Rejoice!

Rejoice!

A letter from Paul to the Phillipians 

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul is encouraging us to walk with Jesus to rejoice in our relationship with God.  We should have the mindset of celebrating the Lord and the gifts and blessings of life that surround us yet we often forget when we get bogged down in our daily lives.  

We need to constantly remember to simply Rejoice!

With Love,

Coach K

What You Desire Desires You

I remember hearing Dr. Wayne Dyer say that 

What You Desire Desires You

And I thought what a simple yet profound statement.  The idea that our desires can become reality seemed like a great idea to a kid that was raised on welfare and food stamps.  I had a little hunger for something better at a young age.  I would read Think And Grow Rich by Napolean Hill and later The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer  that discussed the importance of a wealth mindset and an excellent attitude.

We experience realizing our desires in our everyday life whether it's from a drink of water or eating an egg.  When we get the Iphone that we desire or the book or concert ticket. These relatively little things also apply to the bigger things like our health, Love, an education, a house, a career, and even wealth.

What you think about expands.  And really are all based on timeless spiritual or biblical principles. 

Asking and Receiving

With God all things are Possible

You Can Do All that I have done and more, if you but Believe

The challenge is that so many of us are not familiar with these principles or have not been exposed to the teachings of Jesus. An easy way to learn about Jesus is to read his talk to the people in The Sermon on the Mount. 

We have to shift our attitudes from negative to POSITIVE. We need enthusiasm to accomplish our goals, dreams, and desires. We need to disconnect from the negative news and focus on the good in the universe and our world.  Simple things like the gift of life, fresh air, and sunshine help us focus on the gift of everyday life. Start small and build and remove yourself from any Toxic environment. 

When what you desire shows up in your life remember to say Thank You and express Gratitude for all that shows up in your life. 

With God All Things Are Possible!

With Love,

Coach K

General Lafayette - The Battle of Barren Hill Pennsylvania

From the George Washington Mt. Vernon Library:

Growing up around Barren Hill and living in the area of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, we all knew about the George Washington and the Colonial army's time at Valley Forge and how the British invaded and took Philadelphia, but the story of Barren Hill at more importantly the leadership of a young French general Lafayette.  Lafayette later returned to America in the early 1800's for a celebration acknowledging his contribution to the victory over the British.  That's why so many towns, streets, and even colleges are named after Lafayette. 

At Barren Hill, Pennsylvania, on the northwest side of Philadelphia, now called Lafayette Hill.¹ With the British in control of the de facto American capital, George Washington’s Continental Army advanced slowly towards the city in an attempt to apply pressure on the occupying force. Their maneuvers resulted in the Battle of Barren Hill.² In actuality, the Battle of Barren Hill was more of a retreat than a battle. This engagement prevented British forces from securing critical communication and supply routes into Philadelphia.³

Lafayette's cartographer, Michel Capitaine du Chesnoy, drew this manuscript map in 1778 depicting the Battle of Barren Hill shortly after the engagement. Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Washington, D.C.

The British took Philadelphia in September 1777. It was a low moment in the American war effort. Washington faced the choice of protecting the city or ensuring his army’s survival. He chose the latter as his army’s destruction likely would have ended Americans’ quest for independence.⁴ Philadelphia held militaristic and symbolic importance for the rebels. It was the capital of the nascent United States. The city gave the British a base from which they could strike against the American army and control communications and supply routes in the mid-Atlantic region. By May 1778, however, the British had a tenuous hold on the city. Philadelphia’s inhabitants had not rallied to the king’s cause as the British had hoped. American forces speculated that a British withdrawal from the city was imminent.⁵ Indeed, the British did evacuate Philadelphia beginning in mid-June 1778.⁶

Two days prior to the attempted attack at Barren Hill, Washington instructed Lafayette and his detachment to provide security for the Valley Forge encampment, interrupt communication between the British and Philadelphia, obstruct enemy movements, and gather intelligence between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers.⁷ Additionally, Washington advised Lafayette against taking a stationary position, reiterating the strategic necessity of Lafayette’s detachment.⁸  Lafayette ignored Washington and stationed his command at Barren Hill.

In his plan to encircle Lafayette, British General William Howe suspected that the rest of the American forces at Valley Forge would come to the aid of the corps at Barren Hill, thus increasing the number of troops involved and the significance of the battle. The British forces hoped a large engagement would enable the British to gain the higher ground and control three major roads to Philadelphia.⁹  Strategically, these locations were important to the Continental Army.¹⁰ However, Washington received intelligence about British intentions, enabling Lafayette and his troops to escape.¹¹

Howe learned from intelligence sources that Lafayette left Valley Forge with about three thousand soldiers and eight artillery pieces, intending to cross the Schuylkill River.¹² On May 19, British General James Grant received orders to come up in the rear of Lafayette’s position. British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton, coming from Philadelphia, attempted to surprise Lafayette in this pincer movement.¹³  In the early morning of May 20, over six thousand British troops arrived at Barren Hill, where they found no soldiers. Lafayette’s detachment had escaped across the Schuylkill River at Matson Ford.¹⁴ The attempted encirclement evidently failed to ensnare Lafayette completely. The British left a large gap unprotected, through which Lafayette escaped.

Additionally, Grant’s forces moved slowly. Several Oneida Indians help slow the British down further by ambushing them. This added to the British confusion that enabled Lafayette’s escape. French officer A. Louis de Tousard praised the Oneida warriors for their assistance to the rebels in this engagement.

Lafayette’s maneuver caused the British to retire to Philadelphia empty handed.¹⁵ Exact causalities are unknown, but certainly minimal.¹⁶ Some soldiers supposedly drowned in the amphibious retreat. Washington himself referred to the situation as “the brilliant retreat by which [Lafayette] eluded a combined Manoeuvre of the whole British force.”¹⁷ Henry Laurens noted, “the Marquis’s retreat has done him more honor than he would have gained by a drawn battle or light Victory.”¹⁸

The Battle of Barren Hill is remarkable for its relative inaction. Washington recognized the importance of Lafayette’s detachment, reminding him that his “detachment is a very valuable one, and that any accident happening to it would be a severe blow to this army.”¹⁹ Without Lafayette’s escape, the British army could have secured critical points in the region, including the three major roads to Philadelphia.²⁰

Life's Elixir

 Nature

We hear so much today about mental illness, anxiety, and depression especially among the younger generation.  Why would the youth of today be dismayed when we are surrounded by an abundant world especially in the United States. We have all these technological advances that make our lives easier and yet happiness seems to eludes some of us. 

