HOORAY! TODAY IS FRIDAY!

    Today, it was a nice warm day in Detroit, upper eighties with summertime humidity levels and summer won't officially get here for 3 weeks.  I got fatigued, being in a enclosed room where there isn't any air conditioning.  Earlier, I did a kindness for a friend.  And I had several other issues in the back of my mind. All these things worked together to kind of tire me out.  After I finished my volunteer shift, and I took care of an issue, I got ready for bed and laid on the bed the rest of the day.  It felt gooood!  I am so glad that the weekend is here. 

See You Tommorow!

WE NEED TO LEARN ABOUT AND GET BACK TO THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF OUR NATION

    We are losing our nation because we have drifted away from the first (foundational) principles upon which are nation was founded.  These are enumerated in the Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution.  

The First Principles are as follows:  

• The Rule of Law;
• The recognition and protection of the unalienable rights of individuals;
• The equality of individuals;
• The Social Compact (i.e. That governments are instituted by the people, and derive their just powers from the consent of the governed); and
• The protects of the unalienable rights as the legitimate purpose and limit of government (i.e., the government must have the authority and strength to protect the unalienable rights of the people, but only have such power as is necessary to fulfill that purpose.

      Our challenge is no longer a foreign nation or even terrorists armed with weapons of massed destruction, but preserving our liberty despite ourselves.  The most powerful weapons against America are not guns and missiles, but ignorance, complacency and disdain of our history and of the first principles. America is dangerously close to allowing the Flame of Liberty to die out.  We are patriotic, but have almost forgotten why. We are becoming puppet patriots-hollow and empty in meaning.

     Let there be no mistake.  We may be fighting a hot war against militant Islamic terrorists today, but there is also a cold war raging, right here, and right now for the hearts and minds of our citizens---and we are losing.  The terrorists have reminded us that some things are worth dying for.  The rule of law, equality, empowering the people, unalienable rights, and limited government are such things.  Our freedom was won with the blood and treasure of hundreds of thousands of our forebears.  We must not allow their sacrifices to have  been in vain.  The crisis is here!  We must dedicate ourselves to fanning the flame of liberty, or risk it dying out.  The terrorists and all enemies of freedom will win if we simply forget, or reject what we are, and the principles for which we stand

The following was taken from Chapter 1 of America's Survival Guide by Michael Warren; pp. 4, 14

AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION!

     In March 1981, a would-be assassin fired several shots at then President Ronald Reagan, and his party as they left a Washington hotel.  Reagan was taken to the hospital with a serious chest wound that needed emergency surgery.  As he was wheeled into the operating theater, he smiled, looked around at the team of surgeons, and said, "Please assure me that you are all Republicans!"

This anecdote from the life of President Ronald Reagan was taken from "The Little  Brown Book of Anecdotes"  Page 465  General Editor, Clifton Fadiman

I HATE POLITICS!

The following anecdote is taken from the life of President Dwight David Eisenhower who was also a famous US General during World War II where he was the Supreme Allied Commander in charge of the D-Day, Normandy invasion of France on June 06, 1944.

    "After the successful landings in France, Eisenhower was inspecting a British section of the Allied lines when German planes came over and strafed them.  The party dived for cover.  As soon as it was safe to emerge, a senior British officer hurried across to see if Eisenhower was all right.  Finding him unharmed, he expressed his relief in fervent terms.  Ike thanked him for his solicitude.  "Oh," said the officer, "my concern was just that nothing should happen to you in my sector." "  1

     This senior British officer was only concerned that nothing should happen to General Eisenhower on his watch, in his sector.

      On September 11, 2012, on the 11th year anniversary of the 911 attacks, our Consulate in Benghazi Libya was attacked maliciously and premeditatively by terrorists.  Our Ambassador, and three other brave Americans were brutally murdered.  The present administration tried to say that some sort of anti-muslim, anti-Mohammed video was to blame and that the attack was spontaneous.  The administration deliberately obfuscated, stonewalled, and held back the truth from the American People, because they were in the middle of a re-election bid and a second term for President Barak Hussein Obama.  They thought that the truth would look bad and diminish the Presidents chances...FOR SHAME, FOR SHAME!.  I HATE POLITICS! 


