A daughter emailed her dad: ''Dearest Dad, I am coming home to get married soon, so get your checkbook out! As you know, I am in Australia ... and my fiancé lives in Scotland. We connected on eHarmony.com, became friends on Facebook, had long chats via email. He proposed to me on Skype, and now we've had two months of a virtual relationship. My beloved Dad, I need your blessing, your good wishes, and a really big wedding. Your favorite daughter, Lilly.''

Her dad wrote back: ''My Dear Lilly, Like Wow! Really? I suggest you two get married on Twitter, have fun on Snapchat, buy your kids on Amazon, and pay for it all through PayPal. And when you get fed up with this new husband, sell him on eBay! Love, Your Dad.''

The Influence of Social media is being used in ways that shape politics, business, world culture, education, careers, innovation, and more.

Almost a quarter of the world's population is now on Facebook. In the U.S., nearly 80% of all internet users are on this platform. Because social networks feed off interactions among people, they become more powerful as they grow.

I, personally, don't do Facebook. I'm not against it -- I just don't want to take the time to mess with it.

Without social media, social, ethical, environmental, and political ills would have minimal visibility. Increased visibility of issues has shifted the balance of power from the hands of a few to the masses.

One of the effects of social media is encouraging people to form and cherish "social media friendships" over actual friendships. The term 'friend' as used on social media is a weak shadow of traditional friendship. Real friends actually know each other, frequently interact face to face, and have a personal bond.

This has also affected the way we interact with our families.

The next time you go out to a restaurant -- look around at others sitting at their table and chances are you will see almost all on their phones while waiting for their food.

It seems no one knows how to enjoy visiting with each other anymore and if a family goes out -- the parents might be talking to each other, but the children are all on their phones -- completely oblivious to those at their own table.

Social media hampers emotional bonds. Everything is conveyed through texts digitally, which can stunt expressions. Ingenuity is lost when people who would ideally visit one another to convey greetings only send text messages instead of hugs.

I know this to be true when I am sitting in my chair and I get a text from my wife, who is in another room, to see if I could do something. I just shake my head and wonder why is it too much trouble to walk around the corner to ask instead of sending a text. That's why I leave my phone in my home office so I don't have to answer a text.

With the decrease in real face-to-face conversations and in-person chats, quick-wittedness is rare. The sense of love, friendship, fun, and enjoyment have all disappeared due to the effects of social media on human mental health.

Spending time with each other is about being 'present' and in the moment. As friends and family gather, create memories by speaking to one another about times past, present and future. Unfortunately, today with social media being made available on the mobile phone, people spend time with each other 'scrolling' through posts.

As we approach Christmas time -- I hope we can take the time to spend with each other and not so much time on our phones.

We need to remember the Reason for the Season. Trust me -- the reason is not on our phones but enjoying our time with each family member and loved one.

Old friend Robert said, "Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Sometimes when I am joking around, I tell people I had to wear hand-me-downs when I was growing up and all I had were three older sisters. Actually, I had one younger brother and a sister who was born two weeks before I graduated from high school. One of those surprises in life for my parents, but a blessing.

I grew up in your typical family in the 1950's and 60's. We weren't poor, nor did we have great wealth. Growing up, I had food on the table and shelter over my head and friends to play with, and when you had those three things, you were never poor.

In fact, poor is just a matter of perspective.

I heard a story about a father of a very wealthy family who took his son on a trip to the rural countryside with the firm purpose of motivating his son to work hard by showing him how poor people can be. The father wanted to prepare his son to take over managing the vast family fortune and estate. They spent a couple of days and nights helping with the daily activities on the farm of a poor family. Sharing meals at night with the family, they learned a little about planting and life on the farm.

On the return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son replied, "I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, and they have many friends to protect them."

With this, the boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."

I have nine grandchildren and I want them to learn that they are rich too! Maybe not according to the world's standards -- but they came into this world surrounded with a lot of love and prayers. Hopefully they will learn about the power of prayer and will discover how valuable that is in life.

Perhaps today you will be reminded how fortunate you are in life. There is so much tragedy in life that we must not fail to be grateful for those who are near and dear to our hearts.

I must confess that when I am with the grand critters -- just getting that special smile or hearing them laugh -- makes me even more grateful that I have a life that is blessed.

Old friend Robert said, "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I believe Thanksgiving can be a time of reflection for all the blessings we have received over the past year. I trust you will be able to think about some things that have deep meaning in your life.

As I get older -- I still am amazed at the wisdom of some of our young future leaders. Consider this:

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but fewer solutions; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back but have trouble getting along with our neighbors.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner peace; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character, steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom."

No matter how old we get -- there are still lessons to learn from others. I read this in an article.

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

These are words of wisdom that deserve our serious consideration.

Old friend Robert said, "I am too blessed to be stressed! The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything."

May you each have a blessed Thanksgiving!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

This past week was my birthday and I made it another year. Hardly seems possible that I am beginning my 26th year with the paper. What a joy it has been to be a part of so many successful athletic programs at five different schools. Keeps a man young! And I was much younger when I started this journey.

Once again -- it caused me to think about things that would help me know I am getting older.

So -- here are some old and new ways that you know when you are getting older.

   * You and your teeth don't sleep together anymore.
   * You try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and realize you aren't wearing any.
   * At the breakfast table -- you hear snap, crackle, and pop and you're not eating cereal.
   * Your back goes out more than you do.
   * You wake up looking like your driver's license.
   * It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
   * Happy Hour is a nap.
   * You're on vacation, and your energy runs out before your money does.
   * You look for your glasses for half an hour and they were on your head the whole time.
   * You sink your teeth into a steak -- and they stay there.
   * All you want for your birthday is not to be reminded of your age.
   * It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
   * Your memory is shorter and your complaining lasts longer.
   * The names in your little black book all end in M.D.
   * The pharmacist has become your new best friend.
   * Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot after going shopping.
   * It takes twice as long -- to look half as good.
   * Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt -- doesn't work.
   * You sit in a rocking chair, and you can't get it going.
   * You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
   * You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't ever remember being on top.
   And my all-time favorite -- "When I bend over to tie my shoes -- I wonder what I else I can do while I'm down there."

Old friend Robert said, "I'm kind of comfortable with getting older because it's better than the other option, which is being dead. So I'll take getting older."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

The 2022 high school football season is approaching for Pearland and Dawson High Schools.

It is also time for area businesses to plan on placing an ad in the football publications. Since I produce the media guides for Dawson and Pearland, there is still space available in these full-color publications for the 2021 football season. But the deadlines are soon approaching. Deadline is Friday, August 12.

For the eighth consecutive year -- both media guides finished in the top two in the nation at the National High School Sports Media Publications Contest with Dawson winning the Gold Award and Pearland winning the Silver Award.

Both publications can be seen at reporternewssports.com -- just click on a cover and turn the pages.

Each booster club manages 100 percent of the money, and they account for every dime spent in these ventures. Plus - each school has a first-class media guide to present to their fans and visiting teams.

If you are interested in placing an ad in these media guides, please give me a call or Email me and I will send you the details of what you need to do. You can also find the forms at the same address above.

Both communities need to realize that they can support their individual teams while knowing that all of the money stays at home. Every check is made out to the right organization of each school, and they control all finances without any funny business.

I can be reached at 281.997.6800 or 713.449.7474 or E-mail me at drdaviddavis@yahoo.com to let me know of your interest.

Here are the following E-mails to let us know of your interest in placing a business ad.

   • pearlandfootball@yahoo.com

   • dawsonfootballprogram@yahoo.com

Also -- if you are a parent and want to place a personal ad for your son or daughter in any of these football media guides -- you can use the same E-mail addresses to contact us for the information sheet for each submission. Make plans now as space is limited. Don't wait until the final deadlines in August.

Old friend Robert said, "Texas has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and football."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

George Bernard Shaw once stated: "The best brought up children are those who have seen their parents as they are. Hypocrisy is not the parent's first duty."

Somehow, we have the idea, as parents, that if we make a mistake with ourselves or our children, that admitting our faults is classified as weakness in their eyes. That being true, then why do I hear young people say to me - "Why do my parents always think they are so perfect and right all the time?"

The truth is - young people do not want perfect parents - just honest parents. Why? Because when they fail, it isn't as devastating to them because they have learned from parental example that life goes on and failure is a part of life; If parents project a life-style of perfection, unable to admit their mistakes, then the pressure to perform without failure becomes an unbelievable and unattainable reality for their lives.

As a parent - you must be more interested in whether or not you are involved in the process of becoming all you can be as a person and as a parent. When your children see that you are on a continuing road of growing, then this will give your young people the courage to say, "Hey, I haven't got it made - I haven't arrived yet, but I'm on my way."

You see - even parents struggle with self-esteem and self-worth. A noted author said: "A positive self-image is necessary for parents as well as children. Parents get discouraged, too, and need to learn how to love and encourage each other daily. Instead of defending their "rights" when they make mistakes, they need to honestly admit their short comings and then attempt to change without reinforcing their frustrations by feeling guilty. Parents who come to grips with the development and nourishment of their personal growth needs can begin to understand how to help a child acquire a positive self-concept."

I heard a story once about a farmer who had some puppies for sale. He made a sign advertising the pups and nailed it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was nailing the sign to the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down to see a little boy with a big grin and something in his hand.

"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal."

The boy dropped his head for a moment, then looked back up at the farmer and said, "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer, and with that he whistled and called out, "Dolly. Here, Dolly." Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy's eyes danced with delight.

Then out from the doghouse peeked another little ball; this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid and began hobbling in an unrewarded attempt to catch up with the others. The pup was clearly the runt of the litter.

The little boy pressed his face to the fence and cried out, "I want that one," pointing to the runt.

The farmer knelt down and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you the way you would like."

