Halloween? Not Really all that fun,

I’m sorry to see so much evil celebrated on this day. A day that was originally called Hallows Eve, should be used for its original purpose, and that is to celebrate the great Christians who went before us. All Saints Day is really what true Christian should remember. Here is a post from Chuck Colson on Breakpoint from last year about All Saints Day,

Hope you enjoy!




Honoring the Witnesses - All Saints' Day

It is Halloween again, and to be frank, I really don't look forward to talking about it on "Breakpoint" every year. At best, Halloween has become an excuse to ask total strangers for candy. At worst, it is a celebration of the mindless paganism our ancestors wisely turned their backs on.
So this year, I would like to turn your attention to the often-overlooked celebration that Halloween calls to mind. In case you have missed it before, the name Halloween is a shortening of All Hallow's Eve and signifies the night before All Saints' Day.
For centuries on All Saints' Day the Church celebrated the lives of Christians who went before us. And rightly so: We can learn so much from those whom the author of Hebrews calls that great cloud of witnesses.
The tradition of remembering the Church triumphant dates back to the time of the first Christian martyrs. When soldiers of Marcus Aurelius Verus came to arrest Polycarp, a beloved church leader, Polycarp greeted them kindly. According to the third century historian Eusebius, Polycarp "ordered a table to be laid for them immediately, invited them to eat as much as they liked, asking in return a single hour in which he could pray."
When Polycarp later stood in the coliseum, accused and surrounded by the jeering crowds, the governor pressed him to recant his faith. Instead, this man, who himself had been discipled by the Apostle John, said this: "For eighty-six years, I have been [Christ's] servant, and He has never done me wrong: How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" As they were preparing to burn him alive, Polycarp offered up prayers of faith and praise.
In the years following Polycarp's death, Christians would gather annually to take communion beside his grave. There they would remember his brave witness and take courage from his example.
As the years passed, the day shifted in focus from remembering Polycarp to honoring all martyrs. By the seventh century, the Church created a holiday to honor all of God's saints—heroes of the faith.
One of my favorite heroes was a woman named Monica, who lived during the fourth century. She would never face flames or jeering crowds, as did Polycarp, but she did face testing. That testing came in the form of her own longing for the return of her prodigal son, Augustine. His licentious lifestyle made this Christian mother weep. Later, when Augustine, who is now known as one of the foremost theologians of Christianity and scholars of Western civilization, did come to Christ, he wrote this prayer: "My mother, Your faithful servant, wept to You for me, shedding more tears for my spiritual death than others shed for the bodily death of a son. You heard her."
I could tell you story after story like this, from Justin Martyr to Martin Luther to Amy Carmichael. But let me encourage you to do something this All Saints' Day. Take the lead in your church to honor the great saints who set examples for us. Reacquaint your children with Halloween's Christian origins. Research together and talk about the lives of Christian heroes.
Sure, go ahead and let the kids dress up like Batman and hit up your neighbors for candy. But when the hoopla of modern Halloween is over, encourage your kids to imitate some real heroes—not in what they put on, but in how they live their lives.
-Chuck Colson

9/11 What have we really learned?

I find it strange how people forget about 9/11. Yet it seems such a short time ago that the nation pulled together as one people.

Today people are looking to find blame for the condition of the economy, either it's the democrats, or it's the Republicans fault. Depending on who you decide to vote for.

But let's not forget what really is causing this depression. The war on terrorism is still going on and oil is the weapon of choice. The attack is not about territory or land it is about ideas and truth. Those that would like to see the values of this country eroded would love to have another 9/11. We really are not through this war on terror yet.

And if the terrorist win by wiping the values we hold dear from all Americans thoughts, they will succeed in conquering America. Because America is an idea.

God Bless America and lets all be grateful for the little things. A friend of mine sent me this video and it is great. I hope it affects you the way it affected me. Peace and Love to you All!

