Ramblings from the mind of a puzzled patriot

In the world we live in today. It is easy to be confused and puzzled as to what the truth is, and how to find our way to the surface of all the flotsam and jetsam we find ourselves in. I consider myself a patriot, and in my youth had no difficulty in picking out the lies, checking facts and discerning the hearts of those that would have us elect them to represent the values that we hold dear to our hearts. Times have changed. This is the age of information overload, not only over load but you can be whomever you want to be on the internet. A person can be very persuasive and not have to back it up with real data, and just how do you and I know what the real data is? As we move forward in this world of fictional facts. Remember to go back to some simple principles, ones that served our forefathers well. Here are a few considerations.

1. Evaluate your principles and values. Look at yourself and find what is truly important to you. Hold on to those values that make you a better person, strengthens your family and community and put those that don't on a back shelf or better yet discard those that take you in a different direction.

2. Get to know the people around you, develop relationships with those you have contact with, and I don't mean send them a friend request on facebook. Stand up walk ou,t your door and go visit them. If you can incorporate this practice with those in your life that are most important to you, your life will be greatly enriched. This type of getting to know those around you is especially important to know those we send to represent our views as elected officials. It doesn't mean you need to become a politician, but if you meet them and get to know them in that way.  You will have a better sense of who they really are, not who they appear to be on television or in print, or worse yet here on the internet.

3. Look for opportunities to help. Everyone of us can always use the excuse of being busy. Lives are hectic and we tend to draw inward. This is not all bad, but if we all were just a little more kind to one another a took the occasional path of lending a helping hand, our world would be a better place for it.

4. I dont know if your a person of faith or not, but if you are I would ask that you bend a knee often. Ask for courage, ask for strength, ask for guidance, and most importantly give thanks for the riches you have.

Well I could go on and on about this, but then no one would take the time to read.  I started this as a puzzled patriot, but some how this little exercise has helped me see thing a little clearer. I'd love to hear your points of view leave me a comment.......

When in the course of human events.......

This past week has been one of those that will or at least hopefully will be not forgotten quickly. The fact is that the world we live in today is much different than the world that most of us grew up in. Definitions in society are changing day by day. A virtue or value that we could define by a word, now has different or multiple implications. Core values that have helped to make this nation great are being challenged. In many cases people have less value than a perceived notion or whim. Being politically correct has become more important than saying or doing the right thing.

This week we have witnessed evil, tragedy, sorrow, joy, relief, teamwork, vigilance, and to a degree triumph. Many of us no matter where we are in this great country of ours have shared our thoughts. Some out of anger or frustration, others out of hope. What ever reason, each of us hopefully, have had a change of heart, and hopefully for the better. The people of Massachusetts and of Texas have been the recipients of many prayers of faith, these have come from those of a wide variety of Faiths. Even those that do not have a belief in Deity have had thoughts of well wishing and a hope for relief to those that suffer and are in harms way. The bottom line is this, When in the course of human events.... we have shown that we are a compassionate and caring people. That even though there are evil forces and individuals in the world, collectively we still have a decent core. That in and of itself gives me hope for a better day.  May we as a nation be able to heal, to set aside our differences, and work together honestly, frankly, and compassionately.

Bravehaven

Let there peace....

With the horrific news from Connecticut, my heart aches and feel devastated. I can't imagine the pain and suffering that so many families are feeling at this time of year that is usually filled with joy and the anticipation of being with loved ones. There is a familiar song that is sung at this time of year, "let there be peace on earth" that is my prayer this year. I hope and pray that the Prince of Peace will pour out is comforting spirit to all that hurt, and to all mankind. It is always needed. May we remove the obstacles in our lives that prevent that peace from enveloping all of mankind. I pray for the day of his return. Let us remember him and seek him.

God bless everyone of you.

I WAS BLOWN AWAY!

Not too many things we hear or read about have much validity to them. I was blown away with the HCG diet drops. My wife was frustrated and getting very discouraged when it came to losing unwanted pounds. She had tried so many things that just didn't help. Almost out of desperation she tried the HCG drops. A 26 day regimen that has a low caloric intake and strict guidelines to adhere to. She started the process and had great success. she not only lost the weight but she had more energy, a better attitude toward life and was able to handle stressful situations much better. Who ever figured this formula out. Thank you!  heres a link if you want more information on the HCG diet.

http://sunsabeachtanningshop.bigcartel.com/category/hcg-kits

Bravehaven

Oink .....what a sad way to go!

