The Ultimate Hero

Heroes. Who doesn't love and respect a hero? I have on occasion asked young adults the question if they'd consider serving in the U.S. military for all the benefits they'd receive including the experience and honor of serving their country.  The  responses I usually heard were, "I don't want to die." This answer makes me think about Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, whom I consider to 'true heroes'. Non-selfish heroes.

Recently, I searched info on what it takes to warrant a nomination of one of these medals of high honor. What I found was astonishing- The number of nominees to receive medals is fewer now than years past. What's the matter here? I, a Veteran, would accept the chance to serve my country in uniform again. I wish I had opportunity to serve during wartime, but that wasn't a choice for me back in 1976-80. I don't have a death wish, but I can honestly say I would be happy to volunteer and serve knowing the risk of possible dying for something so great as this great country.  Why not be proud to serve for something great? This is what I believe, and I have strong pride and respect for those who feel the same and have given 'the ultimate' for me. 

Here is one recipient of multiple medals whom I don't think was afraid to die.

If you're a follower of Christ, you bypass death. Upon your last breath, in the span of an instant, you're soul is present with the Lord.  So what does a Christian have to fear about dying? Nothing!
(1 Cor 15:11-53)

Symbols of honor bestowed our heroes

Photo credit: natepowers from morguefile.com

 
THE greatest hero, deserving far more than a medal, is Jesus. In heaven, there are unceasing praises unto Him, (Revelation 4:8:11),and deserving so. For He really is worthy of all praise and honor of the highest kind. Jesus is the 'ultimate hero' for what he endured, offering the ultimately for us, and sparing our souls from death. He is The Hero of the World! The Hero of Mankind! The Hero of the universe! The Hero of all time!

This is my definition of what it takes to be a hero. It takes courage, an unselfish attitude, making a decision of committing to action in an unfavorable or extraordinary situation while ignoring possible harm to self, driven by love to prevent harm of another person.


Jesus did more than that. 

He withstood public humiliation, ridicule, unjust accusations, flogging, an unjust trial, being stripped, whipped, made to carry the object he was to be nailed to, (can you believe having nails driven into your wrists and feet), then hoisted up to be viewed by all while, and while waiting to die, He experienced God turning away from him, for the first and only time as he was the 'scapegoat' having all the sins of Man, even the sins of the people responsible for having him crucified, upon him. Yet he said,"forgive them Father....". Then Jesus went to hell for us and there He became our 'ultimate hero' by conquering death for us.  All of this was done for you and I.  He is more than a hero to every man, woman and child since the existence of Man. He is the Savior, our Lord, and deserving of the highest honor and praise for His actions to save us. A hero saves lives by placing others above himself.  A Savior saves souls by placing others above himself by dying to pay their sin penalty so their soul never has to be apart from the love of our heavenly Father.


A load of scripture references on praise.-deserving of the 'hero of heroes'.

Jesus is your hero, too, if you believe who He is, believe what He did, and admit that you need Him as your Savior and Lord.


A hero saves a life.
A savior saves a soul.

Remember your soul will exist forever somewhere. Heaven is a place where no sin can be.  YOU decide the place where you soul will spend eternity.

End note- There are many types of heroes. There's a hero in each of us. For this entry, I was focusing on the person offering the sacrifice of his life to save another. There is only one 'ultimate hero' and He desires to be yours.

You need an 'ultimate hero' type love that only Jesus provides for your soul.



Here is a song, "Sweep Me Away" sung my Kari Jobe.

  

A bestseller for Bonnie

This is an update on a soon-to-be bestseller for Bonnie. Her memoir, "Rural Home, Recollections and Reflections",  has been completed and she's now formatting the manuscript to make it an e-book on Amazon and Kindle.  Research shows e-books are extremely popular now. You'll be able to read her book instantly on computer or tablet. How convenient. For the old fogies, she's planning to self publish her memoir so you can turn pages the old-fashion way, too.  And, I might add, she can autograph a hard copy, which will be a good thing.  Bonnie and I talk daily about plans....naturally, I enjoy writing, so I'm happy to pass this info along to you.

Front cover

Her manuscript was sent to a publisher before the holidays, but that publisher decided it just wasn't what they were looking for.  Well, that's all Bonnie needed to hear, make it available in e-book form was on full-speed ahead the moment she got off the phone with that publisher. I'm glad, this way she'll be more in control of her book.

