A view from offshore

Mandate This!

2012-02-11T07:32:00.002-05:00

Way back in the late 1700's the men and women of this great nation decided to take a stand against tyranny. They rose up in defiance to secure their liberty, free from a monarch dictating the terms of their existence. No longer would they allow another human being to sit on high and mandate what their liberties would and would not be. They gave their lives and pledged their sacred honor to this cause. Here, 236 years later, we are back in the same battle.

There is a group of elected officials in Washington that has allowed the power of their office to go directly to their head. We actually have a President that is issuing mandates. Now I'm pretty familiar with just about all of the founding documents, and nowhere in any of them do I see the word mandate, nor is there any clause that issues power to anyone to enact a mandate. I challenge anyone to produce the word mandate in the paperwork that defines the parameters of this great nation. The founders avoided that word like the plague for a specific reason. It's the same reason they never used the word edict. They were tired of tyranny!

It's a sure sign we have taken our liberty for granted when we've become complacent or apathetic enough to allow our system to be abused like this. Honestly we need to do a self assessment. Are we a free people who cherish our liberty, or have we decayed into a people that suckle from the teat of government? I don't know about you my brothers and sisters, but I was weaned a long, long time ago. It's time to take our country back. The government is assaulting religious freedom, self reliance, and the very premise of liberty itself!

Are we Americans, or some spin off of a European socialist society? It's time to decide!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

The Desire Loop!

2012-02-10T07:20:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had a desire? Ever wished upon a star for something that seemed unattainable? The evolution of a desire is an interesting process. It's birthed as a want, something you'd like to have. As that desire matures, it creates a demand. That demand is felt as a void, like something is missing in your life.When our lacking something it grows into a need. That reminds me of the old parable where a young man desires to become a knight. He seeks counsel with a wise old knight as to how to achieve his desire. The wise old knight rows him out to the center of the lake and tosses him overboard. The wise old knight then proceeds to hold him under the water till he fights his way to the surface gasping for air. The wise one asks him why he sought his advice. The young man screamed he wanted to be a knight. The wise one pushes him under again till the young man breaks free and explodes to the surface gasping for air. the question and the same process is repeated yet again. After the third dunking the wise old man tells the youth, "when you need to be a knight like you just needed air, your desire will become reality."

When you have a need in your life it creates an expectation. Successful individuals act on that expectation, and action creates results. Results give you the opportunity to evaluate, check those results against your expectation. This creates a crossroads. a less than desirable outcome either leads you toward disappointment, or a renewed plan of attack. Those who gain success ignore the disappointment and choose to move forward with renewed vigor, learning from the results. Those who don't end up punishing themselves and cycle back into the desire mode.

Do you have the where with all to see a desire through to the end victory?

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

God Bless America!

2012-02-09T07:55:00.002-05:00

One of Hollywood's icons was paid to narrate a commercial during the Super Bowl by the auto industry to inform America that "it's only half time." Well that's one take, personally I feel it's a bit more serious than that. To use another football analogy we are in the two min. drill and down by 16 trillion. There is a sense of urgency! For example...

Today the Huffington Post reports that the Air force has removed the word God from the Latin logos on the side of their aircraft. The logo was recently removed, according to Forbes, after objections by the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers.

Jason Torpy, president of the association, said the word "God" had no place in the logo because not all members of the military are religious. "We just hope (the Air Force) can provide more equal opportunities for atheists and humanists in the military."

The action taken by the RCO suggests that all references to God, regardless of their context, must be removed from the military.

Now the First amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Now I know that Congress didn't mandate this, but the last phrase of that edict should end this controversy. No one should be permitted to prohibit the free exercise of religion. The aircraft doesn't promote a specific religion, they simply wear a logo that mentions God, our Creator, the Supreme Being. A higher power is the basis for every religion, so the reference should offend no one that is exercising the right granted by the First amendment to freely exercise religion.

There are many people in this great nation that would like you to believe we are at half time and there is no sense of urgency to the decline of our nation. They would love that America sit back thinking it's only half over and becoming complacent. It's not so bad, we have plenty of time to get back on track. Really?

God Bless!
Capt. Bill
(Yes, I said God!)

All For One, And One For All!

2012-02-08T08:25:00.002-05:00

Well the progressive movement has made a giant blunder now. In the interest of moving their agenda forward they have subverted the first amendment rights of the Catholic community. Now wether you believe in the teachings of the Catholic church or not, every citizen should understand this assault on what's noted as a God given right in our Constitution. The outrage shouldn't be limited to the Catholic community., but that in itself is quite enough. Here's why...

