We spend a lifetime getting to know our family, friends, co-workers and we never know everything about them, but then we never really know everything about ourselves either. We never know what we are capable of until we are in a particular situation. Could we out run someone who wanted to harm us, could we live life imprisoned, and could we kill in self-defense?

Thankfully most of us will never experience any of these situations, but we do make choices daily that forge our character. Life gives us challenges and those challenges develop and affirm our character. Each of us has strengths but we also have flaws or a “chink in the armor.”

In sports it is a common belief that the best offense is a good defense. This is probably true when it comes to team play but the individual athlete must identify his weaknesses and strengthen them otherwise the opposing team will exploit his vulnerabilities. (i.e. the weakest link)

In life we don’t always have the support of an entire team instead we are usually on our own, responsible for our own success or failure. So we should periodically take inventory of our strengths and weaknesses. Granted it’s often difficult to identify our strengths and painful to recognize our weaknesses, but if we do we have a good starting point for improvement of self.

There is usually one dominant feature which is the root of our character flaws. This defect typically becomes apparent in what we do, what we want, and what we think, such as backbiting, impatience, disdain, vanity, stubbornness, ingratitude, hostility … Funny how it’s always easier to point out another person’s faults. However when we realize we too have faults we are humbled and if we can determine our dominant defect we may be able to guard against its influence over us. Over time we may come to accept life’s challenges as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

Upcoming events:

Mark your calendar for Saturday, when the Versailles FFA brings a farmers market to the school’s greenhouse from 8 a.m.-noon. There will also be a Band Invitational at Hole Field beginning at 5 p.m. You can listen and watch marching bands from Bethel, Columbus Grove, Kalida, Marion Local, Greenville, Piqua, Tippecanoe, Middletown, as well as Versailles who will perform at 8 p.m., just before the awards and closing.

Also this weekend is the Minster Oktoberfest, Saturday evening is Bradford’s homecoming dance, and Sunday begins the week-long Pumpkin Show. Monday at 5 p.m. the Knitting Circle meets at Worch Library.

Next Saturday, the 8th, beginning at 9 a.m. the Versailles Boy Scouts will pick up food that you have placed in their yellow plastic bags and sat on your front porch. If you were missed you may call Mitch Eiting at 937/423-2394 to arrange pickup of your donation or drop it off at one of the local churches.

Also on Oct. 8 don’t forget the Whistling Goat Music and Art Festival held in the BMI Arena at 769 E. Main St., from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. This is an indoor fall festival with all types of music and art and crafts of all kinds for sale. There will also be a film festival, poker run, children’s Halloween parade and many more surprises. Admission is $10 unless you are a 65 and older or 12 and younger who get in for free. All profits go to college scholarships for local students. The VHS homecoming dance is also Saturday evening.

On Oct. 9, you can have a pork loin dinner from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the K of C Hall, Versailles and from 4 until sold out the American Legion Auxiliary is holding its chicken fry, which benefits several worthy community projects.

Great news…the Versailles Health Care Center moved their Elvis Performance and Bake Sale to Oct. 14. Elvis tribute artist Jason Griffith will perform at 2 p.m. and the bake sale will be held the entire afternoon. For more information, call 526-5570.

Birthday wishes to Iona Gariety (86), Gloria Quinter, Angie Allen, Stephanie Mestemaker, Carolyn Phelan, Amy Harman, Amy Wagner, Mike Mangen, Sue Ann Knapke, Jeanne Phlipot, Larry Reed, Danielle Clack, Janielle Crickmore, Lauren Hartzell, Darlene Meyer, Linda Grogean, Pam Elifritz, Sandy McClurg, Susan Berg, Shiela Liette, Bob Robinson, Brenda McCoy, Destiney Jenkinson, Kevin Green, Phillip Pierre, Heather Bergman, Lisa Vallandingham, Steve Bey, Kate Vulgamore, Joseph Henniger, and Collin Peters as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Jesse and Jason Langenkamp (2), Billie Jo and Jerry Gasquez (2), Diana and Matt Poeppelman (8), Jill and Jason Smith (10), Linda and Alan May (10), Jenni and Dusty Johns (10), Lacy and Steve Thobe, Eileen and Doug Floan (16), Missy and Jeremy Monnin (19), Michelle and Mark Pleiman (22), Donna and Chris Tebbe (23), Cheryl and John Goubeaux (24), Zita and Don Henry (25), Karen and Doug Koverman (27), Jill and Ken Moorman (30), Debbie and Mike Shivley (34), Connie and Gene Harshbarger (36), Sharon and Jim Siders (39), Robin and Norm Seubert (41), Bonnie and Larry Barga (43), Nancy and Joe Taylor (44) and Carol and Roger Gigandet (50).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Fr. John White, Glenn Monnin, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Bob Homan, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or home-bound.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Douglas Burch (87), Marlene Ward (89), and remembering the lives of Charlie Koch, Mary Helen Heisey, Raymond Keller, Ruth Hinker, Duane Barga, Jay Long, Sr., Marcia Bruner, Martha Rosengarten, Jim Paulus, Doris Schafer, Jack DeLaet, Rally Shiverdecker, Joann Hale, Keith Smith, Lucille Alexander, Ruth Oehrtman, Delores Henry, Jim Niekamp, Chalmer Mangen, Geraldine Black, Joe Baugher, Fred Bohman, Shawn Dysert, Connie Henry, Alvin Christman and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“Don’t compare yourself to others; compare yourself to the person you were yesterday.” ~Unknown

“Becoming better is not a destination, it’s a spirit of continuous improvement” ~Unknown

“Never forget: You and everyone you meet is a work in progress” ~C. Edwards