With that the boy reached down and slowly pulled up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking up at the farmer, he said, "You see, sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

Old friend Robert said, "If you want to keep your kids on your team, you need to let them know you understand; you understand their weaknesses, struggles, and failures; you understand because you have a few yourself."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

A ship was lost in the fog, the darkness of the night. The captain saw a light directly in front of them. Thinking it was another vessel...he sent a message - "Change your course 10 degrees to the north."

A message came back, "Change your course 10 degrees to the south."

A little incensed, the captain sent a second message, "Sir, this is the captain speaking. Change your course 10 degrees to the north!"

The clear, calm reply came back, "Sir, this is a Seaman First Class speaking, "Change your course 10 degrees to the south."

Now the irate captain sent a third message. "Sir! This is a battleship! Change your course 10 degrees lo the north!"

The third message returned slowly and clearly, "Sir, this is a lighthouse. Change your course 10 degrees to the south."

Change is certainly a big part of life; it is all around us. We have the choice of being open to change or staying the same as we have always been. But there is one tendency. That is to ex¬pect change out of others, but not ourselves. We tend to set standards by which others should change to mea¬sure up to our expectations.

Often children may seem to be openly rebellious as the seaman in the lighthouse, but if we were to stop and listen, we might find a level of growth that would truly astound us in the lives of our children.

Notice that the seaman did not de¬clare his position immediately. This is often the case in a situation where communication is vague. Even though the captain was sincere in his thinking...he was sincerely wrong!

This may not always be the case with teens, but there must be a level of acceptance and an attempt to commu¬nicate the proper information when change is needed or requested. The key is listening and then following up with patient guidance. Our children will change! But our task, as parents, is to guide that change on an acceptable course.

As parents, we must be open to change in every area of our lives - not only in ourselves, but in our children as well. Just as a child has not advanced beyond their present age, it is important that, as parents, we, too, have not been this way before with our children. As painful as it may be, "Change is often the yardstick by which growth is measured."

It is not unreasonable for us to be open and honest with our children. A child says, "Why?" - it should be an opportunity for a parent to open the lines of communication with more than - "Because I said so." This is con¬fusing to a child and does not advance the relationship between the parent and the child.

Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps the child will respond to a future request if he or she knows that they will be given a simple explana¬tion of why the parent is asking them to do or not to do a certain thing?

When a parent exercises their authority without respect for the child...then rebellion - not obedience is being built into that child. A little tender¬ness and love is always the best rem¬edy to build up a child's life. Try it! It will make a difference as you grow together in your parent/child relationship.

Old friend Robert said, "There are places in your heart you never knew existed until you love a baby. A baby will make your days shorter, love stronger, bankroll smaller, clothes shabbier, home happier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I have been reading a book entitled -"The Theory of 21.11 No, it has nothing to do with gambling and blackjack. Nor does it deal with turning 21 and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of such an historical occasion in life.

The premise of the book is that, for every person who will say YES, there are twenty who will say NO. For a positive response, you must find the twenty-first person. The twenties are those who dislike change, fear risk, love ruts, rules and red tape. The 21 is that "rare" individual who is open and innovative. According to the author, there will always be 20 persons who will find some reason why "it can't be done." They will set up obstacles in one of three areas:

CAN'T BE - SHOULDN'T BE - WON'T BE DONE

The "Can't Be's" include some very familiar phrases, "We've never done it that way before," "It costs too much," "There's just no way."

The "Shouldn't Be's" include: "It would set a precedent," "Is anyone else doing it?" "This may not work."

The "Won't Be's" are: So and so won't approve it," "Over my dead body!"

The sign over the door never changes where 20's reign. "NO OPTIMISTS - ORIGINAL THINKERS -OVER-ACHIEVERS ALLOWED! VIOLATORS SUBJECT TO RIDICULE AND NEGATIVE REMARKS.

Which one are you? Which one would you like to be? This book would be incredibly funny if it weren't so true. Unfortunately, anyone who has ever had a dream knows that the 20's can quickly deflate a vision or a dream quicker than you can say Hip Hip Hooray!

I read another statement that said, "Let us kill the dreamer and see what becomes of his dream." There are those 20's who are still killing dreamers in the name of status quo, tradition, or just plain old meanness. Those who complain the most usually do the least.

Do you remember any of the names of the critics of Benjamin Franklin, Mother Teresa, Alexander Graham Bell, the Wright Brothers, Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln, or Eli Whitney? Certainly not! These men and women were 21's all the way.

Did you know that the greatest contribution you can make in the lives of your children, mom and dad, is to be positive, supportive and encouraging as your children grow up. You will help determine whether they will be a 20 or 21. Or course, anyone can be a 20.

One piece of advice that has stuck with me over the years is: "Never let a loser tell you how to win!" In other words, end zone coaches and armchair quarterbacks never have won, nor will they ever win a game.

No, the ones who win the games are the ones who are willing to leave the bench of criticism, the stands of indifference, the sidelines of negativism and put on the uniform of commitment, cooperation, consecration and compassion.

Old friend Robert said, "Vision is the world's most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations, only people who think hopelessly. IS THAT A 20 OR A 21 IN YOUR MIRROR?"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

On occasion -- I receive some helpful tips that are useful in every day life. On rare occasions - I receive some tips that find their way quickly in File 13 -- if you know what I mean!

Some tips I receive I label: The noise you make when you're eating soup.

However - there are some great tips that you might not have ever heard of -- so I want to share some from my File of Great Tips!

Did you know?
   •   Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little 'stringy things' off of it. That's how the primates do it.
   •   Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem...they ripen faster. (Saw a new gizmo at Wal-Mart that you can hang your bananas on to support this theory).
   •   To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat up the eggs.
   •   Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat until warm. This keeps crust crispy - no more soggy microwave pizza.
   •   Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yokes in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients (mayo, mustard, chopped pickles) re-seal, keep mashing it up thoroughly -- cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg white. Just throw away the bag when finished.
   •   Here's a gardening tip: Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about the weeds. Weeds will get through plastic, but not through wet newspapers.
   •   To reduce static cling -- pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip or inside your pants and you will not have a clingy skirt, dress, or pants.
   •   Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in your glove box in your car. When the windows fog - rub with the eraser...works better than a cloth.

Here are some words of wisdom:
   •   No one ever chokes to death swallowing their pride.
   •   He who burns his bridges better be a great swimmer.
   •   It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're dressed like a turkey.

Old friend Robert said, "We are judged by what we finish - not by what we start. If you win - say little; If you lose - say less."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

The colorful, nineteenth-century showman and gifted violinist Nicolo Paganini was standing before a packed house playing through a difficult piece of music. A full orchestra surrounded him with magnificent support. Suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung gloriously down from his instrument. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead. He frowned but continued to play - improvising beautifully.

To the conductor's surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Now there were three limp strings dangling from Paganini's violin as the master performer completed the difficult composition on the one remaining string.

The audience jumped to its feet and in good Italian fashion, filled the hall with shouts and screams - "Bravo! Bravo!" As the applause died down, the violinist asked the people to sit back down. Even though they knew there was no way they could expect an encore, they quietly sank back into their seats.

He held the violin high for everyone to see. He nodded at the conductor to begin the encore and then he turned back to the crowd, and with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and shouted - "Paganini and one string!" After that he placed the single-stringed Stradivarius beneath his chin and played the final piece on one string as the audience (and the conductor) shook their heads in silent amazement. "Paganini and one string!" And, I might add, an attitude of fortitude.

I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position.

Attitude is that "single string" that keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right - there is no barrier too high - no valley too deep - no dream too extreme - no challenge too great for me.

Yet we must admit that we spend more of our time concentrating and fretting over the strings that snap - dangle - and pop - the things that can't be changed - than we do giving attention to the one string that remains - our choice of attitude.

Your attitude can make or break your family. If you consistently have a negative attitude toward your mate or children - don't be surprised when those attitudes become the dominant tone of your environment.

But when your strings snap and you only have one left - play like crazy to produce a beautiful symphony of music that will pulsate a melody that encourages and excites others to new heights of existence.

So, when the strings of life snap and you are down to one - hold up that one string and scream out, "(Your Name) and one string!"

Old friend Robert said, "When we hear what God has done with others, it inspires us and expands our hearts with greater faith, vision, and purpose."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I heard a funny story recently. A fellow was raised in the back hills of West Virginia - I mean, so far out in the sticks, never in his life had he even seen a big city to say nothing of modern inventions and neon lights. He married a gal just like himself and they spent all their married years in the backwoods. They had one son, whom they creatively called Junior.

Around the time Junior reached his sixteenth birthday, his dad decided the three of them would take a trip to the big city which they had never seen.

As they approached the outskirts of the metropolis, Papa began to get a little jumpy: "Mama, when we pull up at th' hotel, you stay in th' truck while Junior an' I go in an' look around. We'll come back and git ya, okay?" She agreed.

Flashing neon lights and uniformed doormen greeted them as they pulled up at the luxurious hotel. Papa and Junior left mama in the pickup and they couldn't believe their eyes! When they stepped on a mat - the doors opened automatically. Inside - they stood like statues - staring at the chandelier, then the enormous waterfall inside the lobby. While both stood silent, watching one breathtaking sight after another, they kept hearing a clicking sound behind them.

Finally, Papa turned around and saw this amazing little room with doors that slid open from the center. People would walk up - push a button and wait. Lights would flicker above the doors and then, "click," the doors would slide open from the middle. Some people would walk out of the little room and others would walk inside and turn around as, "click," the doors slid shut. By now, Papa and Junior stood totally transfixed.

At that moment a wrinkled old lady shuffled up to the doors all by herself. She pushed the button and waited. "Click," the doors opened and she hobbled into the little room. No one else stepped in with her, so "click," the doors slid shut.

Not more than twenty seconds later the door opened again - and there stood this fabulously attractive blonde, a young woman in her twenties - high heels, shapely body, beautiful face - a real knockout! As she stepped out, smiled, and turned to walk away, Papa grabbed Junior and said, "Did you see that? Quick, Junior go git Mama!"

