You take a chance when you visit a place you’ve never been to before.

That’s what we did.

You’re going to see some things you like and don’t like.

I encourage you, however, to travel to a destination that you’ve always wanted to see.

For me, it was Venice.

I was not disappointed.

It was everything I had dreamed of and more.

I think it would be a good idea to do some walking before you go.

Almost every worthwhile place you may want to see will require walking.

The less strenuous it will be, the more you will enjoy it.

If the country being visited speaks a native language different than yours, you should find out in advance if there are people available who speak your language because there are always times when you need directions,

Bon Voyage!

It is a true miracle.

It is so hard to believe that the “bump” you have been watching and feeling is this tiny human being!

The first thing most people do is count fingers and toes.

Every facet of the baby is examined with great awe.

When one part of the baby appears to be “Dad’s nose” or “Mom’s mouth,” everyone is amazed at the handiwork of God.

As the hours and days go along, you are continually becoming aware that this little bundle is a complete and beautiful human being.

Imagine being “given” an entirely new person as your own and being entrusted to raise him/her to adulthood.

A poet once said that a newborn is “fresh from the Hand of God.”

There is no greater privilege than to create another human being!

Thank you GOD!

If not today, when?

Gee, did you hear the news?

Professional women tennis players will be paid the same as their male counterparts.

Why, oh why has it taken this long?

Our family had always been dominated by male athletes.

In the past few years, however, two teenage grand daughters have risen to the top of their respective games; volleyball and soccer.

Having attended many of their games, I have been able to render the following observations:

They are courageous.

They are highly skilled.

They are ferocious competitors.

They are both headed for division 1 athletic scholarships.

Hopefully, male chauvinism is becoming a horror that’s` on the way out.

If not today, when?

Would you stand in the street with rifle in hand, ready to defend your Democracy?

That’s what 56 year old former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is ready to do as Russian troops and tanks advance on the country’s capital.

Which raises the question: Would you be willing defend the American Democracy which used to be the envy of the world and is now under attack from within?

Is our Democracy as precious to you as Ukraine’s is to Mr. Poroshenko?

Last week, Donald Trump praised Mr. Putin for his strategy in attacking Ukraine.

So, the day may come when you will have to make a choice: choose Democracy or choose a Dictatorship?

Many people went to work yesterday. They are dead today.

The machines of death are at work today in Ukraine.

One man made the decision that many thousands of strangers will die today and for many of the tomorrows.

It is the largest European war since WWII.

It’s the old story of a strong country beating up on a weaker country.

After enough people are dead on both sides, some sort of peace agreement will be signed.

And on it goes, violence passed on from one generation to the next.

A recent poll said 52% of Americans are not interested in Ukraine’s dilemma.

Let’s remember that the men, women and children being slaughtered are members of the human family.

Will we ever learn of the futility of war?

If not today, when?

There are those times when the two of you could enjoy a change of scene.

Tomorrow is one of those times.

Winter gets a little overbearing by February and a warm climate near the water refreshes the soul.

You really don’t realize how burnt out you’ve become until you relax day after day in a beautiful setting.

So, after a very hectic fall and winter, we’re going to “Unplug” for a few days and allow ourselves to unwind in nice surroundings.

If you haven’t had a winter break yet, it’s not too late.

Do you want your children to base their lives on your values?

Because that’s what they’ll do.

You should be able to live your life as you see fit.

Remember, however, that your children are watching and will not forget what they heard or saw you do.

Will your children make a positive contribution to society because you do?

Or, will they be unfaithful and violate their marital vows?

Their future happiness or unhappiness is largely in your hands.

I know it’s a big responsibility, but that’s what comes along with parenthood.

Understand that your actions trigger reactions from your offspring.

Want a better world?

Become a better parent!

If not today, when?

There are many ways to love a person other than the physical act itself.

I refer to it as “Loving by Doing.”

Anything that you can do that lightens the load of your loved ones is an act of love.

Especially when referring to your married partner.

After the marital vows are exchanged, life in many small and big ways should be easier and more enjoyable for both parties.

You can make that happen on a daily basis.

If he or she forgot something needed from the grocery store or pharmacy, you can jump up and go get it.

If there are some tasks that your spouse really dislikes, you can volunteer to do them.

These are just a few examples of “Loving by Doing.”

If not today, when?

It’s great to be proud of your accomplishments.

But, it’s even greater to be humble in demeanor.

If you live your life in an exemplary manner, you don’t have to draw attention to it because it speaks for itself.

A perfect example of humility is the willingness to apologize for a previous error.

That’s not easy or comes naturally.

Humility is not often found in people who have accomplished great things.

In their case, pride takes over.

Blessed are those who seek accolades for others instead of themselves.

If not today, when?

Every July, there is a yacht race from Port Huron, Michigan up the length of Lake Huron to an island paradise called “Mackinac Island.”

Although, I had competed 100 times in small racing yachts on an inland lake, I was always afraid of the BIG ONE (Port Huron To Mackinac.)

The BIG ONE is 250 miles long and takes 3 days and 2 nights to finish.

At the age of 64, I finally got up the courage to give it a go.

We took off on a 35′ racing yacht with a crew of 6.

The first day was great with a decent wind pushing us up the lake.

When we greeted the second day, the sky behind us turned fiery red.

There is an old saying,:

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning!”

As beautiful as it was, it was an ominous sight to the experienced crew members aboard.

The storm came up from behind us bringing huge waves and deep troughs.

It tossed the boat around like it was a toy.

Some of the vital parts of the boat began to break under the strain.

Our captain, who was trying to keep the boat upright, became seasick and had to be tied to the stern rail to prevent him from falling overboard in his weakened condition.

The storm raged on for 8 hours.

During that entire time, I just put myself in God’s hands.

That’s the lesson I learned that day.

When in trouble, put yourself in God’s hands!

If not today, when?