21Feb 2013 by CJ

The tiniest percentage of what people do

Life & Living, Youth
Famed children’s television personality, Fred Rogers, once remarked that, “The media shows the tiniest percentage of what people do. There are millions and millions of people doing wonderful things all over the world, and they’re generally not the ones being touted in the news.” Sadly this practice seems to have trickled down to our own existence. We spend so much of our time focused on the challenges and struggles we face in life, that we often overlook that which deserves our gratitude and praise. This applies to our personal relationships, our occupations and yes, even in our schools. The educational system of today is constantly in the headlines – often used as the scapegoat for a host of issues plaguing youngsters today from low test scores, to bullying to even…
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01Feb 2013 by CJ

Being a dad is not an easy job – it takes someone special

Love & Relationships, Youth
“Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” Anne Geddes Anyone familiar with the “birds and the bees” knows that becoming a father is not a difficult process from a scientific standpoint. But just because you were able to create this new human life, does not automatically nominate you for father of the year. That’s a title you must diligently earn over the course of your child’s lifetime. There’s much more to being a father than simply providing food on the table and a roof over their head. It’s more than just attending little league games and class recitals. In short, it’s about unconditional love and continual support – regardless of their choices and your stern disapproval of then. Far too often father’s…
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28Jan 2013 by CJ

New beginnings happen all the time you just have to embrace them

Love & Relationships, Youth
New beginnings make me think of this quote. All that is worth cherishing begins in the heart. ~Suzanne Chapin Did you ever find yourself riddled with emotions you’re unable to fully process? Lately I’ve been battling such a feeling, and it’s taken me a few days to completely figure out and understand their underlying meaning. For the last week, my sister-in-law and her three month old son have been visiting from Colorado - occupying the spare bedrooms in my house, and the empty spaces inside my heart. Though my wife and I have no children of our own, I have been thoroughly enjoying our little visitor. I think much of the credit goes to his mother, for allowing my wife and I to truly bond with her new son –…
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23Jan 2013 by CJ

Our lives are measured by the memories we store in our hearts

Life & Living, Youth
"Memories are photographs taken by the heart to make a special moments last forever." (Unknown) This week a dear friend of mine had to deal with the loss of a cherished uncle – her father’s brother and the last remaining window into the history books of her legacy. Regardless of age or circumstance, the death of someone you care about is never an easy thing to process. In fact I’m a firm believer that we never really get over that loss, but rather find ways to cope through it. But if you’re a person possessing an unselfish character, chances are that you’ve been left an invaluable gift upon someone’s passing, and my friend is certainly one of them. Memories we store are a series of cherished moments that can be…
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08Jan 2013 by CJ

What was inside my lunch box was often cause for excitement

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
As children, many of us enjoyed eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we pulled from our lunch box. I know I did. If you ever opened my Batman and Robin lunch box, there was a pretty good chance you’d find a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on Wonder Bread, wrapped in aluminum foil – next to my thermos filled with grape juice to wash it all down. Ah the simplicity of childhood – I miss those days sometimes. Days before the realities and responsibilities of life often weigh heavy on one’s spirit. I know it sounds crazy, but this 37 year old still enjoys a lunch of peanut butter and jelly, though my tastes have changed a little - as has my lunch box. Instead of grape jelly I use…
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