Listening Parents

“Your job as a parent is to listen. And to dole out as much love as you can; that includes tough love.”

~ Christie Brinkley
a.k.a Christie Lee Hudson,
Super-Model, Actress, Artist,Author & Entrepreneur

Home: Looking, Feeling & Smelling Good

“I want my home to look good, feel good, and smell good. I want it to be inclusive, to reflect the people who live there.”

~ Cindy Crawford,
Entrepreneur, Model,
Actress, & Television Personality

~ Image via Pixabay

Seeing All of Nature

“We feel we have to put concrete on every inch of land. It disturbs the ecology, and it takes away the experience of a child going out into the woods and seeing all of nature.”

~ Esther Rolle
Actress & Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special (1979)

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Thinking Forward in Faith

“To think forward, in faith, keep your focus on God’s plan for you and your family.”

~ Marilyn Hickey,
Founder – Marilyn Hickey Ministries International
& Today with Marilyn & Sarah

The Heavenly Dad’s Blessing

“You have a heritage of Blessing from your Heavenly Father; speak it over yourself and your children.”

~ Marilyn Hickey,
Founder – Marilyn Hickey Ministries International
& Today with Marilyn & Sarah

The Role of a Domestic

“I’m glad to take on the role of a domestic because many of your Black leaders, your educators, your professionals came from domestic parents who made sacrifices to see that their children didn’t go through what they did.”

~ Esther Rolle
Actress & Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special (1979)

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Fathers & Their Children

“I told them [the producers] I couldn’t compound the lie that Black fathers don’t care about their children. I was proud of the family life I was able to introduce to television.”

~ Esther Rolle
Actress & Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special (1979)

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Little Eyes are Watching

““Watch what you say and do because little eyes are watching you.””

~ Reba McEntire,
Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Record Producer, Grand Ole Opry (1986),
Grammy Awards (3X), & Country Music Hall of Fame (2011)

Maternal Health Advocates

“I became a global maternal health advocate the day I became a mother.”

~ Christy Turlington
Supermodel, Charity-Founder & Campaigner – Every Mother Counts & Filmmaker

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Heavenly Dad, Earthly Dad

“I believe the heart of the Heavenly Father is reflected in the heart of the earthly father.”

~ Nathan Lorick

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Dad’s Guidance & Protection

“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.”

~ Linda Poindexter

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A Father’s Words

“A father’s words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house.”

~ Paul Lewis

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The Quality of a Father

“The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.”

~ Reed Markham

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Who Taught Me to Value Myself?

“It was my father who taught me to value myself. He told me that I was uncommonly beautiful and that I was the most precious thing in his life.”

~ Dawn French
S

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The ‘All About Me’ Attitude

“To be a father requires patience, love and giving up the ‘all about me’ attitude.”

~ Catherine Pulsifer

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He Believed in Me

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.”

~ Jim Valvano

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Living in Gratitude

“My dad taught me that good health is all about living in gratitude.”

~ Mariska Magdolna Hargitay,
Joyful Heart Foundation – Founder & President, Actress, Miss Beverly Hills USA (1982),
Emmy Award (2006), Golden Globe Award (2005), Gracie Allen Award (2004, 2009, 2014),
Muse Award (2012), Prism Award (2007), Star on the Walk of Fame (2013)

Ordinary Men Turned Extraordinary by Love

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.”

~ Pam Brown

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Fatherly Love

“Fatherly love is the act of giving your life for the sake of someone else’s needs.”

~ Nate Dallas

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A Human in the Womb, Anywhere in the World

“As a Pediatric Neurosurgeon I know, unequivocally, that life starts before birth, and I even operated on precious babies inside their mother’s wombs. The Biden Administration’s EO allowing funds for global abortions is reprehensible. I started ‘American Cornerstone Institute’ to promote Faith, Liberty, Community and LIFE. Please, join me in supporting our cause.”