For those of us that have lived a few years and experienced life's ups and downs or the vicissitudes of daily living, we have a duty and obligation to share with our children and others that everything is OK and the future will be just fine. We have lived through depressions, World Wars, natural disasters, and pandemics and here we are still standing. 

When we educate and teach our children we should not just highlight the challenges of today whether it's climate, social unrest, war, or some other tempest of the day.  We need to help them understand that there will always be challenges but they will be overcome and we will move forward. Instead of teaching helplessness we need to instill hopefulness. Afterall, since the death of Jesus over 2000 years ago we have continued to survive and thrive despite the setbacks. 

The challenge with many of us is that we are constantly connected or tethered to an endless stream of news, mostly negative, from our phones, social media, and news outlets.  We spend 99% of our time indoors on a multitude of devices being bombarded by constant negativity.  

There is a better way. 

First, get outside disconnect and soak in NATURE! The sunshine and fresh air is nature's elixir that will cure all that bothers you. Practice deep breathing and let the fresh air fill your lungs and body will life giving oxygen.  Bask in the soft sun and let the Vitamin D wash over you. Nature has a calming or palliative affect and can calm you instantly.  When you're feeling anxious or upset take a minute to go outside and see how your troubles dissolve. Try to find a wooded place to walk and be among the trees.  The woods provide a regenerative and restorative energy that can heal us. 

When we make a concerted effort to get outside and soak in nature we can bring a calmness to our lives and begin to heal ourselves and restore our health and vitality. 

With God all things are possible. 

With Love,

Coach K

Learn To Be Still

 Stillness

There is a wonderful line in Psalm 46 that states

Be still and know that I am God.

With the multitude of distractions that we encounter on a daily basis and the constant chatter and interruptions it's easy for us to lose focus and sight of all the blessings that surround us. We often forget the the beauty of each day and each moment.  The sunrise, fresh air, and the very breath of life we are given in each moment. 

We can be easily distracted by the constant stream of news negativity and the disaster du jour.  We need to take to to find our place for quiet, solitude, and silence. If if you can close your eyes for a moment take a deep breath and just say Thank You for this day that the Lord has made.  You can instantly reconnect with the Divine energy that flows through you and provides unlimited power. 

The legendary American band the Eagles have a wonderful song named Learn To Be Still.  The refrain goes like this - 

"Keep on running 

You never will

Keep on searching 

You never will

Learn to be still"

When we learn to be still we can harness the Holy Spirit that resides in each of us to accomplish all that we desire. 

With Love,

Coach K

Zyn And Nicotine

Poison

The tobacco companies are legalized drug pushers, from cigarettes to other forms of tobacco.  Since smoking has become taboo, they have introduced a new smokeless nicotine product to feed the addicts. Nicotine is highly addictive comparable to heroine and cocaine.  The companies push that since it's smokeless that it is harmless.  

The truth is that nicotine raises blood pressure,  narrows blood vessels, and leads to the hardening of arteries potentially causing heart attacks.  Nicotine can destroy your oral health and cause ulcers and tooth decay.  And your mouth is the gateway to health where our food enters our bodies. 

We all have things that we are drawn to whether it's food, drink, substances, gambling, or other activities. The first step is self awareness.  If you find yourself indulging excessively in any of these activities and you can't self correct, ask for help whether it's from a friend, a parent, or some other resource.  Many people have encountered the same struggles and have overcome them.  Help is out there.

When we are young we think we are invincible and that we will never get older, but remember you have a bright future and your health is paramount.  The companies that sell and market these products are expert at hooking people without any regard to your personal well being.  When a parent or friend notices your behavior take it as a caring gesture. 

And remember with God all things are possible.  A little prayer asking for the Lord's help can go along way to helping your overcome any obstacle.

With Love,

Coach K

Baby K

 Family

Baby K

is on her way 

Gotta get ready 

for Baby K

Baby K 

loves to play

Gonna strum the guitar

for Baby K

Baby K

loves to play

Gonna hit the fairways 

with Baby K

Baby K

Is on her way

Gonna have a party

for Baby K

With Love,

Coach K

Gut Health

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are excellent for our overall health and especially our gut health which impacts our microbiome. Microbiome is just a fancy word for the bacteria that live in our bodies and are essential to our immune system. 

One of the best fermented foods you can eat for your gut health is Sauerkraut.  The fermented food is a natural probiotic and it is cheap, natural, and tasty.  Our stomach and digestive system is key to breaking down our food and having those nutrients flow to our cells, tissues, and organs. The digestive process is aided by good bacteria which strengthens the overall immune system. 

You could say that a strong immune system starts with gut health. There are many other fermented foods to add to your eating plan like Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemons/limes, bone broth, kombucha, kimchi, even a little red wine. Fermented foods have all the beneficial prebiotics and probiotics that aid in digestion, elimination, and promoting a strong robust immune system. 

High fiber foods such as leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and berries are a power foods that are excellent for our colon and intestinal health. 

Try and incorporate fermented foods into your overall nutrition plan it may just be one of the best overall health steps you can take. 

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

Fathering

 The Importance of Fathers

Being a Father is the best "job" you will ever have.  The job is not easy but anything worthwhile entails sacrifice. We men are inherently selfish, we think the entire world revolves around us. OK that's not too far off.  

There is nothing in life you will do, achieve, or accomplish more important of gratifying than raising loving, caring, and productive children. Loving and teaching the children is the parents and Father's primary responsibility.  And as the great basketball coach John Wooden once said, that the best thing a father can do for his children is to love his wife. So true.  

Once the children are born our priorities shift. We know that marriages aren't perfect, but we must do our best and commit to each other and the children. One of the reasons younger people are hesitant to get married or have children is that so many have come from dysfunctional families. And while we can teach and lecture our children while they grow, we know that it goes in one ear and out the other. We also know that no matter what we say, they are always watching us. And our actions are more important than our words. 

