This page contains the titles for 26 columns in the series. When you have run all of these, the user-name will be at the top of the last column in the series. This user-name can be found on the HTML version only.

NO. 1028 - THE SACRED TRUST

No. 1028

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SACRED TRUST!

The American journalist John Gunther once said that “America is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea.” Of course that good idea is freedom.
Read and hear these words inscribed on the Statute of Liberty, that stands at the entrance to the harbor of New York City: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” The early patriots fought and won our independence from Great Britain, and there have been several million men and women since then who have died to defend it.
There are many blessings that come to us just to be called an American, but the greatest of all is freedom, because without freedom we can no longer be who we are. There is a concept we do not often hear in debates or public dialogue these days that is very important to our way of life and that is something we call “The Sacred Trust.” Do you know what this means and where is comes from? To define it, please allow me to break it down a bit. The definition of the word “sacred” is “set apart or dedicated to religious use: hallowed.” Of course, we all know what the word “trust” means.
To break it down into laymen’s language the “Sacred Trust’ comes from a heritage where a person’s word was his bond. You could always know and believe that this person was telling the truth and you could trust him to do what he said he was going to do. To be sure, you can build a marriage, a home, a business, and a nation when you have the vast majority of people who are committed to live by this code of conduct. Now, this question please: Can we trust most people today, especially those who are elected to public office, to always tell the truth and do what they say they are going to do? And the “sacred” part means that when they don’t, they will be held accountable by God.
Our elected officials are very important because we elect them to represent us, the very bulwark of a democracy. When we elect a candidate to office, at a prescribed day and time, they are later “sworn-in” which is to say they promise to execute the duties of their office faithfully and responsibly. At this point I feel it may be of interest to have the words that the U.S. Constitution sets forth to have the President of the United States sworn into office. These can be found in Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Adding the phrase “So help me God” is optional.
What is most important to realize is that, in a democracy, we all have a stake. When we elect someone to office, regardless of where he or she happens to be in our country, if they don’t keep their word and tell the truth, we will all pay a price for it.
Here are two words that I hope you will keep in mind as they impact every single one of us. These words are “Independent” and “Interdependent.” We are independent because we get to make our own choices and decisions, but are also interdependent because the actions of others definitely affect us.
It is not my nature to be critical or judgmental, but rather I always want to be an encourager. If you hold an elected or appointed office, I hope you will give some serious thought to what I have been saying and do your best to never violate the Sacred Trust.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1029 - LETTERS THAT NEVER GOT SENT!

No. 1029

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LETTERS THAT NEVER GOT SENT!

Have you ever written a letter to someone about a very serious matter, but for some reason you never sent it? While you think about it, I would like to share a few thoughts you may find interesting, and they may even bring back some good memories.
First, I would like to tell you about a letter that did get sent and resulted in a very humorous outcome. It seems just before our nation got involved in World War II there was a young couple here in America whose names were John Atkins and Molly Brown, and they planned to be married. However, before a wedding could be planned and carried out, John got called by the U.S. Army to serve in Europe to help turn back the Germans, who were threatening to take over the whole continent.
Knowing the chances were good that John would not return, the couple decided to put the wedding off until after the war. One day, after a few months, John got a “Dear John” letter from Molly, saying she had found someone else and was sorry to have to end their relationship. She also asked him to return her picture. Quite naturally, John was heartbroken.
When some of his buddies found out about the “Dear John” letter, they decided to take matters into their own hands. The first thing they did was to collect photos of every young woman they could find -- wives, sisters and girlfriends. Then one of the men, who happened to be a gifted writer, composed the following letter. It read, “Dear Miss Brown, it was good to get your form letter. For the life of me, I can’t remember which one you are. Would you please look through the enclosed pictures, take yours out, and return the rest to me? Thanks, PFC John Atkins.”
Has anything come to your mind yet about your own letters that might never have been sent? Please allow me to tell you a true story about a friend of mine who had a very unusual experience, wrote a letter, but never mailed it. Back in 1965, the “Truth or Consequences” television program, which was hosted by Bob Barker, decided to hold a contest to find a beauty queen who would help promote the show. The prizes for the winner were a fur coat, a new car and spending two weeks in Truth or Consequences, N.M., and given the royal treatment.
This friend’s father encouraged her to enter the contest, so she found a good photo, wrote some things about herself, and sent it off. A few days later she got a phone call saying she was one of the finalists, and they would make a decision in the next 24 hours. Rather than staying home by the phone, she went on to an event in Little Rock. This made her father very unhappy because he just knew she would win. It turns out she did not win, but she told me she was better looking than the winner, and she did get a Polaroid camera. To make a long story short, she wrote a letter of thanks to Bob Barker but never mailed it. However, she still has the letter and may still mail it after all these years.
Now, back to my earlier question, have you ever written a letter to someone about a serious matter, but never mailed it? How many people have written a letter of resignation, placed it in a drawer, only to have conditions improve, and they never mailed it? How many times have we been angry with someone, written them a letter to get it off of our chest, but never put a stamp on it and put it in the mail?
I am confident there are many, many other examples where letters have been written, giving us time to mentally and emotionally adjust before we realize the folly of it. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” To be sure, this is better counsel than anything I could ever give you.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1030 - BACK TO OUR ROOTS!

No. 1030

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BACK TO OUR ROOTS!

When it comes to our nation’s economy and our role in the world, there is a group of people who are vital to our success for a number of reasons. We call these people “farmers,” and they produce the foodstuffs we eat, and also provide jobs and a way of life for a good number of people.
Because of a number of factors, over the past few decades their numbers have dwindled. There was a day when more than 95 percent of all Americans lived on a farm. Today, because of mechanization and other factors, that number is less than 1 percent.
There is a funny story that has circulated about this over the years that perhaps you have heard. The story goes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Farm Bureau have a gentlemen’s agreement that there can be no more government agents than we have farmers. One day a U.S. Department of Agriculture agent was walking down the halls of Congress, and he was weeping uncontrollably. When someone asked him why he was crying, he said, “My farmer died.” To be sure, farmers are very important people and we should each pause from time to time to realize just what they do for the rest of us.
What brought these thoughts to mind was a copy of the Wynne Progress, a weekly newspaper that has now run my column for almost 20 years. Wynne is a farming community in East Arkansas, very progressive, with a lot of pride and community spirit. This paper is kind enough to send me a copy of the paper each week so I am able to keep up with what is taking place there. They started a Bookcase for Every Child project about four years ago and it continues to this day. I am very proud of them.
Each year they produce a special edition where they honor the county “Farm Family of the Year.” Each county winner then competes in the state competition to be named the “Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.” The paper includes a special section where local businesses take out large ads of congratulations, and there are stories and photos of the family members that gives a great overview of the farm operation, what they produce, and the background and history of their operation.
After reading some of the articles, I decided to do a little research about this important project and to make many of you more aware of why farmers are important to all of us. This program started here in Arkansas in 1947 with the following objectives: first, to recognize and encourage farm families who are doing an outstanding job in farming, homemaking, and community leadership; second, to highlight the importance of agriculture to the economy of the community and the state; and third, to disseminate information on improved farm practices and effective farm and home management. This is really “back to our roots.” After the county selection process is complete, a committee then selects district winners, leading up to the selection of the overall state winner.
It should be noted that this is not meant to be a competition but rather a recognition program. Quite naturally, in a project of such major importance, state officials get involved, including our governor. The announcement is usually made the first or second Friday in December, which is Arkansas Farm Family Day. Ross Mauney, former employee of Arkansas Power and Light (now Entergy), is given credit for starting the program. Also, one of the sponsors is the Arkansas Press Association, an organization of which I am proud to be a member.
This program is now being carried out in 10 other states, as we honor those who feed us. Why not say “thank you” to some farmers you know for doing a good job.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1031 - OUR SOCIETY HAS GONE TO POT!