~ Dr. Ben Carson
Neurosurgeon, Author, Politician, 17th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (3.2.2017-1.20.2021), Presidential Medal of Freedom Award (2008) & Founder – American Cornerstone Institute’

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Americans’ Freedom(s): One Generation from Extinction, Now More Than Ever Before, Unless We the People …

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

~ Ronald Reagan,
Actor, Sports Announcer, Politician, 33rd Governor of California (1967–1975), &
40th President of the United States (1/20/1981–1/20/1989)

Free DVD: ‘Absolute Proof’

Video Trailer: ‘Absolute Proof’

“Will today’s conservative, patriotic, true Americans have to soon say,
“We WERE free.” or be able to continue saying “WE’RE free.”?”

~ Michelle Boddie

Motherhood: Creating a Work of Art

“Over the years, I’ve come to think of motherhood as an opportunity to create a work of art. With each brushstroke, carefully guided by the Holy Spirit, I’ve made it my mission to paint the truth of God’s love on the canvas of my children’s hearts.”

~ Joni Lamb,
Singer, Co-Founder & Vice-President – The Daystar Television Network
Co-Host – Marcus & Joni

Putting America First

“In foreign affairs, we are renewing this founding principle of sovereignty. Our government’s first duty is to its people, to our citizens – to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values. As President of the United States, I will always put America first … We will no longer surrender this country or its people to the false song of globalism… I am skeptical of international unions that tie us up and bring America down… and under my administration, we will never enter America into any agreement that reduces our ability to control our own affairs … The nation-state remains the true foundation of happiness and harmony.”

~ Donald John Trump,
Businessman, Politician, Television Personality, Author,
Chairman & President of The Trump Organization,
Founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts

The Sanity of Non-Violence

“We must, I believe, start teaching our children the sanity of nonviolence much earlier.”

~ Alice Walker,
Novelist, Short Story Writer,
Poet & Political Activist

This Kind of Poverty: A Whole Different World from Our Own

“The truly poor won’t be at our church services. They won’t be at our committee meetings. They won’t be at the supermarket where we shop. And they aren’t here today. We have to reach out and find them where they are.”

“We found a whole different world from our own. We found people living without bathrooms or running water – with holes in their roofs and floors – people so poor they had no beds, no stoves, no shoes. Until that day, I had never imagined this kind of poverty – right next door to our own snug and comfortable lives.”

~Barb Mains
Founder – Help4Kids

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The Way He Celebrated Father’s Day

“I always joke that my kids’ favorite holiday is Father’s Day.
They love the way I celebrate the occasion by writing each of them a thank-you letter and a generous check.
It’s my way of letting them know how much I appreciate the great pleasure and privilege of being their dad.”

~ Wayne Dyer,
Philosopher, Author, & Motivational Speaker

He Inspires Everything

“I think what makes our marriage work amid all the glare is that my husband is my best friend.
He inspires everything in my life and enables me to do the best that I can.
I want to hang out with him more than anyone.”

~ Faith Hill,
Singer, Actress & Record Producer

Things We Can Be Proud to Show to the Kids

“Children are easily influenced, and I always want to do things
I can be proud to show my kids someday.”

~ Faith Hill,
Singer, Actress & Record Producer

Joy: An Overwhelming, Full Supply

“I think the greatest thing about being a mother is that the joy
that comes with it is, absolutely, overwhelming and a full supply.”

~ Laurie Crouch,
Co-Founder – Gener8Xion Entertainment, Film Producer & Co-Host – Praise – Trinity Broadcasting Network

A Bond That’s Unbreakable

“Children love their mothers; especially with a boy child and his mother,
there’s a bond that’s unbreakable.”

~ Tyler Perry
a.k.a Emmitt Perry Jr.,
Actor, Author, Playwright, Producer, Director & Songwriter

Family Really is Important

“I think a lot of the problems we have as a society is because we don’t acknowledge that family is important,
and it has to be people who are present, you know, and mothers and fathers,
both are not present enough with children.”

~ James Earl Jones,
Emmy Award (3X), Tony Award (2X), Golden Globe (1970), Grammy Award (1970),
Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2008), Academy Honorary Award (2011),
Voice Arts Icon Award (2015) & Harvard University Honorary Doctor of Arts (2017)

When You’re Responsible for Those Little Lives

“Having children makes you see the world in a completely different way.
When you’re responsible for those little lives, you can’t slough it off or forget about it until later.”

