What is Walmart doing to Communities

I just watched a Documentary on WalMart. It hardens my heart about the info provided in this video. I don't care if only 10% of it is true it is a bad deal.

My biggest issue is how Walmart comes in to a town with government help and runs out the little stores. In some cases Walmart appears to close forcing people to drive to other cities to get the good they need.

I love a good deal and saving money but hearing about the crime in Walmart parking lots. Not to mention the wage paid to the workers is not livable, forcing many to seek government programs just to eat. Most can't even afford to get health care from Walmart because of the wage and the cost of the coverage.

WOW is all I can say about this story.

Watch the full documentary now

Alzheimer's "How Can I Help, You Already Have"

My Grandma Suffers from this Disease. When you read the cause in the book "You can heal your life" makes sense why this would have happened to her. Man I love you grandma and I know you need that love now more than ever.

My grandma has had enough and that is when the Dis-Ease set in. She grew up in a family that treated her like a step child after her mother died when she was still a kid. She had a big family so she could fill that hole in her heart and feel like she had a family of her own. Then my grandpa Nate died, the dog smoky ran away or was taken. Then the icing on the cake is when her Sisters son claims he is not her nephew so he could be with her sons kids mom and still look good in the church. I would assume based on the fact that he has nothing to do with her after getting married to her step daughter. This took her back to her childhood feeling of being a step child I am sure. Then her oldest child died and now we have this Disease call ALZHEIMER'S.

I am blessed to have her alive now, so "How Can I Help" is a big deal for me. And her response to me when I ask her "How Can I Help" is "You already have".

ALZHEIMER'S: Refusal to deal with the world as it is.

AFFIRMATION: There is always a new and better way for me to experience life. I forgive and release the past. I move into joy.

Namaste

TRIBUTE TO CLARISSA WALKER

TRIBUTE TO CLARISSA WALKER

AND DOROTHY WOOLFORK IN

CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, March 15, 2001

Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the historic achievements of American women this month, I wish to recognize two very special women from my Congressional district— Clarissa Walker and Dorothy Woolfork. For more than three decades, they have selflessly served the African-American community in Minneapolis through their work at Sabathani Community Center.

Ms. Walker—Sabathani’s Family Resources Director—and Ms. Woolfork—a Sabathani civil rights activist—have tirelessly aided those in need in the south Minneapolis community that Sabathani Community Center serves. I admire both of these women for their selflessness in reaching out to others to enact true social change. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you a little more about the life experiences that shaped Clarissa Walker and Dorothy Woolfork’s beliefs, and helped them become the dedicated women of conviction they are today.

CLARISSAWALKER

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Clarissa Walker settled in Minneapolis in 1955. Her service to the Twin Cities community began when she worked as an operating room technician at the University of Minneapolis Hospital.

In 1968, Ms. Walker was recruited to work for Sabathani Community Center as a youth supervisor.  She quickly moved up the ranks, serving in various positions—social worker/counselor, assistant director, acting executive director, and agency director of the Center. In 1971, she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Since then she has done some post-graduate studies in business management, and has become a licensed social worker. Ms. Walker has served in her current position as director of the Family Resource program since 1985. Through the years, Ms. Walker has worked diligently to enrich the Sabathani community in a number of capacities. She has donated much of her time to several important agencies and causes, including the Minnesota Extension Advisory Committee; the Neighborhood Reinvestment Regional Advisory

Committee; the Second Harvest Food Bank Board; the United Way First Call for Help Committee; the First and Secondary Market

Loan Committee; the Neighborhood Housing Services of America Board; and the Project for Pride in Living Board. She has also served as President of the Southside Neighborhood Housing Services Board President, and has served on the Central Neighborhood Improvement Association; the United Way Budget and Allocation panel; the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee to the Mayor; and the Lake Street Partners Board.

For over a generation, Clarissa Walker and Dorothy Woolfork have worked to open the ‘‘road less traveled’’ to other women seeking to enact positive societal change. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we should salute these two exceptional women—ideal role models for women young and old across this country.

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/.../pdf/CREC-2001-03-15-extensions.pdf

How Can I Help??

Mrs. Walker Facebook Fan Page

How Can I Help? This is a life changing question you can ask others as well as yourself.

This is the powerful message that I learned from my grandmother, Mrs. Walker as a young child. It has taken me until now to understand the true meaning of the question "How Can I Help." Now that I have matured and chewed on this meat for a while, I can digest it. Now I trust my ability and willingness to help.

Whenever Mrs. Walker answered the phone at the Food Shelf she greeted each caller with "How Can I Help". Through this organization she provided food and housing for the less fortunate in her community. Mrs. Walker believed in people and in giving them a "Leg up" when they needed it most. One of the services provided for the clients of the Food Shelf was the E House. This was the arm of this program that provided the homeless participants with an apartment which they could occupy for 6 months on a sliding scale. In this way, they had an address, a phone, as well as food and shelter. Because of this they could comfortably seek employment and feel like a productive part of the community.