Seems like everybody these days is looking for a room like what Papa thought he had found. Just push the right button, wait momentarily for the door of opportunity to slide open, then "click," magic! In only a matter of seconds we are instantly transformed.

Who are we kidding? That makes a pretty good joke, but when it comes to reality, nothing could be further from the truth. This is especially true when it comes to the cultivation of your family in building all the key ingredients that makes a home strong. Things like moral character, honesty, love for family and others, clean living, respecting the feelings of people that we meet in life, giving of oneself to help another and doing the best we can in every area of life.

So, as you stand at the elevator of life and you hear the sliding doors "click" open for you to get on, and once you step in and the doors close - you will begin your ride to the top. But you will make a stop at each floor presenting you with an opportunity to get off before you reach the top floor.

Trials and temptations will attempt to lure you from reaching your ultimate destination - but don't get off until you have gone as far as you can go. Once at the top - you can look back and say - "I'm glad that I stayed by the stuff that lifts me and my family above the level of mediocrity."

Old friend Robert said, "Very few make it to the top. But those who do, rise above their problems and circumstances to see the greatest view that life has to offer. "Going up, anyone?"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

When I think of motivation - I think of an incident that took place out in west Texas. A super-rich Texan had a daughter of marriageable age, and decided to give her a coming-out party. (To young men this would be "group prospecting").

Anyway, this Texas rancher invited the young men from within a hundred miles to come to the big party on his spread. He had over 200,000 acres and on that spread he had dozens of producing oil wells and tens of thousands of head of cattle. The old homestead itself was a mansion of indescribable proportions, which included an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

After feeding several hundred young, eligible bachelors the finest Bar-B-Que, the host invited all the young men out to the pool which he had, with amazing foresight, stocked with water moccasins and alligators. He told the young men that the first one who jumped into the pool and swam the length of it would be given his choice of three things:

   1. One million dollars in cash.
   2. Ten thousand acres of his best land.
   3. The hand of his beautiful daughter in marriage.

He even pointed out that his daughter was their only heir and that when he and his wife passed on - all of this big spread would belong to her and to the man who became her husband.

No sooner were these words spoken than there was a loud splash at one end of the pool, followed almost immediately by the emergence of a dripping young man from the other end of the pool. He had set a world's record that would never be approached! much less broken.

As the dripping young man emerged from the pool, the host excitedly ran to him and said, "Well son. you've got your choice. Do you want the million in cash?" The young man responded, "No, sir." Then the host asked, "Do you want the ten thousand acres of my best land?" The young man responded, "No, sir." Finally the host said, "Then I assume you want the hand of my beautiful daughter in marriage?" To this the young man replied, "No, sir." "Well son, what do you want?" The young man responded, "I want to know the name of that dude who pushed me into the swimming pool!"

Needless to say, this young man had been motivated to get into the water. though not by choice. but nonetheless. he was in the water. Thus, he was quickly motivated to get out of that pool as quickly as he could.

The family is in trouble today because of the lack of motivation and leadership within the family circle. Young people want to be led. Yes - they fuss and fume over not getting to do everything they want - but inwardly - there is a deep-seated cry that says, "Help me!" "Lead me!" "Love me!" "Notice me!" ''Guide me!" "Teach me!"

The ultimate question then becomes - "If you, as a mom or dad do not provide the proper motivation to lead, love, advise, discipline and encourage your children, who will?" I'll tell you who. It will be their peers who are searching and scratching for the same answers to their questions that no one is answering. The truth is - no one can love your children and give them the guidance that they need better than mom and dad.

So parents - let's get motivated to be honest and interested in the welfare of our nation's future leaders. No - you don't have to jump in a pool with snakes and alligators. However, you must jump into the pool of opportunity - swim as never before - emerge out of the pool knowing the name of who pushed you in. The name is - LIFE. That should be all the motivation you need to live to the best of your ability.

Old friend Robert said, "You have a life to give - so make it the greatest investment you can. Begin at home with your family."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I remember a commercial on the radio that was a warning to parents to "watch your words" to our children because of the adverse affect that they have on them psychologically and emotionally.

Phrases like: "You're so stupid!" "I wish you had never been born!" "You'll never amount to anything!" "You're more trouble than what you're worth!"

How devastating to a young child or teenager. Is It any wonder why we have so many young people drawn to the enticement of drug and alcohol abuse with the luring temptation that they will feel better about themselves? ls it possible that teen suicide has risen to epidemic proportions because death is more attractive than life?

Of course, words are also shot at parents from rebellious young people: "I wish you weren't my parents!" "You don't love me!" "You never let me have any fun!" "I can't wait to get out of this house and away .from you!" Sound familiar? Wonder where they learned those attitudes?

According to a recent article, a noted Christian counselor stated, "The greatest war going on in America is not the battle of drug and alcohol abuse, crime in the street, or fighting the poverty in the nation. The greatest war is the war of words going on in the homes of the American family."

Words are used to assault another human being. They leave a young person or an adult battered in life. They murder a person's reputation and character. They are as volatile as they are vital.

It was Washington Irving who first said, A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use."

Words can become verbal cyanide. Lethal, relentless, flaming missiles which assault with killing power, searing and destroying at will. That's what happens every time you put your mind in neutral and your tongue in gear. Or, as William Norris, an American journalist penned:

If your lips would keep from slips,

Five things observe with care:

To whom you speak; of whom you speak:

And how, and when, and where. Publius, the Greek sage, put his finger on another technique we tend to forget when he admitted:

"I have often regretted my speech, but never my silence!" King David, the beloved writer of the Psalms put it this way:

I will guard my ways, That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle."

That's it! A tight, conscious muzzle on the muscle in your mouth. To do this, why not consider three steps.

1. THINK FIRST

Before your lips start moving, pause ten seconds and mentally preview your words. Are they accurate or exaggerated? Kind or cutting? Necessary or needless? Wholesome of vile? Grateful or complaining?

2. TALK LESS

Your chances of blowing it are directly proportional to the amount of time you spend with your mouth open. Try closing it for a while. Compulsive talkers find it difficult to keep friends. They're irritating. So conserve your verbal energy!

3. START TODAY

Fit that muzzle on your mouth NOW! It's a project you've put off long enough.

There is a war going on in the American home. It's the war of words. Your words can either bless or blast. But remember: the ones you are suppose to love the most are the ones who will be affected the most by what you say. WATCH YOUR WORDS!

Old friend Robert said, "Be sure you taste your words before you spit them out! Once your words are said, they can only be forgiven -- not forgotten!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Some time ago someone placed this ad in a Kansas Newspaper:

"I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without a comment for $5.00."

Sounds like a hoax, doesn't it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet! It wasn't long before this individual was receiving l 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.

The word Is LONELINESS. It is the most desolate word of all human language. It is capable of hurling the heaviest weights the heart can endure. It plays no favorites, ignores all rules of courtesy, knows neither border nor barrier, yields no mercy, refuses all bargains and holds the clock in utter contempt. It cannot be bribed; it will not be left behind.

Crowds only make it worse; activity simply drives it deeper. Tears fall from our eyes as groans fall from our lips - but loneliness, that uninvited guest of the soul, arrives at dusk and stays for dinner.

There is simply no other anguish like the consuming anguish of loneliness. Ask the inmate in prison - or the uniformed man thousands of miles at sea - or the divorcee in that apartment - or the one who has just buried his or her life's companion - or the couple whose arms ache for the child recently taken - or the parents of a teenager who has run away - or even the single, career-minded person who prepares a meal for one and goes to bed early - alone - surrounded by the mute memory of yesterday's song and today's disappointment.

"Loneliness is the most devastating emotion of this age," wrote a great Christian psychiatrist. It will strike all of us at one time or another. Do not think it is only the widow all by herself who is lonely. People from all walks of life experience loneliness - the high and low, the rich and poor, the young and old. So why is loneliness such a common fact? It is:
   1. A feeling of rejection that causes one to suffer.
   2. A basic sense of insecurity.
   3. A loss of perspective because of sorrow or tragedy.
   4. Selfishness.
   5. Depersonalization
but that feeling does not have to master you.

Most of us, at some time in life, learned the Lord's Prayer. "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name."

A little girl misquoted it innocently, "Our Father which art in heaven, how does He know my name." Yes, the very God of the universe knows your name and frame. Not only does He understand how you feel and not only does He meet your needs in life - but He is always there. You may be alone, but with Him you never have to be lonely.

I've seen the lightning flashing,
I've heard the thunder roll,
I've felt sin's breakers dashing,
Trying to conquer my soul.
I've heard the voice of Jesus,
Telling me still to fight on,
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

No, never alone. No, never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
No, never alone. No, never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

Old friend Robert said, "“The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.”

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Recently a man was at the airport waiting to board his flight. The announcement was made to get on the plane and he gave the flight attendant his ticket and found his seat. The plane moved out to the runway - ready for takeoff - but just sat there with the engines running. After about five minutes the decision was made to return to the terminal with an apparent engine problems.

The passengers were then asked to get off the plane. Forty-five minutes later, the announcement was made to re-board the plane. With all the passengers on board again the plane made its way back in position for takeoff. The pilot reaved up the engines - pushed the throttle forward - and the airliner lifted off the ground toward its destination.

This fellow stopped a flight attendant once the flight had leveled off and asked her the obvious question. "Excuse me - I assume the reason for the delay is that we had engine trouble?" She answered - "Yes, that is correct." Then he said, "then I assume that they fixed the problem?" To which she said, "No sir - we just changed pilots."

You say, "That's absurd! What a foolish thing to do. You can't solve your problems that way." And you are exactly right! But tragically that's the way people try to deal with their problems in life.

Why is it that we always try to get rid of the symptom and avoid dealing with the main source of difficulty? If you were driving down the street and the red oil light appeared on your dash - the obvious way to solve the problem is to take a hammer and break the warning light. Right? Certainly that would solve the problem.

If the job isn't fair - find a new one. If your child doesn't please you - kick them out of the house. The "greener on the other side of the fence" philosophy isn't always the correct way to face Iife's difficulties.

Yes - it takes courage and honesty to deal with the disease and not just avoid the symptom. But it requires a deep inward look that may not be pleasant - but necessary to solve the problems that you face.

The tragedy is that most people spend all their lives blaming someone else for their problems in life. That's the easy way - but it certainly doesn't solve the issues at hand.

They just become worse - especially the more you run from your circumstances. The symptom is only an indication of a deeper problem that needs our attention.

Let me encourage you to take an internal lock at yourself - your family - your job - and your friends. It may be painful, but as someone recently said after gall bladder surgery -"I'm sure glad that's over. But I really feel much better now that is has been removed."

Happy homes and lives require our personal attention. It is not a sign of failure if you are willing to take an inward look. Complete honesty is a true sign of maturity that will lead to a healthy home and a life that accepts responsibility in all areas of life.

When you blow it - admit it - suck it up - and determine to be all that you were made to be. You and your family will benefit in the long run.

Old friend Robert said, "“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

A native brave came upon an eagle’s egg which had somehow fallen unbroken from an eagle’s nest. Unable to find the nest, the brave put the egg in the nest of a prairie chicken where it was hatched by the brooding mother hen.

The fledgling eagle, with its proverbial strong eyes, saw the world for the first time. Looking at the other prairie chickens, he did what they did. He crawled and scratched at the earth, pecked here and there for stray grains and husks, now and then rising in a flutter a few feet above the earth and then descending again. He accepted and imitated the daily routine of the earthbound prairie chickens. And he spent most of his life this way.

Then, as the story continues, one day an eagle flew over the brood of prairie chickens. The now aging eagle, who still thought he was a prairie chicken, looked up in awed admiration as the great bird soared through the skies.

“What is that?” he gasped in astonishment. One of the old prairie chickens replied, “I have seen one before. That is the eagle, the proudest, strongest and most magnificent of all the birds. But don’t you ever dream that you could be like that. You’re like the rest of us and we are prairie chickens.”

So, shackled by this belief, the eagle lived and died thinking he was a prairie chicken.

There are a lot of people who live like they are prairie chickens instead of believing they can soar like an eagle.

Chickens are everywhere, but eagles are rare. Eagles fly high to hunt at the top of the mountains, while chickens eat scraps of food in the yard. Eagles are strong and powerful, while chickens have been domesticated and are weaker and more fearful.

At some point in life -- people quit dreaming and decide to be a prairie chicken.

You can fly like the eagle or strut around the chicken yard like a prairie chicken. Prairie chickens do a little ... they have a life ... but they don't fly. They don't soar.

You must decide if you want to SOAR!!!!!!!!!!

Old friend Robert said, "If we tell one another that we are prairie chickens, we will rise only a few feet above the earth. But if we tell a person that he is an eagle, why, he may fly right up into the sun."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

It is always amazing to experience the weird moments that happen in life. Ever have those moments when you wonder if you have the IQ of a chimpanzee? I think we all have had those times where we scratch our heads and say to ourselves, "What was I thinking?" Of course, we certainly wouldn't begin to write down those moments in our diary of stupidity for fear that someone might find our moments of weakness as grounds for the padded rooms in a mental hospital.

I recently ran into one of those who posed an interesting question to me. I stopped to get a vanilla ice cream cone. I won't tell you where, but I was taken back when, after I ordered the cone, the young lady asked, "Will that be for here or to go?" Duh! What difference does it make?

One of the unique things about the world wide web is being able to find moments in other people's lives who have gone into neutral -- lost their sense of common sense -- which allows us to elevate our intelligence, even if for just a few minutes.

A man stated, "I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the Deer Crossing sign on our road. The reason: 'too many deer were being hit by cars' and he didn't want them to cross there anymore."

A mother shared: "My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for minimal lettuce." The person behind the counter said, "I'm sorry, we only have iceberg lettuce."

A co-worker observed, "I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the life of her couldn't understand why her system would not turn on."

Standing on the corner, "The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged co-worker of mine when she asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?"

This happened to me recently...I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when the clerk noticed I had never signed my name on the back of the credit card. She informed me that she could not complete the transaction unless the card was signed. When I asked why, she explained that it was necessary to compare the signature I had just signed on the receipt. So I signed the credit card in front of her. She carefully compared the signature to the one I had just signed on the receipt. As luck would have it, they matched.

Perhaps you have experienced a dumb moment. Send it to me and give our reading friends something to laugh about.

Old friend Robert said, "I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

This coming Sunday in Mother's Day. I hope it is a special time at your home. I know I am thankful for my mom. Two years ago, at the age of 94, she went to her heavenly home. I still get amused when you ask children about their family. The following things were sent to me last week so I thought I would share them with you. I'm sure you would agree that only through the mouths of babes can you get these kinds of insights about mom.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus superpowers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

Old friend Robert said, "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Most high school reunions take place 10 years later after graduation. That is when we are in our late 20's, seeking to appear successful, going on those last ditch diets, making sure we drive up in the newest automobile, and hoping that people still recognize us.

However, when the reunions start to add up (meaning we are getting older), the trend is to not worry so much about outward appearance and financial success, but to realize that life is precious - especially when information is shared regarding classmates who have died.

My mother, who passed away two years ago, used to periodically send me the hometown paper with an obituary of a former classmate and that number has increased over these fifty plus years.

At my last reunion five years ago, that was one of the main topics of conversation. Realizing that we are older and that the death rate is mounting. We no longer put much stock in our appearance. The 30-second Ab workout commercial isn't that appealing since most of my guy friends aren't showing a six-pack (Abs), but a keg -- and they are proud of it.

Of course, some of them got the keg by drinking beer I guess. For most -- just eating finds its way around the middle. And hair, that used to be an issue, isn't a concern for most who have experienced the four stages of hair: Hair, fuzz, is and was.

Our senior class has utilized communicating through E-mail and when someone is sick, has a grandchild and now a great-grandchild that needs our prayers -- the E-mails are sent and the prayers are launched heaven-ward.

Of course -- there is always the dreaded E-mail letting us know that another classmate has died. There have been over 25 who have died in the past five years.

My reunion this coming weekend will mark over half a century since I was in high school. Trying to avoid the death tree has been a worthy goal.

I have a feeling there will be some who attend will end up saying, "Some of my classmates changed so much they didn't even recognize me."

One thing that I'm sure will be the topic of conversation will be our ailments, pills we now have to take, latest visits to the doctor, etc. We may be saying it appears someone invited a lot of old people to this reunion.

I will confess that I am officially old as I take pills and have a small dog.

I know that some of the girls will realize that they have added a few minutes to that hour-glass figure they once had.

I recall at the last reunion asking the photographer if he had a wide-angle lens when he was taking a picture of the six cheerleaders we had my senior year.

I'm afraid one of my grandchildren might say, "Gee Pops, there won't be anyone at your class reunion except a bunch of old people."

Of course you know you are getting old when they schedule the reunion from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

Nothing makes you feel younger than being with those who knew you when you were actually younger. Getting older certainly beats the alternative.

Old friend Robert said, "The best advice to getting older is to Keep Breathing -- If you don't - you're a real goner. Oh -- and don't fall down!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

There was a time in American history that the American people were living in fear. They weren't afraid of an enemy invading our country. The fact is the invasion was from within. Fear of poverty. Fear of disease. Fear of death. Fear of failure.

One day I was speaking to some students and I was encouraging them to take risks. One of the students looked at me and said, "But what if we fail?" And I replied, "Whoever said you were a success?"

We all face the fear of failure. It is part of our nature. Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation with these words, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."

I would suggest that we need to make a friend of our fear. Many books written on the subject of fear are nothing more than delightful little treaties on how to get rid of fear, or how to master or conquer our fear.

What most people haven't figured out is that fear is not our enemy, an evil and harmful emotion to be completely driven out. You will not win if you start from there; you never come out right from a false start.

Fear is an elemental emotion, a part of our native equipment, God-given; therefore, like any other normal emotion, it has a constructive, essential purpose. Our real problem is not how to get rid of it, but how to use it to our advantage.

The animals are aware of its purpose. There is no animal without fear. For some, like the deer and the rabbit, fear is the sole weapon of defense; it is not an enemy, but an ally. Startle a rabbit and what happens? The sense of impending danger starts a nervous reaction which, quicker than you can say, "rabbit," shoots a powerful stimulant from his glands into his running apparatus, and he is gone with the wind...gone with the speed he could never manage without the stimulus of fear. Same with a deer.

Yet, fear of some things is indeed the beginning of wisdom! Did you know there are scores of phobias that all kinds of people have to face in life.

There is acrophobia (fear of height); claustrophobia (fear of closed places); agoraphobia (fear of open spaces); neophobia (fear of something new); photophobia (fear of lights); pathaphobia (fear of disease); spermaphobia (fear of germs); ergophobia (fear of work), etc.

Not all people are defeated by their fears. Some are jolted by it into faith and courage. It is my belief that the fears we face in our lives is placed their to energize us to living by faith. Faith should overcome our fear.

Or, as someone has said of the emotional reactions of certain people, "If you don't tell them enough they go fishing; if you tell them too much they go crazy."

A good friend once said to me, "Faith is believing a thing is so, even though it is not so, in order for it to be so."

There are those who allow fear to place them in bondage. To steal their joy. To shake them up. To only see the negative. So what should we do?

Old friend Robert said, "Just keep looking up to the One who knows all about you and loves you. Trust me -- it work!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

The late Duffy Daugherty, old and colorful Michigan State football coach, used to say that you needed only three bones to make a successful journey through life. They are the wish bone, to dream on; a back bone, for strength and courage to get you through the tough times; and a funny bone, to laugh at life along the way. Not bad.

