Motivational-Inspirational-Historical-Educational-Political-Enjoyable
"Daily Motivations"
Our own well-being is always the result of healthy decisions for ourselves coupled with disengagement from the choices of others. -- Karen Casey
Making the Most of Your Meetings
Meeting … meetings … seemingly endless (and often unproductive) meetings! They’re one of the most common time and money wasters existing in business today – frequently thought of as “necessary evils.” But they don’t have to be! If your organization espouses the importance of maximizing its resources – which most do – it’s imperative that you and your fellow leaders walk that talk. One of the best places to start is effective meeting management. Here are four ideas that should help:
Does it make $en$e to have a meeting? Don’t meet if there’s a more cost-effective way to achieve your objective. Ask others to help you develop a list of ways to accomplish tasks and goals with minimal need for group meetings. Just for fun: Calculate the cost of your last meeting (salaries plus other expenses) and see if you got your money’s worth. Would you repeat that same meeting if its cost was coming out of YOUR pocket?
Supply all participants with a written agenda prior to each meeting. Make sure the agenda includes: meeting objectives; issues to be discussed; start/end times and location; who will be attending; how participants should prepare … and what they should bring.
Manage the meeting. Establish ground rules up front – including a list of “do” and “don’t” meeting behaviors. Then, keep the group on track, follow the ground rules, and strictly adhere to the time frames. If you manage the process effectively, the results will usually take care of themselves.
End all meetings with a short review of the results. Discuss what was accomplished – and what, if anything, needs to be done after the meeting.
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
How to Have a "Quiet Time" He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray (Matt. 14:23). Here are some ideas to help you make your "quiet time" a habit...
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." (John 15:1)
"The Patriot Post"
"To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it." -- Thomas Jefferson, letter to Joseph Milligan, 6 April 1816
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite." -- James Madison, Federalist No. 45
"Besides, to lay and collect internal taxes in this extensive country must require a great number of congressional ordinances, immediately operation upon the body of the people; these must continually interfere with the state laws and thereby produce disorder and general dissatisfaction till the one system of laws or the other, operating upon the same subjects, shall be abolished." -- Federal Farmer, Antifederalist Letter, 10 October 1787
"Chuck Sproull"
American Moral-Political Momentum Going Down Hill
By: Chuck Sproull
If you were driving up hill, and stopped and turned off the engine, it would be wise to put on the brakes; because if you didn’t you would roll back down the hill out of control. That is what I believe is happening in America. I honestly believe (and have read other articles that agree with my observations) that the people who voted for Mr. Obama simply didn’t understand downward political and moral trends in history of civilizations.
According to Peter Marshall’s books “The Light and the Glory” and “From Sea to Shining Sea,” most of people who left Europe and England (200-500 years ago) had strong Bible-based convictions. Over 230 years ago our Founders left England and separated themselves by 3,000 miles of water from tyrannical monarchies, specifically for the purpose of establishing a new nation whose government was based on Biblical principles.
Our legal system was originally based, not on European standards, but on God’s standards – the Ten Commandments, not as an expression of a particular religion, but as an effective way of regulating secular society. These were given by God for protecting things of great value. Commandments 1-4 protect relationships between mankind and God. Commandments 5-10 protect relationships within normal marriages, families and communities, and protect private property, possessions and lives from robbery and murder by selfish dishonest enemies. These are not unique to Old Testament Judaism nor New Testament Christianity, but are practical standards of life found in many pagan religions, as a result of God’s influence in the conscience of mankind.
Several hundred years before God revealed the Law to Moses, Hammurabi, king of the Babylonians, developed a complex set of hundreds of laws to regulate his society. These could be summarized by Commandments 5-10. About 900 years later in India, Buddha fasted and prayed for a month and received the revelation of the 8-Fold Path to Perfection. Step 4 – Right Behavior – is a summary of Commandments 5-10 plus other wisdom found in the proverbs and prophets (about not getting drunk).
References to God in our Constitution and Bill of Rights are very discrete, but when you look at the context, they are actually an expression of strong Bible-based convictions. This Constitutional Republic they gave us turned out to be the most wonderful, most productive and most free form of government on all the earth. But maintenance of those freedoms for everyone, depended on the maturity of its individual citizens.
Did atheists, pagans, socialists, communists, Islamics, homosexuals and lesbians or abortionists cause America to become a great nation? NO.
I wonder where Mr. Obama would have been had he lived 230 years ago. Would he have been involved in writing the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights? Would he have fought in the War of Independence? Where would he have been when our Navy and Marine Corps were commissioned to rescue American Maritime sailors from the Barbary Coast pirates (Islamic terrorists)?
We need honest unselfish political leaders with wisdom and understanding of failures of past civilizations, to get us going back up hill into the Constitutional Republic God inspired our Founders to give us.