Watching Mrs. Walker at the Food Shelf was an amazing sight to see. She had the ability to motivate people to want to work, and I mean people that were not "The working type". She could even get me to work on Cheese Day by promising me a Big Mac or a Whopper with her after the work was done. Cheese Day we always had cheese and butter for the community and sometimes we would also have honey, rice or dried milk.

The usual Food Shelf offered canned goods, lentils and rice. One time I remember a family coming in that had special needs. The father told my grandmother that they were in need of food and living in their van. My grandma immediately got up, grabbed my hand and headed to the Food Shelf. I started grabbing food we would normally put in a food order like rice and/or lentils. She stopped me and explained that they could not use them because they are living out of the van. She educated me on what items could be eaten without being cooked like canned chili or baked beans. She is a smart woman.

One of the last things she created before her retirement, was preparing taxes for the community, especially those who usually don't get them done every year. Every Saturday she would be there with her team of volunteers to get a specified number of tax returns done. She also had a list of people that she worked with every season. One person mentioned that she did not see how Mrs. Walker would be able to get her taxes done with that mess on her desk. When my grandma called her to tell her that her taxes were done, the person was amazed because she received the biggest return ever. My grandmother is a very smart woman.

Because of my grandmothers dedication and contribution to her community, I have decided to honor her by starting a National Event called "How Can I Help". This first annual event is on November 6th 2010, Mrs. Walker's 79th Birthday. She is unable to continue on with this work without the help of everyone. The intention is to raise the energy level and vibration of our world. You decide what that means for you, and it starts with asking yourself "How Can I Help" wherever you are. You can change a person's life with a smile or giving a burger from the dollar menu at McDonald's. Imagine feeling like no one cares and it is you against the world, and then someone says to you, "How Can I Help"? You immediately start to feel you are not alone and someone does care. When you feel that connection with another being it is uplifting, inspiring and satisfying.

My grandma's desire to help lives in everyone, and Saturday November 6th 2010 is the day to awaken that helping spirit.

Please share this with anyone and everyone because this is one way everyone can be GREAT.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. you only need a heart full of grace. a soul generated by love." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

"If there is anything I can do in honor of this GREAT WOMAN, please let me know! She has been a blessing to all who have had the privilege to know her. I'm THERE!!!" ~ Desiree S. Potts

"This women is amazing. There aren't words to express the feelings she has given to others. Her heart was always full of love and her dedication to others was truly the spirit of God working. I will be involved in this for everyday the spirit of giving should be upon us as it was upon her. Thanks for honoring her"~ Deanna Nolen-Williamson

"HOW CAN I HELP" I've heard that more than a few times from Mrs. Walker. WE LOVE YOU.....
~ Pamela Weems

Thanks for your support

Homeless Vets

I recently got into a discussion about homeless vets in the us.  The conversation was good as a whole but started with the comment of.  We need to make sure the contract is read and understood.  I have never seen the contract before so I am not sure what is in it.  But I do know that no matter what is in it, it does not explain the homelessness.  It is hard for me to imagine spending my time risking my life only to be messed up in the head and left to fend for myself.

The reason why this is so hard for me is if you brain wash me in the name of preparation for war.  Then I finish my assignment and go back home to a life that does not even look the same.  I should be supported until I am able to fend for myself.  I call this "Giving a vet a fish until he trust in themselves to fish again".

We have to take better care of the people who take care of us.  We take care of them by providing the mental health they need as well as a place for them to feel at home in.  I know this is a hard thing to do considering everything going on here in America, but considering as much money as the Gov. waste on themselves.  This should be a part of what is needed to help those that have sacrificed so much for us all.

Namaste

BUILDING YOUR HOUSE: A TEACHING

BUILDING YOUR HOUSE: A TEACHING

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his

Plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife

and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he

wanted to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just

one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was

easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship

and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house.

Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house...

my gift to you."

The carpenter was shocked!

What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would

have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best

into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have

built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently.

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail,

place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."

Your attitude, and the choices you make today, helps build the "house" you will live

in tomorrow. Therefore, build wisely!

 

(c) 2008 Amy Flynn. All Rights Reserved.

 

Put your trust in the Creator

Put your trust in the Creator

My spirituality is not as strong as I thought. I learned this at the Grand Canyon's West Rim today. I know it's true because my youngest told me I don't trust her climbing on the Rocks close to the edge.

I do trust her but not my thoughts of something happening to her and God, her Universal Father letting something happen. As her earthly Father I refuse to watch something happen that could kill her.

If she fell my wife said she would have a heart attack. I would have jumped after her. So that leaves Alyssa by her self so how stupid is that, on my part. But this little girl holds a part of my heart.

