A Pioneer's hopes

DARE TO BE GREAT IS A CHALLENGE,not an entitlement. It's an opportunity not a guarantee. For the fruit of the toil is the determination to work to be great.For no one can say they're at the top of the mountain if they haven't climbed one.It takes a great dare to be great to climb one. It also takes courage.For greatness don't come without sacrifice and courage.And until we realize this fruit of the toil-greatness cannot come. AMERICANS have always had a history of daring to be great. Taking risks,risking their very lives and fortunes for something greater than themselves. It is this fruit of the toil we remember them. SO DARE TO BE GREAT because you believe in something greater than yourself. Don't do it for fame and glory because that's materialistic unreal. And it don't last. But be great that will live in the mystic chords of memory where it will be bright in the hearts of others who thought your dare and courage  was great. Thanks 4 listenin...

APOLLO CREED-is one of my favorite movie characters-played by Carl Weathers. ROCKY BALBOA may have been an underdog story but even Slyvester Stallone knows,without Apollo Creed there wouldn't be a Rocky Balboa. Here's the story. Apollo,the heavyweight Boxing Champion had to find a fighter for America's Bicentennial.And all the ones he chosed were either hurt or had other obligations. So he chosed a local fighter out of a book of amatuer fighters. He chosed The Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa. Apollo even joked it sounded like a damn monster movie. Apollo Creed was unaware as Rocky himself was how this match would end up. For Rocky had the never give up spirit. Well it ended up 15 rounds with Rocky going the distance,yet Apollo still won. But it wasn't suppose to be that way. Apollo thought it would be quick and be a good show. Well it was,what both didn't realize till afterwards they wrote one the greatest chapters in Boxing history. IT WAS A UNIQUE THING-Be...

JOHN WAYNE REMEMBERED-40YRS AGO "Don't use my name for anything other than helping people with cancer."-John Wayne telling his kids. 40yrs ago an American icon passed away June 11,1979.He died battling cancer.No one in Hollywood had much of an impact more than 'The Duke.'He was definitely  a favorite in our household. There was so many classic lines from his movies,but he would be proud of his family today.I remember reading somewhere that before he died he let the doctors use his condition to find answers to this terrible disease called cancer.He knew others had or were facing it and wanted to help on his end. It shows the example of a great man he was.And according to the story by his kids in Closer magazine he raised his family to have respect which many today lack respect.His son Patrick and another fine actor told Closer: "He was a big guy on core values-friendship,being trustworthy,honest and loyal.We learned these things by example and...

"The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker.This honor now beckons America the chance to help lead the world at last out of the valley of turmoil and onto that high ground of peace that man has dreamed since the dawn of civilization."-President Richard Nixon. RICHARD NIXON I believe had this great role of peacemaker.Regardless of how his presidency ended.Nixon was given a 2nd chance and that he never gave up the arena. DURING HIS POLITICAL CAREER he always came back after so many defeats personally and politically.Later on gave advice to presidents after him.History was harsh because of his resignation,but history was also good to President Nixon. PEACE was something he often preached while being strong in foreign policy.He perhaps knew the scripture in the Bible that said "Blessed are those who work for peace,God will call them His children."So it is a great role for any of us to play.And it is a great honor no matter where we ser...

WINTERFEST 2019-Weather's predictions are always unseen.When you get an idea what Mother Nature does,she'll turn the winds on you and either do more havoc or she'll remind you to relax it's nothing. But so far Winterfest 2019 has been gentle for our areas and even though we have a storm heading our way.I only wished it came on Christmas.For we were snowless last Christmas.It wasn't much of a winter wonderland.But the spirit was there.Got pictures made of our tree. But the snow did come with havoc at end of November,it split my bush like a banana.Knocked some branches off my tree in back I call Big Al.The Bush up front I call G.W.I took pictures of them and shared.When snow covers the trees  it makes it a winter wonderland. But other states got hammered far worse.Now some who love snowmobiling love it.Why not.While others who don't like it got stuck.I don't blame the frustration.But winter is filled with snow and cold weather.While normally I...

OUR STATE SONG speaks of a gently flowing river.And some think its a fitting symbol of Illinois's achievements.And perhaps it is and you can make a list of a lot of them.From a prairie of wilderness to industrial businesses.With that Illinois grew with some top universities and we sent 4 presidents to the White House.Abraham Lincoln,Ulysses S.Grant ,Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. WHAT FASCINATES ME is that in February 1809 the territory of Illinois was first discovered almost the same week Abraham Lincoln was born.It shows the deep connection between the two. HOWEVER,the river may be flowing whether it's gentle now or not is the question.For the state with all its good in it has a big tax problem.And while some good men and women are fighting it it's not enough for many are gently flowing out of Illinois.And as we marked the 200yrs as a state we do have a lot to be thankful for.Her history is fascinating ,but her history of politicians have not all been that gre...

"Being honest may not get you a lot of friends,but it'll always get you the right ones."-John Lennon. HONESTY IS the first chapter in the book of wisdom and honesty is the true form of character.John Lennon spoke of true friends who respect honesty and the truth.And self claimed friends who don't.Honesty can hurt some who deny or refuse  to hear any of it.True friends will hear you,will hear the truth.The honesty that all comes to light and not hidden somewhere in the dark. PEOPLE WHO HONOR honesty honors the truth and appreciates it-no matter how hard it is to be heard. THE TRUTH sets us free and with honesty it uplifts our character.And to have character,to have wisdom one must be honest and in a world today so dark-where honesty is smeared,truth denied-it is no wonder it is in chaos. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH  demands hearts and minds to be open so ears can hear and eyes can see.To me being honest is the best policy that can be made.Thanks 4 listening.  ...