No. 1031

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR SOCIETY HAS GONE TO POT!

My good friend, the late Bob Murphy, used to tell a story about two men who were talking. One said, “What is this stuff they call marijuana? The other one said, “Well, it is something that grows like weed, they call it ‘pot’ and people smoke it, and they say it sends them on a trip.” This other man said, “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. We have always had a pot -- we kept it under the bed and it kept us from making a trip.”
This story came to mind some time back while talking with a local minister when I called to invite him to have lunch with me. He said, “This is a bad week for me, as I am preparing to preach two funerals this week, a man and his wife, victims of a double homicide that took place here in our community.” By the time our conversation took place, it had become known that the couple’s 14-year-old grandson was reportedly involved in the murders, along with three other 17-year-old youths, who were suspects and being detained in the county jail. After hearing the comments from my minister friend, I made the statement, “Our society has gone to pot.”
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because my comment was more about the common expression “gone to pot” that has been around since at least the 16th century, and not the use of marijuana that we think of when we hear the word used today. While doing research, I found some information that may be of interest to you. One definition for “gone to pot” is an item that is broken, defective or substandard.
Two explanations have been historically applied. The first is that in olden times when food was scarce, people would leave the bones, fat and undesirable portions behind after eating their meals. These second-rate items would be used for soup the next day, so as such, the poor-quality leftovers would “go to pot”. The second (and more plausible) explanation is that in the days of the industrial revolution and early mass-production, assembly workers would occasionally find a defective or out-of-tolerance part which was not suitable for use. This part would be sent back to the smelting room to be melted down and recast a second time. Since the smelting was done in a giant pot, these defective parts had “gone to pot”.
In either case, the phrase gained popular use by the American homeowner, who would occasionally wear out an item that would fail, often at an inconvenient time. Here is a sentence that vividly illustrates what I am saying: “Joe failed to take his car in for routine maintenance. I was not surprised that his vacation was ruined when his car went to pot last summer.”
To be sure, these examples, as they relate to the negative effect they have on our society, are far less than the devastating effect marijuana or “pot” is having on us today. After the double homicide here in our community, the following week came the news account that a Memphis police officer, Sean Bolton, had been murdered during a routine traffic stop that involved less than two ounces of marijuana. Illegal drug use is also suspected in the double homicide that took place here in our community.
For me, here is the bottom line. When we consider what marijuana and other illegal drugs are doing to the lives of thousands of Americans each year, it is time to stop trying to be politically correct, and just call a spade a spade and let the chips fall where they may. Why should we sacrifice countless human lives because our government, and those who profit from growing, manufacturing and selling drugs (both legal and illegal) want the money and tax revenue? Could there be other ways to raise revenue with far less devastating consequences? At least it is something to think about. People are far more important than money.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1032 - SOME OF LIFE'S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

No. 1032

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME OF LIFE’S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

When it comes to being blessed or having great blessings in our lives, there are a couple of verses in the Bible that pretty well say it all. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
If you will take a few moments and reread these verses, I believe you will agree that they not only give solid counsel for living a better and happier life, but also some things we should avoid to keep from inflicting self-punishment on ourselves. It is an age-old story. Most problems we experience through our lifetime are brought about by the person who looks back at us from the mirror.
Now this question please: Who among us does not want to be blessed? According to the dictionary, the word “blessing” or “blessed” means, “That which makes happy or prosperous.” And it also means, “The bestowal of divine favor.” As a Christian, the latter definition is very special to me because it means that God is showering his blessings on the individual who seeks His favor and is grateful to have them.
Whether you agree or not, I am here to tell you that most of us miss far too many blessings because we fail to ask or, when we do ask, we ask with wrong motives. I am sure you have heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Actually, these words are more than just a saying, they are the words of Jesus, as recorded in the book of Acts 20, verse 35, in the event you would like to look them up.
What motivated me to share these words with you is something I heard a while back. There is an older lady in our church who openly says, “I am an old maid.” When another lady friend heard this she responded, “She is not an old maid, she is just an unclaimed blessing.” This led me to realize there are countless unclaimed blessings around us every day, but in most cases, we fail to claim them.
I am going to share some of these with you that came as a result of doing some brainstorming. I hope you will do some thinking and come up with others. Why not share them with me? My address is Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.
Here are just a few unclaimed blessings: CHILDREN who spend all or most of their lives growing up in an orphanage. To be sure, some become our nation’s greatest success stories, for example the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s. While many overcome, it is still much better to grow up in a two-parent home where love, structure and security abound. To be sure, we need more people like this who will adopt them.
For many people, especially those who are single: PETS in animal shelters that are desperate to be adopted. I am sure you know what happens to many of them when no one is willing to adopt them. As they say, who is still going to be happy to see you after being locked in the trunk of your car for a while, your wife or your dog?
Another unclaimed blessing that many of us miss: SMILES that we do not share with others. I know this for sure, some of my greatest blessings, and new friendships, have come when I have just looked at people and gave them a happy and cheery smile. It has been said that a smile is the light in your window that tells others you are home.
And here is one of the best: UNSPOKEN DEEDS OF KINDNESS. When you take the time to go out of your way to do something nice for someone else, especially the undeserving, it just says you are a citizen of the world.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1032 - SOME OF LIFE'S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

No. 1032

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME OF LIFE’S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

