♫ Like a Rock ♫

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Bob Seger, character, community-service, compassion, goodness, Helping others, homeless, integrity, kindness, Like a Rock, mentally ill, music, neighbors, service, stand, take stand, truth

Popular approval of Congress has reached an all time low as Americans reel under the vast scope of myriad scandals and lies perpetrated by this Administration. Yes! We have seen corruption before. Yes, we’ve been lied to before. Yes, we’ve even seen huge character flaws in our leaders before, but never … NEVER to the depth and scope to which we’re seeing today.

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Why? What has changed? What has happened to allow or facilitate such widespread corruption?

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Will a building stand if its foundation is compromised?

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Will a traveler reach his destination without first plotting his course & naming his destination?

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Can a nation long survive which has shredded its moral compass and floats aimlessly on sentimentalism?

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Perhaps innocently, perhaps with vile intent, social mores held firm throughout global civilizations over thousands of years, have suddenly (over the past few decades) come into question. GOD was declared dead April 8, 1966, and since that time, little by little, the once universal boundaries of Right & Wrong, have blurred. What was once, not more than generation ago, accepted behavior, has become “Old-fashioned” and “intolerant.”

Funny thing is, GOD is no place defined in our Founding documents, and the early Framers each held different personal beliefs. They intentionally kept all reference to GOD ambiguous so various individual beliefs might be adapted and accepted.

♫ Like a Rock ♫

• The point is CHARACTER.
• The point is GOALS … self-improvement … serving others.
• The point is standing for something bigger than yourself.
  The point is growing in personal integrity and service to the community… by choice, rather than by mandate.
• The point … is standing firm on some defined principles that are other aware.

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Without a firm foundation to stand on, the tides of political correctness too easily blow us around until we find ourselves … surrounded by Corruption. Like so many of our political leaders, bought and sold to the highest bidder, we, too, succumb to the popular trends and thoughts, victims of popular opinion.

How did we get here? We allowed it by our own compromise.

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Take a stand for GOODNESS
Take a stand for KINDNESS
Take a stand for TRUTH
Take a stand for COMPASSION
Take a stand for your Neighbor, for the Homeless, for the mentally infirmed … to be personally involved!

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Find something bigger than yourself worth STANDING FOR, worth giving your life’s passion to support, worth working toward and Take a Stand.

“We must stop acting like children.
We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings,
which are like winds that toss us around from place to place.”
Eph 4:14 CEV

♫ Like a Rock ♫

Words and music by Bob Seger

Stood there boldly
Sweatin’ in the sun
Felt like a million
Felt like number one
The height of summer
I’d never felt that strong
Like a rock

I was eighteen
Didn’t have a care
Working for peanuts
Not a dime to spare
But I was lean and
Solid everywhere
Like a rock

My hands were steady
My eyes were clear and bright
My walk had purpose
My steps were quick and light
And I held firmly
To what I felt was right
Like a rock

Like a rock, I was strong as I could be
Like a rock, nothin’ ever got to me
Like a rock, I was something to see
Like a rock

And I stood arrow straight
Unencumbered by the weight
Of all these hustlers and their schemes
I stood proud, I stood tall
High above it all
I still believed in my dreams

Twenty years now
Where’d they go?
Twenty years
I don’t know
Sit and I wonder sometimes
Where they’ve gone

And sometimes late at night
When I’m bathed in the firelight
The moon comes callin’ a ghostly white
And I recall
I Recall …

Like a rock. standin’ arrow straight
Like a rock, chargin’ from the gate
Like a rock, carryin’ the weight
Like a rock

Like a rock, the sun upon my skin
Like a rock, hard against the wind
Like a rock, I see myself again
Like a rock

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Want to Change Future History?

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"other" awareness, change history, community, GET INVOLVED, Helping others, kindness, service

SERVICE

One look at our recent American culture and one concept is abundantly clear. We have become a fearful, myopic society. We’re self-centered, self-consumed, and self-absorbed. We are encouraged by all that surrounds us to JUDGE one another, to separate the population into groups or “collectives” and turn against one another because of our differences. And the up side of this is … ? Exactly what is the benefit of all this hatred and division?

