Four-letter words have a bad rap. A synonym for cussing for as long as I can remember, speaking one of these bawdry four-letter words in my youth always resulted in a certain mouth being washed out with a bar of soap. It is only a wicked coincidence that the word “soap” also possesses a mere … Continue reading In Defense of Four-Letter Words
I must be doing something right. My wife complimented me tonight after dinner. Don’t laugh, it happens. This particular evening prompted an unexpected and pleasantly surprising comment. One I thought worth sharing with you romantically challenged guys out there. As I was cleaning up the dishes, Patrice commented that “Dinner with you is always like … Continue reading Always Keep Dating
Words are powerful. They have the power to build up or tear down. In marriage, they can encourage or humiliate your spouse…and such words can echo for years to come. Men, it is your choice as a husband whether you want your words and actions to bless your wife or abuse her. Learning to be … Continue reading The 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 Most Important Words A Husband Can Say
Newsflash! There is growing evidence that the way to a woman’s heart is through her coffee cup. Yep, I think I have stumbled across a previously unknown factor in the male-female dynamic. A new axiom that will forever change the way marriage counselors ply their trade. Henceforth, husbands will be told in no uncertain terms……..”There … Continue reading The Cha-Ching of Coffee
I have no idea what it is like to be separated from your wife during a time of war. My wife Kathryn Patrice and I have never spent more than three days apart. My late wife Mary and I never spent more than two weeks apart. Maybe that’s why I found a 1940’s note by … Continue reading The Dutch Code in Love and War
Navy Seals have this well-deserved aura about them. Hearing one speak always makes me glad they are on our side. I recall watching a video a few years ago featuring Seal Commander Rorke Denver, who shared a fundamental principle by which Seals work, that to “Constantly Improve Your Position.” Rorke reminded listeners that there is … Continue reading Constantly Improve Your Position
Actions have consequences. More often than we may know, those consequences roll down like thunder across generations. For most of us, our parents have the most significant influence upon us. For others, it may be an uncle, an aunt, a close friend, a sports coach or a Sunday School teacher. Looking back over my formative … Continue reading Generational Thunder – The Tale of Two Women
I have a confession to make. I am embarrassed to admit this. Not sure why I should feel so uncomfortable, but I do. After all, I am an adult and there is nothing illegal about it. But why did I allow myself to be talked into this? I should know better. But here I am … Continue reading A Prideful Confession
My wife approached with an inspiring grin on her face. “Now that I am retired, I am hoping we could share a tee time soon.” Startled, my only response was an enthusiastic “Sure!” I remembered she does have a pink golf bag stuffed with a complete set of irons and woods adorned with pink head … Continue reading Tee Time?
This post is about a book I never wanted to write, but one I needed to write. It is a book about grief, my own heart-rendering, spirit-crushing journey through the valley of tears. Why would I be so transparent about something so intrinsically personal? Here’s the story behind the book. In 2005, I lost my … Continue reading The Story Behind the Book I Never Wanted to Write
