Time to Reflect At the end of the year, as we look forward to the next, I am reminded of the recommendation of Joe Ehrmann, former NFL player, author, pastor and coach. He tells us that men should take more time to reflect on their lives. He encourages us to regularly take inventory of who…
My “Backpack” For years I carried a bag to every soccer and basketball practice and game. A blue duffle, it held everything I might need to be the best coach I could be. My water bottle and an extra for the player who forgot theirs. A bag of Tootsie Pops. Practice plan, game line ups…
I was already in an optimistic mood eating my Honey Nut Cheerios to hopefully lower my cholesterol when the broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade started. One of the celebrity participants was interviewed and asked, “What do you like about the parade?” He responded, “It is about families coming out together, people gathering from…
This past summer, someone in New Jersey used technology [probably AI] to create pornographic images combining the bodies of nude women with the faces of underaged female students in a local high school. Unfortunately, then the images were distributed using social media. It is suspected that teenage boys who are classmates of the girls created…
Recently a local school district banned a book apparently based on the fear that it violates the state Parents Bill of Rights. The book is entitled Red: A Crayon’s Story. This picture book is about a crayon with a red label who can only color blue; so it struggles with its identity. As the story…
My First Lesson Almost a decade ago on a sunny Saturday morning, I stood at an old wooden privacy fence liberally applying yellow paint to boards that hadn’t felt a paint brush in many, many years. Next to me were two middle school aged girl volunteers doing the same. As we worked, the music of…
Since the war in Ukraine began, thousands of refugees have left the country to find safety – especially for their children – from the horrors of the war. Most of us have seen the media coverage of mothers and children crossing the borders to places like Poland which have provided them safe sanctuary. Last week…
The alarm rang at 3 am. I rolled out of bed on my way to take my neighbors to the airport. A retired couple and longtime friends, they were headed for a flight then a once-in-a-lifetime cruise in Alaska. We loaded their suitcases in my SUV and I delivered them to the departure lane. I…
With a pile of frequent flyer and reward points, I took a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. Hoping for a few days full of spectacular views, exhilarating hikes and remarkable rafting, I got more than I expected. With another school year approaching, I have been concerned and frustrated about the future of our…
In about a month or so, many adults – dads, moms and other “like persons” will be offered the opportunity to be involved in the lives of children. Dads will be asked to join dads groups at their kids’ school. Moms and dads will be invited to join the local parent teacher organization. Let Me…