~ Linda Ronstadt,
Grammy Awards (11X), American Music Awards (3X), Academy of Country Music Awards (2X),
Emmy Award (1989), ALMA Award, Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2011),
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2014),
National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award (2014) & Consecutive Platinum Albums (8)

Routes of Parenthood

“I’ve not given up having a child. But I hope whatever route of parenthood I choose, whether it’s adoption or I’m able to conceive,
I just hope that I’m able to give someone as beautiful a life as my parents gave me.”

~ Tamron Hall
Broadcast Journalist, Talk Show Host, News Correspondent, News Anchor,
Temple University Lew Klein Alumni in Media Award (2010), Edward R. Murrow Award (2016),

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The Same Night Sky, the Same Dreams & the Same Creator

 

“And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska,
they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams,
and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.”

~ Donald John Trump,
Businessman, Television Personality, Author,
Real Estate Developer, Founder – Trump Entertainment Resorts &
45th President of the United States (1/20/2017 – )

 

Kids Treated Equally & Protected Equally

 

“When I am president, I will work to ensure that all of our kids are treated equally and protected equally.
Every action I take, I will ask myself, ‘Does this make life better for young Americans in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Ferguson,
who have as much of a right to live out their dreams as any other child of America?’.”

~ Donald John Trump,
Businessman, Television Personality, Author,
Real Estate Developer, Founder – Trump Entertainment Resorts &
45th President of the United States (1/20/2017 – )

 

The Education of Children

“I don’t think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization
without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.”

~ Wilma Mankiller
Activist, Social Worker, Community Developer & Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1985 – 1995).

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Socialism & Secularism: Raising the Next Generation

“America’s public school system is in shambles,
teaching what it’s not supposed to teach, indoctrinating when it should be educating,
and raising the next generation in ways it decidedly should not go — and voila,
no wonder socialism and secularism are spreading in quick-time, throughout the country”

~ Sandra Lynn “Sam” Sorbo
Actress, Writer, Homeschooling Advocate, Talk Radio Host – The Sam Sorbo Show

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The Most Valuable Thing You Can Give

“The most valuable thing you can give your kids is your time – and, of course, it’s the thing you never seem to have enough of!
Spending time with my children, exploring new experiences and sharing in creative endeavors, is my source of joy and
the greatest gift I can think of. Christmas inspires these moments to cherish, a time to create memories that last.
New Christmases always bring these wonderful memories back.”

~ Sandra Lynn “Sam” Sorbo
Actress, Writer, Homeschooling Advocate, Talk Radio Host – The Sam Sorbo Show

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They Teach Him Something Every Day

“I love my kids so much. They teach me something every day;
it always brings richness to my work, and even more in life.”

~ Blair Underwood,
Actor (Television, Film & Stage), Director, Philanthropist,
1993 Humanitarian Award (1993), NAACP Image Awards (3X) & Grammy Award

Mind on Fire

“I want my children to experience as much creativity as possible;
that’s what sets your mind on fire.”

~ Angela Bassett,
Actress, Author, Saturn Award, Image Awards (5x),
Golden Globe Award & Black Reel Award

If He Wasn’t a Good One

“We can’t let who our Earthly father wasn’t
distort the truth of Who our Heavenly Father is.”

~ Jonathan Osteen,
Guitarist, Singer & Speaker

Heavenly: A Third Party Isn’t Necessary

“You don’t need to go to a third party to talk to your Heavenly Father.
You’re as much a child of God as anyone else.”

~ Joel Osteen,
Pastor – Lakewood Church, Motivational Speaker, Author & Executive Producer

Just As Noteworthy

“There’s so much negative imagery of Black fatherhood.
I’ve got tons of friends that are doing the right thing by their kids and​ doing the right thing as a father.
​”How come that’s not as noteworthy?””

~ Will Smith,
a.k.a Willard Carroll Smith, Jr.,
Actor, Producer, Rapper & Songwriter

If Men Were Birthing Babies

“Let me tell you something: I salute womanhood worldwide, because women are exceptionally tough for enduring the misery of childbirth.
I’ve cleaned hogs and gutted deer, but in my experience on Earth I’ve never witnessed such a brutal event.
If men were in charge of carrying and birthing our babies, we’d have a lot fewer people on Earth,
because we’d only do it once- I can promise you that!”

