It takes personal sacrifice to communicate when conditions are right for the other person-during the meal preparation, after a date, a hurt, a victory, a disappointment, or when someone wants to share a confidence. One must be willing to forego personal convenience to invest time in establishing a firm foundation for family communication. When communication in the family seems to be bogging down, each individual should look to himself for the remedy.

Straightway is a power word. Straightway is an action word. It means immediately, without delay or hesitation. It means at once. Also, it is associated with having no curve or turn-a straight course, track, or path. Procrastination would be the very opposite of straightway. To procrastinate is to put off intentionally and habitually something that should be done. Procrastination is unproductive delay.

All of us need to be constantly reminded it takes a heap of living and loving to make a house a home.

The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch as we make our way.

A friend is a possession we earn, not a gift.

Adaptability cushions the impact of change or disappointment.

Victories in life come through our ability to work around and over the obstacles that cross our path. We grow stronger as we climb our own mountains.