My wife and I started 9 different businesses. In each case, we had to take out a loan to get them launched. We felt it was was worth the risk because we had many children to raise and educate.

It, of course, was not easy and there were worrisome times along the way. Entrepreneurship is certainly not for the faint of heart. It may, however, be just right for you.

All great companies began with a simple idea. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos thought people should be able to shop for and buy books online.

Do you have an idea for a business?

If you are currently employed, you may think of starting your own company out of your home in the evenings or on weekends.

It’s tough getting it started, but could be your opportunity for financial independence!

If not today, when?

Relationships is a multifaceted topic!

Parents, spouses, children, siblings, friends and co-workers represent unique challenges because the relationships are themselves unique.

With the limited time you have to nurture each relationship, I think you are best served by prioritizing their importance to you. This should help you to allocate your time and attention properly.

Of the relationships most important, which of these are in the greatest need of repair? Don’t allow it to languish. The longer the disconnect lingers, the more serious it can become.

Because people like to talk about themselves, the most effective approach is to ask them about some aspect of their lives that you know is of great interest to them.

Once you have them talking, various opportunities may arise that allow you to begin to glue the relationship back together again.

If not today, when?

 

… God’s way of remaining anonymous. (Albert Einstein)

So, you think a coincidence is just a crazy occurrence that happens from time to time. Sorry, a very smart guy seems to disagree.

It was not a coincidence when I just “happened” to meet my wonderful wife of 55 years. It was definitely God’s unfailing generosity!

On another occasion, we were really strapped financially. One day we went out to the  mailbox and there was a check for $18,000.00 that was sent to us as an advance on an inheritance that would come later.

I honestly believe God is always there for us in every situation. I am just amazed at how much He loves us despite our shortcomings.

Is your daily life a partnership with God? It’s not too late to invite Him into your life!

If not today, when?

Look at all the little kids!

The photo shows a truck overloaded with refugees trying to escape the war in Syria. Over half of all worldwide refugees are under the age of 18. It represents the highest number of displaced people since the end of WWII in 1945.

There is a United Nations (UN) agency whose only mission is to help refugees. It is called The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). It has 9,700 employees working in 126 countries providing protection and assistance.

As appalling as it is to think of 60 million people without a place to call home, this number will pale by the number of those beginning to be displaced by climate change.

Our world is facing unprecedented challenges.  Everyone of us must get involved in some way–writing letters, donating or speaking up and supporting pro-climate organizations of our choice.

If not today, when?

 

The teenage years are a real challenge for parent and child.

The child is undergoing many physical changes which can cause new emotional and psychological experiences. Add to these influences on behavior the real challenge is being in school all day with hundreds of other students.

Everybody wants to be accepted by their peers and “just get along.” Peer pressure can be a frightful thing, however, if it is turned against someone.

There is also the changing relationship between teen and parent. Often, parents see alarming changes in behavior that were never there until now.

Simply stated, it is usually a harrowing time of life for everyone involved.

I believe the best thing a parent can do is to give your child UNCONDITIONAL LOVE even when they’re not lovable!

Their self esteem begins with you!.

If not today, when?

 

 

This morning we will attend the funeral of a young man who played on a high school football team on which I was one of the coaches. He died of a gunshot wound at the age of 26 leaving two young daughters behind.

Whenever I hear of a sudden death at any age, I wonder how the relationships with family members were left. If there were contentious issues unresolved, it’s too late now to make repairs.

As simplistic as this may sound, I think it is so important to attempt to live a life with as few regrets as possible. I know that’s easy to say and hard to do.

Take care of loved ones while they are still with you. Reach out to mend previous quarrels or strong disagreements.

Even if you are rebuffed, you tried!

If not today, when?

 

Why not?

Do we really need only one day each year to remind us to say, “I Love You?”

Did your love life lose the SIZZLE years ago? You might say, “She knows I love her.” Maybe so, but it sure feels good to actually hear the words. Don’t allow your love to become an obligation instead of the center of your universe that it was when it was new!

If you’ve been married for many years, just think of all the ups and downs you faced together. It is so exciting that another person has freely chosen to always to be at your side through it all.

If you have been so blessed, the word that should always be in your thoughts is GRATITUDE! The unloved in this world far out number those who are loved.

If not today, when?

 

Of course, happiness is a relative term. Something that makes one person happy doesn’t necessarily have the same effect on others.

If you are a happy person, is it that you are in love, or strong financially or are in good health? Can you make the decision to be happy even if you are not really living in the midst of pleasant circumstances?

Is a happy disposition completely within your control regardless of external influences? Or, is your degree of happiness always in a state of flux depending upon what someone else says or does today?

I believe true happiness is possible only if we like ourselves and how we conduct our lives. Are you intrinsically a good person? Or are there certain characteristics that need correction?

Make yourself happier by working on your shortcomings!

If not today, when?

 

A definition: “Control every part, however small.”

There are parents who overdo the parenting role while the kids are growing up. This is especially true if the parent is a severe detail control person who has a need for everything to be neat and orderly.

Kids need guidance and a set of values that are taught by the parent, but it can be taken to the extreme. Micromanagement can lead to two negative consequences:

Decision Making: If the parent has made all the decisions for the children, once on their own, they may lack the confidence to make good decisions independent of parental input.

Resentment Of The Parent: While still under the parent’s influence,  children may build a growing resentment to constant interference in their lives. As adults, they feel it even more strongly and push parents away.

BACK OFF!

If not today, when?

Many people express a fear of old age.

Well, I’m 78 and enjoying life to the full!

Of course, one big reason is that I’m healthy. Another big reason is that I’m very much in love with my wonderful wife of 55 years. So, if you’re healthy and in love, life is sweet!

Oh yes, I’ve had some health issues along the way with prostate cancer, a stroke and skin cancer, but there are always some bumps in the road.

I think the key to personal happiness is not to worry about things you cannot change, such as aging.

Are you planting the seeds for happy later years by living healthy? Also, will you age with few regrets? What I’m trying to say is that you can create an optimal old age with good decisions along the way.

If not today, when?