Motivation is fickle. But when we treat our feelings like they should fire off a motivation, things start to go awry.

Emotions are meant to inform us. They are, in fact, a language. Only they don’t speak to us in a linear way, with letters that turn into words that are used in sentences and paragraphs to convey thoughts and ideas. Instead, the language of emotion is an experiential language.

Heading it off at the pass is like sensing where the bad guys are going, so you go left, and I’ll go right and we’ll meet at the pass before the bad guys get out and into the village (I saw that movie—or is that in all Westerns? I remember it being in the 80’s version of the Lone Ranger).

Life can be like golf. My son, Cooper, plays golf. Sometimes I get to work as his caddy. As a caddy, my role is to carry his clubs, clean his ball, and write down his score. Occasionally I say some encouraging things, sometimes I offer an opinion. One thing I am not, while his caddy, is his dad.

I like fantasy football. I have four teams (I limited myself this year). I like guessing and prognosticating sports stuff, and to be honest, I am not the slightest bit good at it.

Normal is a powerful force, like the force of gravity.

Before we turn the television or electronic pads into more of a baby-sitter than they already are, or before we become too indebted in summer “options” to keep the kids busy and get them tired, let us take a moment to see the parenting opportunity in front of us.

One of the main pillars of the holiday season is family, and chances are if you plan on participating in any holiday functions you will be doing so with your own flesh and blood.

Watching fish slowly swim by can be a rather soothing and fun venture. The kids and I will pick a spot and just stand there, and observe. Eventually, one of them will say, “Ooo, look at that one. What is that, Daddy?” The questions will follow, and the attempts at answering are made. We observe, and thankfully no touching (and thus no juggling) occurs. Nice, calm, tranquil.

The holiday triad is upon us: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Every cell within us wants to belong, to be a part of something — specifically a family or a community.

When we are at our worst is when we need grace the most; and it seems we are in need of a lot of grace these days.

Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, the Bible says for women to submit to their husbands ...

So there we were, standing on the pier, fishing poles in hand, a small fish on the line, dangling in the air, tail flapping and gills spreading.

So I was standing in the middle of the deli at Publix, turning circles, frantic with questions, holding a Cuban sandwich ...

It is one thing to be capable; it is another to be adaptable.

All of this could have been avoided if we politely had said, “Thanks, but no.”

Birthdays are wonderful! Independence is wonderful!

Agreeing not to go to bed angry and agreeing not to wait until bedtime to discuss sensitive matters is a helpful and wise strategy, but ...

no one knew what Ally would do. It was Ally’s decision.

Just remember. Then tell someone what you remember.

November is the culmination of the Fall Season, closing out with a sumptuous meal at a glorious table surrounded by the warmth and love of a close knit family .... Wait, what was that screeching halt sound I just heard?

Regret can be a pattern, but it wants to be an opportunity. Realize this: regret is about missed opportunities. When we regret, it generally means this: an opportunity is coming; let’s not miss it this time.

When we experience anxiety, we are meant to ask ourselves, “Am I too lonely, do I have enough resources, or am I too tired?”

The problem with negative willpower is that it creates a vacuum, and nothing can exist in a vacuum.