Most folks you and I admire have all three of those bones. Without a dream, life gets quickly reduced to the tight radius of today's demands and deadlines. It doesn't take much of either to drain us dry and steal our energy. It's not unlike trying to get through the day without a song. Everybody needs a wishbone.

Without determination (the old - and better - word is gumption), we cave in quickly. It's necessary that we set our sights on a target outside the parameters of the next twenty-four hours, but in doing so -- we are wise to tell ourselves that trials will come. Discouragements and disappointments will accompany us on our journey. That's why strength and courage are essential additives to whatever fuels our dreams. Everybody needs a back bone.

And a sense of humor? I hardly need to address its value beyond what I've already said and written. Laughter is like grease in the gear box; it helps immensely to diminish the friction and makes everything run more quietly and smoothly. Everybody needs a funny bone.

There is one who comes to mind who has used those same bones to go from nothing to something. He started below scratch -- born in a rugged cow town (Stephenville, Texas) that didn't even have a golf course. His parents didn't play golf and discouraged him from doing so. He was so small other kids made fun of him. On top of that -- he was lefthanded...at a time when there were no lefthanded golf clubs. So he learned to play right handed.

When he was 9 his daddy killed himself with a .38 revolver. Not only did he not finish high school, he never won a single amateur golf tournament. In spite of that, he turned pro at 17 and joined the tour, but ran out of money and was forced to return home a failure. At 23 he played in his first U.S. Open and missed the cut. At 26, he was down to his last $8 when a thief stole all four tires off his car, leaving him stranded on the road.

Through his first four U.S. Open attempts, his best was a tie for sixty-second. Through almost nine years as a pro -- he did not win a tournament.

At 30, when most golfers are in their prime, he was drafted into military service. At 36, he was in a horrible auto accident in which he fractured his pelvis and broke his collarbone. Physicians told him he would never walk again, much less play golf again. He ignored their prediction and returned to the game.

The man never became a television commentator, never played the senior tour, and never wore a logo on his hat or cap. He never had a teacher, a manager, an agent, or a sports psychologist...and his total career earnings amounted to less than $210,000.

Despite these setbacks, disappointments, and failures, by the time he retired, Ben Hogan had won 64 tournaments and established a reputation for pure-ball striking unapproached by anyone during his day. He finished with nine major tournament wins and is in the Golf Hall of Fame.

Whether or not you're into golf or any other sport is irrelevant. The point is we're all into a journey...a journey from here to eternity. The trip is full of responses, choices, and decisions.

Dream big...don't let anybody or anything break your wish bone.

Stay strong, full of faith, courageous...whatever you determine to accomplish will take a healthy back bone.

And don't forget to laugh and enjoy the journey. Funny bones aren't nice options; they're essential equipment during your trip.

Old friend Robert said, "“A sense of humor is the best indicator that you will recover; it is often the best indicator that people will love you. Sustain that and you have hope."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

One of the "Happy Days" episodes that I will always remember was when the Fonz made a mistake and was faced with having to say he was sorry to Richie. Each time he would build up his courage to say he was "wrong" -- but as he got ready to say the word his mouth wouldn't allow him to formulate the word -- no matter how hard he tried.

The reason why was that the Fonz was never "wrong" - or so he thought. He did his best to say "wrooooooooogggggg" -- but it never would come out clearly.

The fact is - we all make mistakes and to those we have offended -- we need to seek their forgiveness. When I get myself straightened out - then maybe I will be qualified to help someone else.

I believe I have lived long enough to be qualified to say the following.

Because we all fail at times in life -- I believe it should be our posture in life to be willing to forgive before we condemn. I agree that those in the limelight have a little more responsibility as to their actions, but we all fail no matter the size of our audience.

As we approach the Easter celebration, it seems that we live in a world where forgiveness is not a high priority in life.

There is one sin -- one failure that is doing more to hold back the power of God the lives and hearts of Christians more than any other sin -- and that is the sin of an unforgiving spirit.

Mark Twain once said, "Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."

I have found that 'forgiveness' is a word that applies to me in seeking and granting it. There are times that I have to seek the forgiveness of those I have offended. At other times, I must grant forgiveness to those who request it from me. Pity the person who does neither, who thinks they have wronged no one or are above righting a wrong they may have created.

The key is forgetting -- not remembering. Because every time you forgive a person -- you are to forget -- so if they sin against you -- it would be as if it were only the first time. Isn't that the way it with the Lord? At least you better hope it is!

It is quite possible that some of you have never received the full pardon and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is possible that you are not able to forgive others because you have not received God's forgiveness in your own life.

My late mother's favorite Bible verse was: ''And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.''

As we soon celebrate Easter, shouldn't we be reminded of those eternal words spoken in love from the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Those words still echo across the heavenly skies and down to the valley of despair.

Old friend Robert said, "Forgiveness reflects the highest human virtue, because it so clearly reflects the character of God. A person who forgives is a person who emulates godly character."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

One of the great historic shrines in our country is the Alamo. But you don't have to be a Texan to be proud of what happened there.

In 1836, the Mexican General Santa Ana, led 4,000 troops against the Alamo. The Alamo was defended by 200 Texans. Although they were outnumbered 20-to-1 -- the Texans held out for 13 days. In the end, not a man in the Alamo remained alive.

Several years ago -- an oil-rich Sheik tried to buy the Alamo. It seemed he wanted to give it to his son for a wedding present. The Sheik was informed that the Alamo was not for sale - not for any price.

You know - some things should not be for sale. In fact - every one of us should have something that is not for sale. Like -- integrity, character, and honesty.

When I was growing up -- there used to be an expression - "If the creek don't rise." That was a mild type of commitment.

But the phrase "If the creek don't rise" was related more to the commitments we were willing to make in life.

In other words -- I'll do a certain thing "If the creek don't rise."

I found out early in life not to count on people who are not willing to make a more meaningful commitment than this.

For creeks do rise -- you can count on it!

In order for life to be meaningful -- we are to honor our commitments.

The Texans at the Alamo made a life commitment. They took their stand despite the odds and the outcome. They were willing to stand together regardless of what the creek did.

The above words certainly apply to all who have been on a journey for a long time.

You can't buy integrity, character, and honesty. Those three words can be greatly tested when we are facing a rising creek. In the end -- it is commitment that will either win out or be compromised. And above all - our integrity, character, and honesty should never have a price tag!

Old friend Robert said, "“I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.”

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I entered the next faze of my life 15 years ago when my grand-twins entered the world via my oldest daughter and her husband. They were born on September 25, 2006.

Actually, I came close to missing them altogether when I got Bacterial Meningitis and wasn't given a 20 percent chance to walk out of St. Luke's Hospital.

But 12 days later I miraculously walked out and shortly afterward my daughter revealed on Mother's Day that two precious miracles were coming our way.

Then Cooper and Kayla were born after only 25 weeks at 2.4 lbs. each. Another miracle as today, 15-years later, they are both healthy and normal teenagers.

On December 29, 2015, my youngest son and his wife welcomed Graham William Davis into the world.

As time has passed by -- six more bundles of joy have made their presence known and felt -- making it five boys and four girls.

I've had the joy of holding them all during the sleeping part and then giving them up when it is time to let them eat or change the diaper. I've done my time after four of my own children.

I've learned that my job is to feed them full of sugar and then turn them back in to mom and dad. It is called, "Parents revenge!"

As I have held each of them, I began to think about how lucky they are.

They will get to experience all them new things.

They are going to climb a tree, wade in a water puddle, run through the yard, feel the wind in their face, or ride a tricycle/bicycle. ALL THEM NEW THINGS!

My grand-twins have got to do all those new things with Pops like going to the Monster Jam at NRG Stadium. Now -- they are 15 and are learning to drive. Lord help us!

I've decided the next time some of the critters come to my house when it is raining -- we are going to go outside and run through the rain. I want them to remember the day Pops took them outside to get soak and wet in the rain.

Mercy -- we aren't so sweet -- we aren't going to melt!

Pops has a magic drawer at his house that the little ones always have to open when they come over. Lots of goodies in the drawer just for them.

Each of them get to experience the magic drawer. ALL THEM NEW THINGS!

As I get older, I never want to let the excitement of life pass me by. I still want to experience ALL THEM NEW THINGS! Won't you join me! Life is too short to waste!

Old friend Robert said, "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I'm afraid that in our society, we have gotten so caught up in our positions, our notoriety, our image...that we have forgotten how to deal with those that honestly seek our help.

I remember speaking in the schools in Lubbock and a 14-year-old girl came up to me to visit. She had already had an abortion...had attempted suicide...and had recently lost her father in death as he was successful with his suicide attempt. There was no standard "speech" to be given to this girl as she was honestly searching for some answers.

I watch a show called Undercover Boss which reveals those who live in high society, run multi-billion dollar corporations, and don't associate with the common laborer, but get a reality check regarding those who make this world go around.

If you have never watched it -- each episode features the CEO of one of America's major corporations. As each boss places himself/herself in the shoes of those that work for them -- they not only realize that they can't do even the simple tasks of the company, but they discover the heartaches and challenges of their employees working in the trenches so the CEO can make all of that money.

At some point in the show - the CEO is broken to tears when they hear of the every day struggles of their employees.

We live in a hurting world. No matter where we walk in life - we are constantly running into people who are going through some traumatic times.

There is a humorous story regarding Henry Ford and Charlie Steinmetz. Steinmetz was a dwarf; ugly and deformed, but he had one of the greatest minds in the field of electricity that the world had ever known. Steinmetz built the great generators for Ford in his first plant in Dearborn, Michigan. One day - those generators broke down and the plant came to a halt. After others had failed to fix the generators - Ford called Steinmetz. The genius came, seemed to putter around for a few hours, and then threw the switch that put the great Ford plant back in operation.

A few days later - Henry Ford received a bill from Steinmetz for $10,000. Although Ford was a very rich man, he returned the bill with a note. "Charlie, isn't this bill just a little high for a few hours of tinkering around on those motors?"

