Two Quotes From Our Past

Subject: Two quotes from the Civil War.Does this sound familiar: "It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers. In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late. "Accordingly, I am readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I will, in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact." - Robert E. Lee, 1863 ********************************************** "Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged." ~ President Abraham Lincoln ********************************************** We would have a hard time to believe that our major newspaper editors and US Representatives in Washington heed lessons of the past. Because of this it's virtually guranteed that we're bound to repeat the past in the future. You have a right, even an obligation to voice or pen your opinion with those who ignore history. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob

Share the Spirit

Indeed, share the spirit. As I reflect on this day in our history, i.e. The attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, I tend to get mellow thinking about what happened that day. I ask myself in silence if those we lost and those who were there experiencing the catastrophe first-hand know that the remembrance of that moment in time is fading away the further back in time it gets. There are a number of conflicts and wars that are all but forgotten because of time and of human purges by generation following generation. Sad, yes. But natural. I disagreed with a radio commentator this morning, when he said that with regard to Pearl Harbor, few people remember and so we have fewer mention and publicity about that fateful beginning of the War in the Pacific. That is just not true because it was only 66 years ago. Because of the number of years, we have yet many, many people who recall the "Day that will go down in infamy" as President Roosevelt is quoted as having said when he addressed the Congress after the Japanese made that terrible error. Now, in 2007, yes, 66 years later, it has become politically incorrect to talk about that attack on Americans. Just because Washington wants to be quiet about this day in our history doesn't mean we, as American citizens, need to go along with them. That dishonors those who received the brunt of the attack and all those that followed in response to that cowardly act. Those in Washington are presently defunct anyway. No one is qualified to govern, and no one is governing. Okay, that piece was my way of reminding those who know that I humbly remember, and those who do not know ought to learn something about their American History. A generic Hand Salute is included here.

Share The Spirit

This is December, so let me remember that it takes a winter to appreciate the summer. There must be hunger and thirst to appreciate food and

drink. There must be noise and confusion to appreciate sweet music and silence; there must be failure to appreciate success; there must be sickness and suffering to appreciate good health; there must be physical and mental fatigue to appreciate rest and sleep.

Not only must we appreciate all of these things, we must have someone to thank for all of our blessings. Who else but our Creator Who watches over us. Just what comes to your mind when you see, from the eye-view of an astronaut, that beautiful blue and white ball in space called earth? It reminds me of my smallness on such a wondrous planet among many planets out in space. An experienced scientist mentioned on a TV program last evening that Earth is but an island among lots of islands in space. Yes, no one but Almighty God had anything to do with our place in His creation, no one.

Also, let me be thankful for the the peaceful grandeur of the sunset, for the eyes to behold its beauty; for the moonlight and twinkling stars in the heavens; back on earth, for the soothing sound of a mountain stream, for ears to hear its never-ending song; for the fragrance of a flower, for a sense of smell to appreciate that fragrance; for mountain blueberries, and a tongue with which to taste them; for work to be done and a body and mind capable of completing it.

Sometime we need reminding -- and for me I have a sand dial to do so -- that we ought to learn to live one day at a time, to the best of our ability. Let us realize that by living well TODAY, we may correct the mistakes of the past or change the course of the future. Let us fill TODAY so full of pure, active living that no room is left for the regrets of yesterday and for the anxieties of tomorrow.

Love, laughter and joy multiply each time they are shared. Let us give up the search for happiness in order to find it. Remember, happiness, peace of mind and contentment come only to those who sow such seeds.

The farmer must throw his seed to the earth before he can expect a harvest. He must water, care for and cultivate the plants before they bear fruit. The lesson follows that only by giving happiness to others may we expect to make acquaintance with happiness. By sharing the spirit we have much personal happiness and peace to gain.

Thanks for visiting. -- Bob

"X" = Kiss

I guess everyone knows that an "X" indicates a kiss. In America, at least, it has been our custom of putting X's at the conclusion of letters and notes to symbolize kisses. I also guess that not everyone knows where the "x" originated. This practice grew out of medieval legal practices. In order to indicate good faith and honesty in those bygone days, the sign of St. Andrew -- the cross -- was placed after the signature on all important documents. Thereafter, contracts and agreements were not considered binding until each signer added St. Andrew's cross after his name. Then he was required to kiss the document to further guarantee faithful performance of his obligations. The cross was drawn hurriedly, and often it was tilted and looked much like the letter "X". Over the centuries, the origin of the ceremony was forgotten. Yet, people still associated the "X" with the kiss instead of the pledge of good faith, and the custom has continued into modern times. (Thanks for the help from Reminisce, Collector's Edition, for most of the above information. Since I believe that all good-hearted people use the "X" in their personal-to-personal communiques, I thought you'd also like to know about this.) Thanks for visiting. -- Bob

A Unique Safety Tip

Safety is a real concern. Try this when you retire for the night. Put your car keys beside your bed. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery gives out (read: dies). This tip originally came from a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. You can share it too. Remember: The next time you come home for the night and you begin to put your keys away, stop, think of this. It's a security alarm system you probably already have and requires no monthly fees or installation costs. Good day (or night)! Thanks for visiting. -- Bob P.S. I've been away from this Blog because of some sort of virus infecting my system. Even with full virus protection from a well-known security company. You never know who or when you'll get zapped. But I have a way of restoring my system myself without the bug. As a relative novice with these computer things, that's a statement I can take credit for myself. By the way, it also infected my other blog that's also been cleaned up. That one is at: http://fourwinds.blogster.com "Cheers!"

