Friendship & Relationships
Articles mainly about friends, loving people, getting along, relationships with others in general.
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Impact and Intent
There can be a uniformity between impact and intent. However, not until we know and understand how to create this congruency is it possible to master the vital skill of creating healthy relationships.
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Artistic Love
One of the gorgeous books we are reading as a family is by Makoto Fujimura called “Art is a journey into the light.” He and his wife are dear friends of ours.
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Completely
I have been meditating again on what made Dad such a wonderful father. He was a dear father because he knew how to love well. Part of the deepest aspect of love is the gift of friendship.
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Solution for Tiredness
We all need IRON in our bodies and also in our social lives. Are you aware of this? IRON IN THE BODY Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development.
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Beneath the Surface
My dad could discern the root motives of others. He could look past the behavior and see the unconscious compulsions of shame, envy, greed, selfishness, or fear.
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Dear Friends
Our scripture memory verse this past week was 1 Peter 4:12-13. It begins, “Dear Friends.” The words in Greek translates as “those who are beloved, deeply loved.” Who are these dear friends in your life?
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Winning the Battle
I have been invited to speak on several podcasts lately, and the hosts are curious about my father and the practice of forgiveness in our home.
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In Celebration of Marrying Young
Shann and I will be married for thirty-five years this June. A young man asked us if we were glad we married young in light of so many people feeling they made mistakes by marrying too soon.
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Lift up Someone
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.” This is a wise statement by Booker T. Washington. A great example of lifting up others is my wife’s Grandma Jesse.
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Collecting the Pieces
I love art museums. They are one of my favorite places on the planet. I can spend hours there. I love the stories behind the works of art just as well.
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Relational Errors
As human beings, we all make mistakes. Often, we unintentionally hurt those around us. While saying, “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” may provide some comfort, it doesn’t truly fix the situation.
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The Outcome of Unity
At the NBC Camps Christmas party, we took red and white pipe cleaners and wound them together to make a candy cane.
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Atomic Relational Habits
I love James Clear’s work on “atomic habits,” and his research on how to make long lasting changes. Dad naturally understood how to build tiny daily habits that accrue over time. He lived this with his parenting.
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Listening for the Truth
One of the greatest gifts my dad had as a father was his insistence on total relational transparency regarding emotions. He wanted a home where truth reigned.
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Coming to the Table
One of our staff posted something on their social media which deeply grieved another staff member. This is always challenging. How do we handle our disagreements?
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Healing Conversations
Dad and I had lovely conversations. He was a masterful listener and question-asker most of the time. When we had a spare moment, he might start by saying something he appreciated about my life.
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The Courage of Conversation
Dad and I often talked together in surprise how fearful people are to compassionately engage in difficult conversations.
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Systemic Love
At the core of all systems of love is listening, mutual respect, serving others, repentance, gratitude, and joy. Health looks complete from top to bottom and bottom to top.
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The Beloved Community
I was visiting my daughter in New York City, and we stepped into a French pastry shop. Two beautiful young girls were selecting macrons with their mom.
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Systemic Trouble
I was becoming high and mighty about fathers and their need to change when my husband Shann reminded me that a critical, hateful woman will always evoke or attract men who are absent, distant, violent, oppressive, and lost.…
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Sharing Joy
The scripture passages I read this morning had a verse that has been reverberating in my mind. “When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
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The Path of Destruction When We Don’t Listen
I have been reading Proverbs recently. Dad loved this book of the Bible, and we talked about it often. He and I both struggle with listening.
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Effusive Love
I drove by a sign that said, “God uses us to love people.” I have felt tremendously loved by others. My mom and dad loved me with an all-encompassing, deeply powerful love. It was so healing.
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Secrets
I have made my house a memory palace which is a device to help me remember things.
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The Antidote for Sullenness
I was talking to a woman about our family’s mealtime conversation and daily spotlighting. She looked skeptical. “What if you had a sullen child who didn’t want to respond?” she asked. I was surprised for a minute.
