All Things Cherished

Make Me Laugh Monday - Waking Up is Hard To Do

Join me in the fun and giggles of making Mondays a better day by sharing some laughs. Add your link to your Make Me Laugh Monday post to Mr. Linky below. (All links not leading directly to your post will be deleted.) All posts should be funny in some way. Yes, this is up to interpretation. Ideas include riddles, funny family stories, comic strips, jokes, silly graphics, funny lyrics, hilarious photos, etc. Please don't leave me to snicker all alone. I'm sure YOU have something funny to share.

Thought of the Day - 10/24/10

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

Thought of the Day - 10/23/10

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her '"ow could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc, I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said "Okay." Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said okay.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send jokes through email and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar, and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

The above was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, 12/18/05.

Thought of the Day - 10/22/10

Need a hug?

Thought of the Day - 10/21/10

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say "good-bye" or say "I love you."

While we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken, and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage . . . and old cars . . .and children with bad report cards . . . and dogs with bad hips . . . and aging parents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce -- some things and some people that make us happy, no matter what.

I was thinking . . . I could die today, tomorrow, or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling, or three words needing to be said.

Thought of the Day - 10/20/10

Let every one of your friends and family members know you love them . . . even if you think they don't love you back. You would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. Just in case I'm gone tomorrow. . . I LOVE YOU!

Thought of the Day - 10/18/10

Optimists believe that all will turn out for the best, they are therefore constantly disappointed.

Thought of the Day - 10/19/10

Nature does not possess desire;

Without desire, the heart becomes quiet;
In this manner the whole world is made tranquil.

Thought of the Day - 10/17/10

There is no happiness in any object of the world. We imagine through our ignorance that we derive happiness from objects. When the mind goes out, it experiences misery. In truth, when it's desires are fulfilled, it returns to its own place and enjoys the happiness that is the Self.
~ ~ Sri Ramana Maharshi ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/16/10

Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

Thought of the Day - 10/15/10

When you love someone, you put up with a thousand things you'd never tolerate from anyone else.

Thought of the Day - 10/14/10

Just because you can't see God,

doesn't mean He is not there.

Thought of the Day - 10/13/10

Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.

~~ Fred Rogers ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/12/10

He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Thought of the Day - 10/11/10

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

~~ Bill Cosby ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/10/10

Patriotism is not so much protecting the land of our fathers as preserving the land for our children.

~~ Jose Ortega Y Gasset ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/9/10

The most fortunate are those who have a wonderful capacity to appreciate . . . the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.

~~ Abraham Maslow ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/8/10

Love is something eternal, the aspect may change, but not the essence.

~~ Vincent Van Gogh ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/7/10

We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom.

~~ Dwight D. Eisenhower ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/6/10

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.

~~ St. Augustine ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/5/10

Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.

~~ Bo Bennett ~~

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Tips for Parenting

Top Ten Tips for Parents of Children 6 - 12 Years Old

10. Make your rules fair and consistent. If you allow your child to break the rules, you send the message that rules are made to be broken.

9. Your child needs your time, love, and guidance, even when she acts as if she doesn't care what you do or say. Spend time with your child. Take her to the grocery store, make dinner together, and talk about what she's watching on TV.

8. Preteen kids are all about contradiction. Their bodies may be maturing but they are still capable of having temper tantrums and need parents to remind them to take a bath/shower.

7. Children at this stage are concerned about justice and following rules. They see the world in black-and-white terms. There are no gray areas!

6. Peer pressure becomes very important during these years. Don't downplay your child's wish to "fit in." Get to know your child's friends and their parents, and keep tabs on where your child goes when he leaves the house.

5. Help your child manage emotions and control his anger. It will be an important skill for success later in life.

4. Preteen kids can drive parents crazy by saying "I forgot" to almost every request. They get sidetracked easily and often lack skills for organization.

3. Offer lots of alternatives to TV and video games -- board games, books, sports, cooking, bike rides, walking, instruments -- to get kids active. Praise kids when they choose these activities.

2. When your child is in school, he will be exposed to lots of different people and experiences. Teach your child how to be safe in the outside world and how to ask for help when she encounters problems at school or in the community.

1. Don't wait for your child to learn about sexuality and drugs in school. Educate yourself, and your child, about the change taking place in his body and how to resist peer pressure to use drugs or have sex. Don't be afraid to share your values with your child and let him know what is important to you.

Thought of the Day - 10/4/10

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

~~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~~

Test Your Parenting Knowledge

True or False?

