“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Winston Churchill


16, 21



If you don’t know what to do ask yourself how you want to feel. Once you have a good idea of that you can find lots of paths to get you there.


16, 21



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21



Read “Attack of the Black Rectangles” by Amy Sarid King.


12



People have big feelings when they realize how unjust and unfair the world can be. Totally natural and healthy. The problem starts when they channel those feelings into destructive actions and beliefs: violence, war, crime and hatred. We will be so much better off if we can learn to deal with our collective and individual pain in a way that is therapeutic and constructive. Maybe we can help each other to be creative in the face of fear, grief, pain, anxiety, anger, betrayal, injustice.


14, 16, 19, 21



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



Life doesn’t have to turn out like you imagined it would in order to be AMAZING.


19



Grandpa always said everything boils down to how you treat people. Always treating people with kindness and respect is the most important lesson he wanted to get across to us.


12-21



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



1

When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



Practice sitting still and quiet. Make it a game. Helps with focus and impulsivity.


4-7



Universal Studios


12-18



Bedtime often goes to sh*t in a hurry because kids are tired and parents are out of patience. Be kind. If your kids are anything like you, they’ll need extra tenderness at bedtime: cuddles, soft words, prayers. Forgiveness for the ridiculous tantrums over silly stuff. Take pity on them, their little bodies are tired and they haven’t learned how to function on empty.


1-4



Are you proud of the work you did today? Were you respectful and kind? Did you tell the truth and look out for the little ones? If so, I’m happy. I don’t care one bit about grades.


5



Be thankful for opportunities to be of service. It means God is trusting you to help.


8-14



Keep difficult conversations brief. Under ten minutes then table it so everyone can process.


13, 14, 16. 19, 21



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Turn off main water line when you leave on vacation.


21



Monty Python movies.


12-15



Conspiracy theories... Where do I begin? They’re pure sh*t. They are fueled by fear and ignorance, usually peddled by people who have an agenda.


12, 16



Educate About Risks of Driving


12-15



It’s when the sh*t hits the fan that real discipleship begins.


21



Roll-play confrontational situations so they can practice staying calm, not reacting in situations like road-rage, bullies, being screamed at by a boss or a customer.


11, 15, 17



Stay put, don’t wonder if lost when we hike.


2, 3, 5



Your brain seeks novelty. Try new things as long as you live. Take risks (but not safety risks!)


20



Teach them that when we hear sirens it means someone is in trouble but help is on the way.


2-5



Plan a few screen-free weekends every year. (Reticket until 16.)


7



Ability is distributed equally across all demographics, geniuses, artists, musicians etc. are not more likely to be born in a rich community-but they are far more likely to emerge from one with their gift’s having been nurtured. Ability is evenly distributed but accessibility is not. How many lives could be saved if the brilliant surgeon never gets to college? It’s a core mission of mine to do my part to help change that so that all children can realize their dreams if they work for it. No locked gates!


12, 18, 21



Drill on stuff that will be valuable throughout their lifetime: Vocabulary, geography, addition and subtraction.


10, 12, 14, 20



In marriage there will be times or occasions when one of you will be “pilot” and the other “copilot” (depending on skills, abilities, circumstances, etc.) Both pilot and copilot are good! But never be a “passenger” in a relationship.


21