If the Catholic church followers should ever decide to unite, they number somewhere around eighty million strong. The amount of votes needed to win an election for President in this nation usually amounts to somewhere in the low fifty million range. As a voting block, this isn't a community you want to subject to infringing on their beliefs. They have the capability to kick you and your agenda to the curb. Perhaps they should take a page out of the AFL-CIO's playbook and hold a protest work stoppage day. How effective would it be if eighty million citizens decided to not participate in the economy. Not showing up to work, and not spending their income. They are known for their ability to fast! I think one day of this behavior would serve as a reminder that government has no business prohibiting the free exercise of religion. If need be a week would certainly drive home the point. As a united community the Catholic church is larger than any union, and should it seek to stretch it muscles would have a much more effective impact.

What if the Jewish nation added it's support? How about the Baptists? Let's add in the Christian community as a whole. Do you think that'd would remind Washington of the wording supplied to the citizens in the very first amendment?

United communities can make changes. The community organizer in chief understands that premise very well. He just doesn't believe we'd all find a common bond and unite to oppose one issue. That's a very bold gamble as this country hold religious freedom very dear and sacred. If we return to one of the main premises this country was founded upon and all unite for freedom, changes could be make quite quickly. The unions have nothing on us, their numbers are paltry in comparison. Time to flex our muscles people and take this country back from those who are trying to "fundamentally change" how it was founded!

God Bless
Capt. Bill

"We're Mad As Hell!"

2012-02-07T08:05:00.002-05:00

Creating an environment where people can grow starts with having a purpose worthy of one's commitment. We are all here on God's green earth by design, we have a purpose for our existence. Are you doing what you were called to do?

Being absolutely committed to growing people through a personal development system is an act of faith. You and the individual your working with have to sell out in your hearts that the vision matters, and all involved want to contribute and have a share in the results. Here is where the people who accomplish widen the gap from those who merely talk. This is the difference maker, or slight edge if you will!

We who offer the LIFE opportunity are not offering a product, we are merely spreading the truth. Aiding people in the act of self development isn't about profit. Anyone who thinks that is our purpose is missing the point. That's akin to thinking living life is about breathing. We have a purpose, and that purpose is you! We are going to affect one million lives and move the culture of this great nation back to one of responsibility and self reliance. Individuals who live a purpose driven life like Tim Tebow for instance, will no longer be an anomaly, but a normal part of society. The culture will be brought back from the brink of immorality.

Can you feel the momentum? The government has pushed us too far. The Catholic church has just awakened and decided they've been taken to the brink. Icons like Tebow have found favor with the public. We as a nation want this. The deceit and lack of accountability have lost favor, and a nation of moral guided, self reliant individuals are finding their voice. To coin a phrase, "We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore."

The media can try to make a spectacle of the new age politicians like Rep Alan West, who boldly told the progressive left wing to "take their message elsewhere." It's not going to fly. American is moving the freedom shift toward individual freedom and away from the tyranny of government control, and LIFE will be there to guide those people in their journey back toward freedom. What you don't know can hurt you!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Tribal Wisdom!

2012-02-06T07:30:00.002-05:00

"You can't get to a good place in a bad way."

What a powerful statement! How many people on this earth could use this wisdom? It applies to everything we do, yet I've never heard it said before. It's origin is credited to a chief justice of a Navajo tribal court. There is so much to learn from everyone we meet, and everything we can read.

Politicians should take note and make this their mantra. Business leaders can gain from this philosophy. God knows I could have benefited from this in my youth. There are so many examples of us playing small and not trying to get to our highest level of achievement through the short cuts provided by unacceptable behavior. While it might return a short term gain, what has been sacrificed for short term satisfaction?

A smoker calms his nerves yet sacrifices his health.

A alcoholic self medicates their pain and escapes reality, but ruins their peak performance.

Adultery provides short term satisfaction yet demolishes long term relationships.

The list is endless!

The selfish striving for cheap short term satisfaction never pays off in the long run. It's safe to say that's the message this tribal leader was trying to pay forward with his wisdom. There are no shortcuts for achievement. As Orrin Woodward says, "Success never goes on sale." The principles for long term gratification are etched in stone, pay the price and earn the reward.....

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Which Is It?

2012-02-05T09:59:00.002-05:00

Today I have a mishmash of things flowing through my brain, the majority of which are government inspired. One item that haunts me has to do with our tax code.

