I was recently asked by a parent what only a small minority of people could do to help stop bullying in our schools and communities. I have had others ask me if it is worth it to try to make a difference in our society. I have heard pastors ask the question, “If our churches ceased to exist, would our communities even notice. It reminded me of a story I once heard.
Almost 20 years ago, the late African-American Preacher from Los Angeles, Dr. E.V. Hill, spoke to a crowd of 20,000 at an event near Denver, Colorado. He told of the time when J. Edger Hoover had invited 200 people, including himself, to Washington D.C to talk about the problem New York City was having with the Black Panther Party. Mr. Hoover informed the group that the Black Panther Party was ruining New York City. They were causing stores to close at 4pm. Millions of people were leaving the city because of the disruption the Black Panther Party. Some stores were closing their doors for good. Central Park was no longer safe to walk in. Churches could not have services at night. Why? The Black Panther Party was intimidating and ruthless.
Dr. Hill raised his hand to ask an important question. He said, “Mr. Hoover, how many people are part of this Black Panther Party? How many people is it that are causing stores to close their doors? How many are chasing 4 million people out of the city?”
J. Edgar Hoover responded, saying “81!” Addressing the crowd, Dr. Hill repeated the words a few times over. “81! 81! 81 chasing 4 million people out of the city. 81 are causing stores to close and people to cease from walking through Central Park. Even though the activity of the Black Panther Party should be condemned, they should be applauded for their effectiveness.”
Then Dr. Hill looked to the audience of 20,000 people and said, “When I look out here, I see 81 all over the place.” He then went on to challenge the audience to not limit themselves as to what kind of impact they might be able to have on their families, communities and world.
With God’s help, anyone can make a difference.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Tribute to Farmer Frank
It has been almost a month since my father-in-law, Frank, passed away. Even though my only relation to him was via marriage into the family, he was still one of my favorite people I have ever known. Our trips to the farm in Iowa will never be the same anymore. I had the privilege of sharing at his funeral. Below is a written document of what I shared. We all still love and miss him.
If I were asked to write down a script describing the characteristics of the most ideal father-in-law, I would say sense of humor, highest quality of wisdom, uncompromising integrity, genuine love for people of all ages – especially his family, and a passionate faith in Jesus Christ. Frank Dagit fit these characteristics like a glove.
I have often heard Bev say about Becky, “She is her father’s daughter!” Like her dad, Becky is a straight shooter, has a sense of humor that can liven up any crowd and they are both avid Iowa Hawkeye fans. Becky and I will both miss the conversations during every Iowa game.
Beginning with his sense of humor, Frank had a fun way of teasing others. He was never too old to pull a prank on someone. One time while eating dinner at the farm, I made the mistake of turning my head to look for something. While my head was turned, Frank picked up a bottle of Tabasco Sauce and began pouring an excess amount onto my dinner. As I took my next bite, my face turned bright red. It took me about a half a second to realize what had happened and who was responsible for the burning sensation in my mouth.
Becky often shares the story when robbers were trying to break into their home. Ideally, one would think it might be best to leave some of the more dangerous activities to the police. Not Frank. He thought it would be better to catch the robbers. He was ready. He told the rest of this family to stay put upstairs. Of course, the driver in the car about a quarter mile up the road saw flashlights moving through the upstairs window, so he honked the horn, which signaled to the other robber to run out of the house and get away. You would think that would be enough. Everybody was safe and maybe now would be the right time to call the police and let them take it from there. No, Frank jumped in his pick up and chased after them.
Frank had a way of making friends. Everywhere we lived, Frank would meet someone and become a new best friend. 8 years ago, when we first moved to Michigan, Frank was taking a walk down our street. We had made the mistake of not giving him a curfew. When he returned home, Frank said, “Hey Becky, I met Duane.” Becky responded back, “Who’s Duane?” He said, “Your neighbor down the street. I saw a John Deere flag in his front yard, so I went up and knocked on his door. We’ve been talking for the last hour.” Duane became an instant friend, not only for Frank, but also for Becky and I.