Wisdom From the Past Replayed for Today

Wisdom does not wear out, it just needs to be discovered -- and, hopefully, acted upon, incorporated into our lives as it fits. Try some of these from my past archive:

• You don't have to lie awake nights to succeed -- just stay awake during the day.
• If we put our troubles on the table to exchange with one another -- we'd all take back our own.
• Don't ask God for what you think is good; ask Him for what He thinks is good for you.
• Don't be discouraged; it's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.
• The one thing worse than a quitter is the person who is afraid to begin.
• The haves and have-nots can often be traced to the dids and did-nots.
• A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.
• Speak well of people and you will never need to whisper.
• In an ever-changing world, may God's love enfold us and embrace us today and throughout the New Year.
• Don't let your yearnings exceed your earnings.
• Oh, to have the gift to think for ourselves as we can think for others.
• If you are all wrapped up in yourself you are overdressed.
• Be more concerned with what God thinks about you than what people think about you.
• Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.
• When you feel you just can't stand on your feet any longer, try bending the knees.
• Success means different things to different people; the key to success is not clear, but the key to failure is sure: try to please everyone.
• Two things are hard on the heart - running upstairs and running down people.
• The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
• God is a good worker, but He loves to be helped.
• The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.
• If you look like the photo on your passport, you really are not well enough to travel.
• If you sow kindness, you will reap a crop of friends.
• It's the start that stops most people.
• As vital as oxygen is to the body, so is the encouragement to the soul.
• The secret of life is not to do what one likes, but to try to like what one has to do.
• Some people are too tired to give you a smile; give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so badly as the one who has no more to give.
• There's no doubt about this: Manners, if taught correctly, easily and rapidly mature into morals.
• The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
• The future starts today, not tomorrow.

These bits of sage advice come to you compliments from my archive that was filled by my long departed, loving sister "Ann." These nuggets will be incorporated into my tome "Echoes of Truths." Thanks for visiting, -- Bob

Bob says:

Occasionally you may say to yourself "I'm in a hole." If you find yourself in such a situation, remember this wee bit of wisdom: The first rule of holes is: Stop digging. About married life. It has been proven, and we're often reminded, that married life is healthy. It is alleged that statistics show that single people die sooner than married folks. Those of us married for many years can tell you first-hand that if you're looking for a long life and a slow death, get married. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob (Check my other Blog URL top left)

A Quality Film: Baseball

Have you seen a quality film lately? I mean real quality! On Baseball? I have just placed a blog at http://fourwinds.blogster.com about a film entitled: "Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition." For details, just click on my fourwinds blog address. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob

A Word About Excellence

From all the mutterings I hear and some that I read, excellence sounds like a quality of past ages. Allow me to put it this way: Thoroughness (a quality of excellence) on the job separates the men from the boys. It is the ability to follow through and make sure all the elements of the task are in place. In the end, nothing can take the bloom out of an excellent job (or idea) faster than a sloppy attitude toward job execution . As for success, which means so many different things as there are so many different people, I offer these words of wisdom: "If success turns your head, you're facing the wrong direction." Thanks for visiting. -- Bob (Mt. 10:29-33)

Not for Eating

From my archives because I do not intend to reinvent what has already been recorded. According to a News Service years ago, this was reported: The inscription on the metal bands used by the US Dept. of the Interior to tag migratory birds has been changed. The bands used to bear the address of the Washington Biological Survey, abbreviated: Wash. Biol. Survey That is, until the agency received the following letter from an Arkansas camper, which read: "Dear Sirs: While camping last week I shot one of your birds. I think it was a crow. I followed the cooking instructions on the leg tag and I want to tell you it was horrible." Be advised. The bands are now marked Fish and Wildlife Service. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob P.S. Check out http://fourwinds.blogster.com for more from my archives

Questionable Headlines

I know politicians are not at work, in place, most of the time, but publishing editors ought to be; where was the Editor when these headlines (from my archive) read: *Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft *Ban On Soliciting Dead in Trotwood *Clinton Wins on Budget, But More Lies Ahead *Cold wave Linked to Temperature *Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax *If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last a While *Include Your Children When Baking Cookies *Iraqi Head Seeks Arms *Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant *Miners Refuse to Work after Death *New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group *Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over *Plane Too Close to Ground, Crash Probe Told *Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges *Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counter *Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead I hope you got a smile out of these published bloppers from the past. When you find one or two light-hearted, share it with someone else. In these times of mostly unrest, they, too, could use a moment to smile. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob

