Do you keep your promises?

Keeping a promise is a powerful way to nurture trust.

It also builds character and brings you closer to the promisee!

Keeping a promise also enhances your self-respect.

Promises can begin with small things like promising to meet a friend at a certain time.

A more serious promise can build or end a relationship.

So, a promise should not be given if your intent or ability to keep a promise isn’t there.

This is especially true when promising “To have and to hold from this day forward…”

Definition: The ability to act in accordance with one’s values and ethics even when faced with the possibility of negative consequences. (Doing what’s right.)

This is particularly needed by today’s parents.

With the advent of social media, today’s kids have many decisions they can make.

They are really being exposed to choices they should not have to consider.

Try to raise your children to have courage so they will be able to stand up and make good decisions.

Believe it or not, courage begins at about age 2!!! Teach your child to face their fears and make decisions at a very early age.

For instance, if a child is afraid of thunder or of a dog or even tasting a new food, help her to face the challenge and get past it. Celebrate the conquer of the fear with her. Continue to do it during her whole childhood.

That’s another reason the parent’s role is so important.

You must show, by your example, the moral courage your kids need.

This is a tough time to be a parent, but it is what it is.

“Till death do us part.”

Really?

Most marriages today don’t end that way.

They end somewhere along the way.

I am not a certified marriage consultant.

The only credentials I have is the fact that we have been married 60 years.

The most important piece of advice is, “Happy Wife-Happy Life!”

In order to have a “Happy Wife” the husband must park his “Male Ego” on the front porch.

The wife is and will always be the HEART of the family.

Also, ANY disagreement you have today ends tonight.

…and is never mentioned be either party again.

Don’t let the kids come between the two of you.

The two of you must discuss the issue privately and agree to a response.

I hope you find these thoughts helpful.

Active listening is a technique that requires complete focus on the person speaking to you.

Your conversation is an active one when you repeat something said to confirm understanding.

It helps to keep you from offering solutions or opinions when the other person just wants to be heard.

An active listener is fully present in the conversation.

You must establish eye contact to show you aren’t distracted by anything.

The person speaking isn’t necessarily looking for your advice.

It requires a strong commitment on your part.

This technique can build strong relationships with: your spouse, your kids, friends and co-workers. (verywellmind.com)

If not today, when?

Tarik Skubal is a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.

He is a leading candidate for the prestigious Cy Young award.

He is the winningest pitcher in the American League this year.

Yesterday, in the American League Division Series, he gave up a grand slam home run.

It was the first time in his career.

He threw a pitch that hit the previous batter.

I think he was very upset about that when he faced the next batter.

I want him to know how much his fans appreciate all his efforts this season.

Thank you Tarik! Thank You!

We all are subject to changes in our lives.

Changes are reminders that everything is temporary.

It’s a hard reality, but true.

We may be at a tranquil time in our lives and don’t want it to change.

The more difficult changes involve loss.

These can include: a job loss, loss of a loved one or loss of good health.

Some changes can be anticipated while others come as a complete surprise.

Anticipated changes can perhaps allow you to be more prepared to cope.

Sudden, surprise changes may motivate you to pray for help in coping.

At a time of sudden loss, it can be helpful to count your blessings.

That’s the ideal, but often difficult in these times.

Yet, it is an ideal that must be pursued with VIGOR!

At the end of the workday, do you look forward to or dread coming home?

You may be facing marital or parenting problems.

Whether one or both, the rhetoric must be toned down.

For example, a problem with one person need not be fodder for the whole family.

It should be discussed privately with the door closed.

Then try to give time to each person for a couple of minutes to get the gist of what is on their mind. If it requires more than a yes or no answer, promise to discuss it at a given time within the evening.

If your family members know that they will be heard, it will give them some peace of mind and it may give your home more of a refuge feeling….for everyone.

Yes, we celebrated the birth a new great grandson and the death of a lifelong friend.

And so the cycle of life continues unabated.

In the case of the lady dying, she suffered from Alzheimers for a long time.

Her passing was a relief for her and family members.

The baby was the first child of a young couple who were elated with the baby’s safe delivery.

We were aware of the signicance of both events happening in such close proximity to one another.

As we go along day-to-day, there are life-changes that make us pause and reflect.

Yesterday, Kerry Carpenter hit a 3 run home run to help the Detroit Tigers Beat Cleveland 3-0.

Keep in mind that he was working part time at Dick’s Sporting Goods two years ago to make some money.

His mom and sister kept encouraging him to pursue a career in the MLB.

His first full season with the Tigers he had 37 runs, 18 home runs, 75 hits and 57 RBI’S.

What does this story mean to each of us?

We must have HOPE.

HOPE that our dreams CAN come true.

…if we work hard and be nice to people.

BTW Kerry Carpenter is NICE TO PEOPLE!