Pep Talk #1: We must decide.

To be a parent sets us on a journey of choices to consider and decisions to be made.

Some do well on this, most of the time. Many do poorly on this, most of the time. All are lucky, now and then.

How best to know if you are a part of the few verses the many – comes down to a quick check as to how you are doing right now (today).

If your life is good, right now at the age of 20, or 40, or 60 – then you are making the decisions you need to. But if your life is at best, not so good – your are not making the decisions that you need to be making.

So, know this. A not so good life is not a death sentence, it is just proof of so many lessons not being learned. A good life is not one that is trouble free, it is proof that hard decisions are being made. A mixed life is the result of trying to have it all and that is caused by arrogance.

And with those few words above, all I ask is for you to take the time and to take a good hard look at the following. View them to be the considerations for a meaningful life. The choice is ours. For honor to exist, we must make the right decisions in regard to our faith, our family, our finances, our friends, and our fun. Such as . . .

For your faith, if you have not put God first in all that you do, you have chosen wrong.

For your family, if you have not made your full commitment to them, you have chosen wrong.

For your finances, if you are not wise, your have chosen wrong.

And for your friends, if you are not a friend first, you have chosen wrong.

So then, in these five pursuits, you see I have not shared what you must do for each. I just caution you on your fun. The decisions are key and the actions required are many. And those depend on your priorities and upon your sacrifices. Choose wisely and you will have few regrets (and trust me, no matter you do, there will always be some regrets – you just want as few as possible).

So I will close on this with these final words. They are ones I have so much appreciated and have tried to ensure. My prayers are that for my wife and I, our kids and their kids – our grandkids do all they can to do as well. I'd also be honored if everyone else tried as well.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15