Most children would do almost anything to get the attention of adults they love.
By the time a child is two years old, he understands, at least, 200 words.
Young children don't pay attention when adults around them are arguing.
Law states that children cannot stay alone until they are 12 years old.
When parents divorce, it's a good idea for them to confide in their children so the kids understand what the parents are going through.

Answers

True -- Even when children misbehave, they are getting attention from adults around them. When we give them attention for good behavior, it's more likely they will continue to behave appropriately.
True -- Most children understand up to 300 words by the time they are two years old. Children understand many more words than they speak.
False -- Kids see and hear lots more than we'd sometimes like. Even if parents try to hid what's going on, kids usually understand much more about adult tension than we might guess. It is important to handle disagreements with as little yelling as possible and with absolutely no violence.
False -- There is no specific age stated in many states' laws. Parents need to consider many factors before leaving a child alone after school or while they are out for the evening. The age at which children can stay alone varies based on the maturity of the child, the home environments, expectations of parents, and other factors.
False -- Parents should give children age-appropriate explanation for the changes in their lives but not take the place of adult friendships for support. It's important that kids not feel that they have to take care of their parents when the kids need help themselves.

Life Journal #1

Today's date: 10/3/10

Today I feel good about: getting all of the laundry done, scrubbing the entry way, spending time with Cassandra going through books, not losing my cool with Cameron, getting some more stuff better organized.

Something new I experienced today: An email from an old friend.

Today's news and weather happenings: I didn't listen to the news today. The weather is cold, raining, chilly.

People who touched my life today: Cassandra helped with chores around the house without a fuss.

I was fortunate to receive today: Kisses and hugs from Cassandra, phone calls from my boyfriend, the grace of God to live another day.

What I did to touch someone's life today: Prayed for others.

Plans for a better tomorrow: Prayers that Cameron will be in a better mood.

Notes and Thoughts:
Killing bugs and spiders is not in my job description (as a single mom). Ugh.
The sunsets are beautiful. Need to take more photos of the sunsets.
I love Alan Free with all my heart!

Won't you join me in journaling your day? Let me know in the comments section if you do this life journal so I can visit your blog.

Personal Life Journal

This is something I started a few years ago and, though, I do not write in this journal daily I do use it on a regular basis.

Feel free to use this journal in your life. It helps give a new positive perspective on your life. If sharing this with others, please give me credit as the author.

Today's date:

Today I feel good about:

Something new I experienced today:

The latest with friends and family:

Today's news and weather happenings:

People who touched my life today.

I was fortunate to receive today:

What I did to touch someone's life today:

Plans for a better tomorrow:

Notes and Thoughts:

School Evaluation

Nine out of ten students attend public schools, so parents need to speak up on issues affecting their child's classroom. Learn how to advocate for public education and reach out to elected officials during Give Kids Good Schools Week -- October 10th through 16th -- by going to Give Kids Good Schools. You can also see how your child's school stacks up against the rest.

Thought of the Day - 10/3/10

Nothing is more important than human relationships.

Thought of the Day - 10/2/10

If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.
~~ Tom Stoppard ~~

Simply Healthy #8

If you notice a pattern of headaches related to when you take your medicines, talk to your doctor about switching medicines.

Thought of the Day - 10/1/10

Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven into the midst of our rough earthliness.
~~ Henri Amiel ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/30/10

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons.

Thought of the Day - 9/29/10

Lord, please help me today to uphold the standards You have set for our family, to enjoy my children as You do, and to truly know these precious souls that You have put in my care. Amen.

Thought of the Day - 9/28/10

Live your life in such a way that it sends an unmistakable message that you care enough to make your children a daily priority.

Thought of the Day - 9/27/10

Be purposeful in your actions and words.

Computer Tips #17

Use quotes -- "like this" -- around a set of words in your query/search to match the words exactly.

Thought of the Day - 9/26/10

If we all lost our kids because of what we say, we would all lose our kids.

Thought of the Day - 9/25/10

Think of failure as a detour. You made a wrong turn, but you can still reach your destination.

Thought of the Day - 9/24/10

Depression hurts.

Thought of the Day - 9/23/10

To look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first time or last time: Thus is your time on Earth filled with glory.

~~ Betty Smith ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/22/10

You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.

~~ Dr. Wayne Dyer ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/21/10

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

~~ Phyllis Diller ~~

Computer Tips #16

Highlight and delete all email addresses that are included in a message. Please protect your email friends by doing this so that spamers do not have access to their addresses. When forwarding a message use the BCC (blind copy) option . . . by doing this the spammers will see a name but not an email address.

