“Our paths in life are laid down according to a plan more grandiose than we could ever conceive or comprehend…”  Michael David Lukas

So Let’s Show Up.  Think Big.  Risk.  Love.  Be Open to Adventure!  Be Part of Life!

e. e. cummings at Harvard 1915

“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”

Wise words by e. e. cummings challenge us… Here are some of my thoughts about growing and becoming: To resolutely place outdated customs and habits behind me. To humbly embrace my spiritual life in times of doubt. To firmly commit to personal accountability. To eagerly seek knowledge and understanding. To selflessly love others. To openly pursue possibilities. To generously serve community. To faithfully fulfill responsibilities.  

Perhaps actions like these lead to who we really are… From trying, I know – it does take effort and it does take courage.

Battle of Bull Run – 150 years ago

150 years ago this week, July 21 1861, was the first big battle of the Civil War pitting the United States Volunteer Army against the newly formed Confederate States rebel army..

The armies met near Bull Run, in northern Virginia about 30 miles from Washington City. The armies fought back and forth for hours. The engraving above shows the famous Irish Brigade of the Union Army. I actually took part in a reenactment of this battle a few years back in Manassas Virginia, with thousands of other reenactors. I portrayed a member of this Union Irish Brigade. My wife made me a cotton red shirt, just like in the pic above, to go with my Union reenactor’s uniform.

In the real battle, 150 years ago, after numerous attacks and counterattacks, Confederate troops managed to gather enough strength to push forward. The Union retreat turned the conflict into total chaos.

“As we gained the cover of the woods the stampede became even more frightful, for the baggage wagons and ambulances became entangled with the artillery and rendered the scene even more dreadful than the battle. If the Confederates had begun an immediate attack, nothing in heaven’s name could have saved the capital of Washington,” Union Corporal Samuel English wrote at the time. Fortunately for the Union cause, the Confederates were too tired and disorganized to pursue.

The battle was small compared to later conflicts but helped set the course of the war. President Lincoln realized the conflict would be a long and difficult one, and set out to recruit more troops and prepare for a long, drawn-out war. The Confederates drew the opposite conclusion from what was essentially a lucky break and came away from the first Battle of Bull Run with a false sense of confidence.

The Union Army would eventually win the war 4 years later in 1865 after 620,000 deaths in brutal fighting. The result is the United States of America.

Today is Bastille Day in France!

Let’s celebrate with our longest, oldest friend! Do you know that France was our first military ally, and the French army and navy helped us defeat Great Britain and win our independence in 1783!?

Do you know that French emperor Napoleon sold the huge territory of Louisiana to the young United States in 1804 so that we could expand to the west!?

Do you know that France helped to preoccupy the British in our War of 1812!?

Do you know that the people of France sent us the Statue of Liberty that has been in New York Harbor for 130 years!?

Do you know that we were allied with France in both World Wars!?

France has been a true, faithful friend over the centuries. Let’s join with them in their national Bastille Day celebration this July 14!

Today is Bastille Day in France!

Let’s celebrate with our longest, oldest friend! Do you know that France was our first military ally, and the French army and navy helped us defeat Great Britain and win our independence in 1783!?

Do you know that French emperor Napoleon sold the huge territory of Louisiana to the young United States in 1804 so that we could expand to the west!?

Do you know that France helped to preoccupy the British in our War of 1812!?

Do you know that the people of France sent us the Statue of Liberty that has been in New York Harbor for 130 years!?

Do you know that we were allied with France in both World Wars!?

France has been a true, faithful friend over the centuries. Let’s join with them in their national Bastille Day celebration this July 14!

WELCOME SOUTH SUDAN!!!

Today – July 9, 2011 – South Sudan becomes the World’s 196th country. The capital is Juba. About the size of Texas. Around 9 million people, mostly Christian and animist. Best wishes to this newest addition to the world family!

There are 192 countries in the United Nations. Recognized entities that are not in the UN are Vatican City, Taiwan, and Kosovo. South Sudan will likely join this world body soon.