Slow Down!

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” ~Socrates

I think this is one of the most fascinating stories in American history and the whole think could have been avoided by one text message [which of course couldn’t happen at the time]:

Though the War of 1812 was effectively over two weeks earlier with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, December 24, 1814, news had not yet reached New Orleans.

On January 8, 1815, in the last battle of the War of 1812, nearly 10,000 British soldiers advanced under cover of darkness and heavy fog, intending to surprise General Andrew Jackson’s Tennessee and Kentucky sharpshooters, aided by French pirate Jean Lafitte and his men.

As the British neared, the fog suddenly lifted and in just a half hour 2,042 British were killed or wounded, while there were only 71 American casualties.

General Andrew Jackson wrote on January 26, 1815, to Robert Hays regarding the victorious Battle of New Orleans:

“It appears that the unerring hand of Providence shielded my men from the shower of balls, bombs, and rockets, when every ball and bomb from our guns carried with them a mission of death.”

General Jackson told his aide-de-camp Major Davezac of his confidence before the Battle:

“I was sure of success, for I knew that God would not give me previsions of disaster, but signs of victory. He said this ditch can never be passed. It cannot be done.”

Andrew Jackson wrote to Secretary of War James Monroe, February 17, 1815:

“Heaven, to be sure, has interposed most wonderfully in our behalf, and I am filled with gratitude, when I look back to what we have escaped.”

The Treaty of Ghent was ratified by the U.S. Senate, February 16, 1815.

All British troops were immediately brought back to Europe as Napoleon had escaped from the Island of Elba, February 26, 1816.

For one hundred days, events in Europe cascaded toward the massive Battle of Waterloo.

President James Madison proclaimed for the United States a National Day of Thanksgiving Devout Acknowledgment to Almighty God on March 4, 1815.

via American Minute for January 8th.

Andrew Jackson and the War of 1812 Centennial (jacksonianamerica.com)
10 Things You May Not Know About the War of 1812 (history.com)
Remembering a ‘forgotten war’ (knoxnews.com)

January 8, 2013 1

This Is Your Body on Processed Food

Ever wonder what happens inside your body when you eat processed food like gummy bears, Gatorade, or ramen? Here’s what happens:

http://youtu.be/zi_DaJKsCLo

What do you think?

via This Is Your Body on Processed Food.

January 8, 2013 0

Einstein said “things must be made as simple as possible but no simpler”. This thinking inspires every aspect of my workflow and the tools I select for myself and my clients. With that in mind, here are the 20% of the tools that yield more than 80% of my results…

Einstein said “things must be made as simple as possible but no simpler”. With that in mind, here are the 20% of the tools that yield more than 80% of my results…

http://storify.com/e1evation/top-content-marketing-tools-for-2012

January 3, 2013 2

American Minute for January 3rd

Frederick the Great of Prussia called these ten days “the most brilliant in the world’s history.”

After winning the Battle of Trenton, Christmas night, George Washington’s small force met General Cornwallis‘ 8,000 man British army.

The night before the battle, Washington left his campfires burning and silently marched his army around the back of the British camp at Princeton, New Jersey.

At daybreak, JANUARY 3, 1777, Washington attacked, capturing three regiments of British troops. Enthusiasm swept America. Yale President Ezra Stiles stated in an Election Address before the Governor and General Assembly of Connecticut:

“In our lowest and most dangerous state, in 1776 and 1777, we sustained ourselves against the British Army of 60.000 troops, commanded by…the ablest generals Britain could procure throughout Europe, with a naval force of 22,000 seamen in above 80 men-of-war.

Who but a Washington, inspired by Heaven, could have conceived the surprise move upon the enemy at Princeton-or that Christmas eve when Washington and his army crossed the Delaware?”

Ezra Stiles continued:

“The United States are under peculiar obligations to become a holy people unto the Lord our God.”

via American Minute for January 3rd.

January 3, 2013 0

2 Words That Make You Powerless

FinerMinds

Full story at: 2 Words That Make You Powerless.

December 30, 2012 0

Your Time Has Come

If you are reading this column, count your blessings – you have survived a potentially catastrophic 2012. But the media tells us ‘Not so fast!’ Now we have to prepare to be sucked over the Fiscal Cliff. 2013 doesn’t have to be the new end of our old world. In fact, it can be the beginning of our new, sustainable, progressive world. But before we make plans for the future, let’s take some time to assess how far we’ve come recently. As the year winds down, we have the perfect opportunity to set ourselves up for a good new year – and maybe even the best for the rest of our lives.” Full story at: Your Time Has Come | Psychology Today.

December 29, 2012 0

How many observe Christ’s birthday!

December 23, 2012 1

Snow day? Not so fast…

For the first time I can remember since moving to Wisconsin, the media announced the night before that schools would be closed the following day in preparation for the mother of all snowstorms!

