Where there is no pain, there is no sacrifice. Without sacrifice, honor is but a mirage.

Without a test there is no answer.

Quiet times, set aside for daily thoughts, can be tune ups for the soul.

Wisdom is easily recognized in those who lavish us with praise.

A little advice is not received well by a large ego.

Negativity plants the seeds of weeds.

Life is not about choosing a course. Our divine destiny lies in allowing God to direct every footstep.

Mountains of life are not meant to be descended. Every summit reached is the gateway to a challenging, new climb.

Those, who think they know all of the answers, usually, have no idea what the questions are.

Parenthood brings tremendous joy, but may, also, deliver the deepest heartache known to man.

Even though the whole world may hold us in the highest esteem, if we are not pure in heart we are only imposters .

Physically, mentally and spiritually, we are incapable of remaining the same. The body speeds toward death, as we determine the course for our soul.

He is wisest who is forever a student.

There are few things more annoying than an offender playing the part of the offended.

Hardly anything is more disappointing in life than being hurt by someone who professes to love you.

Original thought is more than unique; it is the creation of a whole new species.

For a fisherman on a campout, "lying under the stars" has a dual definition.

As a child, I wondered why God would have cleansed the earth with a flood. As an adult, seeing so much hatred in the world, I completely understand.

Because God loves us, He makes our journey very difficult.

Many people have where they want to go all figured out, but don't give much thought to what is required to complete the journey.

The choice of a marital companion, taken lightly, often begets heavy burdens.

Emotions throw common sense out the window.

Deceit is wrapped in pretty paper and bows.

Good friends are not tailor made, just a cut above the rest.

When we find ourselves trapped, with no easy way out, it is hard to accept that we are where our actions have brought us.

Failure to hold true to one's ideals has never produced a minute of joy.

Wanting something to be true does not make it so. Even, a lifetime of pretending will not change reality.

The greatest words, in any language, are those softly spoken.

We are free to choose our actions, but cannot will away the consequences of those actions.

Hasty decisions are synonymous with quicksand.

Vacationing with old friends is not always what it's cracked up to be.

I decided to speak my mind, but discovered I had nothing to say.

Serving with no thought of reward is the essence of selfless love.

Thinking of good deeds benefits nobody.

When we earn the honor of men they build us a plaque for the wall. When we earn the honor of God, He builds us a Mansion in Heaven.

To reject darkness is to seize the light.

Those who think they are most intelligent are most dangerous.

The greatest good we possess is that which inspires the same in others.

Trying to become a good parent after your children are teenagers is like trying to learn how to swim when only a foot of water is left in the pool.

It is simple to recognize a friend, but not so easy to know our own inner self.

Outside the enchanted forest of impossible dreams, reality sets up camp and awaits our return.

On life's journey, we are better off staying in our own lane and keeping our eyes on the road ahead.

Fulfillment is fleeting for those who fear to believe.

Truth is pounded, cursed, scorned, twisted and denied, yet calmly stands tall.

Life's lessons are better learned than repeated.

Egotists: Delusional people who think they are as good as we are.

In trying to paint a negative picture of someone else, we paint a true picture of ourselves.

To build a fire that lasts, add something with a little substance.

Our divine mission may be realized, only, through seeking divine guidance.

At a crucial time, when the game is on the line, a great athlete says, "I am ready. Give me the ball." Life requires much the same.

Common intensity seizes a moment, or even a day. Uncommon intensity seizes a lifetime.

If God's children showed more concern and love for one another, they wouldn't have to ask their Father for so much help.

One, who follows God's eternal plan, cannot be defeated by man.

.<><....<><....<><....<><....<><....<><....<><......<><....<><....<><....<><....<><....<><...... -A Fisherman's School Of Higher Yearning-

Cases of repentance, with artificial ingredients, have a very short shelf life.

If we always look at ourselves as being victims, we become victims of ourselves.

They, who work to be educated and do for themselves, determine their own destiny. The same is true of the lazy and illiterate.

During a free fall, is not the time to pack your parachute.

Showing courtesy should not be optional. It is, simply, the right thing to do.

One, who takes the bull by the horns, becomes comic relief.

Celestial destinations will not, likely, be reached if one spends their whole life, repeatedly, starting over.