Here is a beauty. We give people a deduction for children, yet use the tax revenue to support foundations that promote birth control, abortion, and sterilization procedures. So which is it? Do we want to provide a tax incentive that increases the population, or use government tax dollars to deter birth? Is it only a certain type of citizen we wish to enjoy the right of parenting, or is justice equal under the tax code? I'm getting a mixed message, and this is the problem when you allow government to have it's hand in everything we do.

The purpose of the support toward foundations that provide birth control, sterilization procedures, and abortions is to limit the number of pregnancies by low income families. You see upper income families can afford those services on their own, without government assistance. They, (the desired ones?) are given tax incentives to have children, while lower income citizens are pointed toward government provided population control.

Call me silly, but if I were going to provide any service and avoid the appearance of granting special privilege, I'd take a pro-active education approach with responsibility and abstinence in mind, verses trying to shut the barn door after the horses got out government model. You know, like build a better nation of people by promoting personal responsibility, and self control, those sort of things. Who knows it might just spread to other areas of their lives and help them to rise out of poverty. At worse it'll aid them in becoming better parents.

Then there is the earned income credit tax issue. The same low income families that have dependents are given a tax break for exactly that reason. No money and children! Isn't that providing an incentive to create a family?

God loves children, and He certainly loves responsible parents and the family unit. Isn't that why He made it so simple to create life? The government doesn't have to provide incentives to reproduce, nor does it have to send mixed messages and provide contraception and abortion. It simply needs to do what the founding fathers appointed it to do. That is, free of the twisted interpretations that are used to abuse those privileges.

God Bless!
Capt Bill

The Vision Of Reality!

2012-02-03T09:07:00.002-05:00

"Vision paints the picture of what we want to create. Systems thinking reveals how we have created what we currently have."- Peter Senge

When we grasp this concept we are off and running toward a whole new existence. If you really sit down and ponder this you begin to understand that most people, (the 95%er's if you will), do not comprehend that they are contributing to their current reality! With that fogging their perspective, they can't see how they can participate in changing that reality! Until you reach enlightenment, you constantly believe that your problems are created by somebody "out there" or by the "system." Only when you own the belief that your actions and belief system has led you to where you are now, can you move toward improving your existence.

The name of the game is generating change in your life, not reacting to the change. This my friends will create the "haves" from the "have nots." Do you own your reality? Are you fostering change, or being reactionary? Do you have a vision of where you want to be? Are you taking the necessary steps toward that successful outcome?

Dream a vision and create your own reality. That page in your book of life is yet to be written. Who will be the author?

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Stalk Success!

2012-02-02T07:58:00.003-05:00

Success has a base set of principles. John Maxwell has written about them in several of his books, as has a multitude of other authors. One of the principles that is often overlooked, yet stands out in my mind is the Law of Cause and Effect. So many people in this great nation view others success through a lense of luck, as if no preparation, planning or success-producing thinking was involved. Consequently those same people often view someone's bad luck as just another random set of circumstances. There are specific reasons these random luck swings occur, and the sooner the folks realize that they can begin to improve their "luck."

Suppose you were a deer hunter, would your luck improve if you set up your tree stand at 5th Avenue in New York City, or overlooking a well traveled deer run that has been scouted for signs of recent activity? Yet when that same hunter who did his due diligence scores a big buck, he was just plain lucky. Success is not an accident. The more you practice the laws of success, the better your chances become of achieving your defined goals.

So what holds you back from making the decision to lure success into your life? Is your tree stand in downtown NYC, or thoughtfully placed where success is in abundance? All great questions, and the answers define your chances of winning the prize.....

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Removing Limits!

2012-02-01T08:03:00.002-05:00

Don't push personal growth; remove factors limiting that growth. I've found if you push someone toward a goal your likely to encounter a push back, or resistance. Clear the path toward that goal and encourage the individual to move in that direction! Promote the good they do and ignore the bad.

People who try to break a bad habit often come up against limits to growth. This is where positive reinforcement is the key. Those positive feelings uplifts them and creates a reinforcing spiral of improved behavior, creating a uplifting atmosphere and further improvement. Nothing promotes personal growth like the glow of achievement and the recognition of attaining that goal. It's the way to conquer limiting beliefs, which is a major barrier to growth.

If you desire to be a leader who develops leaders, understand the above principle and live it. It separates the positional manager from the true leadership candidate. I've also found it to be the most difficult to master. But then, no one said it was going to be easy...Just worth it!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Common Goals!

2012-01-31T07:54:00.001-05:00

In your life, wether is be in the workplace or at home, often times your presented an opportunity to involve yourself with a shared vision. It might be you and your spouse have a dream home your working toward, or perhaps the boss has asked you to share in achieving a performance goal at the office. Whatever the end result, the key is to master the discipline required to take the steps toward achieving the desired end result! A personal commitment is demanded if your going to attain the goal at hand. Nothing can be accomplished without the necessary focus on the prize.