Life is Short, Make it Count - George Carlin Quote

I was taking to my next door neighbor, Greg, and he said he would send me this really neat George Carlin Quote. I'm thinking George Carlin the Comedian? But Greg was right this is an awesome quote. I think that most people would agree with what is said here. As Earl Nightingale would say, "everything that is of any real value to a person. he or she got totally free."

Anyway, I hope you also enjoy the quote.

What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes.
GEORGE CARLIN (his wife recently died)

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent ... and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are times of fast food and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember: spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one nest to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say "I Love You" to your partner and your loved ones but, most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER ... Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people ... WHO CARES?!

George Carlin

Commentary by Chuck Colson

One day after my last post, I was listening to the radio and Chuck Colson comes on and give his take on the coming financial crisis.

You can find it Here -

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/2214-cost-and-opportunity

I alway enjoy listening to Chuck as he reports current news with a Biblical
World View.

THE POWER OF TEAMWORK

When you ask most people, “Do you believe that teamwork is important?” Most will agree that it is extremely important, in fact necessary to achieve and succeed in any great vision or goal. Yet, why do we all fall prey to the worldly media that conditions us to fight on our own?

The media has us conditioned to think that we can only win on our own merits. We fight for a job or a career and we believe that if we win someone has to loose. The business environment is ferocious. Most small business owners know nothing about developing a winning team. There is an adversarial relationship in most cases between the employee and the employer. Most employees only care about themselves, and most of the time they are justified, due to the fact that most companies only care about the bottom line.

Corporate America is in trouble, because its leaders have made decisions based on this win/loose philosophy. They have greed at hand and made decisions for themselves rather then what is good for society or their own employees. When will Corporate America wake up and figure out that the Win/ Win philosophy is what will create lasting long term growth for their company and the country?

Corporate America must realize that they must create teamwork with their employees as well as the general public. They need to do what is right rather than what is sufficient. They need to work toward the greater good rather than rely on selfish motives.

I have a feeling that this bailout of Wall Street will only provide further incentives for Corporate America to repeat the failed policies of the past. This can only increase inflation and lead to more expense that the general public may not be able to afford.

The country, and corporate America must create a team to work toward a common cause that will make America a powerful nation again. We can only be that way when everyone wins, including the great citizens of this county. Nothing but nothing will beat the power of teamwork!

To illustrate the power of teamwork take a look at this awesome you tube video. It takes place in Africa. The Lions I would consider corporate America. The crocodiles represent government interest. And the Buffalo represent a Team and what power teamwork can have. I hope you enjoy it!

Who Moved Your Cheese?

Who Moved Your Cheese?
And What Are You Going To Do About It?
Hey, I’m not talking about cheese,
I’m talking about Gas and Energy Prices!!!!

Everyone knows it and everyone feels it. The U.S. economy is struggling and the American people are struggling. It is a “Time of Change”. I know Barack Obama says it is a time for change and if we elect John McCain we can expect more of the same thing. Riiiggghht!! I’m sorry to be sarcastic here but I don’t care who gets elected we are in a time of change and no new president is going to do a thing about it. It is very simple, We went from the Stone Age, to the agricultural age, to the industrial age, and now we are in the information age. Change happens and either you change with the times or you get caught standing still. Better yet you adapt and use change to your advantage.

In the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson, there are mice that are use to getting their cheese at the same location everyday. They got lazy and just expected the cheese to be there. They were afraid to venture out and respond to a critical situation. Yet those that did venture out found more cheese in another section of the maze. Who do you think did better?

I’m not going to write a review of the book but I can direct you to Wikipedia and they have written a great review. Check it out here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Moved_My_Cheese

I hope you read that. Now let’s substitute the term gas or energy for cheese. Hmmmmm!

That’s exactly what is going on. We are use to getting our energy a certain way. Times are changing, regardless who becomes president. Most of us are sitting here complaining about it and doing nothing to help our situation. We want the government to do something, but that won’t happen very soon. The Government is one of the slowest institutions to react to change. Can you afford to wait for the government?