As a woman of faith, it is my goal to imitate my God, to live as He lives, to love as He loves. This lead me to think about the gulf between the urge to be “of service” and that of myopic America. The difference is so simple! OTHERS!

Children are naturally myopic, selfish, but as we mature, we should become increasingly aware of the needs of others. It’s called “Other-awareness” in the education or psychology fields, but in life, it’s just growing up. If society doesn’t encourage us to mature in this way, however, it is unlikely to occur. What we are seeing now is a nation of people whose psychological development has been stunted by a shift in morality from others to ourselves.

There are as many different ways to “serve” one another as there are individuals. We are each unique, and uniquely gifted. Some enjoy cooking and making a little extra to share with a neighbor is a joy. Some have organizational abilities and can help other start businesses or clean homes. Some are good with small children while others are better with Seniors who need assistance. Like a pond without an outlet, we grow smelly if we do not give of what we have received. Our “richness” grows stagnant and moldy unless we find an outlet, a way to serve.

If each person who reads this article decides to become a giver, a public servant or a neighbor, we can change the current drift of our nation toward oblivion. If we commit to this change and seek opportunities to help one another, kindness will spread and multiply because that is its nature! If we can do this, the government won’t have to!

Service might be a position of employment or a volunteer position. It can be a regularly scheduled event or a random occasion. Service might be scrubbing toilets or teaching children. It can be at a Senior Citizens high rise or a Veterans center, making meals for a disadvantaged mother or picking up groceries for a “shut-in.” The cool thing is, each of us “see” a need in our community. It’s like a burr under a horse’s saddle that rubs and rubs until it’s dealt with. Whatever that “burr” is to you is most likely the way you are designed to help your neighbors and your nation. Get involved. Find a way to give. Find someone who needs your help, and then do it with a joyful heart and watch history change!

Train My Hands for Battle

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DO, giving nature, Helping others, selfish nature, selfishness, service, train my hands, Two Wolves

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 
who trains my hands for war, 
my fingers for battle.
Ps 144: 1

What do you suppose this “battle” is about? I’m sure there are dozens of possible ideas. Allow me to present an option to ponder.

I suggest the battle can be understood in the lifelong struggle we all face against selfishness. Each of us will naturally opt for the larger pile of gold or the bigger cookie. Still, someplace within us, we also possess a desire to help others. These two sides argue or compete with each other continuously, like the old Cherokee tale of the Two Wolves. The side of our nature that is strongest is the one we exercise the most. Our choice.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40

Most Americans have heard this sentiment at one time or another. We are aware of those among us less fortunate than ourselves, and we are inclined to help any way we are able. For some of us, that means writing a check. For others, it means bagging some canned goods for the Boy Scout Food Drive. For still others, it means serving at a Soup Kitchen once a month or so.

All of these opportunities are performed with our HANDS! They are all actions done in response to a compassionate impulse to help those among us who struggle. Service starts in our hearts but must be acted upon through our hands.

I suggest, “it is God who trains our hands to…” do what our hearts urge us to do. He enables us to give and rewards us when we do. He brings opportunities to our attention and draws us toward activities that will use our individual talents and strengths. “He trains our hands for battle … ” to wage war against our selfish nature. He provides a lifetime of opportunities to use our hands to help our neighbors and ourselves in the process.

Which nature will we feed?

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1: 22

Dozens dead as quake shakes eastern Turkey

Tags

Helping others

ANKARA, Turkey — A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, killing at least 85 people and sparking widespread panic as it collapsed dozens of buildings into piles of twisted steel and chunks of concrete.
Tens of thousands of residents fled into the streets running, screaming and trying to reach relatives on cell phones. As the full extent of the damage became clear, desperate survivors dug into the rubble with their bare hands, trying to rescue the trapped and the injured. READ MORE HERE

A Sweet Way to Make Everyone Smile

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American, American Conservative, American Heroes, American Interests, American Moral Character, Building Character, Committment, Conservative opinion, GET INVOLVED, Helping others, Military appreciation, Service to Others, spiritual, US Military Veterans

The Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program!