The moment put me in the mode of something happening while there and emotionally I could not handle it.

The lesson for me is I have to let my kids go on a Spiritual level. Trust they are guided and will be taken care of, always.

I just keep thinking of the bible, "I see the wood, I see the knife, what will be the sacrafice". Is what I keep asking myself. I told my God that I am not there yet, I could not do what Mohamad did, and be ready to kill his own child.

We left the park as we came, together but I was changed by the experience. Changed because I now know I have a lot of work to do. It's no different than Alyssa cutting Trucks off, not driving in the center of her lane. The thing about her is she is older and she listens me on these safty levels.

Ths is a choppy post from my phone but I wanted to share how the Grand Canyon pushed me forward in my Spirituality.

"What you won't do for yourself, you'll do for your kids"

OBMO

When it is time to GO!!

When it is time to go it is time to go!!

My Family has been ready to move from the state of Minnesota for some time now.  It started with the desire to move to Maui, and now weeks away from moving to California.  Sometimes it does not seem like it will happen because I get stuck in my head about wanting to doing the right thing. 

It is time to do something else is what I keep telling myself.  Yes I have left the state before but that was with different intentions.  This time my intentions are new and my desires have changed.  See I have wanted to live in LA since I was 15 years old when my Father sent for me to live with him in South Central LA.  That was a long time ago and many things have changed since then.  I don't even know what it looks like now but I am excited to go see.  The difference is now I have a family to care for, and that changes the whole thing in my opinion.

This move is hard because of how many things we have to move and not sure what we need.  In my perfect world we would take what we can fit in our cars and that is it.  That sounds smart but may not be the smartest move so we contemplate on what to bring or not.  It is one of the hardest things I have every had to deal with because I just don't know.  Top it off with I don't have a job, much Money at all and don't know the little family I have out there.  Yet the door was shut and nailed closed!  It is amazing to me how that happens.

See I was blessed to get my last job.  I say blessed because no way in the world should I of have that job if you look at it from the outside.  See I was the Latin American Rep that did not speak or write any Spanish.  But I was so hungry that Beth could see it in my eyes and in my heart.  I got that job and turned it from a issue position to a complaint free zone.

Well this dream has started to out grow this position.  See I was doing good for the company and the customers but not for myself.  I was losing everything while gaining nothing.  I was losing my life, my life's desires.  My desire is to be a paid Public Speaker and a Life Style.  I have no idea how or when this will be but working a job in Minnesota does not allow for much space for that.  I put it on the back burner because my family welfare is very important to me.

But now that my oldest Alyssa is going to College in LA it made all my thought come to life.  See now I have a reason to move West.  My wife Nikki is a East Coast Girl and our youngest Lilli talks like she is from the east.  We made this plan to move far west Maui and now are moving to LA, so 2,000 miles closer.  To my surprise my team was let go after almost 4 years with the company. 

What is funny is it came 6 months after I told the company I was looking for work out West and if they could assist me with something that would allow me to support my family.  We began the search with no luck at all.  The reason it is funny is I was ready to leave my position but the Source said take some Unemployment with you, some Severance Pay, some Health care.

So now We just sold the house weeks before not I lost my job and planning to move to LA.  To me I took this a sign to move anyways.

To me this was the sign "It's time to GO!"a

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

ENTHUSIASM
Your heart must be in your work. Stimulate others.
COOPERATION
With all levels of your co-workers. Help others and see the other side.
LOYALTY
To yourself and all those dependent upon you. Keep your self-respect.
FRIENDSHIP
Comes from mutual esteem, respect and devotion.
INDUSTRIOUSNESS
Worthwhile things come from hard work and careful planning.
SELF-CONTROL
Emotions under control. Delicate adjustment between mind & body. Judgment and common sense.
ALERTNESS
Be observing constantly. Be quick to spot a weakness, and correct it or use it, as the case may warrant.
INITIATIVE
Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Desire to excel.
INTENTNESS
Ability to resist temptation. Concentrate on your objective and be determined to reach your goal.
CONDITION
Mental–Moral– Physical. Rest, exercise and diet must be considered. Moderation. Dissipation eliminated.
SKILL
A knowledge of and the ability to properly execute the fundamentals. Be prepared. Cover every detail.
TEAM SPIRIT
An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests or glory for the welfare of all. "The team comes first."
POISE
Just being yourself. Being at ease in any situation. Never fighting yourself.
CONFIDENCE
Respect without fear. Confident. Faith in yourself knowing you are prepared.
COMPETITIVE GREATNESS
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Be at your best when your best is needed. Love of a hard battle.

SUCCESS

Faith

Patience

Your Ready To Fly

Well today is the day that my family has thought about for the last 10 years at least.  It is amazing to me how it kind of sneaks up on you.  Alyssa Jenee is Graduating from High School today June 4th 2010.

