Michael A Verdicchio

Stop Looking Back!

Getting ready to drive off in my wife's car the other day, I checked and adjusted her mirrors. I first adjusted the side mirrors and then finally the rearview mirror. And suddenly, it dawned on me. Ever notice how much smaller the rearview mirror is tha... Read >

Overcoming Discouragement

Dean Forrest was 33 years old and had five children when the accident happened. He would later become my father-in-law. In 1963, Dean was involved in a very serious accident at work involving liquid ammonia. He saved two of his co-workers, but was bad... Read >

Where Is Your Life Going?

Is your life all that you desire it to be right now? Where do you want your life to go? One of the biggest things that will hinder you from reaching your goals and dreams is to focus on your current situation. Have you ever stopped to consider that y... Read >

Temporary Setbacks or Permanent Failure?

Nearly thirty years ago, I went rock climbing for the first time with a group in New Mexico. It sounded exciting and challenging! After a day and a half of training, which they called, "bouldering," we were ready to climb! Then reality set in. When ... Read >

The #1 Cause of Failure

What is the biggest roadblock to success? What sabotages jobs or relationships? What is the number one cause of failure? In asking blunt questions like these, many answers may arise as to the real cause of failure. Some would answer by saying that a ... Read >

The Real Energy Crisis

There's a lot of talk today about the price of oil. Since late last summer, the cost of oil has skyrocketed to record prices. But that's not the real energy crisis. The real energy crisis is not in the price of oil. It is in the price millions of pe... Read >

Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate?

Do you believe in luck or in fate? I believe in opportunities coming my way. I believe in God bringing people and situations into my life because I have prayed and am expecting those kinds of things to happen on a regular basis. But do I believe in l... Read >

Making Choices

Here in Phoenix, Arizona we like to go hiking and we have numerous choices. There is South Mountain Park with its miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. In the north part of the city is Piestawa Peak with fantastic view... Read >

Got Connections?

An electrical connection allows electricity to flow from one point to another so that a certain task can be performed successfully. A good example is a lamp. With a good electrical connection, the electricity flows, you turn the switch and you get light.... Read >

Who's In The Driver's Seat?

Can you remember what life was like before you got your driver's license? I sure can. I can still remember sitting in the car watching my mom or dad drive. I couldn't wait 'till I was old enough to drive. I would finally be able to go anywhere I wanted ... Read >

How Much Money Do You Make?

When young people discuss their jobs one of the first questions is usually, "How much an hour does it pay?" I know for a number of years that is what I looked at in finding a new job; how much an hour would I earn? Then, somewhere along the line I got... Read >

Who Threw the Stone?

In the Academia Gallery in Florence Italy stands Michelangelo's statue of David. If you have seen it, or pictures of it, you know it depicts David with his sling, shortly before taking on Goliath. It is truly an awesome sight. My wife and I recently ... Read >

Is He Wiling?

Most Christians recognize God's power and ability. They believe that He is able to do all that He has promised to do and more! Most would readily agree and believe that there is nothing too hard or too big for God. But many times, Christians have a d... Read >

You Are Not What You Do!

Have you ever experienced a day when a lot of things went really well for you? Have you experienced a day in which you handled everything that came your way just superbly? Perhaps, before I get too carried away, let me just say, "Have you ever had a real... Read >

I Struck Out Again!

Living here in Arizona, we have the opportunity to see lots of spring training games for major league baseball. It's nicknamed the Cactus League and the season is just around the corner. I love baseball, and like a lot of kids, when I was growing up I p... Read >