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Real Leverage
Dad understood leverage which can be a tough concept to grasp. In my opinion, Dad understood leverage so well on the basketball court which helped him understand the value of leverage in the home.
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Pageantry or Practice?
One of my dad’s favorite mentors was a man named Paul Nakai. Paul did so much to elevate our understanding of relational health.
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Love is in the One on One
I have had a long break from Words of Hope for various reasons. Primarily, I needed to regain my footing.
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Verbal Guardrails
Camp is in full swing with many moving parts and of course unforeseen challenges. Most of these come out of nowhere surprising me without warning.
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Simple
I liked how Dad spoke to me. He was a great coach because he could take a task that felt daunting and make it very achievable and simple.
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Learning How to Comfort
I was cleaning out a backpack and found a staff meeting paper from March 11, 2020. This was the last time we met in person as a team before we closed the office for several months.
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Creating Culture
We have been playing a short game and praying everyday as at our office. I have been curious about building meaningful connection. How do we create mini moments of joy and wonder?
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Where There is Strife There is Pride
One meditation I have been speaking in my mind and heart is from Proverbs 13:10, “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Strife means to contend for superiority, quarrel…
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Love in Action
I have been finding photos of my dad when he is my age. He looks so young and healthy! I can hear him counseling me as I begin to feel myself getting uptight.
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The Secret to A Long and Happy Life
A close friend sent me a Ted Talk that is the most watched in Ted history. This talk references the longest study of adults done to date.
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Celebrating People
I found a note from my dad. Dad wrote amazing words of encouragement. He celebrated people and made me feel like I could run through a brick wall if I had to.
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Easy Adjustment
Adjustment is such an important skill in relationships. I picture Dad with his injured neck. He could not easily adjust his posture or his point of view without pain.
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Relational Tipping Points
My husband Shann and I have been talking a lot about the criticism/defensiveness cycle and how insightful it is for relational health. I have found it valuable in my relationships lately.
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Redefining Success
I love that Dad worked hard to redefine success. He had to do it all his life because the temptation to place “numbers” or “money” or “fame” as the barometer of success is such a part of our…
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Will You Forgive Me?
My dad loved the concept of forgiveness. He grew up in an abusive home with a father he did not admire and in fact deeply hated.
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Hand Vac
Shann and I were speaking at a conference about forgiveness. It’s always amazing how everyone gets overwhelmed with this topic.
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Eyes of Cain
I have been thinking about unity and violence. How does the turn happen? For Cain it is losing his joy for being in union with his brother.
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Multiplication
March 18th was the birthday of my beloved father. I have been crying on and off all week. March is our family’s birthday month, and Dad is deeply missed during this time.
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Forgiveness Revolution
At the conference Shann and I spoke at, we invited people to practice asking forgiveness. I role played with a woman who had been a Princeton professor for many years. Her eyes were incredibly empathetic.
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Religion
I loved my conversation with a devout atheist on a recent flight. I think he enjoyed the conversation as well.
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Navigating Loneliness
I would really love to have a conversation with my dad about loneliness. I never asked him if he struggled feeling lonely. The main definition of loneliness is a feeling of being disconnected.
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Miracle Life
A friend of mine told me she heard about my dad’s love for calling people “a miracle.” She began to do this as a substitute teacher in a Western Washington school district.
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The Greatest Work of Art
Our family had our nightly mealtime conversation and Bella, my youngest, offered up the elegant question for the night.
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Miracle of Grace
My husband Shann and I watched a modern-day movie fable attempting to show the calamity of friendships and families that lead to war.
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Greetings and Partings
My husband Shann and I often celebrate that we live in the Golden Age of research. We can communicate to anyone, regardless of philosophy or religion, what truly works and what does not.