I am very proud of her for not only Graduating but also doing it with great style and passion.  See she gets good grades and has a passion to do great things.  Sounds a lot like me when I was in school but the difference is she is taking it to the next step, moving to new state to pursue her desire.

Life will show her some challenges to make her stronger and she will have some moments of regrets.  My hope and desire is that she continues in pursuit with great diligence.  See WIT (Whatever It Takes) is what I tell her, my only requirement is it does not involve selling her body or doing something she does not believe in.

Other than that this is going to be a great adventure, and I am looking forward to watching you grow.

OBMO

Happy Birthday

This is a re-post:

 

Today is my Birthday and I have graduated from it being about me and my birthday to being about my kids birthday's. Yes mine is the 11th of June my oldest is the 18th and my youngest is the 21st.

This was one of many lessons that I have learned after Nate Walker's passing. I do not truly know the lesson 100% but I can tell you this. It means more to me for them to have great memory's about the day they blessed me. This blessing will be forever so I think the honor in that is what is so special.

I will never forget when I would rush to go wish him a happy birthday June 1st every year because I knew mine was only 10 day's away. He is the most special man I have every know, well until my mom married my Dad.

My Grandpa Nate (Pops) shares no blood relation with me, but you could not tell him or I that because of how we feel about each other. This part is so important to me because my blood grandpa Charles Logan Sr. was Nate's best friend during childhood. I remember doing everything with Nate even more so then his own true blood son's little Nate. It is a very special relationship to me because I lacked a true role model in my life. So GOD blessed me with his wisdom for such a short time. See he died 11/11/97 at 10:10am at the young age of 66 as a Veteran passing on Veterans Day. I was and I am still crushed by this loss because I don't have this kind of relationship with anyone. The closest is my dad (Donnie), see to love someone like they are your own flesh and blood is the best love you can share with someone when they are not your true flesh and blood. That is how he got the name Pops because he is the closest to Pops I have every seen.

Back to the Birthday stuff. I would wish Pops Happy Birthday and he would say thanks or knowing him he would say nothing. He would reach in to his big wallet and give me money for my birthday. I would say "Pops this is your birthday" he would always reply with "you better come over here and get this while I got it" so I would of course go to get my gift from him. I say him because after giving to me this money he would always say "now you better get over to see your grandma and get what she has for you". It always touched me that he thought of me on his birthday. I never understood why until I had 2 birthday's that mean more then mine.

Still to this day my Wife wants to make a big deal out of my Birthday and I am like whatever because I would prefer the kids have the special Birthday. Now this does not mean I don't appreciate party's or gifts because I do and look forward to them, I just I just don't expect them.

Happy Birthday to me but most of all to my Girls Alyssa (AD) and Lilli (Lil)

The Meaning of the Folding of the American Flag

HERE IT IS: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. 

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the Vetrens. 

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God. 

The fifth fold is a tribute to our Country. 

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America. 

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces. 

The eighth fold is a tribute to honor Mothers. 

The ninth fold is a tribute to Motherhood. 

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father. 

The eleventh fold, King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

The twelfth fold, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Good Deeds go Un-Noticed

No good dead goes Un-Noticed

That was my thought when leaving work to get lunch. I have been taught by my mother and grandmother to always do good deeds. In this current job I started as temp and busted my ass for the company and my family.

It started with me working 12 hours a day to get work done. I was the first in and the last to leave. It was all good to me because my family needed the OT to pay bills.

A year or so after that I was hired and a year after that the OT was shutdown and work load was moved around. It was horrible timing because we needed to refi to get out of this home loan. All of those have now resulted in a short sale on our credit.

Last Tuesday my group was let go with a 60 day working notice. I call this mental equity stripping but that's another topic. I am not convinced that everyone was made aware of this at the same time. If so then the managments were looking out for the ones they liked better.

Before you start riding me on how normal that is, I know too. In this case the person is acting as if they had no idea that this was comming about. My issue is don't lie now that it is over and you have been guided through the storm of this lay off.

Today I have reason to beleive this person has landed a job that pays well. I like this person and I am glad they have found a position in the company.

Back to the topic of this post. I feel I have done great deeds for this company. I started feeling that good deeds don't get noticed. So I left work to get out of energy.

I had not had lunch at this point so decided to go to fast food place for Fish sandwich. When I got out my car and started heading to door I noted a white women 5 steps behind me.

Rather then rush to get in I held the door behind me so she did not have to open door. Once she was in I let door go so I could open next door for her. Rather than opening the same way and let her in first, allowing her to order first.

Keep in mind my thoughts above and I did a good deed anyways. This lady after ordering her cone turned and said "I'm going to buy this persons lunch"! I said wow because I am thinking of my thoughts above as well. She joked and said don't break the bank. I told her no that is not it at all, I then tell her my thoughts of good deeds going un-noticed and she smiled.