A sure fire way to harpoon reaching the stated goal is for part of the team to lack the vision and simply sign on to another's dream. You see this most often in the workplace where the management has imposed a goal on the working staff. the end result is a half hearted compliance rather than the necessary commitment required to devote the necessary effort to win. If you offering a shared vision for others to buy into, be certain of the level of commitment.

To achieve, by definition there will be a struggle. Remember the process, "dream, struggle, victory!" A shared vision provides a rudder to keep all parties on course when the stress of the struggle is inflicted upon those striving toward victory. As Robert Fritz so aptly states, "In the presence of greatness, pettiness disappears." With the absence of mutual focus upon a dream pettiness appears. Commitment by more than one will provide a support system when stress overwhelms another.

A shared vision is a powerful means to an end. Certify that all have bought into the dream, and as a unit overcome the struggle necessary to have your victory!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

What Do You Espouse?

2012-01-30T08:22:00.003-05:00

Learning is eventually always about action, and one basic reflective skill involves using gaps between what we say and what we do as a vehicle for becoming more aware. For example, I may profess a view, (an espoused theory) that people are basically trustworthy. But I never lend friends money and jealously guard all my possessions. Obviously, my theory in use, my deeper mental model, differs from my espoused theory. - Peter Senge

The key to personal growth is learning to bridge that gap. Until that's achieved, no learning can occur. Your wallowing in self deception, a victim of the 11th Commandment. "Thou shalt not fake thyself out." The ability to recognize wether or not your actions, reflect your espoused theory while your taking those actions, is what distinguishes the truly exceptional individual. True leaders align their actions with the principles they aver to.

Let's apply that to the political arena. One of the standards of a true leader is to never lift yourself up by diminishing another. Are the candidates that are currently vying for office using true leadership principles? How they espouse the above rule speaks volumes about the character of the leader. If you support a candidate, ask yourself is he or she passes this smell test. If not, are they qualified to hold the office of the most powerful leader in the world? Shouldn't we expect this from our highest office candidate?

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

When Opportunity And Need Collide!

2012-01-29T09:19:00.002-05:00

The idea behind the Leadership Conventions we involved with the Team/Life opportunity attend is to guide us into the information we need to make better choices as leaders. It's an absolutely incredible experience to associate with tens of thousands of like minded people possessed with the intention of self improvement. It's such a radical idea, we've created a business model around it! I heard one of the most powerful quotes this weekend that describes efficiently why people are so attracted to this business.

"I sell and promote a product all day in my business. What attracted me to the Team/Life opportunity is I'm not pushing a product, I'm spreading the truth."

That my friends is a powerful summation of precisely what we do! Anyone in attendance this weekend can avow, it a very popular idea! Well time to hop in the shower and continue this opportunity to associate with others who share the same vision: improvement of a the world, one individual at a time!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

The Reading War!

2012-01-28T09:02:00.001-05:00

I got to spend some incredible time with some top leaders yesterday. After a 5 am wake up call to start the journey it actually didn't end till after 2 am, well the meetings ended, sleep was another matter with all those great thoughts swimming in my head, So if there are any mistakes in this post, we'll chalk it up to sleep depravation.

I took away two concepts that really touched me during the marathon. One came from my very dear friend Scott Russell, that he had acquired from a book he was reading. If you were given a wish to change the world, what would you do? There is a soft drink company that made a giant ad campaign saying they'd like to teach the world to sing, playing on the need for harmony. That's really not a bad thought, and quite honestly needed. But Scott one upped them in my eyes. His thought was he'd like to teach the world to read. I know, I'm preaching to the choir here, because your reading this! But let's think about this concept. If all the world was taught to fall in love with reading, couldn't we introduce them to the Bible? Wouldn't they be capable of absorbing the principles within? If everyone learned and lived the Ten Commandments, shouldn't that harmony the soft drink company suggested was needed automatically follow? We don't need to teach the world to sing, we need to allow them learn to fall in love with reading.

I said there were two concepts, the second one is a combination of a couple of statements, so forgive me if I don't give credit. "We are in a war!" and isn't it interesting how people are being driven to occupy their time? Our children aren't being taught to read, they are obsessed with other forms of entertainment. Isn't it also odd that the reading material that's being offered is overwhelming? Could any one human keep up with the information overload in print? Those who do read are faced with insurmountable mountains of information. Is that by design? We read less than ever before, why is there so much material available? These are all great questions, and the answers might be suspect. Since there is a battle for the culture of this world, could this be a tool to distract those who refuse to fall prey to the entertainment culture? Reading is now easier then it has ever been with e-readers, but what are we reading? What is capturing the mind of the remaining reading public?

