The Reason for the Season- Steer Nation Message 12-16-22

Good Morning and Happy Early Dismissal Friday!

This time of year offers the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in my life.  In addition to my family, I count the staff, students, and community of Graham ISD as remarkable blessings.  I am grateful for the dedication and perseverance demonstrated daily within our district and community to improve the lives of children.

I hope each of us is thankful for the opportunity we have to serve others.  Through this service to our students, we help them learn how to learn – and learn how to live. Our work in education provides the possibility to change the future…one child at a time!

This is the time of year for rejoicing and for rededication.  A quote from Thomas Drier says it well:  “If we are to enjoy life, now is the time – not tomorrow or next year. The best preparation for a better life next year is a full, complete, harmonious, joyous life this year.”

As you reflect on your blessings and recharge your spirit, remember you are a blessing in the life of a child!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Graham Steer Academic All-State- Congratulations to Ty Carter on being named to the THSCA Academic All-State 2nd Team.

GHS Athletic Training Academic All-State- Congratulations to Sean McCall on being named to the THSCA Student Athletic Trainer Academic All-State ELITE Team and to Jenna Herbold on being named to the THSCA Student Athletic Trainer Academic All-State 2nd Team.

Lady Blue Volleyball All-State Honor- Congratulations to Olga Morales for the selected to the Volleyball TGCA All-State Team.

Lady BluesBasketball & Steer Basketball- The Lady Blues and Graham Steers are competing in the Wichita Falls Classic Basketball Tournament at the Kay Yaeger Collesium. Good Luck Lady Blues and Graham Steers!

Lady Blues and Graham Steer  Soccer Alumni Games- This evening at Newton Field the Lady Blues and Graham Steers will be hosting their annual alumni games.  The Lady Blues will take the field at 5:00 pm. The Steers game will begin at approximately 6:30 pm. Go Steers and Lady Blues!

The Reason for the Season…

One of my favorite stories is about a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season...overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally, the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the elevator and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found and shot."

From the back of the elevator, everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Have a nice day and a Merry Christmas!

In lieu of the corny joke of the day, lets us each pause to reflect on THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Charlie Brown Christmas… The True Meaning of Christmas 

 HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What do the elves use to clean Santa’s sleigh? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Santa-tizer!

Stay Up- Steer Nation Message 12-9-22

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

Lady Blues Volleyball Academic All-State- Four seniors of the Lady Blues Volleyball Team earned TGCA Academic All-State Honors: Congratulations to Bobbie Jo Hart, Trinity Gregory, Tatum Westerman, and Abby Osborn!

RSB3 Success- Graham High School had 20 students audition for a place in the ATSSB Region 7 Bands.  The following 14 students were selected to one of the two ensembles and will participate in the Region 7 Clinic and Concert at Tarleton State in January. Roselyn; Barbosa-Vizcaino - Clarinet (Honor Band); Devin McCall - Bass Clarinet (Honor Band, 1st Chair); Emily Clark - Bass Clarinet (Symphonic Band); Jackson Kidd - Baritone Saxophone (Symphonic Band); Robb Grimes - Trumpet (Symphonic Band); Jacob Huitt - French Horn (Honor Band, 2nd Chair); Taylor Lauster - French Horn (Symphonic Band); Tate Dunlap - Trombone (Honor Band, 1st Chair); Harrison Ribble - Trombone (Symphonic Band); Thomas Gage - Bass Trombone (Honor Band, 1st Chair); Madison Freeman - Euphonium (Honor Band, 1st Chair); Alison Mullens - Percussion (Symphonic Band); Shawn Dick - Percussion (Symphonic Band); Ricky Herrera - Percussion (Symphonic Band). Additionally, the following 8 students advanced to the Area Auditions in January.  At the Area auditions, students will compete for selection to the ATSSB All-State Band. Roselyn Barbosa - Area Qualifier (Clarinet); Devin McCall - Area Qualifier (Bass Clarinet); Emily Clark - Area Qualifier (Bass Clarinet); Jacob Huitt - Area Qualifier (French Horn); Tate Dunlap - Area Qualifier (Trombone); Harrison Ribble - Area Qualifier (Trombone); Thomas Gage - Area Qualifier (Bass Trombone); Madison Freeman - Area Qualifier (Euphonium). Congratulations to these fine individuals on their accomplishments!