Every kid loves Halloween! So do adults.
As responsible dentists, community members, and US citizens, Halloween Candy Buy Back dentists have found a way to keep the fun, while helping kids and our troops deployed overseas.

How does the program work?

Participating dentists “buy” back kids’ Halloween candy at a scheduled event

“Buy” with cash, coupons, toothbrushes, creative exchanges – They can partner with local businesses to give away coupons for food, services, goods, etc. They can give away the Hygiene Kits, they can set up an Opportunity Prize–each kid gets a ticket per pound of candy for an opportunity drawing to win special prizes, etc.

Dentists send the candy to Operation Gratitude or other Military support groups

Operation Gratitude sends the candy to U.S. Military deployed in harm’s way

MORE INFO HERE

Get into the spirit of giving a little early this year
and help our TROOPS, too!!!

One More Chance to Recant or Die!

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"life lessons", American Conservative, American Heroes, American history, American Interests, American Moral Character, American Morality, Building Character, Committment, Conservative opinion, Democrat, GET INVOLVED, Helping others, Human Rights, Jesus, spiritual

How Much American History do You Remember?

Tags

"life lessons", American Conservative, American Heroes, American history, American Interests, American Moral Character, American Morality, Building Character, Committment, Helping others, Limited Government, Service to Others, The BEST of America

Gratitude to God expressed by those ... Of Plymouth Plantation

I often hear in the media today that America has never been an truly Christian nation, and that those who presume so are deceived. Well … the evidence indicates to the contrary.

OUR AMERICAN ROOTS: Many have recently argued that our beginnings were not essentially Christian. I suppose that depends on your definition of Christian, but the central focus, and the source of strength, wisdom, and consolation in the early American settlements was the God of the Bible. Yes, there were different ‘denominations,’ different perspectives of how this God worked, and if he did or didn’t interfere in the everyday lives of individuals, but nevertheless, God was central to the early literature, the poetry, and architecture i.e. the location of the church was central even as God was central to their lives. “No group has played a more pivotal role in shaping American values than the New England Puritans. The seventeenth-century Puritans contributed to our country’s sense of mission, its work ethic, and its moral sensibility.”

To understand the Puritans (of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) or the Pilgrims (of Plymouth), it is necessary to have a bit of an understanding of English history. In the 1450’s, the first printing press was built, the first published work from that press was the Gutenberg Bible Until this time, the only people who had access to the Holy Scriptures were the priests. With the invention of the printing press, it became conceivable that even the common man could obtain a copy of the Bible if translated into common English. William Tyndale saw to that and was beheaded for his efforts. As more and more individuals gained access to a Bible, these same individuals developed their own understanding of the words, the message contained therein.

The Puritans were people who walked through life with a very personal faith. Engendering this faith to their children was a very serious matter to them. Because of their Biblical Christianity they had suffered greatly. They and their Pilgrim friends had been grievously treated by the established Church and the English Crown the hiearchical dignitaries were beholden to. Matters of conscience were very important to them. Nevertheless the Puritans, for the most part, were a bright and cheerful company. They were a people who enjoyed life and took on its challenges with gusto. To the Puritans life was a grand adventure with the lives of a whole company of people at stake. If they were not diligent before God and before their fellow man then there would be dire consequences. It could be a case of “Paradise Lost”. The Puritan Milton was active in the English Civil War as was John Bunyan writer of the classic Biblical Christian allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress”. Indeed “Paradise Lost” was the title of the Milton’s epic poem.

The history and literature of that period reflects the beliefs and daily lifestyle that centered on a relationship with our benevolent Almighty God. We don’t hear much about this today, even in historical or literary studies because it just isn’t politically correct – no room for secular humanism! But the truth is written in the lines of Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 – 1882), Louisa May Alcott (1832 – 1888), Washington Irving (1783 – 1859), Nathanial Hawthorne (1804 – 1864), Emily Dickenson (1830 – 1886), James Fenimore Cooper (1789 – 1851), and so many more who captured the time, the life, the struggles, and the victories of these early Americans.