Fantastic questions!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Thoughts From The Airport!

2012-01-27T10:21:00.001-05:00

Well I'm off to another Leadership Convention this morning in lovely Columbus, Ohio. As we entered the Orlando, Florida airport to begin this adventure, I couldn't help but be reminded of the shoe bomber as I approached the security check before boarding my flight. Here is an example of one man making a difference, albeit in a negative way. Each and every flier in the United States has been affected by the actions of just one man, we all are demanded to remove our shoes for inspection. Is anyone else as happy as I that the TSA didn't react the same way to the underwear bomber?

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Faux Leadership!

2012-01-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

Last evening as I sat with some wonderful people and were taught success principles by a pair of men qualified as the top 5% income earners, there was a grievous act of non- leadership taking place, publicly. My friends and I were being instructed by people who had the "fruit on the tree." They were gracious enough to share the knowledge learned from years of leadership development, hoping that spark would catch fire. At the same time a faux leader stood before our nation and declared that we have to knock down some successful citizens to lift up others that aren't.

Now I've attended many, many leadership and success based lectures. I've read hundreds of books teaching success principles, and I associate with the #7 leadership guru in the world daily, but I've yet to hear any teaching that defines success as take from one to lift up another. In fact they teach just the opposite! Your to lift others up by painting the vision of what they can be through better information and application of simple success principles. Never have I been told that success is define as lowering the standard of those who have "the fruit on the tree," down so others could enjoy a better standard. If I'm not mistaken that's the definition of an enabler.

Today the media announces that President Obama pressed for economic fairness in his speech last night. Isn't that exactly the description of a Communist government? Where have those ideals ever worked out successfully? We are at a crossroads. Do we continue to punish the successful to raise up those less fortunate, or do we relay success thinking and work ethic to give them a hand up? Hand up verses hand out! Which do you think has a better rate of improving the quality of life?

We have so much work to do.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Vision and Priorities!

2012-01-24T07:53:00.002-05:00

"Clarity of vision creates clarity of priorities." Man, I could write a book on this sentence alone! It does bring to light two of the most overlooked principles to basically every level of success, vision and priorities. It's been said time and time again in every form of cliche how vision is critical to success. Well, it is! If you left the house with no clear intent where you were going, where would you end up? The same applies to every aspect of life.

As a child, when there was nothing to do and Mom had kicked me outside, I would wander the neighborhood aimlessly looking for someone or something to do something with. Now there is a recipe for trouble! What's the odds that a chance encounter will have a positive results? When I left the house with specific intent, like to play baseball, football, hockey,to go fishing, or ride a bike with friends, the outcome was rarely a disappointing experience. Can we apply the same principle to adult life?

Now with that in mind, isn't it easier to define your priorities? What was important then is important now. A priority list for playing baseball as a youth would begin with finding other of like mind. Then equipment like a bat, ball, and mitt become necessary. Then a field where we wouldn't break windows would also be a bonus. Priorities all fall into place when you have a vision of what you wish to accomplish.

When we wished to change our adventure to fishing three things topped the list. Well four, if you counted actually asking permission! We needed a place to fish, tackle to fish with, and bait to attract our prey. All equally important and without any one of the key priorities, our vision couldn't be accomplished. We knew these principles as children!

I fear as adults we lose our vision by restricting our dreams to fit our current situation. Then we become complacent, losing the vision we once clearly possessed as children, and in the process, sacrifice our priorities. When was the last time you listed and actually lived your priorities? What is at the top of your priority list, and how much of your day is dedicated to it? All great questions we should ask ourselves and answer without delay!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Define Your Why!

2012-01-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

What an interesting weekend just prior to my departure to the Winter Leadership Convention. I met and saw so many interesting people most of whom reinforced how much work there is yet to do. I watched a man leap from his car and beat on the window of a fellow motorist in a threatening manner. The threatened man, who apparently did something less than acceptable while driving in the eyes of the aggressor, responded with a one finger salute. Here's the sad part, the one finger salute fellow was a senior, and the aggressor had a US Coast Guard license plate on his vehicle. One failed to accept responsibility for his driving, and the other lost control of his temper. They both represent work yet to be done!

I met a high school teacher who labored in great detail to explain to me how this country needed another Ronald Reagan in the White House, then proceeded to complain about how little the government was doing.

