Having Peace!

It seems to me a lot of people want peace around the world which makes perfect sense. You then hear about riots around the USA and a few other countries over the election of Donald Trump.

I have to say that I am not a big fan of Trump’s since I didn’t  vote for him the election but I am not a fan of Hillary Clinton’s either since I did not vote for her either. Yes I did vote doing a write-in.

Right here in the Pacific Northwest in both Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington were two of the riots that went on. I don’t mind having peaceful marches long as they don’t disturb the traffic but there is no sense in rioting. What did not help in Seattle was that one of the city councilmen spoke at that occasion. She has been in situations like this before. She has the right to give her own opinion and the freedom of speech but not under those circumstances. My opinion she should resign or be asked to by the mayor of Seattle.  She would have been more successful if she had held a press conference saying her opinion of the new President.

Like I said that I am not a big fan of Mr. Trump’s however the vote of the people got him into office so the rest of us have to give him the chance to do the job. I wonder if the same rioting would have happened if Hillary Clinton had been voted in. I am sure some people would say no but I think it may have happened anyway.

The mainstream media didn’t help out either spending the time they did on reporting what happened. Of course it had to be reported but I think they could say what happened and then condone the action. In Seattle a block or so away from the rioting was a shooting of five people that had nothing to do with the riot however it didn’t get as much news reporting.  Both issues should have been reported as a traffic report to be sure drivers would not find their way through those streets. Of course something like that helps in the ratings. I wonder how many of those rioters actually cast a vote in the election; something to think about.

So let us get back to where peace should be the major focus even for those who don’t agree with the election of Trump. Beginning with peace is where we can make a change in what is happening in the world. We can be passionate however at the same time be peaceful. It is through the peace we can make the changes we should happen in the world. This all begins with us where the world can become a better place. If not us who will? Give peace and love to those around us. Amen!

Grandparents

I have to say this goes beyond grandparents however I feel they are important part of family. I unfortunately did not get to know my grandparents much as I would have liked to since they left so early in my life.

Grandmother Nightingale died when I was thirteen months old, and then my grandfather Shaw passed away when I was four so I didn’t know them at all.  I know that some people remember others at a young age but since I was burned when I was four years old I don’t have any memories of any time before that.  My grandfather Nightingale died when I was nine. I do remember some things about him but less as time goes on. He lived with my family so I do have some memories of him after the age of four but still very few. I remember that he smoked a pipe and that he gave me cod-liver oil along with fig newton bars. He lived down in the basement so would visit him there. My grandmother Shaw passed away when I was thirteen so I have memories of her as well. She lived in Vancouver, British Columbia during her last years after being in Edmonton, Alberta when I was born. I mostly remember her when we took a trip across Canada when I was twelve. We actually met up with her in Nova Scotia when we met a couple of her sisters as well. The only time we met with them. We did visit her several times in Vancouver as well. She was a kind and generous woman who loved to do outdoor activities.

So what I am saying is that is important to spend as much time with your grandparents as you can because you are not sure how long they will be around. Appreciate and learn as much from them as you can. If you have your grandparents sticking around longer than mine did I consider you very blessed. My nephews and niece are very fortunate that my mother their grandmother is still around into their adulthood. Three of my nephews and niece are fortunate that their other grandmother is still around as well though her health isn’t as good as it once was. My mother has excellent health for her age of 96.

So it is not only important to spend as much time with your grandparents or even great grandparents if they are around as well you have the privilege of knowing them very well and have great memories when they leave. I have to say the same thing about your parents along with aunts and uncles as well.

You have a double blessing if you all live close to each other as well. See most of my nephews and niece live on the East Coast so I don’t have the chance to see them as often as I would like. This means I really appreciate it when I do see them.

The modern technology of today we can actually see more of our family and friends that are distance away. We can talk with them anytime especially through smart phones, tablets and other devices seeing them in real time as well. When we are not available for real time we have option of videos that can be shown on social media or email. I recommend though to schedule a time that is consistent every week or twice a month. I know that everyone has a busy schedule so setting up a time that you can stick too is a good way to go.  When you have the opportunity sure to make a visit; enjoy one another even when you’re not together and far away. No matter what family and close friends is the most important part of life.      

Veteran’s Day

November 11 is one of the most honorable days of the year. Here in the United States we celebrate it as Veteran’s Day.

Throughout the country there are festivities happening to honor Veterans who have served this country whether during war or peace. They are the men and women who keep us safe. Some are true heroes while others are doing their job. Actually you can say they are all heroes in my book.