When Preparing Your Resume

It ought to be obvious that, when detailing your resume, careful thought be applied before entries are made. There is another consideration that ought to have your attention. Not so much about what you say as to how you say it. How you word your entries should reflect that you have thoughtfully considered your potential employer/supervisor. The following is for you to ponder, not relate in actuality. For example, take the first item: "Knows and likes his job." Of course you don't yet have the job. Your thought on this item is that you apply for a job you honestly believe you'll like. When you're convinced you'll like it, you will find it easier and faster to learn (i.e. know). Conversely, if you ignore this advice, you'll find yourself applying "to do anything." Not good. The preface for these items goes like this: If you were the boss, you would probably want an employee/worker who: 1. (see above). 2. Keeps himself physically fit and mentally alert. 3. Wants to do a day's work for a day's pay. 4. Desires to get ahead. 5. Is cheerful, pleasant to work with, not sullen. 6. Is always on the job unless excused. 7. Tries to avoid waste and helps to cut costs. 8. Gets a bang from a job well done. 9. Looks for a better way to do the job and share his ideas. 10. Gripes little, looks ahead. 11. Asks questions when he needs help. 12. Is willing to face personal problems squarely. 13. Tries to put himself in the bosses place now and then. 14. Rightly believes his job is a privilege, not a right. 15. Tells the truth, is honest and sincere. 16. Strives to create a spirit of teamwork. 17. Works safely, with due consideration for self and fellow workers. 18. Gives the best of his best in job performance. 19. Doesn't expect credit for every job done well. 20. Believes the clock attracts attention because its hands are never idle. Believe it or not, there are still few people who think the way I've listed it here. You might say that this describes the perfect employee. And so it almost does. And why not? Why should a firm pay you for doing and being otherwise than a fully committed employee. Yes, I understand that firms are few and far between that are loyal to their employees today. Nevertheless, to be honest and true with yourself, which is a personal matter of importance, you need not become as others have become. Remain at peace as once was the case with workers of not so long ago. You may find it hard to grasp that once upon a time the, let's call them attitudes described was normal, not exceptional. If you will earnestly apply thought to these 20 items -- and agree with them before applying for a particular job vacancy, you will almost automatically resonate your acceptance in your resume and its cover page. Just by doing so you will be seperating yourself from others that also have intentions of applying for the job. Resume writing is not a simple task, and the demands for correctness are not light. You can believe that your resume is in competition,likened to being in a boxing ring. May the best resume win. With this in mind you can take this old saying as your own: "If it is to be it's up to me." That just about says it all. Remember: The road to success is always under construction. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob (Mt. 10:29-33) You're invited to visit my other blog at: http://fourwinds.blogster.com

Referring to Nancy Pelosi In One Word

The queen from San Francisco recently came into recent power as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Almost immediately she began to abuse her position, virtually telling the President of the United States what he ought to do or she will force him to listen. Then, now, is in bed with the enemy, subverting our own government in the process. In reality this woman, who was nominated and elected Speaker, not the President, carries on as an arriviste. (I invite you to look up the word for a first-hand definition, making your own decision whether or not the "shoe fits.") Imagine if Dennis Hastert, the former Republican House Speaker had gone to Iraq and spoken with Saddam, explaining "Now that we're in power, you don't really need to pay attention to President Clinton. We have the say over what will be." Would the people have gone along with such antics? I doubt it very much. What I want to know under the present circumstances is why more American citizens are not openly heard voicing against this moron from San Francisco, feeling uniquely secure in anything she says or does by her financial wealth. Then we have the few RINOs (Republicans in name only) that switched over to the Dumocrat's position in calling for putting the tail between our legs and telling the terrorists when we plan to pull out American troops. We have people in Government that receive premium pay to do their jobs. Then we have others, like this person sans souci, that assume they have been given much more power and authority than they really have and take over work that belong to other high paid servants. Mind boggling is the fact that those who ought to be vocal about these shenanigans, are voiceless. It is no longer a question of "What is this country coming to?" Rather, it is: "How has this country become so irresponsible, dishonest in Representation?" It looks to me like this Nancy Pelosi person is from a mold of new breed of politicians(others are H.R.Clinton; Murtha,Hagel,etc.).Looks like they will have free reign, because all around them appear to be weak-minded, fearful elected officials that lack the courage of their electability. An old adage comes to mind about these people: "Words are cheap." It is undeniable that we still have a big job to do in Iraq and Afghanistan. It does not bode well for our troops nor for our country when we have people stepping into arenas that are out of their bailiwick, usurping proper authority. All elected officials need to stand up and defend what is right,to say these over-stepping people to "butt out!" and stick to their own duties so the Nation and the people's business can be carried out posthaste. Ms. Pelosi needs to remove her shoulder boards and get down to work where she belongs. We didn't elect her President nor Secretary of State, nor any other position she would like to take over. Thanks for visiting. - Bob (Mt. 10:29-33)

When News Is No Longer News

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Today there are no fewer than four headlines dealing with Anna Nicole Smith, the playboy-playgirl! Enough already! Has this not gone on long enough? Let's let her continue to rot in peace. What ever happened to Journalism? Crap is all these so-called journalists seem to know today. Wake up America! What happened to values? People are dying every minute of every day. These unknowns were just as important, if not more so, than this sad excuse for a female. Let's put an end to this nonsense right now. Or does using and dying from an overdose of drugs make you someone to emulate? What difference does it make where she is layed to rest? She's dead. And for you who believe otherwise, no, she will not return reincarnated in any other form. She's gone period. May all others like her find the same end. Thanks for visiting and letting me get this off my mind. --Bob See my other article for today: http://fourwinds.blogster.com

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

I recently received an e-mail asking NBA or NFL? I wasn't sure what they were referring to, so I, like you, if you want to know, need to take notice to this: NBA or NFL? 36 have been accused of spousal abuse. 7 have been arrested for fraud 19 have been accused of writing bad checks 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses. 3 have done time for assult 71 repeat 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges 8 have been arrested for shoplifting 21 currently are defendants in lawsuits, and 84 have been arrested for drunk driving within the past year! Now, can you guess which organization this is? NBA or NFL? Give up? Neither! It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group who crank out hundreds of new laws each year, for us to obey, designed to keep US in line. Is it any wonder to you why this country is in trouble? You can pass this along if you care to; at least share it with a friend or associate. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob (Mt 10:29-33) You're welcome to visit my other blog articles at: http://fourwinds.blogster.com

To Thine Own Self Be True

Stress? Hypocrite? Sanctimonious?

