Bullies, Truckers, and Friends


The driving public often has mistaken ideas about truckers. One lady I spoke to had the idea that truckers were like chain swinging, bristle-bearded “gangsta” thugs. She no doubt misread the strength, and the casual, often disheveled, look of the hard working driver who has just driven several thousand grueling miles for being a thug. The movies have contributed to that image, as well. While truckers are certainly tough, they are not necessarily bullies. There is a friend to truckers who has often been misread as well. This friend is actually looking out for you all the time, and not just on the road. He’s big, but not a bully and he can help you get to your final destination safely and happily. Do you wonder who this friend is?
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Hope Begins In the Dark


If you struggle with depression, especially while on the road, driving alone for hours or days can make each one seem unbearably dark and long. You may be isolated in your truck and feel as if there is no hope for brighter times ahead. One of the things I find interesting about flying is being able to rise above a cloudy, overcast sky and eventually see the sun against the blue sky. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that the sun is still shining above heavy clouds – we just can’t see it. While thoughts of better days ahead may not end your time of depression, this can be something to hold onto to give you hope. Thomas Fuller said, “If it were not for hopes, the heart would break.” Where does your hope come from? Who gives you hope in dark times? Give us a call and let’s talk about this. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: depression, emotional wellness, archive, blog



No Nine to Five Schedule


I was often impressed with the ways my neighbor supported and accommodated her husband’s truck driving schedule. It wasn’t easy as he could get called out any time of the day or night to make a delivery run. She would prepare a good meal at odd times of the day so he could begin his trip with a full stomach. She reserved the days he had off so they could be together. When he only came home at three in the morning, she would often put off something as simple as doing laundry so the noise would not disturb his sleep. How do you and your family cope with schedules that are not the typical nine to five? If you plan ahead and are considerate, you will be able to support your spouse, contribute to his or her wellness, and enhance your family life. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: wellness, archive, blog



Moving Beyond a Tragedy


As he approached the green light with his truck full of trusses, my brother-in-law was horrified to see a car pull out directly in front of him. There was no time to react or even brake, and unfortunately he hit the car broadside at full speed. He was saddened to hear that the elderly lady died days later from injuries. Understandably, he didn’t want to get back behind the wheel after this, yet he realized that staying stuck there would not help him, his family, or his company. His emotional and over all wellness depended on healing and moving beyond this tragedy. When an accident happens, especially involving drivers who are so conscientious about safe driving, it can seem impossible at first to overcome the shock and anguish. Yet with time and help from others, healing does happen. Let me encourage you to get in touch with someone to help you move beyond an unfortunate event, no matter how big or small, and allow your emotional wellness to be restored. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: emotional wellness, archive, blog



Define Addiction


 

There are many definitions for the word addictions which range from the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal, to being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically harmful or habit-forming. Addictions to some form of illegal substance, tobacco, or alcohol are the most commonly referred to, but there are many other things that one could be addicted to. Things such as food, pornography, and the internet are just a few. Is there anything in your life which has become an abnormally strong craving you think you can’t live without or can’t get rid of? Let us know. We’re here to help. Comment here.

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

 

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

 



Tags: wellness, archive, blog



Preventing Financial Disaster Before It Strikes


We’ve recently witnessed the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the worst oil spills in history, and there appears to be no end in sight for this disaster. I read an article in the newspaper which claimed the company responsible exercised “irresponsible drilling”. That seems pretty clear now looking back at the incident, but why didn’t anyone see the irresponsibility before the problem occurred? Let me suggest in your own finances, you take a look to make sure you are not handling your money irresponsibly. Don’t wait until a disaster strikes before you address your problem. Call us if we can help. Comment here.

 

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

 

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.



Tags: finances, archive, blog



Crushed Hopes


Every one of us hopes for things such as safety while on the road, companionship at home, job security for many years, and so on. When we hope for these things and they are taken from us, we may find ourselves becoming discouraged, bitter, and could stop having hope about anything. A driver recently told me of his difficulties with the new owner of his company. The young owner didn’t have the same values as the previous one and it was hurting the company and many of the employees. This particular driver was just hoping he could keep his job and continue working for this man. Staying optimistic when your job security is in jeopardy can seem impossible at times. If your spouse has made the choice to no longer be there for you, it’s hard not to lose heart. Yet, there is a way to have hope beyond what we know and understand now. Give us a call; we’d love to talk more about this. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Do You Know Your Financial Forecast?