While it’s normally cooler by the lake in Algoma, the temperature stayed above freezing all night and none of the promised snow was delivered — except to our friends in Green Bay. Heh, heh, heh…

December 20, 2012 2

Connecting with Friends: Faster Isn’t Always Better

“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another and ourselves.” ~Jack Kornfield

via Connecting with Friends: Faster Isn’t Always Better | Tiny Buddha.

December 9, 2012 0

The annual quest for the perfect tree! This year, the Universe smiled upon us; no snow, bright sunshine and crisp weather without wind!

By the way, I took this panorama shot with my Sprint Galaxy Nexus S…

December 8, 2012 2

Feeling inadequate?

I am right now. Here’s what I’m doing to do; I’m going to review how to find my purpose in 5 seconds and then I’m going to pick something off this list:

Things I can do to stop feeling inadequate…

View more lists from Todd Lohenry

December 1, 2012 3

5 Reasons Detachment Can Save Your Relationship

Jasmin Bedria writes:

When most people envision the ideal relationship, they think of engulfing, inseparable love. Being “attached at the hip” is typically an early sign that you and your new love share the ever-consuming, romantic high of a Nicholas Sparks novel.

You want to keep learning about each other, acting as sponges to the other’s every word and affection.

So, how in the world can detachment actually strengthen an intensely loving and growing relationship?

Detachment is one of the most important aspects in achieving true, profound fulfillment. Believe it or not, practicing detachment while remaining vulnerable will benefit you in remarkable ways.

Get the full story here: 5 Reasons Detachment Can Save Your Relationship

And, for me it’s one of the most difficult concepts imaginable. Sigh…

November 24, 2012 9

I don’t know why…

I don’t know why I find big ships out on Lake Michigan fascinating — I just know that I do. Here is one heading to winter port…

Posted from WordPress for Android

November 23, 2012 2

30 Ways to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Down

“The secret of joy is the mastery of pain.” ~ Anais Nin

Full story at: 30 Ways to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Down | Tiny Buddha.

November 13, 2012 2

1894 : Annie Oakley

America’s first rockstar:

Annie Oakley (1860 – 1926) was an American sharpshooter and exhibition shooter. Oakley’s amazing talent and timely rise to fame led to a starring role in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, which propelled her to become the first American female superstar.

Oakley’s perhaps most famous trick is being able to repeatedly split a playing card, edge-on, and put several more holes in it before it could touch the ground, using a .22 caliber rifle, at 90 feet.

Retronaut via 1894 : Annie Oakley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eAmnQvMHlRs

November 12, 2012 2

Healthy Dependency?

I didn’t know what it looked like either until I read this book. I knew what it looked like to be unheathily attached — it looked like codependency. I knew what it looked like to be unheathily detached — it looked like ‘eff you — I’m taking my marbles and leaving’. If you struggle with either being overly detached or attached, this book will help evision what healthy dependency looks like…

November 8, 2012 4

American Minute for November 7th

He wanted to be a baseball player, but after attending a revival at age 16, his life changed.

He has addressed crowds around the world and is unprecedented in having friendships with U.S. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush.

His name is Billy Graham, born NOVEMBER 7, 1918.

At a news conference, March 21, 1956, President Eisenhower stated:

“This is what I see in Billy Graham – A man who clearly understands that any advance in the world has got to be accompanied by a clear realization that man is, after all, a spiritual being.”

Ronald Reagan introduced Billy Graham at a California rally, saying:

“Why is a representative of government here? To welcome with humble pride a man whose mission in life has been to remind us that in all our seeking…the answer to each problem is to be found in the simple words of Jesus of Nazareth, who urged us to love one another.”

Upon receiving the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996, Billy Graham said:

“As we face a new millennium, I believe America has gone a long way down the wrong road. We must turn around…If ever we needed God’s help, it is now.” via American Minute for November 7th.

Billy Graham Looks Forward to 94th Birthday (christiannewswire.com)
Barack Obama Wins Re-Election; Billy Graham Panned for Supporting Mitt Romney (christculturenews.com)
Billy Graham — Vote Your Biblical Values (northwoodspatriots.blogspot.com)
Billy Graham States His Support for Minn. Marriage Amendment (christianpost.com)
Romney backed by evangelist Billy Graham (bigpondnews.com)

November 7, 2012 0

Inform yourself and vote for your values…

In a Radio Address, NOVEMBER 3, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge stated:

“I therefore urge upon all the voters of our country, without reference to party, that they assemble…at their respective voting places in the exercise of the high office of American citizenship,

that they approach the ballot box in the spirit that they would approach a sacrament, and there, disregarding all appeals to passion and prejudice, dedicate themselves truly and wholly to the welfare of their country.”

Calvin Coolidge continued:

“When an election is so held, it…sustains the belief that the voice of the people is the voice of God.” via William J Federer’s American Minute for January 1st.