Steinmetz returned the bill to Ford and wrote: "For tinkering around on the motors - $10. For knowing where to tinker: $9,990. Total: $10,000." Henry Ford paid the bill!

As we go through life -- I am often reminded of those that I call my friends. It may not occur very often, but occasionally I will run into a situation that I don't know how to handle and I will call on one of them to help because they know where to tinker in life that makes things run smooth again.

Perhaps you will have an opportunity this week to be one of those true friends.

Old friend Robert said, "True friends are those we can count on that will help us make it through life."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

There was a little six-year-old boy who loved to ride his bicycle. He especially loved to ride his bicycle by going from his driveway and crossing the street to the neighbor's driveway. His parents had warned him that this was dangerous and that he shouldn't do it because he could get hit by a car.

One day, not paying attention to his parents' warnings, he was fatally struck by a car in front of his home. Obviously, his parents were heartbroken. Jason was tragically gone from his family.

A few days after the funeral, the little girl who lived next door was out in her yard playing. She had played with Jason almost every day. She decided to go next door to visit with Jason's mother.

The little girl's mother, who was doing her housework, looked out the window to check on her little girl. Unable to see her in the yard, she walked out on the front porch just about the time her little five-year-old was walking around the bushes from the house where Jason lived.

She waited until her daughter came up to the house and then asked, "Where did you go?" The little girl said, "I went over to Jason's house." The mother, thinking her daughter didn't understand about death said, "Honey, Jason doesn't live there anymore." Her daughter immediately responded, "Oh, I know. I just went to talk to Jason's mother."

The mother thought, "What could my little girl possibly say to comfort Jason's mother?" She said, "Sweetheart, what did you say to her?"

The little girl said, "Oh mother, I didn't say anything to her. I just crawled up into her lap and cried with her."

Sharing in the personal disappointments in the lives of others is very important. Especially in the loss of a loved one.

Or it may be a time of heartache when circumstances change in a person's life.

I think we all go through all of life asking others, "How are you doing?" They ask, "How are you doing?" and we all answer with the standard "Fine!"

Have you ever asked someone how they were doing and you didn't really want to know, but they decided to tell you anyway? And we quickly try to excuse ourselves while thinking, "Why did I ask that?"

When we come to that place in life that we really care -- we won't be afraid to ask how someone is doing. Life is too short to travel through life without reaching out to others. And, who knows, there may be someone who is just waiting for you to really care so they can share their pain.

We may not always have the answer to the "Why's" in life -- but we can let people know that we care and understand.

Old friend Robert said, "The world doesn't care that you know -- until first -- they know that you care."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I have been reading a book entitled: Surviving Friendly Fire. The beginning was intriguing as the author shared a true story regarding Captain Jim Wang. He was being court-martialed for twenty-six friendly fire deaths.

Time Magazine recorded the incident.

"As the two helicopters sliced through the blue skies over northern Iraq last Thursday, a U.S. Air Force AWACS reconnaissance plane picked them up on radar. The AWACS crew immediately radioed a pair of U.S. F-15C fighters and asked them to take a closer look. The crews of the fighters flew past the choppers and identified them as Russian-made Hinds flown by the Iraqi military. The fateful, terse order came back from the AWACS to fire. Moments later, the blasted helicopters, each of them struck by an air-to-air missile, plummeted to the ground.

As horrified Pentagon officials quickly discovered, however, the two choppers were not Hinds, but U.S. Black Hawks. On board were 26 allied military and civilian officials...The accident virtually wiped out the leadership of the allied Military Coordination Center."

The magazine went on to say that "lives lost to friendly fire are a devastating cost of battle. Almost one-fourth of the 148 American combat deaths in the Gulf War resulted from some accidental assault by their own side. The Pentagon established a Fratricide Task Force to develop ways to avoid such accidents."

Of the six air force officers investigated, only Captain Wang was court-martialed. He was acquitted of all charges on June 20, 1995.

We have already heard of such incidents in recent months that have tragically occurred on foreign soil from military reports.

While the above example is the extreme -- it is no less true in communities when people, who are supposed to be friends and neighbors, engage in cruel and hideous acts of hurt through their words and actions.

And yes, it applies to the sporting world on a local level.

A parent is dissatisfied that their son or daughter isn't given a fair shake (in their eyes) to make the team or doesn't get enough playing time -- so the result is to criticize the coach and relish (deep inside) when the team isn't successful. Yet -- the team is a reflection of the community -- but the coach is a victim of friendly fire.

After 24 years of covering all different kinds of sports in the Friendswood/Pearland communities -- I have heard various tales of disgruntled parents and kids who take out their hostilities on those who have the task of guiding our future leaders of America.

The list certainly includes those associated with the school administration, teachers, counselors, band directors, cheerleading, drill team, and the list could go on. Yet -- those are the people that are on the firing line while others take cheap shots to wound those who have dedicated their lives to help make others successful in life.

Lewis Smedes said, "If you live long enough, chances are you'll be hurt by someone you counted on to be your friend...When we invest ourselves in deep personal relationships, we open our souls to the wounds of another's disloyalty or even betrayal."

The hurt and shock of such action won't disappear immediately, but getting some insight on those who fire away might provide some peace of mind.

Old friend Robert said, "A phrase might provide some insight for those who have been wounded by friendly fire. The phrase? Hurt people - hurt people. Think about it!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

"Where's the remote? Has anyone seen the remote?" Ever heard that question? Sure you have. We live in a society that can't function without a remote control.

Ever notice when the battery gets weak in the remote that instead of putting in new batteries -- we just mash the buttons harder and slap the remote around?

Sure - I am old enough that there was no such thing as a remote for the television set. That's right! We actually had to get up and walk to the television to change the channel to either NBC, CBS, or ABC.

In fact - we didn't have a color TV growing up. My dad fell for the plastic color screen that you taped over the TV screen. That's right - green at the top, red in the middle, blue at the bottom -- which meant people had green faces, red clothes, and blue feet. But someone made millions of dollars - probably Ron Popell - the Ronco guy! He went from that to selling you 999 knives for $39.95.

There was no FOX, ESPN, HBO, TV Land, Cartoon Network, MTV, and 140 other channels that are now available.

We settled in on one channel and watched the program. Back in the day it was almost a Saturday night ritual for most homes in America to watch Gunsmoke. Of course we were also attached to Bonanza and the Cartwrights on the Ponderosa. I was always fascinated when the map burned up on the screen at the start of the show.

On Monday night came the television series when David Jansen starred as Dr. Richard Kimble in the hit series The Fugitive (ABC, 1963-1967). That's right - they chased him for five years before the final episode to discover his innocence.

The remote control society has developed to say a lot about who we are as a society and as individuals.

We love to be in control, to push all the buttons, to mute others when needed, to turn others up or down. There is something about this modern television device that says a lot about us.

We live in a culture that is increasingly opposed to what we believe and one that is busy at work to re-educate young minds away from traditional moral values.

If you don't believe that - remember Maury Povich? Can you imagine getting up every day and going to the television studio to deal with women who have no idea who is the father of their children? You would think one or two programs and that is all the people they could find. Not true! Day after day Maury dealt with the same thing while revealing lie detector tests on men who say they haven't cheated.

What does this say about our society? Here are three truths that speak about our remote control society.

I. Principle #1 — don’t give in — be resistant The tendency is to give in to the culture around us and to go its way.

II. Principle #2 — don’t give up — be consistent The tendency is to be overcome, overrun by the culture and simply to give up on trying to uphold basic principles of living right. It is not enough to simply be resistant; we must also be consistent.

III. Principle #3 — don’t give out — be persistent We need to engage our culture and make a difference in this world. Why is it that we so often give in, or give up, or give out? Could it be because of the remote control syndrome, that tendency we have to want to control everything?

Persistence is the key to everything we do in life.

Old friend Robert said, "Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

This is the time of the year when football fanatics are in the prime of their life. Bowl games have been on almost every channel and most are watching two at a time while putting a couple more on their DVR.

There seems to be one thing that happens during the course of a game that really gets to me. That's when a quarterback throws a perfect pass to his receiver -- only to watch him drop the ball. Or to see a defensive back who breaks on a pass and has a pick six, but fails to catch the ball and misses an opportunity to score a touchdown for his team.

The reason I mention this is because we are all going to drop the ball in 2022. I'm talking about making mistakes. Doing the wrong thing, usually with the best of motives. And it happens with remarkable regularity.

What really bothers me is when someone points out our failures, but then expects you to be more forgiving when they fail. Ever meet anyone like that? I can assure you I have!

In a book entitled: The Incomplete Book of Failures by Stephen Pile -- the author shares such things as: the least successful weather report, the worst computer, the slowest selling book, the worst aircraft, the ugliest building ever constructed, and some of the worst statements...proven wrong in time. Some of those statements were:

• "Far too noisy, my dear Mozart. Far too many notes" ~ The Emperor Ferdinand after the first performance of The Marriage of Figaro.
• "If Beethoven's Seventh Symphony is not by some means abridged, it will soon fall into disuse." ~ Philip Hale, Boston music critic, 1837.
• "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out." ~ Decca Recording Company when turning down the Beatles in 1962.
• "You will never amount to very much." ~ A Munich schoolmaster to Albert Einstein, age 10.

The truth is -- all of us will blow it in 2022. Instead of being the designated critic -- be the one who helps pull someone up when they fall. We must take the risk to make mistakes. We must have the courage to start again. It is better to get up when knocked down! Some anonymous writer penned these words:

   To stand up than to stay down!
   To keep on than to give up!
   To hold on than to drop out!
   To move on than to roll over!
   No one is beaten until he quits,
   No one is through till he stops.
   No matter how hard failure hits,
   No matter how often he drops,
   A fellow is not down till he lies
   In the dust and refuses to rise.
   Fate may bang him around
   And batter him till he is sore,
   But it is never said that he's down
   While he bobs up for more.
   A fellow is not dead till he dies,
   Nor done till he no longer tries.