We don’t know what is happening around the world where war can break out anytime. Terrorist attacks can happen at any moment however these people make sure that we are safe as possible. Many know what is happening that we do not know and those who don’t keep doing their job.

Not only we honor those who are out there right now we remember those who have fought for us in the past. Those who gave their lives in battle while others came home with lost arms or legs; many of them who did not die still came home in very poor shape. There are those we need to help them further since they did risk their lives for us.

Whenever I meet a veteran or a military man or woman for the first time I thank them for their service to our country. Most of them we don’t know their names however they are the ones that make our nation what it still is today. Again thank you for your service while we celebrate this day.

We Can Have An Impact

As you know I write a lot about purpose and destiny.  The Presidential Election on Tuesday November 8 showed how much the people want change in the leadership of the nation. They are looking for people of hope. This is where we can come in and be people of impact.

The most important thing is to have answers that people can put themselves behind along with hope. The last few years there have been tragedies with shootings whether by policemen who are supposed to be those we are to trust and to protect or young people along with teachers at schools.

Another thing people have to see is that change will occur along with those who want to make an impact do it with passion. Other words no one wants the same old thing.

 The sad part I found though when it comes to government on the local side voters keep bringing back those who have been in power and not new blood. They see names that are familiar and don’t want change locally compared to nationally. A lot of that has to do with party lines. For example in Washington State where I live the majority of voters are democrats. They continue voting in the same people until someone retires or doesn’t run anymore. Although they may want change they vote the party line. It goes with names that are familiar to them as well. I am not a democrat so in most cases I don’t vote that way though I have voted for democrats in a couple positions. If people want change locally they need to bring new people to run in their party or vote for the other party.  True change and impact will happen more on the local level than the national or at least that is where it should start anyway.

So if you are someone that doesn’t like what is happening it is important for you to get out and make an impact. In another term someone who is a trail blazer that others can follow. Let it begin with us today.

Doing Greater Things

I know that many of us have been told that we would not come too much however this is not true at all.

I am glad that I have been blessed with a family that has believed in me where many others have not.

Knowing my story you can see that my life did not start out on the right track and I am blessed to be still alive since I was burned at four years of age. Only a few seconds difference I would not be here today.

You see God had a bigger plan for me. Also that goes for you as well. No matter what you have been told over the years you can do greater things. I am sure there are those reading this post that have done great things and will do even more.

It doesn’t matter what others have said to you over the years. I want us all to realize that we can’t let the words of others to overpower us. We can overcome the words that have been spoken over us.

You see this is part of our purpose and destiny to do greater things. It is not because we are better than anyone else. In the contrary everyone is destined to do great things. The best part is we can do it without fanfare. We can encourage others to follow us in doing great things as well.

The next question is what those great things we are meant to do are; for each of us it is different. The answer is within us and if you still don’t know ask God.

Many blessings to us all on this fine day; look forward to where we are tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. I know that we can all do it. Remember not to let others have power over you.  

Election Day

Here in the United States Election Day November 8 2016 has finally arrived. Not only we vote for the President of the United States there are other offices and issues to do so as well.

Every state has their own way of voting. Many  states still have where you go to a location near where you live and go into a voting booth to cast your votes. In Washington State where I live we do it different than many other states. We vote by mail only. I received a ballot in the mail on Oct. 21 and have until Nov. 8 to cast my vote. I did my voting about a week or so ago. You can return the ballot by mail or there is a box in every city or area where you can put your ballot. I put my ballot in the box to be sure that mine would be counted. The box is in a location that I go by frequently so it really wasn’t hard for me.

Besides voting for President we had to vote in Washington State for governor, a senator, judges and many initiatives. It would have taken a lot of time if I had to go to a booth to vote. Most likely I would have had to wait a couple hours in line to vote so this was a good way to vote. I like our system in Washington State because it not only allows us to vote in our own privacy and time the cost of voting is a lot less as well. The cost of a voting booth can be quite expensive while a ballot in the mail only cost a few cents. Of course there are those who have to count the ballots but I still believe it saves money.