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Friends
My friend Luska and her daughters traveled to Spokane to spend Christmas with us. Luska is originally from London, and we met at Silver Lake after she attended camp in England.
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Spark of imagination
One of my dad’s favorite mentors was a man named Paul Nakai. He is a top leadership expert who helped advise after the space shuttle Challenger disaster as well as Three Mile Island accident.
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Community of Trust
At NBC Camps, our team often talks about creating true community together. We discuss the difference between health and toxicity. At the root of toxicity is contempt, criticism, defensiveness, or stonewalling.
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The Importance of Conflict
I am very quick to emotion. I cry, rejoice fully, and get angry quickly. My husband Shann is cool and calm. If you want to have fun on a Disney ride, you want to go with me.
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Gentle Impact
I read a brilliant insight from the Gottman Marriage Minute. What I love about John Gottman’s research is that it is immediately applicable to any relationship. Need a better relationship with your child?
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Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is not my favorite in terms of beauty. The water is brown, much of the city is worn down and the tree in our Spokane backyard is prettier than the entire urban sprawl.
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Banquet Table
My dad deeply loved Psalm 23. He meditated on it often. As I read C.S. Lewis’s Reflections on the Psalms , he brings attention to something I haven’t considered.
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A + B = C
In math, A + B normally should equal C. In life, the same should happen. A loving home will produce loving kids. However, this is not always the case.
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An Admirable Faith
Shann and I have an elegant conversation every evening. We sit together looking out a window or sitting on a porch. We hold hands and start with gratitude for each other.
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Dangerous Tendencies
Dad wanted to be wise about tendencies to make the wrong response in crisis. He believed becoming wise about how we handle stress and crisis is an important consideration, especially if there is trauma in the family history.…
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Speed Friendship
Our family has a fun mealtime activity called “Speed Friendship.” We ask a question and quickly find out more about whoever is at the table. Examples of questions we might ask are: · Favorite color to wear?
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Relational Joy
I read recently that researchers have discovered a connection between relational joy in your fifties and wellbeing and flourishing health in your eighties.
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Words of Love: The Source of Love
A friend asked me the other day why I thought Dad was so dynamic and incredibly loving to others. He told me he doesn’t know anyone like my Dad, who knew and cared about so many people.
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The Miraculous Soul
Probably the phrase most people associate with my Dad is, “You are a miracle.” I remember when he started to change his perspective from seeing big crowds of people with irritation to wonder and gratitude.
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The Power of Liking
Shann and I subscribe to the Gottman Marriage minute. It’s a perfect, short reminder with simple steps to improve relationships.
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Provoked
When Dad was younger, he could easily provoke people into frustration. He loved to induce people to anger, especially on the basketball court.
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Love Without Return
My Dad valued people from all walks of life. He thanked and honored those many would overlook. He believed in leaving places better than when you found them. He honored janitors and housekeeping staff.
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Loneliness Observed Part 2
I met “Margo” at camp. She loved hoops and baggy shorts and had a cutting-edge fashion style. She found her mother dead when she was a very young child.
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Loneliness Observed
My grandmother grew up in a severely austere home. Her mother did not believe in affection and ruled her family with a no-nonsense mentality.
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Eyes That See the Need
Dad and I often wondered why people work and live together without knowing each other. This distance creates a supreme sense of loneliness. Proximity without intimacy. Habitation without a home.
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Repair
Dad and I had many conversations about the attraction to cut-off relationships by not speaking to someone or vilifying others, a tendency to build up resentment. A situation recently arose between a few people I know.
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Confident and Compassionate Disagreement
Shann and I recently discussed how family issues become more difficult because many fear disagreements and conflicts. We have very few examples of people navigating disputes with health and compassion.
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Reconciling All Things
My oldest daughter and her husband, Tim, came to town, and on our last day together, we asked, “What is one way you see the beauty of the mystery of Christ in your marriage?” One of my favorite…
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Relational Laziness
Dad worked on relationships. Scott Peck, who wrote a bestselling book, “The Road Less Travelled,” discussed how laziness, in his opinion, is the biggest obstacle to love. I see that in my life.