Old friend Robert said, "So then - whenever one of us blows it and we can't hide it...how about a little support from those who haven't been caught yet?"

Opps - correction. How about a lot of support?

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

One thing I have a hard time with is being around people who seem to be so miserable. Do you know what I mean? When I think of that first sentence -- my mind immediately goes to a couple I saw a little over a year ago at a sporting event. I don't know their names - but I have never seen them smile, but I sure have seen and heard how miserable they are by the way they have talked to others -- especially people they don't know.

I am a firm believer in laughter and making others laugh. It seems that no matter where I go -- I find myself around people who feel the same way. Yet - when those who are miserable enter the room -- they continue to wear that scowl on their face and it doesn't take long for them to feel uneasy in their surroundings and leave.

Someone once said, "If you say you are happy -- then make sure you tell your face so others will know it."

I love the word "joy" and it should translate into happiness. But I have also learned that "joy" is an inside job. There is no way that you can express outward joy unless it begins inside your heart. You can't manufacture it. You certainly can't be in a room full of people who have joy and try to fool others because those who have inside joy can spot a fake a mile away.

My mother-in-law is named Joy. My oldest daughter is named LeJoy - which means "The Joy!" And both have been a joy to my life for many years.

I have spent years collecting things that "I've learned..." Perhaps a few more will bring joy and peace to your life.

  • I've learned...That money doesn't buy class.

  • I've learned...That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

  • I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

  • I've learned...That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

  • I've learned...That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

  • I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.

  • I've learned...That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

  • I've learned...That there's nothing sweeter than holding your grandbabies and feeling their breath on your cheek.

  • I've learned...That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

  • I've learned...That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

  • I've learned...That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

  • I've learned...That I can choose how I feel.

  • I've learned...That when your newly born child holds your little finger in its little fist, that you're hooked for life.

Old friend Robert said, "Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs in the valley."

I trust that you are experience great blessing at the start of a new year. May 2022 be your greatest year ever as you continue to learn life's lessons.

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

There was a debate several years ago regarding the Instant Replay in the NFL. Some were for it and some wanted to let the chips fall where they may with the officials on the field being the deciding factor. The NFL owners (who make the decision to use it) obviously worked out a feasible plan that has been received by most coaches and players. Speaking of Instant Replay.

If you had a chance to change (replay) some things that you did in 2021 -- what would you change?

Everyone goes through the process of making New Year's resolutions and we joke about how they won't last very long. The truth is -- we may joke about various resolutions, but deep in our heart, we long to change or adjust some attitudes, actions, or habits that we don't like about ourselves that have caused us to replay over and over in our minds. Here are a few changes that you might consider:

Be more patient

How easy it is to be impatient at the store, in traffic, or in our daily activities in life. I am always amazed at how people get flustered. Those who get ticked because the waiter/waitress doesn't immediately take their order when an eatery is busy. Those who huff and puff when the lines are too long at Wal-Mart, Kroger's, or Randall's or wherever you choose to shop.

Be more forgiving

We know we should and we know it is right, but there are a lot of people carrying a heavy load of revenge around their neck. Bitterness and resentment is not healthy -- nor is it right. Yet -- it seems that so many live with an "I'll get even with you" kind of attitude. One thing I have come to realize is that when you forgive, you not only set someone free, but you set yourself free. It is like paying off a debt. You no longer owe anything.

Be more giving

When you forgive -- I believe that the natural response is to then give. In life - there are the "givers" and the "takers." I can tell you that giving is a lot more fun and it isn't limited to just Christmas. I have met the takers in life and they are no fun to be around -- they always move on to someone else to fleece them.

Recently, someone sent me the following sayings that I wanted to pass on to you.
   1. The best way to get even is to forget.
   2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.
   3. Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in six days, then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea!
   4. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.
   5. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.
   6. Words are windows to the heart.
   7. A skeptic is a person who, when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery.
   8. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.
   9. The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.
  10. To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.
  11. You have to wonder about humans, they think God is dead and Elvis is alive!
  12. "You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck."

Old friend Robert said, "It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Occasionally - someone sends me something that I find very touching and think it is worth sharing. We have just celebrated Thanksgiving which should put us in the giving spirit to bless others as Christmas time approaches. Perhaps this experience by a Hospice physician from Denver, Colorado will make you more aware of the needs of others.

He writes:

I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5:00 p.m., stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "Quickie Mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with three kids in the back (one in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought two big bags of food, some gift certificates for more food, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left two months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent January 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken with in about five years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings."

If you have a special experience this Christmas season - drop me a line and let me know. Others need to be blessed as well. It is my prayer that God will bless you in a special way this Christmas. Don't forget the reason for the season!

Old friend Robert said, “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

When I was in college many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting someone who was very well known in America for something that he decided to do that was very unusual and unique. In fact -- during the latter years in the '60's -- he was on almost every television network while speaking to hundreds of churches and thousands of students on the college campus.

This man carried the cross around the world in every nation and is listed in the Guinness World Records for the world's longest walk over 43,000 miles, through 324 countries and major island groups for 42 years. He first began carrying the cross in 1968.

When he came to my college town, I had the opportunity to sit down with him for a meal as his journey had only been going on for a couple of years. While listening to him, a question came to my mind.

I asked Arthur Blessitt, "What was the greatest obstacle that was in his long hike across the country," and he gave a pretty surprising answer. He said, "The little pebbles I got in my shoes."

Has that ever happened to you? Put on your shoes or sandals and one of those little sand pebbles finds its way in your shoe and begins to cause a little pain. And it won't go away until you take your shoe off and shake out the little stone.

In 1982, Blessitt decided to carry the cross with his son, Joshua, through the war in Lebanon. He shares, "We walked through two blocks of land mines and into West Beirut we were carrying our big crosses. Guns were pointed toward us. We waved and smiled and put Jesus stickers on the PLO and Moslem forces guns. Our fearless love and openness melted the hearts by the power of Jesus and within half an hour Yasser Arafat came to see us!"

There are days that I reflect on the way that our lives touch others. I can assure you that I have never met anyone else that felt the call to carry a cross around the world like Arthur Blessitt. He was one of the most unique individuals I had ever met in my young college days.

Arthur Blessitt is now 81 years old and lives in Denver, Colorado. He still takes part is some walks.

But when I think of that little stone that gets in my shoe -- I think about the little things that affect our lives.

And we all experience the aggravation of those little pebbles; the car trouble, the sick child, an inconvenient illness, the appliance on the blink, the banking problems, the office politics, those little injustices, or the unexpected expense. Often these little stresses do more to rob us of our peace than the big crises.

We know we can't fight a giant by ourselves. So we lose, not to huge temptations or overwhelming problems, but to flat tires and the flu, to bills and bad traffic.

1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you."

Old friend Robert said, "There is someone who cares for your little pebbles and big boulders in life. Don't forget that!"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Have you found it difficult to believe a coach who tells you that they aren't leaving their university when their name is being rumored that they are the next coach of another school?

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, or should I say, former coach, had been rumored as taking the head coaching job at LSU after former head coach Ed Orgeron agreed that this would be his last season.

"I'm not going to be the next head coach at LSU. Next question," the Oklahoma Sooners coach said flatly on Saturday night, via ESPN.

Riley, 38, was becoming an increasingly popular name linked to the LSU job with reports that a sizable offer had already been made and even a report Saturday night that a verbal agreement was in place. Billy Embody of 247Sports wrote Thursday that some in Oklahoma were "sweating" the possibility that Riley was headed to Baton Rouge. Barring a change of heart, that won't be happening.

However, it has now been revealed that Riley is heading to California be the head coach at USC.

Riley was the fifth-highest paid head coach this season with a $7.672 million dollar salary at Oklahoma.

Riley had a 55-10 overall record and a 37-7 mark in Big 12 play while at Oklahoma. The Sooners have made the College Football Playoff four times, but they still have not made a national title game appearance.

Even if a coach limits discussions to a select few, his inner circle quickly becomes crowded.

There's the coach's family, his assistant coaches and their families, the athletic director, the school president, the future athletic director and school president, the players and recruits.

There's also a coach's agent, the regents, boosters and office workers.

Notice no mention of fans.

This explains the beauty of having a search committee of one.

And when a coach is in the process of leaving, he does all he can publicly to imply that he's staying. This leads to hollow quotes (with hidden meanings): Kind of like those GEICO commercials.

"My plans are to be here" (Those plans might be changing).
"I love these kids and this school" (I'm willing to love new kids at a new school).
"I have no intention of hurting this program" (That doesn't mean it won't happen).
"I'm preparing for our next game" (I'm also preparing for my next job).
"I will coach this team next year" (Our bowl game is in January).
"I already have a job" (And I'm about to have a new one).
"I like my job" (I'll like my next job, too).
"I have not spoken to another school about a job" (But my agent has).

So is there a perfect way to say good-bye?

Not sure - but we certainly know there are ways not to do it.

It seems that coaches who leave always lie to the ones they are leaving, but not to the ones they are joining. But it does have a way to come back and bite you in the behind.

Since I am originally from Oklahoma -- I probably am more sensitive to coach Riley choosing to leave at this time. I guess it is better to leave while you are on top than when the boosters and fans are trying to run you out of town.

Old friend Robert said, "A champion makes his own luck. A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

I believe Thanksgiving can be a time of reflection for all the blessings we have received over the past year. I trust you will be able to think about some things that have deep meaning in your life.

As I get older -- I still am amazed at the wisdom of some of our young future leaders. Consider this:

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but fewer solutions; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble getting along with our neighbors.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner peace; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom."

No matter how old we get -- there are still lessons to learn from others. I read this in an article.

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

These are words of wisdom that deserve our serious consideration.

Old friend Robert said, "I am too blessed to be stressed! The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything."