One of the benefits of being raised by a single mother was learning the value of resiliency.  Despite the challenging times of no heat or lack of food, she was there for us. She simply stayed and did her best. Parents and fathers must keep their commitments our children and families our depending on us. 

And as you grow older and the dirty diapers and midnight feedings fade, you will enjoy the loving glow of being surrounded by your Lovebirds.  When I get to spend a few hours playing golf with my boys it is the most enjoyable thing in the world.  

Fathers need to get their priorities straight.  The big house, fancy car, and all the money in the world means nothing if your children and family are in tatters. Find a good partner, love them, and raise your children. 

Time is passing quickly and they will be adults in a blink of an eye.  And when your wonderful children turn into good adults, you will reflect for a moment and say, with God's help look what we created. You can do it and it will certainly be the best thing you ever accomplish. 

We have a wonderful example in Jesus. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his children,  and we are called to just be there for our children and do our best. Keep God close.  And remember with God all things are possible.  And as Jesus said, you can do all that I have done and more if you but believe. 

With Love,

Coach K

Limitless

 With God All Things Are Possible

When we define the word limitless it simply means without limits.  Why should we put limits on ourselves? We were born to Fly!  And while limits are good for controlling some excesses, we should not put any limits on what we can accomplish, achieve, and do. How do we know what we can accomplish when we are not even sure of our skills and talents. 

This is where the power of prayer, and thought, and most importantly faith that you will realize your dreams and desires. We need to disconnect from the pervasive negativity and often surrounds us and adversely influences our thinking.  Don't put limits on yourself stay open to the possibilities of today and tomorrow. 

Read books that inspire you, that support you, that encourage you.  Seek out supportive people and mentors they are out there.  When you surround yourself with turkeys, you stay grounded.  When you surround yourself with Eagles, you learn to soar. 

A simple powerful and effective idea. Write you GOALS and DREAMS down!  You can keep them private but when you write your dreams down you bring them one step closer to reality. 

Many of the most successful people have come from poverty, broken homes, poor health, and abuse to rise to incredible levels.  Don't let your place today stop you from achieving your dreams.

And as Jesus said, "You can do all that I have done and more if you but believe."

With Love,

Coach K

Sinuses Allergies - Coconut Oil

I used to have Asthma so I was very sensitive to breathing issues.  I would always get seasonal allergies, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and a stuffy nose.  I would breathe through my mouth while sleeping and wake up with a sneezing attack trying to clear the sinuses. 

I then found a natural cure with using Coconut oil. Coconut oil is an antifungal, antibacterial, and a great moisturizer which can accelerate healing.  While working several years in a manufacturing environment for several years and during the pandemic, I started to swab my nostrils with coconut oil thinking it was a great moisturizer and a antibacterial/antifungal.  My thinking is that everything enters the body/bloodstream through the sinuses, and if we can provide a protective barrier we can eliminate many of these health issues. I was fortunate to not experience any health issues during the pandemic while working in the plant every day. 

Now that I've been using coconut oil for several years I no longer get seasonal allergies, gone is my scratch throat and itchy eyes.  I breathe through my nose while sleeping and most importantly am rarely sick.  Coconut oil is inexpensive and by simply swabbing your nostrils regularly you can see a big improvement in your health and quality of life.  

Give it a try and see if it works for you.

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

The Anxious Generation - A Remedy.

A new book  The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt details the rise of the phone based childhood and it's impact on the mental health of our children. 

The phone and social media addiction is not only afflicting our children but also our adult population.  The continuous screen time and endless flickering from one image to another has shortened our attention spans and of course ramped up our ADDD. 

There is a better way. 

We need active parenting.  I know raising three Lovebirds the challenges facing parents.  The burden is even heavier for single parent families.  Our Mom raised four boys as a single mother and she was tough on us and we were tough on her.  And while we had many rough days, she stayed the course made sure we stayed on the right path and was our heroine.  

We know it's easy to stick the kids in front of the tv, phone, or let them play video games. Parents do need to catch their breath every now and then.  But there is a better way.  Do a little homework, read a book, go outside and play.  Less screen time is of the utmost importance.  And there is a cure for anxiety, depression, and a way to dramatically improve our mental health. 

The simple answer is Nature. 

We spend 99% of our time indoors these day at most of that is in front of some type of screen.  If we can spend more time outdoors, in the soft sunshine, deep breathing in the fresh air, and letting nature wash over us and naturally decompress us.  When we combine a little exercise little walking or jalking which is the combination of walking interspersed with sprinting or running. 

There are three easy, free, exercise that we can do every day -

• Get outside and breath in the fresh air.  Try the deep breathing method of first exhaling from the mouth with your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth. Next inhale through the nose while comfortably holding your breath and then exhaling through the mouth with your tongue against the roof of your mouth.  Repeat 4 times.  And try to do it throughout the day. 
• Get exposure to the soft sun.  Whether it's the morning or late afternoon. The sun is essential for life. Avoid sunburn at all times.  Soft gentle sun is what we need. 
• Grounding or earthing. Simply walking barefoot in in the grass, on the beach enables us to to plug into the earth's beneficial electromagnetic waves.  Our entire body and heart is an electrical impulse.  Grounding is a way to naturally reduce inflammation in the body. 

A little prayer power goes a long way.  Regardless of your faith, try connecting with our highest divine self.  We are made in the image of God and when we get to know this power that resides within in all of us we can achieve anything.  

And as Jesus told us, "You can do all that I have done and more, if you but believe"

With Love, 

Coach K

BEET IT!

 The beautiful BEET is a power food.  Great for your blood, blood pressure, and loaded with good nitrates.  Beets are loaded with nitric oxides which relaxes and widens blood vessels thereby increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure.  Increased nitric level help improve oxygen flow throughout the body and to vital organs.  Beets are also high in fiber. 

Skip the expensive starburst like candy beet chews.  Beets are inexpensive and easy to eat.  I simply wash and throw in the Vitamix.  Beets are naturally sweet and if you like pickled beets simply add a little apple cider vinegar.  You can buy a six beets for about 5 bucks and the beet greens are just as nutritious as the beets. 

For excellent heart, cardiovascular, and pulmonary health just BEET it!

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

The Power of Gentleness

 Jesus said, "Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart."  St. Francis De Sales, the Gentleman Saint, said, Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. 