This is just a snap shot of how confused our social system has the population. We don't know what we believe and why we believe it! I can relate to both stories. There was a time I could have been that senior, or that young man who was angry with his driving to the point of irrational behavior. There was a time when I wished for leadership in the White House,. but complained in the same breath about government not benefiting me enough. Then I got better information.

We just all need a better understanding. We all live in a confusing society governed by what's socially acceptable on television and in the movies. It's time to present a value system to the people, explain the importance, live it, and aid them in understanding why. It's the why that's lacking in today's society. Most people don't have a why. It's like setting sail with no course of direction. If you don't know where your going, how do you know if your on course, or when you arrive?

Define your why!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Maxims!

2012-01-20T08:01:00.002-05:00

Our first President, George Washington, and probably our finest, lived by a list of maxims. Here are a few of my favorites...

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

Few men have virtue to withstand to the highest bidder.

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

Truth will ultimately prevail when there is pains to bring it to light.

Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

The Tebow Factor!

2012-01-19T07:36:00.002-05:00

The media has spent decades trying to convince us, and succeeding to a degree, that as a free people we shouldn't be bound by a moral compass. It's okay to have an abortion, the productive rights of a woman supercede the rights of an unborn fetus. Divorce is normal and acceptable in society. Ergo marriage isn't really that important, it's perfectly acceptable for couples to live in cohabitation. You father is a bumbling idiot, not the head of household described in the Bible. Oh, and that Bible stuff, not in our schools, government, or even in public for that matter. We don't want anything to do with morality infecting our society. Our children's hero's, gang-banging, drug using, rap singing, women degrading, pants don't fit, thugs that seem to be above the law. Politicians performing lude acts in the White House, yet are lauded as outstanding Presidents.

Then comes Tim Tebow, the anti-culture to what our media portrays as popular and acceptable. A young man who's pants fit, loves the Lord and expresses it every chance he gets, gives back to humanity over and over again, puts others before himself, and exudes all the qualities of an outstanding leader and role model. Did I mention he's clean cut? No foul words flow from his mouth. He's an abortion that never happened. Is there any wonder why the media initially ran him thru the ringer? He's a very popular icon that represents everything they've tried to destroy. His mom and dad are loving parents and he comes from a family model seldom seen anymore. And get this, he's found success using this mantra! Boy, I wonder if they'll ever make this model in a politician?

Tim is so good he's even starting to convert allies in the media! They are turning their backs on the popular notion and jumping aboard the morality bus. We can all take something away from Mr. Tebow's example. The most important being, one person can make a difference! Dare to swim against the current! Walk in a different direction from the herd! And if you haven't read this piece yet, please click on the link, and by all means, pass it on!

http://m.espn.go.com/wireless/story?storyId=7455943&i=TWT&w=1bdv6&wjb

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Tis The Season!

2012-01-18T08:31:00.000-05:00

Sitting here in Florida I can't help but have sympathy for a great deal of the country that's awash in the wintertime wonder. Hope this classic poem cheers up those winter blues!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Beautiful Snow

Oh! The snow, the beautiful snow,
Filling the sky and the earth below,
Over the housetops, over the street,
Over the heads of people you meet.
Dancing,
Flirting,
Skimming along,

Beautiful snow! It can do no wrong;
Flying to kiss a fair lady's cheek,
Clinging to lips in frolicksome freak;
Beautiful snow from heaven above,
Pure as an angel, gentle as love!

Oh, the snow, the beautiful snow,
How the flakes gather and laugh as they go
Whirling about in maddening fun:
Chasing,
Laughing,
Hurrying by.

It lights on the face and it sparkles the eye;
And the dogs with a bark and a bound
Snap at the crystals as they eddy around;
The town is alive, and its heart is aglow,
To welcome the coming of beautiful snow.

How wild the crowd goes swaying along,
Hailing each other with humor and song;
How the gay sleighs like meteors flash by,
Bright for a moment, then lost to the eye:
Ringing,
Swinging,
Dashing they go,

Over the crest of the beautiful snow;
Snow so pure as it falls from the sky,
To be trampled in time by the crowd rushing by -
To be trampled and tracked by thousands of feet
Till it blends with the filth in the horrible street.

Once I was pure as the snow, but I fell,
Fell like the snow flakes from heaven to hell;
Fell to be trampled as filth in the street,
Fell to be scoffed, to be spit on and beat;
Pleading,
Cursing,
Dreading to die,

Selling my soul to whoever would buy;
Dealing in shame for a morsel of bread,
Hating the living and fearing the dead.
Merciful God! I have fallen so low!
And yet I was once like the beautiful snow..