GHS Theatre- The GISD theatre production of Willy Wonka Jr. was absolutely fantastic!  The cast and crew for the production consisted of 55 students. Congratulations to these students on a job well done!  

Graham Steer Basketball Red, White, and Blue Tournament- All are invited to attend the Red, White, and Blue Basketball Tournament at Graham High School this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Click HERE to view a copy of the bracket. Below is the pool play bracket. 

Lady BluesBasketball- The Lady Blues are playing at Aledo this evening at 7:00 pm. Good Luck Lady Blue

Steers and Lady Blooms- The Steers and Lady Blooms are excited to announce that we are  opening the spring subscription for the arrangements of the month! Please fill out the google form below if interested. This subscription will cover the months of January, March, April, and May. Please consider a $125 donation for the subscription to cover the entire spring semester. We accept cash or checks and please make all checks payable to Graham FFA. Donations will be accepted the first week of delivery or can be turned into the high school office. Deliveries will occur on the following dates 1/19 ,3/9, 4/20, 5/18. *The previous dates are subject to change at any time due to supply chain issues. Thank you for supporting the Steers and Lady Blooms Floral Shop!!! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7zbEHIGj4PXQAgS7ponckAlTJVvXwlt_NoV43ZBwADS0Y4A/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

Stay Up…

 

 

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon(Scroll down for the answer.

I will let you know!

Time To Grow 12-2-22

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

Graham ISD Grow Your Own Program and Hartwell University- Beginning this year, Graham ISD has partnered with Hartwell University to make our Grow Your Own Program become a reality. The mission of Hartwell University is to meet the specific needs of teacher’s aides and non-certified staff who desire to complete a degree program to become certified educators. Through Hartwell’s grant program employees of partner school districts receive a 50% tuition grant. Graham ISD is providing tuition reimbursements for the other 50% of the costs. Graham ISD is proud to be partnering with ten staff members in the pursuit of their degree and teacher certification. There are opportunities to begin the program during the Spring of 2023. To request information please contact Sonny Cruse at sonny.cruse@grahamisd.com.

GHS Theatre- The GHS Theatre is proud to present the 2022 GISD Musical, Willy Wonka Jr! Make plans to come to support GHS and GJHS students in this family-friendly adventure! Performances are Sunday, December 4th at 2:00 PM and Monday, December 5th at 7:00 PM at the GHS Auditorium. All tickets are $5 and available on the GISD Website.

Lady Blue Volleyball District Honors- Congratulations to our Lady Blues Volleyball players on their District Honors! Academic All-District- Abby Osborn, SR; Tatum Westerman, SR; Camden Thorne, SO; Georgia Martin, SO; Braylee Mayes, SO; Emilee Gordy, SO; Miya Cantwell, SR; Bobbie Jo Hart, SR; Peyton Dobbs, JR; Trinity Gregory, SR; Lillian Noble, SO; Allie Posey, JR (Mgr); Harli Kenney, SO (Mgr). All-District Honors- Utility Player of the Year: Olga Morales, JR.; 1st Team: Braylee Mayes, SO and Trinity Gregory, SR; 2nd Team: Georgia Martin, SO and Miya Cantwell, SR; Honorable Mention: Lillian Noble, SO, Tatum Westerman, SR, and Abby Osborn, SR.

Smokin Steers and Pit Steers- The Smokin Steers and Pit Steers BBQ teams had an excellent showing at the 2022 High School BBQ Regional Competition hosted in Graham on November 19th. Smokin' Steers- Brian Sanchez 3rd in Dessert, Lucio Arvizu 1st in Beans, Jesus Lucio 6th in Ribs. Shotgun Locker 6th in Chicken and 10th in Brisket. The Smokin Steers finished 3rd Overall and qualified to compete in the State Contest!  The Pit Steers- Case Etling 7th in Chicken and 8th in Dessert, Grady Depriest 9th in Ribs, Nic Wankowicz 6th in Beans, and Matthew Monrrreal 11th in Brisket. The Pit Steers finished 11th Overall in their first-ever competition. Congratulations to our Smokin Steers and Pit Steers BBQ Teams.

