. Sandy says some of her most creative ideas arrive when walking alone in the woods. […]

CPR

June 18, 2016

Jack returned Friday from a business trip to L.A.. After dinner, he made a comment to nine year old Ben that he’d made a hundred times. ‘You’re the best!’ This was the first time Jack got to see the effect his words had on his eldest son. CPR stands for Continuous Positive Reinforcement and if […]

Wonder

June 18, 2016

There is a sense of wonder at seeing a first butterfly….. firefly…..or 737 streaking across the sky. Wise are they who preserve and pursue wonder as the years go by.

Imagine

June 17, 2016

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. Albert Einstein

No chance

June 13, 2016

‘Mom….do you really want to have another staring contest with me? Do you not remember the last one where you lost in under ten seconds? Maybe you should try bridge or bowling.’