It's almost here!

Nostalgia

Lady Antebellum "American Honey". This is a clip of them on Ellen. Love this song! Reminds me of home and old memories and such. Love it. Love them.

She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American honey

Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Tryin' to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yea

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American honey

Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey

Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothin's sweeter than summertime
And American honey

What the Hell is going on in Colombia?

Here is an interesting representation of what is going on in Colombia. Although it only touches on a few of the main points, such as the American involvement in the conflict and the government's lack of accountability, I like the way this was done. It helps to illustrate that the conflict is not black and white, like most Americans think, but it is multifaceted and needs the attention of the international community. Most people don't really seem to care about the situation in Colombia because they feel like it doesn't directly affect them, so who cares right? WRONG. Whether you know it or not, you play a major role in the Colombian conflict. And I don't mean just people who buy the drugs in the states. NOPE. Our tax dollars are used to just "throw money at the problem". Well in case you haven't noticed, that strategy doesn't seem to work anywhere. And how about those ingredients used to make coca into cocaine? Where do you think those are imported from? I'll give you one guess... And how about those Ford Explorers that the drug gangs drive around in? You can't tell me that these companies don't know what their products are being used for in Colombia. They do know, but they don't care because money is money and it doesn't matter where it comes from, or who it affects. The Colombian government also plays a role though. For example, as it says in the video, families cannot live on growing let's say coffee, alone. It is impossible to do so. This is mainly because of the international markets and the lack of subsidies to farmers within Colombia. And it's not that Colombia is poor by any means, they are not, but one would assume so based on news reports and statistics. I think the latest is that about 60% of Colombians live in poverty (don't quote me on that statistic, but I think that's what it is). Can you imagine? That is HUGE. Anyways, I am rambling on and on. I will get off my soapbox now... watch the video :)

Thoughts

Just wanted to share some of my Uncle's thoughts that he had written in his journal the last few years. These were read by his son (my cousin Mike) at the service this past week. I think they are beautifully written, thought provoking and wise. Enjoy.

Random Thoughts – by John Henningsen and read by Michael Henningsen

Marriage

I believe that marriage and all that comes with it boils down to love and commitment. It’s an easy statement to make, but not always easy to carry out. JoAnn and I have been fortunate to make it through some very trying times and some very satisfying times as best friends and still in love. It seems we both made the right choices back in 1963! It’s been GREAT!

Family

For me family comes first – before anyone or anything! If family does not come first, then something is badly broken. Either the family itself is seriously dysfunctional or individuals within the family have let their values fall out of their proper order. I believe that family is the anchor or compass of our lives. Friends can come and go, but a person’s family does not change. It is something you can always fall back on or go back to. Often friends will fall by the wayside or even turn against us. As they say, “Blood is thicker than water”.

Children

Children are the greatest joy that marriage can bring. Raising children and helping them develop into responsible and productive adults is the greatest challenge that God could possibly assign to parents. Carrying out this assignment brings many highs and many lows, many joys and some disappointments, achieved expectations, many surprises – but mostly it brings many proud moments and a sense of achievement for parents. It is hard work being a parent. In most cases, if you work hard, keep your eye on the ball, and have a sense of humor – the result is success!

Responsibility

One big thing I have always preached as a husband, father, and as a manager in my work life - is that we all have to take responsibility for our actions – good or bad. If we make a decision, we have to accept it and either enjoy the fruits of success or the woes of failure. If it is the latter, accept our mistake and correct it and do not make it again. This attitude is healthy; the opposite is unhealthy and will only bring more woe.

Athletics

Many will say that athletics are not important and a waste of time. For me, they were an important part of my “life education”. I learned how to trust others, how to solve problems, how to lead others, how to analyze other tendencies rather quickly, how to work within an organization, the importance of giving yourself up for the great good sometimes, and how to enjoy and relax while doing physical activity. Pretty good education!

Reality of Life

The proven reality of life is that is consists of “ups and downs”. Those that do not understand this will experience a mighty struggle with life in this world. Life is never all good or all bad, but it is a combination of the two. If you understand this, you can get through the tough times and not get too excited when things are going extremely well. The most important thing is to understand things are not always going to be either good or tough and to “just keep moving forward”.