Frank’s friends included people of all ages. He loved everyone, regardless of age. He had the kind of integrity where one could leave him a blank check and trust he would take honest care of it. He would never be able to live with himself if he felt like he was taking advantage of someone. If there was ever a person in need, Frank and Bev would be the first people there. He was the kind of friend, as the scripture says, “would lay down his life for…” Over the last three days I have heard many people say, “We don’t know where we would be if it hadn’t been for Frank and Bev.”
His grandkids were one of his greatest treasures. We lived in California when our daughter Hannah was born. Upon arriving in California, Frank had a cold. It was killing him not to be able to hold his newborn Granddaughter. He was overanxious to get healthy enough to hold her. I remember him saying, “Once I shake this thing, she’s all mine.” Often our son, Jacob, who has autism, would say to us, “Call Papa!” We would hand him the phone. As soon as Frank would answer it, Jacob would say, “Papa sing the bunny song!” (a song from the Veggie Tales DVD series) Frank would still sing, even if he were with some of his friends. It was always followed with much laughter and joy. Why? He was talking with one of his greatest treasures.
What I loved best about Frank was his faith. Whenever I read about the faith of a farmer in the scriptures, I think of Frank. When I was a youth pastor, I would always have him come and share with our group about his experience in Alaska. He would bring his walking stick, which he found in the middle of the tundra with no trees for miles, after he sprained his ankle. He prayed and asked God for help. Later on that same evening, Frank was with a group of people that did not know where there location was because of a heavy fog. He prayed and asked God to help them see which direction they needed to go. The fog lifted for about 10 seconds, which was just enough time for them to see the lights where they were lodging. Frank said, “I just looked up to God and said, ‘Thanks!’ That’s really all I needed to say.”
Three days ago, at the house, I heard a gentlemen talking about Frank lifting weights with a group of young guys. He said he heard him talking about his faith in Jesus Christ. That was what was most important to him. Frank had a simple, but very real faith.
When I married Becky, I did not choose for Frank and Bev to be my in-laws. I would have married her regardless. Then again, God in His goodness takes care of us by bringing people into our lives who are there for a purpose. I thank God Beverly Dagit is my mother-in-law. And, I thank God Frank Dagit always has and always will be my father-in-law.
If I were asked to write down a script describing the characteristics of the most ideal father-in-law, I would say sense of humor, highest quality of wisdom, uncompromising integrity, genuine love for people of all ages – especially his family, and a passionate faith in Jesus Christ. Frank Dagit fit these characteristics like a glove.
I have often heard Bev say about Becky, “She is her father’s daughter!” Like her dad, Becky is a straight shooter, has a sense of humor that can liven up any crowd and they are both avid Iowa Hawkeye fans. Becky and I will both miss the conversations during every Iowa game.
Beginning with his sense of humor, Frank had a fun way of teasing others. He was never too old to pull a prank on someone. One time while eating dinner at the farm, I made the mistake of turning my head to look for something. While my head was turned, Frank picked up a bottle of Tabasco Sauce and began pouring an excess amount onto my dinner. As I took my next bite, my face turned bright red. It took me about a half a second to realize what had happened and who was responsible for the burning sensation in my mouth.
Becky often shares the story when robbers were trying to break into their home. Ideally, one would think it might be best to leave some of the more dangerous activities to the police. Not Frank. He thought it would be better to catch the robbers. He was ready. He told the rest of this family to stay put upstairs. Of course, the driver in the car about a quarter mile up the road saw flashlights moving through the upstairs window, so he honked the horn, which signaled to the other robber to run out of the house and get away. You would think that would be enough. Everybody was safe and maybe now would be the right time to call the police and let them take it from there. No, Frank jumped in his pick up and chased after them.
