Last week I had the privilege of speaking to a group of bright, enthusiastic students attending the 2011 speech and debate camp run by Training Minds Ministry. 

At the end of my presentation the founder of this group, Chris Jeub, asked this question, “If there is limited time to teach children the essentials of Math, Science, History, Literature etc, then why invest time and money to teach children the skill of speech and debate?”

My answer was emphatic. 

Today I realized I am headed for failure.

Over the past few years I have lost 47 lbs, I am in better shape than most men my age, and I feel better than I have in years.  The process has been at times painful, discouraging and at times exhilarating. Unlike most other parts of  my life,  Last year I had six guys who shared the journey toward health with me.  This year I am doing it alone.  I can’t do this alone.

Three principles for facing life’s multiple choice tests.

I was never a big fan of tests in high school or college.  HOWEVER, when I had to take a test, my preference was the multiple choice test.  It was so much easier to write all the answers on the palm of my hand.  BACK OFF!  I didn’t cheat…  The reason I liked multiple choice was because

Are your dreams far away and undefined or within reach and rich with detail? I just spent a week with my youngest grandson, Tyler.  He is one of the most positive little people I have ever met.  His answer to almost everything is an enthusiastic “OKAY!”

“Want to climb a mountain?”

“OKAY!”

“Want to ride the four wheeler?”

“OKAY?”

There are some exceptions! I asked him if he wanted to get a flu shot and couldn’t find him for an hour.

We just returned from a marvelous vacation with six beautiful grandchildren.  On the way to the lake, my youngest granddaughter was filled with excitement and with some fear and trepidation looking forward to the opportunity she would have to learn to water ski.

When the day arrived, she drew me close and whispered, “Will I fall?”