Aboard the Mayflower, the leaders drafted the Mayflower Compact

Governor William Bradford (1590 – 1621) Bradford was selected as Governor by the survivors of the Mayflower crossing, the first settlers to endure both the crossing and the settling of the New England coast of Plymouth. Some were Pilgrims (or Separatists) wanted to break away from the Chruch of England. The others were called Puritans because they wanted to establish a “pure church that would offer a model for the churches in England.” They both wanted to be FREE to worship as they saw fit. They wanted Freedom of religion!
William Bradford was one of the first Americans to be published in the New land. His Of Plymouth Plantation was an impressive journal he kept detailing the crossing itself and the initial workings of the new colony, the new village of Plymouth and the government they established. Here is a brief excerpt:

Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the fast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element. And no marvel if they were thus joyful, seeing wise Seneca was so affected with sailing a few miles on the coast of his own Italy, as he affirmed, that he had rather remain twenty years on his way by land than pass by sea to any place in a short time, so tedious and dreadful was the same unto him.

The brave and devout Puritans of the Mayflower crossing drew up a compact that became the foreshadow of our unique government. “The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by the colonists, later together known to history as the Pilgrims, who crossed the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower. Almost half of the colonists were part of a separatist group seeking the freedom to practice Christianity according to their own determination and not the will of the English Church. It was signed on November 11, 1620 by 41 of the ship’s one hundred and two passengers, in what is now Provincetown Harbor near Cape Cod.

Modern version
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

The Bill of Rights ~ First 10 Amendments of the US Constitution

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620.

The primary import of this document was the establishment of self-rule in the colony. In that way, the Mayflower Compact is a foreshadowing of what was to come, of the cry for individual freedom in the New Land – America. The subsequent documents of Independence and self-rule assumed the morality and spirituality of the people. While degrees of devotion differ, and methods of “worhip” differ, still they agreed in the inherent sovereignty of Almighty God. This is our history. These are our roots. They distinguished between Church rule and civil rule – not separating one FROM the other but distinguishing their separate roles in the lives of the people. This is America! A land, under God, sought and found for a unique and special purpose – where individuals could worship God as they saw fit. In today’s language, that means the elimination of Christianity while other religions are welcomed and extolled! Yet morality in the USA has never been at a lower standard. Five minutes of TV news will confirm that!

Can we re-discover our ROOTS???

Check out this video of

Plymouth Plantation

September 11, 2001 ~ In Remembrance

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"life lessons", American, American Heroes, American history, American Interests, Committment, Conservative opinion, First Responders, Helping others, Military appreciation, spiritual, The BEST of America, US Military Veterans, Women's Issues

Sons of Liberty: Patriots or Terrorists?

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"life lessons", American, American Conservative, American Heroes, American history, American Interests, American Moral Character, Committment, Conservative opinion, Helping others, Military appreciation, Service to Others, The BEST of America, US Military Veterans

How A Secret Society of Rebel Americans
Made Its Mark on Early America

SONS OF LIBERTY, or Sons of something altogether different? I suppose it all depends on a particular individual’s point of view.

“For the American “armchair historian,” this American Revolutionary organization conjures up a myriad of confusing images. But, what of this “secret” organization that played such an integral part in advancing the idea of American independence from Great Britain? What were the Sons of Liberty? Who were its members and how widespread was its support among the thirteen colonies comprising British America? What was the ideology and degree of political affiliation within the organization?

“Shrouded in secrecy, the origins of the Sons of Liberty are in dispute. Some historical sources claim that the movement began in New York City in January 1765. A more popular claim is that the movement began in Boston, Massachusetts through the leadership of one Samuel Adams (a well known American Revolutionary firebrand) in early 1765. It is quite likely that the Boston and New York City chapters of the Sons of Liberty were organized and developed simultaneously.

“It was the Boston Committee of Correspondence that directed the Boston Tea Party action of December 16, 1773.1 Upset with the lack of redress concerning the new tax on tea established by the British government for importation of tea to Boston, a small band of the Boston Committee of Correspondence members (approximately fifty in number) led by Samuel Adams, proceeded to empty three ships worth and 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor in protest.

“Was this an early terrorist action or a patriotic action. Surely, the answer lies with perspective. If you were a British official, this action was treasonous and punishable by death. If you were an American colonial citizen, this event would be seen as a glorious action of the freedom fighters worthy of praise, pride, and acclaim.