The soft water conquers the hardest granite and mightiest mountain.  

We should all try to add a little more gentleness in our lives. 

With Love,

Coach K

Hallows Eve - It's The Little Things

 My lovely daughter recounted a seemingly insignificant moment from her childhood some fourteen years ago.  She was 11 years old and it was the Hallows Eve, the night before Halloween, also known as Mischief night.  As someone with three brothers, we used to have some good natured fun, soaping car windows and tossing a few eggs. 

So we dressed in our best camo gear and ventured out to have a little fun at our neighbors house.  Hiding in the bushes we waited until the coast was clear and proceeded to decorate the trees and bushes with toilet paper.  She was so excited and thrilled that she shared the memory with me today.  It was good clean fun and the next morning I has to remove the beer cans from my mailbox. 

It's funny how these seemingly insignificant moments can really connect us and make those special memories.  Remember as you're raising the Lovebirds to teach them, love them, and most of all have a little fun and make a little mischief. 

With Love,

Coach K

He Who Hath A Trade Hath An Estate

 The Working Man    

Benjamin Franklin one of America's Founding Fathers and world's greatest inventors.  Ben was a Philadelphia publisher known for the popular Poor Farmer's Almanac. He founded the University of Pennsylvania, spectacles, gas stoves, libraries, fire companies and conducted electrical experiments

Ben at his core was a tradesman. He was first and foremost a printer.  He was a reluctant diplomat but was able to use his notoriety to bring peace to America.  His famous quotes include a penny saved is a penny earned.  And as an inventor and tinkerer he worked with many tradesman to create his inventions. 

Benjamin Franklin was industrious and a hard worker.  He was was know for his wisdom and was able to build wealth through his work. Ben was a builder and a key figure in building America. One of his other famous sayings is

"He who hath a trade hath an estate"

With Love,

Coach K

Financial Health

 One of the best things you can do for your health is to build wealth.  Here are a few key steps to wealth building - 

• Pay yourself first. Whatever your job try and save 10% or more of your income. Paying yourself first is financial freedom.  
•  Avoid car payments. The cost of cars is astronomical and many people are financing cars over 7 years. While that car payment could go to your investment account.  And that $40k new car goes down the day your drive it home and every day afterwards. Buy a high quality used car that will last and put the money in your pocket. 
• Save and Invest. Now that you're saving 10% or more of your income you have to put that money to work for you.  Think assets, assets, assets. Assets are things that go up in value long term. Be patient with your investing. 
• Buy assets.  Stocks, real estate, start a business.  Be a long term investor and avoid the whipsaw of the markets.  Simply investing monthly in the S&P 500 will help you build wealth over the long term. Real estate can help you keep up with inflation and provides shelter which many times is less than rent. 
• Live beneath your means.  Having a philosophy of living beneath your means gives you flexibility for any setbacks you may experience.  Living beneath your means doesn't mean sacrificing it just simply understanding that you don't spend every dollar you earn. It's not what you earn it's what you keep.
  

 Many of us think that becoming wealthy is only for rich folks but it's important to remember that from little acorns come mighty oaks.  When you adopt a wealth mindset you set your course for success and look for ways to build your wealth. Seek out great books that will help you on your quest like Think And Grow Rich and The Millionaire Next Door. 

And as always with God all things are possible. 

 

To Your Health and Wealth!

 

With Love,

 

Coach K 

Champ Bridge - Johnny Miller

 Johnny Miller

Johnny Miller is a champion golfer whose father, Larry Otto Miller, always referred to him as "Champ" when teaching his son the game of golf.  Whatever shot his son hit, his Dad would always say, "nice shot or nice swing Champ".  Johnny would talk about the impact his Dad had on his life and the life of his children.  His father would always send encouraging notes to his grandchildren using his tagline "Champ" when encouraging them. 

Johnny Miller would go on to win two major championships. The 1971 U.S. Open at Oakmont shooting a 63 in the final round beating Arnie Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player at one of the toughest courses in the world.  He would then go onto win the 1976 Open championship at Royal Birkdale shooting a final round 66 beating Jack Nicklaus and a 19 year old Seve Ballesteros. 

Champ bridge at the Silverado Resort in Napa, California is dedicated to Larry Otto Miller the father of Johnny Miller. 

A little encouragement can go a long way especially with dealing with youngsters. 

Keep up the good work Champ!

With Love,

Coach K

Healing The Broken Family

Fatherless Families

How do we heal the broken family? We have high divorce rates of over 45% and single parent households with a proliferation of Fatherless Families. We must return to strong families and strong communities.  There is no government solution that will overcome a broken family. 

I have the experience of coming from a single parent household where Mom raised four boys by herself. Mom with the grace of God was able to rise to the challenge provide a good home and good Faith based education and we all were able to pay our way through school and raise well adjusted children of our own. 

Mom taught us the experience of how to be committed to our families and our children. She was our heroine.  She stood tall despite the adversity. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is just to stay when the easiest thing to do is leave. Time will pass and the days of changing dirty diapers and crying babies will soon be replaced by teenagers that are ready to launch on their own. 

And no one tells parents that the most rewarding thing a person can do is raise their children. Government programs like food stamps and welfare can help when a parent is stuck raising the children solo, but that is no replacement for a two parent household.  The evidence is clear that children of two parent households perform better on every metric.

One of the most important things we can do as a society is stay together and raise our children.  Humans are inherently selfish but once we decide to have children we must put aside our selfish ways. I often think we treat our pets better than our children or spouses. 

One of the necessary ingredients in building a family is optimism.  Who wants to have children in a negative world.  So many of our children and youth have been conditioned that the world is a bad place or have come from dysfunctional families so what's the point.  The gift of life is a blessing and having children is a natural and normal thing to do.  Children aren't for everyone of course but we need to encourage families. 

Babies have been born during World Wars, Depressions, Natural Disasters, Nuclear bombs, and for thousands of years. If we think about it for a minute, none of us one be here without parents deciding to have children. 

With Love,

Coach K

This Is The Day

 This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be glad

This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be joyful

This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be peaceful

This the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be thankful

This the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be humble

This the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be compassionate

This is the day the Lord has made 

Let us rejoice and be charitable

This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be understanding

This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be loving

 

With Love,

 

Coach K

Spices

 A Health Food

One of the most overlooked health food is spices.  Spices are relatively inexpensive and yet extremely powerful, effective and excellent for our overall health and wellbeing.  