Frank had a way of making friends. Everywhere we lived, Frank would meet someone and become a new best friend. 8 years ago, when we first moved to Michigan, Frank was taking a walk down our street. We had made the mistake of not giving him a curfew. When he returned home, Frank said, “Hey Becky, I met Duane.” Becky responded back, “Who’s Duane?” He said, “Your neighbor down the street. I saw a John Deere flag in his front yard, so I went up and knocked on his door. We’ve been talking for the last hour.” Duane became an instant friend, not only for Frank, but also for Becky and I.
Frank’s friends included people of all ages. He loved everyone, regardless of age. He had the kind of integrity where one could leave him a blank check and trust he would take honest care of it. He would never be able to live with himself if he felt like he was taking advantage of someone. If there was ever a person in need, Frank and Bev would be the first people there. He was the kind of friend, as the scripture says, “would lay down his life for…” Over the last three days I have heard many people say, “We don’t know where we would be if it hadn’t been for Frank and Bev.”
His grandkids were one of his greatest treasures. We lived in California when our daughter Hannah was born. Upon arriving in California, Frank had a cold. It was killing him not to be able to hold his newborn Granddaughter. He was overanxious to get healthy enough to hold her. I remember him saying, “Once I shake this thing, she’s all mine.” Often our son, Jacob, who has autism, would say to us, “Call Papa!” We would hand him the phone. As soon as Frank would answer it, Jacob would say, “Papa sing the bunny song!” (a song from the Veggie Tales DVD series) Frank would still sing, even if he were with some of his friends. It was always followed with much laughter and joy. Why? He was talking with one of his greatest treasures.
What I loved best about Frank was his faith. Whenever I read about the faith of a farmer in the scriptures, I think of Frank. When I was a youth pastor, I would always have him come and share with our group about his experience in Alaska. He would bring his walking stick, which he found in the middle of the tundra with no trees for miles, after he sprained his ankle. He prayed and asked God for help. Later on that same evening, Frank was with a group of people that did not know where there location was because of a heavy fog. He prayed and asked God to help them see which direction they needed to go. The fog lifted for about 10 seconds, which was just enough time for them to see the lights where they were lodging. Frank said, “I just looked up to God and said, ‘Thanks!’ That’s really all I needed to say.”
Three days ago, at the house, I heard a gentlemen talking about Frank lifting weights with a group of young guys. He said he heard him talking about his faith in Jesus Christ. That was what was most important to him. Frank had a simple, but very real faith.
When I married Becky, I did not choose for Frank and Bev to be my in-laws. I would have married her regardless. Then again, God in His goodness takes care of us by bringing people into our lives who are there for a purpose. I thank God Beverly Dagit is my mother-in-law. And, I thank God Frank Dagit always has and always will be my father-in-law.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Trading Character for Success
I remember watching the Olympics in Beijing, China only four years ago. The media was enthralled with the success of Michael Phelps winning a record number of Gold Medals. They were equally as excited about the darling gymnasts, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. We heard story after story of athletic success and perseverance. It certainly was entertaining to witness history being made and seeing two of our youth excel in their sport after all their training.
Yet, in the middle of all the hype, there was a brief story of a swimmer, Eric Shanteau, who was battling cancer. He chose to withhold treatment so he could represent his country in the Olympics. One could argue whether it was smart for him to risk his life just to swim, knowing he was not favored to win any medals. However, one has to admire his determination and perseverance.
Shanteau did not receive much attention. He was overshadowed by the many victories and accomplishments of his teammates. His story was not the only one that caught my attention. Nor were these Olympics the only games that contained what I call, “Inspirational Stories”. There are many more.
Also in Beijing, a swimmer with missing legs swam in a distance race. She did not receive a medal, so there was little said about her. During the Olmpics in Athens, Greece, two female athletes, one from Iraq and one from Afghanistan celebrated after their races, not because they broke a record and not because they won a medal. They did not even win their heat. They celebrated because they could run as free women in a race and represent their new found freedom in their country.
My favorite Olympic story is Derek Redmond at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. He was supposed to win a medal, but a pulled hamstring shortly after the gun sounded off kept him from winning. As he was attempting to stand up while enduring physical and emotional pain, his father jumped out from the stands, knowing his son wanted to finish the race. He embraced his son, then helped him through his final steps to the finish line.