When it comes to being blessed or having great blessings in our lives, there are a couple of verses in the Bible that pretty well say it all. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
If you will take a few moments and reread these verses, I believe you will agree that they not only give solid counsel for living a better and happier life, but also some things we should avoid to keep from inflicting self-punishment on ourselves. It is an age-old story. Most problems we experience through our lifetime are brought about by the person who looks back at us from the mirror.
Now this question please: Who among us does not want to be blessed? According to the dictionary, the word “blessing” or “blessed” means, “That which makes happy or prosperous.” And it also means, “The bestowal of divine favor.” As a Christian, the latter definition is very special to me because it means that God is showering his blessings on the individual who seeks His favor and is grateful to have them.
Whether you agree or not, I am here to tell you that most of us miss far too many blessings because we fail to ask or, when we do ask, we ask with wrong motives. I am sure you have heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Actually, these words are more than just a saying, they are the words of Jesus, as recorded in the book of Acts 20, verse 35, in the event you would like to look them up.
What motivated me to share these words with you is something I heard a while back. There is an older lady in our church who openly says, “I am an old maid.” When another lady friend heard this she responded, “She is not an old maid, she is just an unclaimed blessing.” This led me to realize there are countless unclaimed blessings around us every day, but in most cases, we fail to claim them.
I am going to share some of these with you that came as a result of doing some brainstorming. I hope you will do some thinking and come up with others. Why not share them with me? My address is Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.
Here are just a few unclaimed blessings: CHILDREN who spend all or most of their lives growing up in an orphanage. To be sure, some become our nation’s greatest success stories, for example the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s. While many overcome, it is still much better to grow up in a two-parent home where love, structure and security abound. To be sure, we need more people like this who will adopt them.
For many people, especially those who are single: PETS in animal shelters that are desperate to be adopted. I am sure you know what happens to many of them when no one is willing to adopt them. As they say, who is still going to be happy to see you after being locked in the trunk of your car for a while, your wife or your dog?
Another unclaimed blessing that many of us miss: SMILES that we do not share with others. I know this for sure, some of my greatest blessings, and new friendships, have come when I have just looked at people and gave them a happy and cheery smile. It has been said that a smile is the light in your window that tells others you are home.
And here is one of the best: UNSPOKEN DEEDS OF KINDNESS. When you take the time to go out of your way to do something nice for someone else, especially the undeserving, it just says you are a citizen of the world.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1033 - THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EVIL!

No. 1033

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EVIL!

Ever since time immemorial there has been a battle taking place in the world between the forces of good and evil. To be sure, evil gets the spotlight and the headlines from time to time, but the forces for good have overcome those of evil.
My purpose today in sharing some thoughts that I have titled, “There Will Always Be Evil,” is to give you hope in a day when it seems the world condition is on a constant spiral downward. You should be aware that what I am going to share in this column is based on “empirical” evidence, meaning “relying or based on observation and practical experience without reference to scientific principles.”
For me personally, after a heinous act of some deranged person who callously takes the lives of multiple innocent human beings, I just shake my head in amazement as to how one person could deliberately do something like that to his fellow humans. The best answer I have been able to come up with is that this person is just evil. But going a little deeper, the obvious question is, why? What made this person or persons commit this senseless act? While doing some research, I ran across an article that sheds a little light on this subject.
The word “evil” is manifested in the existence of a being called Satan or the Devil. According to Biblical scholars and theologians, Satan was created by God thousands of years ago as a perfect angel. Satan was called Lucifer and he lived in heaven. When Lucifer set out to prove that he was above Jesus, he became so proud that God banished him from Heaven. Over time one third of the angels in heaven chose to side with Lucifer and to worship him instead of Jesus, and they were also banished to earth. Today, Satan is truly alive and he and his angels are demons. For me, this helps me understand why some people are so evil and can commit such heinous acts.
Again, while doing research I found the names of some of these well-known people who Satan has used to do his work. Names like Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who took the lives of 13 in Columbine, Colo.; Seung Hui Cho, who killed 32 at Virginia Tech University; James Holmes, who killed 12 at a theater in Aurora, Colo.; Jeffrey Dahmer, who raped, murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991; and Charles Manson, who is linked to 35 killings. Of course, if we had to put a face on “evil,” I would say it would be that of Adolph Hitler, who exterminated 5.5 million Jews, and killed millions more, during World War II.
For Christians, and all people really, the Apostle Peter has some sound words of advice in I Peter 5:8-9 -- “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.” When we think about what is happening in the world today regarding ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and how they are persecuting Christians across the world, we again see the truth of God’s word.
Sometime back I saw the evidence of God’s love in a way seldom seen in today’s times. A sick, evil man, a tool of Satan, attended a prayer meeting at the Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, S.C, took out a gun, and murdered nine of the members. In the aftermath, we did not see rioting, looting and burning of the town. Rather, we saw God’s children who prayed and forgave at a time when other cities were doing exactly the opposite.
The sad reality regarding evil in our country is that it is not going to change much until we experience a real spiritual revival. It is as simple as that.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1034 - WEDDING BELLS!

No. 1034

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WEDDING BELLS!

If you have ever been blessed far more than you deserve, you will be able to relate to the following thoughts that I want to share with you. Back in 2013, I lost my wonderful and talented wife, Viola, after a 19-year battle with Parkinson’s. This was indeed a very sad time, and if you have lost a mate or someone very close to you, then you know that there is a tremendous void and adjustment that takes place in your life.
My own family, and especially my church family, helped to fill this void for me, but after several months I began to be lonely. Because of running my company and the ministries that I am involved in, I also needed some help.
While people are different, I don’t believe we should spend our lives alone. As a result, I began to pray that the Lord would send me a help-mate, and just the right woman to share the remainder of my life with me. I only had three things that were very important to me. First, that she would be a Godly Spirit-filled woman, that she would love me, and that she would be excited about helping continue the Bookcase for Every Child project, and the Reach Youth for Christ ministry. The latter is a ministry I helped found, along with four other laymen, to encourage our nation’s youth to stay in church or come back to church, as 70 percent of our nation’s youth who attend church are leaving after high school graduation, never to return.
God is faithful, and after several months He sent me a Godly woman who is beautiful, talented, has great wisdom, and has a heart for children. She is the former Janis Mack, who grew up in the Shady Grove community north of Conway. Janis graduated from the Greenbrier Public Schools, where she was class Valedictorian, and later attended Central Baptist College. In 1958 she married Ralph Mack Jr., had two sons, David and Roy, and later started a real estate company. In 1985, she and Ralph bought Pickles Gap Village, a tourist attraction located on Highway 65, north of Conway. Sadly, Ralph passed away this past year after a battle with cancer.
Janis and I have known each other for several years and held each other in high esteem. Several months after losing Ralph, Janis and I began to see each other. It soon became obvious that we had so much in common and, for me, she was a dream come true. In 1974, I was named the Arkansas Salesman of the Year, but by far the best sale I have ever made was when I convinced this good woman to marry me. Janis was reared by Godly parents, Exel and Esther Howard, who were community leaders. Her mother taught piano lessons and naturally taught Janis to play, and she was the pianist/organist at her church for several years.
As previously stated, in the early days Janis started her own real estate company, had offices in Greenbrier and Conway, but later consolidated her operation to Pickles Gap Village. She was a Million Dollar Producer for 15 consecutive years back in the days when houses were selling for $30,000 to $60,000 each. Owning Pickles Gap Village gave her the opportunity to be involved in the travel industry, and she served as president of the Arkansas Travel Council, 1994-95. She also served on the board of the Conway Chamber of Commerce. Janis is the author of four successful cookbooks and has appeared on a number of cooking segments on local television stations.
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. As my friends and faithful readers over the years, I felt this information would be of interest. If you are a praying person, we would covet your prayers that we might be faithful to our calling of writing this column and the ministries in which we are involved. Just for the record, my new bride has a lot on the ball. She even has her own official back-seat driver’s license.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1035 - A "CAN-DO" ATTITUDE!

