Thought and Purpose

The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do. Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.
He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure. His every thought is allied with power, and all difficulties are bravely met and wisely overcome. His purposes are seasonably planted, and they bloom and bring forth fruit which does not fall prematurely to the ground.

As A Man Thinketh
James Allen

Awareness

The Awareness Ribbon

While driving around town have you noticed all the different awareness ribbons (magnets) on cars?

I remember the first awareness ribbon – The Yellow Ribbon. The origins of the yellow ribbon started during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979. During that time the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon around the Old Oak Tree” was very popular. And later in 1991 during Desert Storm, the yellow ribbon made a come back.

The awareness ribbons of today come in a variety of colors and causes. It is to the point of being too commercialized and meaningless. Unless you have a ribbon that stands out among the hundreds of colors and causes, it probably will not be noticed, because we have become anesthetized to all the ribbons. I did some research on the yellow ribbon concept, it now represents 24 causes. So, how can we raise awareness for the cause of your choice?

I believe that when the awareness ribbons initially spread around the nation it was a way to show the public you supported a particular cause without the speeches. The ribbons have turned into a fashion statement - a piece of jewelry or a lapel pin. The ribbon has lost its meaning. Maybe we need to go back to having town hall meetings were people came together for a common cause and shared their opinions. We have forgotten what is to stand up for something you believe.

The next time, you are asked what is your cause?

Give them an explanation with heart felt passion, because awareness doesn’t come from a magnet on a car. It comes from within your belief to bring understanding to your message to the world.

Signature Power

In a world of technology the power of a signature still lives and thrives.


We often take our signature for granted. We sign credit cards, checks, legal documents, marriage certificates, the number of items is endless. Our signature is our own unique way of officially making our mark to approve, disapprove, or to make legal. Even a Notary Public is an official on witnessing the signature. The signing of documents can create nations just as John Hancock did on the the Declaration of Independence. So, the next time you make your mark, think about the power of your signature.

Independence Day

July 4, 1776

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

My feelings for this day run strong. I am proud and grateful to have been born in the United States. On this day, Americans come together to celebrate our independence as a nation, we come together joined and united, all political, religious, and other differences are set aside, on this day we are all one.

As a former US Marine I know the sacrifices I have made and I am very proud of having served. Thanks to all past and present service men and women that carry out their daily duties in defense of our freedoms. I will always be grateful for our military, as they stand watch 7/24.


Happy Fourth of July!!!!



A History Note on the 4th of July

The first celebration of the fourth of July actually took place on July 8th 1776 this was the first day of the official announcement of the Declaration of Independence to the people of the thirteen colonies. The celebrating with fireworks has it’s origins from England. The custom was used to celebrate the King of England’s birthday. So, celebrate today like the colonist did in 1776. It is a day every American should be proud to live in such a great country.

Quote

America lives in the heart of every man everywhere who wishes to find a region where he will be free to work out his destiny as he chooses.

Woodrow Wilson
28th President of the United States
(1856-1924)

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, I feel has lost its original tradition, most of what Americans know of this day is, a day off from work, big sales, and celebrating the summer. Which is okay, but we have to take time to remember men and women that have died for our freedom. Freedom is not free.

Here is a little history about this day

Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May in most of the U.S., in honor of the nation’s armed services personal killed in wartime. The holiday, originally called Decoration Day, is traditionally marked by parades, memorial speeches and ceremonies, decoration of graves with flowers and flags, hence the original name. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, on the order of Gen. John Alexander Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead. It was observed on May 30 until 1971, when most states changed to the newly established federal schedule of holiday observance.

An article from Funk & Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia 2006 world Almanac Education Group

Enthusiasm

In conversations I have had with people that are successful, the one thing they all have in common is enthusiasm. I believe people that have a great attitude will succeed at anything they do or pursue in life. If you look at history and the great leaders of world, they all had a zest for what they did. Anyone can do this; they just have to be passionate. This can apply to work, sports, hobbies etc... I know my self that it is hard to stay positive all the time, so I commend anyone who can go at life with enthusiasm every single day.

Inspire Confidence

What this country needs is more people to inspire others with confidence, and fewer people to discourage any initiative in the right direction more to get into the thick of things, fewer to sit on the sidelines, merely finding fault more to point out what’s right with the world, and fewer to keep harping on what’s wrong with it and more who are interested in lighting candles, and fewer who blow them out.

Father James Keller

Politics of Change

What does it take to change something? Is it a matter of flipping a switch? I wish it was that easy, but we all know that it comes down to the majority, or who has the loudest voice. Or does it?

Does the majority necessarily have the power to change things? I believe it helps, but to change a policy or law it has to start with one person and one idea. The struggle for most famous Americans was the process of convincing the majority on a certain idea. For instance, Martin Luther King did not want to be famous but he had the drive to motivate thousands and eventually change history.

Everybody has the potential to be that person to start change, but you have to be able to play the politics. We can observe this from any angle of life. Think about your past jobs, sports teams, clubs, and any type of assembly where one person is in charge. The politics of change starts here, in the smallest of groups. The people of the United States have the power to change to the laws and policies of this Great County, We Call Home.