Although the Redmond story did receive attention from the media, many of these stories had not made the cut. Do I dare say our western culture is addicted to success at the expense of character? Do I dare suggest we have enslaved ourselves to the lie that mankind’s integrity and compassion do not measure up unless they have the resume to prove their worth in academic, athletic, occupational and financial success? Do I dare challenge our Western Cultural Values by suggesting our performance based society is leading us into a trap of deception, leading people to believe thier value and sense of worth trumps character?
It does not have to be this way. If ever there was a time to change the values of our culture, today is the day.
Yet, in the middle of all the hype, there was a brief story of a swimmer, Eric Shanteau, who was battling cancer. He chose to withhold treatment so he could represent his country in the Olympics. One could argue whether it was smart for him to risk his life just to swim, knowing he was not favored to win any medals. However, one has to admire his determination and perseverance.
Shanteau did not receive much attention. He was overshadowed by the many victories and accomplishments of his teammates. His story was not the only one that caught my attention. Nor were these Olympics the only games that contained what I call, “Inspirational Stories”. There are many more.
Also in Beijing, a swimmer with missing legs swam in a distance race. She did not receive a medal, so there was little said about her. During the Olmpics in Athens, Greece, two female athletes, one from Iraq and one from Afghanistan celebrated after their races, not because they broke a record and not because they won a medal. They did not even win their heat. They celebrated because they could run as free women in a race and represent their new found freedom in their country.
My favorite Olympic story is Derek Redmond at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. He was supposed to win a medal, but a pulled hamstring shortly after the gun sounded off kept him from winning. As he was attempting to stand up while enduring physical and emotional pain, his father jumped out from the stands, knowing his son wanted to finish the race. He embraced his son, then helped him through his final steps to the finish line.
Although the Redmond story did receive attention from the media, many of these stories had not made the cut. Do I dare say our western culture is addicted to success at the expense of character? Do I dare suggest we have enslaved ourselves to the lie that mankind’s integrity and compassion do not measure up unless they have the resume to prove their worth in academic, athletic, occupational and financial success? Do I dare challenge our Western Cultural Values by suggesting our performance based society is leading us into a trap of deception, leading people to believe thier value and sense of worth trumps character?
It does not have to be this way. If ever there was a time to change the values of our culture, today is the day.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Wasting Energy Being Angry
A few years ago, I was participating in a group counseling session. One of the group members was expressing much anger about a situation she was in. The therapist asked her, "Is there anything you can do to change your circumstance. She said, "No!" He responded by saying, "Then why are you waisting your time being angry about it if you can't change it?"
--
The group leader's response stimulated a discussion. Anger is an emotion we experience daily, whether it is through ourselves or others. It is a very real emotion. There is nothing wrong with being angry. However, it becomes a problem if we do not take the time to decide what to do about it.
The Serenity Prayer says, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." It gives us three choices as a response to others or circumstances when we feel anger. They are: 1) Get our way -- "courage to change the things I can", 2) Accept it -- "accept the things I cannot change" or 3) a combination of 1 & 2 -- "the wisdom to know the difference".
So much of anxiety, depression and pathology stem from choices we make, when we really do not have much of a choice. For example, if I am on my way to the airport to leave for a vacation and I am stuck in a traffic jam, does it do me any good to stomp my feet, honk my horn or flip people off? No! Why? Because I cannot change it. Sure, I will be angry, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, I must put it into perspective by realizing since I cannot change it, there is no sense in me waisting my energy on anger when I know my airline will help me get a flight the next morning, if not later that day. Point being, it is still ultimately my choice if I am going to let that incident ruin my day.
