I fell off my bike... My helmet was cracked and my head had a good bump but if it were not for the helmet my head would have cracked and almost everyone agrees that I would be DEAD or in really bad shape. And I was "only" riding near my home. More...

By Michael Neufeld The progression of divorce forces mean a starting over, seeking a new beginning, and requiring rebuilding relationships with children, renewing their spirituality, and the redirection of personal priorities in life. No matter what cultural background, maturity range, salary scale or religious conviction, divorce can be overwhelming, demeaning, financially draining (especially if you are providing child support and or alimony), and an emotional roller coaster that never seems to end.When searching for direction and purpose through this challenging time, the best guide is to look at yourself from the inside and figure out what is really important to you. Reflection can refocus your life, and provide comfort and solace. Having gone through divorce, it forced an understanding on what I need to improve in myself, not focusing on the faults or shortcomings of others. The thoughts and emotional turmoil of blame, anger, self-pity, shame and pride have been discarded and are distant memories. As a divorced father I questioned how can I move on with my life, amplify my priorities as a man and still be in my daughter's life being a positive force, these are my focus points.This Fathers Day instead of focusing on you as a father refocus on the responsibilities of being a father. Renewing and recharging the commitment and covenant you have with your children. Children are a blessing. Children are not commodities to be traded, fought over, or bargained for. Their well being should be placed first during this time of upheaval and emotional stress. Children do not cause divorce, but are directly affected by it. Fathers Day is for divorced fathers also because of the hard work and sacrifices that we make to stay in our children's lives. No one can take away from you that you are a parent and aid your children's growth in dynamic ways. We may not be physically in the home, but our teachings, modeling and prayers are present in our children's life. Our essence of what we are is shared within our children. Our first responsibility that we must continue to teach our children is to be respectful in order to get respect, the importance of education to obtain a career, provide for oneself and family and to keep family as a priority. In being fathers in our actions and duties, our children will follow as we set the example of behavior.We must also direct our daughters to be independent thinkers and aspire to be self supportive, not leaning on being reliant on any man to always provide for them. Our daughters will seek a man similar to our actions, demeanor and emotions even if it is self-destructive at times. We set the foundation on whom they will look for in a mate. We must teach our little girls that they are empowered with dreams and aspirations to be successful and can be. Our ultimate goal is for them to become responsible adults. You are one in many ways with your children. Some of these ways are visually evident and some ways will show themselves as your child becomes an adult. Through our lives we as men and fathers have obtained wisdom that we should pass on to our children. This Fathers Day and beyond be the father your father may not have been to you, be the dad that your children can be proud of and seek for guidance. This is your day to be recognized and no one can take that from you. Starting over is not easy, but the path can be much straighter, peaceful, comforting and less challenging if we recognize our priorities first and continue to do the right thing by our children. Divorce is not the end of fatherhood just a new beginning and an opportunity to grow. God Bless the divorced fathers, we are still fathers and dads in our children's lives, but must stay involved, concerned and in seek wisdom and guidance. More...

A neighbor, Sherry of the eight o'clock dog, invited me to a meeting at her church to learn a little about hurricane preparedness and dutch oven cooking. Four of us grew to 5, then 7, then 8, then 10 with the entry of a couple of young missionary women. We talked generally until one woman, an ESE teacher, mentioned the budget cuts. Well, let the rants begin! More...