 Spices such as -

• Turmeric
• Cayenne
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Basil
• Cardamon
  

And many others. These foods are powerful antioxidants and can be simply added to your daily nutrition. 

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

Power Health

 One of the easiest, cheapest, and best things you can do for your health is to drink lemon juice or lemon water.  Lemons and limes are great detoxifiers and are a simple way to cleanse the body by flushing toxins from the kidneys and liver. 

Important to note that lemon juice should be taken on an empty stomach since it can disrupt digestion.  Simply squeeze a  lemon or lime into your water it's cheap and effective. With all the junk food, medications, and toxic pollutants we encounter every day lemon juice is a powerful antidote. 

The lemon juice tonic will cleanse, detoxify, and help you lose weight.  Pick a sugar that you can eliminate from your eating regimen.  If you remove all soda or reduce it significantly it will have a huge impact on your health. 

You have the ability to significantly improve your health with some simple steps and even eliminating toxic medications from your daily life. And it all starts with the simple lemon.

 

 

 To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

The Lessons of Jesus

Jesus The Teacher

If you want a Masterclass on life and how to live a good life, the best teacher is of course Jesus.  Look to the words of Jesus for guidance and the Book of John for inspiration. The teachings can ease your pain, forgive your past, and fill you with faith, hope, peace and joy.  The simple powerful prayer of the Our Father and an attitude of gratitude expressing a simple "Thank You" for the gift of life and the beauty unfolding in each moment.

From Matthew 22 verse 36 we have the first and greatest commandment from Jesus which is to love the Lord God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.

You can do all that I have done and more if you but believe.

I have come here to save the world not to judge it.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Jesus desires Mercy not sacrifice

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 3

For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31)  Just the saying of it has lifting power, hasn’t it?”

Thank you Father. God Bless!

With Love,

Coach K

Ben Hogan - Playing Golf

The Hawk

Ben Hogan is one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game having won 9 majors and one of only 5 golfers to win all 4 majors.  He was famously known for tirelessly hitting balls on the range, and famously said, that the secret to great ball striking is found in the dirt. He was a steely competitor with not much personality or banter on the course.  He was all business and earned the nickname "The Hawk" for his steely eyed gaze during tournaments. 

Ben was known for his ball striking and toughness.  He learned the game at the age of 11 as a caddie at Glen Garden country club with fellow caddie Byron Nelson.  He turned pro just shy of the age of 18 and did not win his first tournament until 10 years later.  Ben took a head golf pro position at Hershey Country Club to supplement his income.  Talk about persistence. 

He survived a devastating car crash when a bus veered into his lane, Ben reached over to shield his wife and suffered major injuries including a broken pelvis and collarbone.  After recovering from a hospital stay of two months, Ben went on to win 3 majors in a single season at the age of 40. 

Hogan went on to author, with the help of legendary golf writer Herbert Warren Wind,  a classic golf teaching book known as "Five Lessons. The Modern Fundamentals of Golf". The book is a concise how to on learning the golf swing with simple instructions  and incredible drawings by Anthony Ravielli depicting the muscles utilized in hitting a golf ball. 

Ben Hogan after winning his third major of the year at the British Open in 1953 played at Carnoustie, one of the toughest golf courses in the world, returned to a hero's welcome receiving a ticker tape parade in New York city.

 

 While golf can be intimidating for a lot of people, the game offers a slew of benefits including the ability to play throughout your lifetime.  You can buy the book for around $10 and it may be the best golf investment you can make. 

With Love,

Coach K

 

A Father's Love

Unconditional Love

One of my favorite quotes is from the poet Hafiz, 

"After all this time, the sun never looks at the moon and says you owe me"

The power of unconditional love is a universal energy that holds the universe together.  Jesus commanded us to "Love One Another As I have loved You". 

What is unconditional love? Loving no matter what the conditions. Loving without limit. Loving our fellow man. Loving the winners and losers, our friends and enemies. And as Lao Tzu said, to have a reverence for all living things." During the attempted assassination of the former president a gentlemen named Corey Comperatore was attending the rally just looking to enjoy the evening with his friends and family when gunfire reverberated throughout the crowd. 

Donald Trump was struck in the ear and fortunately the bullet just grazed his ear. The terror stricken crowd was scrambling for cover while the Secret Service tackled the ex president. Corey and and the other victims where not so fortunate. Corey a husband and father of two girls immediately jumped on his wife and daughter sheltering them from the bullets.

As the hysteria cleared, we learned that Corey a volunteer fireman and someone who served as Fire Chief in the Butler, PA community sacrificed his own life by covering his wife and daughter from the gunfire. An incredible act of bravery, courage, and selflessness. Corey lived the example of Jesus, who before he went to the cross instructed his disciples, 

"Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one's life for one's friends."

We as parents know the unconditional love we have for our children, even when they stumble and fall down we are always there to dust them off and pick them up. Corey inspired the world with the love he displayed that day.  Thank you Corey for living from your highest Christ realized self. 

You are a loving beacon for all of us. 

Godspeed!

With Love,

Coach K

The Ten Commandments

A  Spiritual Guide For Everyday Life

We see the violence everyday around us and came to a head in the United States on Saturday July 13, 2024 in Butler, PA forty miles north of Pittsburgh. A 20 year old disturbed assassin attempted to take the former president's life during a rally.  And while he failed in the attempt he senselessly took the life of another person at the rally and injured another while wasting his own life in the process. While we know that evil exists in the world, for a young 20 year old to be so disturbed to commit a heinous act with his entire life in front of him is really a reflection on all of us as a society.  Where have we gone wrong as a society for our young people to be so broken. 

One answer is that to some degree we have become a God-less nation especially with our youth. We have secularized society to the point that our faith based institutions are in decline. We have a duty and moral obligation to teach the children well and share some key time tested spiritual principles that we can live by.  And while that becomes harder in these times of broken families and heated public discourse we must rise to the occasion. 

One simple guide is the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. 

