These are actually things I would have told, taught, or encouraged my own son to learn. So here goes.

1. The most important relationship you will ever develop is the one you will have with God. It is worth sacrificing everything to find and develop. Finding Him means you will never be alone. Never!
2. You have a choice now! The greatest gift you will ever possess is the POWER TO CHOOSE. Never give it away – to anyone.
3. Do everything you can to find out who you are and what special gifts you possess? What is your purpose and mission here on earth? Why are you here? What will you do with the gifts God has given you? Please know that People won’t make you happy. Money won’t make you happy. Only knowing who you are, where you came from, and being honest with yourself about yourself will make you happy! This will make you confident. So ask yourself - What will I do with my gifts?
4. Take personal responsibility for your actions. If you are having a problem in a relationship of any kind know that you are part of the problem and you can be part of the answer, if you choose to be. Don’t blame others for anything. Don’t blame your Mom, Your Dad, Your brother, God, other people. Remember you can choose to live your life any way your want. No one, including God will stop you. CHOOSE WISELY and consider the consequences of any decision before you make a decision. Although there are second chances for some things, you will never get a second chance in the same moment and opportunity.
5. Learn and understand the value of Time – every second that ticks is history, never to be recovered. It has an impact on success in every phase of your life whether it’s family, relationships, business, career, money, etc, etc, etc. Learn how to invest it wisely and it will serve you well. Misuse it and it will hold you prisoner for eternity.
6. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING – Your attitude determines your level of achievement – and happiness and contentment. The more positive your attitude the greater your success, however you define it. It’s as easy as deciding to get and stay positive, and again, it is very worth it. Don’t take it from me; ask the most successful person you know.
7. You are what you think. It’s that simple. It is as Mike Dooley says “Thoughts become things.” Both good and bad. Which thoughts will you choose? Use your vision to live a life that you want. If you will use your mind to envision a life of joy and goodness that’s what you will live. It’s up to you. Totally!

8. Things to practice:
a. Loving God and yourself. Finding out how is the greatest journey of all.
b. Living in the present. It’s the only time that matters. (Read the Precious Present)
c. Using your imagination and FAITH to get beyond your current circumstances.
d. Smiling when there is absolutely nothing to smile about. Try it.
9. Please learn and learn soon that the happiest person in the world is one who knows himself and how to interact with other people. I mean relationships - a man is known by those with whom he associates. Choose your friends wisely. Learn how to say no to yourself and others.
10. Never, Never, Never quit! Learn how to be humble and giving. Never quit trying to be the best you can be, but remember that living this life, if done right, is not about you. It’s about using the gifts you were given to help someone else come to know the same God for whom you will one day search.

And maybe most of all – remember that you are loved, by God and by your mother and as a man who wants only good things to come to you, by me.

That is what I would tell my own son. I would tell him every day of his life. Even if he got mad at me. I would tell him because I loved him and because I think these things are critical to a life of character, significance, and meaning. Again, it would be worth it.

Read two very important scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37

I have also adopted three quotes that mean a lot to me and help guide me through each day.

Zig Zigler once said, “The chief reason people fail or are unhappy is because they trade what they want most for what they want now!”

“You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael

I know enough, I have enough, I am enough! – Naomi Judd

May the Lord Bless you and keep you forever in His Grace!
In Yeshua’s name!

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