We’re attending three funerals in two weeks.

Now that I’m approaching 80, friends, relatives amd previous business partners seem to be passing away at an increasingly fast pace.

It happens to all of us if we live long enough.

Every time I hear of another loss, it gives me pause to contemplate that person’s life.

Were they happy?

Did they feel life had treated them fairly?

Were they proud of their accomplishments or disappointed in the lack of them?

Were they loved and did they freely give love in return?

Did they squander their opportunities or make the most of those that came their way?

And how about the way I have conducted my life?

Have I set the proper example for our children, their spouses and our grand children?

The most important question for me: Did I give my spouse the love she deserves?

To anyone reading this blog: Life goes by in the blink of an eye.

MAKE IT COUNT!

If not today, when?

Fancy living like royalty during your next vacation?

The first ever hotel based in the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles has just opened its doors, giving travelers the opportunity to stay in the heart of one of the world’s most opulent addresses.

However, guests will need to stump up at least €1,700 a night (just over $2,000) for the privilege of bedding down here.

Made up of 14 rooms and suites, Le Grand Controle is located within three historic buildings that date back to 1681 and have since been restored by architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer. (CNN)

This is the creme de la creme vacation opportunity!

The World War 1 Peace Treaty was signed here on June 28,1919.

With only 14 rooms available, this will be a much sought after venue.

We just returned from a few days at a cottage on lake Michigan.

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the earth’s surface fresh water supply.

So, people living in communities that border the Great Lakes, celebrate an abundance of this precious commodity we call FRESH WATER!

Like everything else in life, however, there are the haves and the have nots.

California and other western states are facing a dire shortage of fresh water.

Our bodies are made up of a an abundance of water, 60% actually.

Crops need water to grow.

Animals need water to live and grow.

Water is one the most essential building blocks of all forms of life on earth.

It must not be squandered.

Because we all have access to faucets, the preservation of the nation’s water supply is in the hands of each and every one of us.

USE WATER WISELY!

If not today, when?

Some people are motivated by money.

Some are not.

Why is that?

I heard a noted author say that he thinks it’s biological.

He says people actually possess a “Money Gene” or they don’t.

I think the majority are motivated by money.

I’m sure you’ve also heard someone say, “I don’t do it for the money.”

Thank God there are people who just want to help other people!

Look at all the social workers, police and fire, ambulance crews, school teachers and those who join the military.

They are the ones who impact our lives the most and are paid the least amount.

It is another of the great ironies of life.

If you are one of those who have chosen to spend your life helping others, THANK YOU!

If you’re not, please go out of your way to thank those who do.

If not today, when?

Do you know someone who gave his life on a foreign battlefield for us?

That’s what Memorial Day is all about.

It’s not about car races and barbecues.

No, it’s about remembering and honoring people like Jim Rivard.

He was my high school friend who joined the Army R.O.T.C. program in college.

He wore his uniform on campus proudly.

While leading his troops in Vietnam, he was sprayed with agent orange and died a painful death.

Like so many soldiers, he died in his early 20’s.

So, this is his day in my thoughts and in my gratitude.

Freedom is not free!

Many young lives have been given up so that you and I can live as we please.

Please take a moment to spend Memorial Day properly by thanking a fallen hero.

If not today, when?

Sunday used to be known as “The Lord’s Day.”

Not anymore!

All the retail stores are open.

Fewer and fewer people attend the church services they attended as children.

Do you PRAY?

I’m talking about two kinds of PRAYER.

I know we all pray to ASK God for something we need.

Do you pray to THANK God for what you have been given?

Amidst all the changes of present society, please keep THE LORD’S DAY!

If not today, when?

Two different worlds and two different people.

Small towns and big cities anchor the fabric of our Republic.

We need both because both form the fabric of who we are.

Both have given us presidents.

Both have given us patriots who died on foreign battlefields defending our democracy.

Both have given us wisdom to elevate the public dialogue.

Both have given us dramatically different lifestyle alternatives.

I was born in a small town and moved in the middle of my high school years to a big city.

My birthplace, South Bend IN, gave me roots.

Detroit MI gave me wings!

Small towns and big cities are the necessary weavers of the fabric that is America!

Well, here we are way up in Northern Michigan.

Our son and his family rented an Airbnb off the web.

It is a rustic cottage high up above the crashing waves of Lake Michigan.

We are enjoying this breathtaking sight and sound.

You never know when you book a vacation to a location sight unseen.

When we pulled up to this deeply forested cottage, we weren’t impressed.

Inside the house, however, it was wonderful.

I really believe in creating a new environment from time-to-time.

It refreshes the soul!

Even if your destination is a disappointment, make the best of it.

It’ll do you good!

If not today, when?

Good jobs are going begging!

Why now?

Millions of previous employees are sitting at home while collecting generous unemployment checks from Uncle Sam.

We walked into a very upscale restaurant last week and we could not be seated because it didn’t have enough servers.

Home Depot is short staffed as are many other employers.

This is your window-in-time to get a better job!

The U.S. economy is 90% recovered.

So, people are spending money again, but many businesses are turning customers away.

Some companies are offering “SIGNING BONUSES!”

Get out there and check out the employment opportunities in your area.

If not today, when?

Shortly after we were married, we were out for the evening with another recently married couple.

They told us that they were going to begin saving $50 from every paycheck.

If they ever got a raise in pay or a bonus, they were going to save half of the increase and use the other half for expenses.

Well, they did exactly what they had planned to do and achieved their goal! They saved $20,000 in what seemed to be no time at all.

I didn’t have his self discipline and spent what I earned.

With six kids to raise and educate, we had some sleepless nights.

How about you?

Are you able to forego some instant gratification in pursuit of financial peace-of-mind?

It’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy!

Statistics tell us that millions of U.S. households do not have the cash reserves to replace their hot water heater if it need be.

There are always unforeseen expenses.

Is there a savings plan that you will initiate?

If not today, when?