You judge. Some people go through this life without realizing that they're really saying: "Don't do as I do, do as I say." At times this can and does get out of control. Here's a short story to illustrate:

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy street. Suddenly a light turned yellow just in front of him. He did the right thing. Stopped at the crosswalk. Even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection, he chose not to. The tailgating woman was mad as all get out and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection; dropping her cell phone and makeup, she went into a rant and rave mode. As she was carrying on, she heard a tap on her window and looked straight into the face of a very serious-looking policeman.

The officer ordered her out of her vehicle with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photograph ed and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

The officer explained: "I'm sorry for this. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do?' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License Plate Holder, the 'Follow me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the lid of the truck. Naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car."

People normally choose to ignore such behavior to avoid confrontation, and let the offending person slide. To do otherwise is to escalate the situation into something ugly. In this factitious instance an officer happened to be nearby and did his duty. I feel quite certain that a good many people have experienced people, neighbors and otherwise, who say and promote one thing and do just the opposite.

The cause of such attitudes are not always obvious, and are best ignored. To call attention to individuals who say one thing and do not follow their own beliefs/advice -- unless you're a close relative who believes you ought to do so -- is normally useless.

The title of this article "To Thine Own Self Be True" can be easier to attain by accepting and applying to self this saying, that I was fortunate to discover a good many years ago,(before I ever heard of anyone named Confucius). Consider yourself in these words:

Be what you is and not what you ain't,

If you ain't what you is, you is what you ain't.

-- Confucius

As for the lady in the above hypothetical case, she represents lots of people, people in all stations and all walks of life, who become what they really are not. Being human, our bad manners are unnatural. Bumper stickers and emblems are fine, but we need not rely on these things to speak for us, especially as Christians. All we need to do to put a stop to our changing, unacceptable attitude, character, personality, is to be what we truly are meant to be and let our light shine before men.

Thanks for visiting. --Bob (Mt. 10: 29-33)

America from the Eyes of a Traveller

"In the United States the influence of religion is not confined to the manners, but it extends to the intelligence of the people...." - de Tocqueville (1805-1859) French Statesman Historian and Social Philosopher

Think on this

"I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors...; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. "Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." - Alexis de Tocqueville

Now Think on this

"Those who abandon God's teachings praise wicked people,

but those who follow God's teachings oppose wicked people.

Evil people do not understand justice,

but those who seek the Lord understand everything."

-- Proverb's Wisdom 28: 4-5

de Tocqueville also said:

"The safeguard of morality is religion, and morality is the best security of law as well as the surest pledge of freedom."

"The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other."

"Christianity is the companion of liberty in all its conflicts -- the cradle of its infancy, and the divine source of its claims."

"They (the early Americans) brought with them...a form of Christianity, which I cannot better describe, than by styling it a democratic and republican religion....From the earliest settlement of the emigrants, politics and religion contracted an alliance which has never been dissolved...."