The moral of this story to me is this, The Soul Knows All. Trust you are where you should be and do what you think about.

Thanks for this meat of life

OBMO

Wisdom of Chief Two Eagles

The old Cherokee chief sat in his reservation hut, smoking the ceremonial pipe, eyeing the two US government officials sent to interview him.

“Chief Two Eagles,” one official began, “you have observed the white man for many generations, you have seen his wars and his products, you have seen all his progress, and all his problems.” The chief nodded. The official continued, “Considering recent events, in Your opinion, where has the white man gone wrong?”

The chief stared at the government officials for over a minute, and then calmly replied. “When white man found the land, Indians were running it.

* No taxes.
* No debt.
* Plenty buffalo
* Plenty beaver
* Women did the work
* Medicine man free
* Indian men hunted and fished all the time.”

The chief smiled, and added quietly, “White man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that.”

 

The Secret Daily Teachings April 19th 2010

From The Secret Daily Teachings

To allow the Universe to move you in your life to happier and better things, you are going to need to look around you and appreciate the good things here and now. Seek the beautiful things and count the blessings of where you are. Dissatisfaction will not bring the happier and the better into your life. Dissatisfaction roots you to the spot where you currently are, but appreciation for what you have attracts the happier and better to you.

Remember that you are a magnet! Appreciation attracts appreciation!

 

May the joy be with you,

Rhonda Byrne
The Secret... bringing joy to billions

Great Test for your Relationships

Great Test for your Relationships

 

1. I am not really attached to you at all.  I am merely diluting myself into the beliefs that without you I will not be happy

  

2. I leave you free to be yourself to think your thought indulge your taste follow you inclinations behave in ways you decide are to your liking.

 Wayne Dyer

Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson Day is a traditional event which occurs annually in Major League Baseball, commemorating and honoring the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. Initiated for the first time on April 15, 2004, Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated each year on the same date. The festivity is a result of Robinson's memorable career, best known for becoming the first African-Americanmajor league baseball player of the modern era in 1947.^[1][2] His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers(today known as the Los Angeles Dodgers) ended approximately eighty years of baseball segregation, also known as the baseball color line, or color barrier.^[2] He also was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, remembered for his services with the number 42 jersey.^[2]

The gala is often celebrated at varied ballparks by Major League team players. Shea Stadium was one of the prominent venues hosting the event, having commemorated the retirement of Robinson's number 42 jersey in 1997. The numbered jersey is still worn to mark the event every year. Bob DuPuy, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Major League baseball, described Jackie Robinson Day as a significance "not only for baseball, but for our country in general."^[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Robinson_Day

Now that's respect. OBMO

Read what a White Reporter wrote in a Georgia Newspaper. .

Read what a White Reporter wrote in a Georgia Newspaper. .

For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?


Now I want to ask:

"When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?

Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."

Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.

We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent.

Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes.

Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.

But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president.

But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."

Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?"

How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us?

How long until we white people can - once and for all - get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color?

How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior?

How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?

How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin?

How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?

I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners?

How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?

How long before we starting "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?

Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem.

But here's my three-point plan:

First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built, I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.

Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.

Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice,

"We HAVE overcome."

It takes a Village to protect our President!!!

Email sent to me not sure if it is true content

The Story of Buddha's Enlightenment

The Story of Buddha's Enlightenment

Buddhism began almost 2,500 years ago. The foundation of Buddhism rests on the life of one teacher; an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gotama. Prince Siddhartha grew up in small kingdom in northeast India, an area which now rests in Nepal. His father, King Sudhodana, ruled over the Shakya people. Although the King hoped his son would carry on his legacy, the prince had a very different calling; one which made him one of history's most famous and influential figures.

In order to understand the principals of Buddhism, one must begin with the life of its founder. The deeds and words of Lord Buddha are the source and inspiration behind this popular faith. As you read the story of Buddha's enlightenment given below and on the following pages, be sure to locate all place names on the map titled Places in the Life of Buddha.

Prince Siddhartha was born around 563 BCE, son of King Sudhodana and Queen Maya. Even before the birth, the queen had premonitions of great happenings. Legend tells that in her dreams a radiant white elephant descended from the sky. As the elephant descended, its six large tusks pierced the queen's womb, and she was filled with light.

That morning, the king and queen sought the counsel of the wise, for this was no ordinary dream. The fortunetellers explained that the queen would give birth to a son, and he would be a great leader. The couple was overjoyed at hearing this. King Sudhodana was thrilled, for now he would have a successor.

About ten months later, on the full moon night, in the Indian month of Vaisakha (May/June), Queen Maya was on her way to her father's house in the town of Lumbini. Suddenly, she halted her escorts, descended from her carriage, and entered a lush, beautiful garden. There she gave birth to a son. Legends tell of the sacred silence which anointed the garden that night and of a peace which flowed throughout the land.

