It was a good match from the start.

We were both 22 years old.

We had the same religion.

We both just graduated from college.

Both of our parents stayed together…

… “Till death do us part.”

We both wanted children.

We made major decisions together.

A piece of advice: If you have a disagreement today, it does not ever come up again.

We are both very grateful for this blessed day!

Some people light up the room.

It begins with a smile.

I was getting physical therapy this morning.

A therapist came out of an adjoining room and gave me a wonderful, big smile.

When I told her she had a great smile, she said it was her mother’s smile.

I would describe her as a sunshine person.

We need more smiles, fewer frowns and less anger.

Are you or will you become a sunshine person?

We need you!

If not today, when?

It’s a national epidemic!

It’s not supposed to be that way.

Where is dad?

Single parenthood is a mighty burden for moms.

They are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the U.S.

Thirty percent of their families live under the poverty line.

Can you imagine the daily life of a single mom?

They usually work outside their home, manage a household, provide for their child/children

and try to have a life.

Please reach out to a single mom you know.

If not today, when?

It’s a national epidemic!

It’s not supposed to be that way.

Where is dad?

Single parenthood is a mighty burden for moms.

They are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the U.S.

Thirty percent of their families live under the poverty line.

Can you imagine the daily life of a single mom?

It is a grossly unfair existence.

They usually work outside their home, manage a household, provide for their child/children and try to have a life.

Please reach out to a single mom you know.

If not today, when?

We never know when we will be called upon to become a hero.

Corey Comperatore didn’t realize his fatal “hero moment” was now.

When shots rang out at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania, Corey threw his body over his two daughters.

He was killed instantly.

He was a 50 year old father and volunteer fireman.

Now, he was a dad taking care of his kids.

May he rest in peace!

You have a role to play in the quality of your health.

I was dagnosed with a lung disease.

My pulmonologist said my lungs were working at a reading of 85.

She prescribed nine pills per day.

I wasn’t going to do that.

Instead, I began a vigorous walking program.

At an appointment three months later, my lungs were at 95.

She said my walking accomplished more than the nine pills would have.

I’m not suggesting that you should ignore your doctor’s advice.

I’m only saying you have a role to play in the quality of your health.

If not today, when?

After the wedding day, the courtship continues.

And inherent in a successful marriage are good manners practiced by both partners.

“Please” and “Thank You” are still appropriate.

Many married people have better manners with strangers than with their spouse.

And how about privacy?

There are obvious moments when the need for privacy should be respected.

Does the first person through a doorway hold the door open?

I know these are little things, but they mean a lot!

If not today, when?

Most of us ASK God for help.

I also THANK God for my many blessings.

So, I believe we should do both kinds of praying, ASKING & THANKING.

When we think of praying, it’s always to ask for help of some kind.

There is a biblical story of ten lepers who were cured by Jesus.

Only one returned to THANK Him.

When Jesus asked about the other nine, there was no answer.

Every day, I’m suggesting that you should include prayers of THANKS for your blessings.

If not today, when?

Many people do.

There is a name for it, (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.

It is sometimes known as “Winter depression.”

Its symptoms are more apparent during winter.

My wife loves winter! The more snow, the better.

Me, not so much.

It’s an important question.

The answer, however, can be complicated.

If you feel your parent(s) did a good job of preparing you for life, you may want to emulate their style.

And you may copy their style consciously or unconsciously.

If, however, the parenting you received did not prepare you properly, are you repeating it?

If you are a single parent, are you free to parent in your style while perhaps having to share the job with an absent partner?

The extra demands of single parenthood may, however, cause you to cope with those demands while attempting to be the best parent you can be.

Also, in a two parent household, you and your partner were probably parented differently.

This will call for a meeting of the minds on how to handle the many situations that will occur.

We all make mistakes as parents. There are so many ways to raise children and the vast majority are successful.

Be aware that the misuse of social media may be a bad and competing influence on your child.

Do your best. Continue to learn and study how to be a good parent.

Select good, positive role models and above all EXPRESS YOUR LOVE FOR THEM EVERY DAY