ADOPTED FROM JIM ROHN
A Grenade, a Helmet and a Choice by Ron White
His name was Jason Dunham and he was a corporal in the United States Marines. The story picks up with Jason as he was talking with the men in his unit. They wondered whether a person could jump on a grenade and survive by putting it under his helmet. Deep down they all knew that it most likely wouldn't work, yet on the streets of Baghdad all topics of conversation can soon become quickly exhausted and hypothetical solutions to real-life problems can pass the time.
Unfortunately for Jason Dunham, the circumstance that he had hypothesized about arrived just a few weeks later. However, fortunately for his unit, Corporal Jason Dunham was there. In this life and death scenario, there is no time to think. There is only time for fight or flight. Jason chose fight and performed above and beyond the call of duty. He threw his helmet and body over a grenade and gave his life for his friends. Jason was nominated for The Congressional Medal of Honor. He was 20 years old.
Your stance on political matters or world issues is irrelevant in this scenario. Jason did not do this for you. He did not do it for the people of Baghdad. He didn't do it for the U.S. government or a politician. He did it for the men beside him, period.
To give your life for your friends is perhaps the greatest thing one person can do for another. It is also one of the rarest acts of civilization.
In 1981, shots rang out and bullets screamed through the air to pierce the flesh of the 40th President of the United States. No sooner had the gun powder been ignited than secret service agent Tim McCarthy stood up as straight as a board and extended his arms to make himself a large barrier between would-be assassin John Hinckley and President Reagan. While others ran for cover, Agent McCarthy stood looking directly at his potential death with firm resolve. Tim was shot square in the chest and, believe it or not, that was exactly his goal. As he positioned himself spread eagle to take a bullet for a man, an office and a nation, others cowered in trembling fear. Because of amazing grace, agent McCarthy survived.
What causes men and women to lay down their lives for another? It takes a lot. First and foremost, it takes a realization that life isn't about you. It is about making a difference, about making an impact and about giving.
Jason Dunham and Tim McCarthy were able to respond the way they did because:
• They decided how they were going to respond long before the event occurred.
• They were not selfish people – the farthest you could be from selfish, as a matter of fact.
• They realized that life was not about them; it was about making a difference – it was about others.
I hope with all my heart you are never placed in a situation where you have to choose between your life and those around you. Yet, every day you are in situations where you have to make choices. You must decide right now how you will respond.
The lesson to extract from the lives of Corporal Dunham and Agent McCarthy is that of an overall attitude on life. That attitude, simply put, is that it is better to give than receive. It is honorable to view the lives and well-being of others above yourself. If we can take any pearl of wisdom from the extraordinary lives and attitudes of these two men, it is that making an impact on the world is not always about recognition, power, money or personal gain. Sometimes the greatest success is one who gives himself up so others can succeed. That is the mark of the ultimate high achiever.
Decide today how you will respond in your moments of crisis - whether it is financial, personal or life and death. As you plan your actions, remember the selfless lessons of Corporal Dunham and Agent McCarthy.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
TODAY'S MUTTERINGS
It is in the daily circumstances that you pick lessons to encourage you to be a better person. My day begun with a confession that this was my time to Act. I confessed that procrastination did not exist among my vocabularies. I looked around my house to see want I could pick and use. I landed on some books that I had been selling in the past before getting married on 13th of June 2009. "I will sell these books today" I muttered as I left my house. God Knows our hearts,He led me to a school where the books are being reviewed for purchase. I had only ten (10)Shillings not dollars in my pocket. Remember to get to town and back, you need at least 120 shillings. As I walked around a sharp bend, a saloon car hooted near me and asked whether I was headed to town. I couldn't resist the help. That is how I found my way to town.There are moments you are just about to Give up in life... just look up unto your creator and seek for help. David in Psalms 118 said,"I called unto God in my Distress and He heard me and set me into a large place. Where there is will, there is a way. From today's happenings, I promise to depend on God fully for my providence without forsaking the use of the gifts and talents that He freely gave me.
Mutterings
It is in God that we live, move and Find our being.Depend on Him always.
God bless
Mutterings
It is in God that we live, move and Find our being.Depend on Him always.
God bless
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Subtlety of Language by Jim Rohn
Adopted From Jim Rohn
I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our attitude, which of course can make a major difference in our future, can be as simple as the language we use. The difference in even how you talk to yourself or others. Consciously making a decision to quit saying what you don't want and to start saying what you do want. I call that faith. Believing the best, hoping for the best and moving toward the best.
A few examples could be, instead of saying "What if somebody doesn't respond" you start saying, "What if they do respond?" Instead of saying "What if someone says no?" You say, "What if they say yes?" Instead of "What if they start and quit?" say, "What if they start and stay?" or "What if it doesn't work out?" You say, "What if it does work out?" and the list goes on and on.
