Looking at the Value and Benefits of Taking Vacations — This is a time of year when many people take the opportunity to get away from things and take a vacation if circumstances allow. It brings to mind the old saying “Gone Fishin’.” This term can mean different things to different people. For some it could mean going off the…

Why Are We So Quick to Point Out Flaws Even Among Those We Admire and Respect? — I recently had an experience that made me aware of a habit that I and many others fall into. Some friends and I were having dinner when the topic of discussion turned to who was your favorite teacher and why. Fascinating answers from everyone. However, I was troubled by my…

What Children Can Teach Us About Living — A young boy runs outside shouting “Goodbye!” to the geese as they fly south. Two 12-year-olds jump off a paddleboard into the lake screaming for joy. A five-year-old kneels down at his grandfather’s grave, cups his hands, and says “Grandpa, can you hear me? I miss you.” A toddler kisses…

When it comes to getting things done, whether personally, professionally, or otherwise, we have all developed habits regarding how we go about it. It might be helpful to label and understand HOW we get things done. There are two major categories that most people fall into. Planners and Procrastinators. With…

Are You Living Out Your Purpose or is Something Missing? — Many people go through life with a lingering question in their mind. What is my purpose in life? Though it is often present in the back of our mind, the question will often become amplified during significant or hard times in a person’s life. Milestone birthdays, serious illnesses, the death…

Not long ago, something happened that made me realize we often don’t appreciate something until we think it is gone. Let me explain: 17 years ago, we got a kitten named Skuuker. He was a wonderful kitten, but was shy and preferred being alone. Later we got dogs. The dogs…

Every one of us has been blessed with unique individual gifts and talents. Over the years though, I have been astonished at how many people are unaware of their skills and competence. Either that or they take it for granted and brush it off as inconsequential. Is it though? I…

On a recent morning, I was doing some shopping and stopped at several stores. At the first store that I went to, the checkout person gave me a big warm smile and asked if I had found everything I needed. They were welcoming and delightful. …

Tom seemed to be getting angrier as the day wore on. He had planned for a full day of haying and farm work; however, the weather was not cooperating. Heavy rain had thwarted his plans and left him in a decidedly foul mood. He snapped at his wife, barked at…