Just let you know that I didn’t vote for either of the two major candidates. I know that there are a lot of people who will say that I wasted my vote which may be true but I did vote my conscience though. This is the most controversy election on record. I believe most people voted for what is being called “less of two evils”. The reason I didn’t vote for either one. Many of those I have talked to vote for the issues and not the candidate. I can understand why they did so however I could not do so myself. I believe there are so many people that voted this way of “less of two evils” that things could be a lot different if they voted for a third candidate or a write in. All those who truly did not want either candidate should have gotten together in different locations throughout the country and discussed who they thought would be a viable candidate; this could have changed the election all away around. Though it did not happen for this election I would not be surprised if another large party materializes for the next election in 2020. There is a lot people could have done this time around if they rallied together.

Although I know my candidate won’t likely win though I thought she was better than the two major candidates. It would take a miracle for sure if she got in. There would have to be a lot of voters thinking the same way I have. At least I know that I have voted with a clear conscience and whatever happens the next four years I know that I didn’t vote for them. I am sure people thought I sold out however I could say the same for them. If these next four years are the worst in country history I promise not to say “I told you so”.  The great thing though is that we are all better and bigger than whoever becomes President so we will still be OK regardless what happens! So happy Election Day to everyone; even those of you who are elsewhere in the world and don’t have to vote.  

Travel to Hurricane Ridge

                                         A view from Hurricane Ridge

Whether you are a visitor or residence of Washington State Hurricane Ridge is a wonderful spot to visit. It is located in the Olympic Mountains. It takes about three and half hours to get there from Seattle if you travel around going south on I-5 to Tacoma. You then would take the Bremerton Highway 16 exit in Tacoma right after the Tacoma Dome. You would then head toward Silverdale and Poulsbo in Bremerton. You would then go over the Hood Canal Bridge and head for Port Angeles. In Port Angeles you would follow the signs for Hurricane Ridge. You can take the Seattle to Bremerton ferry as well however it will take a little longer get to Hurricane Ridge.

There are several hiking trails at Hurricane Ridge. They are not too long and you can do it in one day. One year my brothers and I hiked a seven mile trail that was very beautiful and easy. We spent the night staying in a tent before returning the next day.

Port Angeles is another wonderful place to visit as well. Less than an half hour drive going West toward Forks, Washington is Lake Crescent. Very beautiful spot that you can stop at and enjoy as well; the road is quite narrow so you have to watch what you are doing driving especially if it is raining. I have always thought it would be a great place to have a car race. It would be interesting to see how many cars would end up in the lake.

Besides spending the day at either Hurricane Ridge or Port Angeles there is a lot to see. Looking out from Port Angeles on a clear day you can see a little of Vancouver Island. If you like there is a ferry ride from Port Angeles to Victoria British Columbia. I recommend making a reservation to get on the ferry. You can drive your car onto the ferry or leave the car in Port Angeles and ride as a passenger only. If you want to spend time in Victoria itself only I would go on the ferry as a passenger only. Looking to see other parts of Vancouver Island then I would take your car. Vancouver Island is a very large so you can take several days to enjoy it. You can then return going to Port Angeles if you left your car there or taking another ferry to Seattle with your car.

The Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island are two great spots to enjoy your vacation over a period of days. It all depends how much time you want to spend. So happy travels to you.

Time Change

Sunday we gain an hour of time. At least I know here in the United States and Canada. Only Arizona and Hawaii stay on the same time. So half of the year in Washington State we are on the same time as Arizona and half we are an hour behind which is what we are now. I am sure a lot of people don’t care including us. It is just something to say that can be interesting or not.

I am sure most people know the saying that allows us to remember how to turn our clocks. That saying is “spring ahead and fall back” so that is why I know that we turn our clocks back. Another thing we have some options. We can go to bed an hour later and get the same amount of sleep or go to bed the same time and get an extra hour of sleep or get up an hour earlier. I choose go to bed an hour later.

I am not sure whether I like changing the clocks or not. It is something I debate with myself twice a year. I think I prefer this time all year around. I know that originally the time was changed because of farmers and all that however I am not sure how important that is anymore. I guess I would have to ask a farmer. I know sometimes the state government legislators discuss about whether to change the time or not.

The time change now allows us to have an extra of daylight in the morning however darker earlier at night.  Whether that is good or not I am not sure of it except that it is nice to see light earlier in the morning; the problem of course is that it does get darker earlier so for many are driving home from work in the dark. I am not quite as sure why change it back in the spring too. It will be interesting if we ever do decide to keep the time the same but which one though. I guess we could have a headache just thinking about it. At least in our lives the time change is the least of our problems I think anyway. I guess we could flip a coin to see whether to or not to. If it works for American football why not for time change; I know that I am being silly now. So in that case I will conclude this most interesting post. I hope that everyone has a great day and the week ahead.