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Love’s Discipline
Shann teaches poetry at Stanford, and our family is doing the lectures and lessons together. I can’t believe how incredible this experience has been. I have been a lousy student.
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Minor Adjustments
Dad loved unity, and he didn’t like disagreement. He also was a fierce competitor. Our family could get into heated disputes around politics, news, or even card games.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Daily Relational Clean-up
Dad had the gift of reading the Bible and making the words immediately practical and healing. He believed Christianity should make us more like Christ–more loving, forgiving, generous, and full of joy.
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The First to Apologize is the Bravest
The ancient parable entitled “ The Wager” by some is an old tale of selfishness and refusal to change with counterparts of the same theme told worldwide. It reveals our demand to be correct.
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The Generational Journey
When I first met Shann’s father Tom, he seemed very distant. We would enter the house after having traveled far to get there, and Tom would remain on the couch and give us a two-finger greeting while continuing…
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The Forgiveness Journey- Part 2
One of my Dad’s and my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen writes, “Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly.
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Loving what the Beloved Loves
Shann loves loud music. He likes to feel the sound and hear the music throughout his entire body. I don’t love loud music. It is a trigger of anxious feelings in me. Dad hated loud music.
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Always
I cannot express how grateful I am that my Dad was a student of loving well. He made it his life mission to love God and love people.
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Memorial Day
In the book of John, we have this definition of love, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lays his life down for his friends.” In this brief definition, we have the image of love involving…
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The Psalm 1 Tree
I recently asked what is bringing someone joy lately, and he responded by learning about trees. He said with all the latest advances in forestry, so much is being learned about trees no one knew before.
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Building a Loving Home
When Shann and I had three daughters, we imagined a home full of love and joy for one another. How could we make this dream a reality?
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A Barometer of Health
Dad believed one of the most telling ways for us to observe if we love well was to examine the quality of our relationships. Relationships reveal how we love one another.
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Unafraid
My Mom and I went to tea the other day and talked about Dad. This journey of grief is new for me. I want to support my Mom but find my sorrow overwhelming me in the process.
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The Gift of Friendship
Shann has a beautiful coffee table book that just came out on Amazon in collaboration with his artist friend, Craig Hergert.
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The Art of Love
Dad thought outside the box as a basketball coach and had insightful ways to keep students engaged.
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Thick Skin
Dad and I struggled with thin skin at times. We love people and want to be loved. Dad often encouraged me to have tough skin with a soft heart. I wrote down his advice.
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Fear of Being Taken In
Years ago, one of our dear friends had a church interview to lead a small group, and it had a level of harshness that surprised us all.
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Marriage Experts
My parents were married for 58 years, and they deeply admired and loved each other. They worked hard to root out bitterness, detachment, infidelity, and dislike.
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Spotlight
We spotlight every meal, and it can be challenging to find new and meaningful ways to spotlight others.
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Valentine’s Day Story
I met Shann at basketball camp. We have been married 31 years. Dad met Shann before I did, and he adored Shann. He loved his work ethic, his compassion, and his deep love for Christ.
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Dream Dinner
I had my first dream of my father. He was younger than I am now at my current age. We sat side by side at a beautiful banquet table.
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Better People
One of the longtime slogans at NBC Camps is the mission to be better players and better people. Dad and I discussed this often—how can we create a place for people to become better?
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Relational Bravery
Dad was an extreme extrovert. He loved to be around people. My oldest is an extreme extrovert like her papa. She is constantly with friends and spending time with others.
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Honest Love
In an earlier Words of Hope, I shared a message Dad asked me to consider in the year of 2018. We had a relationship where we could ask things of each other.
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Family of God
I drove by a snowy park bench near the Spokane River yesterday. The last time I drove by this bench, Dad, Shann, Bella, and I sat there praying together on a summer evening.