Graham High School FFA- Graham FFA had a great day at the Area Contest. Brailey Brooks 2nd Senior Creed (State Qualifier). Pamela Mendoza 9th Junior Spanish Creed, Hallie Williams 10th Junior Creed, and Lizbeth Castillo 12th Spanish Creed.

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Basketball- The Lady Blues and Graham Steer Basketball Teams are competing in the Haskell Tournament today and tomorrow Good Luck Lady Blues and Graham Steers!

 

 

Time To Grow…

 

 

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What do you call a laughing motorcycle? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A Yamahaha!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving- Steer Nation Message- 11-18-22

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

Smokin Steers- This Saturday the Smokin Steers BBQ Teams will be hosting and competing here in Graham in a 2022 High School BBQ Regional Competition. The event is being held on the square and the judging will begin at 10:00 am. 

Graham FFA Booster Club- Apparel Fundraiser- Please click on this link to order- Graham FFA Booster Club Fundraiser.

 

Lady Blues Basketball- The Lady Blues will be at Nocona this afternoon. Good Luck Lady Blues!

Graham Steer Basketball- The Steers are Sweetwater on Saturday for a 3:30 pm game. Go Steers!

GHS Theatre- The GHS Theatre is proud to present the 2022 GISD Musical, Willy Wonka Jr! Make plans to come to support GHS and GJHS students in this family-friendly adventure! Performances are Sunday, December 4th at 2:00 PM and Monday, December 5th at 7:00PM at the GHS Auditorium. All tickets are $5 and available on the GISD Website. 

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving...

There are a lot of myths about the first American Thanksgiving in 1621, but one thing is for sure. The Pilgrims were lucky to be alive, and they knew it. “Eleven months earlier the Pilgrims had arrived at the tip of Cape Cod, fearful and uninformed,” says Nathaniel Philbrick in his book, “Mayflower. By all rights, none of the Pilgrims should have emerged from the first winter alive. But they did. With the strength of their faith, and help from many Native Americans, they did more than survive.... they began to flourish… they were thankful!

I challenge each of you to think of someone you consider to be really happy. Do they smile more than others you know? Do they laugh more than others you know? Does being in their presence make you happier? What makes this person different? In my opinion, this occurs in large part due to one's ability to be grateful and express gratitude. Let’s face it, bad things happen to all of us... it is not what happens to us that matters, it is our reaction to it. I hope you each take the time over this Thanksgiving Break to pause and consider what you are grateful for. May we all strive to have an attitude of gratitude!

I hope you each have a wonderful, safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What kind of key can’t open doors? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A Tur-Key!

Model What You Want- Steer Nation Message 11-11-12

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

Graham ISD Veteran’s Day Tribute- Due to impending cold and wet weather tomorrow morning, the 10:00 am GISD Veteran's Day Tribute is being relocated from Newton Field to the Graham High School gym. The event can be viewed on the Steers and Lady Blues Youtube Channel.

Graham Steer Football- The Steers will play Glen Rose tonight at Aledo in the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm. All tickets are $5.00 each and must be purchased using this ticket link- https://www.aledosportsnetwork.com/HTtickets. Accepting the Following Passes- Sr Citizen Passes, District Passes, Coaches Assn. NO CASH SALES AT THE GATE. GO STEERS!

4-Day School Calendar Survey Results- Below are links to the survey results. Just so you know, the calendar committee team members are still working on completing the data summary for the qualitative questions. Once that is completed, I will be sharing the complete results.

This topic was a discussion item on the November 9th school board meeting agenda. Per that discussion, we continue gathering information regarding the 4-Day Instruction Week. We will be working to develop draft calendars for the 5-Day and 4-Day Instructional Week.