Thought of the Day - 9/20/10

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.
~~ Mae West ~~

545 vs. 300,000,000

Charley Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day.

545 vs. 300,000,000

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, why do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, why do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code. Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy. Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings -- out of 300 million -- that are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he/she votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass the budget over his veto if they want to and agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million people can not replace the 545 people who stand convicted, by present facts, of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army and Marines are in Iraq, it's because they want them in Iraq.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let those 545 people con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses . . . provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Sales Tax
School Tax
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Excise Taxes
Property Tax
Cigarette Tax
Medicare Tax
Inventory Tax
Real Estate Tax
Well Permit Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Inheritance Tax
Road Usage Tax
CDL License Tax
Dog License Tax
State Income Tax
Food License Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Social Security Tax
Service Charge Tax
Fishing License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Building Permit Tax
IRS Interest Charges
Hunting License Tax
Marriage License Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Property Tax
Accounts Receivable Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
State Unemployment Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Utility Taxes Vehicle License Registration Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax

Not one of these taxes (listed above) existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world at that time. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and moms stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell p-o-l-i-t-i-c-i-a-n-s?

Adapted from an 545 People written by Charley Reese.

Dashing Through the Snow

Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

"In the picturesque village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, the townsfolk are all pitching in to prepare for the first Festival of Joy. The night before the festival begins, a group of employees at the local market learn that they have won $180 million in the lottery. One of their co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. Then he goes missing. A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?

The Clarks' endearing heroes -- Alvirah Meehan, the amateur sleuth, and private investigator Regan Reilly -- has arrived in Branscombe for the festival They are just the people to find out what is amiss. As they dig beneath the surface, they find that life in Branscombe is not as tranquil as it appears."

It was a fast, easy read. It was very enjoyable but it lacked the intensity that is usually seen by both of these authors.

It was fun to see so many of my favorite characters (Alvirah & Willy, Regan & Jack, Nora & Luke) from both authors combined in this mystery.

Rating (1, lowest; 5, highest): 3.5

I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Thought of the Day - 9/19/10

Love cures people -- both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.

~~ Dr. Karl Menninger ~~

Around the 'Net - Kashless

Instead of splurging on brand new ice skates that your kids will soon outgrow or splurging on a brand new flute that your child will no longer be interested in playing in a few weeks, visit the newest exchange site Kashless. You can get pretty much anything - sports equipment, school supplies, instruments, furniture, you name it -- for FREE from others.

It's also a great way to clear away your own clutter.

Thought of the Day - 9/18/10

He who has health has hope. He who has hope has everything.

~~ Arabian proverb ~~

Works for Me - Hang a Picture

I love sharing household tips and ideas that others may not have thought of, so I am going to share them with my dedicated readers and followers.

Hang a Picture
Need to hang a picture, but not quite sure where the wall stud is? Studs are usually 16 to 24 inches apart, and you can find one by using an electric razor. Turn on the razor and move it horizontally against the wall. When the buzzing gets quieter, you are over a stud. When the buzzing gets louder again, you've passed the stud. You want to place your nail in the middle of the stud.

Bulk Blogging

I'd like to encourage you to try blogging in bulk, instead of blogging every day. Try blogging by the week or better yet by the month. It really relieves you of the stress of daily blogging. I have over 12 blogs and each are totally different from each other and different than your blog(s). My personal goal for each blog is 2 - 3 posts per week. That is only 8 - 12 posts a month. Everything else in addition to this amount is a bonus. Surely you have 8 - 12 things you can write about . . . right now.

Thought of the Day - 9/17/10

Appreciate EVERY moment!

Holistic Wisdom

Like many of you, I have seen my Aunt, Grandmother, Grandfather, and Mother suffer from cancer, and they all have passed from it. So many amazing and beautiful women have been afflicted. You need to be educated about breast cancer and practice preventive measures through diet and lifestyle.

Life is short and celebrating the pleasure of life is important!

Recycle That One Can

According to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), the energy saved from recycling just one aluminum drink can is enough to power a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours or a TV for two hours.

Thought of the Day - 9/16/10

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.

~~ Robert Marlowe ~~

Simply Healthy #7

When washing your hands, don't skip the soap. Rinsing them with water alone, even hot water, doesn't get rid of bacteria and viruses. Scrub your hands for 15 to 20 seconds, then dry them thoroughly, as germs attach more readily to, and multiply more quickly on, moist surfaces. Then turn off the faucet with a paper towel, since that handle is often the dirtiest thing in a restroom. If there isn't any soap, use the mini sanitizer you keep in your bag/purse.