1 The anecdote from President Eisenhowers life was take from "The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes"  page 188. General Editor Clifton Fadiman

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

    This day is traditionally known as the beginning of the Summer season. This weekend is the first three day holiday weekend of the year.  But the deeper mean is this, we honor those who have served in our Armed Force, in the defence our nation and our way of life.  We especially honor those who gave the last measure of devotion, and sacrificed their lives.
    I served 4 years on Active Duty in the  US Army from 27 July, 1981 - 26 July 1985.  This was the final decade of that period known as the Cold War.  The United States had a sizeable number of troops stationed in Europe as a first line of defense, in case the Soviet Communists, and the nations of the Warsaw Pact should invade and attempt to swallow up whole, the countries of Western Europe.
    I was in the Federal Republic of Germany (West German) in 1983, 1984, and stationed at the US Army Field Station in Augsburg.  This was an intelligence outpost where there as a live/hot mission going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  I had german nationals tell me that they were grateful that the American troops were there and keeping the Russian Bear at Bay.
     I know that today we have grave problems in our country, and also in our military.  But this is still the best country on earth.  If we can get back to our founding principles upon which our country is based, maybe we can save it, and get back to the greatness that we once stood for. 

THE PERSPECTIVE AND PRISM THROUGH WHICH WE VIEW ISSUES IN THIS LIFE MATTERS VERY MUCH

     A springtime rainstorm in the country creates ten thousand fresh scents.  Every drop of rain has it's association with forms of life.  However in the city, every drop develops foul stale smell, and is a stickly, lukewarm, dirt-stained, wretched addition to the streets and gutters.
      As a Christian person with faith in God, I view every issue from a biblical perspective and through a Christian paradigm.  Yes, matters how you look at things.  Is the glass half full, or is it half empty?  

BOTTOM FISHING FOR HEAVY HITTERS

What do your past, and Jimmy Hoffa have in common?

Yes,  Sure, Absolutely.  The answer is obvious.  They're both dead!

However, it's a bit of a trick question too!

Well, personally I don't know if Jimmy Hoffa is part of the foundation of Giant's stadium in New Jersey, or if he's buried in a backyard in Detroit 

MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION

      On Saturday September 06, 2008 I moved to 439 Henry Street in Detroit Michigan.  I had just spent 5 months recovering from a pedestrian accident.  I was hit by a car as I was walking to catch a bus to work.  Bones in both legs were severely fractured.  When I came to the point where I could take an apartment and resume my life, I was unable to find an apartment in Mid-town Detroit where Wayne State University is located.  That is where I wanted to be, because that is where my church is located.  An older woman who goes to the same church had been a friend of mine for nearly 35 years.  She managed an apartment building on Henry, and had an apartment available.  This is how I ended up at 439 Henry St.  There are 3 buildings in this particular block of Henry.  They were all owned by an older gentleman.  I never thought that I would be living there.  There are veterans, people on disability, and other extremely poor people.
     This block of apartment building is 1/4 - 1/2 mile from the entertainment district of Downtown Detroit which includes:  Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers play, and Ford Field where the Detroit Lions play their home games.  Mike Illich of Little Caesar's Pizza fame and owns the Detroit Tigers also owns the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club. Because he wants to build a new hockey area, he has been buying up property right and left in the vicinity of the 3 Henry Street Apartment buildings.  Speculation has been running rampant.  
    About 4 weeks ago, we were given notice that the 3 Apartment buildings were sold.  We were given a 'Notice to Quit' and that we needed to be somewhere else by May 20, 2013.  Nearly 100 people living in 3 buildings were told they had to move.
   This is why on Wednesday, May 16, 2013, I signed a lease and moved into a 2 Bedroom Apartment in the Woodbridge Neighborhood of Detroit.  This is considerably closer to the Church and Ministry which has been a part of my life for over 40 years.

OF WHAT GOOD IS CELEBRITY?

During the last week I moved my place of residence.  I was out of the loop, and did not have web access May 13-18, 2013.  I now have my internet access restored and will continue my blog posts 

    Walt Disney was asked on one occasion, "How does it feel to be a celebrity?"  "It feels fine," he replied, "when it helps you get a good seat to a football game.  But it never helped me to make a good film, or a good shot in a polo game, or command the obedience of my daughter.  It doesn't even seem to keep fleas off our dogs -- and if it won't give one an advantage over a couple of fleas, then I guess there can't be much in being a celebrity after all."
  
   This anecdote from the life of Walt Disney was taken from the 'Little Brown Book of Anecdotes'  Clifton Fadiman - General Editor  p. 170 

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD

   There is no language of vegetables which makes the conversion of a cucumber a document of attachment.


