Thought 4 the Week

All endeavor calls for the ability

to tramp the last mile,

shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil.

The fight to the finish spirit is the one...

characteristic we must posses

if we are to face the future as finishers.

- Henry David Thoreau

On the Eve of Q2: Brief Thoughts and a Belief in the "Art of the Possible"

Q1 2014 is coming to an end. The first day of spring has begun and with it the possibilities at hand.

We here at "outsider views' decided to break the silence temporarily to briefly reflect upon a very challenging World which has been before us especially over the past few weeks. Whether it was the disappearance of Flight MH370, the Russian takeover of Crimea and the on-going challenges around the World, such events has given leaders around the World sleepless nights. As we continued the planning process, we have continued to assess the situation in Afghanistan. It was with a sense of shock and horror as the attack of the Serena Hotel in Kabul occurred which resulted in the killing a Young Afghan Family. A 40-year reporter for Agence France Press,, his wife and two of his children were shot at point blank range. It is absolutely horrific beyond words which underscores the plight of Afghanistan as it finally says goodbye to the Karzai years. 

As we gear up for the new Quarter, we will be assessing the state of the World and assessing ideas & on-going thoughts: the essence of why this project will evolve and continue. We want to take this opportunity to express a continued sense of appreciation to all who visit daily and hope that we will continue to exceed expectations as the evolution of this project evolves. We hope that this very hopeful, uplifting and engaging talk is enjoyed to underscore how hopeful one must be no more what the circumstances may be:

 

We end this retrospective with the hope that the Worldwide search for MH370 culminates is a sense of closure for the families as Australia and the World continues their search. We hope the almighty grant all the families a sense of solace on their loss a prayer for those lost souls. 

Also released by http://www.outsiderviews.com March 2014...All rights reserved under Creative Commons

As Spring is the Air...and on this St. Patrick's Day 2014: A Personal Wish :-)

As a new week is before us, on the eve of Spring and on this St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to begin by sharing these beautiful Irish Blessings with all and wishing all the very best: 

May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you,

a moonbeam to charm you,

a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to you.

Faithful friends near you.

And whenever you pray,

Heaven to hear you.

- Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

- Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.

- Irish Blessing

Around Our World: On the Missing Malaysian Plane

As I work away, I am right now listening to the Malaysian Prime Minister making a statement on the missing Malaysian Airline plane MH370.   He's giving a broad overview of what has happened over the past week including the latest briefings he has received including new satellite communication.   It appears that the onboard navigation system was turned off as it turned back.  The Prime Minister is stating that there is no indication yet whether this was hijacked or not.   There are two distinct possibilities where the plane may have traveled to.     My thoughts and prayers are with those who are missing and their families as I listen to the Prime Minister. 

On the Eve of Spring: "V-Thoughts" As We Await Spring

Spring is in the air!!

With it, there is a chance to begin anew and reaffirm.  Hope is eternal and this clip from the team @ Simple Truths is ever so timely.  Although it is not easy to note this with all that is going on in Ukraine, The Central African Republic, & Nigeria.  But, one has to keep hope alive :_)

Hope Friends Enjoy!! :-)

Onward.....

---

On the Eve of Spring: A "thought 4 the day"

Our opportunity is to Soar our Spirit.

To see Light and Joy in everything.

To spread our wings and fly boldly.

To give thanks for rainbows and butterflies -

our symbols of renewal and rebirth.

To offer daily Thanksgiving - for ourselves, our family,

our friends, our community, for the whole world.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Looking to a New Quarter: Brief Thoughts

Q1 2014 will be history soon.    It has been a very challenging period to say the least.    As I hope to take and assess "Outsiders" to the next level, I have also been reflecting upon history.    Watching the film Lincoln reminded me that if one has faith and confidence--that anything is possible.   Although the film has a bit of "Hollywood Hype", the essential fact remained that he wanted to abolish slavery and he was able to do despite all the nay sayers.     I also had a chance to see Wilson about his faith and recognition of how America had to change.    That sense of idealism in the truest sense is ever so important now.

Although Ukraine is a challenge, I remain hopeful and by the time I take up developing "Outsiders" starting next month, that cooler heads would have prevailed.  Too many people have died,  Too many people have suffered and too many people continue to suffer.  China is beginning its' annual National People's Congress and the endemic fight against corruption is center stage.   India is in the midst of an election and we will see some changes soon.    Syria's killing fields continue ever more.    Turkey continues to be besieged by a conflict between an increasingly autocratic Prime Minister and a mass movement that is yet to play itself out.     This is a as America enters the budget season with some very ambitious goals by President Obama to scale back the size of the Army--even though the US continues to spend more than all 10 other countries around the World:

Although I remain hopeful about Iran, trouble continues to be ever so on both sides.    But, as I take a "sabatical" from the writing and research on "outsiders", my mind drifted to this from the Dalai Lama and end with this fervent wish:

..and hope that I can--through the development of "outsiders"--live up to this admonition.