I'm not exaggerating one bit, (I've read the manuscript) and in my opinion, it's a 'very good read'. I suggest reading it in it's entirety in two to three sittings.  From cover to cover, I was enthralled, never bored, and couldn't read fast enough to see what was on the next page. It has all the makings of a movie in my opinion, too. So, if you know someone in cinema or movie production looking for a good story, I really think Rural Home would make a good movie.  Bonnie's writing is fresh and lively. When I read her manuscript, I picture her next to me reading it herself. (mental note--recommend she make this an audio book, too). Listening to Bonnie speak will give an even more added dimension to her story. She has that pleasant, charming Southern-dialect which is becoming rarer to hear any one speak any more).

One last bit of e-book info to provide to Amazon is the "about the author" and I think that's done now.  I also asked Bonnie if she graduated from Troy University.  All she lacked was her student teaching.  If it were up to me, I say her manuscript more than adequately completes that assignment.  Her memoir is filled not only with some pretty incredible life experiences, but it's pages are filled with her wisdom, engaging her readers to think by opening their eyes, thus touching you, the reader about various life situations. I call that teaching. You'll soon agree with me of the numerous valuable lessons gained from reading her book.


I'd like to see her memoir's first volume reach the best seller list of Amazon books, and, the New York best seller list. That would be so cool to personally know a best selling author, wouldn't you think so, too.  If everyone reading this post will share with your followers and contacts, to buy the e-book when it's available on Amazon, then write your comment at Amazon, (good of course),after reading it, or read a hard copy of her book,  we can all be proud in making this book a bestseller. I'm serious, is one book that will make a strong, positive impact on a diverse range of readers, and I'm very proud that she took time and energy to write and compile and want to share her life with you.  So let's help make Rural Home, Recollections and Reflections, a bestseller in record time.  We can do it!

Stay abreast on her Facebook page, or here.  I'll post updates as to when you can promptly place your order on Amazon.  I imagine it could be available sometime this month, February 2012.


The photos below show some of her latest Nature's Notables art/creations. I'm so impressed with her business savvy, organization and artistry.  Read more about her many talents and skills here, here and here. 

Here are some stunning Nature's Notables compositions-

Compositions tagged and ready for owners to pick up

I can't get over the vibrant colors

An original to preserve a special occasion or event

One of my favorites-looks 3 dimensional to me

See much more in the gallery of naturesnotables.com

Goal- a bestseller for Bonnie. Let's make it happen!!!

Until next time, remember to count your blessings.

Motivated by the Chinese Women's Army

I was surfing the web and found an interesting video which has motivated me. After viewing it, what stayed in my mind was the huge number of women in the Chinese Army- the number of women in the Chinese Army is greater than the entire population of the United States!  I know this video is just a quick look at the women in China. But is saw not a one of them on the video is fat, and are appear to be very light on their feet and look to be extremely agile.  If they can march kicking their legs up like that, and they all look to be probably all of 100 pounds, I best get myself in better shape than I am right now.  I used to be in top physical condition by staying active with aerobics. cycling, tennis, racquetball, jogging, swimming, and hiking.  I could do push-ups, sit-ups and run during my physical tests while I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and used to think when was the tough stuff coming?  I used to jump up and down and nothing on my body moved. I was solid, fit and strong before during and a while after my years as a Marine. I still am proud to have worn the uniform well.

Below is the video that motivated me to get off my 'butt' and work to get myself in better physical condition. And, I don't mean later, but now!  Even though my military days are many moons past,  I owe it to myself for my health's sake, and heaven forbid, should any crisis or emergency arise requiring physical fitness, I will be prepared the best of my ability to accommodate to take whatever action on my part I can fill. These women in the Chinese Army have really, really motivated me.


Chinese Women Army





Then I searched to see what is typical daily Chinese diet.  

I may not eat rice at every meal, or even every day, (here are interesting facts on rice in China) but I am going to eat healthier. If China can show off their Army of women, then I am going to show off and make being an woman ex-Marine proud.

For the person reading this, you may be motivated by a different trigger than I. I was not looking for this to motivate me, but it has. This video, and thinking of what I saw in this
video is now a 'fire' under my behind and has ignited me to seriously take steps to go about getting back in physical condition.

I hope you find your motivation to action for any changes you need to make in your life. 

By the end of this new year I will come back to see how much progress I made during the year. I want to be able to jump up and down and very little move.  I am realistic about this. I've been out of the military thirty years.


Below is the Insanity interval training I'm challenging myself to.







Another challenge of mine is to do upside down situps. 





I'm challenging myself and I'm motivated!

Heart warming love- the perfect way to start any day

I want to share a heart warming email I received recently. It's about love. It's perfect for any one, any day.

I don't know any more of the contest mentioned in it- below is the email.  I found a video with some really good content on 'Love' by the lecturer. It's funny and wonderful. I know it will be very beneficial to you to see it.