The royal couple decided to name the baby Siddhartha, which means "the one who brings all good." News of the prince's birth spread, and there was much celebration. Many visitors came to pay tribute to Siddhartha. One of these visitors was the holy sage, Asita. Asita told the parents that the prince would be either a great king or a great saint. Then something strange happened. When Asita's eyes met the infant's, the sage began to weep. This worried the king and queen, but Asita explained that these were bittersweet tears he shed for himself, for he saw that this indeed was a special child, one who could lead others to peace. Now the holy man wept because, after a lifetime of searching, he would not live to hear Siddhartha's teachings.

Both the king and queen were happy, but Sudhodana wanted to be certain that his son became a great emperor, not a saint. Therefore, he set out to give Siddhartha all he could desire.

But the couple's joy was quickly ended when Queen Maya shortly became seriously ill. Within seven days of giving birth, she lay on her bed dying. She asked her sister, Prajapati, to mother her son. Prajapati consented. Soon afterwards, the queen passed away.

Prajapati raised Siddhartha as though he were her own son, and the prince lived a carefree childhood within the palace walls. King Sudhodana made certain that the boy received the finest education, for Asita's prophecy remained with him. The prince learned quickly. In fact, legend has it that after only a few lessons he had no need of teachers?he had learned all they could teach him.

As Siddhartha grew, his intelligence was matched with a compassionate gentleness. Unlike his peers, he spent a great deal of time alone, wandering the palace gardens. He did not participate in the common games of boys but sought the company of animals and nature.

It was on one of these garden days that the prince came upon a wounded white swan, an arrow still piercing its wing. He removed the arrow and comforted the bird, tending to its wounds. Shortly thereafter, Devadatta, Siddhartha's cousin, came running. Adorned with bow and arrow, Devadatta demanded the swan he had hunted. But the Prince refused. The boys argued until they agreed to settle their dispute in the palace's court.

When Devadatta came before the judges, he claimed that because he shot the bird, it should belong to him. When Siddhartha spoke, he said that he had saved the swan's life, and therefore it belonged to him. The judges sided with the prince, agreeing that the bird's savior has a greater right.

Years went by, and as the prince became a young man he continued in his gentle, quiet ways. This disturbed his father, who wanted his son more involved in worldly matters. But the King's worries were allayed when Siddhartha met Princess Yasodhara, daughter of King Suprabuddha. The young couple wanted to be married, but the neighboring king needed proof of Siddhartha's bravery and skills. Only then would he give his daughter in marriage. Although he had little experience in warrior games, the prince gladly agreed to take part in a contest against other suitors. Now even Siddhartha's father was worried. How could the prince compete against the other young men who had spent years in training?

But the prince surprised everyone with his abilities. He began by winning the archery match, defeating his cousin, Devadatta. Next, he won the swordsmanship contest when, in one lightning quick stroke, he slashed through a tree?a tree with two trunks! However, though the prince was powerful, it was his gentleness which won him the final contest.

Each of the suitors was given an opportunity to mount a wild horse. One by one they were thrown by the wild, kicking beast. In fact, the horse was so ferocious that the judges were about to stop. But when Siddhartha approached the horse, stroking it softly and speaking kind words, the horse mellowed. The prince mounted the horse, and the contest was over. Prince Siddhartha and Princess Yasodhara were wed.

Although King Sudhodana was happy, he remained worried that his son may yet become a saint. SO, he built the newlyweds two enormous, heavenly palaces?one for winter and one for summer. These dwellings were surrounded by walls. Only beautiful servants, accomplished musicians, and the finest foods were allowed in the lush, natural settings. In this way, the king hoped Siddhartha would never be disturbed or seek to go outside the palace, and for years the prince and princess lived undisturbed within the palace walls. In time, they gave birth to a son, Rahula.

Now, although Siddhartha had all the luxuries in the world, he had yet to do one thing: venture outside the palace grounds. From servants he heard tales of other lands and wonders of different peoples, languages, and landscapes. A stirring began inside him. Shortly after, he asked his father's permission to visit the capital city of his kingdom. The king consented, but he ordered his subjects to hide away anyone who was ill or old and to decorate their houses in festive colors, for Sudhodana did not want any sights to trouble his son.

So, aboard his chariot the Prince entered the city of Kapilavastu. The streets, lined with onlookers, were filled with gaiety and celebration. The cheerful citizens, all of them healthy and young, showered the prince with praise. For a moment, Siddhartha was pleased, thinking that this city was like his.

Amidst the crowd stood an elderly man, saddened and bent with age. In all his years, the Prince had never seen such a sight. In fact, he did not even know that people grew old. This knowledge stunned him, and when he returned to the palace, he sat alone in deep contemplation.