Once I was fair as the beautiful snow,
With an eye like a crystal, a heart like its glow;
Once I was loved for my innocent grace--
Flattered and sought for the charms of my face!
Father,
Mother,
Sisters--all,

God and myself I have lost by my fall:
The veriest wretch that goes shivering by,
Will make a wide sweep lest I wander too night,
For all that is on or above me I know,
There is nothing so pure as the beautiful snow.

How strange it should be that this beautiful snow
Should fall on a sinner with nowhere to go!
How strange it should be when the night comes again
If the snow and the ice struck my desperate brain!
Fainting,
Freezing,
Dying alone,

Too wicked for prayer, too weak for a moan
To be heard in the streets of the crazy town,
Gone mad in the joy of snow coming down:
To be and to die in my terrible woe,
With a bed and a shroud of the beautiful snow.

Helpless and foul as the trampled snow,
SINNER, DESPAIR NOT! CHRIST STOOPETH LOW
TO RESCUE THE SOUL THAT IS LOST IN SIN,
AND RAISE IT TO LIFE AND ENJOYMENT AGAIN.
Groaning,
Bleeding,
Dying--for then,

The Crucified hung on the cursed tree!
His accents of mercy fall soft on thine ear,
"Is there mercy for me? Will He hear my weak prayer?"
O God, in the stream that for sinners did flow,
WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW.

Hitting The Wall?

2012-01-17T07:48:00.002-05:00

Have you hit the wall? People who try to break a bad habit such as criticizing others frequently come up against limits to growth. At first, their efforts pay off. The criticize less. The people around them feel more supported. The others reciprocate with positive feelings, which makes the person feel better and criticize less. This is a reinforcing spiral of improved behavior, positive feelings, and further improvement. But, then, their resolve weakens. Perhaps they start to find themselves facing aspects of others' behavior that really give them the most trouble; it was easily overlooked, a few little things, but this is another matter! Possibly, they just become complacent and stop paying attention to their knee jerk criticisms. For whatever reason, before long, they are back to their old habits.

The key here is to not become complacent! People exhaust themselves by trying to push themselves into a growth pattern when the key is simply to remove what is limiting their growth! Becoming a hungry student is the first and most important step to removing those barriers. Information expands the mind and prevents becoming complacent. You have to act on the new information you've received! Nothing repeals an old habit like the bath of fresh information to the contrary. I like to call that the aha moment.Keep feeding yourself new information and the possibility of complacency diminishes.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

A System That Failed To Teach Systems!

2012-01-16T07:26:00.000-05:00

A few posts back I'd mentioned the difference between systematic and linear thinking. The more I research this, the more it becomes apparent our education has become shortchanged as most of us were not introduced to systematic thinking. For some reason we've become a linear society! Most of us use a thought process where A+B=C in a defined process, but very little is that black and white! Systematic thinking demands we consider all the influencing factors, so the equation looks more like this (A+B)+(C+D)+E,and the rest of the alphabet = the results. Let's look at the real life example...

George decides to buy solar panels for his house. He's looking to become energy independent. During the process he talks to his envious neighbor Sam who decides if George enjoys the benefits of energy independence, he,(Sam), will make the same investment. A+B=C, rightly applied. Linear thinking works in this application.

George decides to go into business producing and selling those same solar panels. He's going to make a killing! He talks to Sam about his wonderful idea, and Sam decides if George does well, he, (Sam), will start the same business. A+B=C, NOT!. Sam isn't George. George maybe a better salesman, craftsman, or have more knowledge or better financial backing than Sam. Sam has not considered all the factors. He's not just adding an accessory to his house, he's relying on other influences that determine his outcome. He cannot expect the same success as George, as he is not George. It maybe better, it maybe worse, but it'll never be the same.

It's important we discern between when it's okay to make a decision based upon linear thinking and when we have to use a systematic approach. Even in a linear thinking situation we have to apply systematic thinking to be certain we've considered all the influences. Were you ever taught this type of logical thinking when you attended school? Chances are unless you were trained as an engineer, or someone whose career is based upon systems, you were taught A+B=C. We don't have to look far to see that logical thinking is absent in the education system. Was that by design, or for a purpose? A system that failed to teach systems.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

Rock The Vote!

2012-01-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

The time is approaching for some to choose their candidate for the Republican nomination to run for President. I've been asked over and over again who fits my parameters, and honestly it doesn't matter. It's your job to vote your conscience. Individually we are responsible to do our due diligence and make a choice. We cannot rely upon others to lead us to where our vote is applied, as in the end we are all personally responsible for our actions. I will however interject this. There are subtle differences in each of the offerings, and those are critical points to consider.