As we speak about the oil crisis, businesses, organization seek to develop new forms of energy. Some of it environmentally friendly too! The people that react first to this change in supply will be the first to reap the benefits. This is a time of opportunity, not a time to be negative. Yep, there are solution and we are talking big solutions. Here are some articles that you should take a look at:

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52993

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/BusinessTravel/story?id=4378643

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-11-04-gm-hydrogen_N.htm
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/hydrogen

http://www.howstuffworks.com/fuel-cell.htm

Here’s a guy who powers his house totally on renewable energy sources. Now I know this is way beyond the budget of most Americans, but I’m just trying to make a point here. There are solutions to our energy problems.

House video

Here take a look at these videos from youtube. Honda has developed a brand new car that runs on Hydrogen and produces it’s own electric, which could power a whole house by itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PzAm1WKuOU&feature=related BBC program

Take a look, it is a beautiful car!

Honda Car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlyYWQ8_Mzc&feature=related

Here is a guy who is powering a lawn mower using water as its fuel. Pretty cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smQEBW9UFNI&feature=related

Now check this out. Here is a guy who used the same technology to power an Old Ford Escort. Look at the gas mileage he is

See what I mean, there are solutions all around us if you know where to look. Second, are you even looking for solutions? Get started and solve your energy problems now. Don’t wait for the Government to do something.

I found a site that has the information you and I can use to improve our energy consumption expenses. This site is among the best information I have found with a great guarantee. Very well done, great info. Take the time to look over the information and take charge of your own economic situation. The name of the guide is GASSAVER tm.

Click on this to look over the site and save gas now don’t wait for the government to do something!

Just imagine if everyone takes charge and does something to effect gas prices and the environment. Prices will come down and world can be a better place.

Bless you all!

WHY THIS BLOG?

As you can gather from the name of the blog, I will be talking about success principles such as leadership, teamwork, wealth, and relationships.

I use to think that the only measure of success was the money you had in your pocket. The more money you had the more successful you are. I didn't realize that there was more to the picture. Partly because today, society seems to hold that vision of success. It is reinforced in the school system and in the media. Television in particular has been a mind conditioning tool.

People are spending more time on entertainment that pursuing worthwhile ideals. We now have the most educated society within the history of mankind, but we are further from the truth than ever before. Our kids have less discipline, less respect, and less morals because they are not being taught. You might be thinking right now, "what does this have to do with success anyway?". Answer, "Everything!"

Your level of success will be directly determined by the knowledge and skills you develop. It is a learned behavior. You will need financial skills, time management skills, and people skills in order to be prepared for success. Not only do you need to learn them, but you need to put the principles into action. It is also important to have success as a balance of five areas in your life.

I break the areas up into these parts, Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness and Finance. For the sake of convenience you could group Family and Friends into one category, (Relationships).

I want to express here that I am not a know it all. I am not talking down to anyone here. I am talking with you all. I was lucky to finally meet people who showed me the way. I was reintroduced to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was taught these principle that are timeless. These principles are part of the natural law. They are the same today as they were thousands of years ago. They have not changed, they are constant.

Example, the law of gravity is always constant, it does not change. We can fight it or we can use it to our advantage. Just like the principles of thought and abundance, in Earl Nightingale's "Strangest Secret". They are constant and they can work for you or against you. The key is to be aware of the principles and they will work for you.

Take for instance, the most simple concept of a smile. If you are aware that a smile creates new friends then you can use that smile to attract new friends to you. The person that is not aware of this may be asking themselves, "Why can't I make friends? Why is everybody so unhappy?" Maybe it is not that people are unhappy, maybe it is you not being aware of this simple principle. Why not smile more!!!!

I have much more to say as time goes on in this blog. My goal is to make a difference in people's lives. To help people who have autism in their family. To change the way people think in this country and recapture what we are loosing. To be a good steward of this planet. To show the fruits of the spirit and spread the knowledge of the Gospel to all who have ears to hear.

Well I hope you will enjoy this blog and that I can help you improve your life in a positive way.

Smile, God loves you!

Fran Burns