I found that when you start thinking and saying what you really want then your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that direction. And sometimes it can be that simple, just a little twist in vocabulary that illustrates your attitude and philosophy.
Our language can also affect how others perform and behave around us. A teenager says to a parent, "I need $10." And if the parents learn to say, "No comprende. That kind of language doesn't work here. We've got plenty of money, but that's not how you get $10." Then you teach your teenager how to ask, "How can I earn $10?"
That is the magic of words. There is plenty of money here. There is money for everybody, but you just have to learn the magic words to get them. For everything you could possibly want. If you just learn the philosophy. How could I earn $10? Because you can't go to the soil and say, "Give me a harvest." You know the soil smiles and says, "Who is this clown that brings me his need and brings me no seed." And if you said to the soil, "I've got this seed and if I planted it, would you work while I sleep?" And the soil says, "No problem. Give me the seed. Go to sleep and I'll be working while you're sleeping."
If you just understand these simple principles, teaching them to a teenager (or adult) is sometimes just a matter of language. It's like an investment account instead of a savings account. Simple language, but so important. It is easy to stumble through almost a lifetime and not learn some of these simplicities. Then you have to put up with all the lack and all the challenges that don't work out simply from not reading the book, not listening to the tape, not sitting in the class, not studying your language and not being willing to search so you can then find.
But here is the great news. You can start this process anytime. For me it was at age 25. At 25 I'm broke. Six years later I'm a millionaire. Somebody says, "What kind of revolution, what kind of change, what kind of thinking, what kind of magic had to happen? Was it you?" And I say, "No. Any person, any six years, 36 to 42, 50 to 56. Whatever six years; whatever few years you go on an intensive, accelerated personal development curve, learning curve, application curve, and learning the disciplines. Now, it might not take the same amount of time, but I'm telling you the same changes and the same rewards in some different fashion are available for those who pay that six year price. And you might find that whether it's in the beginning to help get you started, or in the middle to keep you on track, that your language can have a great impact on your attitude, actions and results.
I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our attitude, which of course can make a major difference in our future, can be as simple as the language we use. The difference in even how you talk to yourself or others. Consciously making a decision to quit saying what you don't want and to start saying what you do want. I call that faith. Believing the best, hoping for the best and moving toward the best.
A few examples could be, instead of saying "What if somebody doesn't respond" you start saying, "What if they do respond?" Instead of saying "What if someone says no?" You say, "What if they say yes?" Instead of "What if they start and quit?" say, "What if they start and stay?" or "What if it doesn't work out?" You say, "What if it does work out?" and the list goes on and on.
I found that when you start thinking and saying what you really want then your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that direction. And sometimes it can be that simple, just a little twist in vocabulary that illustrates your attitude and philosophy.
Our language can also affect how others perform and behave around us. A teenager says to a parent, "I need $10." And if the parents learn to say, "No comprende. That kind of language doesn't work here. We've got plenty of money, but that's not how you get $10." Then you teach your teenager how to ask, "How can I earn $10?"
That is the magic of words. There is plenty of money here. There is money for everybody, but you just have to learn the magic words to get them. For everything you could possibly want. If you just learn the philosophy. How could I earn $10? Because you can't go to the soil and say, "Give me a harvest." You know the soil smiles and says, "Who is this clown that brings me his need and brings me no seed." And if you said to the soil, "I've got this seed and if I planted it, would you work while I sleep?" And the soil says, "No problem. Give me the seed. Go to sleep and I'll be working while you're sleeping."
If you just understand these simple principles, teaching them to a teenager (or adult) is sometimes just a matter of language. It's like an investment account instead of a savings account. Simple language, but so important. It is easy to stumble through almost a lifetime and not learn some of these simplicities. Then you have to put up with all the lack and all the challenges that don't work out simply from not reading the book, not listening to the tape, not sitting in the class, not studying your language and not being willing to search so you can then find.
But here is the great news. You can start this process anytime. For me it was at age 25. At 25 I'm broke. Six years later I'm a millionaire. Somebody says, "What kind of revolution, what kind of change, what kind of thinking, what kind of magic had to happen? Was it you?" And I say, "No. Any person, any six years, 36 to 42, 50 to 56. Whatever six years; whatever few years you go on an intensive, accelerated personal development curve, learning curve, application curve, and learning the disciplines. Now, it might not take the same amount of time, but I'm telling you the same changes and the same rewards in some different fashion are available for those who pay that six year price. And you might find that whether it's in the beginning to help get you started, or in the middle to keep you on track, that your language can have a great impact on your attitude, actions and results.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
LESSONS FROM THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION
GRASS IS NOT GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Surely marriage is an institution that has a thousand lessons. Lets take an educational journey to this institution. Before i got married, i had broken many relationships. My reason for breaking these relationships was that it was not God's will for us to marry. This had come by because just before i fully committed myself to any relationship, i would meet a"better" breed of a suitor and fall for them. After my wedding on the 13th of June 2009, i term my habit as "A LACK OF FOCUS" lifestyle. Discipline tells you everyday, "You said yesterday that she was the best girl in the world, how comes you want to change it today."