There is also the problem when we choose to accept something we can actually change. For example, I have heard many people complain about being in a "toxic" relationship. I ask, "why do you spend time with him/her?" They respond, "Well, you know, ...I can't really turn them down." Or, "They are family so we can't just not go to our family events." Or, "I know he abuses me, but he doesn't mean it. He really is a good guy." It amazes me how people view themselves as powerless and will allow others to hold them hostage. I often wonder why people will continue to share information with someone who repeatedly breaks their trust or puts them down. Probably at times we have all been in relationships like this. We can do something about it. We can break off the toxic relationship. We can keep sending out resumes and contacting places that are hiring. We can make that phone call that could, or should I say will help us get what we need. We just need to stop making excuses, which I have made many.
This all comes down to our choices. If we are angry, we must ask ourselves, "Can I change it?" If I can, then I must do something about it. If I cannot, then I must remind myself I am waisting energy being angry about something I cannot change. Then, I must accept it. It really does make life much easier when we choose not to be entitled, but rather choose to control only that which we can. It was a great discussion we had that day. I learned some valuable tips from that therapist.
--
The group leader's response stimulated a discussion. Anger is an emotion we experience daily, whether it is through ourselves or others. It is a very real emotion. There is nothing wrong with being angry. However, it becomes a problem if we do not take the time to decide what to do about it.
The Serenity Prayer says, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." It gives us three choices as a response to others or circumstances when we feel anger. They are: 1) Get our way -- "courage to change the things I can", 2) Accept it -- "accept the things I cannot change" or 3) a combination of 1 & 2 -- "the wisdom to know the difference".
So much of anxiety, depression and pathology stem from choices we make, when we really do not have much of a choice. For example, if I am on my way to the airport to leave for a vacation and I am stuck in a traffic jam, does it do me any good to stomp my feet, honk my horn or flip people off? No! Why? Because I cannot change it. Sure, I will be angry, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, I must put it into perspective by realizing since I cannot change it, there is no sense in me waisting my energy on anger when I know my airline will help me get a flight the next morning, if not later that day. Point being, it is still ultimately my choice if I am going to let that incident ruin my day.
There is also the problem when we choose to accept something we can actually change. For example, I have heard many people complain about being in a "toxic" relationship. I ask, "why do you spend time with him/her?" They respond, "Well, you know, ...I can't really turn them down." Or, "They are family so we can't just not go to our family events." Or, "I know he abuses me, but he doesn't mean it. He really is a good guy." It amazes me how people view themselves as powerless and will allow others to hold them hostage. I often wonder why people will continue to share information with someone who repeatedly breaks their trust or puts them down. Probably at times we have all been in relationships like this. We can do something about it. We can break off the toxic relationship. We can keep sending out resumes and contacting places that are hiring. We can make that phone call that could, or should I say will help us get what we need. We just need to stop making excuses, which I have made many.
This all comes down to our choices. If we are angry, we must ask ourselves, "Can I change it?" If I can, then I must do something about it. If I cannot, then I must remind myself I am waisting energy being angry about something I cannot change. Then, I must accept it. It really does make life much easier when we choose not to be entitled, but rather choose to control only that which we can. It was a great discussion we had that day. I learned some valuable tips from that therapist.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Christmas Letter with Neon Lights and Just a Little Sarcasm!
The other day when my wife and I were putting together our Christmas letter, we began to joke about the clumsy moments our family had over the past year. I know what we are supposed to write. If we base our letter on the more common one's seen at Christmas we would write about how our son was a State Champion baseball player and how he is being looked at by Michigan State while our daughter is getting a full-ride scholarship to Oxford University. For one, that would be lying. For two, even if it were true, what would be the purpose in including that information except to make ourselves look like really good parents? Truth is we were imaging what the responses would be when our friends opened up the letter only to find us being brutally honest about some of the frustrations and mess-ups we experienced. Needless to say, we laughed hard for about an hour imaging the looks on the faces of friends and family as they would certainly be in shock.
Even though there is nothing wrong with being happy for those who succeed, often I find Christmas letters to be lacking one of the most important items -- Character! I wonder what would happen if I wrote down two lists, the first being a list of friends and family telling about all their childrens accomplishments, and second being a list of ways they showed love, mercy, encouragement, kindness and joy to others, which list would be bigger? I have no doubt the first list would be the size of a skyscraper while the second list would be about the size of a paragraph.
