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Education

Education is defined as “the receiving or giving of systematic instruction,” but it’s really more than just information. We can read and memorize data from textbooks, but we know thought has taken hold when we apply such knowledge. Application shows proficiency.

The status of education in the United States is troubling in some cases. We are “dumbing down” our requirements so more kids can pass. This isn’t a solution. It merely hides a deeper challenge. We need to increase our standards, demand accountability from our educators, and focus on the areas Horace Mann did: the head, the hands and the heart. Intellect, application and emotion.

We can reverse the state of education, but we must be willing and not give up. Our future depends on it, and us…

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Poverty

Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.

It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.

This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing

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Speaking of Kindness…

The tongue is a laser sharp instrument. It can heal or it can hurt. Your choice, but I encourage you to return kind words to others, not stinging rebukes. Both of you will benefit…

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Our Future…

Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. We are failing them. In 2016, suicide became the #2 killer of kids. In 2020 a study revealed that 78% of students felt lonely. It’s ironic that so many kids could feel lonely. We live in the most technologically connected culture ever.

The solution? One thing we can do is make certain our children feel loved and accepted. Hold them accountable for their actions, but don’t let them feel unloved because they made a mistake or two.

We must turn this around, and fast. It begins with us…

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Newness…

When we go on vacation, everything we experience is new to us. The neurons in our brain go crazy, creating new neural pathways where our feelings are forever stored. This is healthy exercise for our minds. I encourage you to try to experience something new every day, even if it’s changing the way you drive to work. You will feel the difference…

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Opinions…

We concern ourselves about what others think of us. Their opinions do not matter because they have no authority over our lives. Focus on yourself, and take care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Everything will fall into place. Let others think whatever they want. You know the truth…

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Music…

Music is one of the things that connect us. Here’s some perspective…

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Beliefs…

Do you consider yourself to be open minded? Whenever we are discussing a topic, pretty much any topic, our belief system is attached to our side of the discussion. Sometimes what we may believe is incorrect. And if that is the case, be humble and learn…

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Columbine High School…

“I have this theory that if one person goes out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same. You never know how far a little kindness will go.” – Rachel Joy Scott

Today is the 22nd anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. Rachel was the first child killed that day. Yet, even with all the darkness of that day, it couldn’t stop light from emerging. Rachel’s Challenge was born, based upon the writings and influence of Rachel Scott. She continues to start chain reactions of kindness and compassion all across the world. Over 30 million people have experienced Rachel’s story. But the work continues…
Rest In Peace, Rachel. Your life mattered…

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Foundations…

Education begins in our minds. Our purpose begins in our hearts…

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