The Value of Freedom

For anyone who values freedom, especially freedom of religion and freedom of speech, this is a very moving video to watch. Thanks to CT for posting MartinK's link.

On a similiar line of thought: My hubby (TB) and I, with our kids included, had an interesting discussion over lunch today regarding Operation Valkyrie, as well as, the power of control Hitler commanded over the lives of the people wherever the Third Reich dominated. While on holiday, ages ago, we met a German Prussian officer who served under Rommel, a Colonel Hans Von Luck. We were able to sit and visit several times over much coffee; and, discuss things, ask questions as he shared his life's experiences with us. He was a very interesting and discerning man, a man who spoke of tolerance. We were very grateful to spend so much time with him. On this same holiday, we made friends with a German man who's father (was made to) serve in the Hitler Youth, and who was in France June 6, 1944. Another interesting and heartfelt discussion.

A few weeks later, after the time spent in Germany, we were able to walk along a D-Day beach near Bayeux where we found a grenade pin partly buried in the sand. Words cannot express the feeling when you think of what went on that day, or the thought of the life of that man who carried that grenade. Sometimes I'll take that pin and just hold it, especially on days when I'm feeling "challenged", and especially since the August car wreck.

TB and I were discussing tonight, the concept of "the weighted life"; in relation to this post, the grenade pin, and the earlier discussion at lunch. This is perhaps a tangent here, another post to explore. What does having a "weighted life" mean to you?

We in the west are rather spoiled with our 'freedoms'. I feel we honestly need to take into account our convictions, our integrity, our character...and ask, what do we represent to others?
(I think the title of the above mentioned video, "What do you risk?" was quite thought provoking. )

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

if but for a moment, the world set aside its politics, its religion, its grievances...and just danced, for the simple joy of it, together...

MATT MOLLOY PUB THE CHIEFTAINS

Joy and Sadness

"It's the joy, a light joy and it's sadness a long wailing note of sadness
which winds thru all time, Ireland.

It's a perfect balance of these two things, joy and sadness
each ingredient makes the other by its very contrast truer and deeper
together waltzing around us, within us, within us all.

The whistle and the fiddle like cool water from a rocky spring
the droning pipes, now there is pride and strength sounding through the open air.

One can hear the depth of the sea, along with the rustling of the grasses.
One can hear the cries of their ancestors along with the laughter of their children.

Ah, yes, it's the balance of these two things, together, waltzing around us, within us, within us all. Ireland."

-author unknown

Small Acts of Kindness

Very soon a new man with be at the helm of the ship called the great experiment, America. A government formed with the idea of freedom and self-direction. A government of the people; a generous and hardworking people. We'll see what the tide will bring. Will hope be restored? To allow for self rule, a people must be of moral fiber, with conscience, as must be the leaders. Me thinks the image is tarnished, however.

The tapestry of time shows us the highs and the lows that mankind is capable of. We see the intrigue, corruption and cruelty today; just switch on the news. Yet, I know of so many people who are quietly going about doing their best to make a difference for the better, one small step at a time, each in their own unique way. My faith is not in governments, for absolute power corrupts absolutely; but there is a quiet strength in the small kindnesses that we give our fellow man. This is my hope. There are those who do not believe in God, or have quit their religion because of the faults of man, or their own heartache at how a God so powerful could allow such unspeakable atrocities happen to those He is supposed to care for. It is easy to become bitter, grow cold hearted, angry. But what good is this? It only grows the seeds of resentment and distrust; further deepening the wounds that humankind at its worst inflicts.

With each act of kindness, however small, we join the ranks of those who would fight the hatred that is unfortunately present in this world. We can be stronger and better than the evil that would overcome us. The goodness of God is written on our hearts, we only have to take a moment in our busy lives to listen and to act.

(...for a nice Scottish Air "MacDonald of Keppoch", fiddle and harp (youtube didn't want to post))

"Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!"
-Robert Burns

"Goodness, armed with power, is corrupted; and pure love without power is destroyed."
-Reinhold Niebuhr

"I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world."
-Charles Dickens

Heartstopping trembler and toilet paper tantrum

What is with menfolk, children and changing the toilet paper roll? I think they just leave this chore for me to do out of the kindness of their hearts to help me feel special...

On a second note, there are some wonderful things about living in California. We get earthquakes, and sometimes at the most inconvenient times. Talk about rolls.

Ponderings, Panaceas and Pirate Dice

Well, I had a nifty thought for a post earlier, but with the chaos of the day, the dinner, and the have tos...it just escaped me. It was something about pondering current world events, wishing for a cure-all, but thinking that somehow this escapes human nature, sometimes. Thankfully, there are a few bloggers out there using humour to aid in the dealing with things. So, here's my twa pence and a throw of the dice, am I lying or do I have a pair of boxcars?