We had an important visitor-traveller write two volumes about his touring of America beginning in 1831. His two-part work, published in 1835 and 1840, entitled: Democracy in America, including the extracted quotes above. I hope and pray de Tocqueville's words cause you to ponder over what is going on in our present world and moves you to actively try to recognize any opportu nity, however large or small, right where you are, where you can make a difference for good. Further, it is not a time in our history for people to sit on their hands and, as was once popular to say: "Let George do it." As we can all recognize from the constant in-fighting going on in our Nation's Capital, George has not been doing a very effective without you. Become an activist for the good of our country. I'm not advocating that you go out into the streets with placards. I'm suggesting you write, and write often, to your elected representatives, indicating to him or her that you know what is going on in Washington and you don't like what you're hearing. Take a stand on any one of many subjects that are being bandied around that effects you, your country, and/or people in general that you don't like. Stay on one subject and do write often. Emails are alright, but they seem to pay more attention to your letters. Explain your concern and you'll more likely receive a reply. Folks, America is in trouble and needs the attention of all who call themselves American. Don't let us go down without a murmur. Have you read the news lately? Too depressing? Are you in favor of what controlling liberals are doing and are planning to do? At last count not too long ago there were 300 million people in this country! (Not counting millions of illegals.) When you write or even phone your representative, don't fall for the idea that you're alone making contact with them. Get rid of the feeling that "you're just one, what can you do?" True, you can't do everything, but you can do something. Don't think about it, do it! That's how things get done. Then consider yourself a proud, American activist. Our visitor-traveller made such wondrous discoveries about America that his words have been recorded for posterity. We are part of that posterity, and need to wake up and heed his most valuable insight about our country. Recently, in another of my articles, I reminded readers: "When righteous people triumph, there is great glory; but when wicked people rise, people hide themselves." -- Prov. 28:12 I believe we have elected people to govern who are more interested in themselves than this country or its people. That is evil. The bond between elected officials and its citizens is in the Constitution: ..."A Government Of the People,By the People, For the People..." To ignore the basic core of our form of government is arrogance of the first order. I can't right now recall exactly who said it, but I agree with it: "All it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing." Our forefathers must be turning in their graves. We all need to be loyal to the many for hardships and sacrifices made for the good of this country by the patriots that have gone to their rest believing they left this American experiment in good hands. In case you haven't yet guessed, let me tell you, I am an American citizen with strong belief in past American history. I must express myself to you before it's too late for me to be able to do so. Seeing what's going on at present by people who dare call themselves American, and having a care less attitude about virtually anything and everything, is, I also believe, the cause of our troubles, especially in Washington. (I just thought of something you also need to know right here: At this article writing, I have no counter to account for the number of people who, as they say, "hit" on this blog. So, with security in mind, people who believe as I do are invited to just comment that you also understand what's going on in America. And, whether you agree or disagree with my assessment. You can even include your thoughts in this matter. If you do this let me thank you now.) You can bet your bottom dollar that those who are intent on doing this country harm also know about your attitude and are counting on you to do nothing more than what you're doing. They know they needn't worry about you because they know you're immersed in the things of the world and nothing more. In my estimation this is sad, so very sad, after all this country has gone through to be where we're now at, evil has been very, very busy. Those involved in evil design must be delighted and encouraged by their progress. I'm sure they're delighted by the aid Liberals have given them and, according to today's news, are planning to give even more--despite the majority's thinking otherwise. We need to take back our Washington House. Do this by intelligent voting and actively letting your representative know how you feel. Bob You can view other articles by Bob at: http://fourwinds.blogster.com *****You are encouraged to thoroughly investigate any offers advertised beyond my commentary. I do not acknowledge, nor necessarily endorse, nor have any control over any advertiser found on my site.*****

Speaking of Communication

Recently at my other blog: http://fourwinds.blogster.com/ I entered the Public Speaking arena. I propose to share aspects of this all-important subject between both blog addresses. The reason? Because I believe I have different readers tuning in to your choice of my blog articles. I assure you that Public Speaking has been an integral part of my life since 1962. One of the best moves I have ever made in my lifetime, one that altered the course of my life for the better ever since. What is more, I have seen the same happen to many others who applied themselves to all that it takes to enter the Speaker's World and become a public speaker. Possessing the ability to effectively speak and influence others to think about or do something is unquestionably, personally gratifying. Who, you can ask, needs effective communication? Quite simply...each and every one of us. We all need to communicate ideas, concepts, sport stories, e.g., golf scores, fish stories, sports action, etc., etc. And, you will notice that I have not yet even mentioned the many areas of business; i.e. businesses of all kinds. And, you know what, I am not going to discuss that today. Later in the future I may get into effective talking about various businesses from a salesperson's (speaker's) world. They all have to be effectively communicated. How effective it is done depends largely on you, the sender of the message. Do not assume that everything you say is clearly and immediately understood. The opposite is often the case. Also, hearing is not the same as understanding. Without understanding there is no effective communication. When you speak you must be certain your message is not only spoken but also received and understood. Acquiring Public Speaking skills is a grand, personal pursuit. As mentioned, it can transform your life for the better, and a full life indeed. There is an abundance of books on the subject, to be sure. Yet, I know you ought to explore a bit about what the Speaker's World requires before you can make an intelligent decision to invest in books and/or seek out a speakers activity. To help you, I have prepared a quick read, specialized report, entitled: An Introduction to Public Speaking. It is seven full-size 8.5 x 11" pages in length. Only $4. US Funds. For quick First-Class or International Air Mail response order From: Four Winds-AIPS, 3266 Woodbury Drive, Redding, CA 96002-9518 USA Your satisfaction is guaranteed, or return in original condition for refund. Thanks for visiting. Bob *****You are encouraged to thoroughly investigate any offers advertised beyond my commentary. I do not acknowledge, nor necessarily endorse, nor have any control over any advertiser found on my site.*****

Love

What Love Is

With Valentine's Day, chocolates and flowers about ready to hit it big in the name of love, I believe a word about true love is in order.

There are at least two words that I hold dear and that I see misused and abused by people mentioning them without taking a moment to consider their true meaning. These two words are:

Love and Friend. For this article I will write Love, saving the word Friend (in the real sense of the word, a treasure) for another time.

Love is carelessly uttered referring to a number of things, having a number of superficial, empty meanings, most of which have nothing to do with honest-to-goodness love. Said real fast, it becomes a mere word, nothing more, nothing less. And, for clarification, true love has absolutely nothing to do with the pagan Roman festival celebrated as Valentine's Day, mostly in the United States.

There nturally are attempts to describe love, usually by psychologists, since they tend to try to explain why people act certain ways. But the Bible gives the best guide as to what love ought to be. The very best description of what love is can be found written by Saint Paul, and inspired by God, in his First Letter to the Corinthians (1:13).

In my over 50 year old Bible St. Paul's words have a special printing with flowery graphics fittingly encompassing his words. So that you may carry these words into Valentine's Day and beyond, I will share these words, in part, with you here.

First Corinthians 13

(Note: The word charity = Love)

"IF I should speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have charity, I have become as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.

