If you work to find truth, comfort usually finds its way to you. But if you’re just chasing comfort, you might not find either.

It’s always easier to talk about our principles than to actually live them, real courage and integrity shows up in action, not intention.

Dear Cobi,

COBI!!!! I Love You! Happy 14th Birthday! 

I am proud of you! I am proud of who you are and who you are becoming!

Your teenage years are not just preparation for life, they are your current life and will create your future life. The choices you make now shape the person you are becoming. As you walk your path, let these truths root deep within you. Live with intention, grounded in faith, committed to growth, and courage in every step, courage in every choice.

1. Know Who You Are: You Are a Son of God

Your identity isn’t defined by the world. You were created by God, for a purpose. Don’t let others tell you who to be. Truth doesn’t come from opinion or popularity, it comes from God. Anchor yourself in Him.

2. Courage Is Doing the Right Thing: Even When It Hurts

Real courage is choosing what is right even when fear shouts loud, grief clouds your heart, or the cost feels too high. When you act with integrity despite pain or pressure, that is strength. Be that kind of strong.

3. Love Others by Lifting Them

Serve. Encourage. Show Compassion. Your greatest impact won’t be found in what you gain, but in who you help. People remember how you made/make them feel. Make them feel seen, valued, and safe.

4. Let Faith Be Your Foundation

Hold strong to your faith in Christ. He is your strength when the world shakes. When confusion rises, truth is in His Word. When you don’t know what to do, pray, study, trust your faith, and follow Him and the guidance He provides.

5. Be Hungry to Learn: But Always Filter Through Truth, Faith, and Wisdom

Knowledge is everywhere, but wisdom is rare. Learn eagerly, but filter through truth. The right information + God’s insight (Holy Spirit) = wisdom that transforms.

6. Take Initiative: Own Your Life

You are responsible for your path. Don’t wait for someone else to open doors. Knock. Push. Ask. Seek. Initiative is faith in action.

7. Your Value Is Not Measured by Likes or Titles

NEVER measure your worth by what others think. You are valuable because God made you. Period.

8. Listen More Than You Speak: But Speak Up for Yourself, Those You Love, and What’s Right

Your voice matters: use it wisely. Be a peacemaker, not a noise-maker. Be silent when needed, bold when necessary, and always honest.

9. Failure Is Feedback, Not Final

You’ll fall. You’ll fail. Good. That means you’re trying. Learn. Adjust. Rise stronger. What defines you is not your failure, it’s your response to it. Your fallback plan is really just a get back up plan.

10. Time Is the Real Walth and Currency: Spend It Like It Matters

Use your time with purpose. Waste less. Watch less. Worry less. Invest in people, growth, and moments that matter. What you do with your time is what you do with your life.

11. Protect Your Peace Through Boundaries and Belief

Not everything deserves your attention. Guard your peace. Protect your mental space. Say no when you must, and always say yes to your calling.

12. Live With Gratitude: Everyday, Not Just on Good Days

Be thankful when it’s easy, and especially when it’s not. Gratitude shifts perspective, builds resilience, and honors God. It changes how you see everything.

13. Do What God Wants You To Do

Not what’s easy. Not what’s popular. What’s right. Ask God what He wants from you, and then trust Him enough to do it. His plan is always better than your own.

14. Legacy Is Built Daily: Make Today Count

How you live today echoes into forever. Your faith, your words, your actions: they all leave a mark. Live today like it matters. Because it does.

If you only remember one thing, let it be this: God is with you. Truth is from Him. Courage comes from obeying Him, even when it costs. And your life, right now, as meaning.

Live boldly. Live faithfully. Live intentionally.

I Love You. 

Love,

Your Papai

Connection is more important than…everything.

Connection with others is everything.

Preparation allows for freedom and flexibility. 

A clear, purpose-driven vision acts as a compass, guiding decisions and actions. When we articulate and embody this vision, we align our family, people, teams, and organizations toward shared goals that drive meaningful impact.

Taking decisive action, even when outcomes are uncertain, is a true sign of effective leadership. Courage enables us to confront challenges head-on and adapt in the face of change.

Leadership is less about authority and more about service. By putting the needs of others before our own and guiding with humility, we cultivate loyalty and drive collective success.

Continuous learning fuels personal and professional development. By reading widely and reflecting deeply, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Consistency between our actions and core values defines authentic leadership. When we live and lead with integrity, we inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of trust and accountability.