By Mene Ukueberuwa (Unless you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal you can't read the article so I copied it and put it here.) My hometown is on the edge of the New York City area, where dense development ends and soybean farms begin. The 9/11 memorials around here are a reminder of our proximity … Continue reading Remember Todd Beamer of United 93
Character Strengths
“Pick Yourself”
I posted here about my father watering the seeds in his learning packet of "Find Meaningful Work". His first-in- his-family goal of going to college and his willingness to lay hard wood floors to pay for it was the main factor of my father realizing his dreams. He is the Classic American Dream story--start with … Continue reading “Pick Yourself”
Learning Packets
My husband has a theory he and I often talk about. He calls them “Learning Packets”. Some people receive huge amounts of Learning Packets and some work on the same few their whole lives. Small or large, Learning Packets are life lessons that sometimes show up in the form of obstacles. These obstacles are brought … Continue reading Learning Packets
No Easy Way
I saw this sign this week and I keep thinking about it. It's a warning at Park City Ski Resort--"Don't go where you don't have the skill to get off the mountain" and it should be heeded. But...is anything meaningful easy? Is it better to stay on the safe paths for the rest of our … Continue reading No Easy Way
“It’s You I Like”
My daughter recently told my husband and I that she was chilling with some friends one Sunday night. The conversation turned when one of them said, “Does anyone actually like themselves?” The other friend chimed in and said, “No!?” My daughter said she looked at both of them, not believing what she heard. She said … Continue reading “It’s You I Like”
Building Inner Resilience in Our Families
My last two posts have been a list on building principles of success into our families. It isn't easy going against the cultural tide of busyness, materialism, and 24/7 screen time. Read on for the last of the thirteen principles that can strengthen our families and extend our parental influence. #6. No screens. As screen … Continue reading Building Inner Resilience in Our Families
Charity
Corrie Ten Boom is second from the left. Betsie is on the far right. One of the reasons I married my husband was I liked his energy. He has always had tremendous grit and made things happen. There is an intensity about him that I have benefited from and love. As we have grown older … Continue reading Charity
Summer-Read-Aloud Part 2
I am posting the second part of this list again, from my experienced friend, Karen Arenesen. This is the second half of her list. I thought I would have to do three posts, but I was able to fit them into two. These books specifically highlight great morals and character, mostly by showing children going … Continue reading Summer-Read-Aloud Part 2
What Is On the Inside, Counts!
I couldn’t put my figure on what was missing in the newest version of the movie “Emma.” The videography was breathtaking with pastoral views of the English countryside. The rooms in each stately house, the store where they bought fabric and ribbons, and their period clothing were visually stunning. I was gasping over the design … Continue reading What Is On the Inside, Counts!
The Collapse of Parenting Part 2: What Matters Most?
Dr. Leonard Sax, the author of The Collapse of Parenting: Why We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Adults, said, "Which of the following, measured when a child is 11 years of age, is the best predictor of happiness and overall life satisfaction roughly 20 years later when that child has become a … Continue reading The Collapse of Parenting Part 2: What Matters Most?
"Peace Like A River…" 