One presents himself as a businessman with the capabilities of turning around ventures that have strayed from sound business principles. This might be a plus when it comes to making the hard decisions this country is going to have to face to remain solvent financially.

One offering is a strict constitutionalist, who would like to bring us back to the guidelines this great nation was founded upon. He'd like to abolish all those areas and agencies that represent a departure from the founding father's original intent. I also find myself in support of that framework of thought, it worked for the better part of this nation's existence, why stray from it?

Another offering represents himself as a strong debater and knowledgeable of the workings in Washington, with the ability and the history of getting things done within that framework. One has to admit there is value in this type of experience. Knowing how to influence others to get the job done, does have it's benefit.

Then there is the social conservative that has also worked within the system. He believes that social values are critical in the running of this great country. I find this message equally important and frankly absent from the direction Washington has embarked upon.

The final candidate has experience with global affairs. He's worked inside the State Department's structure, and understands our role in the world structure. He has the knowledge of how to persuade our allies and other regimes toward working together to achieve a common goal. You have to agree this also has it's upside.

So there is a decision to be made. All the candidates bring something to the table of value. Frankly, since there can only be but one, the rest should seek positions within this next presidency. I will point out there is only one quality that encompasses and unites all their strength. It's who has the moral character to get the job done? If your a moral being your business decisions will be in everyone's best interest. If your a man of high moral fiber your going to stick to the rule of law as presented in the Constitution. If your a moral individual your ability to work within the system will come smoothly as people will be drawn to you. If you stand on high moral principles the social issues are a breeze. And finally if your a man of high moral character our allies and other regimes will find favor in what you present. When you cast your ballot, vote for moral character first and allow the rest to be welcome accessories!

God Bless!
Capt. Bill

You Have To Apply Common Sense!

2012-01-14T07:08:00.002-05:00

I encountered an interesting argument during a debate with an individual who was having trouble believing in God. It seems the idea that man had created the Bible out of the blue and it wasn't a reliable depiction of historical events infected his thinking. As a non-believer in God, he, by default placed his faith in mankind and specifically science. He then went on to try to convince me that those same humans created the Bible to further their agenda. So I had to ask....Left to themselves mankind basically will always take the path of least resistance. I mean if there is a task to be done, most would prefer someone else do it, or at last resort find the easiest way to do the least amount of work possible and still get by. Mankind doesn't like to be told what to do, nor when they need to do it. A great example is to ask your child to clean their room. In most cases the mess in question will end up in the closet, under the bed, or in the laundry hamper. So with that in mind, why would they subject themselves to the rigid structure of God's law depicted in the same Bible he claimed man created?

Realistically the mankind I've been exposed to, doesn't take easily to the phrase, "Thou shalt not..." Left to themselves to make the rules, I believe it would say, "Thou shall, and as often as thou feels like!" Pleasure trumps discipline in a secular world, so once again I ask...If mankind invented a fictional book of moral guidelines, why would they be moral at all? Reason dictates it was mandated by a higher power. I mean come on, have you met your fellow man?

So naturally this fellow didn't believe in creation as that would involve a higher power. He was a staunch evolutionist. Once again the debate caused me to introduce logic into the discussion. Suppose your out in the middle of nowhere, I'm talking like South Pole nowhere. You come across a discarded CD player. How did that get there? The components that makeup that piece of electronic hardware are all a part of this earthly world, so did it evolve into existence, or did it have a creator? Is there anyway, given enough time, that piece could have assembled itself? Of course not! And it's not even 1% as complicated as the human body. That piece of electronic equipment had a creator and so do you. It was part of an intelligent design, as were you. You can pile up all the elements that make that CD player in a pile, wait and eternity, cause an explosion, freeze it, warm it, soak it in water, nuke it, do whatever, and you'll still not find an assembled CD player at the end of your quest. The same applies to life. The day someone can start with absolutely nothing and make me a pancreas, we'll talk about this notion. But I'm not holding my breath, unless the Almighty himself wants to punk me. While I'm sure God has a sense of humor based on the aardvark and the platypus, I'm also convinced He doesn't do stunts.

Funny, that chap didn't want to debate anymore. But I've not yet seen him in church, so our work isn't done. Remember, if man had actually created the Ten Commandments, they'd be quite different, and nothing over time is still nothing. Simple math, 0+0=0 period.

God Bless
Capt. Bill