Joyful Sound

A few days ago I started thinking what the difference between being happy and being joyful? They both seem to mean the same thing.

Well they probably are the same thing however joyful is more with expression. Other words joyful means we are doing with a sound and being louder. Being happy in my mind is with a smile while joyful is our voice along with jumping up and down possibly. When you hear a child screaming and jumping I would call that being joyful while having a smile is being happy. One is not any better than the other just the circumstance and timing are different.

I think being joyful you have to be in a place where others are not necessarily at. Most of the time you can express your joyfulness in a room by yourself or others that are doing the same thing; being happy and smiling we can do almost anywhere.

I believe being joyful is just another level of being happy. We can be happy all the time if we choose to while being joyful does take special times. Other words joy gets bottled up in us and then at some point we have to release it.

Whatever the case it is important to be happy or joyful. It is sort of like exercising where we can get more fit. I believe to that we can get stress bottled up in us to and we must release it at some point. Being joyful would be a good way to release that stress.  I really wished that we would not get stressed out but it does happen. I have to think more about why we get stressed. I know what causes stress but it would be nice if we would not be put in a position of stress. Anyway life is so much better when we are happy and joyful than being stressed. The important thing is to change the circumstances that cause stress and become more happy and joyful. Sure makes life a lot better to deal with that is for sure.

So I will conclude here by saying be joyful when the time permits. Find a place where you can jump, scream and joyful. Release whatever is inside of you. Remember this can be done when no one is around besides when they are. If you haven’t been joyful for a while make today the day to do so. Be happy and joyful I am sure you will feel much better. You can make it contagious for others too.  

Stepping Up

I really like it when others are stepping up and making a difference in this world. Most of those I know do it without a lot of people knowing. A friend of mine Mike when he is in town picks up a guy who is living in a nursing home and takes him out for coffee so others can see the guy along with letting him have some time out in the world. The guy doesn’t have much time seeing others besides the ones in the nursing home. I believe Mike is one of those guys who are willing his sacrifice for others. They step out to help people without fanfare along with few people knowing.

I know a lot of people who do things that others don’t see. They are the heroes in the true word. I know a lot of people stepping up and helping others like Mike. Whether this is his ultimate purpose in life he is doing for others in a great way. I don’t know how long his friend has to live however Mike is making it more comfortable to live out his days. Mike is out of town a lot so his friend Larry helps out as well. Another hero we have. I know that Larry helps out other people as well.

Whether we have a lot of time or not when we can help a fellow man even a little bit the better. This goes even giving a helping hand like opening a door or inviting someone over for dinner. I believe this includes shaking a hand or a smile. We can all receive a helping hand at any time. Our lives are short and we never know how long we will live on this planet so knowing that we care for others we make the world a better place to live. This will give us more of a purpose in life too. First begins with our family, friends and then others. I want to thank you all that are heroes in so many little ways.

 

Now November

                                         
                                          In the area of Mt. Rainier National Park

We can say hello or welcome November. Also it is hard to believe another year is coming to an end. Of course we say that every year. I have heard the older we get the faster the year goes by so that means 2017 will be even faster.

We now can start the holiday season though the stores seem to do so in September. They start selling candy and remind us that Thanksgiving is coming soon. Now that November is here a lot of people think about Black Friday. I know that a lot of people go shopping that day for Christmas however I haven’t started that tradition. For me it is a day to relax after enjoying Thanksgiving. Now though some of the stores are opening on Thanksgiving to put on sales as well. At some point it will be a tradition for people to shop that day well as Black Friday.

We can start reflecting what kind of year we have been through and what we anticipate for the coming year. I am not really into New Year’s resolutions but it important to remind ourselves what has happened this year and what we would like to see happen in the coming. Have we accomplished what we wanted in the current year? I have to say for me I haven’t accomplished everything I wanted to however I have been working on taking steps. I like this life to be an adventure along with helping others get where they want to be. I believe that I have helped others especially through posting here however looking forward to more adventures. I have to say the adventures would be to see more of Washington State. I look forward to sharing all the different spots and cities around here. I not only believe that I live in one of the best spots in the world there is so much more to learn here well as the rest of the world.