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Delight
Dad traveled many days when I was young. He went all around the PNW recruiting for NBC Camps. His journey brought him to the Cheyenne Reservation, where he met my husband, Shann.
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Courage Erases Loneliness
How many of our friends and family struggle with feeling alone? My Dad loved the great poet Maya Angelou who said, “We, unaccustomed to courage, exiles from delight, live coiled in shells of loneliness.” Christmas is a time…
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Relationship Over Rules
Dad disliked rules over relationships. In our home, he cared more that there was love in our hearts for God than if we went to church or read the Bible.
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Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
My Dad loved the movie about Mr. Rogers, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. He watched it many times.
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Love is Patient
My Dad had an abusive father, and so did my Mom. My Mom was born in November of 1941. A few weeks after she was born, Pearl Harbor was attacked.
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The Sin of Criticism
Last December, Dad and I read sections of “The Violence Within” by Paul Tournier aloud to each other. Tournier believed that criticism was a form of violence that burdened the relationship.
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You are a Miracle
Dad delighted in people. Wherever he went, he made lifelong friends. On the day he died, I called many people whose numbers were on his phone to say goodbye. If we missed you, I am very sorry.
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Great Joy
One aspect of Dad’s character I admired was his presence. He carried himself with dignity and power. His voice could fill a room or a gym. Dad met my husband Shann before I did.
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Friendly Flowers
The other day Mom and I walked through our neighborhood together. We stopped to see a woman planting in her yard.
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Love Deeply from the Heart
I have talked with many people who felt loved and close to Dad, and they often tell me how much Dad meant.
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Strong Love
Dad loved my mom. They were married for 58 years. He loved to tell the story of when he first saw her at the University of Idaho. My dad consistently spoke well of my mom.
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Letters of Love
I opened Dad’s desk recently and found hundreds of random note cards. Some were covered in images of nature; others were blank white cards or cards printed with words like thank you or I love you.
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The Need to be Seen
My Dad noticed people that many do not—people mopping floors, or bussing tables, people who were often unseen or unrecognized. He treated everyone he met as a miracle with infinite value.
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Live in Forgiveness
The keyword I wanted to focus on for today is, forgive. I know that as Dad crossed over into eternity, any memories of bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness simply cannot accompany him into the presence of the Lord.
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The Law of Help
Many of us have heard “HELP!” from a child. Sometimes this means the child is in danger or perhaps just needs assistance or support. Maybe any help will make a situation better or more achievable.
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What’s up People?
Here I sit in my easy chair, at 4 AM, wondering about life. How is it possible, so many diverse thoughts roam through my brain like a river flowing over rocks?
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Choosing Great Friends
Pictured above is Jim Harrick – John Wooden – Fred Crowell. Coach Jim Harrick is one of the finest friends any person could ever have in a lifetime.
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The Law of Attraction
Key Statement: People have an internal compass. This compass points in the direction of people who have a compass pointing toward us. We call this the law of attraction. True counseling story.
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So Excited to See You
Young children do it the best! They get so excited to see people they love. They run, jump in arms (confident to be caught!), gleefully screaming with joy.
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My Tribute to a Man Who Changed My Life
My dear, dear Father B: I slept a very rare 8 uninterrupted hours through the night this week. Praise God.
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Top 10 Characteristics of Being Wise, Part 2
Last Wednesday, we discussed 5 characteristics of wisdom seen in wise people. They were: Personal Admission, Personal Commitment, Personal Trained Behavior, Personal Skills, Personal Diligence.
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Will and What?
Two extremely important, yet uncommon questions that bring relational healing. Will you forgive me for; now call the offense by name.
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The Ides of March
March 15 became a famous day known now as “THE IDES OF MARCH” relating to Roman history. We can learn three lessons from Roman incidents of that day.
