Ryan's Thoughts

If you are like me, every time you have hop on social media during 2020, you see friends boldly declaring that they will no longer be associated with those who are racist and bigoted with beliefs different than themselves. They are appalled and shocked to learn that they have been acquainted with people for so long and never seen their true evil. Thanks to their favorite "news" outlet, they are now informed and with an air of enlightened superiority they kick their friends to the curb.  Media - 1, Society - 0  Regardless of political belief, it seems that intolerance of thought is just as acceptable as intolerance towards certain races, genders or religions have been in the past. Hating someone for their outward appearance has been replaced with the much more cool idea of hating someone for believing differently. Obviously, as we learn from the media, the only way someone could believe differently is because they are bigots and the only solution is to part paths with them.

I freaking love my country!  Sure she's got her problems, but there is way too much good going on to not love it here.*  I love that for the past 300+ years, people have been flooding here from other countries seeking freedom and to start a new life.  I love that my ancestors came from Denmark, Ireland, Norway and England to a place where they could find more success and happiness than in their homelands.*  I love that my ancestors trekked clear across this huge country to start a new life for the families.  I love that some 360,000+ Americans gave their lives to end slavery and to keep this great nation together. During the Civil War, the North alone had more Americans lives lost fighting for their country and to end slavery than died in the - Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish-American War, World War I, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf war, and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan since the 9/11 attacks COMBINED! Of course I don't love that their lives were

If you know me, odds are good that you haven't heard me swear. If you are reading this and don't know me, please let me know cuz to think that someone outside of my little circle of friends would actually read my blog, would seriously make my year! When it comes to swearing in my home, I'm not a huge fan, but there are plenty of things I'd rather them NOT say than swear words. There is far worse! Having said that, there happen to be a few 4-letter words that I absolutely cannot stand, and they are forbidden in our home. You can probably guess what these are, including the C word, F word, S word, D word and of course the H word. Let's go over why these are forbidden...

A few years ago, I read in one of Stephen Covey's books that he would take one of his kids (and he had like a million of them) out on a date every month. It was incredibly difficult for him to do so with his crazy work and travel schedule, but he still made time. Following his example is probably the most rewarding thing that I do in life. It is easily the best part of my week.  Before someone gets mad - I think it is great for moms to go on dates with the kids too, but I happen to be a guy and am writing from that stand point. Yes, lots of dad's stay home and often there are not dads in the home. Women are amazing. Y ou can promote dads without being demeaning towards women. Both can be great.  If you want my take on moms, check it out here:  https://setfiretothesky.blogspot.com/2019/05/motherhood-ultimate-calling.html    We are definitely not perfect at getting out on a date every week, but we are pretty close. I love it. Our dates are pretty easy going. We

You are going through a hard time, but it will pass. You will win and you will conquer. You will come out the winner, you always have, you always will.  As we used to say in the fire department - all fires go out. They do. And from the ashes bust out the Phoenix ready to kick some derriere.  In a year from now, you will be looking back and laughing at what a crazy time this was.  You've gone through way more difficult trials in your life and these trials will soon be chalked up to you being strong and more awesome than before. You will win. You always have. That isn't going to change.  It isn't the easy days that have made you the rock-star that you are, it is what you have conquered in life. You, your family, your country, your religion and the world are great because what they have overcome.  You are not great because you coast through life. You are not amazing because you have had everything given to you. You are not great because you have had an easy lif