When people are asked what they would do with money if they won the lottery they usually say that they will give a lot of it away to charities and to the poor along with their families. I am not sure how many really do so however I would look at helping people out at the same time do a lot of traveling. It would be so nice to see so many places of the world however coming home would be great to. Of course I would enjoy writing about the places I see and the people that I meet. In fact the people I meet would be the best part. I would love to know the stories of everyone. Actually I try to do as much as I can here already. This year I learned about some of my classmates from high school. I thought I knew some things about them but I learned so much more. I can say the same thing about friends too. This Saturday I will be going to a potluck with members of my church. We have a group that is in the process of serving people in the community and I have decided to be part of it. We will go to the homes of the needy who need things done around their houses and yards. Although I know some of the members of the group I look forward to know them better and their stories. Also there is a few I don’t know that well and I can get to know them. I find out getting to know people the most exciting part of life. I hope they feel the same about getting to know me. So enjoy November and the holiday season.

Being Liked

We all want to be liked by others at the very least and if it works out loved. We find out at a young age that we will not be liked by everyone. In fact we will not like everyone ourselves.

Most people we find to like are those that are a lot like us. Although we are all individuals who are different in our own ways we still get attracted to those who come the closest to us. Our friends usually come from our neighborhood or the area we live in. Most of them have the same interest we have whether it is sports, music or education. Those we consider different from us we don’t look to being friends. It is sad thing to be in since most of us want as many friends as possible.

You would really think that we would have learned as children that we will not be liked by everyone and it really troubles many of us because others do not like us. In fact as adults often we go out of our way to be liked by others though in our mind we know it will not happen all the time. We may get upset because some people we want to have as friends and they don’t feel the same way as we do. What is wrong with them they are a lot like me so why don’t they have an interest in me? I believe the answer sometimes is within us where we may not be very likeable. I am not saying that we are not likeable to everyone but some people may feel that way. It could be that we are pushy or aggressive toward those we try real hard to be friends with. A part of that is that we may not try to be ourselves so we act in a manner that we are not comfortable with. I find although it would be nice to be friends with as many people as possible I will try to be as friendly as I can be. Although in my mind I don’t like being rejected by others I still know that will happen so if someone doesn’t like me I move on to others. My thoughts then come into my mind though it is too bad we are not friends it is their loss for not having me as a friend.

What makes this difficult I believe is the lack of security we have in ourselves. This is especially true when we go out of our way to make friends and instead we make them enemies instead. A part of insecurity in us is that we feel alone when we are not with other people. I feel more comfortable in small groups or one on one with others. I find it hard when I am in big groups. This depends though how many people I know when I am in a situation of groups. If I am in a large group where I know the majority of the people than I am fine; those that I don’t know very well than it is hard for me. In a small group I feel fine where I can mingle with them even though I may not know them at all. I usually find out if they are interested in sports or where they live or have lived. I look toward common ground of interest. It is a good way to be comfortable for both of us or the group.

The most important thing is to enjoy the friends you already have. If it is possible to add new friends than you are in a good place; I know that more friends I have the better off I am. Though rejection is hard like I say it is important to move on and know that they are missing out not having you as a friend. So today have the goal  to add one new friend.

Stand Up For Ourselves

I realized a few days ago more than ever that sometimes we have to stand up and speak what is on our mind even though we know that there will be those who do not agree.

I won’t go much into detail except to say that is what I did over the weekend. I knew that some would not agree with my stand but I felt that the time came to do so. Some of my close friends did not agree with my stand however liked that I stood up for what I believed in. They had more respect for me than before because I had the courage to do so. The reason I felt that I had to say something was that there some people who spoke against me in social media. They don’t know me at all however they attacked me anyway. I had no problem in them disagreeing in what I said but to say unkind words against me personally as though I was going to be found guilty before Almighty God. They wanted me to change my mind by coming against my conscience. The truth is that we all have a free will given by God that no one else should and can’t come against. A person can tell us that they do not agree with what we say however try to change our minds throwing guilt or judgment is not right. I give you the right to say what you want even though I may not agree with it but I will not put guilt or judgment against you. Your free will to speak what you feel is between God and you. In fact Jesus spoke the words in Matthew 7 verse 2 “for in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ (NIV). So we are free under God to speak what is in our minds. Even when we believe is truth to another we still must allow them to believe what they must under free will. Only God can bring revelation to a person.

So speak your mind and stand up for yourself when needed even if others come against you. Your closest friends will give you honor and respect knowing that you spoke your conviction and with courage. Those who may speak harsh words to you though they may have been close to you will bring their heart out and you will see whether they were actually your friend at all. May God’s grace before you in times of trouble; God bless you very much.