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Story Collisions
The tendency is to believe the first story told and forget there are two sides to every story. The late Dr.
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Personal Letters & Delicious Omelets
Dear FRIDAY WITH FRED Friends, Today’s communication is to lift your spirit and inspire you to positive caring, life-giving, yet enjoyable actions. Personally, one of my delightful actions is reading and writing letters .
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People Are Like Flowers
These Chinese flowers give evidence to the elegance, beauty, and grandeur of the miracle of creation. The China basketball experience continues to warm my heart and move me to gratitude.
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Just Love People
Life offers no greater gift with greater rewards than just loving people for no other motive than to love.
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Man’s Best Friend
When neighbors are out walking their dogs, my favorite question is: “Who is having the most fun — you or the dog?” Of course, the answer is always the same: “The dog.” As I have watched dogs, all…
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Relationship Values
QUESTIONS: After a gathering of friends, do you ever wonder if they had a good time? Do you sometimes wonder if a person dislikes you or has negative views of you?
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Love Hurting People
The customary “How are you doing” greeting continues to receive the same casual responses of either “Good,” “fine,” or “ok.” Yet, today there may be a big difference when those replies are given.
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Small & Grand Surprises
My family, especially daughter Jennifer, delights when I am excited over surprises, no matter the size. A small surprise came yesterday, although it was tear-moving.
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People Bridges
SPOKANE IS A CITY OF BRIDGES. These bridges are crucial for connecting south and north Spokane. This city has the truly magnificent Spokane River which is a tributary to the mighty Columbia River a hundred miles away.
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Never Let Be Said
Of all the possible criticism words that could be leveled against me by someone I love and admire, the most heartbreaking one would be: “I HOLD THIS AGAINST YOU.” These words could hurt deeply unless guarded by mutual…
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The Four F Words – Faith, Family, Friends, Fun
“If you have faith, family, friends sprinkled with a little fun you can beat anything.” – Loraine Derr, Juneau Alaska If anyone on earth understands the value of faith, family, and fun it is Lorraine Derr.
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Advantages of Companionship
“Better to trust and run the risk of being disappointed than to trust no one and be alone.” – Jim Harrick In a recent conversation, it was communicated to me that trust was a big problem.
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The Law of Restitution – Reconciliation
“You can never do too much for Him who has done so much for us.” -The late Coach T.
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Love Is Learned Behavior
Hundreds, possibly thousands of times, NBC camp students have told me these words, “I know my father loves me but I have never heard him say, I love you.” Why is this so?
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The Two Way Mirror
Mirror Mirror in my hand who has a pure clean glass that can show reflection in two directions; first at me; second to my world set before me.
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The Law of Forgiveness
The universe is governed by laws. Obedience to the law preserves life. Disobedience to these laws may lead to destruction. Three things you need to know about the laws of the universe.
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Van Gogh – Loving People
Some amazing quotes by one of my favorite artists: “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” “Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and…
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WHAT YOU APPRECIATE APPRECIATES – Jay Crowell
For a father I’m not sure many joys surpass the privilege of having children becoming lovely, healthy, successful parents. One of Crowell’s teaching principles is, “A son should become twice as smart as his Dad.
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World of People and Things
“If you love things more than people you will use people to get things, i f you love people more than things you will use things to help people.” One of my favorite men gave up his high…
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Forgiveness Reality
Forgiveness asking is one of the world’s most important, yet least understood and practiced success principles. What makes it so difficult to ask forgiveness?
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True Friendships vs. Transactional Relationships
If 7 out of 10 calls to me are asking for something, it is not a friendship, it is a transactional relationship. An example of a friendship killer call is, “Hey Fred, Zechariah here.
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Relationships – Events Perspectives
Have you noticed the difference between genuine relationships and required events? Which would you prefer? Insight says relationships may be more desirable than required events. Here’s why. Wisdom places relationships far above and more important than events.
