Friendships.... Are the Best Medicine

Did you know that by having lots of friends and interacting with them can be good for your health? It may even lengthen your lifespan   http://longevity.about.com/od/liveto100/ss/life-expectancy_2.htm

I know that by creating a group that engages people to get together and communicate has first of all kept me very busy, but also given me more purpose. I think we all long to fit in somewhere. We experienced that when we were surrounded by a group of friends back in school. As we grow older we part our ways and unite with our own families. Our lives keep us busy keeping up with this sport and that school function and so forth and so forth.  Although we want all of these things for our children we seem to lose focus of our own individual needs. Allowing ourselves the luxury of catching up with old friends and meeting new ones puts a whole new perspective on our lives. It helps energize us to come back to our daily ritualistic lives with more of a spring in our step.
I remember when I attended youth camp when I was younger. It seemed like for a whole week, time seemed to stand still. And when I would go home I was ready to change the world.  The social events we have tied to VanBuren Cruisers only lasts for two days, but it stays with me all year. The friendships I have developed from the group have enriched my life. I interact with a lot of members from VB Cruisers on Facebook that I have never met face to face on almost a daily basis.  We encourage, listen, laugh and even pray for each other.
My degree is in Communications, which is marketing. I have never sought out a career in this field, but I think the job has found me. I enjoy all the aspects of finding ways to promote and bring awareness to things. Whether it be my social activities centered around this social group, me selling Avon, making people aware of a somewhat rare heart disorder I have or just expressing my views by blogging.  I try to help others market whatever event, book or product they have going too. I hope I don't come across to others as a nag. I just  think it is important to help others to pursue their goals so I will be the first to try to give a hand up if I can.
Setting goals has become one of my constants. Getting organized falls in there somewhere, but I haven't quite got there yet. Like writing this blog was supposed to be done before 1am, but this is the time slot I had available.  
So back on track here, my best advice is to develop relationships whether it be via Facebook or Face to Face. Being sociable allows you to express yourself and drives you to have purpose. So now you have a reason for living longer. Case closed...hehe  See you at the next cruise night June 18, 2011.  www.vanburencruisers.com

Are You Proud To Be An American?

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.


And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
well There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:

that I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A

I cannot listen to this song or read these lyrics without tears streaming down my cheeks. Who could? This song was not given to this person by chance. It is tangled up with emotions. PRIDE is when one feels the value in something and treasures it! Our country was founded and established by others blood and tears. It was a gift given to us by the hard work of others before us. We as a nation are going to have to stand up and show the pride we have for her. If the government in place is failing us then we need to take back the reigns and put the right leader in charge. Step out of our comfort zone cause otherwise there will not be one left to stand in. How can God bless our country if we are always shutting Him out? He has been kicked out our schools where we send our children. How stupid is that? We should want Him there more than anywhere. We want our children safe. Don't we?
Sometimes the people that immigrate to our country see the value of our freedom more than we do, just because where they came from didn't have it. But then there are those that come to our country and and they want to bring their baggage. They only bring harm to our country. Instilling pride in our youth is a harder task today than it was a century ago. We look at our electronic advancement and say "Wow, look at our accomplishment", but in a lot of ways we take that and abuse it. Our freedoms should have value to us. We should respect them. Our freedom of speech should be used to express positive ways to improve on our lives. We should use our freedom of religion to allow God in all areas of our lives. People in today's society waste America's time fighting for things that are corrupt and unjust. They do not serve the people better as a sound and moral society. We should not go backwards and strive to act uncivilized.
Some people might read this blog and say I am talking harsh and what right do I have to slam others? I only speak truth and sometimes the truth hurts. Sticks and stones do break bones and yes words can hurt you. We need to use that freedom of speech to help protect our freedoms. So stand up today and be proud to be an American and do what it takes to secure the value there is in being an  American!! God bless you and the USA!!

Homemade Harmony: Change Is Good

Homemade Harmony: Change Is Good