Franklin

Facts about Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is known for his part in the writing of the US Constitution and the discovery of electricity, but he was also a lifetime student. Franklin was always seeking knowledge and besides being a politician, he was very active in Philadelphia community.

Here are some little know facts about Benjamin Franklin:

Vegetarian
Printer
Publisher
Postmaster
Lead an environmental protest against the polluting of slaughter houses, and tan yards
Founder of the American Philosophical Society
Soldier in the Pennsylvania Militia
Founded an Insurance company to insure houses against fires
President of the Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery

Faith

Faith by definition is allegiance to duty or a person; fidelity to one’s promises; sincerity of intentions; belief and trust in and loyalty to God; without question.
I believe that faith is a complete trust. So many people today have lost faith because of all the corruption in the world. Think about this; if someone offered you a really good deal on an item your first reaction would be, what is the catch? You would be thinking that this is too good to be true. So, how do we decipher what is real and what is not? I believe that it comes deep within each person. Faith has been given to you by the grace of God. Faith in God will help anyone that struggles between what is real or unreal, good or bad, and right from wrong. The moment of truth is when we struggle with our faith. We must believe that the grace that has been given to everyone is God’s voice telling you what is true. Trust in God, follow your heart and you will never be unaided in the decisions of life.

A Different Drummer

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

Henry David Thoreau

Technology

What would we do without it?

I thought, about what I did before the cell phones and computers and yes I’m showing my age. If you needed to make a phone call, you would pull off the road somewhere and make a 25-cent phone call from a phone booth.

Think about it, if we did not have mobile phones how frustrating it would be just to carry on normal day-to-day activities. Next is the computer, have you ever been at work and the network goes down? What usually happens? Everyone stops working. No e-mail, no data entry, no internet.

What did we do before technology?

Music

"There is something very wonderful about music. Words are wonderful enough; but music is even more wonderful. It speaks not to our thoughts as words do; it speaks through our hearts and spirits, to the very core and to the roots of our souls. Music soothes us, stirs us up, it puts noble feelings in us, it can make us cringe; and it can melt us to tears; and yet we have no idea how. It is a language by itself, just as perfect in its words, just as divine, just as blessed."

Charles Kingsley

Organic

Why go organic? There are two sides to this argument. One, its expensive to produce large yields of produce, because of the lack of pesticides and fertilizers. On the other hand, organic approved produce is better for you.

Here is the definition of organic food the USDA website:
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html

I think the definition of organic says it all. I realize that in order to produce enough food to feed the world, farmers must have a quick and efficient way to produce the high-yield crops that we are accustom to, but are the crops healthy for us to consume?
Go Organic! Give it a try; it is without a doubt better for you.

How Can You Change the World?

I believe anyone can change the world. Your approach to the process will depend on your abilities, passion and resources.

Does it take money? Yes and No
I have worked in a non-profit environment and I have seen the struggles of funding. The impact of dollars can buy food, clothing and housing. Also, if most people are asked “what would they do if they won the lottery?’ somewhere in the list of things they would buy would be a donation to a charity. You can also change the world without money; simply by being kind to everyone you meet everyday.

Would you have to invent something? Yes
The fact that I have posted this blog entry on the internet through a computer is proof that invention can change the world. The discoveries in medicine, space exploration are just a few things that have change the world.

Can you change the world one person at a time? Yes
Absolutely and it does not cost any money and you do not have to be a rocket scientist. The simple act of kindness to everyone you meet, everyday can change the world.
Why? because it is contagious.

Does it take a leader to form a group with a mission? Yes
A leader can transform any group whether it is business, religious, political or volunteer. If you take a moment and think about all the leaders in the world, past and present, you will see that leadership can change the world.

Can one event in someone’s life change the world? Yes
My first thought, Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection changed the world.

Can you be anonymous and change the world? Maybe
I think it is possible, but in today’s world, unless you have complete secrecy, someone will find out.

Are There Other Ways You Can Change The World?

Religion and Politics

The subject matter is sometimes considered taboo in most group settings. The consequences of such a discussion could result in an argument, but that is the sole purpose behind the freedom of speech. You have the right to voice your opinion. Where it gets tricky is when people do not know when to stop, or they lack the diplomacy to even have a discussion of this matter. If done correctly, religion and politics can be discussed openly and freely. Anyone in a conversation like this must respect the opposing person. Respect should be mutual to carry on such a debate.

Religion and politics are even debated among presidential candidates. Why are these two topics so powerful? The main reason is both have the influence to change the world. And depending on your point of view can be either good or bad. The separation of church and state is a central component of this debate. Religion is connected to politics. We as a nation have God printed on our currency, pledge allegiance under God, and open government meetings with a prayer, and in courts of law, we swear to tell the truth. Religion is very much at the roots of the founding of the United States, and we should be proud that we live in a country where it is our God-given right to practice and say how we feel.