1. I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before Me.
2. Worship no false idols.
3. You shall not take the Lord God's name in vain. 
4. Keep holy the Sabbath day. A day of rest. 
5. Honor your Mother and Father.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal. 
9. You shall not lie. 
10. You shall not covet thy neighbors wife or goods. 

A good start for all of us.  Easy to say but harder to live.  First comes the knowing and next the doing. And as Jesus commanded all of us before going to the cross 

Love One Another As I have Loved You!

With Love,

Coach K

A Return to God

 July 13, 2024

This evening on July 13, 2024 the former president and leading Republican candidate Donald Trump was having a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania just 40 miles north of Pittsburgh.  A 20 year old male was positioned on a rooftop 130 yards away with an AK47 semi automatic weapon and attempted to assassinate the former president with the bullet grazing his ear. One other person at the rally was tragically shot and killed while another person was injured.  The Secret Service then took the assassin out moments later. 

The political climate for the 2024 election has been heated to say the least but there is no place or justification for violence.  The sad part of this story is that this 20 year old young man from the local area was so sick in the mind that he felt compelled to act in this manner.  A 20 year old with his whole life in front of him decided to not only waste his life but those of innocent strangers. The question is always Why? How are young people so radicalized, delusional, and hopeless at such a young age with so much of life to be lived. So sad, so tragic. 

The answer is a return to God. A return to faith, a return to the Holy Spirit. We as parents don't have to be religious but we do need to have and teach some spiritual foundational principles. We were raised as Christians with principles based on the life and teachings of Jesus. There are others of course. One of the principle tenets of Christianity are the Ten Commandments. A straightforward list on how to live and conduct yourself in daily life. One of them is Thou Shall Not Kill. With the senseless violence that we see in our everyday lives it's easy to become desensitized to the sanctity and preciousness of life.  But we are reminded every time a newborn is welcomed into the world and we celebrate the miraculous gift of life. 

We have a responsibility as parents, citizens, and a society to teach our children and the youth by not only sharing these fundamental principles on how to conduct ourselves on a daily basis but to the best of our ability to be living examples of how to treat each other with dignity despite any differences we may have.We need to walk the walk. As parents, we also must be more proactive in monitoring our children's social media activity. We cannot relinquish our responsibilities as parents and we must talk and interact with our children as they grow into adulthood. They need us!

Jesus taught and preached all over the land while being persecuted throughout his life.  He gave his most important command before he went to the cross, he told his disciples simply,

"To Love One Another As I Have Loved You"

We can disagree, we can argue, we can even fight but we must understand that we are all connected by the divine Holy Spirit that resides within each of us. We are all children of God but sadly many of us are not even aware of this fact.  Let us go out into the world and be a beacon of light times of darkness.

With Love,

Coach K

10 Easy Health and Fitness Hacks

 Wellness And The Fountain of Youth

Some simple health and fitness tasks you can easily do right now at any age that will dramatically improve your life and well being.  The beauty of these tips is that they don't require a ton of money or significant lifestyle changes to implement.  Many of us doubt that we can significantly impact our health but we are empowered and we can Begin today to renew our health, energy, and lifestyle. Let's get started. 

1.  Get Outside. We spend over 99% of our time indoors.  From the office, home, gym, shopping, car and movies we are always indoors.  Make time to get outside for at least an hour or more every day. Even if it's just taking a stroll, working in the garden, or reading outside. 
   
2. Fresh Air. Fresh air is a cure all.  When you go outside and fill your lungs with fresh air it helps oxygenate your blood and energize you. Try a deep breathing regimen where you exhale and then inhale and hold your breath for as long as comfortable.  Do this for 4 times and see how it eliminates stress and lifts your mood. 
3. Grounding or Earthing.  Simply walking outside barefoot in the grass and plugging into the electromagnetic waves of the earth on a daily basis can reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. Get outside in your bare feet as much as possible.  
4. Sunshine. We need the sun to live. Soft sunshine is the key whether it's early morning or early evening make sure you get a healthy dose of vitamin D by exposing your skin to the soft sun. Sunshine is excellent for our bones, our teeth, and our overall mood. Stay away from the hot sun that has the potential to burn your skin. 
5. Lemon juice. A few squeezes of lemon or lime juice in your morning drink of water will cleanse your body by detoxifying your liver and kidneys. Think of lemon juice as an internal cleanser for your body.  Lemons can rid your body of all the bodily waste you accumulate throughout the day, Lemons are also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and other minerals. One important note is to enjoy your lemon water on an empty stomach so as not to interfere with digestion. A splash of Apple Cider Vinegar in your lemon water can enhance the internal cleansing action.
   
6. Move. Many of us spend most of our day sitting to do our work and between sitting during an 8 hour work day, sleeping 8 hours a day, and sitting while enjoying a game, TV show, or video game we quietly lead sedentary lifestyles.  Simply standing up every hour is beneficial for our blood flow and circulation. Try and go for a walk at lunch or after work. If possible some simple jumping jacks can be a low impact way to activate blood flow to our organs and brain. 
7. Muscle. The more lean muscle we add to our bodies the stronger and healthier we will be. Building muscle doesn't have to involve heavy weights or fancy equipment. We can use or own body weight and do push ups, pull ups, and sit ups to add and maintain muscle.  And for those of than need a more convenient method there are the strength training bands.  I use a $10 band that I can use during a break at work to tone my entire body with a few simple exercises.  The bands are excellent because they are simple to use, portable, inexpensive, and most importantly effective. 
8. Nutrition. Many of us our challenged in our daily eating. We need to eat a good balance of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and quality fat.  As a rough estimate try and consume a gram of protein for each pound that you weigh.  So at 150 pounds, try at eat 150g of protein. One of the easiest things we can do is start with simple yet powerful changes. One of my key changes was to completely eliminate soda from life. Sugar is a poison and is so toxic to our bodies that it is a leading cause of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Look for ways to cut sugar from your lifestyle.  Eat more vegetables and greens.  Think of what you can add to your daily eating instead of what you need to cut.  I enjoyed the taste of spinach and found a simple inexpensive way to add a superfood to eating regimen by simple blending the raw spinach in my vitamix and just drinking it daily. The mild nutty taste is delicious. Try and add omega rich foods like salmon, eggs, tuna, sardines, and anchovies.  Look for creative ways to improve your eating.
9. Gut Health.  The buzz word these days is gut health. The word is that our gut is the key to our immune system, and the easiest way to improve out gut health is to eat fermented foods.  A cheap powerful food that is outstanding for our digestion and adding good bacterium is Sauerkraut. Apple Cider Vinegar, pickles, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and greek yogurt are excellent sources. Also, a little red wine  in moderation thins the blood, is filled with resveratrol a heart health compound, and aids in digesting red meat. 
10.  Exercise.  Walk, jog, run, swim, bike, play a sport preferably outdoors taking in the fresh air. Whatever you enjoy to keep moving and active to keep your heart, lungs, bones, and joints strong. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day where your heart rate is elevated. Sweat those toxins out of your body.  Try some type of weight bearing exercise three times a week even using the resistance bands.  Elevating our heart rate is excellent for blood flow to our heart, lungs and brain. Our cardio, pulmonary system fills our blood and organ with nutrient rich oxygen that helps maintain our youthful glow and energy.
    