Thought of the Day - 9/15/10

If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.

~~ Abigail VanBuren ~~

Just 27 Words

The most powerful 27 words...

God, our Father, walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family in Jesus name. Amen.

Around the 'Net - Trial X

Promising new treatments for common diseases may be within your reach years before they're available to the general public. If you have a serious illness, like diabetes or cancer, consider joining a clinical trial. Visit TrialX.com, a site that uses specific criteria to match you to a study. Enter your personal info (age, gender, condition, and location), and you'll instantly receive a short list of relevant, nearby trials. Print the details, bring them to your doctor to discuss, then email the researcher to apply.

Thought of the Day - 9/14/10

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of payments.

Thought of the Day - 9/13/10

If you want something done, ask someone who is busy.

Thought of the Day - 9/12/10

If you want to be well liked never lie about yourself and be careful when telling the truth about others.

Thought of the Day - 9/11/10

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness . . . you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

Thought of the Day - 9/10/10

If you don't like something about yourself, change it. If you can't change it, accept it.

~~ Ted Shackelford ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/9/10

If you go out looking for friends, you're going to find they are very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere.

~~ Zig Zigler ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/8/10

If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

Thought of the Day - 9/7/10

As long as youre going to be thinking anyway, THINK BIG.
~~ Donald Trump ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/6/10

If you have the desire, you are halfway there.
~~ E. Crique ~~

Thought of the Day - 9/5/10

If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.

Thought of the Day - 9/4/10

If you let go of the past, it no longer has a hold on you.

Thought of the Day - 9/3/10

If you only have the Word, you will dry up.
If you only have the Spirit, you will blow up.
But if you have the Word and the Spirit, you go up and grow up.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

How Spiritual Are You?

You Are Super Spiritual

You are in touch with the world around you, and you find peace in connecting with others.

You believe that every life is special and that every life has a purpose.

You value harmony and understanding. You try not to judge, bicker, and fight.

As simple as it sounds, you truly think it's important to make the world a better place.

How Spiritual Are You?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Thought of the Day - 9/2/10

When I was a child, I used to think a mistake was simply a mistake. You make it, you pay for it, you move on.

Now, I think, some mistakes are like a pebble hitting a pond. They start a small ripple, then get bigger and bigger, an exploding circle of mistakes, until they become a tidal wave and you simply drown.

Get Your Flag Ready

Please join the FLY THE FLAG campaign. If you don't have a flag, get one... even a small flag will work.

On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this ninth anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

So, here's what we need you to do . . .

Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then, at least, make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation.

God Bless You and God Bless America!!!

Thought of the Day - 8/31/10

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.

~~ Chinese proverb ~~

Thought of the Day - 8/30/10

If you have never been hated by your child,
you have never been a parent.

~~ Bette Davis ~~

Thought of the Day - 8/29/10

If you laugh a lot, when you get older your wrinkles will be in the right places.
~~ Andrew Mason ~~

Thought of the Day - 8/28/10

If you have much, give of your wealth;
if you have little, give of your heart.
~~ Arab proverb ~~

Thought of the Day - 8/27/10

If you depend on others to make you happy,
you will be endlessly disappointed.

Thought of the Day - 8/26/10

If you decide not to choose then you have already made the wrong choice.

Thought of the Day - 8/25/10

The distance between defeat and victory is measured by the distance it takes for us to fall on our knees before God in prayer.

Thought of the Day - 8/24/10

A parent's approval always matters, regardless of age.

Thought of the Day - 8/23/10

Buy a journal or start a blog. There is no better self-discovery tool.

Thought of the Day - 8/22/10

Sometimes I feel as if everybody else has come into the world with a set of instructions about how to live and someone had forgotten to give them to me. Sometimes I have no clue what I am supposed to feel, so much of the time I fake at being a human being, with no idea how other people feel. What is it like to really love someone? What is it like to really fit in or belong somewhere? I learned at an early age to give the impression of a normal, happy girl, but inside I have always felt lonely.

Thought of the Day - 8/21/10

I am one of the most unhelpless, self-sufficient people I know. Ask any man who has ever loved me. I do not want to depend on anybody for anything. I was taught it was wrong to depend on others. I have always taken care of myself. I didn’t want to need anybody.

Now I need to learn to depend on others and ask for help.