Articles
What Do We Need to Do in Order to Accomplish Meaningful Change?
Not long ago, I decided to whip myself into shape, so I did the unthinkable. I ran after the ice cream truck. No. I bought a Fitbit. I strapped it on my wrist and discovered that there are 13 steps between our fridge and our couch, so I moved the couch closer. Okay, I’m kidding.…
Does Respect for Our Elders Still Exist and Apply Today?
As a well-traveled North American, I’m fascinated by culture. I’ve been in every Canadian province and most U.S. states. In Nova Scotia, my wife and I were treated like family by complete strangers. Trust me, this doesn’t happen in New Jersey. Americans are more likely to say “um” than “eh.” Canadians are more likely to…
What Do You Really Want to Be Remembered For?
You probably didn’t know that I am a retired superhero. Yes, when I was a kid, the girls called me “skinny.” The teachers called me “trouble.” My mother called me “late for dinner.” But there was more to me than met the eye. After sunset, I sprung into action. I’d slip into costume, walk through…
What Happens When We Keep Making Decisions for Selfish Reasons?
One of the poorest decisions I made was to sit through the movie Jaws. If you haven’t seen it, I envy you. The antagonist of the story is a blood-thirsty shark who has a particular taste for unsuspecting tourists. The movie ruined deep water for me. Even shallow water makes me nervous. I dip my…
Will Accumulating Stuff and Money Make You Truly Happy?
When my wife and I moved into our first apartment, the only items that wouldn’t fit into our 1971 Mercury Comet were the sides of my king-sized waterbed. Everything else we squeezed neatly into the backseat and trunk. Books. Clothing. Guitar. Flute. Toothpaste. Toothbrush. Hairspray. That’s about all we owned. By the time we…
Have You Been Hurt and Disappointed by The Church?
I heard of a man who was rescued after being stranded on a remote island for 23 years. When the captain and crew finally reached the shore, the guy was excited beyond words. He laughed. He cried. Behind him were three buildings. The captain asked, “What’s the first one for?” “That’s my house,” he said.…
Was The Resurrection of Jesus A Hoax, Joke Or A Myth?
April 1 was a momentous day for my family. My daughter gave birth to identical triplets. My son went skydiving while riding a unicycle. My youngest called to say he is pursuing a career in synchronized swimming. Each of these bits of news was followed by, “Happy April Fool’s Day.” Well, here are a…
Do You Ever Feel Like You Are Stuck In A Rut?
A farm kid accidentally overturned his wagonload of corn in the road. A nearby farmer came to investigate. “Hey, Willis,” he yelled, “forget your troubles and come on in and have dinner with us. Then I’ll help you get the wagon up.” “Well, okay,” the boy agreed. “But Pa won’t like it.” After a roast…
What Would You Do If You Knew You Had Just Minutes to Live
My wife and I were in Hawaii. I was preparing to speak the next day. I know, it’s a tough life. All that sand in your shorts. Ramona and I enjoyed an early breakfast. Then at 8:07, a zillion cell phones buzzed and a message flashed onscreen: “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate…