06Feb 2013 by CJ

Nothing stays the same in life so cherish every minute

Life & Living
“Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got.” - Art Buchwald. If there's one thing we can say about life, nothing stays the same. I remember as a little kid, time seemed infinite and waiting for holidays, birthdays or summer vacation seemed like an eternity. But now as a 37 year old adult, things seem to move at an alarming pace – maybe they always did, I was just too naïve or innocent to notice. I came across a wonderful song by singer/songwriter Darius Rucker entitled, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long”. It’s a moving ballad about just how fast children grow and how nothing stays the same. It's a wonderful example of how important it is to cherish every…
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05Feb 2013 by CJ

Not taking time to read things – another breakdown in communication

Information & Education, Life & Living
While I understand that we’re a highly advanced society – technologically and intellectually – I’m not so sure the latter is always as evident as it should be. Case in point – did you ever notice that lately people don’t always take the time to read things? Society has become so familiar with short, to the point text messages that many of us simply will not read things longer than a few sentences. The problem with that is oftentimes we’re missing out on important, relevant information that could answer a question, present us with an opportunity or simply ask us for a courteous response. This leads to a fundamental breakdown in communication, and can easily be avoided if people would just stop and take the time to read things, rather…
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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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30Jan 2013 by CJ

Making life worth living for requires having a little hope

Life & Living
A life worth living for doesn't always require something grand, it just requires a little hope. Case in point. Some of you might be familiar with the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. If not, Home & Garden Television is giving away a prize package which includes a brand new home (fully furnished), cash and a car to one lucky winner. My wife is determined. Beyond researching the homes location and travel times from popular destinations, she’s educated herself on the contest rules and regulations – reading the fine print that most entrants probably never even look at. She diligently enters the contest each and every morning without fail – talk about determination. And while she understands that our chance of winning this over-the-top prize is slim at best, she always says,…
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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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