I work at TreeHouse, and at TreeHouse we have four outcomes we track and are proud to explain.

Graduate High School

We are excited that TreeHouse teens are 24% more likely to graduate than their peers. That’s great news, but we want more for them.

Plan for After High School

93% of TreeHouse youth in grades 10-12 report they’ve begun making plans for after high school

Today is the TreeHouse Opportunity Fair.

Opportunity Fair is a night to get serious about the future. Tonight we will meet representatives from colleges, trade schools, the Armed Services, and future employers.

This weekend at Anika’s baby dedication we shared parenting advice with the new parents Angi & Aaron.

My wife Amy said, “If you screw up, fess up.” 

She elaborated, “when you make mistakes admit them.”

Unfortunately, Amy learned that lesson from my…umm…from me.

You see, I’ve had to fess up a lot.

When I Mismanage My Life I Neglect My Highest Priorities

When I have mismanaged my life it’s my wife and God who get cheated. Sadly, I take for granted those who love me the most. I haven’t rejected my faith in God, I’ve just gotten so busy that I have not included God in my thoughts, feelings and plans as often as I would prefer.

Last night after my wife Amy finished celebrating her Green Bay Packers victory we started prepping dinner. While making dinner The Simpsons came on.

If you don’t know, most Simpsons episodes begins with an opening sequence of several short clips including Bart Simpson satisfying a consequence by writing a phrase on the classroom chalkboard.

Known as the chalkboard gag, Wikipedia explains, “the chalkboard gag is a running visual joke that occurs during the opening credits of many episodes. In this gag, Bart Simpson is writing a unique phrase on the chalkboard repeatedly; when the school bell rings, he immediately stops writing and runs out of the classroom.” 1

Pro Bowl, all-star quality, friendships are hard work.  This week I’m sharing five strategies that will improve your relationships and deepen their commitment.

Yesterday we addressed how important it is to:

Locate The Trouble Spot

Look back. Try to assess what has gone wrong.
Where did the misunderstanding or conflict begin?

Then, as often as needed, apologize.

Apologize When You’re Wrong

All of us mess up. It is foolish to let pride and insecurity keep us from admitting it and trying to patch up the relationship. You might have One Republic’s song “Apologize” running through your head: