Back in the ancient days of Fred Flintstone and no cell phones, when he was a young dad and a wet-behind-the-ears pastor, Andy had a habit. No, not a habit like we refer to today. But he unconsciously used a certain phrase – constantly. 

Remember the old TV cartoon “Popeye the Sailor Man?” He had a favorite saying: “I yam what I yam and dat’s all I yam.” And poor old Olive Oyl could never get him to see himself any other way. 

Does it seem to you that God is always saying “No” or “Don’t do that” or “Thou shalt not?”  

If you are in the habit of consulting only yourself, trusting your own instincts and believing that you will know in your heart what to do when the time comes, then you have a big problem.

Remember, their goal was to hurt you badly, and destroy who and what you are. So, finding ways to laugh while you go on successfully with your life is great revenge. Because they lose. 

Mr. Winston Churchill, former prime minister of England during the years of WWII, is quoted as saying, “Never ever, ever, ever give in.” 

Just like the Creator had a great idea when the thumb was designed to be in opposition, The Thumb in your group is probably a good addition. Sure, I realize that the sore thumb always seems to stir up trouble and cause friction…but he or she may be exactly what your committee or workplace needs to keep from becoming run-of-the-mill and stale. 

If you have a group who listens avidly to your opinion, be careful. You carry a very big stick and even bigger sway. Sway for which the passing of time will hold you accountable. Use your opinions and your influence wisely. And I’m not simply referring to sports, but you knew that.

Have you ever had a bad day, when everything you touched just soured? Sure, we all have had those kinds of days, nothing new to any of us. And when you had one, didn’t you find that it was difficult to be a sweetheart to everyone around you? 

Common courtesy and common sense combined with open communication goes a long way to having family times that everyone enjoys.

I’m not saying to quit sending flowers to honor the loss of someone you loved and respected – not at all. But I am saying this: Give verbal flowers and warm hugs now, while that individual is still breathing, alert and alive. While they can hear and feel your love surrounding them.

Seems like I am noticing a trend – and not a healthy one. As a whole, our nation is losing the ability to pronounce some words. In fact, people seem to have forgotten some words exist in the English language. Phrases like “thank you,” “thanks so much,” “I appreciate that,” seem to have slid into a dark hole somewhere and vanished.

Faraway country. Poverty stricken area with hard-working citizens, who don’t have much chance to see things change for the better. My hero rides his Honda into their part of his world every day, to deliver help and hope.

In our country, there are entire families who will suffer through a severe issue that eventually severs family relationships for many years. 

Many people today are living emotionally all alone, even while surrounded by people. And that works for them, most of the time. But once in a while, the loneliness catches up with them, and they realize they need others.