"And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith so as to remove mountains, yet do not have charity, I am nothing.

"And if I distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, yet do not have charity, it profits me nothing.

"Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over wickedness, but rejoices with the truth; bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

"Charity never fails, whereas prophecies will disappear, and tongues will cease, and knowledge will be destroyed....

"So there abides faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

What St. Paul refers to as "charity" is the love of God above all things and love of neighbor for God; he describes the meaning of perfect love that everyone who professes to love another ought to mean, live and strive to attain. As you can now see, the word Love is a precious, controlled emotion, with no commercial association. It may take a lot of people today by surprise to learn what true love really is.

Thanks for visiting.

All the best -- all the time, Bob

P.S. I have quoted in part only. Refer to the Bible for St.Paul's complete inspired teaching (Cor 1:13).

For more articles by Bob, visit: http://fourwinds.blogster.com

American History -- "Honest Abe" Preserver of the Union

Abraham Lincoln, What A Man!

A hard worker, a self-taught man; could never be called a quitter.

Abraham Lincoln never lost touch with the common people. Within a month of becoming our 16th President, the Civil War began, lasting four years, and with over a half million men dying between North and South. Millions of slaves became free. What a price to pay for the unity of a nation. Yet, five days following war's end, and surviving the Civil War, America remained the "United States" and "Honest Abe" was assassinated.

Let's rewind to a bit of Lincoln's history. On reading about Abraham Lincoln in a story related to his Gettysburg Address "perhaps the best summation in our nation's history of the meaning and price of freedom," I found it interesting that the words of the main speaker, who was not Lincoln, are not remembered.

The setting is the planned ceremony of the new national cemetery on Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863. About fifteen thousand people will be there to hear speakers honor the dead soldiers in their resting place. Edward Everett, teacher of Greek, president of Harvard and U.S. Secretary of State will speak for two hours, never using notes. Lincoln is asked to make a few remarks. Lincoln comes a day earlier to work on his speech.

On this memorable occasion, following Everett, the President stood for an instant, waiting for the cheers to cease, slowly adjusted his glasses and took from his pocket what seemed to be a piece of ordinary paper. He quietly unfolded it and began to speak.

Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to didicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate--we can not consecrate--we can not hallow--this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

The President does not mention North or South; he mentions no names at all. He means to transcent this time and place. His listeners are here to mourn their sons and their country. Lincoln takes them back to the founding moment of the Declaration of Independence, making that document the setting of the moral tone for the future (that this nation, under God,shall have a new birth of freedom). The Gettysburg Address will take its place with the founding documents as an expression of the nation's purpose.

American History has been corrupted by those in the teaching profession. Our History needs a new birth, being revived for all to know. For example, this lesson ought to show that before the Gettysburg Address by Lincoln, the United States was a plural noun; afterward, we became singular. The United States, one nation, under God, indivisible. If you know, remember. If you don't know, learn.

Today we seem to have forgotten those precious times in our history that

we are obliged to remember. By learning many will discover the meaning of Country and unity, and not be so eager or naive to surrender America to those who would undermine and think nothing about all those countless Americans who have fought and died for our continued freedom. Be not so ready to believe that newcomers to this country readily understand what price and by whom this country owes its hard-won, historical freedom. "Honest Abe" was an example for all subsequent presidents. Many followed his beliefs and dedication to his office, many didn't. Abraham Lincoln deserves never to be forgotten.

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Usurping the Authority of the President of the United States

Did you happen to read the news today about The Queen of San Francisco and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic cohorts going to Iraq? This is a slap in the face of our President who, I believe, is doing the very best under most unusual circumstances to correct an unintentional error that more than he is responsible for. Just the same, we do not need every member of Congress to visit a war zone for whatever reason. It's absurd, absolutely flexing and over-indulging in new power given by a large body of screwed up voters hoping for the best. Folks, this is not the way. It seems that everyone has forgotten that there is but Captain of a ship. And, there is a reason for that! Since you are so smart and voted in "a change" and tripped up while doing it, you figure out why there is but one Captain on a ship. Now everyone in Washington wants to be and act like they are the Captain. Proof, have you ever seen so many people wanting to be President of the United States? What do you suppose has motivated that to happen? Not a one of those with eyes on the top job has any guts to hold the line at all costs. Not one have engendered trust of any sort, to any degree. None! What do you think madam Pee-low-see is trying to do that has not already been done by traveling to this zone? If you have ever expected to have a dignitary visit your organization, you would know that a lot goes into receiving so-called dignitaries. They just do not waltz in without so much preparation. Hey! People over there have a dangerous job to do, all of them. Will these self-important people stop bothering and hindering them! Bush, not happy with this Pee-low-see's trip, did not take issue with her visit -- along with that brilliant retired general Murtha. The purpose of the visit is "a fact-finding mission." What did everyone else that went to Iraq find out? Who is paying for this, you, the taxpayer might ask yourself. Someone must tell these people, and their RINO counterparts (Republican in name only) that enough of this division among the American People's Representatives is enough! Get on with positive work. What we are seeing and hearing is nothing short of lack of a solution by the opposing liberal people. Get on with the peoples and government's business. Stop wasting time on pet subjects and topics. Let each person receiving the big bucks do his or her job. Get out of their way. Today's news also revealed the capture and murder of four American troops by English-speaking, American-uniform-wearing enemy. It is time for all those generals wearing all the stars to get together and agree to start dropping bombs in areas where the enemy is located. The hell with the people that hide them or say nothing about them. That is war. This is no time to keep doing what we have been doing, because we will keep getting what we have been getting. Anyone with any sense of reason can tell you that. Fear of free speech is catching on, everyone complains among themselves it seems, but complaining directly is muted -- just ask your politician.His/her canned replies to your written complaint will prove it. Try it. Go ahead. Let them know how you feel, what you believe. Start your own blog and get it off your chest! Thanks for visiting. Bob