In time, the Prince journeyed again into the city, and again the streets were lined with happy faces. However, among the citizens was a sick man, coughing and pale. In all his palace years, sickness was unknown to Siddhartha. Now, he learned of disease. He learned that anyone can fall ill at anytime. This news saddened him.

But the prince's third trip to the city affected him most deeply. Riding along in his chariot, he saw a group of mourners carrying a coffin. Inside the coffin, he saw a dead man wrapped in white. Now he learned of death and the rites of cremation. He was overwhelmed with the thought that even his beloved wife and son would someday die.

Siddhartha became very depressed and spent his time alone. His father tried to cheer him, but to no avail. The prince wondered how people could live happily knowing that old age, sickness, and death awaited them. His gloom deepened, until one day he rode out again on his chariot. This time, he traveled to the countryside. There he saw a saint meditating under a tree. He learned that this hermit had exchanged all worldly pleasures to seek for truth. This man had also seen the suffering in the world and sought to go beyond it to enlightenment. Prince Siddhartha was deeply moved by the sight. He returned to the palace, sure of his calling.

Siddhartha's mind was made up: he would leave his life of luxury and search for truth. Knowing he would not receive consent, that very night as everyone lay sleeping, he bid a silent farewell to his wife and son. He mounted his horse and set out for the forest in the far reaches of the land where the holy men gather. When he arrived, he cut his long hair and donned the robe of an ascetic, a man of solitude searching for wisdom. Now, at the age of twenty-nine, his journey had begun.

Prince Siddhartha spent the next six years in the forest. He studied with the most famous sages, but still he did not find an end to suffering. He joined a group of men who believed enlightenment could be found by denying the body nourishment and sleep, thereby mastering pain. For years the prince ate and slept very little. He grew as thin as a skeleton, and though the rain and sun beat down on him, he did not waver from his practices.

Finally, he realized that he was getting nowhere. Though he had neglected his bodily needs, he had not found an end to suffering. Thus, when a young woman came to him offering food, he accepted. Now that he was nourished he sat in meditation under a bodhi tree in the town of Bodhgaya. He sat down and vowed, come what may, he would not move until he found an end to sorrow. Although demons tempted him with images of his past and evil spirits brought nightmares upon him, the prince was centered on his goal.

Finally, under the Tree of Enlightenment, Siddhartha became Buddha, the Enlightened One. He went on to become a great world teacher, as Asita had prophesied, and from his teachings, Buddhism was born.

Places in the life of Buddha

Different kind of President

Harry Truman was a different kind of President.  He probably made as many or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence   Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.  (Sic.  Illinois)

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!

I say dig him up and clone him!! 

This is not sent for discussion. 

Source Unknown 

 

Invictus Out of the night that covers me,  Black as the Pit from pole to pole,  I thank whatever gods may be  For my unconquerable soul.  In the fell clutch of circumstance  I have not winced nor cried aloud.  Under the bludgeonings of chance  My head is bloody, but unbowed.  Beyond this place of wrath and tears  Looms but the Horror of the shade,  And yet the menace of the years  Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.  It matters not how strait the gate,  How charged with punishments the scroll.  I am the master of my fate:  I am the captain of my soul. William Ernest Henley

Can I borrow $5 (Priceless)

This is priceless!
 Can I Borrow  $5?
A woman came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find her 5-year old son waiting for her
at the door.

SON: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?'

MUM: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the woman..

SON: 'Mummy, how much do you make an hour?'

MUM: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the woman said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

MUM: 'If you must know, I make $20 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: "Mummy, may I please borrow $5?"

The mother was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut
the door..

The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the woman had calmed down, and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $5 and he really didn't ask for money very often.The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' She asked..

'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the woman. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $5 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you Mummy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The woman saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his mother.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mother grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Mummy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow.
I would like to have dinner with you.'

The mother was crushed. She put her arms around her little son, and she begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $20 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Success Suggestion

Day 115: Inspiration from Sir Winston Churchill
by Bo Bennett, DTM

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874-1965) was one of the twentieth century's most important figures, best known as Britain's Prime Minister from 1940 - 1945 and 1951 - 1955.

Success is knowing that your past does not equal your future.  Winston was known to be a willful and somewhat rebellious little boy.  His teachers wrote in letters how difficult he was, one teacher even writing, "Very bad... is a constant trouble to everybody..."

Success is progress.  "Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb."

Success is keeping your family life in order as well as your work.  In 1908, Churchill married Clementine Hozier, which proved to be a long and happy marriage.

Success is knowing that effective communication is better than proper grammar.   When corrected for using a preposition at the end of a sentence, Churchill gave the oft-quoted response, "This is the sort of English up with which I will not put."

Success is viewing failure as temporary.  Being human, in 1914, Churchill made an error in judgment that lead to the disastrous Gallipolli landings.  This error cost Churchill his job as First Lord of the Admiralty and much of his good reputation.  •  "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

Success is having courage.  "One ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half." • "Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts."