No. 1035

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “CAN-DO” ATTITUDE!

Have you ever asked yourself this question, “What can history teach us?” Well, the correct answer is that it can teach us a lot if we are careful to select our sources and the people to whom we choose to listen and read about.
From my perspective, I believe a worthy candidate to teach us something worthwhile is former President James A. Garfield, our 20th president who was elected in 1881 but served only 200 days before being assassinated. He has the distinction of being the only sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives to be elected president.
President Garfield came from very meager circumstances, and he once said, “Poverty is uncomfortable as I can testify; but nine times out of 10, the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim for himself.” To be sure, the American Free Enterprise system offers tremendous opportunity for the individual who is worth more than they are being paid.
During our visit today I want to talk with you about a “Can-Do” attitude. Back in President Garfield’s day, we did not have the massive amount of entitlement programs that we have today. In reality, our politicians have showered vast numbers of our citizens with all kinds of give-away programs in an attempt to get reelected. In these programs, it is almost impossible for any person to have to sink or swim for himself.
As a result of decades of taking care of people from the womb to the tomb, we have millions of people we call the “poor” who do not want to work. I talk with employers all the time who tell me they have to go through dozens and dozens of applications just to find one person who is even worth an interview. The good ones, after being on the job for a little while, leave because of a better offer by another company, which has also experienced the same dilemma.
Now, please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am all for taking care of the truly needy, but not healthy people who simply do not want to work. Some may counter that there are few jobs to be had, but this is not true. Go to the “help wanted” section of any newspaper and you will find many, many jobs just waiting to be filled. It would be different if many people were compelled to sink or swim, as President Garfield was saying. Without the give-away programs, millions of our citizens would get serious about getting a good education or the training necessary to fill these jobs.
Who but God knows what the future holds? There may be a day coming when all of us, and also our nation, will need a “Can-Do” attitude. I am from the old school and, other than Social Security (which is really my own money), I have never taken a handout of any kind from the government. My attitude has always been, give me an opportunity and then get out of my way. To be sure, I realize because of health or other issues, many people have not enjoyed the blessings I have had, and I am truly grateful for those blessings.
When it comes to having a “Can-Do” attitude, I believe the late Paul Harvey hit the nail on the head when he said, “Get up when you fall down. We all fall down, but the biographies of those the world calls successful reveal that they get up when they fall down. Sometimes more than once when they fall down they have had to pick themselves up and dust themselves off and keep on keeping on.”
Those who share my convictions understand that there is a good feeling that comes when we know we are pulling our own weight. We must get back to the old standard of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1036 - THE POWER OF RECYCLED THOUGHTS!

No. 1036

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF RECYCLED THOUGHTS!

It has been said that brains are what people who don’t have college degrees are forced to use. I plead guilty to that, not having a college degree. However, I am so grateful that God, in his wisdom, has given each of us the power to think and to use the vast mental potential that lies below the surface of what it takes to keep our lives between the ditches, in a very special area that we call the subconscious mind.
Since I became hooked on reading several years ago, I have been fascinated with the vast mental potential we each possess. Back in the days when I represented the Nightingale-Conant Corp., a leading producer of human resources materials, I recall hearing the results of a study on learning conducted by Princeton University. The researchers found that a message read or heard only one time was 66 percent forgotten within 24 hours, and was practically out of the mind within 30 days. However, a message that was read or heard several times a day for eight days was practically memorized and the memory retained 90 percent of the message 30 days later. Now, that is heady stuff and confirms what I have reported countless times over the years -- repetition is the key to learning.
It is with this backdrop that I would like to share some thoughts with you about the power of recycled thoughts. A good example to confirm this is what has happened over the years to my daily radio program titled “How to Plan Your Life.” This program was started back in 1980, and for the first few years I personally did the narration. However, tragedy struck and I developed a rare vocal condition called Spasmodic Dysphonia. This condition happens quite often to singers and speakers and is evidenced when the vocal chords actually lock up when force is applied to speak or sing. After several months I had surgery to correct the problem, but my voice was never the same. In essence, I was out of business.
Then along came Dave McCree, a friend and professional broadcaster, who did the narration (or talking) for me, like Aaron did for Moses in the Bible. Dave is very good and actually helped my radio program succeed, as we added more and more stations. At one time we had more than 300 stations coast to coast, and it was commercially sponsored. After I started my weekly newspaper column we stopped recording and I stopped marketing the show. At this point we had about 1,000 programs recorded, enough to last five days a week, for about 3 ½ years. When a station ran out of programs, we just started over.
Here is the interesting part. We have some stations recycle the pre-recorded radio shows three or four times, and the sponsors tell me that they get a better response the second, third and fourth time through than the first time it aired. We don’t have many stations and sponsors left, but there are a couple that have been with us for more than 25 years. Yes, there is power in recycled thoughts. The message I hope you will take away is that we all have countless books in our library that have been read only once, but many contain tremendous ideas that would be helpful if we would take them down and read them again.
For me, and hopefully for you as well, the real power we have is the knowledge that we should never stop learning. Life is truly exciting when we are constantly learning new and helpful things. Another reason recycled thoughts is so powerful is that, while the information on the printed or recorded format, remains the same, we change. We are not the same person we were a month ago, a year ago and certainly a decade or more ago. We should be very careful to never get in a rut, as that is just a grave with both ends kicked out.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1037 - WE ALL NEED "BALCONY" PEOPLE!