When I stand before God to be judged, and He asks me to report on my life and the fulfillment of my mission on earth, I hope I won't have to say, "I did not have time to do Your work, because I was, too, busy repenting."

When we are offered something for nothing, the price is, usually, too high.

Those who fly like eagles seldom find themselves looking for a light at the end of a tunnel.

The smallest of decisions may, ultimately, build or destroy a life.

The older I get, the more I say to myself, "Today, I will try to make everybody think I've got it all together."

This afternoon, I put my right hand into my right pocket to get my car keys. Not there! Shifted my car keys from my left hand to my right hand, so that I could put my left hand into my left pocket to get my car keys. Not there!
It was a long walk home to get my spare keys. Just kidding! I caught a cab.

The most despicable race in our country is the race to the welfare line.

Life is a marathon, mostly uphill.

Regardless of the stealth or strength of the adversary, disciples of Christ battle from the high ground.

Occasionally, we must clear our minds of negative thoughts or concerns about our grown child, and say, "I wish you well."

They say that after sixty everything is downhill, but I sure don't feel like I'm coasting.

Living in Florida is great training for life after death. We know that it does no good to say, "It sure is hot down here!"

It is better to, occasionally, need an adjustment to our expectations, than to have no aspirations at all.

Saying, "I'm sorry." has meaning, but what happens afterward means everything.

In the hereafter, will God show special love to birds caged for a lifetime on earth?.. and, will He have a word or two for those who put them there?

Being kind to unkind people, is a course for upperclassmen.

Our fondest hopes should not be, easily, accessed.

Preparation prevents a plethora of pesky problems.

One who deals in creating constant drama, has an abstract view of reality.

Physical maladies are a sad, but unavoidable part of this mortal existence. Spiritual maladies are needless tragedies.

Of Brown Bears, Black Bears, and Polar Bears, the ones that scare me most are bears.

A loving parent is not, necessarily, a good parent. Nurturing requires much, much more.

One who says, "I did it my way." is really saying, "I made lots of needless mistakes because I refused advice from those trying to help me."

Much is accomplished when strong determination flexes its hard work muscles.

Independence does not mean that we isolate ourselves and ignore the needs of others. Mankind is, forever, linked by interdependence.

What people who use trashy language don't realize, is that they are defined by the words that come out of their mouths.

Loss of innocence in youth is, most often, due to a parental malfunction.

"Happiness, against insurmountable odds," is easily visualized if our reasoning is clouded by those who flatter us with illusions of grandeur.

Today, I heard a mother say to her young son, as he exited the public men's room, "Good boy! You washed your hands! I can see that they are wet."

I could not help but think of another possible reason for their being wet. True story.

It does not matter what others say about us as long as we know who we are.

It should not be said of someone, "They have lost their direction in life." if they are headed down the wrong path and, knowingly, accept it.

There is nothing more rewarding than having grandchildren who are pure in heart.

In the event of unexpected visitors, frequently, we feel obligated to pretend that an unpleasant surprise is a joyous occasion.

When life deteriorates into a roller coaster ride, shocking surprises become commonplace.

Even, with a clear view of great danger beyond the fences bordering the straignt and narrow, if we approach a gate we usually open it.

We would rather be indicted than find that we are not invited.

Maybe, I could forget to be forgetful if others stopped telling me how forgetful I am.

Backwards lament contributes nothing to forward intent..

Those, whom I have gained reverence for in life, have blessed me with reverence for life.

We, seldom, consider ourselves to be recipients of flattery. However, we are, keenly, aware of inordinate praise heaped upon others.

We never leave our past behind. It is, either, a weight on our shoulders, or the spring in our step.

Regarless of how much we love our family and friends, occasional time alone is a necessity of life.

False confidence facilitates the fall of the misinformed.

Ignorance seeks no guidance.

Intentions may be straightforward, but actions don't, routinely, move along the same path.

If you would be great, be humble before God and man.

Successful people are, forever, going somewhere worthwhile and doing something constructive.

When I see my old schoolmates, pretending that I am young is no longer an option.

Regardless of how favorable their conditions may become, some people keep chipping away until they find something to be unhappy about.

Spirituality is not, only, peaceful and kind, it is, also, determined and strong.