I like to follow the Dow Transports stock indexes to see how the transportation industry is doing as a whole. As you probably know, it has been down since August 2008. The first quarter of 2010 looked pretty good, and the second quarter is following the same pattern. In the last five days, it’s gone up nine percent. I recently reviewed the first fifteen companies on the list and only three were slightly down, and the others were significantly up. What do you watch when it comes to your money? Do you watch the transportation industry? Do you watch the future? What is it that has your financial, and ultimately your heart’s, interest? Let us know. Comment here.

 

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

 

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.



Tags: blog, archive,finances



Father’s Day


Sunday, June 20, is our day, men. It’s the day set apart to honor fatherhood. I have spoken to many drivers who either did not know their fathers or didn’t have good relationships with them. For these men, honoring their fathers may be a difficult assignment. How does one honor someone who has treated them badly? When I was in the Army, we were to salute all officers. Some of these officers I did not like. We were told to salute their position, and give them their due honor that way. That was easier said than done, but we did it. One of the Ten Commandments is to honor our father and our mother. It’s the first commandment with the promise of blessing and long life attached to it. How are you doing in this area? Let us know if we can help. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Pool or Billiards?


Many truck stops have pool tables inside the game room. My father-in-law recently told me the guys he plays pool with prefer to call it billiards. They think it sounds better. Not sure I agree with that, but I really don’t play pool that much, so I’ll go with him on this one. One thing I do know is that there are other things we label with a different name simply to make what we are doing sound more acceptable. Things like social drinking and casual sex are just a couple of them. In order to maintain a healthy emotional state, we need to check our lifestyles to make sure we are making the right choices so they don’t come back to cause us pain in the future, regardless of what we or others may call it. Are you making the right choices? Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: emotional wellness, archive, blog



Cave of Despair


In a recent television commercial, two cavemen were engaging one another in conversation outside of their caves. When their conversation was over, they both headed back into their individual caves. I thought about those caves being dark, cold and somewhat smothering. Our lives on the road can be a lot like a cave. Not the physical part, but the cave of despair brought on by grief or illness. Or maybe a cave of difficulties caused by poor decisions. It could also be a cave of questions and doubts that steal your joy and confidence. Whatever type of cave you find yourself living in, they all can feel very lonely, but this need not be the case. Make a choice to talk and share your struggles with someone today. There are people that will listen, and can help ease the pain and darkness of loneliness. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: emotional wellness, archive, blog



Mountain Highs and Valley Lows


Traveling across the country requires driving over mountain ranges and through deep valleys. It’s a necessary part of almost any trip. Many of the mountain roads have scenic turnoffs that will allow you to pull off to the side and enjoy the view. Similar to our life journey, we may experience mountain highs when our circumstances are good and we can simply pull over and enjoy the view. But in the next moment we are hit with a valley low that cause hard times to come. Where are you right now? How do you cope with these ups and downs? Let us know. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



All Alone Again


When I served in the Army and was dropped off by a C131 in Osan, Korea, that was a time in my life when I truly experienced loneliness. I knew absolutely no one, nor was I familiar with any place in that country. My first day of driving truck also stands out to me as a very lonely day in my life. I was assigned a truck, had it ready to go, and received my first dispatch. I was out on my own, and what I once viewed as glamorous was now very scary and very lonely. What was I to do? And remember, we didn’t have cell phones then. What do you do when you are feeling lonely? Whether you’ve been driving for twenty plus years or just starting out, there will be times of loneliness. Let us know if you need help. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Staying On the Same Team


As you and your spouse go through the various ages and stages of parenting, there are ways you can support one another and stay on the same team. Husbands, show respect to your wives as you help them care for the kids and household chores, and allow your wife to have some time away. Also, keep in mind that just your presence in the home and in their routine shows your family that you care for them. Wives, he’ll be a better husband and father as you show respect to your husband in front of the kids and allow him to have some down time on his days off. Also, trust his way of parenting, which may be different than yours at times, especially when your children are younger, but they really will survive!  If you haven’t been on the same parenting team lately with your spouse, give us a call. We’d like to help. Comment here.

 

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

 

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.

 

                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.