May you each have a blessed Thanksgiving!

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

There's been a lot talk in recent months about wearing masks. ''Masking Up'' has been encouraged in some places while being required in other places. Then there are those who have found a way to make a profit during this pandemic by creating ''specialty masks.''

Space doesn't allow me to describe all the specialty masks now available, but in addition to your favorite sports team mask for adults, children and babies, here are a few more:

Rhinestone masks, Sequins mask, Mustache mask, Cappuccino 3D mask, the Old Glory mask, Tie Dye mask, Going to Church mask with pearls. The company's motto is, ''If you have to wear a mask, then wear a pretty one.''

Here's a few more you may find interesting: Wedding mask and a funeral mask. The only person at the funeral not required to wear a mask is laying in the coffin!

Pre-Covid, if you walked into a bank wearing a mask you'd get arrested. If you walk into a bank today not wearing a mask you get accosted. My, how things have changed. But what if I told you that wearing a mask isn't anything new?

How many of you grew up watching that masked man: The Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto? Every episode began with the Lone Ranger on his horse Silver, rearing up on his hind legs with the Lone Ranger saying, ''Hi-yo Silver.'' And off they would ride to rescue someone in trouble!

And then there were the cape-crusaders: Batman and Robin. They too wore masks. Batgirl wore a mask. Captain Marvel wore a mask. Iron Man wore a mask. Wolverine wore a mask. Zorro wore a mask. Spiderman wore a mask! Darth Vader wore a mask! Even Hannibal Lecter wore a mask, kind of. There was even a movie entitled ''The Mask'' with Jim Carrey.

Now let me ask you a question: why all the masks? Why do you suppose they wore masks? What's the purpose in wearing a mask? To cover something up! Right?

We might associate the word "Hypocrite" with a mask.

Hypocrite means to speak from under. It originated from the Greek and Roman dramas when actors put on a mask to play various characters and spoke from underneath it. Over time, a hypocrite became known as a person who puts on a mask pretending or acting to be something or someone else in the effort to hide what or who they really were.

If we are honest, we all have been hypocrites at one time or another. It is hard not to be. How often are we different in public than we are in private? How often are we different on the inside then we seem on the outside? How often do we say one thing and do another? How often do we wear a ''mask'' to hide who we really are? Whether it be to win the approval of others or to make us feel better about ourselves, we act in a way that we think will best serve our agenda and help us get what we want. We have been living this way for so long that at times we seem enslaved to it.

Perhaps during this time we are going through as a nation and a community -- we can seek to be more transparent and take off our masks as a human being and let others know how much we care about them and their needs.

Old friend Robert said, "Love has a powerful way of removing the mask we all insist on wearing."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

It is hard to believe that school has started and that the fall sports season has begun. Hundreds of area athletes have already reported to their various high school sports programs preparing to do their very best as they represent their family, school, and community.

I made a commitment many years ago that if one or more of my four children wanted to participate in competitive sports, I was going to be totally supportive of their decision, but I would remain silent and supportive of the respective coaches.

I guess that comes from the example my parents set when I played in high school and college.

My mom and dad would attend each game, watch me play, and then go home. They were never vocal, they never chastised a coach, nor did they ever berate a coach when I got home. I can honestly say that my folks never criticized any of my coaches at any level.

There were people who watched me play who didn't even know my parents. Only their close friends knew where they sat and who their son was on a given Friday night in high school or on a Saturday in college.

As the 2021 sports season approaches, it would be a good idea for parents to be totally supportive of their young men and women. This also includes being supportive of the coaches who are committed to your student-athlete.

While all of us want to see our teams win, it is equally important to maintain a consistent level of support for each student-athlete and their coaches. No team goes out to intentionally lose. A strong support base of love and faithfulness is essential for all involved. You will be a lot happier if you look at the whole picture and maintain a sense of decency and self-control.

Also - don't forget about those who participate in the band, cheerleaders, drill team, cross country, volleyball, tennis, and other organizations. They also sweat in this sweltering heat and spend countless hours preparing for their time in the spotlight or competing for their respective high schools..

I am excited as the fall sports season begins. I want every student-athlete to be successful. But remember -- they are students, first -- and then athletes. So wear your team's colors and spirit clothing with pride -- support each of the young men and women who are participating -- and enjoy this time of the year. There is nothing better than being a part of the high school sports scene.

Old friend Robert said, "I think I can smell the popcorn and hear the band playing now! Won't you join me?"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

What’s the deal with all these coffee shops popping up on every corner? In America, you can’t find a gas station for two miles, but you will hit a dozen coffee shops while you’re looking.

I am a coffee drinker. When I was growing up, coffee only cost 25 cents more than a glass of water. Now that we have learned how to bottle water, it costs as much as a cup of coffee. I occasionally go to places like Starbuck’s though you need a small loan to afford even their smallest drink.

However, I think I have their pricing system figured out. In fact, I can predict within 10 cents what something in these coffee shops costs. They base their system on words: the more foreign words you use to order it, the more the drink costs.

Any drink with the word “latté” will cost you $3.50. “Latté” is a foreign word for “milk.” At a local truck stop, you can get a cup of coffee with milk for $1.25. You can also get a cup of coffee without milk for $1.25. This same truck stop will also refill your coffee cup as many times you want at no extra cost.

At Starbuck’s, a cup of coffee with “latté” will cost you an extra $2.25—just for using the word. If you add more foreign words like “mocha” or “Frappuccino” to your order, you are talking about a cost roughly equivalent to the annual budget of a small third-world country.

These drinks have become a status symbol for today’s generation. Young people today can’t drink plain truck stop coffee; they need “Espresso Macchiato.”

Each coffee shop has a daily special, usually based around a coffee bean from some place you have never heard of. Of course, the place you have never heard of costs you another $1.25. The special of the day is grown in a valley just down hill from a goat farm, giving it that rich, country flavor. Since you don’t want to feel like an idiot there in the front of the line, you order it anyway, lift the mug with your little finger extended like a lightning rod, smile at everyone around, and sip an earthy fluid that tastes something like oil drained from your lawnmower.

Our children are growing up in a “cappuccino mocha espresso latté” world.

In fact - my daughter, Lexis, loves Christmas because she knows I will get her a gift card from Starbuck's. We began this when she was 15. Now she is 30 -- but I still continue this little tradition. She wasn't disappointed as she got her card this past Christmas. She said, "I knew it!" when she saw that small envelope on the tree.

While I love to go to India -- I have never been fond of their coffee...so I drink their hot tea which is wonderful. I have enjoyed coffee in Hawaii, Buenos Aires, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, Rome, Switzerland, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Manila, and many other cities around the world.

My most fond memory of drinking coffee was with my grandmother when she would pour the coffee in a cup and then pour a little in the saucer. She would cool it down and then make that sipping sound that drives people crazy. Now that she is gone -- I miss that sound -- one that I have remembered since I was a little boy.

I'm glad Lexis and I can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee together. Perhaps it will be a memory she will carry for the rest of her life when I am gone...though it is probably something she doesn't think about now.

I guess each of our children needs to have something special to remember about their mom or dad.

Now that I have finished this column, I can sit back and enjoy another cup of coffee. It is a new flavor, “Fungus Among Us,” and it’s from some country whose name I can’t even pronounce. I got it cheap from a discount store. Guess I had better save some money so I can afford some kind of "Latte" with my daughter.

Old friend Robert said, "Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?"

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Every thought about all the different towns in Texas? Someone sent this information to me that I thought was interesting. This is just a sample -- will try to share more another time about our great state. Hope you enjoy.

Just Texas
Pep, Texas 79353
Smiley, Texas 78159
Paradise, Texas 76073
Rainbow, Texas 76077
Sweet Home, Texas 77987
Comfort, Texas 78013
Friendship, Texas 76530

Love the sun?
Sun City, Texas 78628
Sunrise, Texas 76661
Sunset, Texas 76270
Sundown, Texas 79372
Sunray, Texas 79086
Sunny Side, Texas 77423

Want something to eat?
Bacon, Texas 76301
Noodle, Texas 79536
Oatmeal, Texas 78605
Turkey, Texas 79261
Trout, Texas 75789
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Salty, Texas 76567
Rice, Texas 75155
Pearland, Texas 77581
Orange, Texas 77630

And top it off with:
Sweetwater, Texas 79556

Why travel to other cities? Texas has them all!
Detroit, Texas 75436
Cleveland, Texas 75436
Colorado City, Texas 79512
Denver City, Texas 79323
Klondike, Texas 75448
Pittsburg, Texas 75686
Newark, Texas 76071
Nevada, Texas 75173
Memphis, Texas 79245
Miami, Texas 79059
Boston, Texas 75570
Santa Fe, Texas 77517
Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861
Reno, Texas 75462
Pasadena, Texas 77506
Columbus, Texas 78934

Feel like traveling outside the country?
Athens, Texas 75751
Canadian, Texas 79014
China, Texas 77613
Dublin, Texas 76446
Egypt, Texas 77436
Ireland, Texas 76538
Italy, Texas 76538
Turkey, Texas 79261
London, Texas 76854
New London, Texas 75682
Paris, Texas 75460
Palestine, Texas 75801

We even have a city named after our planet!
Earth, Texas 79031

Exhausted?
Energy, Texas 76452

Cold?
Blanket, Texas 76432
Winters, Texas 79567

For the kids...
Kermit, Texas 79745
Elmo, Texas 75118
Nemo, Texas 76070
Tarzan, Texas 79783
Winnie, Texas 77665
Sylvester, Texas 79560

Old friend Robert said, "Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called 'walking."

E-mail: drdaviddavis@yahoo.com

Website: www.reporternewssports.com

Twitter: @drdavis111

Archived stories of "From the Cluttered Desk..."
January 8, 2019 through August 4, 2021

Archived stories of "From the Cluttered Desk..."
August 1, 2017 through December 21, 2018