Graham Chamber of Commerce Teachers of the Month- Congratulations to our Graham Chamber of Commerce Teachers of the Month for October 2022! The Elementary Teacher of the Month is Pioneer Elementary's, Maranda Roberts! The Secondary Teacher of the Month is GJHS's, Tony Lipscomb! Thanks a ton to the Graham Chamber of Commerce and Ciera Bank for sponsoring the awards!!! The form to nominate for November is https://forms.gle/ZUYjKVCNKPqqPLcy6.

Graham Stock Show Buyers Committee Annual Fish Fry and Auction- 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 12 at the Young County Arena.

GHS FFA- Graham FFA took nearly 50 students to compete at the District Leadership Development Events (LDEs). Our chapter will be receiving nine banners from this competition. We are very pleased to announce that three teams, possibly four, will be advancing to area competition. Here are the results: Greenhand Creed - 1st place, Spanish Creed - 1st place, Senior Creed - 1st place. All 1st places are advancing to the Area Contest in Abilene!  Greenhand Creed - 2nd place, Ag Issues - 3rd place, Senior Skills - 3rd place, Public Relations - 4th place, Senior quiz - 5th place, Greenhand skills - 5th place, Greenhand Quiz -6th place, Agriculture Advocacy- 6th place. Spanish Creed - 6th place, Greenhand quiz - 8th, Job interview - 10th place, Radio Broadcasting - 10th place, Greenhand Radio - 11th place. Student Competitors: Greenhand Creed - Hallie Williams, Spanish Creed - Lizabeth Castillo, Senior Creed - Brailey Brooks, Greenhand Creed - Kimber Pratt, Ag Issues - Creed Jordan, Erica Popplewell, Hailey Fuentes, Haylee Diehl, McKaylee Metcalf, Reagan Birdwell, Emma Herpeche, Senior Skills - Brazier Joy, Brailey Brooks, Bowen Boenisch, Reagan Birdwell, Steven Vaughn, Mason Clayton, Public Relations - Creed Jordan, Erica Popplewell, Hannah Hollingsworth, Lela Chisholm, Senior Quiz - Lemuel Bell, Jamie Smith, Porter Robinson, Lela Allen, Scott Grimes, Lorenzo Simental, Kanyon Crawford, Briley Reeves, Greenhand Skills - Kimber Pratt, McCrea Menard, Kaden McClendon, Nikolas Wankowicz, Rylee Moore, Agriculture Advocacy- Lance Browning, Laney Dundon, Haylee Diehl, Cody Epperson, Spanish Creed - Pamela Mendoza, Greenhand Quiz - Case Etling, Addison Aaron, Hallie Williams, Job Interview - KayCee Mixon, Radio Broadcasting - Zoe Russel, Ozzy Trejo, Hayden Horn, Greenhand Radio - Emma Jobe, Mylee Lattimore, Briley Randall.

GHS Theatre- The GHS theatre department will be presenting Willy Wonka Jr. on December 4th and 5th at Graham High School.

 

Model What You Want…

A mom just accidentally put a laundry basket down on the LEGO ship that her 7-year-old spent the morning building.  She brought it to him and said, “Buddy, I broke your ship; I didn’t see it and I sat the basket on it.  I’m sorry.”

His eyes widened in shock, and he said, “Oh man, that took me a really long time to build.  I just finished it!”

After a moment, the mom softly asked, “Are you mad?” – His response brought her to tears.

He took a deep breath and said, “I want to be mad, but yesterday when I broke your favorite plate, you didn’t get mad at me.  You said it was just a plate and you didn’t make me feel bad.  I know that you liked the plate as much as I liked the LEGO ship.  It is okay, mom.  I can rebuild it.”

That mom just realized that she could tell her kids all day long what kinds of people she hoped they would be.  She can ask them to be loving and kind, but in the end, they will be what she shows them to be not what she told them to be! 

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What do cats like to eat for breakfast? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Mice Crispies!

Never Forget Who Helped You- Steer Nation Message 11-4-22

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

GHS Cross-Country State Meet - Mary Lyndell Graham will be competing this morning at the UIL Cross Country State Meet in Round Rock. Wishing Mary Lyndell the best of luck!

