Random Thoughts

From time to time I am just going to post some random thoughts of mine in a effort to affect conscious reflection and thought.

Things such as:

Why is it it seems that those that profess their religion the loudest are often the ones most likely to not even live by the basic tenets of their professed religion?

Why do we waste so much time on things like gay marriage when there are so many other issues that we should concern ourselves with like hunger and homelessness?

Why is the main stream media so focused on the "bad" that happens in society and seems to be is blind to all the "good"?

Why can't we just look at one another as human beings and forget all the rest of the things that separate us from one another?

Why do wonderful shows with redeeming value like Joan of Arcadia get cancelled when others like Wife Swap and Family Guy go on and on?

Why do some parents seem to think that schools and not them are responsible for teaching their children things like manners, respect and morals?

Well that's all for this time. I am sure I will have more in the future. remember I am trying to provoke conscious thought and help to expand minds. It is never my intention to offend anyone but if you are offended by anything I have asked above maybe you need to look inside your own heart and try to figure out why the question offended you in the first place!

You're Eighteen

Below is a poem I wrote for my daughter's 18th birthday, which is today. I wanted to share it with you all because I felt that it may help others express how they feel about their kids turning 18. Please share this with anyone you feel may help them during this transitional time in their and their children's lives. Of course if it is for a boy, you will want to change the line about "your wings" ;-). Blessings!

You’re Eighteen!

You’re eighteen but what does that mean?
They say you’re an adult but also a teen.
You feel so grown up it’s like a dream.
But where do you go from here, the future is unseen.
Just yesterday you were told what to do.
Now you have to choose what is right for you.
Life is no longer black & white, there are grey hues too.
And it can seem like there is no more support for you.
But take this advice if you dare.
From your dad who really does care.
Life is a journey filled with responsibility to bear.
But there is fun, love and new adventures everywhere.
So spread your wings my girl of eighteen.
Your future is bright and you create the scenes.
I will always help build your self esteem.
And be there when you fulfill your dreams!

With All My Love, your Daddy, July 11, 2008

Soon to be an Empty Nester.

My daughter turns 18 today and will be heading off to college in the fall. I was asked at her graduation party how I felt and I have to say that then and now I feel excited for both of us. We will both be beginning new journeys. I am ready for her to take that next step in life and I am ready to start living my new life.

Don't get me wrong I will miss her to death and I sometimes cannot believe that 18 years have gone by so fast. However, I know that I have done my best in raising and preparing her for life. Was it perfect? No way. As we all know kids do not come with manuals but she has grown into a wonderful young lady and now it is time for her to fly solo.

Of course I will always be there to give advice when asked, at least I will do my best to only give it when asked. But who am I kidding, I am a Dad so I will more than likely give it quite often even when not asked. What she will have to get used to is me giving advice and no longer telling her what to do. She will have to accept responsibility for all her choices and I will not always be there to help her out if things do not work out. I will have to learn that I cannot always be there to help and I will not always be able to fix things.

I have to say that there is no sadness in this moment, so any any tears I will probably shed will be ones of happiness. My little girl is growing up and there is nothing I can do about it. I have to say that it has been a most interesting ride and one that I will cherish forever. We are both turning the page on new chapters in our lives and I am looking forward to what we write next in the journey book of our lives.

I know that I am indeed a better person for having raised a child and it has taught me a lot about myself and life. Now, I am ready to do my thing and allow her to do hers. I am very proud of my little girl and I know she can do great things with her life, after all she has shown me that by being a father I have already done great things with mine!

Be Thankful

Below is a posting I found on one of my friends' MySpace blogs and I thought it was worth sharing as it is another eloquent way to talk about thankfulness and how it can affect your daily life. I hope you enjoy it.

BE THANKFUL By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Children Learn What They Live

Here is a great poem from Dorothy Law Nolte. It really does sum up what parents desperately need to know about raising children and what we as a society need to know about being a part of the process. As was said in the past it takes a village to raise a child, so we all need to understand the fundamanetal truths in Nolte's poem below.

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerence, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world!

-Dorothy Law Nolte