Words of Hope: The Highest Goals

My Dad was incredibly pragmatic. He was a genius at making complex concepts simple and easy to understand. Dad believed the clearer you are in what you want, the better chance you have of getting what you need. First,...

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Words of Hope: The Choice of a Beautiful Life

Dad LOVED slogans—he had hundreds. One of his favorites was, “You win or lose by the way you choose.” This phrase has been on my mind each morning—a simple decision. Do I see my work today as a gift...

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Words of Hope: Whose Job

Growing up, Dad was assigned family jobs. Mine was to haul wood to the basement every Saturday and clean up after the dog. This last task wasn't easy. We had a substantial 140-pound black lab named Challenger, and he...

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Words of Hope: Proof is in the Pudding

When we ask forgiveness without change, we commit further harm. Teresa was an angry parent. Despite her best intentions, she often yelled at her kids, pushed them into their chairs, grabbed their faces in anger, and said mean things....

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Words of Hope: An Elegant Question

Dad taught our family that we cheat the forgiveness asking process when we fail to resolve our conflicts or disagreements using language that does not address adequate resolution. Words such as “I’m sorry” are nice but not enough. When...

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Words of Hope: Forgiveness Overload

Dad believed we nullify forgiveness and cause pain rather than healing when we ask the other to forgive too much at one time.   “I cheated on you for the last twenty years. Would you forgive me?”   “I was never there as...

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Words of Hope: Great People Talk About Ideas

Our family likes meaningful conversation. Years ago, we heard the quote, great people talk about ideas, mediocre people talk about things, and small people talk about others. Wow! What a great model for daily family conversation. What are the...

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Words of Hope: Learning to Forgive

Dad and I often talked about bitterness and the drive to live in fracture with others. It’s incredible how generational resentment perpetuates—mother cut off from daughter, father from son. Forgiveness is a challenging and noble task. It brings health...

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Words of Hope: Flooding

Dad and I loved to talk about relationships. Especially how they can be improved. He loved John Gottman and even met with him personally. Gottman and his team of researchers found when relational peace became jeopardized by disagreement, anxiety,...

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Words of Hope: Celebration of Life

Thank you so much for coming to the celebration of life! For those unable to attend the Fred Crowell Celebration of Life, here is the video of the event: Fred Crowell Celebration of Life OpeningWelcome and prayer from Real Life Pastor: 1:15Testimonials Part...

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