We cannot be honorable and, always, agreeable.

If we knew everything that has been said about us, we would lose all of our friends.

God places obstacles in our path, stands back, smiles and watches us grow.

Satisfaction should never be permanent.

We cannot escape the fact that there are others whose happiness and well-being are under our influence.

Observing how one treats others is looking through the window to their soul.

There is nothing more tiring or draining than being the only available source.

Marital companion: Someone you give the opportunity to do with their life what they desire.

Love is the only condition in which two people can be thousands of miles apart and, yet, walk hand in hand.

Both, wisdom and ignorance appear in unexpected places.

There are two parts to communication, what is said and what is heard. Seldom, are these parts the same.

Some people claim they are starting over, even though the truth is they never got started to begin with.

Going in the wrong direction becomes a long , costly journey.

A little common sense, properly exercised, grows into wisdom.

Facts are not open to interpretation.

The inevitable result of an unsuccessful endeavor is that associates, quickly, deny responsibility for the failure and label you a self-made man.

Listening to rumors equates to taste testing dirt.

In the solitude of the forest, discover the true nature of God.

Be careful how you shape your circle of friends. Ultimately, they will shape you.

Convictions make nothing happen. Acting on convictions moves the world.

Sacrifice is love intensified.

An exemplary life is seldom reached by pursuing the easiest, most exciting or the most pleasurable course.

Regardless of how anxious one may be to start over in life, the new journey's progress is tenuous until excess baggage is dicarded.

It is hard to profess doing no wrong, when life is out of control in a downward spiral, and pretending is no longer an option.

Divorce blame games are short on achievers and long on deceivers.

In their owners' medical emergency, dogs think, "I've got to get somebody to help!" Cats think, "I've got to get somebody else to feed me!"

When cofidence and ability walk in unison, we bow and marvel at their feat.

When I read free verse poetry, I understand why it is free.

We fail many of life's tests because the time we set aside for preparation is never revisited.

It is ludicrous to blame shortcomings on our lack of nurturing when, all the while, we fail to nurture ourselves.

"Pomp and ceremony" is egotism on steroids.

The magnificense of nature's amazing night is fulfilled as its full moon rises.

Nature is at its best away from the blight of man's inventions.

Apathy is a complete short-circuit of the soul.

The road to discovery is most exciting when logic is relegated to the back seat.

An earful of gossip that spreads to the mouth, inevitably, causes cold sores.

Hidden motives lie in wait with a knowing smirk.

Groundless rumors do not concern themselves with the bothersome impediments of truth.

Marriage, ultimately, is no stronger than the adversities it fails to overcome.

In God's healing grace, even, our most painful scars disappear.

Pretending to be a friend is the foulest form of deception; forgiveness for the same is unconditional love.

On the golf course I have met many new friends, the best of whom is Mulligan.

Because of my great respect for the game of golf, I hit my bad shots over again until I get them right.

There is nothing in the game of golf that can't be improved upon, with a little creative arithmetic.

Rationale for our fears is commonly unfounded, I'm afraid.

Life requires a lot of heat to be well done.

The number of personal, shiny trophies displayed on our shelves, may reveal how seriously we take ourselves.

Leisure, short, is of good report. Leisure, long, deposes the strong.

The game of hide n' seek, with my grandchildren, was great fun, until I forgot why I was under the bed.

Parents, with good reason why, should give their children that for which to cry.

Responsibility always calls. Unfortunately, accountability is not obliged to answer.

As I begin another day, it is for simple things I pray. Lord, consecrate my rod n' reel, and bless my worms with fish appeal.

In the name of frugality, we put some leftovers into the refrigerator, knowing full well they are destined to become specimens of fuzzy fungus.

You have come to grips with being old when you understand that checkout girls call you "sweetie" because of your age, and not because of your charm.

Idiosyncrasies never question our mentality. They accept us as the nut cases we are.

I went fishing last night, but, only caught one fish. It was too small, so, a couple of my friends helped me throw it back in the river.

Both sides of a heated argument, sooner or later, become complete rubbish.

The perfect vacation is having so much fun that you don't know what day it is.

Thrills of life in the fast lane, inevitably, lead to distorted values, vanishing friendships and the catastrophic destruction of one's own family.

