Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, 2013

To our good friends near and far. The next few days, starting tonight or tomorrow, will refresh us and help us to remember our blessings. There are many stories of the first Thanksgiving, some of which may be slightly modified, but the point is, we are a rich, abundant nation, with a grateful disposition. So, we celebrate and give thanks for what we have, who we are, what we believe, and our friends and neighbors, even strangers. Why? Because we want to. Its our nature. Its not a party, its a response.

America is an idea, not a place. That's why it has lasted so long and been so influential. We are as concerned about Truth, individualism, our fellow man (including those beyond our borders) as we are about our own survival and growth. Our faith heritage has guided our behavior and values, and we continue to exercise that over 200 years later, in its various forms and traditions. Our differences are our strength, not a weakness. It is through the multitude of woven fabric of our society that we are able to be as great as we are. And humble. Its why the world looks to us in trouble, even these days. And its why some risk life and limb to get here, for a better tomorrow, for the benefit of their kin, some of whom aren't even born yet.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving America! Our best days are yet to come! Share what we have in common, and rejoice in our differences, because it all works together.

JFK assasinated today, 50 years ago

But did you know that another significant figure also died that same day, November 22 1963? Clive Staples Lewis, more commonly referred to as C.S. Lewis. His writings, both fiction and non-fiction, and all faith based, have been circulating for many years, although the re-introduction of the Narnia series, and the accompanying film, probably got him more attention than in the past. Obviously, his death, from renal failure, was passed over for more significant events that day, but his legacy lives on and has perhaps reached an audience that might not have been expected.

I would be remiss if not to mention JFK on this memorial day. I remember it too well, even though only 6 years old at the time, in first grade. It was a dark day, and the swirl of events and theories abounds. Having visited there with my daughter last summer, it is still eerie.

The discussion around the character, flaws, tendencies, and strengths of John F Kennedy is endless, as are the theories about his untimely passing. If you have ever visited the gravesite and seen the eternal flame burning, you know his life meant something, His presidency was only 34 months, but some of his quotes are also eternal.

• "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
• And the lesser known "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

Kennedy's constant message of peace, cooperation, fulfillment, and purpose, whether it be to the moon, or just to the next door neighbor, continues to remind us that we are here for a reason. And the best use of our space on earth would be to find that purpose, and use it for the Greater Good.

Please help My Brothers Keeper's Thanksgiving drive

My Brothers Keeper is trying to finish well in their food drive for Thanksgiving. Please do what you can. See the appeal here.
You can donate via Paypal on their website if you like. It's a great cause, local to our area, and helps our community to take care of its own.
http://bit.ly/1cIjxJO

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thank you very much for voting for Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper

Thank you for supporting Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper!

The votes are in, and though Renae Nelson didn’t win an additional donation from Safeco Insurance in the “Vote for Your Favorite Safeco Insurance^® Community Hero” event, we want to thank you for your support.

More importantly, however, we would like to congratulate Renae again for being selected for a Safeco Community Hero Award. With only 16 honors given nationwide, the award confirms something we already know: Renae is a winner for the work she does for My Brothers Keeper. We at Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency are incredibly proud to have nominated her.

The biggest winner of all, of course, is the community, as My Brothers Keeper will use the $5,000 Community Hero donation from Safeco Insurance to continue their work improving the lives of others. And if you’d like to learn how to volunteer or support My Brothers Keeper, please visit them at www.mybkoutreach.org

Check out what voters had to say about Renae and My Brothers Keeper by clicking on the Safeco Community Hero ad on the home page of www.Safeco.com, clicking on the Community Hero tab on the Safeco Insurance Facebook or going directly to the voting site:  http://www.safeco.com/about-safeco/community/community-hero-vote.

And be sure to check out the stories of the other Community Heroes, too. We hope you’re as inspired by their work as we are!

Thank you again so much for your efforts to recognize Renae. Have a great day!

Safeco and BRIA helping Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper

We have been promoting My Brothers Keeper, and the founder, Renae Nelson, for a few weeks now. She was selected as a Safeco Community Hero last month, and was entered along with 15 others in a nationwide contest to win additional funding for her ministry. She is a friend and fellow church member of ours, and a fine, dedicated, hardworking member of the Houston/Sugar Land Community. Her efforts reach into Harris and Fort Bend Counties, helping the poor, homeless, jobless, and broken families to get a hand up and hear a Good Word. Please help us boost her to the top by voting for her in the contest, which ends at 12 Noon Monday 11/4/2013. You can vote every day and share, tweet, forward and promote as much as you like. Links are below. Thank you so much!

at the Safeco website, look for the link on the home page - www.safeco.com
on Facebook, look for the button - www.facebook.com/safecoinsurance
Have a great weekend!!!