No. 1037

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ALL NEED “BALCONY” PEOPLE!

There is a famous poem that has these words, or at least this sentiment, “Give me the roses while I am living and the knocking when I am dead.” While roses can come in many different forms, shapes and sizes, apart from the rose bush, one of those forms is to pay someone an honest and sincere compliment. To be sure, it is impossible to pay someone a sincere compliment after they are dead and gone. The time for us to say good, often life-changing things, to or about another person is while they are still living.
It is in this spirit that I want to share some thoughts about a fantastic book I have just finished reading titled, “Balcony People” by Joyce Landorf Heatherley. This book is only about 70 pages, but it contains many thoughts and personal examples that can be life-changing. As I share these thoughts, that would be my sincere wish for you.
Before I pass along some of those life-changing benefits, allow me to share the simple concept on which the book is based. The word “balcony” means, “A projecting gallery in a theater or public building.” For example, when you sit in the balcony of a theater, you are sitting above all those on the lower or main floor. She uses the word balcony to describe people who have personal qualities and character that enable them to rise above the normal run-of-the-mill, often negative, people we encounter every day. These people are positive and make us feel special because of what they say and how they treat us. Contrast this with negative people who are often critical of us and make us feel as though we are worthless and unimportant. She calls these people, “basement people.” A personal question, please: As a general rule, do you have more “balcony people” or “basement people” in your life?
Regardless of your answer, I believe you will agree that we all need “balcony people” in our lives and around us each and every day. I just confess to you that I need them every day of my life. The author also uses a couple of other terms that may help us to see the personal qualities of some of the people in our lives and the long-term impact they have on us. Some people are “affirmers,” in that they affirm our value and worth with the kindness and respect they show us, not because we deserve it, but just because we are another human being. The other term is “evaluators.” These people, while often well-meaning, are constantly evaluating our performance and, in many ways, often compare us with their own standards.
From Joyce’s book, here are some qualities “balcony people” have: They love from the heart. Loving each other, affirming each other, and being “balcony people” means there is no room for critical and judgmental attitudes. It seems that few, too few, of us honor one another. We are too interested in our own welfare, our own successes, and our own achievements. She also says that “balcony people” listen from the heart and, instead of tearing down, they build up. “Balcony people” also care from the heart. They are fantastic in their ability to pick up the baton of “bearing one another’s burdens,” and to run with it.
The author tells about being at a dinner meeting one night where couples were in attendance. The husbands were asked to introduce their wives. She said it was a refreshing time to hear husbands say, “This is my wife, a wonderful, patient mother to our two sons and the absolute joy of my life.” Another said, “This is my wife, my lover and my business partner. She is the greatest salesman in the world and the smartest woman I know. I love and respect her with all I have.” Without a doubt, the “balcony people” concept has saved countless marriages.
The book “Balcony People” is a best seller and can be ordered from Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1038 - DID YOU MISS THE BOAT?

No. 1038

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DID YOU MISS THE BOAT?

Do you ever feel like you missed the boat? While this is just a figure of speech, many people feel like life, and real success, has passed them by and they simply missed the boat. Where they are now is nowhere near where they thought they would be when they were younger.
If this is your case, take heart, for I have some exciting news for you. During my prayer time this morning I got to thinking about our church services. At the end, an “invitation” is always extended to those in the congregation who wish to make a decision. The decision could be to accept Christ, move their membership, request prayer for themselves, or express other needs or concerns. Quite often we have those who come to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
In the case of those who wish to rededicate themselves, it simply means they have experienced a time in their lives when they strayed from the path, have fallen out of fellowship or into sin, and the Holy Spirit has been dealing with them. The good news is that we serve a living and loving God who is quick to forgive and restore us to a full and happy relationship with Him. All we have to do is repent and sincerely ask him to forgive us. Isn’t that great news? It means that we do not ever again have to be burdened down with the past. The sad news is that millions of people who don’t know the Lord live this way, day after day, and they feel like the weight of the world is riding on their shoulders.
I am convinced this is one reason so many people commit suicide. When the burden of living a life without purpose becomes too great, they lose hope. Life, for them, does not seem worth living. Believe it or not, when I started to write this column these thoughts were not on my mind. I wanted to talk about those people who are full of regrets because they feel like they did not get enough education, were not blessed with good looks, grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, or saw many other reasons why they are not successful. In other words, they feel like they have missed the boat.
Here is the good news, and news that is laced with hope. First, when we have the right relationship with the Lord and know where we stand, it frees us up to develop and use all our God-given potential to achieve most anything we really want to achieve. Of course, there are limiting factors like age, physical health, economic conditions, destructive habits, and sometimes a negative, defeatist attitude. The thought I want to plant deeply and firmly in your mind is that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It is my prayer for you, if you feel like you have missed the boat, that never again will you use these things as an excuse for not developing and using the God-given potential with which you were born.
I hope you will just see things realistically for what they really are. If you are an American, you live in the most successful and prosperous nation in the history of the world. There are more opportunities here than anywhere on earth. If you lack education, make plans to get it. If you need a job, resolve that you are going to get one. Just understand that it is no disgrace to start at the bottom and work your way up. Just make some solid plans to achieve whatever you wish to accomplish and stay with it until you do. What I am talking about is a change of heart, mind and attitude to see yourself as the very special person you are.
If this sounds like Pollyanna to you, it is not. There are millions of people in our country who have felt as you do, but have overcome all odds to achieve the kind of life they wish to live, and now have all the rewards they desire. The only vote that really counts is the one looking back at you from the mirror.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1039 - THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN!

No. 1039

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN!