The Common Cold Skirmish

You can't do anything about the weather, but you can do something about a common cold. While you work on doctoring yourself to overcome or minimize a cold, keep away from others to prevent spreading the cold. Then enforce the number one best thing you can do: Wash your hands - often. Insist everyone around you do likewise. Use paper tissues only one time--no kidding--when you sneeze, or other use, replacing tissues each time. Common sense. Of course, but mission impossible most times. At the first sense that you are going to come down with a cold, usually a slight soreness in one of your nostrils or a slight sore or tickle in your throat, start drinking plenty of fluids, gargle with warm saltwater, get plenty of bed rest. This ought to nip the cold in the bud. Every year, almost without fail, I can count on "catching" a cold. Then, invariably I pass it along to my spouse. Then we seem to pass it back and forth. We are presently at the end of a bout that began around New Years Eve. We have treated ourselves, isolated ourselves as much as possible, followed all the wisdom of the ages to minimize the severity of the cold and not pass it along to anyone else. At times the cold appeared to be at an end only to start again. That may be where we're at now. I notice the bed rest for a day at a time seemed to help the most -- not go away -- helped. I suspect we sat too close to a person with a chronic cough when the next day we came down with our symptoms. While my spouse did not attend this same gathering with me the following week, the chronic cougher was there. This is when I became affected and have been nursing our colds together ever since. I firmly believe that people are utterly careless about their hygiene, and think nothing about how their lack of concern can and does infect others. Consider the cougher who persistently coughs in the hand and then shares the hand in a handshake or holds hands in a community setting. It happens more often than not. The person need not cough, but sniffle, sneeze, etc., utilizes a used tissue or handkerchief. The person does not wash his or her hands as a matter of course, nor is it always convenient to do so. In instances where it's a custom to exchange hand-holding for whatever reason, it ought to be understood when someone does not offer to extend their hand that it is better for all concerned. All guidance and instructions concerning hygiene always start by or include the subject of hand washing. There's a technique to hand washing. It's often described this way: Use soap and warm water - not hot. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Now, let me add some more common sense: Use a hand brush if available. Dry hands on clean paper towels or using an air dryer, again, if available. That's simple enough. Now the tough part: Do it as often as is possible. A recent article by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says you are not only likely to catch a cold this year, but several. "The typical American has two to four colds a year, slightly more if you're a woman between 20 and 30, fewer if you're an adult older than 60. Kids typically catch six to 10 colds annually...." Though this subject was brought on by my having "caught" a cold, my research uncovered the same prevention information as I had always known -- stay away from unnecessary gatherings and wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.... Simple, of course, but when dealing with others beside yourself, it's like trying to do something about the weather. -Bob- For some of my other articles on varying subjects, click on http://fourwinds.blogster.com Thanks for visiting.

Reading Noted Commentators' Commentaries/Articles

Do you read the George Will commentary columns/articles? He is a columnist for the Washington Post. He also replaced a much missed John Leo who wrote as a contributing editor/columnist for U.S. News & World Report magazine. Anyway, George Will does a good job telling a story, but I often wonder who he is writing for. That is, which level of reader? Hardly a time goes by when I read his column without a dictionary at hand. No joke. Even with a couple of years of college under my belt, his writings contain words I have never seen or noted or heard. This forces me (and I confidently believe forces other readers as well) to interrupt my reading to refer to Webster's New World College Dictionary, Third Edition, 1997. Reading the Foreward in this dictionary will have you believe editors everywhere use this tome in their work. With George Will injecting unfamiliar words into his commentaries, as I have always noticed when I allow myself to read his columns, I have to say George Will owes the Webster Dictionary maintainers thanks, because without the dictionary his writing would be difficult to comprehend, you would probably need to resort to guesswork and make the best of it. I am fairly certain George Will is a highly educated personage, but is it necessary, even wise, to inject unfamiliar, uncommon lexicon into his articles? I think not, unless your ego is at work and you are trying to impress. Both a terrible waste of time and talent. It was early in my pursuit of public speaking that I learned to stick to the point, keep it simple, i.e. easily understandable without causing the hearer to wonder what you are saying, thereby losing a good deal of what you are saying while he is wondering . This same idea applies to writing. There is no substitute for the KISS formula that ought to be applied in most everything we do. If you do not know what KISS stands for, ask me. When I know more than a couple of readers connected to this blog would care to know, I will provide a clear answer. Meanwhile, I hope and pray that you understood every word used in this commentary. Every word I believe was needed to clearly make my point. Thanks for visiting. Bob P.S. You can read over 50 of my other blogs by clicking: http://fourwinds.blogster.com/ *****Readers are encouraged to thoroughly investigate any offers advertised on my blog page beyond my commentary. I do not necessarily endorse any advertiser found on my site. *****