I know very few people who would say accomplishments and success are more important than character. However, too often our communication says otherwise. I think of a family who lost their 10 year old son to a brain tumor. What will they say? My wife, Becky, is in remission from a type of cancer the doctor said many years ago would never reach such a state. It gives us great things to write about. We are very thankful. However, it was not the case seven years ago when she was going through chemotherapy. Yes, we still wrote a Christmas letter, but it was challenging trying to match up with the incredible stories of how people were walking on water and going to the moon.
My son has autism. He will never be a scholar. He will never play on a sports team. Yet, he has a big heart for people. He has a friend in a wheelchair who moved to Wisconsin a year ago, but still talks about him every day. When the day seems dull and boring, he will break out in laughter and say something that will cause a room filled with people to experience joy in a way they never have before.
At the risk of sounding like I am condeming those who talk about grade points and athletic championships, I really am not. I only suggest the thrust of a Christmas letter contain more weight in describing the character of each person, their heart and their passion.
God Bless all and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Even though there is nothing wrong with being happy for those who succeed, often I find Christmas letters to be lacking one of the most important items -- Character! I wonder what would happen if I wrote down two lists, the first being a list of friends and family telling about all their childrens accomplishments, and second being a list of ways they showed love, mercy, encouragement, kindness and joy to others, which list would be bigger? I have no doubt the first list would be the size of a skyscraper while the second list would be about the size of a paragraph.
I know very few people who would say accomplishments and success are more important than character. However, too often our communication says otherwise. I think of a family who lost their 10 year old son to a brain tumor. What will they say? My wife, Becky, is in remission from a type of cancer the doctor said many years ago would never reach such a state. It gives us great things to write about. We are very thankful. However, it was not the case seven years ago when she was going through chemotherapy. Yes, we still wrote a Christmas letter, but it was challenging trying to match up with the incredible stories of how people were walking on water and going to the moon.
My son has autism. He will never be a scholar. He will never play on a sports team. Yet, he has a big heart for people. He has a friend in a wheelchair who moved to Wisconsin a year ago, but still talks about him every day. When the day seems dull and boring, he will break out in laughter and say something that will cause a room filled with people to experience joy in a way they never have before.
At the risk of sounding like I am condeming those who talk about grade points and athletic championships, I really am not. I only suggest the thrust of a Christmas letter contain more weight in describing the character of each person, their heart and their passion.
God Bless all and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
HELPING OUR CHILDREN SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
I love the beginning of the school year. The 95 degree days have now turned into cool damp mornings. Shopping malls and stores are filled with energy and people anxious to find all the supplies needed for the year and parents are confused as to why their children do not fit into the same clothes from the previous year.
With the new school year comes anxiety. Our children definitely needed their time off during the summer. Anxiety decreases, activity increases and everyone seems to get along better during the two and a half month summer break. When school begins, however, responsibilities increase, schedules fill up quickly and relationships have a tendency to become more strained.
Often, usually during the second half of the school year a parent will call me and say their child needs counseling because he or she failed three classes. I enjoy working with teenagers who experience academic struggles. For one, it reminds me of myself when I was in school. Also, they are often some of the most genuine people I have ever met.
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with parents seeking counseling for their children following the aftermath of a lower than expectations report card. It is never too late to get help, even in the worst case scenarios. However, it is more cost effective and productive to be proactive rather than reactive. It is best for parents to get help for their children early in the first semester or first trimester. Counseling will be more effective if homework routines and anxiety reduction techniques are implemented in the earlier part of the year before the academic beast brings on heavy loads of homework.
There is a popular saying, “It takes 30 days to break a bad habit and start a new one.” For some students, it will be essential to start them on a disciplined homework routine to help engage them immediately into the practice of setting aside time each night to spend on their studies. It is also essential for students to identify obstacles in school that might cause them stress and interfere with their attempt at academic success.