11.  Fasting. One of the most powerful eating regimens you can adopt to dramatically alter your health is fasting.  Fasting is simply eating during a consecutive 8 hour window say 12 noon to 8pm and then not eating for the remaining 16 hours. Instead of eating 3 meals a day and snacking in between, we eat in an 8 hour window and allow our body to rest from the continuous work of digestion.  When our bodies and key organs such as the liver and kidneys are able to rest and restore they begin producing beneficial hormones of testosterone, Human Growth Hormone, and Insulin Growth Factor these powerful hormones can be restored at any age when we stop overtaxing our organs with constant digestion. You can build up to it and ease up on the weekends, but give it a try and you can choose the optimum eating window that works for you.
12. Oral health.  Your oral health is important to your overall well beings. Brushing daily and flossing regularly will provide good mouth bacteria that impacts your overall immune system.  Flossing is a simply way to improve heart health. 
    

Attitude. Our mindset or attitude to our health is of the utmost importance. Everything begins with a thought or idea.  When we declare that we are healthy, we are strong, we are vibrant that spirit drives our daily activities and daily living. We are in control and we have the power to determine our health and well being. Look for the simple even little things you can add to your life to begin improving your health today when we add these simple steps up they can have a compounding affect that revitalizes and restores us. A word on supplementation look for a good multivitamin and Omega source if you don't eat fish. 

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

The Healthy Alternative to Weight Loss Drugs

 Fasting

Society is swept up with Weight Loss drugs these days.  A simple shot is all you need to lose the weight.  While this may be a solution for those suffering from obesity, there is a better way for those of us that are looking to lose the extra weight.  

The importance of losing that extra 20 or even 50 pounds can make all the difference to your health.  A reduced weight improves your heart health, blood pressure, cardio pulmonary function, diabetes risk, and lessens overall inflammation, and helps relieve the stress on all your joints. 

One of the important benefits of Fasting is that not only does it help reduce inflammation it also stimulates the natural release of the beneficial hormones of testosterone, HGH, and IGF. These hormones act like a type of fountain of youth particularly for older folks.  

Fasting is very powerful it is an eating solution that has the power to heal you and to eliminate all the toxic medications in your life.  And while medications play an important role as you recover the side affects can be harmful.  Look for natural solutions to your health issues.  When you return to your ideal weight you can restore your health and well being and eliminate all your medications. 

Fasting works by adopting a daily eating plan where you eat during a certain 8 hour time period and then don't eat for the other 16 hours, and while that may sound daunting remember that includes 8 hours of sleep.   So, in actuality you are eating during an 8 hour window, fasting for 8 hours, and then sleeping for another 8 hours.  There are many fasting variations but the key is to give your body a rest from digesting food all day.  When we eat three meals a day and snack in between our body especially our liver and kidneys are constantly working to digest and eliminate waste. When pause our constant eating we give our bodies time to rest and recover our organs can produce the beneficial hormones that restore our health and well being. 

Simply changing the way we eat on a daily basis can help achieve our ideal weight, restore our overtaxed biochemical systems, reduce inflammation, eliminate chronic disease and the need for toxic medications. Consult your physician about fasting and then begin to take control of your health today. 

There is a better way and Fasting may work for you.

To Your Health!

With Love,

Coach K

Forbidden Drive

Forbidden Drive is an old mill road built in the 1860's that connected the textile mills located on the Wissahickon creek in Chesnut Hill to Center City, Philadelphia.  Located in a lush area surrounded by beautiful woods the Wissahickon Valley road located only about 10 miles from downtown Philadelphia was a world away out in the country. The Wissahickon creek, which is a Lenape Indian word, meaning yellow water, meanders through a five mile stretch of  woods and granite cliffs culminating in a surging waterfall feeding into the Schuylkill river along the scenic Kelly drive.   

Kelly Drive is a dynamic nine mile stretch of winding road that runs along picturesque scenery of the river.  The drive is named after Jack Kelly, Olympic gold medal rower and father of Princess Grace Kelly, who lived in nearby East Falls.  Kelly Drive ambles along the river connecting the Wissahickon Valley trail with beautiful outdoor sculptures, the historic boat house row which lights up at night illuminating the nine boat houses and finally end at the heart of the city at the iconic Art Museum. The entire area stretching from the beginning of Forbidden Drive at Wissahickon Valley park to Kelly Drive leading into the Art Museum is part of the one of the largest city parks in the USA known as Fairmount Park. The e

The land comprising Fairmount Park was once owned by Founding Father Robert Morris who financed the American Revolution.  The park is over 2000 acres and flanks the Schuylkill river and houses the nation's oldest Philadelphia Zoo. There is the Lemon Hill mansion built by merchant Henry Pratt in 1799 and one of the finest example of Federalist architecture.  The home was named after the lemon trees that were grown in the greenhouse. 

The evolution of the Forbidden Trail that was once a late 1800's gravel mill road where folks would come to take a leisurely drive on a Sunday and stroll across the Thomas Mill red covered bridge connecting some of the nearby mansions to the mill creek to become an essential part of of the largest city parks in the US has been dramatic over the past 150 years.  The name Forbidden trail comes from cars being forbidden on the trail as the mills faded from existence and the bucolic trail became a favorite walking, jogging, jalking and dog walking community gathering place. 