~ Phil Robertson,
Professional Hunter, Businessman, & Reality Television Star

A National Ethos

“The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States,
the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality) in which freedom
includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as an upward social mobility for
the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.”

~ Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia

A Chance to Read a Lot

“I really had a lot of dreams when I was a kid, and I think
a great deal of that grew out of the fact that I had a chance to read a lot.”

~ Bill Gates,
a.k.a. William Henry Gates III
Business Magnate, Entrepreneur, Investor, Author,
Co-Founder –  Microsoft & Philanthropist

Precious, Valuable Treasures

“Our relationships are precious, valuable treasures from Heaven,
and we should handle them carefully, always looking for ways to build bridges to each others’ hearts.”

~ Victoria Osteen,
Co-Pastor – Lakewood Church, Author, Philanthropist &
Founder – Lakewood Church Women’s Ministry

Advancing an Ideology

“Murdering the innocent
to advance an ideology
is wrong every time everywhere.”

~ George W. Bush,
Politician, Businessman, 46th Governor of Texas (1995-2000) & 43rd President of the United States (2001-2009)

Honesty & Truth Are…

“I used to be ashamed by the way that I grew up. I tried to lie my way through better times,
but when you think that honesty and truth is really your best weapon you embrace it and put it behind you.
In the end, it drives you and motivates you to do good work.
No one should be ashamed about where they come from
as long as you desire to be a compassionate and decent person.”

~ George Lopez,
Comedian, Actor, Talk Show Host, Imagen Vision Award (2003),
Latino Spirit Award for Excellence in Television (2003),
National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award,
& One of “The Top 25 Hispanics in America” by Time (2005)

All Things Glittery & Sticky

“I don’t know about other mamas out there, but my children love all things glittery and sticky!
I made the mistake of buying an expensive rug once…it was destroyed in 6 months.
So the idea of having a washable rug is genius to me!”

~ Tamara Day,
Interior Designer, Actress & Co-Founder – Growing Days

Be the Father, First

“Be a father first. Don’t put a priority on being … … … a friend with your kids first.”

~ Hulk Hogan,
a.k.a Terry Gene Bollea,
Professional Wrestler, Actor, Television Personality,
Entrepreneur & Rock Bassist.

Reminding the Kids

“You have to remind kids to stay connected to the meaning of Christmas.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of effort, but it’s so worth it.”

~ Caroline Kennedy,
Author, Attorney, Diplomat &
United States Ambassador to Japan

A Part Remains a Child

“There’s a part of you that always remains a child,
no matter how mature you get, how sophisticated or weary.”

~ Barbra Streisand,
Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Filmmaker & Philanthropist

Being an Asset

“We all have a gift; we all have a passion – it’s just about finding it
and going into it. Being an asset to your family and community.”

~ Angela Bassett,
Actress, Author, Saturn Award, Image Awards (5x),
Golden Globe Award & Black Reel Award

A Great Teacher

“Research shows that there is only half as much variation in student achievement between schools
as there is among classrooms in the same school. If you want your child to get the best education possible,
it is actually more important to get him assigned to a great teacher than to a great school.”

~ Bill Gates,
a.k.a. William Henry Gates III
Business Magnate, Entrepreneur, Investor, Author,
Co-Founder of Microsoft & Philanthropist

No Substitutes

“There’s no substitute for a full-time dad.
Dads who are fully engaged with their kids
overwhelmingly tend to produce children who believe in themselves and live full lives.”

~ Tony Dungy,
Analyst – NBC Football Night in America, National Spokesman – All Pro Dad, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016),
NFL Head Coach – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-2001), NFL Head Coach – Indianapolis Colts (2002-2008)
Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award (2007), IWU’s Society of World Changers (2008),
President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (2007)

No Ice Cream

“You can’t be the dad who takes your kid out
after your wife has said, ‘No ice cream,’
buys the ice cream, and says, ‘Don’t tell your mother.’
You teach the child to lie – and to disrespect the other parent.”