John Maisel, founder and Chairman Emeritus of East-West Ministries International, once said, “Most of us go through life as only two-thirds a person. We develop ourselves physically and mentally, but not spiritually.” It is along these lines that I would like to share some thoughts with you today, and my topic will be “The Mark of a Christian.”
Do you know for sure how to tell if a person is a Christian or not? Well, believe it or not there is a way, and before we come to the end of our visit, I will tell you what it is. If you don’t already know, I believe you will agree with me. The basis of my remarks will be my own personal journey of going from two-thirds of a person to being whole.
I grew up in a small town in Southeast Arkansas, born in 1938. While my parents loved me, worked hard to provide for me and my sister, and had high ethical and moral standards, they were not Christians. Over all the years I knew him, my father, who was a good man, was in a church one time to attend a funeral. To be sure, I was not reared in a Godly home, and looking back I paid a high price for it. My mother would have gone more if he had supported her, but I attended church a good part of the time, mainly because this is where the girls were.
Ever since those early days, church has always been important to me. Looking back I know now that I was not a Christian but rather I was a church member. Sadly, there are millions of people in our churches today who, like me, are members of a church but they are not Christians. They believe they are Christians but they are really not. They go to church on Sunday but do not live like Christians the rest of the week. This changed for me on Feb. 26, 1984, when I gave my life to Jesus, was baptized and began a new life. You see, being a Christian is all about change. Hear these words recorded in II Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he has become a new creature, old things have passed away and behold, new things have come.”
A part of that change that takes place in our heart is to be born again. In John 3:3, Jesus replies: “I assure that unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He elaborates more in verses 5 and 6: “Unless someone is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh and whatever is born of the spirit is spirit.” I mentioned earlier that my life changed when I gave my heart to Jesus as I began to read and study the Bible. I have now read it all the way through, once each year, for 25 straight years. What a blessing that has been as I see and understand things now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that I could never have known any other way.
In those early years, and even more so today, I asked God to bless me and He is truly faithful to His word. Things are happening in my life today that I would never have dreamed possible. The thing that is truly exciting is that the more I trust Him, the more He blesses me. It was during my Bible study that I came to truly understand “The Mark of a Christian.” The answer is found in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples (followers) that you have love for one another.” My friend this is the mark of a Christian.
Here is how this simple concept can make a difference in the lives of millions of our citizens and the future of America as well. When our people have true love in our hearts, we won’t have the crime, riots, mass murders, cheating and corruption that we have today.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1040 - WE EAT WITH OUR EYES!

The next Password is -- Lettuce

No. 1040

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE EAT WITH OUR EYES!

The Canadian-born journalist and politician, Sir Arthur Beverley Baxter, once said of food, “It is part of the spiritual expression of the French, and I do not believe that they ever heard of calories.”
If you like to eat, and who among us doesn’t, today you are in for a real treat. It might be well to state something here in the beginning about calories, because they can both be friend and enemy. There is some information I learned several years ago about calories that has been very helpful for me. The truth is, if we consume more calories than we burn, we are going to gain weight. One of the keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to be very aware of the kind of calories we are consuming.
Over the past two to three years I have lost about 30 pounds. I now feel better, look better and am healthier than any time during my life. I exercise on a regular basis, watch my sugar intake like a hawk, as well as watch out for foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. It is simply a change in lifestyle and well worth giving up anything that is not healthy for us. Sometime back I told you that my new bride is a great cook and has written four cookbooks. While it is not anything dramatic, a while back she made a statement that I had never heard or thought about before. She said, “We eat with our eyes.” This is so true. When we go down the line in a cafeteria, we usually pick out the foods to eat that look the best.
Because of her years of experience, she has that knack of placing foods on a plate to make them very attractive, and as a result more appetizing. A good example is a sugar-free pineapple pie that a friend gave me the recipe for a few years ago. I have been fixing this pie and taking it to various functions over the past few months, and have even had several requests to bring it when we have potlucks. Well, enter the pie-decorating guru. A few weeks ago we had a potluck for our Sunday school class and it fell my lot to bring the sugar-free pineapple pie. Actually, it has a little sugar, but not much. I will give you the recipe in a minute.
After the pie was made, Janis decorated the top, which consists entirely of sugar-free Cool Whip topping. She took some crushed pecans, one whole strawberry for the center, cut some slices for strategic placement, and added some blueberries and pineapple chunks. When she got through with it, it was a thing of beauty. She even took pictures and put it on Facebook, which has resulted in lots of Likes.
Now, here is the recipe. It is so simple, I hope you will try it. The ingredients consist of: one 9-inch crust from the dairy section of the grocery store; a large box of sugar-free, fat-free vanilla pudding; one 16 oz. light sour cream (undrained); one tub of sugar-free Cool Whip; one 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (light juice). That’s all it takes, plus whatever toppings you wish to add.
Here is how to put it together: Bake the pie crust in a 9-inch glass pie plate (follow directions on the box for baking). Mix the pineapple, sour cream and vanilla pudding in a Tupperware bowl or other suitable container. After the crust has cooled, scoop the ingredients into the crust and smooth out the center and out to the edges. Then add the Cool Whip and let it stand in the refrigerator to be ready to serve. Toppings can be added at any time, but just before serving is best as they will be the freshest.
If you will think about it, there are many benefits in this column. Not the least is taking time to arrange food items on a plate, serving tray or other container to make them as attractive as possible. We do eat with our eyes.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

The next password is -- Lettuce

No. 6 - THE SILENT PATIENTS SPEAK

No. 6

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SILENT PATIENTS SPEAK

Have you ever thought about the thousands of people in this country who spend countless hours confined to a bed in a hospital or a nursing home, who for one reason or another cannot speak for themselves or make their wishes known? If I had family or loved ones in this condition, I would want to know they were receiving the best possible medical care, but I would also want to know that the people who were taking care of them were thoughtful, tenderhearted and kind, especially in light of a touching article I read a

while back.

This article is titled The Silent Patients Speak, and it was written by Anita Wildhaver, a registered nurse. If you have never had a reason to contemplate the plight of people in this condition, I believe the message this article contains will speak to your heart.

"Though we can't speak, see, or move of our own will, we are living beings. We are your stroke patients, the brain damaged, and all your other patients who by illness or in-jury are locked inside the dark, silent shells of our bodies. We can't cry out in pain or discomfort, regardless of how severe they are. We can't express anger, despair, disgust, nor even happiness. But hear us, you walking, talking, feeling, doing beings. Some of us are aware. We hear, think and know. We are not living vegetables, nor do we think we would be 'better off dead'. We still have enough self-respect to be embarrassed at hearing your conversation about your personal problems and your sex lives."

"We are frightened by your conversations that relate the latest gossip about the questionable ability of the doctor who is responsible for our care, for his knowledge must be used to save us, if we are to ever recover. We feel shame at having our bodies exposed for any and all to see. It does matter to us that we lie in feces or urine for hours, and our muscles ache with pain from the strain of remaining in one position without being moved. We can feel our mouths filled with mucus, drying and caking to form ulcerated areas. We can feel the stomach cramps from ice cold tube feedings with all the speed and lack of concern of pouring water down the drain."

"We can feel the pain of our skin breaking down from poor and careless nursing care. We can also feel joy -- the joy derived from the firm, gentle touch of a person giving us good nursing care. We can rest more carefully when we are bathed, when our mouths and lips are cleansed, when our bodies are correctly positioned, when good skin care is given, when our beds ar made neat and straight. We can appreciate being told when procedures are about to be done, before they are begun."