Get outside and immerse yourself in God's natural beauty.  Harness the power of nature to cure you of anything that ails you.

 

 With Love,

Coach K

The Obesity Epidemic

  Obesity is Contagious

Obesity is a national epidemic in the United States and throughout the western world.  Over 40% of 350 million people or roughly 100 million people are classified as obese including over 20% of children. 

 Obesity is measured as having a Body Mass Index or BMI over 30 which is calculated using your height and weight. And while the calculations don't capture the various exceptions they provide a good guideline for determining an important health factor.  Besides the BMI number, we individually know if  we are overweight and need to lose a few pounds, but the interesting and even fascinating finding is that obesity is actually contagious.  See the report from the Journal of American Medical Assosciation (JAMA)

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2668504

 Wow. So we not only responsible for our own health and well being but for those in our families.  And the greatest thing we can do for our children is to be an example of good health. Balancing life, work, family, and our health can be a daunting challenge.  One of the great pleasures of life is food and eating. Our significant life events from weddings, graduations, promotions,  and anniversaries involves dinners and even a type of feasting.  And who doesn't enjoy a good meal! 

One of the biggest challenges with obesity and weight gain is Emotional Eating.  Since food and eating trigger the release of the feel good hormone dopamine, no wonder we love eating.  The challenge for all of us is to balance our eating with our nutritional needs, and to incorporate exercise into our daily lives. 

Obesity is insidious. The excess pounds can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. But anything can be overcome, and everything starts with an idea or thought. My declaration is that I am healthy, I am fit, and I am at my ideal weight. Start with the idea when you write it down it becomes real. 

If necessary, find a person that can help you regain your health.  Try adding one healthy food to your daily eating and simply walking or just standing for an extended period each day. Try eliminating sugar where you can, when you think of sugar as the poison that it is you can shift your thinking. Your health and the health of your loved ones is in your hands. 

And you can do this. 

Here is a BMI caclcualtor link:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

To Your Health,

Coach K

 

 

 

Complete Joy

 Love One Another

Keep the words of Jesus close most of all to love one another as I have loved you. 

From the book of John

 "If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

 

With Love,

 Coach K

 

Francesco Molinari - US Open 2024 Pinehurst

Frankie

Francisco Molinari is the Italian golfer known for beating Tiger Woods in the 2018 Open championship held at Carnoustie golf course in Scotland.  Carnoustie is known as being one of the toughest golf courses in the world. Not only was it the first Major win for Frankie but also more significantly the first Major win by an Italian.  2018 was a fantastic year where he won several times and was the European golfer of the year. 

Molinari would face Tiger Woods again in the final round of the 2019 Masters.  Francisco held a few stroke lead going into the famous par 3 12th hole hole known as Golden Bell.  The 155 yard may be short but it is also very dangerous.  The dramatic hole has decided many Masters championships over the years. The hole crosses Raes creek and presents players with swirling winds. Frankie would go on to hit the ball into the creek, and like many other golfers over the years end his chances at winning the coveted Green Jacket. Tiger would go on to win a remarkable 4th Masters in his 40's. 

The 2024 US Open was held at the USA's home of golf the challenging Pinehurst #2 in North Caorlina.  Pinehurst has 10 courses you can play and is open to the public.  If you ever happen to get the opportunity to visit, you must go. Pinehurst with it's lovely Carolina hotel, quaint village, and renowned Southern hospitality is simply heaven for golfers. 

Frankie whose golf game has been struggling in recent years would come to the last hast hole needing a hole-in-one on the par three 9th hole to make the cut and  continue playing on the weekend.   Francisco would go on to the Ace the hold recording a miraculous hole-in-one.  Incredible, fantastic, historic!

https://twitter.com/i/status/1801745770082599386

Francisco is known as being one of the good guys on tour and it was terrific to see such a magical shot at the venerable Pinehurst. Frankie's brother Edoardo is also a professional golfer and is known for winning the 2005 US Amateur at historic Merion golf club in Merion, Pennsylvania. 

This is why golf is both enchanting, demanding, and exhilarating. 

 

With Love,

Coach K

 

And Jesus Said

Getting to know God through the words of Jesus.  Let the words of of Jesus wash over you, comfort you, heal you, inspire you, fill you with peace, love, and joy. Take time to get to know the word of God and the life of Jesus it will transform you in incredible ways.

 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

40“He has blinded their eyes

and hardened their hearts,

so they can neither see with their eyes,

nor understand with their hearts,

nor turn—and I would heal them.” ⁱ

41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

44Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 14:

 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.

  12Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.

The World Hates the Disciples

18“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ ^b If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ ^c

The Work of the Holy Spirit

26“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning

 

 

May The Force Be With You

 Star Wars

The year was 1977 and the classic blockbuster movie Star Wars was released.  I remember sitting in the movie theater as a young teenager just mesmerized.  When the movie ended I just sat in my seat not wanting the movie to end and not wanting to leave. 

The iconic movie created by George Lucas has had such an impact that it has influenced our culture to this very day. The plot is a familiar theme of good overcoming evil but with a futuristic space twist. The famous saying and slogan from the movie is, "May the Force be with you"

The Force referenced is a secular word for Spirit or God. This universal force that permeates everything we say and do.  And for so many of us that are not familiar with this God Force may I humbly suggest you get to know it.  We are here on earth and have the privilege to experience this gift called Life. It's disheartening when I hear so may young people discouraged by what's going on in the world today.  Don't believe the hype. The world has always had it's challenges but we have come so far at improving the lives of the human race.  There will always be challenges just like there is in our every day lives.  And we will overcome them all with the grace of God. 

You can harness this God force in your everyday life and use it to better your own life and the world as a whole. When we all live from our highest selves we can improve our society as a whole.  Our attitudes and beliefs can literally change the world.  Read about the life of Jesus and his teachings, focus on his spoken word which you can access in the Book of John from the bible. 

Jesus tells us that we can do all that he has done and more if we but believe and that we All we made in his divine image.  So let's use that power to help ourselves, our families, and the world at large.  Disconnect from the negativity and focus on the gift of life, the beauty, and all the goodness that abounds in the universe.  You have the choice and the decision is yours.  Your attitude can be the difference so choose to have a good attitude. 

And as the good book say, "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad".

May the God force be with you!

With Love,

Coach K