Chuck Sproull, Springville IN
"Find Law"
Chrysler Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
IN RE: CHRYSLER, LLC
(U.S. Bankr. Ct., S.D. N.Y., April 30, 2009) - Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 protection today, becoming the first major U.S. automaker to declare bankruptcy. The global car company listed billions in debt and liabilities, and an extensive roster of creditors to whom it owes money. Read more...
Related Resources
• Chrysler files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (AP) http://news.lp.findlaw.com:80/ap_stories/f/1310/04-30-2009/20090430115005_37.html
• Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy; Small Business vs Big Business Chapter 11 (FindLaw's Free Enterprise) http://blogs.findlaw.com/free_enterprise/2009/04/chrysler-files-for-bankruptcy-small-business-vs-big-business-chapter-11.html
Seattle Would-Be 'Craigslist Killer' Charged with Attempted Murder
STATE OF WASHINGTON V. SHAWN TYLER SKELTON
(Superior Ct., King Cty., WA, April 30, 2009) - Washington prosecutors charged a man with attempted murder after targetting him due to a disturbing Craigslist ad. He put an ad on Seattle Craigslist's "Casual Encounters" section, saying that he wanted to meet a woman who wanted to have sex, also stating that, "I want to kill her." Seattle Police (alerted by Craigslist) then set up an undercover operation. They told Skelton that they wanted someone murdered, he agreed to do it for money and was subsequently arrested in possession of a knife and heavy chain consistent with methods described in messages about the job. Read more... http://news.lp.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/craigslist/seattle-skelton42709crim.html
http://news.lp.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/craigslist/seattle-skelton42709crim.html
http://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2009/04/philip-markoff-the-craigslist-killer-college-student-charged-with-murder-of-julissa-brisman.html
"The Web"
SCOTUS Justice David Souter To Retire In June.
According to reports, Supreme Court Justice David Souter has told the White House he plans to retire at the end of the current term. Souter, 69, is probably the second current most liberal justice behind Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Unfortunately, I believe America is just before seeing the “change” they voted for in Nov. 2008. President Obama’s newest nominee may be the beginning of the most radical liberal anti-Judeo-Christian values candidate ever appointed to the SCOTUS.
"Hate Crime"
April 30, 2009, on a vote of 249-175, the US House of Representatives passed and sent to the Senate a bill backed by the new Democratic White House to broaden such laws by classifying as "hate crimes" those attacks based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental or physical disability. We must pressure all US Senators to vote “NO” on this legislation. - oyh
Clergy In The Crosshairs
A Texas congressman who is a former judge warns that the "hate crimes" legislation reintroduced in the U. S. House could potentially lead to the arrest of Christian pastors who speak out against sexual immorality.
Representatives John Conyers (D-Michigan) and Mark Kirk (R-Illinois) are sponsoring the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H. R. 1913), also known as the "Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act." The bill would add sexual orientation to the list of categories covered under federal hate crime law. When Democrats passed the bill in 2007, they were divided over whether to add "gender identity and expression" to the list.
Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) says under the legislation, pastors, rabbis, or imams could be charged with encouraging or inducing a "hate crime" if they preach against homosexuality. Gohmert believes the Conyers-Kirk bill is also unnecessary because hate-motivated crimes are not a major national epidemic.
The U. S. House of Representatives seems very likely to pass this horrible bill. Contact your U. S. Representative anyway!
In the U. S. Senate there is yet some hope of defeating the H. R. 1913. Be sure to contact both of your U. S. Senators.
Dearly Beloved
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD NOW AND FOREVER. GLORY TO HIS PRECIOUS NAME!
So much distress. So much affliction. So much sorrow caused by sickness, disease and disaster. So many hurting believers. So many people facing financial crises. The Bible does tell us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous…” However, the next phrase in this verse changes the meaning entirely: “…but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
David cried, “Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions” (Psalm 132:1). This godly man faced many troubles. His prayer was, “Lord, you have delivered others out of their afflictions. Don’t forget about me. Help me, deliver me.”
The apostle Paul also endured many afflictions. He wrote, “The Holy Ghost witnesseth [tells me] in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me [await me]” (Acts 20:23). Paul added, “No man should be moved by these afflictions” (1 Thessalonians 3:3). He was saying, “Dear saints, don’t question why I have to face so many great afflictions. These things do not cause me to question God.”
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses” (2 Corinthians 6:4). Note Paul’s emphasis here: “in much patience.” Have you been losing patience in your affliction? Have you become so discouraged that you’ve come to the point of casting aside your faith?
A pastor and his wife wrote to me, “We are so discouraged. We have been so mistreated and unappreciated. We are financially devastated, and we see very little fruit from our labors. We have prayed, believed and held onto faith. But now we are at the end of endurance. We do not want to doubt, but we need a miracle. We need to see at least some token for good, so we can go on.”