Thanks, Anita, your words have so much meaning and hopefully, my sharing this will help some of these dear people receive better care. The vast majority of people in the nursing profession are kind, thoughtful and considerate, and highly qualified from

a medical standpoint. Unfortunately a small percentage are not. Then, too, because of human nature, we all have bad days from time-to-time, and get up on the wrong side of the bed. Still other people have so many personal problems and are so wrapped up in themselves that they just don't think at all.

Sometimes all it takes to make tremendous changes for the better is a simple reminder of things we know but have forgotten. As Will Rogers once said, "it's just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated." If you know someone, either a nurse or a patient who might benefit from this article, why not take a moment and share it? It could result in some of the greatest blessings you have ever received. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 7 - A FEW DOLLARS AND A DREAM

No. 7

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FEW DOLLARS AND A DREAM

When our forefathers were establishing this nation, they never intended we should all be equal. Rather, their goal was for every individual to have equal opportunity. This simple philosophy or concept has produced more "rags to riches" success stories than any other economic system in the history of the world. If we don't see opportunity all around us, in most cases it's not because it is not there; it's because we cannot see it. Do you have any idea what it takes to get ahead financially in this country? Well, I can answer this question in just six words: a few dollars and a dream.

There is a story behind these six words that has given them a very special meaning and I believe it will also give you something worthwhile to think about. When the United States of America was celebrating the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty, many true life stories came to light about people who had come to this country with little more than the shirts on their backs, but over the years they had become highly successful.

The story I mentioned is about Casey Rowe. Casey Rowe came to America from South Korea some time after the great depression. At the time, all he had was a wife, seven children and $700. As he said, all he had was "a few dollars and a dream." He had no job, no friends, and except for a few personal items, he had nothing else. Casey's first job was as an axe grinder. At night he would come home so tired he would literally cry himself to sleep, only to get up and do it all over again the next day.

But Casey Rowe did not give up and he worked and worked, and saved a small portion of what he earned. His close family relationships gave him great emotional strength and courage and before many years had passed, he had saved enough money to go into business for himself. Today, if you go to the Terminal Building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you will find Casey Rowe and his family hard at work in the produce business -- at 4 a.m., and the whole family works. They do over a millions dollars worth of business each year!

I'm sure many people who do business at their produce market have no idea of the tremendous struggle and the years of hard work it took for their business to prosper as it is doing today. It's easy for the casual observer to say, "Oh, these people are hard workers" or "They had money to begin with" or "They inherited the business." For people who have never achieved financial success, they either don't want it or haven't been willing to pay the price for it. The saddest part of all is that there are millions of people who have opportunity all around them, but have never been able to see it or develop a sufficient belief in themselves to go after it.

The fact that Casey Rowe came from another country may have been an asset, because life where he came from may have been harder than it is here. On the other hand, we know of thousands of people who came from other countries who don't achieve financial success. Many of these people have returned home broke and discouraged, while others stay but have to struggle to survive.

The message of Casey Rowe's story is simple. If you want to achieve greater financial success, all you need is a few dollars and a dream, and then be willing to work hard for the next ten to twenty years to make your dream come true. As Elbert Hubbard once said, ôSuccess is the realization of the estimate which you place upon yourselfö. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 8 - WHO SHOULD READ THE BIBLE?

No. 8
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO SHOULD READ THE BIBLE?

Prussian born Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), considered by many to be the foremost philosopher of the modern period, once said: "The Bible is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced." To have the Bible and yet not read it would be like going without food for several days, showing up at a banquet and saying, "I'm not hungry." For some, the discovery of the eternal truths contained in the Bible comes early in life, for others, it comes much later. Some people never make this discovery, and as a result they miss the benefits of knowing the God of the Bible in a personal way. As I look back over my own life, one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't discover what was really in the Bible until a good portion of the race had already been run.
About fourteen years ago, after agreeing to teach a boy's Sunday school class, I made the decision to read the Bible through once each year and pleased to say, I'm fulfilling that commitment. Until I asked the Holy Spirit to guide and control my thinking and my life, I never dreamed the Bible was so rich and so exciting! Because I'm so excited about the Bible, I just wanted to share an article, titled, "Who Should Read The Bible" that might be of value to you.
"Who should read the Bible? The young: to learn how to live. The old: to know humility. The rich: for compassion. The poor: for comfort. The dreamer: for enchantment. The practical: for counsel. The weak: for strength. The strong: for direction. The haughty: for warning. The humble: for exaltation. The troubled: for peace. The weary: for rest. The sinner: for salvation. The doubting: for assurance. All Christians: for guidance."
When I read this the first time, I came to the conclusion that it pretty well covers the waterfront. It talked about the young, the old, the ignorant, the learned, the rich, the poor, the dreamer, the practical, the weak, the strong, the haughty, the humble, the troubled, the weary, the sinner and all Christians. Surely you can see yourself in there somewhere -- I can see me, several times. I'll confess that I've learned that I need the Bible and its wisdom and encouragement each day of my life. You know, for any of us to be saved, we must first admit we are lost. Whether you read the Bible or not, there is good reason why this book is the all time best seller. It contains truth, inspiration and guidance that can give our lives meaning, purpose and hope that no other source can give. I stand in awe of its power. Isn't it great to know that God loves us and we are very precious to Him? That's what it says in the Bible!
Now, I'm not naive and I realize that many people reading this column do not believe in God or the Bible and I respect every person's right to think and believe as they choose. In my own personal life however, as a Christian I am willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ and the Bible. I might add, this is consistent with our nation's heritage. One study found that of 15,000 writings by the Founding Fathers included in newspaper articles, pamphlets, books, monographs, and other documents, 94% of all quotes either directly or indirectly cited the Bible. Fifty two of the 55 framers of the Constitution were avowed Christians.
While Iãm certainly not a preacher, in these days when civility is taking a back seat, we must return to the Biblical standards of our forefathers. From their hearts flowed the documents and structures to form the foundations of this great nation. Over the coming years we can do this and every American will be richer for it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 9 - NO $12.00 SEWING MACHINE

No. 9
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
NO $12.00 SEWING MACHINE