Success is being able to inspire others.  Churchill's role in World War II was mostly that of an inspiration.  He is known today as one of the greatest speakers of the century.

Success is persistence.  "We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire... Give us the tools and we will finish the job."

Success is being optimistic.  "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

 

 

Pele - Tale Of The Volcano Goddess

Pele - Tale Of The Volcano Goddess

Native Hawaiians knew all about volcanoes. According to them, volcanic eruptions were caused by Pele, the beautiful but tempestuous Goddess of Volcanoes. Pele had frequent moments of anger, which brought about eruptions. She was both honored and feared. She could cause earthquakes by stamping her feet or volcanic eruptions and fiery lava by digging with her Pa'oa, her magic stick.

Pele had a long and bitter argument with her older sister, Namakaokahai. The fight ended up forming the Hawaiian Islands.

Pele used her magic stick on Kauai, but she was attacked by her older sister and left for dead. Pele recovered and fled to Oahu, where she dug several "fire pits," including the crater we now called Diamond Head, in Honolulu. After that, Pele left her mark on the island of Molokai before traveling further southeast to Maui and creating the Haleakala Volcano. By then, Namakaokahai, Pele's older sister, realized she was still alive and she went to Maui to do battle. After a terrific fight, Namakaokahai again believed that she had killed her younger sister. But Pele was still alive and she was busy working at the Mauna Loa Volcano, on the big island of Hawaii. Finally, Namakaokahai realized that she could never crush her sister's indomitable spirit and she gave up the struggle. Pele dug her final and eternal fire pit, Halemaumau Crater, at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. She is said to live there to this day.

Information courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey/Department of the Interior.

"Dad yesterday was the best day ever" Lilli Rogers

TD Jakes told a story about how his son Dexter was hanging out with him in meetings one day. Dexter told TD that if he could just get his game boy he would be good for the rest of the day. After the meetings TD told Dexter that he could go and play ping pong with the kids in the game room. Dexter played for a little while but wanted to play with TD Jakes.

 

TD was resistant because it had been awhile since he played, but did play with Dexter. He tells the story of the ball flying everywhere but he had forgot how fun it was to do those types of things.

I share this story with you to let you know that I had the same experience with my child. We had no plans and just went with the flow and it worked.  I did fall asleep but she said I did not miss much at the movie.

I learn so much about myself when with her because she knows how to push my buttons. But what I realized is when I was just present with her she acted more grown up more respectful. I spend more money than I wanted too but the time shared with Lilli was worth more than money can buy.

 

The truth of the story is take some time to get to know the little people in your life. If I died tomorrow I would be hurt because I did not act on these feeling sooner in life, but I know in my know that I was blessed to share "the best day every" with her.

Love you more than words or money can say or spend and the reason is because you are you.

OBMO (Dad)

Poor is a mindset

Poor is a mindset.  

 

1. Poor = When you can’t buy anything

2. Poor = When you could have bought it but did not because you were saving for a purpose.

 

If I give up my knowing to hear what you know I am acting poor for a purpose. 

 

Your being poor is an temporary inconvenience yet for a purpose, it’s a sacrifice. 

My Mind Soil is Rich!  Seed, Time & Harvest

 

OBMO

Friends

We all know or knew someone like this!!
 
One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.  
 
His name was Kyle.
 
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.  
 
I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?
 
He must really be a nerd.'
 
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. 

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
 
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. 

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him... 

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
 
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. 

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'  

They really should get lives.

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'
 
There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
 
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived... 

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before... 

He said he had gone to private school before now.
 
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. 

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. 

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.  
 
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football 
with my friends
 
He said yes.. 

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my  friends thought the same of him. 

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. 

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! 

'He just laughed and handed me half the books. 

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.. 

When we were seniors we began to think about college. 

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. 

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never 

be a problem. 

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.. 

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. 

< B>I teased him all the time about being a nerd. 

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. 

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak 

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. 

He looked great.
 
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. 

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. 

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. 

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
 
Today was one of those days. 

I could see that he was nervous about his speech. 

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' 

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 

' Thanks,' he said. 

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. 

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach....but mostly your friends..... 

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. 

I am going to tell you a story.' 

< B>I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the 
first day we met. 

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. 

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. 

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
 
'Thankfully, I was saved... 

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable....' 

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. 

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. 

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. 

Never underestimate the power of your actions.. 
 
With one small gesture you can change a person's life. 

For better or for worse......

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.. 

Look for God in others. 

You now have two choices, you can :
1) Pass this on to your friends or 
 
2) Delete it and act like it 

didn't touch your heart. 
 
As you can see, I took choice number 1.
'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.' 

There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history. 

Tomorrow is a mystery. 

Today is a gift. 

It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.    

SENT IT TO YOU