So, if you, or someone else you know, has a child with a history of academic anxiety, has difficulty being motivated to do homework, or struggles to attain academic success, find help for them now before they become overwhelmed with all the responsibilities.
With the new school year comes anxiety. Our children definitely needed their time off during the summer. Anxiety decreases, activity increases and everyone seems to get along better during the two and a half month summer break. When school begins, however, responsibilities increase, schedules fill up quickly and relationships have a tendency to become more strained.
Often, usually during the second half of the school year a parent will call me and say their child needs counseling because he or she failed three classes. I enjoy working with teenagers who experience academic struggles. For one, it reminds me of myself when I was in school. Also, they are often some of the most genuine people I have ever met.
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with parents seeking counseling for their children following the aftermath of a lower than expectations report card. It is never too late to get help, even in the worst case scenarios. However, it is more cost effective and productive to be proactive rather than reactive. It is best for parents to get help for their children early in the first semester or first trimester. Counseling will be more effective if homework routines and anxiety reduction techniques are implemented in the earlier part of the year before the academic beast brings on heavy loads of homework.
There is a popular saying, “It takes 30 days to break a bad habit and start a new one.” For some students, it will be essential to start them on a disciplined homework routine to help engage them immediately into the practice of setting aside time each night to spend on their studies. It is also essential for students to identify obstacles in school that might cause them stress and interfere with their attempt at academic success.
So, if you, or someone else you know, has a child with a history of academic anxiety, has difficulty being motivated to do homework, or struggles to attain academic success, find help for them now before they become overwhelmed with all the responsibilities.
Monday, August 15, 2011
10 Reasons to Vacation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!
10. It is rich in history. The U.P. was settled before the lower peninsula. Ontonagon had a telephone two years before Detroit did. Although there is some debate about it, Sault Ste. Marie is the 3rd oldest city in the United States, behind St. Augustine, Florida, and Sante Fe, New Mexico.
9. The U.P. is like a National Park. Wildlife, small towns, beautiful beaches, mountains (although I would call the Porkies "hills", either way, it is pretty), wilderness, etc...
8. Great hospitality! We found Ironwood, Newberry, Paradise, Saulte Ste. Marie, Copper Harbor and Houghton to be very friendly and welcoming.
7. Copper and Iron Mines. Although my wife and inlaws were too scared to go into the mines, we did visit Copper Harbor and some of the ghost towns that have a few remains of a once profitable time. It would be great to see some of them come back to life once again.
6. Great wildlife. Even though we did not see any moose or bear, there is much to see. Also, in Newberry they have Oswald's Bear Ranch, where one can often pet and sometimes even feed the cubs. Very reasonably priced.
5. Museums. The best is The Shipwreck Museum -- a must see. There are many others, with most of them being almost free. The Taqhuamenon Logging Museum is the most underrated.
4. Support Michigan's economy. There is not a better way to give back to our own State. Besides boycotting Washington apples and California cherries and strawberries and instead buying our own produce from our own people, and not wasting fuel to ship them from the west coast, we can help tourism in our own State by appreciating our history and the great people of the U.P.
3. Adventure. Although we chose not to camp this time, nor did we kayak or go on any long hiking excursions, the U.P. is known for kayaking in their many rivers and lakes, especially Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Speaking of Pictured Rocks....
2. The great national parks and State parks. Taqhuamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, Soo Locks, Copper Harbor and many more. I lived in Colorado, Northern California and South Dakota. The Porkies are not like Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Parks. Nor is Lake of the Clouds like Lake Tahoe. Sure, Taqhuamenon Falls are not Niagara, nor is the marshes like that in the Everglades. Although, to be able to see Pictured Rocks and the Carribean colored water, walk up to the Lake of the Clouds in the Porkies and see a beautiful lake in the middle of the hills on one side and witness the vast waters of Lake Superior on the other, then listen to the rushing water of Taqhuamenon's upper falls and then witness the natural beauty of the lower falls, not to mention driving through vast wilderness for miles and miles. I have come to realize there are not many places where you can experience all this in one vacation. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a kept secret. It is out of the way of everything, which is why I believe many people outside of Michigan and Wisconsin rarely consider charting their vacation plans to include the U.P. It does not get the attention of Yellowstone, the Smokies, Yosemite, Glacier, the Grand Canyon or even the Florida Everglades. Yet, I am ready to go back. Maybe even some winter, just to see what it is like...just so I know I can find a way out because winter is long enough even here.