About New Year Resolutions

Virtually everyone making new year resolutions are blowing in the wind. Here, just over a week from the start of 2007, most resolutions made have already become history, and more falling by the wayside daily. The few who do stick with their committed resolution(s) are exceptional. Are you exceptional? And, of course, the resolve made needs to be worth-while, not just some puny commitment that anyone can satisfy. But those who have resolved to do or accomplish something that calls for personal, interior strength, and are true to themselves, ought to accept personal gratification and reward themselves when they are honestly satisfied that they have achieved what they said they would do without backsliding to a halt. It occurred to me that human nature, as recorded in the Good Book, is indeed weak. Let's take a serious for-instance: Most people know the existence of the Ten Commandments, but either don't know them, don't want to know them, think they're suggestions, have no clue as to Who gave them, or to whom. Taking all of these excuses into consideration, and believing every bit of Old Testament history about them, I offer them to you as the perfect New Year Resolution, worthy of the most serious effort to live by them. I see the Ten Commandments as the bedrock for peace on earth as was meant to be. A slow, purposeful reading of each Commandment, pondered upon, will reveal to you a most desirable world in which we all could live without a single reason for adversity. A remarkable transformation can take place in you when you take the Ten Commandments as a personal guide for living. As you become more keenly aware of the significance of the Commandments, you realize how distant the peoples of the world have become from the law God handed down to Moses on only two tablets. Evil men work very hard to have you believe the Ten Commandments of God are outdated. Wiser men will say that God gave us these Commandments so only God can repeal them. He has not. So God's law remains unchanged as set down by Him. Some of you reading this may ask what are the Ten Commandments? Others may have forgotten what the Commandments say, still others may believe they are suggestions; and there are those of you who need to be reminded of their essence. Only you know where you stand. Since God's law is so vital for your eternal salvation, I will include them below as a strong recommendation for you to consider for your 2007 New Year resolution. No matter what sort of resolution you made, even if you've made none at all, however mindfully important to you, none will ever be as important as a resolve to live by God's Ten Commandments every moment of every day for the rest of your transitory life. It won't be easy going, but reach for perfection anyway, knowing well that you'll never attain it. Setbacks are not uncommon for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that you're a human being. But as you strive for perfection you'll know that you're doing the best you can. Be honest and God Himself will know that you're doing your best too. May you be or become a child of God and know why you are walking the face of the earth for a little while before being called home by your Creator. Here, then, are the Ten Commandments to consider for your resolutions for 2007. Think upon each one until you feel you understand what they are saying to you: 1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange Gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's day. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods. Anyone finding fault with any of the Commandments will be exercising nothing by an excuse in order to deny their existence. I didn't say that accepting God's law would be easy, though you'd think they ought to be; but I'll guarantee you'll find your life more acceptable and fruitful.In solitude,think what that would mean to you. Happy 2007 to you. Bob

How to Stop Carrying Unnecessary Weight

Caring people can find themselves under a load heavy enough to crush six people. If you can relate to this, stop! Put the load down. Take a good look at it, and you will find that load is all borrowed. Some from the past when old heartaches and sorrows seemed to weigh you down; some of the weight belong to yesterday, some from tomorrow, some even for next week or longer ahead. All "borrowed" as a wise man once said. This is what is crushing. An ancient blunder, really not uncommon.

St. Paul said "when old heartaches and sorrows" and a host of other worries or concerns "seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine, forget 'those things which are behind,' and 'reach forward to the joys before us...."

The life that matters tells you what to expect. No need for gloom. Know that day follows night, that spring and summer succeed winter. Know, also, that the road traveled is not always going to be easy. Knowing will make you aware of possibilities and, therefore, wiser. Knowing need not include gloom. After all, you are a member of God's family. Place all your hope and confidence in Him. God has no record of failure.

We make our own hindrances. Our Creator has done all He can to free us from every weight. He has given us forgiveness for the past; He helps us in the present, give us assurance for the future. As we face the coming days of the new year, know that each day brings us closer to our Master's return. Lay aside all truly unnecessary weight. Forget and forgive the ills behind you, the unkindness which friends and foes have shown; the murmuring you may hold. Hope in God. You have but one day to worry about -- today. Here is what you need to consider:

Yesterday -- There are two days in every week about which you should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond your control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. You cannot undo a single act you performed. You cannot erase a single word you said. Yesterday is gone -- forever -- beyond recall.

Tomorrow -- The other day you should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and perhaps its poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond your immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, you have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

Today -- This leaves only one day for you to worry about -- Today. Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burden of those two awful eternities, yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives men mad. It is the remorse or the bitterness for something which happened yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow might bring. Therefore, do your best to live just one day at a time.

Most of my ills I have cured, and the worst I have always survived.

But the very worst ones I've endured -- were those that never arrived. -- Annoymous

Words of wisdom (abbreviated) from circa 1692 are offered for the opening of your new year 2007:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons...

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism...

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul...

Sorrow looks back;

Worry looks around;

Faith looks UP.

Bob -30-

P.S. To view Bob's Blogs from the mid-2006, click: http://fourwinds.blogster.com and you will find a variety of topics.

p.p.s. ****I encourage readers to thoroughly investigate any offers advertised on my blog page beyond my commentaries. I do not necessarily endorse any advertiser found on my site. Bob ****