tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.comments2013-07-02T08:59:41.428-05:00Building BraveheartsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-61304070358970789992013-07-01T21:13:08.113-05:002013-07-01T21:13:08.113-05:00Joe, this reminded me of the old saying, "Not...Joe, this reminded me of the old saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."<br /><br />Yes, it takes courage to step out, to dream big, and to pursue goals that might be difficult to attain. But we never walk alone. The Lord comes alongside us, every step of the way - (He's a great cheerleader!)<br /><br />May the Holy Spirit grant us the ability to live well - even if we don't *succeed* by the world's standards.<br /><br />GOD BLESS!Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00840994989201507494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-88677835488956777492012-11-25T18:10:38.625-06:002012-11-25T18:10:38.625-06:00Nah, not really...just find myself in odd places a...Nah, not really...just find myself in odd places at odd times. Was great to see you a couple of weeks ago, even if for one minute! Hope you guys are doing great.Joe Neffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538705617939510119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-54441501482967837402012-11-25T13:52:54.975-06:002012-11-25T13:52:54.975-06:00you're the best, Joeyou're the best, Joemmbickharthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968491620139310389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-8109822573502294092012-07-29T22:15:21.708-05:002012-07-29T22:15:21.708-05:00It does seem that those who process their thoughts...It does seem that those who process their thoughts in public are more interesting...and more courageous, which probably makes them more interesting! Thanks for the link.Joe Neffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538705617939510119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-15461450665576494592012-07-29T21:51:49.369-05:002012-07-29T21:51:49.369-05:00I like how you process your thoughts on this one a...I like how you process your thoughts on this one as the way of organizing the post. It reminds me of what Robin Sloan says about "the art of working in public," which I think is a great model for how a blog relates to a (potential) book. <br /><br />Here's the link to Robin Sloan's post: http://snarkmarket.com/2011/7189Lukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01023081863542375188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-9801816886206758272012-07-07T01:05:39.729-05:002012-07-07T01:05:39.729-05:00I liked your distinction between belief and convic...I liked your distinction between belief and conviction. Beliefs are good, but they never manifest in reality unless action is taken. But if our actions reflect our beliefs (therefore, making them convictions) then we can create any reality we can imagine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-38162447014530663942011-12-15T20:14:48.093-06:002011-12-15T20:14:48.093-06:00Mr. Neff,
Thank you. Thank you for this post, an...Mr. Neff, <br /><br />Thank you. Thank you for this post, and for the example you have been and continue to be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-5874831694849907112011-12-14T23:08:34.227-06:002011-12-14T23:08:34.227-06:00I am more than glad you took on the very extra res...I am more than glad you took on the very extra responsibility of teaching this class. They real real truth from a real man, husband and father. Proud to know you, Joe. GBAGBAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-49966132820508147262011-10-06T00:37:33.678-05:002011-10-06T00:37:33.678-05:00Read this --> http://stcatharinesstandard.ca/Co...Read this --> http://stcatharinesstandard.ca/Community/NewsDisplay.aspx?c=202220 its about different types of eye chart. this may give you an idea when you go to an ophthalmologist.Andrew Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-16484869410971946992011-09-19T19:48:42.162-05:002011-09-19T19:48:42.162-05:00You can call me pretty much anything! I'll an...You can call me pretty much anything! I'll answer.<br /><br />I think you are right: it is a scary society. But, I also think you are right that it has always been that way. I can't think of a story from the Bible, Shakespeare, or Dickens that, if we were in the middle of it, wouldn't make us run away.<br /><br />Your blog shows your courage. You are making a difference. Thank you.Joe Neffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538705617939510119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-92045576757644415922011-09-19T11:27:21.067-05:002011-09-19T11:27:21.067-05:00Mr. Neff! (Sorry, I know I will never be able to c...Mr. Neff! (Sorry, I know I will never be able to call you Joe) I had no idea you had a blog. I have been struggling with the very issue that is the theme of your blog: building character in my kids and keeping them fearless to do God's work in a very, very scary society.<br /><br />I suppose societies have always been very, very scary. Nothing new under the sun, right?<br /><br />Looking forward to reading more during nap time!<br /><br />RachelAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14686966887504657288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-49969946829226331032011-09-19T10:34:45.228-05:002011-09-19T10:34:45.228-05:00Thank you Joe! Your insight and wisdom continue t...Thank you Joe! Your insight and wisdom continue to bless me. Jim and I saw the movie and I just finished the book. Sooooo challenging and now your questions add to it...<br />Blessings,<br />SandySandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00678467986520736208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-76797897284601054932011-09-18T21:26:25.366-05:002011-09-18T21:26:25.366-05:00Dear Joe,
