As I walked into church yesterday morning, I was surprised to see an entire high school football team!

The service was to begin at 8AM.

And there they were about 90 in number.

One of our sons played on that team many years ago.

We were surprised and impressed to see that the tradition continues.

Obviously the school has kept certain requirements that are not negotiable.

Self discipline and being part of something larger than yourself builds character!

These important values must be emphasized in today’s society!

Last night, one of my sons took me to a Detroit Tigers game against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels were in control most of the game with a 5 to 3 lead.

With 2 runners on the bases in the 8th inning, Matt Vierling was sent in to pinch hit.

He had not hit a home run in 11 months.

But, last night, he hit a 3 run homer that lifted the Tigers to a come from behind victory 6 to 5.

So, when we’re behind, we just can’t give up.

As The Reverend Jesse Jackson used to say, “Keep hope alive!”

For a new business?

Many people do, but they don’t act on it.

If you have a major accomplishment in your mind, it will require a major effort.

Is the attainment of your goal worth the necessary effort?

We know it is better to try and fail than to never try at all.

The risk can be reduced with good planning.

This is one of the great benefits of living in the U.S.

People can chase their dreams.

Dream on!

10. Rapid City, South Dakota

10. Rapid City, South Dakota

High scores: Presidential attractions, big-name parks, easy day trips

9. Clarksdale, Mississippi

High scores: Musical heritage, festival calendar and live shows

8. Northampton, Massachusetts

High scores: Lively downtown, diversity, countercultural vibe, cycling

7. Las Cruces, New Mexico

High scores: Blend of cultures, jaw-dropping scenery, Day trips

6. Petaluma, California

High scores: Farm-to-table scene, historic architecture, riverfront setting

5. Annapolis, Maryland

High scores: Maritime and colonial history, waterfront boating, seafood

4. Bend, Oregon

High scores: Outdoor wow factor, play-hard vibe, beverage and food scene

3. Asheville, North Carolina

High scores: Scenic setting, dining and drinks, outdoor access,

2. Missoula, Montana

High scores: World-class wilderness, fly fishing, live music and arts

1. Ithaca, New York

High scores: Natural wow-factor, wine and cider, college-town culture

(Billie Jean King)

She was a former world number one tennis player.

So, as you can imagine, it took tremendous perseverance.

Many of us want to be or do something.

But are we willing to put in the effort required?

There is a man who lives near us.

He is an amputee and is working out in order to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro on crutches.

I realize his effort is an extreme example of perseverance.

But you get the point!

Yes, it was a cross section of America.

I was waiting at a doctor’s office and I looked around me.

My eyes were first drawn to an veteran wearing a baseball cap with the big word ARMY.

He was very overweight, with a white beard and it seemed like life had dealt him a rough hand!

Directly across from me was a young man wearing a tee shirt that read, “GET MORE!”

Obviously, his life is dedicated to chasing the almighty dollar or whatever!

There was an older lady completely absorbed in a large book she was reading that she had to be called twice.

Two young moms had tiny daughters in strollers wearing sun dresses and their hair was perfect.

A FORD executive proudly wore his Ford tee shirt.

Bless them all!

We’re talking about the virtue of JUSTICE.

Today’s title encompasses all the decisions of our lives.

Do we seek the best outcome for all or just for some?

The decisions we make will always affect our relationships either positively or negatively.

Another issue to consider is that we must live with the decisions we make.

It’s easier to live with ourselves if we have few regrets.

The first piece of advice is to have a positive-forward thinking mindset.

Be very calm and peaceful. (Hard to do.)

And adopt her saying, “This too shall pass.”

This outlook got her through the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Great Depression and World War II.

Although a surprise to me, she said this is the best decade she has ever lived!

There are many reasons to learn a foreign language before you travel.

Maybe you’re venturing beyond major tourist centers or want to be prepared for an emergency.

Speaking a few words of the local language will help open doors.

Owner of the tour company, Tour Guy, said you should focus on a few essential verbs.

They are; “”go,” “see,” “do” and “be.”

Then, learn a small vocabulary of words centered on your interests.

Google has an app “Translate,” which is already indispensible for travelers.

And it just released Little Language Lessons, an interactive tool that uses A.I. (NYT)

If you’re in boot camp, the drill instructor sets your limits.

But, for most of us, we set our limits.

And we are usually very conservative when deciding upon self-imposed limits.

And those limits are much less than we could have achieved throughout our lives.

And at the end of our lives, we may be quite dismayed when we look back.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Don’t let others set your limits!

It’s not too late to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

If not today, when?