This is such a strange bizarre story. what a terrible way to go. 

Authorities in Oregon are investigating how a hog farmer was eaten by his animals.

The remains of Terry Vance Garner, 70, were found in his hog enclosure Wednesday, according to local news reports Monday.

The farmer had gone to feed the hogs, some weighing as much as 700 pounds, about 7:30 a.m., according to a report from CNN affiliate KMTR. After Garner was not seen for several hours, a family member went to check on him and found his dentures in the hog pen. Other remains were found, but the hogs had eaten most of the farmer, according to the report.

The sheriff's department is looking into the death.

"Due to the unusual circumstances, the Sheriff's Office is investigating to determine if foul play may have resulted in the death of Mr. Garner," Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier told CNN affiliate KVAL.

“For all we know, it was a horrific accident, but it’s so doggone weird that we have to look at all possibilities,” the Eugene Register-Guard quoted Frasier as saying.

Garner could have suffered a heart attack and fallen in the pen, or the hogs could have knocked him off his feet and then eaten him, Frasier told the newspaper.

The state of the remains made determining a cause of death difficult, according to the news reports. They had been sent to the University of Oregon and examined by a forensic anthropologist, the report said.

The farmer's brother, Michael Garner, told the Register-Guard that one of the sows had bitten the farmer last year after he accidentally stepped on a piglet.

“He said he was going to kill it, but when I asked him about it later, he said he had changed his mind,” Garner said.

Garner told the Register-Guard his brother was a Vietnam veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The farm was "a life-saver," he said.

“Those animals were his life,” Garner told the Register-Guard.

University of Utah - BYU rivalry officially over???? I sure hope so.

CONFESSIONS OF A CONFLICTED FAN....

Is the rivalry of the BYU - Utah Sports over? probably not. But for me I hope some of the rhetoric, hate mongering and stupidity of fans on both sides will curtail. I live in the great State of Utah. There are undoubtedly some of the best people in the world here.
Traditionally I cheer for both teams, especially when they are not playing one another. My best scenario used to be that I would hope these two teams would dominate the conference, end up one and two or tied for the conference championship. I also split my favorites for example most of the time I root for University of Utah basketball and BYU football, although the past few years the U hasn't given me much to cheer for. But the sad fact is, the past few years I haven't followed either team that closely. Why.... its because of the fans. These usually normal people become so polar in their views that it just isn't worth the frustration, at least to me, to pay much attention. May be i'm getting older, but it seems that life is just too short to hold such venom for something that is... well....entertainment. What used to be fun becomes a point of contention, a point of one up manship. Get over it, I know I'm trying to.
The bottom line is that both of these are great organizations. I think theres always room for good things in the world. You don't have to hate one because you like the other. Please, just for this old man be a little more respectful to each other. Now that BYU is independent and the U is PAC 12 cheer for them both. They both put the state of Utah on the map. On the rare occasions that schedules allow them to compete on the field or court cheer for your favorite. Just remember that world peace, economic stability and the survival of mankind are not on the line. Who knows you may even find a meaningful friendship with a Ute or Cougar..

Bravehaven

IS MITT IT? OR IS OBAMA TOPORAMA?

Well the first debate is in the bag. Whether you think Obama or Romney won the debate, the only thing that truly matters is that on November 7th you and I will have the privilege of settling the debate once and for all. Your vote and my vote count. I have heard many people's say why should I vote. My state has already made the decision, so my vote doesn't count.....yes it truly does. It is your right, privilege and responsibility. Not to mention that the vote for president is just one of the items that you have the  opportunity to vote on. Your vote counts because you get to select local leadership, state and national leadership, decide on key issues that effect you directly. So get out and vote!

On a personal note after the debate, I have something that I've been missing for several months. Hope! So you now know where my heart lies with the two candidates. We opened a small business in the spring of 2010. In July of that year the first of Obama care was implemented. It imposed a tax on our type of business and has nearly made it impossible to succeed. President Obama ran on the concept of hope and change, we'll for me, this election I'm running on the concept. I hope there's a change.

These opinions of mine are just that. My opinions. We'd love to hear yours.

Bravehaven