Graham Incentive for Teacher Awards Coming Soon- As a result of our STAAR Scores this past year Graham ISD will be awarding approximately $115,600.00 in GIFT Awards. The STAAR/EOC Progress Award Amounts are approximately $32,500.00 and the Distinction Designation Awards are approximately $83,000.00. We look forward to delivering these awards as soon as the calculations are finalized by early December.

4-Day School Calendar Surveys- Graham ISD is exploring a 4-day school week for the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the survey to provide the district input regarding a 4-day school week for Graham ISD by 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

• Staff Survey- Please see the survey link that was sent to your district email address on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

• Parent Survey- Please see the link that was sent via ParentSquare on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

• Community Survey- https://forms.gle/hkmumBw7gS7djaSc9 

 

Never Forget Who Helped You…

This picture touches me every time I see it, and, in some way signifies to me the circle of life. In the first picture, a middle-aged Coach John Wooden is helping a young Lew Alcindor understand the complexities of big-time college basketball. In the second, some 40+ years later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is seen helping Coach Wooden as he leaves a basketball court.

The pictures demonstrate that the two had a special relationship, but they don’t explain how a young, self-described cocky black athlete from New York City could become such a close friend to a white, conservative midwesterner. As Abdul-Jabbar explains it, on his recruiting trip to UCLA he became aware of how unique Wooden was as a coach. In their first meeting on campus, they only briefly talked about basketball. This is how he describes that first meeting with the coach: “He gave me a long look through his nerdy black-frame glasses. ‘I’m impressed with your grades, Lewis. For most students, basketball is temporary, but knowledge is forever.   You can only play basketball for so long, then you’ve got to get on with the rest of your life.’ It was essential to him (Wooden) that his players keep good grades in school.”

Abdul-Jabbar found this conversation to be unexpected. He was a highly recruited young man, and all of the other college visits had been about the same with lots of flattery, a hard sell of their schools’ basketball programs, and visions of the national attention he could receive on their campuses. Coach Wooden was the only big-time coach to even mention academics on his recruiting trips.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar admits that he learned many things from his coach. For his professional basketball life, none was more important than the development of his signature sky hook. Coach Wooden had supported the outlawing of the dunk during Abdul-Jabbar’s time at UCLA.   Wooden favored the beauty of basketball, the gracefulness, and the intellectual complexity of the sport rather than allowing it to deteriorate into a bunch of brutes jamming a ball through a hoop.

Because of his relationship with Kareem, Coach Wooden was forced to rethink some things. As the Bruins traveled the country playing in almost every city in the U.S., Jabbar was slammed with every racial slur known. Coach Wooden was embarrassed for and ashamed for those who looked like him and who were about his age. He could not understand their intolerance. Abdul Jabbar later said, “It really bothered him. It really affected his worldview. For someone like him, that felt like he had his hands on the reins of everything, that must’ve been humbling.”

After Coach Wooden’s passing in 2010 Abdul-Jabbar says his understanding of the strength of their bond has only grown deeper. He has come to realize that it centered on basketball but included a passion for literature, history, music, and mutual respect for the differences of their backgrounds. In fact, Kareem says because of the coach, he developed an appreciation of the coach’s favorite music, 1940s swing, and Coach Wooden developed an appreciation for Jabbar’s favorite, jazz.

I’ll encourage you to take some time to reflect on Kareem’s words, in your life never forget who helps you!

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

Why is a bee’s hair sticky? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Because they brush it with a honeycomb!

Hitting the Links- Steer Nation Message 10-28-22

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

GHS Cross-Country State Qualifier- Congratulations to GHS Junior,  Mary Lyndell Graham on qualifying for the Texas State Cross Country Meet!

RSB3-  Graham High School's Rompin' Stompin' Big Blue Band will compete at noon on Saturday in UIL Area Marching Contest to be held at C.H. Collins Stadium in Denton. Good Luck RSB3!

