(This blog is my attempt at being facetious)

Is the budget a little tight this holiday season?

Then maybe you should become a re-gifter.

It is someone who receives a gift and then passes it on to someone else.

If you are so inclined, change the wrappings to freshen it up.

Check the gift thoroughly to make sure you aren’t identified by a card from the previous giver.

Above all, make sure you are not giving it to a person who is connected to the original giver who might just mention the gift in a group conversation.

I hope you’re not satisfied with yourself and not in need of improvement.

I believe in new years resolutions.

But, I must admit that I have not done as much as I could have.

For that reason, I don’t think we should have many items on our list.

Just one or two items that we will actually do is enough.

I also believe we should share the improvements we’ll make with a friend or loved one.

We won’t be as likely to give up if a friend agrees to hold us accountable.

Because each of us must live with ourselves, we’ll be happier.

Happy New You!

I am so tired of all the lying.

It seems that lying has become acceptable.

Well, it’s not ok with me.

Are we raising a generation of liars who have learned it from adults?

If so, our society is heading in the wrong direction?

If we’re willing to lie, are we also willing to cheat?

Here is the big question: What legacy are we leaving our kids?

We must bear the consequences of our beliefs and be willing to stand up for the truth.

We must have the COURAGE to tell the truth!

Without Fear, You Don’t Have Courage!

How many times have you backed away from something out of fear?

And do you still regret that missed opportunity?

Most people regret what they didn’t do rather than what they did.

Especially, when the missed chance never comes around again.

Don’t be afraid!

Go for it and look back!

If not today, when?

(Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

Our lives have both!

And because we can’t predict the future, we must be prepared for either.

Easy to say, but how can we be ready for unexpected hardship?

I think we have to believe in a higher power that we can turn to.

That is the fundamental basis for all religions.

Faith is in decline, but I think it should be growing with all the uncertainties everywhere.

Have faith and LIVE IT!

Humans are far more monogamous than our primate cousins, but less so than beavers, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England analyzed the proportion of full siblings versus half-siblings across several animal species, as well as various human populations throughout history.

Species and societies that are more monogamous tend to have a greater number of siblings that share both parents, while those that are polygamous produce more half-siblings. (CNN)

Interesting!

Brisbane, Australia — Children across Australia will wake up on Wednesday with no access to their social media accounts under a world-first ban designed to shelter those under 16 from addictive algorithms, online predators, and digital bullies.

No other nation has taken such sweeping measures, and the rollout of the tough new law is being closely watched by legislators around the globe.

Most of the 10 banned platforms – Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch and X – say they’ll comply with the ban, using age verification technology to identify under-16s.

Although they will suspend their accounts, they don’t believe it’ll make children safer. (CNN)

In a world of chaos, predictability is important.

Our ancestors had traditions that were part of the GLUE that held their families together.

There were special prayers, meals, services to name just a few.

Everyone knew what to expect and what was needed to keep the traditions alive.

What value do you put on traditions?

It is an effort and takes time and usually quite a bit of preparation.

Maybe you don’t have any traditions in your family. We did not.

START SOME!

Think of something simple that everyone, young and old, can participate in.

We started with Jesus’s birthday cake when our children were little.

Who doesn’t love birthdays and cake?

We would sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and the kids would blow out the candles. It has lasted 32 years!

Look into your ethnic or faith traditions. You will surely find many examples.

Start small and simple and the enjoyment in your family will follow.

WOW!

What a storm!

I have been in like yacht races pictured above where MOTHER NATURE is the boss!

In such a storm, will you keep an even keel?

The phrase, “Keep an even keel” is obviously a sailing term.

The keel protrudes from the bottom of the boat to prevent a capsize.

So, for us, it means maintaining a state of stability in adverse circumstances.

All of us face turbulent conditions throughout our lives.

We must manage our emotions so we don’t CAPSIZE!

Happy sailing!