I'm Better Because of You

by Mama Rita

I had a wonderful conversation with a young couple(my godchild Courtney and her boyfriend Ron)that included the topic of relationships. Of course, as Courtney's godmother, I am listening to the conversation intently because the young man could one day became part of our "family." As always, I am impressed with my godchild's taste in "friends."

Courtney has always been the Village child that was mature, focused and intelligent, so it was no surprise when Ron shared with me that one of the things he liked about Courtney is the fact that she "made him want to be a better person." What did surprise me is that the statement caused me to really ponder the power relationships can wield on our lives. What a wonderful testament to Courtney's character that she had that kind of positive influence on someone.

I shared a summary of the conversation with Courtney's dad, Stan. And he said that he tries to make it a practice to be in relationships that inspire him to be better. He gave the example of his friendship with the other Village dads, Cedric, Luke and Tim, and how each of them influence him to be a better father, manager, golfer (OK I threw that one in there, but I am sure it would be on the list), Christian, etc.

Stan and I went on to discuss how important it is for all of the Village children to be intentional about developing relationships with those that will somehow influence them to be better and to also shun those individuals that may cause them to achieve less than their potential.

We have a great opportunity and responsibility: to live in such a way that we make others better and to also make sure we don't let others influence us in a manner that inhibits our ability to be and do our very best.

Summertime Plans?

In just a few weeks the Village young people that are in school will have completed another year of getting some book knowledge. Feels like the school year zoomed by, but I am sure some may feel the school year didn't come to an end fast enough.


I'd love to see some posts or just comments to this post about your plans for the summer. Are you taking summer courses, traveling the world, earning money, attending camps or just chillin'?


I think it would also be great to see a Village student or two provide a post about what insights they gained from the past school year, both book and life knowledge.

Speak up!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

by Mama Rita
I was happy to hear the following words from someone whose life has had several low points over the years: "I wish I had known three years ago that things were going to be so much better."

I want to remember those words for myself. We all have to "go through" some rough times. Sadly, we sometimes act as if the rough times will never end. I certainly have been guilty of that kind of thinking.

I encourage each of us to practice a lot of faith and a little perseverance the next time the hill of life feels like a never ending steep mountain. Remember The Little Engine That Could story? That little engine had faith that he could make it over the mountain and he verbalized that faith with: I think I can, I think I can.

And especially remember that God's word says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

So let's be sure to encourage each other to persevere and stand on God's word, even when the mountain seems humongous.

I think I can, because I know God can.

Everyday should be Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has traditionally been the day that people express their love for one another. Minus the commercialization (candy, cards & Cupid), people who love each other ought to express their love for one another everyday. So, just in case you don't know it (because we don't say it enough) I love each and every member of the Village...not just today, but every single day.

Why Not Meet the Parents?

by Mama Rita
Hopefully by now the Village offspring know they have four sets of parents. Which means when the offspring "date," "are in a relationship," "have a boy/girlfriend," or whatever the appropriate label may be, the significant other may well meet not one, but up to four sets of parents.

Luke, Caleb, and I took Ryan to dinner (Ryan was in town for a law student's conference) this evening. We had a delightful time. Ryan even took my side on an issue we were discussing, which goes to show you he is a very smart young man.

There should have been one more person at dinner -- Ryan's s friend, Brittany. She wasn't there because she allegedly had cookies in the oven. I suggested to Ryan that was just an excuse to avoid meeting us. Ryan explained the Village kids don't like to bring their dates around the Village parents. He referenced the young man Courtney brought to a Village event that was told to "get your own plate." Regardless of that one event, I am just baffled by the idea that Ryan and the others may feel the need to "protect" their significant others from the Village parents.

Would the Village kids please explain why they wouldn't want the people who love them oh so much to meet the young man or woman that may one day be added to the Village?

Note: Ryan's friend picked him up from the restaurant, so we had the opportunity to meet her and have a nice conversation. They make a cute couple, as can be seen in the photo above. She is cute and smart and my soror. Best of all, she bought us a Ziploc bag full of homemade sugar cookies -- fresh out of the oven!

Does the Village Connection Trickle Down?

by Mama Rita

Earlier today I was trying to decide whom I should call to get advice on how to handle a problem I am facing. Among my list of possible "counselors" members of the Village immediately came to mind. It feels nice knowing that I have close friends that I can go to and feel confident that they would be there when I need objective, wise counsel.

I don't know why, but I am wondering if the Village offspring have the same connection among each other as the parents have among themselves. I remember one of the Village young people admitted he called one of the Village adults (the particular situation required avoiding alerting his parents) when he needed some "financial assistance" at college. I also have heard the funny story when Tim was helping Brandon long distance with a college accounting class. Which means the Village young people would, when necessary, ask one of the adults for help. But do they go to each other for help, encouragement, advice? (And an occasional posting on Facebook doesn't count.) Or is that component of the Village relationship only among the adults?

In other words, does the Village Connection trickle down? Village young folks tell me how y'all connect!

Why I Love the Villagers

by Papa Luke
The travel time from St. Louis to Kansas City is four hours plus or minus an hour; so this time gives one plenty of time to reflect. I reflected recently during a recent trip over the holidays why I love these villagers. Here's a brief list.

1. No pretense. Several of the adult villagers have accomplished much. For example, one villager is Vice President of an institution that will play a prominent role in getting our country out of the recession. One villager works for a highly successful and world renowned advertising firm. And one villager is a high ranking official with the city of Kansas City. All of us come from quite modest beginnings; yet, these villagers do not parade their amazing accomplishments. (Well, I guess the only pretense is that the ladies get their gray hair covered; us men, proudly show our gray.)
2. Laughter. Our village is one in which it is safe to laugh at each other and oneself. And we all have done things that warrant laughter. Our kids certainly do this well. There are often several times when we hear hearty laughter from our kids when they get together. And they seem to really like each other.
3. Place to learn. I always learn something from the men of the village. I learn how to be a better man, father, and husband. I also learn from our kids who range in ages from 12 years to the early 20s.
4. Critical thinking kids. We all have raised our kids to be critical thinkers. The proof of this is seen clearly when engaging in conversation with the two oldest kids. When conversing with the two oldest kids of the village, one needs to be prepared to go toe-to-toe. This is not to say that our kids are saints as they all have done some stupid things (as I did when I was their age). Yet, I am proud to be called "Papa Luke" by this group of kids.