1. Witness the majesty of our Creator. He deserves the credit for all of the beauty. When one needs to get away and experience God's shalom, re-create, meditate and as the psalmist said, "consider the works of his hands" only to wonder "who are we that he is mindful of us"? Take a Bible, read through some of the Psalms that speak of the handiwork of God. Thank him for places like Michigan's Upper Peninsula and praise him for his creation. Remember that his creation is a gift to us and therefore we must care for it responsibly. As we look at the beauty of his creation, may we remember his love for us and know that we are without excuse in knowing his existence.
9. The U.P. is like a National Park. Wildlife, small towns, beautiful beaches, mountains (although I would call the Porkies "hills", either way, it is pretty), wilderness, etc...
8. Great hospitality! We found Ironwood, Newberry, Paradise, Saulte Ste. Marie, Copper Harbor and Houghton to be very friendly and welcoming.
7. Copper and Iron Mines. Although my wife and inlaws were too scared to go into the mines, we did visit Copper Harbor and some of the ghost towns that have a few remains of a once profitable time. It would be great to see some of them come back to life once again.
6. Great wildlife. Even though we did not see any moose or bear, there is much to see. Also, in Newberry they have Oswald's Bear Ranch, where one can often pet and sometimes even feed the cubs. Very reasonably priced.
5. Museums. The best is The Shipwreck Museum -- a must see. There are many others, with most of them being almost free. The Taqhuamenon Logging Museum is the most underrated.
4. Support Michigan's economy. There is not a better way to give back to our own State. Besides boycotting Washington apples and California cherries and strawberries and instead buying our own produce from our own people, and not wasting fuel to ship them from the west coast, we can help tourism in our own State by appreciating our history and the great people of the U.P.
3. Adventure. Although we chose not to camp this time, nor did we kayak or go on any long hiking excursions, the U.P. is known for kayaking in their many rivers and lakes, especially Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Speaking of Pictured Rocks....
2. The great national parks and State parks. Taqhuamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, Soo Locks, Copper Harbor and many more. I lived in Colorado, Northern California and South Dakota. The Porkies are not like Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Parks. Nor is Lake of the Clouds like Lake Tahoe. Sure, Taqhuamenon Falls are not Niagara, nor is the marshes like that in the Everglades. Although, to be able to see Pictured Rocks and the Carribean colored water, walk up to the Lake of the Clouds in the Porkies and see a beautiful lake in the middle of the hills on one side and witness the vast waters of Lake Superior on the other, then listen to the rushing water of Taqhuamenon's upper falls and then witness the natural beauty of the lower falls, not to mention driving through vast wilderness for miles and miles. I have come to realize there are not many places where you can experience all this in one vacation. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a kept secret. It is out of the way of everything, which is why I believe many people outside of Michigan and Wisconsin rarely consider charting their vacation plans to include the U.P. It does not get the attention of Yellowstone, the Smokies, Yosemite, Glacier, the Grand Canyon or even the Florida Everglades. Yet, I am ready to go back. Maybe even some winter, just to see what it is like...just so I know I can find a way out because winter is long enough even here.
1. Witness the majesty of our Creator. He deserves the credit for all of the beauty. When one needs to get away and experience God's shalom, re-create, meditate and as the psalmist said, "consider the works of his hands" only to wonder "who are we that he is mindful of us"? Take a Bible, read through some of the Psalms that speak of the handiwork of God. Thank him for places like Michigan's Upper Peninsula and praise him for his creation. Remember that his creation is a gift to us and therefore we must care for it responsibly. As we look at the beauty of his creation, may we remember his love for us and know that we are without excuse in knowing his existence.
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