I think of moral margin as creating an extra amount of space between us and immorality—immoral thinking and immoral actions. Here 6 ways to create moral margin in your life. First, build a relationship with a “personal auditor.” Just as a financial auditor would do a complete examination of financial records, your “personal auditor” would be given authority by you to ask you questions about your life and your...

When you look at a tombstone, you see a name, something nice about the person, the year they were born and the year they died…and a small dash in between. The dash…it’s what we do between the time we’re born and the time we die…that’s what’s most important. It’s critical because the dash is your identity…it’s who you are—husband, wife, mom, dad.  The dash is your influence…it’s how you touch the lives of others. ...

You may have heard me say…your kids spell love T-I-M-E.  And spending one-on-one time with them individually is a critically important way to communicate love.  Great conversations can happen while you’re folding clothes or cooking a meal together.  When you’re driving them to an after school activity, turn down the radio and strike up some conversation.  Or get out of town for an overnight trip.  Your time alone...

Make this Valentine’s Day count with your spouse by creating a fun, new memory together.  Here are 10 creative Valentine’s Day date ideas.  Number 1: Go for a canoe ride together.  Get away from the rest of the world and have an afternoon for just the two of you.  Number 2: Go on a scavenger hunt with your spouse…maybe it’s outdoors, maybe it’s at a mall.  Number 3: Recreate your first date, from the food you eat...

Most of us can forgive small stuff...but what about the big things that cause us great pain?  Ed Thomas was a caring husband, a good dad, and a highly respected man in his community.  After decades of coaching his football team, Ed was awarded the coveted NFL High School Coach of the Year in 2005.  Four years later, a former student walked into the school locker room, pulled out his gun and unloaded seven bullets...

How about Langston Hughes, Patricia Roberts Harris or Carter G. Woodson? February celebrates Black History Month, and now is a great time to share with your children about the significant contributions these, and other African Americans, have made to our country’s history and heritage. Take some time together this month to learn more about African American leaders in science, social reform, politics, sports and...

Millions of people will be glued to the television this Super Bowl Sunday. If you plan on watching the game, why not make it a family activity? Start with a game plan for the day. It might include firing up the grill, or letting each child choose a favorite snack food.  You can also play Super Bowl trivia or predict the score at the end of each quarter. Give fun prizes to the winners. If it’s not too cold, Dad can...