PLEASE VIEW VIDEO!

(I know this video is a big lengthy, but it is worth your consideration!)

“The cement of this union
is the heart-blood of every American.”

Thomas Jefferson

The patriot says, “I love my country,” works for its good, and defends it if necessary – against enemies within and without. He strives and prays not primarily that God will bless his country, but that his country will bless God. The nationalist, meanwhile, says, “My country is better than yours.” “My country is the greatest there has ever been.” “The greatest nation on God’s green earth.” “They hate my country because it is so good.”

The original American patriots fought the Revolutionary War against a nation (Britain) and its central government, to preserve man’s natural rights. They fought as 13 free and independent states, not as one nation. ~ John J. Dwyer

“One thing is certain about the Sons of Liberty organization: it gave American colonists a voice and vital chance to actively participate in the independence movement.

“Finally, the decision on the Sons of Liberty comes down to a variation on an old saying, “one man’s terrorist is another man’s patriot.” The ultimate conclusion must be left to the individual.”

“I subscribe to a patriotism rooted in ideas that in turn gave birth to a country, but it’s the ideas that I think of when I’m feeling patriotic. I’m a patriotic American because I revere the ideas that motivated the Founders and compelled them, in many instances, to put their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line.

What ideas? Read the Declaration of Independence again. Or, if you’re like most Americans these days, read it for the very first time. It’s all there. All men are created equal. They are endowed not by government but by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Premier among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government must be limited to protecting the peace and preserving our liberties, and doing so through the consent of the governed. It’s the right of a free people to rid themselves of a government that becomes destructive of those ends, as our Founders did in a supreme act of courage and defiance more than two hundred years ago.

Call it freedom. Call it liberty. Call it whatever you want, but it’s the bedrock on which this nation was founded and from which we stray at our peril. It’s what has defined us as Americans. It’s what almost everyone who has ever lived on this planet has yearned for. It makes life worth living, which means it’s worth fighting and dying for.”

Faith & Freedom
are eternal brothers

Tea Party Patriots

Soldier’s Best Friend

Tags

"life lessons", American, American Heroes, American Moral Character, Building Character, Committment, Conservative opinion, DO SOMETHING!, GET INVOLVED, Helping others, Military appreciation, Service to Others, The BEST of America, US Military Veterans

A few weeks ago, I posted an article about P2V or Pets 2 Vets. That organization is centered in the Washington, DC area. They continue to do great work bringing great dogs and our military heroes together for an increased quality of life!

Now there is an organization in the Southwestern part of the country. Soldier’s Best Friend (SBF) is a 501(C)3 tax exempt non-profit corporation based in Phoenix, AZ.

We (SBF) are devoted to helping our veterans and the pet overpopulation problem. Our staff is comprised of active military members, a combat veteran, practicing PTSD therapists, professional service dog trainers, a veterinarian, and many other great volunteers. To learn more about our staff click here.

We are now accepting applications to consider your placement with a Service Dog or Therapeutic Companion Dog. To apply now click here

All placement and training fees are no cost to the veteran. The veteran will be responsible for transportation and housing costs (if needed).

Soldiers are like you and me …
They’re PEOPLE!

Veterans diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, have issues with panic attacks, depression, nightmares, anxiety and reclusive behavior, Burnham said.

“Once they get their dog, they have to take it for a walk, so that in itself gets them out there,” he said. “And they’re more comfortable going into crowds, because they have their buddy with them.”

Training is done with the soldiers and dogs, and is composed of private and group sessions one to two days a week for up to 30 weeks at the Disabled American Veterans Hall at 8447 N. 61st Ave. in Glendale.

All of the dogs will receive basic obedience training, and some will be taught additional skills depending on the soldiers’ needs, lead trainer Shawna Swanson said.

“We have one veteran that’s requested the dog wake him up prior to a nightmare starting, because he talks in his sleep before the intense nightmare sets in,” Burnham said. “There are dogs that just have that instinctive behavior to read an anxiety attack coming on; we can’t train that into the dog.” PLEASE READ MORE