Fishermen, who master the art of lying at a young age, have a smooth transition to becoming golfers as they grow older, and visa versa.

Apologies, alone, will never counterbalance poor behavior.

Even, the most brilliant intellect may be unrecognizable when hidden in the shadow of a monstrous ego.

Young people, who are rude and all into themselves, will, likely, grow old being rude and all by themselves.

Although, undeserving, we are blessed with God's unconditional love, over and over and over again.

To live each day with constantly wavering resolve is to experience the ups and downs of life's journey on a pogo stick.

Professing to have an "exiguous vocabulary" is a commendable, but futile attempt at humility.

He, who lables himself clever, is easily fooled.

Conscience makes the heart go ponder.

Forgiveness is the hub of unconditional love.

A reading child is a tranquil child.

Bouncing, aimlessly, through the backroads and potholes of life is a senseless journey into a land of despair.

In the minds of those consumed by hate, and hell-bent for revenge, forgiveness reeks of God.

No one ever coasted to a mountaintop experience.

Avoiding negative speech cleanses the vocabulary. Avoiding negative thoughts purifies the soul.

Be kind to strangers, at arms length.

Excited young lady: "My fiance is, totally, perfect! The only little kinks to be worked out are his lack of goals, education and employment."

Acceptance of injustice being done to another is perpetuating the crime.

If honesty prevailed upon the earth, locks would never have been invented.

You know that old age has arrived when sitting down becomes a project, and getting up requires a well thought out strategy.

Anger controlled is an expletive deleted.

I never wanted gray hair, until it began to fall out.

To gain strength in mind, body and soul, spend some quality time with adversity.

Alibies, vehicles for denial, have no forward gears.

The finest artwork we create, while growing older, is the sculpting of memories to our liking.

The broken heart of love offended, is quickly shattered, slowly mended.

Every new generation of teenagers believes its obnoxious behavior to be hilarious and inspired by genius.

Our true character is revealed more through good fortune than bad.

Of the most dangerous stalkers of virtue, the greatest is vanity.

Our misfortunes always have sharper edges than misfortunes of others.

Better judgement is a friend we should visit more often.

Far from passive, love is a driving force that fuels cooperation, charity, forgiveness and peace.

Far from passive, jealousy is a driving force that fuels combative behavior, greed, condemnation and violence.

Artificial heroes, who fall from glory, face their greatest challenge, reality.

Great athletes are not heroes; they're, just, good at something they love. Great parents are true heroes; they're good to someone they love.

Maladies of the spirit can be more contagious than the common cold.

Some of my vices have disappeared because new favorites have higher priority.

The purity of a giver is tested when grattitude received is less than grattitude expected.

It seems that life is a long line of frivolous desires. No sooner has one been deposed than another comes to power.

Good example blazes a trail. Good advice stays back at camp and wishes you well.

Our capabilities are in direct proportion to how well we understand our fallibilities.

Minds are like great pantries. Select ingredients, stored there, determine the quality of our daily subsistence and our ability to nourish others.

A foolish man, repeatedly, stumbles over the same cracks in his character, with no thoughts of repair.

If nothing else, let me be a man of good will.

Our earthly footprints shall fade away, but deeds of heart and mind are indelible and will be far reaching, for good or for bad.

Many married couples are divorced, having never met.

Brilliant footwork cannot, indefinitely, disguise a lie. Truth is a better dancer.

During times of worry, we should ask ourselves, "What is the worst that could happen?" Our concerns, just, may disappear, altogether.

Losing weight is an out of body experience.

Rumors are slow poison.

I tried turning my frown upside down, but, standing on my head was not so easy.

An armadillo is not a good pillow. That armor stuff, just, will not fluff.

The only time politicians are apt to receive a dose of reality is on election day. Sadly, the weak link to the process is an uninformed electorate.

Character has very little to do with what we see in ourselves, but is built upon the quality of our relationships with others.

The purchase of a friend's heavy burdens, with tokens of love, support and understanding, is an investment of character that will reap eternal rewards

After almost forty-three years of marriage, my Valentine may be considered antique, but her beauty and my love for her increase, even as I speak.

The door is, forever, closed on yesterday, but we can look back through its window and learn many valuable lessons.

The fly can fly, but is never a braggot, because he knows he was born a maggot.