Any words I have to encourage the downcast seem inadequate. But this one thing I do know: we serve a kind and loving heavenly Father. His Word says he is touched with the feelings of our afflictions. And it is my firm belief that even now he waits for you to lay down all your fears, anxieties, questions – all your cares and burdens – and trust he will deliver you, because of his loving kindness for you.
Lay hold of the following Scriptures, and let faith arise in your heart. God has not forgotten you.
Psalm 117:2: “For his merciful kindness is great towards us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalm 119:76: “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”
Isaiah 54:7-8, 10: “For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy redeemer. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”
JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a......?" "Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, [what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." Motherhood!
What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".
25 Celebrity Commencement Speeches That Were Surprisingly Good
http://onlinecollegedegree.org:80/2009/04/23/25-celebrity-commencement-speeches-that-were-surprisingly-good/
By Heidi Taylor
When asking graduates who gave the commencement speeches on their graduation day, many are hard-pressed to remember who, if anyone, spoke. The fortunate graduates at these schools will probably always remember who spoke upon their graduation. Not only are these speakers famous celebrities ranging from actors to writers to the President of the United States, but their speeches were actually surprisingly well-done.
Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005. This inspirational commencement speech draws off three key points in Steve Jobs’ life as examples of how life is what you make of it: connecting the dots (realizing paths in your life eventually prepare you for your future), love and loss, and death. Closing with a tagline borrowed from a 1970’s publication, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish," Jobs urges graduates never to settle for less than what they want from life.
Conan O’Brien: Harvard, 2000. Watch this hilarious commencement speech that illustrates the comic genius of Conan O’Brien. Just when you begin to think Conan skipped the typical inspirational pep talk requisite in commencement speeches, he comes in at the last minute with advice for Harvard graduates not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone, or even fail, as these steps in life often lead to bigger success.
Barack Obama: Wesleyan, 2008. Substituting for Senator Ted Kennedy, Obama steps in to deliver a speech that points out that the ordinary daily existence most people live doesn’t have to be a separate life from the life of our country. Urging graduates to make a difference in their lives by making a difference in the live of others, this inspirational speech showcases the incredible oratory skill of President Obama.
Kermit the Frog: Southampton College, 1996. Don’t let this celebrity’s lack of mortality or the length of his short speech fool you. This commencement address at Southampton, a school recognized for its work in marine and environmental sciences, welcomes graduates into the world and thanks them for the work they have been doing and will continue to do in an effort to save the environment.
Will Ferrell: Harvard, 2003. With his characteristic humor, Will Ferrell welcomes the Harvard graduates 2003 into the "real" world full of limos running late and sloppy assistants that can’t get your coffee ordered correctly while also throwing in important pieces of advice such as the importance of questioning your leaders and realizing that a top-quality education may not translate into success for everyone.
Jodie Foster: University of Pennsylvania, 2006. When Jodie Foster was first announced as the commencement speaker, students were reportedly upset by the selection for commencement speaker. However, at the end of Foster’s address to the graduates where she challenged the graduates to make positive changes for the country and closed with a quote from rapper Eminem, she received a standing ovation from the Class of 2006.
Jon Stewart: William & Mary, 2004. A graduate of William & Mary in 1984, Jon Stewart returns to his alma mater to give a commencement speech with his trademark combination of humor juxtaposed with serious issues. Urging graduates to acknowledge and help those less fortunate, praising the new generation for its ability to fix what has been broken in the recent past, choosing a path in life, and realizing the difference between completing college and experiencing life are all points Jon Stewart makes during his commencement speech on the 20th anniversary of his graduation.
David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005. Just three years prior to the tragic death of this writer, Kenyon College Class of 2005 was honored with a commencement speech from David Foster Wallace that stresses awareness of the life the graduates will lead above simple knowledge gained while at school. The actual video of the commencement address is not available to the public due to copyright restrictions, but the speech is transcribed on the blog, marginalia.org.
Theodor Seuss Geisel: Lake Forest College, 1977. Children of many generations have grown up on the beloved Dr. Seuss books that embrace the silliness of life and the entertainment of words. A fortunate group of graduates in 1977 were honored with a reading by Dr. Seuss himself that, although brief, captures the essence of Dr. Seuss along with important advice for anyone, graduating college or not. Be sure to read the president’s account of Dr. Seuss’ visit for the commencement below the poem.
Bill Gates: Harvard, 2007. Perhaps one of the most famous Harvard drop-outs, Bill Gates delivers an inspirational, if not slightly controversial, speech calling graduates to not make the same mistake he did when leaving Harvard–not recognizing the terrible inequities in the world. Gates asks graduates to take their power and use it to help others in the course of their success.
Bono: University of Pennsylvania, 2004. Bono urges graduates to embrace their future and make it what they want it to be, and asks that part of that future be to challenge ideas that are accepted by society but may not be morally acceptable. Drawing off his strong desire to help right the inequalities among humanity, especially as occurs daily in Africa, Bono describes the type of action he hopes the graduates take to make their world a better place for all.
