Letters to My Grandchildren

Some days are just… perfect. You don’t plan for them, and you can’t recreate them. They sneak up on you and leave a permanent mark on your heart. J...

Not everyone who wants to be close to you is good for you. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Surround yourself with friends who speak truth, walk in love, and challenge you to grow. The people closest to you will shape your future—for better or worse.

Life will have  a way of knocking the wind out of you but I wanted to encourage you to take the long term view.

Bullies at school, a sudden job loss, a betrayal,  a diagnosis, a moment of panic or fear. In the short term, everything can feel like it’s falling apart. We worry. We stress. We imagine the worst.

But time has a way of clarifying things. What felt like a disaster in the moment, a week, a month, or a year later may seem much smaller. In fact, sometimes it turns out to be a turning point—something God used to grow us, correct our path, or strengthen our faith.

In a world that constantly chases after wealth, influence, and recognition, it’s easy to lose sight of what really counts. We spend years building careers, collecting possessions, and striving for status—only to find that, in the end, none of those things follow us beyond this life. What remains? According to Scripture, it’s simple and profound: love.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that conflict is unavoidable. It’s part of life—from childhood arguments with siblings to disagreements with coworkers, friends, or a spouse. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, your kids grow up and bring new forms of conflict into your life. It doesn’t matter how laid back you are (and I tend to be pretty easygoing myself), conflict will still find its way to your doorstep.

Christianity is more than head knowledge—it’s heart change. It’s not just going to church, but being the Church. It’s letting the fire of God burn so brightly in your life that others can’t help but see Him.

In a world that often confuses love with fleeting emotion or conditional affection, the Bible offers a clear and enduring definition. Nowhere is this more beautifully captured than in 1 Corinthians 13, where the Apostle Paul lays out what real, godly love looks like—patient, kind, selfless, enduring.

One of the greatest influences on your walk with God is the company you keep. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” God designed us for community, but not just any community—one built on love, truth, accountability, and shared faith

One of the most important lessons I can pass on to you is how to think about money. Not how to get rich quick. Not how to beat the system. But how to live wisely and faithfully when it comes to money—something most people struggle with their entire lives.

There’s something I want you to know deep in your heart: you were created on purpose, for a purpose. You’re not here by accident. Long before you were born, God had a plan for your life. That plan isn’t about fame, money, or chasing after what the world tells you is important. It’s about living a life that matters – a life that makes a difference.

One of the most important lessons I can pass on to you is how to think about money. Not how to get rich quick. Not how to beat the system. But how to live wisely and faithfully when it comes to money—something most people struggle with their entire lives.

As your grandfather, there’s something I want to pass on to you that is more important than money, fame, or even success in life. It’s the one thing that Jesus said matters most: love.