We cannot grow unless we extend ourselves.

Those who choose the right are strong, spiritually. However, those who fight for what is right must be spiritually powerful.

Thoughts are our own personal property, of varying quality. We must choose, wisely, those that we share.

Courtesy is one of life's greatest investments. It is a key that will open doors to respect, good will, friendship and love.

Each day should have, at least, one educational venture into the unknown.

It is better to endure storms in hardships than to perish in worldly pleasureships.

Ever changing, life's priorities warrant constant review.

Wise is the husband or wife who knows when to be a silent partner.

Those who gain wisdom from patient observations of the world, shall be called visionaries.

My daily search for one new nugget of knowledge, invariably, uncovers a sack full fascinating facts.

Today's tidbits:
One mature oak tree can produce one-thousand pounds of acorns in one growing season, under normal weather conditions.
It is estimated that, over the course of human history, people have eaten more acorns than both wheat and rice, combined.
(If that estimate is true, it is astonishing, to me.)

Our treasured isms beget our schisms.

When we find ourselves in a rut, is the perfect time to plant seeds.

Love, unexpressed, is a fruitless tree.

The greatness of our Creator is evident in every miraculous detail of nature..

All of the temporary pleasures that ever were, that are, and that will ever be, could not produce a single day of lasting happiness.

Time is not prone to hesitate as idle men procrastinate.

We never, fully, appreciate water until we find ourselves without it.

If a man focuses on several projects at once, and no woman is around to correct him, is he laboring at multitasking? No. Then, his work is enjoyable.

My total focus is on the task at hand.... plus, lots of trivial things, as well.

One who says, "My faults are few." is suffering from a, well refined, selective blindness.

Knowledge is being aware of the river of ignorance all around us. Wisdom comes in avoidance of contributing to its rising tide.

Regardless of how flowery and eloquent ones writing may seem to be, it is, ultimately, just an arrangement of simple letters from a basic alphabet.

Our journey is much easier, today, because of the untold, arduous miles traveled by our ancestors.

It is not hard to love God, but, showing that love is another issue, altogether.

We cannot expect to harvest oranges after planting lemons.

In order for spiritual growth to succeed, it must become personal.

"Public Speaking" courses are, routinely, available in schools of higher learning, even though, "Public Listening" classes would be more beneficial.

Our extrospective exams on others tend to ask tougher questions than our personal entrospective quizes

We call excursions into the great outdoors "being in the wild," even though, nature's laws are more perfect and constant than our own.

The key to determining what we want to become is, first, discovering who we are.

A day of listening and observing is very educational, and similar to a day of more asking and less telling.

Adding grit to one's attitude will fortify faltering fortitude.

Nature's greatest attribute is its ability to cleanse a troubled soul.

To worry about something out of one's control is to know needless frustration.

To kill an unborn child is to incur the wrath of God.

Let the wind blow. Let the crashing waves exert their power. Through adversity, we shall grow stronger with each passing hour.

To embrace the brook, we must navigate the stones.

Being separated from ones soul mate does not diminish love, but creates a void in the heart that will, quickly, be filled upon their return.

A poorly exercised mind is easily enslaved by the body.

Virtue is the highest degree of spiritual valor.

The measure of our sincerity is a barometer of our strength.

Those who feel guilty are most apprehensive of scorn.

Consider the plight of the Pelican. He swallowed a Mullet three times his gullet. It took him a week to get weligan.

No one gains wisdom through a sedimentary lifestyle.

A father is the greatest of fathers when he coaches his child.

Our children look to us for guidance in crossing the bridge to adulthood.

We left no trace, in borrowed space, on nature's hallowed ground.

In nature's beautiful world, even man may go unnoticed.

Find the man in the photo.

When the babe in the manger triumphantly returns in His glory to end all wickness, at long last there shall be peace on earth and goodwill among men.

My best outdoors friend, each summer, is a nice shady spot. In winter, we're not such good buddies.

Parenting is the glue that unites a family.

Anger and loud speaking seldom solve a problem or soothe ones pain.

A commitment is an agreement to have ones honor tested.

Our best should, forever, be under construction and improving.

Knowledge is recognizing the problem. Wisdom is recognizing the solution. Genius is in the resolution.