             God's Mother
                                IT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

I especially liked number 5!

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once
Talked about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the
Contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was:

1. A four-year-old child, whose next door
neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently lost his
wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
Gentleman's' yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his mother asked him what he had
said to the neighbor, the little boy just said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'

*********************************************
2. Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were
discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture
had a different hair color than the other members. One of her
students suggested that he was adopted.
A little girl said, 'I know all about
Adoption, I was adopted..'
'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked
another child.
'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew
in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'

************************ *********************
3. On my way home one day, I stopped to
watch a Little League baseball game that was being played in a
park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-
base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was
'We're behind 14 to nothing,' he answered
With a smile.
'Really,' I said. 'I have to say you
don't look very discouraged.'
'Discouraged?', the boy asked with a
puzzled look on his face...
'Why should we be discouraged? We haven't
been up to bat yet.'

*********************** **********************
4. Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot
in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.
Jamie was trying out for a part in the
school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being
in it, though she feared he would not be chosen..
On the day the parts were awarded, I went
with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her,
eyes shining with pride and excitement.. 'Guess what, Mom,' he
shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to
me....'I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'

*********************************************
5. An eye witness account from New York
City , on a cold day in December,
some years ago: A little boy,
about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the
roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering
With cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said,
'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
'I was asking God to give me a pair of
shoes,' was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into
the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks
for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water
and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back
part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed
his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with
the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him
a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks
and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No
doubt, you will be more comfortable now..'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid
caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears
in his eyes, asked her:
'Are you God's mother?'
 
****



Leo Buscaglia- video  "Speaking of Love"

Love, what a perfect way to start my day. Hope it has yours.

People, especially friends deserve my quality time

A good friend of mine reminded me that we've spent very little time together this entire year. She's right, and it's a shame I've not managed to spend more quality time with one of my best friends.

I'm finding as I get older, more and more responsibilites are tacked on to my 'need to do' list which pushes other things to the bottom of the list.  I need to re-evaluate my priorities.  Yes, some days are more hectic than other days, but still what's important should take presidence no matter what.

 My friend reminded me about what's most important, and above all, those are friends and family.

Families, we're born into,  but it's our friends whom we choose.  Friends are our chosen families.

Real friendship is golden. One day, when I look back on my life, actually, I should do that every day, on what I've accomplished, and what will be important to me is how I shared and conducted my life to make someone else's life better.  And, the best way I can do that is do something that makes the most positive impact. And that would be to share with my friend's my love of Jesus.  Jesus is my very, best friend.  Jesus is the very best friend anyone can have. With him, your eternal future is secure in heaven. What could be more desired than that, and make more impact than that?

Good friends make life better. I want all my friends to have the best, and Jesus is the way to make their life better now and forever.  Jesus has made it possible for anyone who accepts him by faith into their heart and be their Lord, to be reconciled with God. Their sins will be forgiven because the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross settled the debt owed that sin required to be paid.  Sin separates us all from a holy, and righteous God.  Sin must be dealt with and purged in order to have a place in heaven. Through Jesus, anyone, spiritually, can receive salvation and gain 'right standing' with God.  I thank God and His Son, my Lord, for extending to me, and to everyone this free gift of salvation.  I want to see all my friends and family in heaven one day.  Friends forever, with Jesus. That would be wonderful!

Love. It all makes sense. What matters the most is loving our friends and family enough to tell them about the love that was demonstrated with outstretched arms to all people by Jesus. Jesus is that friend who died so anyone accepting Him would live. That's an act of love to the highest degree. Love is a verb. I love my friends so I must tell them about Jesus. I don't want a single one to not know of the ultimate example of love God sent from heaven, so one day we, our spirits, can be enjoying heaven, forever.

Sharing the love of Jesus is my passion. I want to have a positive effect upon my friends and everyone I come in contact with.

The video below is an example of a gentleman named Dr. Johnny Long, a band director at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. His former students are proof of what can happen when you share your passion with others. The effects can be long lasting upon other people, then, that passion takes hold and gets passed along, affecting other people,  and it continues.  Johnny Long's legacy continues.  I want my legacy and passion to be sharing the Lord so each can make their choice to accept the gift of God for their salvation, and, the Good News gets passed on and on.  God wants all to make their choice for the Lord.  Selfishly, I do too.

Time without end in heaven with friends, who mean so much to me, will be so wonderful.






I'm going to make the time to spend with my friends, and during that time share Jesus with them. Forever is at stake, and I don't want to miss a single friend in heaven.