I work for a gentleman now whose parents...Dear Joe,<br />I work for a gentleman now whose parents chose to raise him and his siblings in an area of Chicagoland where the kids would be exposed to diversity, and would grow up in a multi-racial neighborhood. They could have lived in any of the suburbs based on their income, but made a choice to live where many of us would have been afraid to raise our kids. The parents did this purposefully so that their children would grow up with the perspectives of equality and acceptance toward others. I am learning much from this man who is now my boss. I am grateful to God for placing me in a school setting that is so diverse, and where all students are treated with equality and all are given the chance to learn and succeed. We have a long way to go as a culture, but this movie (and the book which I recommend!) did a great job in showing us what it used to be like, and how far we have come. We all can be purposeful in making sure we keep moving in the same direction toward equality for all, everywhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-60228825536248403912011-04-24T21:43:02.819-05:002011-04-24T21:43:02.819-05:00Good stuff. WISE stuff. I can tell you have actual...Good stuff. WISE stuff. I can tell you have actually lived this. Thanks for sharing.Hillcrest Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00132281190470572221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-79076175097537740842011-03-28T22:31:03.563-05:002011-03-28T22:31:03.563-05:00What a great way to put all of this... very wise. ...What a great way to put all of this... very wise. I think parents can learn a lot from this post!!!!<br />The world is a scary place. I want to put my children in a safe place just like every other mom. Thank goodness I have had the experience of seeing 25 years of parents (through being in student ministry) doing it well... and doing it not-so-well. <br />I learned early- on by observing other families and seeing the results that over-protecting my children would be more risky than what you are calling proper risk management.<br />Thank goodness we can also trust our loving Father when we are afraid as parents!Hillcrest Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00132281190470572221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-91014287682849933642011-03-23T09:17:14.086-05:002011-03-23T09:17:14.086-05:00My boys were raised their entire lives in the midd...My boys were raised their entire lives in the middle of the city (here in Little Rock and also in Mobile, AL). We, somehow, on our small plots of land created a world like you have described. I always felt in my heart it was very important, this world of pirates, cowboys, tree-climbing, forts, tree houses, digging for treasures, animals, exploring and capturing insects, snakes and frogs. We encouraged and facilitated all of these things because nurturing their imaginations and sense of adventure was always important to us as parents.<br /><br />I remember, however, a family trip to Petit Jean Mountain State Park where my boys were introduced to the sometimes very silly state park regulations where a lot of "Don't Touch" rules reign. My oldest plopped down in the middle of a trail and began to cry, " Is there ANYWHERE I can go in this world where I can explore without people telling me I can not?"<br /><br />It takes a lot more work than it did when I was a kid, but I think it is well-worth the effort. Thanks for reminding us of how critical it is to their very development!<br /><br />P.S. My son LOVED having Luke as an awesome male role model in the LRCA classroom setting!Hillcrest Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00132281190470572221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-5240220544247819932011-03-02T08:21:27.132-06:002011-03-02T08:21:27.132-06:00What an incredible year Amanda experienced. As I r...What an incredible year Amanda experienced. As I read this interview I found myself wondering if I would have had the faith at Amanda's age (or even now!) to go into the places where God called her to go.<br /><br />I hope when Amanda spoke at chapel that the Holy Spirit was able to work in many hearts, showing students how they too can be full of faith... maybe some time, some where in another country... but, more importantly, in THEIR world and in their school today.Hillcrest Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00132281190470572221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-86418449753529387422011-02-03T20:29:40.408-06:002011-02-03T20:29:40.408-06:00I had my students read this during the week and we...I had my students read this during the week and we're discussing it tomorrow. Should be exciting.Lukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01023081863542375188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-71487216859661731352011-01-03T11:32:59.784-06:002011-01-03T11:32:59.784-06:00Because of her true grit... she inspired Rooster t...Because of her true grit... she inspired Rooster to do what he did in the last scene... which was amazing and emotional.<br />Thanks for this post!Hillcrest Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00132281190470572221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-88377922811701817852010-12-27T10:57:03.116-06:002010-12-27T10:57:03.116-06:00Loved the movie too. Watched it again this week an...Loved the movie too. Watched it again this week and looking forward to seeing the remake at some point. <br /><br />Totally agree. Maddie is the one with True Grit!<br /><br />JohnJohn Evanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14593825731444455414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684109563211103113.post-7719970573503611312010-12-22T23:13:34.446-06:002010-12-22T23:13:34.446-06:00This was SO good....so much truth, and such a grea...This was SO good....so much truth, and such a great reminder of what really matters! Thank-you!!!:)I think entering their world is such a key...It can be hard sometimes to do that, awkward, and sacrificial...but often the very bridge that can only be built by doing so...Ashley Coatesnoreply@blogger.com