It is better to have character than to be a character.

Matched socks are overrated.

A quote from our good friend, Sandy Tilton. She has character, and is a character.

Our ancestors formed the fabric of who we are, both, physically and intellectually. However, we tailor our own lives, for good or for bad.

"We were poor! When I got my first pair of shoes, at thirteen, I wore 'em out, walking around in the field backwards, so I could see the footprints."

Told to me by Ben Hand, a second cousin.

"Our family was so big, that, if you wanted to turn over in bed at night, you had to go outside to do it."

Words attributed to Dave Williams, my second great-grandfather.

A Christmas tree, filled with the most beautiful ornaments, if not surrounded by love, is empty.

Gatherings with old friends have become geriatric conventions.

Being honest is more than avoiding dishonesty. Genuine honesty must be doggedly pursued and embraced.

A true friend will persevere, even in the face of adversity.

Bad times in your life are opportunities to determine which friends are wheat and which friends are chaff.

A paraphrased quote from Sara Williams, my blogger friend in North Wales, United Kingdom.

Two common victims of legal robbery, are college students buying books for courses, and customers at movie theatre concession stands.

Blindly following "good advice" is a dangerous journey into the unknown.

The chairs in my house must be showing their age. They are, increasingly, more and more difficult for me to get out of.

God blesses each of us with unique talents, not so much for ourselves, but for the betterment and joy of those around us.

True admiration and jealousy cannot coexist.

A competing athlete who cheats and prevails is not a sportsman. He is just a cheater, pretending to be a winner.

Many aspiring fishermen fail because they underestimate the intelligence of their adversary.

I'm not old. I'm just practicing for when I will be.

Our greatest challenge in life, perhaps, is weighing the truth in what we read and in what we are told.

We develope tremendous strength only after appreciation for the pain of sore muscles; likewise, our highest intelligence through love of learning.

I see so much vanity in others. Why can't they be humble like me?

The toughest choice teenagers make is deciding whether they will obey their parents or be like their friends.

A secret, shared, takes on the inevitable quality of "surround sound."

Life is like a game of Scrabble. Ultimately, little choices we make may spell success or failure.

There are few things more dangerous than apparent truth.

Our greatest wounds in life are, almost always, self inflicted.

Pretending to dislike being flattered brings out the actor in all of us.

Our capacity to love is in direct proportion to our capacity to forgive.

We deceive ourselves much more easily and more often than we deceive others.

The world's greatest deeds come, not through ambition, but through compassion.

Advice, given, is always considered more inspired than advice, received.

We shall not be remembered for resolutions we make, but, for the deeds that determine our destiny.

Sometimes, we just need to take a deep breath and say, "Today will be a better day!"

Knowledge is raw learning. Wisdom is refined intuition.

Enduring friendships are more cherished than gold.

In a bed of roses, flowers are fleeting, thorns are not.

With perfect recall of how to perform certain athletic feats, I hesitate, because this aging body will not cooperate.

When values are lost, happiness also goes missing,

Basking in the early morning sun is being held in God's embrace.

Levels of personal energy and empowerment for success depend on the positive or negative charge in one's attitude.

Love, at times, must be tougher than shoe leather, but reinforced with velvet lace.

Rain has a weird way of making a day either really good or really bad. There's not much in betweeen.

By: Olivia Tilton, A dear friend, who we helped to nurture when she was a toddler. She is a college student, now.

In the bog of temptation's charm, resistance is slipperier than an eel.

We should pity those who choose to use profanity and filthy language. Sewage, sludge and ignorance are their constant companions.

A bologna sandwich, eaten while fishing, tastes better than T-Bone steak at the finest restaurant.

Give a man a fish, and you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will feed you lies for a lifetime.

If most of your neighbors routinely wear camouflage, you are either living on a military base or in a town of rednecks.

The day I started bird hunting is when the term "Lucky Duck!" originated.

By: Zane Stephens (my wife's brother)

An inflated opinion of oneself deflates the worth of others and weakens friendships. Healing may come only through a dose of heartfelt humility.

Life without humor is a cloudy "mourning."

The problem with teaching your young children to "do what is right" is that they hold you to the same standard as you grow old.

Prior preparation promotes peak personal performance.