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Life Lesson 101
Be quick to listen – slow to speak – slow to anger. These 3 life skills are as important as a carpenter’s hammer, power saw and measuring tape.
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Unity
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1 Unity is 10 times more difficult to achieve than disunity.
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I Just Called to Tell You
Stevie Wonder made famous the song, I Just Called To Say I Love You with the popular lyrics, “I just called to say I love you; I just called to say how much I care.” How does it…
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Intent vs. Impact
A well-developed EQ is evident when one knows and understands that intent must ultimately be measured by its impact.
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Five Life Giving Syllables
1. Will 2. You 3. For 4. Give 5. Me 75 years of life experience confirm to me that “will you forgive me” are the four most difficult words for people to say to those that have done…
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Delight in Delight
The law of attraction means what we attach ourselves to will multiply and expand. Therefore, what we purposely choose to delight in will grow into greater delight. Delight is not on automatic pilot in our lives.
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Biblical Truth Never Changes
RELATIONSHIPS – a gift in life 1) Show how much you care about acquaintances, friends, and family. 2) Talk positively; the way you talk is the way you act.
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Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
An apocalypse usually leads to a catastrophic event. Dr. John Gottman speaks of four horsemen as metaphors for the destruction of a relationship, especially a marital one. His four horsemen are criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and defensiveness.
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Too Late May Be a Tragedy
“I love you Mom!” Oh, how I wish I would have told Katheen Mitchell Crowell these four simple words before her death. However, speaking love was not in our family’s vocabulary. It was not spoken…ever.
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Human Bridges
Spokane, Washington, is the home of many bridges because of the majestic Spokane River. During its peak season, this river spills over 348 million gallons of water every 24 hours.
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Boy and Man Brotherhood
King Solomon said in Proverbs 27:17 that “Iron sharpens iron” and “a true friend sticks closer than a brother” in Proverbs 18:24. We become more efficient, we are refined as we sharpen each other.
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Resentment- Palms up Palms Down
Resentment is a signal light telling us to stop or go! Resentment is a gut feeling, telling us something is quite wrong. Resentment ignored turns to bitterness like grapes turn to wine.
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Why We Coach
Do we coach for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat? Or do we coach for the agony of defeat with seldom a thrill of victory? In my view, competitive sports is like real war.
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Thank You African Americans
Fifty-four years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr., paid the ultimate sacrifice for all humanity. Yesterday we celebrated his life.
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Therefore Implies Act Logic, Part 2
At Thanksgiving, we can be grateful for new hearts with new garments to put on. As St.
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Authentic Genuine Love
Sitting in her wheelchair with a dog in her lap, a lady wheeled herself across one of Spokane’s busiest streets.
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Hello Metlakatla
HelloMetlakatla, Alaska Students, Parents, Teachers, Administrators and School Board Members, The 2018-19 school year is here! Can we make it the best school year in the history of the miracle Annette Island family of people?
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Encouragement Is Oxygen
Pictured Above: Miracle Hanson ladies from Bristol Bay Alaska. No more worthy cause than investing in our future leaders! When you need encouragement give oxygen to others! Then you get encouraged.
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Former NBC’er
I hope this email finds you well. It has been on my heart for the past month to email you.
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Puppy Love – Human Love
It’s amazing how quickly puppies learn to love the one who serves them with food and continuous attention. In the human realm, nothing compares to the sacrifice of laying your life down for another.
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Every Day Heroes
“Superstar heroes don’t love you enough to be with you in tough times.” Today I lift up one of my most loved everyday heroes.
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Intimacy – the Need to Belong
To belong and to have something belong to you, is fundamental to fulfillment in life. Loneliness is a horrible life experience. People go to great lengths to belong and to feel emotionally connected.
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Puppy Love
What if people loved other people like people love puppies? What a wonderful world it would be. Puppies are like people in so many ways. Puppies and people need oxygen. Puppies and people need water.