Tags: blog, archive,family



Rock with Someone


Week after week, my schedule is pretty regular and I quite often travel the same route. On one particular road I drive on, I enjoy seeing an old farm house with a beautiful front porch. You know the kind I’m talking about: we all dream of quiet afternoons sitting on such a porch, relaxing with a glass of iced tea. During most weeks, I see an elderly gentleman sitting in one of two rockers on the porch, but I have never seen anyone sitting in the other one. I wonder who used to rock there with him. Even though we might long for quiet time, he must be pretty lonely. Who sits next to you? I’m not just talking about your truck or your porch; I’m referring to your life. Don’t go through life alone. Make sure you rock with someone.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Take the Money and Run


Driver, are you an honest person? Being honest is hard to do. When a cashier accidentally undercharges me for something, I could come up with several excuses to take the money and run. I’ve had to consciously choose to call the clerk’s attention to it and return the money that wasn’t mine in the first place. I have met people who boastfully brag about ways they’ve cheated or gained unfair advantage over others. It’s hard to do business and trust someone like this, isn’t it? Honesty doesn’t seem to be emphasized very much in our culture and with the media, but I believe people really appreciate when others are honest in their dealings. What do you think? Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: emotional wellness, archive, blog



In a Tight Spot


Have you ever been the cause of a traffic jam in the middle of a busy intersection? It can happen when we’re trying to make that sharp right-hand turn, but there simply isn’t enough room. Everything immediately stops until those around us give us the road space we need. During this time you can feel your blood pressure rise, your chest tighten, and you start to sweat profusely. This type of stress is inevitable in the trucking industry. Let us know how you deal with this kind of anxiety while on the road. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: emotional wellness, archive, blog



Boxed In


While reading about the life of an inmate at a local state penitentiary, the topic of loneliness caught my attention. The small concrete walls kept this man from communicating with others, and the cell didn’t allow him to shake hands, give high fives or hug anyone. He went on to say that this was the worst thing about being incarcerated. My thoughts then turned to truck drivers. You may not live in a small concrete cell, but you do live in an eight foot by eight foot steel box for hours a day and weeks on end. This, too, can become very lonely at times. Look for ways to continue your communication with others, not only for your sake, but for theirs as well. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: blog, archive,significance



Lonely Street


Do you ever wonder where loneliness comes from or why it even comes? I believe that loneliness originates from alienation. You might be wondering: alienation from who or what? As drivers, you are often alienated from your families, loved ones, friends, your companies, and from a lot of what society regards as civilization. Drivers can spend all day and night in a truck, quite often eating alone, and what little conversation they have often comes in electronic form. What or who are you alienated from? You don’t have to do it alone. Let us know if you want to share or if we can help. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Fair Warning?


My son, a new driver, learned a hard lesson when he received a citation for pulling out of a side road in front of a stopped school bus the other day. The driver of the bus was angry and immediately called the police. A warning would have been easier to swallow, but unfortunately, the consequences involved a fine and points on my son’s record. Sometimes in life, we try and justify or rationalize what we are doing, expecting to get the easy way out, but that doesn’t always happen, does it? Let us know about something you’ve tried to rationalize instead of doing it the right way. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



No Pain, No Gain


When I was in the Army, it was common to hear someone gripe or complain about a situation he did not like, from shining boots to marching in parades. Constant discipline, however, prepares men to be ready to defend their country. It’s great to watch a sharp drill team go through maneuvers, but that kind of discipline doesn’t come without much training and practice. As a truck driver, there are many things to gripe about. Does the job get to you sometimes? Be thankful for a paying job so you can provide for your family. Has a construction zone got you tied up? Remember, that’s how a bumpy road gets smooth. The next time you are grumbling about the everyday occurrences common to a trucker’s life, consider this: you are being trained to become a great driver, a great husband, and a great father. Try being thankful for each challenge and consider it practice to become the best person you can be. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: significance, archive, blog



Love Is Spoken Here


It’s very easy to notice when our kids are acting immaturely or making immature choices, isn’t it? As parents, we usually have much to say to them at these times, and probably should only say half of it. How often, though, do we offer words of affirmation when we notice them behaving or making choices in ways that show their maturity? I was reminded to do this with my son recently when he remembered, on his own, to go to his dentist appointment the same week he forgot to take money to school for lunch. We need to know when to overlook normal, childish behaviors and when to give some much deserved encouragement for making mature decisions. Your positive comments to your child will help build their character and self-esteem, help you to have a good relationship with them, and maybe most importantly, can strongly demonstrate your love to them. Comment here.
 
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
 
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
                                                                                                 
Send an e-mail to join-driverwellness@pr4.netatlantic.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.


Tags: family, archive, blog