Every person deserves to know about the 'Good News' of Jesus. I'm thinking that's the very best quality time I can spend with my friends or anyone.

Her repertoire grows!

Last year I wrote on Bonnie Ulm Holland, a friend of mine, whom I find so interesting and talented.  She keeps presenting me with what I find very interesting subjects I'm compelled to write on.  Last October, I wrote about her newest creative project, Elite Elixir, and carried out my own experiment of this item, adding to what I'm calling her repertoire, which by the way already consists of her botanical artistry, her cooking mastery,  and two cook books, one of which is an award winner.  And by the way, personally I think her botanical compositions are far more exquisite than any other pressed flower art I have seen any where, and I think she continually improves upon her artistry.  Believe me, I do look around checking if anyone out there is putting out better work with pressed flowers.  You really do need to see some of her pieces for yourself to appreciate the detail. I don't know how she does it, but some compositions appear three-dimensional to me. The framed compositions are ready for displaying brilliantly preserved, pressed flowers from any special occasion, which make for a lasting memory- truly something that will be treasured for a long time. And, word as spread so she even has clients internationally.  Just recently I just heard Bonnie's been invited to display her botanical art on an entire wall at Rosemont Gardens, a well-known establishment in Montgomery, Alabama. What an honor to her and treat for those who are going to be awe struck when they see how amazingly attractive her botanical compositions truly are.

Below are two recently framed pieces by Bonnie. View close-up the spectacular colors and detail. Her proprietary technique lends to the most splendidly, preserved pressed flowers. These finished products are big, gorgeous, and fit to proudly display on the wall of any home or art museum.

Pressed flowers- such vivid colors

I think Bonnie is the best botanical artist.

Alas, there is even a newer addition to her repertoire. Bonnie has written the manuscript to her book, Rural Home, Recollections and Reflections.  Below are photos of the loose manuscript pages, and photos of the manuscript in a binder.  Bonnie, et all, are anxiously waiting to hear from a publisher the manuscript has been submitted to. 

Rural Home manuscript next to botanical art

Chapters of Rural Home waiting to be compiled

The finished, bound Rural Home manuscript, was submitted to a local publisher this month. I'm not exaggerating, honestly, I think if anyone starts reading Rural Home, they won't want to set it down because page after page they will become more immersed and engaged in the stories of her life. It reminds me of two novels, Fried Green Tomatoes/Whistle Stop Cafe, and Forrest Gump, in that so many things happen to the main character. I believe Rural Home has all the makings of a classic novel and movie.  And, I'm personally hoping this will be the first of many books written by Bonnie. 

Front cover

 

 Back cover

So, we will soon be adding- 'best-selling author' to Bonnie's growing list of accomplishments. Hats off to her. She deserves it.

You might enjoy viewing the Nature's Notables website.


Below is the card I saw in a downtown Montgomery art store back in early 1999. I hadn't yet met or heard of Bonnie Holland. I thought this card was so simple, but so beautiful. I had to have it for myself. I've had it displayed on a shelf in my bathroom ever since. To me it brings a smile to my face. Then, later that year I meet Bonnie when she came to my practice and we quickly become friends. She will tell you how I helped her at a stressful time in her life with the therapies I provided to her, including introducing her to therapeutic-grade essential oils. But I say she equally has helped me countless times with her friendship, sound advice and her genuine concern the many, many times I needed relationship and business advice.  Not to mention the sheer pleasure of being invited to eat at her table, which is equivalent to dining in a fine 5-star restaurant.  Need I say this is a special card made by a treasured friend.

Salvia, simply preserved, by Bonnie Holland, 1999

P.S. You may contact Bonnie (at Nature's Notables), then click 'Contact Info' so you can contact her that you wish to be informed when her book, Rural Home, comes out. (I have no doubt whatsoever it will be a successful book, because everything she touches turns out successfully). I haven't asked, but knowing her, I can see her autographing her first issued books. So, go ahead and ask to be contacted as soon as her book is ready for distribution .

And, please share this posting with your friends/family on Facebook and Twitter.   Until next time, have a lovely, blessed day!

Peanuts and Disney in November

Oh, November as been an exciting fun-filled month, actually a carry over from my trip to Gulf Shores in last month. I like day outings out of town. This month I've been to the Dothan Peanut Festival, which is just one big fair among other events all celebrating the rich peanut crop in this area of Southern Alabama.  Did you know peanuts are legumes, not nuts?  Did you know that?

The weather was perfect for being outside without having to suffer the high humidity.
Here are some photos I took at the Dothan Peanut Festival.