Growin' Up Gregory

As a young child - well, really as an older kid, a teenager, a young adult, a middle-aged adult, or even a senior citizen - there are a few things like the joy of feeling that tug on the line when you're reeling in a good fish. Any time we're at the lake (or any other body of water) my son and nephews always say that they want to fish. But based on my observations, they truly aren't very interested in fishing - what they really want to do is reel fish in, that's it. But you see, there's a lot more to fishing than merely catching fish. Before you ever wet a hook, someone has to purchase the right equipment - rods, reels, hooks, bait, etc. and then do the part that no child seems to comprehend and probably the reason some grownups require adult beverages while fishing - setting up the rods and reels with the necessary equipment. Once you've got a hook tied on, now things get messy - bait! If you're using live bait, the mud and dirt from worms, cricket juice, f...

When I Called into work to tell them I wouldn't be coming in on Monday, April 1st, some thought it was an April Fool's joke.  Honestly, I wish it had been.  But unfortunately, the joke had been on me the day before. That Sunday morning began like most - we got up and were running behind and trying to rush and get ready for church.  But while getting ready, Britt and I both started feeling a little puny.  In her wisdom, she persuaded me that it probably would not be very beneficial to take our germs to church and spread them around some of our more "seasoned" members and the kids in Children's Church so we stayed home. While not feeling well, I didn't have much of an appetite and barely ate or drank anything all day.  That's when the fun began.  Around 11 PM, I got up, helped Britt with something, and then according to her, "went stiff as a board and belly flopped" onto the bathroom floor.  I don't remember how I got in the f...

I have the opportunity in my profession to work with a number of different people who vary in a wide degree in age, education, and income levels.  What makes some people so "successful" while others just never seem to make it?  I believe that there are three factors that determine the difference between who you are today and who you will be in 5, 10, or 20 years. 1.  Intelligence - Education - Brainpower.  Whatever you want to call it.  Your mental ability to put skills you know into practice, and to learn new skills, will be a major factor in your future success.  For some, book smarts and intelligence just comes naturally while others have to study their tails off just to get by.  I honestly don't know how much intelligence is genetic, but I do know that numerous studies show the positive effects of reading to children from birth to age 3 when their brain is developing at a rapid rate.  But we cannot let our learning stop there.  No matte...

1.  Adam came before Eve.  My dad has called December 23rd Christmas Adam for as long as I can remember. 2.  As kids, were allowed to open one present on Christmas Adam.  Yes, that was early and maybe not fair.  But a lot of times I think it was a setup so Mom could have us wear our new clothes for Christmas and count it as a gift.  (I'm learning your tricks as I parent lol) Since becoming an adult, I have missed opening that present early.  Don't get me wrong, I love watching Thomas rip into his (and whoever else will let him) gifts and the excitement on his face.  And I love giving a heartfelt gift to someone and seeing their happiness.  But there is something special about opening your own gift that someone felt like you needed.  And I was blessed to open a gift of perspective and joy yesterday. Yesterday Afternoon I had to go to Walmart (I almost asked for prayer requests but refrained). While chit chatting with the cashier I...