What is … Your CHARACTER?

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Aaron Hernandez, Adrian Peterson, Beyonce, character, Chris Brown, ethical strength, excellence, heroes, Kim Kardashian, personal legacy, President Obama, real heroes, ultimate ideal, ultimate standard for excellence

What is … YOUR Character?

char·ac·ter (krk-tr)
n.
1. The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another.
2. A distinguishing feature or attribute, as of an individual, group, or category.
3. Genetics A structure, function, or attribute determined by a gene or group of genes.
4. Moral or ethical strength.
5. A description of a person’s attributes, traits, or abilities.
6. A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
7. Public estimation of someone; reputation: personal attacks that damaged her character.
8. Status or role; capacity: in his character as the father.

There are more … Check HERE

Glance through this list and a concept begins to emerge of CHARACTER. There is little talk these days of character as evidenced by my adult daughter asking me the meaning. “What is Character,” she asked. If we “fix” ourselves and our kids, the world will take care of itself! Maybe if Americans spent more thinking about their/our character, we could actually FIX whats wrong in our nation, and the world will take care of itself because what works for us as individuals, will also work for our nation and others.

My answer incorporated much of the ideas above. Character suggests ideals: An ideal is a model of something perfect or without equal. As an adjective, ideal describes this ultimate standard for excellence, or something that exists only as an idea.

So, what is our “ultimate standard for excellence?” Do we look to a man like Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson who has fathered at least 7 children out of wedlock? Or the New England Patriots’ Aaron Hernandez? Or maybe Kim Kardashian is more appropriate? How about Chris Brown? Beyonce? Or maybe we choose President OBAMA?

Typically, our young people look to celebrities and athletes as “heroes” because of the shortage of real heroes … or maybe there are still plenty of real heroes, but our perspective has changed?

“For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12: 34

We each have a lifetime to build our character. We choose the definition of our character by our affections, by where we spend our time and/or our money. Most Americans surround themselves with … things. Where we spend our time and where we put our money are the greatest indicators of our character. Character is our most enduring legacy, so we each must decide how we want to be remembered and then work toward that goal. As “Honest Abe” Lincoln is remembered for his honesty, and Nixon is remembered for the Watergate debacle, each of us has the freedom to define our legacy, our character. Will we choose the popular “Kardashian” or “Peterson” standard of excellence, or the nobility of President Washington, the courage of Chris Kyle, or the boldness of Tim Tebow, our character is in process. What YOU decide will affect the future of your personal legacy, but also the future of America.

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A D-Day Mourning

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D-Day, heroes, Hitler, Inspiration Monday, Moral cause, OBAMA'S AMERICA, OBAMA'S AMERICA: COUNTRY WITHOUT HISTORY, oppression, persecution, poetry, tyranny, WW2

• What has changed in America since the young men on D-Day challenged the entrenched Germans on Normandy’s shores?
• What inspires a generation to such greatness, such selflessness, such courage or causes it to self-destruct?
• What unique assurance did these young soldiers hold that their struggle would not be in vain?

A different American culture raised these young men (and women). Some, no doubt, would call them “Old-fashioned,” but I call them enlightened. They understood the cost of Freedom. They knew their sense of destiny meant sacrifice, and they were responsible enough to go anyway … in spite of the cost. The cries of those imprisoned in German camps called out to them, and they … honor bound, had to go.

Where is this courage today? Where is this commitment to OTHERS? We went, not with the goal of gaining new lands or conquering a people, but simply to set the oppressed free. A noble and achievable goal.

Oh that the courage of these heroes, and the moral indignation they shared in the face of tyranny and immorality would rise up again in the American people. I call it forth, that very boldness. There will be a time to act. Meanwhile pray!

OBAMA’S AMERICA: A COUNTRY WITHOUT HISTORY

Thousands upon thousands, from the open-mouthed boats they splashed,
From salty sea water tinged red with solders’ blood,
Wave after wave, forward they crashed
Toward the daunting cliffs in an uphill flood.

Liberty’s bell rang loudly in their ears,
Driving them toward the cries of the persecuted and oppressed,
Calling each heroes name, calming their fears,
Uniting them and empowering them on to the noble quest.

Heroes one and all, by the thousands, they bled and fell,
While more and more behind them, Allied troops drove on,
They fought and sought to claim nothing for themselves,
Just the moral rightness of tyranny’s oppression gone.

Thousands upon thousands, with their hands out they stand,
Today’s oppressed masses, expecting something for FREE,
They have not been taught, and just don’t understand,
The grain of wheat must fall and die so life and liberty can be.

*John 12:24

**Inspiration Monday: Country without history

Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier ~ Thank You!

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American Veterans, Benghazi petition, heroes, honor, military, patriots, truth, veterans, Veterans' Day

EVERY VETERAN’S DAY, I stand with millions of Americans in debt to all Patriots who have gone before us in service to our great nation. Though I am a Vet, I served in time of peace, and dared to wear the same uniform as those brave souls who faced cunning and ruthless enemies. It is a debt I cannot repay, but it is a debt for which I am and grateful. I only wish more, particularly young people, had a better grasp of the ugliness of oppression experienced in other parts of our world. Maybe then, their appreciation of the liberties we yet enjoy would be greater.

