Advice from Nora Roberts on Making Progress

Picture Lido Key by Bruce G. Smith

Nepal Earthquake

Update 4/27/2015:

The death toll today has risen to over 3,800. Follow the link below to donate to Julian Lennon's White Feather Foundation Nepal Earthquake Fund. He will match donated funds.

April 26th: Yesterday Nepal suffered a tragic earthquake. This morning the death toll has risen to over 2,000. The initial earthquake was a 7.8-magnitude quake Northwest of Kathmandu. At 7 a.m. local time today, they had an aftershock of 6.7 causing additional misery.

The initial earthquake caused death and damage in four countries – Nepal, India, China and Pakistan. It caused avalanches on Mount Everest. Seventeen people have been reported killed in the avalanches including Google engineer Dan Fredinburg.

In addition to the many killed and injured in the earthquake and aftershocks. A number of Nepal’s ancient buildings were also destroyed. The Dharahara Tower, built in the 1800s, no longer stands.

Many countries have pledged aid including United States, Norway, Pakistan, China and India. Authorities hope to have the International Airport in Kathmandu ready to receive planes today. Also the high altitude and terrain will make the rescue efforts difficult.

Our prayers and sympathies go out to the survivors. 

Achieve Potentiality

True Intimacy

Alaska Young

Road Rage and Rampant Anger in Society

Ohio, Photo by Bruce G. Smith

I think it is time to take a deep breath and relax. Everyone that drives needs to contemplate road rage. What is it that causes drivers to lose emotional control behind the wheel? Every day stories abound of drivers getting outraged over minor slights in traffic. Outraged enough to cause harm or kill other individuals.

Individuals who are typically nice people seem to take personal affront to another driver’s actions. Sometimes to the point, they will pull a gun and shoot the other driver. Why has society become so angry?

I’ve seen rage in the grocery line. People slamming each other’s carts to get one place closer to the cash register. It really makes no sense. Why has saving 5 minutes time become a higher priority than politeness and civility?

Anger increases stress. Anger is harder on the heart and the immune system. Every time you get angry, it shortens your life especially if the other person decides to become violent.

Remember the person you are bullying may be a bigger bully. Is ending up in the hospital or morgue worth shaving 5 minutes from your task? Death and dismemberment last a long time. Think about it next time you get angry because you are in a hurry.

Society needs to chill out and relax. People need to savor the moment and smell the flowers. Next time you get angry ponder this verse.

Turn from evil and do good:

Seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:14 NIV

Faith