~ Howie Mandel,
Comedian, Actor, Television Host, Creator & Star – Bobby’s World,
Author, Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2008) & Canada’s Walk of Fame Star (2009)

Her Da Da’s Admiration

“She’s so wonderful. Just seeing her evolve into a little person
has definitely been one of the highlights of my life. She’s just really fun.”

~ Carter Oosterhouse,
Carpenter, Television Host, Model, Author, Founder – Carter’s Kids,
Co-Founder – Bonobo Winery, Co-Founder – SmartHouse

Teaching Kids to Be Safe Online, Too

“My new passion is to get Internet education mandated in all schools.
We’ve got to start teaching our kids how to be safe in the 40,000 plus chat rooms
that are out there. Because they’re being had.
These sexual predators groom the kids. I know, I’ve arrested enough of them.”

~ Henry Enrique “Erik” Estrada,
Actor, Voice Actor, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Author & Activist

Single-Focus Time for Family

“There are certain things in a family life that I think are sacred and that, as adults, we can take for granted—that time alone with your child when you’re not focused on any other individual and you’re just focused on your child. We multi-task in life but I think there are certain things and certain people that deserve that single-focus time and being with your children is one of them. I don’t think mixing dating and family fun time if you’re not in a marriage or a serious relationship is appropriate.”

~ Lauren Lake,
Lawyer, Author, Interior Designer, Real Estate Developer,
Singer, Legal-Relationship-Life Consultant, & TV Talk Show Host

Dad Wrote Me a Letter

“I used to be a calligrapher for weddings and events – that was my side job while I was auditioning.
I think handwritten notes are a lost art form.
When I booked my first pilot, my dad wrote me a letter that I still have.
The idea of someone taking the time to put pen to paper is really special.”

~ Meghan Markle,
Duchess of Sussex,
Actress, Model, Calligrapher,
Founder & Editor-in-Chief – The Tig (2014-2017)
& Humanitarian

A Lifetime Investment in Overall Health

“I’m a huge proponent of health for your whole family, starting with your children.
If you’re not healthy and not living a healthy lifestyle you’re not going to be good for anyone else.
If you treat your body right you have the energy and stamina to do it all.
Helping kids understand the importance of proper nutrition and exercise
is a lifetime investment in overall health.”

~ Cristina Ferrare,
Supermodel, Designer, Chef, Author, Actress & TV Talk-Show Host

One of the Biggest Blessings: Mom & Dad

“One of the greatest titles in the world is parent,
and one of the biggest blessings in the world
is to have parents to call Mom and Dad.”

~ Jim DeMint,
Author, Writer, Politician, United States Senator (2005-2013)
& United States Representative (1999-2005)

Does That Not Sound Odd to You?

“”When a plane crashes and some die while others live,
a skeptic calls into question God’s moral character,
saying that he has chosen some to live and others to die on a whim;
yet you say it is your moral right to choose whether the child
within you should live or die.
Does that not sound odd to you?
When God decides who should live or die, he is immoral.
When you decide who should live or die, it’s your moral right.””

~ Ravi Zacharias,
Christian Apologist, Author, Radio Host, Scholar &
Founder & Chairman of the Board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Motherhood is Absolutely Amazing

“Motherhood is a dream. It really is absolutely amazing.”

~ Jessica Simpson,
Singer, Actress & Philanthropist

Love’s Call

“Love calls on you to do things you don’t want to do sometimes.
It calls on you to care for people you wouldn’t typically want to care for.
It causes you to go fishing with folks you don’t want to be around.”

~ Larnelle Harris,
Singer, Songwriter, Grammy Awards (5X) & Dove Awards (11X)

The Future of Generations to Come

“Our choices are going to determine the future for our children,
our children’s children, and their children. I take that responsibility very seriously.”

~ Maggie Q,
a.k.a. Margaret Denise Quigley
Actress, Model, Health Advocate
& Animal Rights Activist

Glorious Messes

“One of the most glorious messes in the world
is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.
Don’t clean it up too quickly.”

~ Andy Rooney,
Author, Radio and Television Writer, Writers Guild Award (3X),
Emmy Award (5X) & Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism (2003)