LESSONS SUMMARIZED
1. Focus
2. Have values and stick to them
3. Never commit to anything before you see the end picture
4. Always remember that what goes around always comes around.
5. Do unto others what you would like them to do to you.
6. If you make a mistake, repent, learn from it and NEVER repeat it.
7. You are a sum total of your thoughts. Believe that what you have gotten is the best and it will be so.
8. NEVER NEVER GIVE UP ON ANYONE.Don't judge individuals by the way they look today... you might be surprised at what they become tomorrow.
a Short story about my school mate and I
While in secondary school many knew me as a "bookworm" i would read everything i laid my hands on. A friend of mine called Jedidah(Now a prominent business lady), was hated by most of my friends because of her "Big Mouth". She regularly suffered battles from most of my friends. After leaving school, we were tarmacking and could not settle for casual jobs. Jedidah met her Lawyer suitor and could not hide her inheritance: A self driven prado, 5 acres of land, a house for her parents and to sum it all happiness. Jedidah is now among the highest ranked business women in Nakuru. Once in a while before i could afford a car, she would give me a lift in her prado.
In conclusion, i will echo one swahili proverb translation: learn to love as you rise up the ladder because you might need them on your way down.
God Bless
Surely marriage is an institution that has a thousand lessons. Lets take an educational journey to this institution. Before i got married, i had broken many relationships. My reason for breaking these relationships was that it was not God's will for us to marry. This had come by because just before i fully committed myself to any relationship, i would meet a"better" breed of a suitor and fall for them. After my wedding on the 13th of June 2009, i term my habit as "A LACK OF FOCUS" lifestyle. Discipline tells you everyday, "You said yesterday that she was the best girl in the world, how comes you want to change it today."
LESSONS SUMMARIZED
1. Focus
2. Have values and stick to them
3. Never commit to anything before you see the end picture
4. Always remember that what goes around always comes around.
5. Do unto others what you would like them to do to you.
6. If you make a mistake, repent, learn from it and NEVER repeat it.
7. You are a sum total of your thoughts. Believe that what you have gotten is the best and it will be so.
8. NEVER NEVER GIVE UP ON ANYONE.Don't judge individuals by the way they look today... you might be surprised at what they become tomorrow.
a Short story about my school mate and I
While in secondary school many knew me as a "bookworm" i would read everything i laid my hands on. A friend of mine called Jedidah(Now a prominent business lady), was hated by most of my friends because of her "Big Mouth". She regularly suffered battles from most of my friends. After leaving school, we were tarmacking and could not settle for casual jobs. Jedidah met her Lawyer suitor and could not hide her inheritance: A self driven prado, 5 acres of land, a house for her parents and to sum it all happiness. Jedidah is now among the highest ranked business women in Nakuru. Once in a while before i could afford a car, she would give me a lift in her prado.
In conclusion, i will echo one swahili proverb translation: learn to love as you rise up the ladder because you might need them on your way down.
God Bless
Friday, June 5, 2009
USED vs LOVED
Author: Anonymous
While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand and hit it many times; not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his father.....with painful eyes he asked, 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' The man was so hurt and speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated by his own actions.......sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide. .. .
Anger and Love have no limits; choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life..... Things are to be used and people are to be loved,
But the problem in today's world is that, People are used and things are loved... During this year, let's be careful to keep this thought in mind: Things are to be used, but People are to be loved ... Be yourself....This is the only day we HAVE. Have a nice day
Best regards
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits they become character; Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand and hit it many times; not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his father.....with painful eyes he asked, 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' The man was so hurt and speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated by his own actions.......sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide. .. .
Anger and Love have no limits; choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life..... Things are to be used and people are to be loved,
But the problem in today's world is that, People are used and things are loved... During this year, let's be careful to keep this thought in mind: Things are to be used, but People are to be loved ... Be yourself....This is the only day we HAVE. Have a nice day
Best regards
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits they become character; Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
ONE MORE WEEK TO THE BIG DAY
Hi guys its Kiago again as he finalizes His wedding plans to he held on 13th June 2009 at Destiny City Chapel Thika opposite Maathai Supermarket. 10am will not be very Early to walk down the isle.
God Bless you as you come
God Bless you as you come
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