Every child, no matter how rebellious, should be shown constant love by their parents (and grandparents).

By: Billie Hand, my nurturing wife.

Of all decisions in life, none have more potential for bringing great happiness or unabated misery than our choice of a marital companion.

unabated

Knowledge is understanding hardship. Wisdom is gaining determination and stength through the experience.

As an adult, I see no redeeming value in Halloween and "Trick or Treat" until I recall the exhilarating October fun of my childhood.

A cool ocean sunrise composes the perfect symphony, and paints a maritime masterpiece.

Life is not a box of lucky charms. It is shredded wheat, waiting for sugar to be added.

Being short with others may result from being down on oneself.

Youth sports programs transcend recreation. In many ways, team involvement molded me as a man.

While knowledge is gathered, wisdom is sculpted.

Like good soup, a quality life must have quality ingredients.

Friends need not be seen nor heard to be felt.

Every adult should have cherished memories of trips to the library with their mom.

In middle age we fail to perform feats of our youth. In old age we fail to TRY to perform feats of our youth.

There are few things more dreaded and less read than an instruction booklet.

Let me focus on today before it is consumed by tomorrow.

During our greatest turmoil, the light of Christ whispers to a nation, to a group, or to a single soul, "Peace. Be still."

A child, protected from consequences, is likely to become an adult devoid of respect for the laws of God and man.

The depth of our souls are determined by the height of our faith.

Knowledge is walking the right path. Wisdom is resisting detours.

A river and anglers' dreams of it never sleep.

There are two types of fishermen, those who boldly lie and those who pretend not to.

God created baby pigs for the world's comic relief.

Governments of countries convince citizens that they must kill the citizens of other countries in war by calling it a patriotic, heroic thing to do.

I WONDER IF GOD AGREES.

Oh, to be blessed with the determination and will of a Kudzu vine!

A still, small voice demands nothing.

Consistent, dedicated parenting begets consistent, dedicated children.

Any day is a good day, as long as you are on the right side of the grass.

I am told that this was a comment made often by greatgrandfather, Martin Kicklighter.

Self respect, without self control, is a facade.

A beautiful sunrise holds promise of a glorious day.

Wayward teens may not realize they are lost until they arrive at their destination, a life ruined.

Laughter with friends and family is the ultimate group hug.

Time chooses neither friend nor foe.

Compliments to others, freely given, reenergizes enthusiasm for life, in both the receiver and the giver.

"Good enough" screams of mediocrity.

After hiking for miles and miles, deep into the Grand Canyon, I found my thoughts to be, truly, deeper and grander.

Forgetfulness is often the product of a mind in deep thought

By: Tami Johnson (my daughter)

Truth, even ignored, is ever faithful.

He who holds the hand of a little child, touches the heart of God.

I never saw a boastful tree.

During nature's finest hour, words go lacking.

Actuality is a master of disguise.

A well observed mirror is the ultimate problem solver.

Knowledge is being aware that a woman has gained weight. Wisdom is saying nothing.

Honor, embraced, enlightens the soul.

Comfort for disagreement is compromise. Compromise is a precursor for deadly decay.

Knowledge is a thorough understanding of facts about skunks. Wisdom is not verifying the facts in the field.

To hate is to live in a tomb.

When life is at a low ebb clear the debris from your beach.

Great ideas are worthless. Great ideas, acted upon, are priceless.

Seldom, do we recognize the real depth of our own knowledge and abilities. Therein, lies our unrealized potential.

The reservoir of our mind plus the reservoir of our heart determines the measure of our soul.

It is harder to climb a ladder than to fall off one.

Excellence seldom requires perfection.

Rocky relationships are seldom fertile.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him bait his own hook.

When I was young, my truck was loaded with worry and anguish, until I discovered it was a dump truck.

Our reputation is never behind us. It always stares, directly, into our face.

Enthusiasm is to intelligence as apathy is to ignorance.

Kind words build a friend, a marriage, a nation.

Performance is an attitude based noun.

Enthusiasm spreads faster than a virus.

Work redone is stopping to repave an ill-constructed stretch of life's highway.

Experience need not be a slave to trial and error.

Taking the scenic route is a terrific investment of time.

A good beginning harbors great potential, but also, uncertain success.