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Tennis- Congratulations GHS Tennis on your Fall Season Honors: Boys Singles- Second Team All-District- Luke Qualls, Scott Grimes, and Jaden Noyola. Girls Doubles- Second Team All-District- Sydney Jensen/Jayden Martin. Mixed Doubles- Second Team All-District- Luke Qualls/Reagan Birdwell. Freshman of the Year- Jade Dospapas. Academic All-District- Jade Dospapas, Josh Gipson, John Upton, Lucas Qualls, Denys Klymenko, Sydney Jensen, and Rebekah McCord.

Lady Blues Volleyball- The Lady Blues have qualified for the playoff and will play a warm-up game at 4:00 pm this afternoon vs Tom Bean at Saint Jo. GO LADY BLUES! The Lady Blues will begin the playoffs next Tuesday vs San Angelo Lake View @ Clyde or vs Levelland @ Merkel.

Graham Steer Football- The Steers will be on the road at Midland Greenwood this evening for a 7:00 pm kickoff. GO STEERS!

Graham Incentive for Teacher Awards Coming Soon- As a result of our STAAR Scores this past year Graham ISD will be awarding approximately $115,600.00 in GIFT Awards. The STAAR/EOC Progress Award Amounts are approximately $32,500.00 and the Distinction Designation Awards are approximately $83,000.00. We look forward to delivering these awards as soon as the calculations are finalized by early December. 

Hitting the Links…

I once read an article by Roger Knapp titled, “Golf Lesson With My Daughter”. In the article, Mr. Knapp said that there was a year that he couldn’t wait for golf season to start because this was the year his eight-year-old daughter was old enough to be his playing partner.

He mentioned that the girl’s love of golf began when she was two years old. That was when he bought her a child-sized seven iron. It was, of course, too big for her, but she dragged it around the house for three years. When she was five, Roger began taking the child to the driving range and putting greens with him. After work, they would chip a ball in the back yard…until she began to hit the ball with some authority. The day a Titleist went through the bathroom window, daddy and daughter golf was relegated to the driving range. Mother’s orders!

Finally, the day came when Mr. Knapp invited his daughter to play a round of “real” golf on a “real” golf course. The little girl was so excited! She could hardly wait for Saturday morning. The pair traveled a short way to a “family-friendly” par three-course with slow greens. There was no crowd, and the twosome could take their time. It was the perfect place for a “real” golf game.

On that first day with his daughter, Mr. Knapp learned that golf is a wonderful game for teaching life’s little lessons to a child. For instance, “You must count all strokes, even if you accidentally bump the ball and it rolls an inch.” After the first hole, he was surprised when he told his daughter that she took five strokes. She replied, “Oh no, Daddy. Remember I accidentally hit the ball once. I got a six.” He loved his daughter’s honesty! Check that box, lesson 1 learned!

Later she asked Roger, “Daddy, my ball is behind a bush. Can I move it?” When he told her that a player cannot move the ball; that it has to be played where it lays, he was able to teach another lesson.

As he repaired a divot on the tee, Roger explained that in golf one always leaves the course better than it was found. For the rest of the game, the daughter wanted to repair every divot on every green. Eventually when she was taking too long repairing divots, and they were holding up the play of the group behind them, he taught another lesson about slow play and how your actions can affect others.

For the little girl golf was just fun. Hit the ball as hard as you can, go find it, and hit it again. Who cares what the score is? However, the time his daughter put her ball closer to the pin than Roger, was a red-letter day. Mom heard about that shot!

As I think about it, these lessons are pretty timely. While all of them are good to remember on a golf course, they are good life lessons for all of us. Be honest, deal with life’s events as they come, leave things better than you find them, and be considerate of others. Maybe we should post these “rules” as a reminder for everyone.

Roger writes that after the round, while drinking lemonade and eating candy in the clubhouse, his daughter pushed back her visor and said to her dad, “That was a lot of fun. Let’s do it again soon!”

I pray at the end of each day that you can echo the little girl, “That was fun. Let’s do it again soon!”

HAVE A NICE DAY…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS! 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY:

What do you call a bear with no teeth? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A Gummy Bear!