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Networking
One of the core principles we taught 18 USA players on the Crowell Italian Basketball Tour was the principle of networking.
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People Relationships
Key Statement: People were created to need people, but too few people invest the time needed to master the skills to treat people well. Global People Problems World leaders keep failing to learn from previous wars.
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Too Busy or Don’t Care
Key Statement: If you are too busy or don’t care enough to spend quality time, without any distractions, with a spouse, a child, a dear friend, or a person in need you care about, the true fact is…
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Two Worlds
“Boy, we live in two different worlds and we both are extremely happy.” -Long Time Friend As I read this email from a former classmate I began to reflect on the idea of people living in two different…
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One Is None; Two Is Done
The value of teamwork; the skill to delegate. A motto among USA special forces elite team is, “One is none and two is done.” This reminded me of Jesus sending his disciples out in two’s.
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Travel – Sites or People
“I travel not to see imposing monuments. Which indeed somewhat bore me. Nor beautiful scenery, of which I soon tire. I avoid the great.
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Celebrating 75 Years
Birthday presents to each other and writing off one more goal on our bucket list. So clearly, Susie King, the 19-year-old sophomore, at the University of Idaho stands out in my mind’s eye.
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Five Life Changing Words
“I am proud of you!” As Edith steps down the stairs in a beautiful wedding dress, Lord Gratham’s loving eyes and outstretched arms greet his lovely daughter.
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Love – Belonging – Success
The three most important human and animals psychological and spiritual needs. Six elegant questions. (An elegant question differs from a fact question.) Who loves you? Who do you love? Who do you belong to?
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Sister Love
Three Crowell-Ferch sisters demonstrate the beauty, grace, and power of love. Natalya Alexis is a sophomore at Oklahoma City University. Ariana Alexis is a freshman at the Oaks Classical Christian Academy.
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The Honor Principle
To experience the privilege of being honored it is best to first honor others. Today it is a privilege to honor Walter Willis King. Walt is Susie’s dad.
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Human Arrows in Your Quiver – Part 2
Imagine an arrow being one of the most important people in your life. What lessons can be learned from an experienced bow hunter? Imagine hunting with the finest bow without one arrow in your quiver.
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Walls Real or Imaginary
This 3000 mile wall is for real! It kept China safe for centuries. Impressive in both length and height. Even more sensational, it was built on jagged mountain ranges.
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Unity in Diversity
“Each rowing the boat in the same direction.” It seems to me there is a magnetic force of some sort trying to make us all the same; yet, at the same time an opposite force driving us to…
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Who Are Your Fans?
“Without people to cheer there is no such thing as a ‘Star’.” – Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer was one of golf’s greatest players but more clearly Arnold’s greatest award is the “ one who valued the fans .”…
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At Last
The incredible moment when man meets the woman who will be the love of his life. For me the two best words in the book of Genesis came from a very lonely Adam, seeing Eve for the first…
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Woman
“God’s best gift to man” Careful study of Genesis 1 & 2 brings us to an obvious conclusion that God’s ultimate, most lovely gift to man is a woman. Think about it!
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Tribute to Mr. Gene Avey
“A dear friend to all dedicated to educating youth, to dream dreams, to love life, to serve family with no reservation and, in a quiet, gentle manner, be all His for the glory of God.
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Friday with Fred
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Through the years, I have come to love beginnings and endings. The Creator of the universe gave us beginnings and endings. Sunrises break open new days.
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It’s a Girl
A son is a son until he takes a wife, a daughter is a daughter all her life. The Lord’s promise made to us in St.
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Delight in People & People Delight in You
St Paul records multitudes of brilliant life giving principles. One used often among motivational experts is in the Apostles encouragement to the Galatians.
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10yr NBC Italia Anniversary
Dear Coach Fred, As we celebrate our 10 NBC ITALIA year I wanted to remind you of the great days you were here in Italy with us to start the camp. We miss you.