-Charles Dickens  "The Life and Times of Nickolaus Nickleby
 

IT IS UP TO US TO SAVE AMERICA

     Last Friday, I wrote a post on how I believed that we are about to lose America, if things don't radically change fast.  If we are to save her, it will take those of us who love the Constitution and the rule of law, and the God of the Bible to stand up and "Stand Without Compromise" for the conservative values established by the founding fathers.  We have got to get back to the 'Faith of our Fathers'  God's Word gives us a remedy for the predicament we find ourselves in.  

       In II Chronicles 7:14, God says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land"

A MAN WELL TRAVELED

     On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to set foot on the moon.  Present Nixon, authoritative acclaimed the event as the greatest since the Creation.  Armstrong himself, as he took the last step from the ladder of the lunar module, onto the moon's surface, said, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
    Much later in Armstrong's life, Photographer Yousuf Karsh and his wife were having lunch with Neil Armstrong after a photographic session.  Armstrong politely questioned the couple about the many different countries they had visited. "But Mr. Armstrong," protested Mrs. Karsh, "You've walked on the moon.  We want to hear about your travels."
    "But that's the only place I've ever been," replied Armstrong apologetically.  


These two anecdotes came from "The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes" edited by Clifton Fadiman
 

I DON'T BELIEVE THE MEDIA!

    The media today has a grave responsibility, because people listen to it, give credence to it, and listen to it                                                                                                        

AN EARLY FOURTH OF JULY GIFT

       The following story is taken from the life of Arturo Toscanini, classical music conductor and conductor of the NBC Symphony Orchestra and New York's Metropolitan Opera during the first half of the 20th Century.
      
     Arriving at a town on July 3, during a South American tour with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, Toscanini told the disgruntled players that he wished them to assemble at the theater the following morning.  The players who had be traveling for some time, were looking forward to a couple of days free from rehearsals.  They obeyed will an ill grace.  When they were assembled, Toscanini asked them to rise, and led them through "The Star Spangled Banner."  "Today is the Fourth of July, " he announced at the end, and dismissed them.

(The preceding anecdote was taken from 'The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes' by Clifton Fadiman-General Editor)

HOORAY, THE WEEKEND IS HERE!

      It is the first weekend in May.  On Saturday, the Kentucky Derby is run.  Last year at this time, I took a trip to Dallas Texas, for an event hosted by VitaMark, my former Network Marketing Company.  I went down from Detroit on the Greyhound Bus.  We went through Louisville Ky.  which of course is where the Derby is run. We went through there on Friday.  On Fridays of Derby Weekend they have a parade, which of course blocks of some of the streets, and the buses were slowed up because of it.   The event was on Saturday.  I left Dallas on Sunday by train.  Amtrak was delayed because of a breakdown in San Antonio.  This delayed us getting into Chicago which meant I missed the connecting train to Detroit by 3 hours.  They shuttled us back to Michigan by step van.  All in ail, the weekend was good!.

WE ARE GOING TO LOSE THIS COUNTRY!

         George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and the rest of the men we call the Founding Fathers would definitely be rolling in their graves today with what has happened to our country.  Our freedoms are on the chopping block, and our republic is disappearing.
     I hate politics, but I guess I would call myself a Ronald Reagan Conservative.  In 2008, i was really afraid that we would have Hillary Clinton as our president.  I remember thinking and saying at the time that if Hillary was elected president that our country would be going down the tubes.  Instead we elected someone much worse.  Barack Obama is a Marxist Socialist.   He is a Muslim.  He is a homo-sexual.  And I am not satisfied that he was born in this country.  If that alone is true, this violates our Constitution.  Sure this apparently is the last election that Obama can run; however, who is on the horizon?  Hillary Clinton wants to run for President in 2016.  

     What to watch for.  Our 1st Amendment is a bellweather.  I believe that it is the 'Canary' in the Mine.  Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Religion.  This are our most important rights.  And every single one of them are under attack.  Pay attention, and Mark it down that if any of this Freedoms fail, then America is OVER

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

   They tell us that confession is good for the soul.  I know that that is true, because the Bible says it is so, and I believe that the Bible is God's infallible, Holy Word.
   So, I have a confession to make.  At the beginning of the year, I made a pledge that I would post something, every day; Monday-Saturday, even if only a few sentences, or even a few words.  I fell off that bandwagon.  
    On April the 1st, I did a post.  On April 3 I started a post. I finished it last night, May 01, 2013.  So today is a sort of confession, and getting back on the right track.  I will work towards getting a post every day Monday - Saturday;  even if I write only a few words, or a few lines.  After all, this blog is about me.  As I build my business, I want to have someplace where I can refer people to so that they can learn about me and what makes me tick.