Seth MacFarlane: Harvard, 2006. The man behind many of the Family Guy voices, Seth MacFarlane brings a bawdy humor and his talent to play in this speech. Click through all four parts of this speech to get the full effect, complete with three of his characters, which not only offers comic relief, but good advice as well.
Jon Bon Jovi: Monmouth University, 2001. This rock-and-roller spoke about new beginnings and humble beginnings in his well-received speech at Monmouth University. Urging students not to downplay where they come from or whether their university has a big name or not, Bon Jovi, who includes himself as one of the "underdogs," inspired the 2001 graduates of Monmouth.
Kurt Vonnegut: Rice University, 1998. Don’t confuse this commencement speech with the Internet hoax that claimed Vonnegut addressed MIT grads with the request to wear sunscreen. This speech is quality Vonnegut and ends with a request just as beneficial as wearing sunscreen–that the graduates recognize and appreciate their happiness when it makes itself apparent.
Alan Alda: Connecticut College, 1980. Addressing his own daughter’s, graduating class, this actor delivered a speech to the entire graduating class as if it was directed solely to his daughter, Eve. The advice is loving, empowering, and exactly what makes a great commencement speech inspirational.
Barbara Kingsolver: Duke University, 2008. Threatening to stop after the two bits of advice, "quit smoking" and "observe posted speed limits," Barbara Kingsolver goes on to more serious and global concerns as success, the environment, and community. She offers a piece of herself in this address as well as inspiration to the graduates at Duke.
Oprah Winfrey: Howard University, 2007. Be true to yourself, stand up for what you believe in, and take advantage of your failures are three important themes in Oprah’s speech she addresses to the graduating class of this historically black college. Oprah’s inspirational speech is filled with emotion and wisdom.
J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008. This popular author talks about the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination as the graduates embark on their "real" life. This insightful speech is filled with humor and honesty as Rowling shares her experiences as a vehicle to urge graduates on to lives of success.
Bradley Whitford: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2004. Whitford’s shares six principles he has discovered that have made his life a success that include such points as "do your work," "you are capable of more than you think," and "take action." He also asks the graduates to plant trees of hope for the future generations.
Katie Couric: Williams College, 2007. Couric talks about the evolution of technology, the benefits of hard work and humility, and being passionate in her commencement address, among other important and inspirational points. She brings in plenty of timely issues and offers advice on getting ahead in a world that is shifting quickly from how was when she was first starting out.
Jessica Lange: Sarah Lawrence College, 2008. This actress brings in politics as a way of introducing the great responsibilities the current graduates have to make the world a better place. She goes on to express the huge potential the new graduates have as the go out into the world and challenges them to make changes, appreciate life, be receptive to change, and the pursue peace.
Billie Jean King: University of Massachusetts, 2000. Famous tennis player and Olympic coach, King pumps up the crowd with her speech that addresses friendship, remembering your dreams, and accepting responsibility. She praises the graduates on their accomplishments and charges them with going out in the world to make changes for the better.
Ursula K. Le Guin: Mills College, 1983. This legendary author speaks to the women among the graduates, calling them to make their place in the world of men. She asks all students, and all people, to dare to live in failure as will happen as a member of the human race, and use that failure to make the world a better place for everyone. She finishes her speech by urging women not to live as prisoners, but as natives among humanity.
Dana Gioia: Stanford, 2007. This corporate executive-turned-writer and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts spoke at his alma mater about the importance of not letting popular culture overshadow the arts. There was some controversy over his being named commencement speaker as many considered him too little of a celebrity, but this "minor" celebrity delivered a powerful speech that also acknowledged the importance of his father’s support to Gioia’s success.
Margaret Atwood: University of Toronto, 1983. Atwood speaks to the graduates about being delivered into a world full of both positives and negatives where they are charged with perceiving the world as a positive in order to affect change. The timeliness of the renowned author’s words apply as much today as they did over twenty years ago when she first spoke them.
"The e-mail Bag"
Just Clean Living
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.
The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.
The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.
The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead
The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead
Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation - What did you learn from this demonstration???
An old lady was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, 'As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service -
THE CONGRESSMAN & LITTLE GIRL ON A PLANE
A US Congressman was seated next to a little girl on the airplane when the Congressman turned to her and said, 'Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.'
The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the stranger, 'What would you like to talk about?'
'Oh, I don't know,' said the stranger. 'How about the banking crisis?' and he smiles.
OK, ' she said. 'That could be an interesting and timely topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass.. Why do you suppose that is?'
The Congressman, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, 'Hmmm, I have no idea.'
To which the little girl replies, 'Do you really feel qualified to discuss banking when you don't know shit?
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