In memorial to Mom and Dad, beloved parents, who impressed upon their children God’s Word, to live in a way that glorifies Him.
Acknowledgements
When a youth (around age 11), my parents bought a piano. My sister enthusiastically began lessons and I volunteered to learn how to play. I quickly learned I was over my head and the eagerness to learn waned when I realized how much effort was required. Every Monday, for two years in the Fall and Spring my mom brought my sister and I to the piano tutor and I agonized over the experience. I think the tutor even talked to my mom and was sorry for taking the money my parents set aside for lessons for me. My mom seemed to be teaching me another lesson which was to persevere once I set my interest at something. I barely know the basics of music, but I know not to give up on something I begin. Hence, this work book.
Thousands of people have impacted my life in ways too numerous to expound on. I wish I could recount more people in this acknowledgement, but that would be a book in itself. Education – thankful for my teachers who impressed upon me the desire to learn. John Cazazza, Don Drexler, McCandlish Phillipps, Eugene Levy, college English professor –
The people in baseball (~25 years of my life) as a player and coach from Little League to the pros have greatly influenced me. Perhaps the most influential was Bill Monkarsh, my coach at the University of Buffalo during critical developmental years, 18-22.
“Church” has been a weekly event for most of my entire life. I’ve attended many different kinds of churches and met people of various beliefs in and out of church. The two pastors that helped me grow in the Christian faith are Jeff Gwinn and Rich Holdeman. I’ve befriended many laymen as brothers in Christ- too many to list here.
Bible Study Fellowship was part of my life 15+years in Florida and Indiana. Many men were a part of my life and helped me mature spiritually along with the disciplined study of God’s Word. The teaching leaders of the Miami, FL class (Cullen Barbier) and the Bloomington, IN class (Andy Mech) left an indelible impression upon me as godly role models.
Toastmasters International has been part of my life 15+ years. There have been innumerable people mutually supporting and encouraging one another to develop our communication and leadership skills. Every week there is uplifting, inspirational and genuine sharing going on that we learn and from one another in exponential ways.
Professional employment for me has been largely associated with Florida International University (13 years) and Indiana University (25 years) as a Recreational Sport administrator. I’ve worked with fabulous people who have enriched my life in countless ways, not in the least, to help and inspire people lead actively healthy lifestyles. The leadership and wisdom of Jackie Puterbaugh and Kathy Bayless challenged me serve others and persevere in the midst of difficulties. Mike Grannan, James O’Donnell, Tom Cox and Will Polley all added tremendous value to my employment experience and were colleagues who epitomize unselfish (/sacrificial) teamwork.
There are some people with friends whom they had since childhood. This was not the case with me although I’ve had people who touched my life with lengthy and quality friendships over the years. Friends that could be considered closer than a brother and friends that have sharpened my countenance. Steve Futscher of Miami, FL and Carl Wells of Brownstown, IN are friends who have blessed my life. Thanks be to God.
Charles, Karen, Wayne and Mark all touched my life in nurturing ways. We all scattered from home in very different directions at differing times. As siblings, we baffled our parents to the point that if they could disown us, they probably would have. Mom and Dad loved us all unconditionally. We are siblings that comprise 25 first cousins on dads side of the family and 13 first cousins on moms side.
Life charges on, ready or not; ir/responsibly. Crystal Lee, Erik Lee, Amber Lee, Scott Lee and Grant Lee have made life interesting and challenging at all times. Patience and forgiveness are constant reminders how I best summarize my ongoing relationship with them, their spouses and the beloved grandchildren.
My wife Laura