Washington at Valley Forge. Lithograph by F. Heppenheimer, 1853.

THIS VETERAN’S DAY, there is a dark shadow looming overhead as our President continues to stonewall and dodge the questions of the American people concerning the Benghazi fiasco. CIA Directer Gen Petraeus resigned this week to avoid inquiry. Gen Ham of AFRICOM was “fired” after refusing to obey the order to “Stand down!” There is a general PURGE as President Obama removes record numbers of senior military officials. There are several websites collecting signatures on petitions, but I selected the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ). Please take a minute and stand on our enduring Oath to “Support & Defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic … ” Do this in memory of our fallen comrades. Do this to honor the memory of all who have served and given their all for their nation. And Pray …

BENGHAZI UPDATES:

• Paul: Benghazi should preclude Clinton from presidency
• Ratcheting Up Benghazi Questions
• Benghazi: Can Survivors Answer the Growing List of Questions?
• CBS: Government has put ‘extraordinary amount of pressure’ on people not to talk Benghazi

Pray for:

• the TRUTH about the Benghazi attack, “Fast & Furious,” the downed chinook with 20 members of elite Seal6 aboard for starters;
• a unified American people;
• a clear and vibrant vision for the future; and
• an honest effort to reclaim the moral high ground of American Values

Take Your Pick — A Variety of Ways to Help Put a Smile on Every Service Member’s Face! (via Operation Gratitude Blog)

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Afghanistan, Army, cards, care-packages, charity, combat, community-service, crafts, crochet, deployed, donate, donations, facebook, gifts, hats, heroes, Iraq, knit, letters, Libya, marines, middle-east, military, military-care-packages, military-support, morale, navy, patriotic, sailors, scarves, service members, troops, twitter, uncategorized, usaf, usmc, veterans, volunteer, war

Lots of ways to help … PICK ONE or two! 🙂

We hear from people all across the country who want to join in to support deployed service members and our patriotic cause — but because they live far from our Los Angeles-area location, they think they can't. Not true! There are many, many ways to take part! For starters, check out these flyers for great ideas: Ten Easy Ways to Support the Troops Letter Writing and Letter Writing for Teachers Handmade With Love: Scarves, Hats and Cool-Ties Girl … Read More

via Operation Gratitude Blog

American Heroes

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"life lessons", character training, heroes, Human nature, Military appreciation, military appreciation, spiritual, US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Marines, US Navy

AN UNKNOWN HERO OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

On July 29, 1779, just above the Delaware River near Barryville, New York, American Minutemen Militia were badly beaten by a raiding party of British Tories and their allied Mohawk Native-Americans.

Although the Battle of Minisink was considered an American loss, there were still many American heroes. One hero, the second in command of the American Militia, was wounded early in the battle. A doctor by profession, instead of thinking of his own wound, he treated the wounded Americans for hours.

Four hours into the battle, the tide of battle turned against the American Militia. The doctor was told by the Militiamen Leader to leave the battleground to save his own life. He refused to leave the American wounded…

He died as he tried to save their lives.

This is the legacy of the American Hero. The dominant character trait is selflessness, to put the safety of others ahead of self. This is the heritage of the top honorees of our Military – The Medal of Honor winners.

Operation Enduring Freedom

“The War in Afghanistan, which began on October 7, 2001, was launched by the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO allies in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. It was the beginning of the War on Terrorism. The stated purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda. Since 2001, five American service-members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, three of them posthumously.” (Wikipedia)

Army Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti received his medal for attempting to rescue a wounded soldier at the cost of his own life.

Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy received his for actions against insurgent forces and for sacrificing his life to call for help when his team had been overwhelmed by a much larger enemy force.

Army Staff Sergeant Robert James Miller‘s surviving family was presented with his medal on October 6, 2010.

The fourth recipient, Salvatore Giunta received his for his actions in 2007 when he risked his life to save a wounded comrade. He is the first living recipient since the Vietnam War.

A second living recipient, Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, received the medal from President Obama during a July 12, 2011, ceremony.

On November 10, 2010, the Marine Corps also nominated Dakota Meyer for the Medal of Honor for actions on September 8, 2009, in nearby Kunar province.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

“The Iraq War, also known as the Second Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom (US), Operation TELIC (UK) or the occupation of Iraq, is an ongoing conflict which began on March 20, 2003 with the United States-led invasion of Iraq by a multinational coalition composed of U.S. and U.K. troops supported by smaller contingents from Australia, Poland, and other nations. Four service members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq; two from the Army, one from the Marine Corps and one from the Navy.

Paul R. Smith was the first to receive it for his actions on April 4, 2003 when he held enemy forces back, allowing other wounded soldiers to be evacuated to safety.

The other three, Corporal Jason Dunham of the Marine Corps, Specialist Ross A. McGinnis of the Army and Master-at-Arms Second Class Michael A. Monsoor of the Navy received it after being killed while using their own bodies to smother grenades to protect their comrades.” (Wikipedia)

The Battle of Long Island

Thank you

to all our HEROES