Anyone who has been around a group of toddlers have witnessed that there are some who are simply more belligerent and self-centered than others. Then there are those who are much sweeter and quieter by nature, and less self-oriented. 

Folks, step out of your "Me Only" orb. It is very true that you are your Creator's prized possession, but you are not the only one.

Your deliberate choices do matter. You actually can find beauty and contentment in the middle of ugliness and difficulty. But only if you begin each day determined that you will find some tiny bit of good in your circumstances. Then focus on that.

You want your way. And that is normal. But getting others to want to do what you are asking? Sometimes that’s just not very easy. Forcing them usually doesn’t make you a winner. 

Sounds horrible. A father who loved his child deeply, but had to make the decision to deliberately let her die. So that others could live, and have the opportunity to be with their loved ones for a full life. Same thing God the Father did to His Son thousands of years ago. For you and I. And so many misunderstand His heart and His actions too.

Remember this. There is absolutely no reason to continue an argument. No use trying.

For the professional writer to use AI? Mostly, no way. For research? Great. Technique? Oh sure, there’d be great technique, “Hey Gemini, I need this column on ‘KIDS HAVING CELLPHONES’ written from a sarcastic humorous viewpoint. And, oh yeah, it needs to be no longer than 520 words, please.” And presto, print it out and I would have a masterpiece worthy of my own puny plastic Pulitzer.

Do your natural favorite a huge favor. Back off. Take a long-distance look at what you are doing. How you are treating all your kids. 

Life is hard. Don’t let hopelessness make your life even harder. Believe in your tomorrow. Even in the bad times.

Folks, you are not your body, you have deeper things to worry about than that. You have a spirit that needs real care. Take care of that body, definitely. But more importantly, take care of your spirit.

Give the gift of love to those who have less-than-joyful holiday experiences coloring their outlook on the holidays. Love them in the form of being understanding, patient and caring. And one of the greatest gifts you can give is to Just. Be. Present.

Newbie NFL football player Desmond Watson, just out of college and weighing in at a hefty 464 pounds, needed to lose weight in order to get off the bench. After a dramatic loss of 35 pounds of flab, he was asked how he had managed to reach that goal.

Grieve openly. In your own way and for as long as you need. Grieving is natural. Let yourself experience the pain as it comes and goes in your life. So that it can eventually go.

Do your relationship a huge favor. Stop and think. Put yourself in your spouse’s shoes.

Outside storms can be horrible and life changing for a while. But the inside storms – those are the ones that change us for the rest of our lives. We either get bitter, or we allow the storm to make us better.