We know from personal experience, as well as observing the lives of other people, that if we are to achieve true and lasting success our lives and our careers must be built on a solid foundation of truth and integrity.
For example, how many times do you have to catch another person in an outright lie before you would begin to doubt everything else they say? The answer to that question is once, because from that point on there will always be an unmistakable breach in his or her credibility. Some time ago I heard a humorous story I believe really illustrates the importance of credibility. This is supposedly a true story and I heard it at my deer camp, in Drew County, Arkansas.
In the early 1930s during the great depression, a woman from a rural southeast Arkansas community was married to a man who was from near Trenton, Tennessee. Times were really tough for this couple over in Tennessee and some of this woman's relatives in Arkansas learned of their condition.
As a result of the news, Uncle Babe, one of her uncles, took it upon himself to get in touch with this the couple and he painted a very optimistic picture. He said, "Luther", we want you and Aire Mae to load up and come to Arkansas. We can raise a cotton crop together and there are plenty of wild hogs in the woods here, so we can have lots of fresh meat. In fact, prices in town are very reasonable. You can even get a new sewing machine for $12.00 and prices on other things are reasonable, too."
When Luther heard the good news, he thought he had died and gone to heaven! In fact, he couldn't wait to get loaded up and headed out. They traveled the better part of two days in an old Model A Ford and got to her uncle's house late at night. Naturally, they had to wake everybody. When they all got up and were sitting around talking, Luther said, "Uncle Babe, the first thing in the mornin' can we go out and get one of them wild hogs? Me and Aire Mae ain't had any fresh meat in months, and as soon as we get settled, I'll be ready to start that cotton crop."
Uncle Babe was on the spot, so he said, "Sure, Luther, we'll go out first thing in the mornin'." After breakfast Uncle Babe got out his twenty-two pistol and they headed out through the woods in the back of the house. Before long they came upon some hogs and Uncle Babe picked out a good one and took aim and fired. He was a crack shot and the hog fell almost in its tracks. At this point, he turned to Luther and said, "Here, hold this gun!", and he grabbed the hog, slung it over his shoulder and started running.
Luther said, "how come you're in such a hurry, Uncle Babe, we got us a wild hog, ain't we?" Uncle Babe said, "Yeah, but I don't think the folks who own this hog will understand." You see, Uncle Babe had shot someone else's hog! As they were running through the woods, Luther said to himself, "Humph! I bet there ain't no $12.00 sewing machine, either."
This is a clear case of where Uncle Babe had told a lie and as a result he lost his credibility with Luther. The moral of this true story is simple: if we want to have credibility with another person, unless it would bring unmerited harm to ourselves or others, we must always tell the truth. If we don't tell the truth, in every area of our lives, we are building the foundation for our future on sand and when the storms of adversity come along, it will not stand the test of time. What goes around comes around. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 10 - AND THEN SOMEÉ

No. 10

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AND THEN SOME ....

In our modern day society, we hear a great deal these days about the "secrets of success." In reality there are really no secrets, as this is simply a marketing gimmick used to sell many of the success motivation programs that are around today. True success can be summed up by these words of former President Harry S. Truman: "I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand - with everything they had of energy, enthusiasm and hard work."

Some time ago I had a wonderful, unique experience that brought this truth home to me in a very special way. During a "How To Plan Your Life" seminar at one of the many high schools where I've been privileged to work, I met a young man by the name of Danny Sanders. Danny was a member of the senior class, and a few weeks after my seminar, to my surprise I received a three page hand written letter from him. Just the fact that a high school senior had taken the time to write was very gratifying, but he shared something in his letter that may be of value to you.

In his letter Danny told me about a young man who had become very successful at a young age. When someone asked him how he did it, he said, "And then some." When asked what he meant, he replied, "When I was in school and my teachers asked me to do something, I did it -- and then some. Later, when I got a job and my employer told me to

do something, I did it -- and then some. (You will notice we have gone from "asking" to "telling".) Finally, when I started a business of my own, I did what my customers expected -- and then some."

You see, this successful young man had been applying the universal natural law of cause and effect. This law, simply stated, means that for every cause there must be an effect, and for every effect there must be a cause. By rendering more service than was actually required, he was using this universal law to get more rewards in return.

When it comes to achieving success, one of the biggest mistakes many people make is wanting the rewards before they render the service. This could be compared to a man standing in front of a cold, wood burning stove and saying, "Give me some heat and then I will put in the wood."

A real understanding and application of this universal law which has been stated as "And then some", will give you everything on earth you desire. If you are having trouble making ends meet, or having trouble in school or on your job, pause here and ask yourself this question: "Am I doing everything that is expected of me with the right attitude -- and then some?" If you're not, then you are needlessly holding yourself back.

When you apply this principle to the success of a business, that little extra -- and then some -- is the profit, and without earning a profit, you won't be around very long. Until next time, here is something to think about that may be of great value to you. When a person concentrates all available energies on one specific task, the possibility of success is greatly increased. When time and talent are divided between several enterprises, chances of success are proportionally reduced. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 11 - BUT ... THE BUMBLE BEE CAN'T FLY!!

No. 11
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUT ... THE BUMBLE BEE CAN'T FLY!!

One day in this small community, a patrolman stopped a woman who was speeding. He asked to see her driver's license and said, "Lady, you were going fifty miles an hour in a thirty-five mile an hour zone." As she handed him her license, she said, "Before you begin writing that ticket, I think we should get our priorities straight. Are you supposed to advise me of my constitutional rights first, or am I supposed to tell you that my son is the head of the state highway patrol?"

As you read this humorous story, did you understand exactly what this lady had in mind? If you did, then you have some insights into the process of communication. While she did not say so, it's obvious that she was trying to use her son's influence to avoid paying a speeding ticket. The ability to communicate is a wonderful gift and those in our society who develop and use it well, have a tremendous advantage over those who do not.

As we think about the importance of communication in your own life, I would like to tell you another story involving communication that could have a tremendous bearing on your future. It's the story of the bumble bee. According to the theory of aerodynamics, the bumble bee is not supposed to be able to fly, because the size, weight and shape of his body in relation to his wing span, makes flying impossible. But you see, here's the problem: somebody forgot to tell the bumble bee about this theory and he goes ahead and flies and makes a little honey every day!

This story or example, has been around for a long time and while most people have heard it, I'm not sure they see the correlation between the bumble bee and themselves. The reason this is true is because we have the ability to communicate, while the bumble bee does not, and if someone who is an authority tells us that it's impossible to do something, we just accept it at face value. Instead of going ahead an trying something new or difficult and giving it our best shot, we jut pass it off by saying, "Well, you just can't do that." Let me make a quick distinction here. While some people attempt life threatening or potentially dangerous feats, I'm talking about normal, every day activities that could make us happier and more successful human beings.

About 25 years ago, when I first went into the sales profession, it didn't take me long to realize I had to steer clear of the older salesmen who had been around for years. Most of them were just plodding along and marking time. They were quick to tell me why a particular person or company would not buy from us. Of course, many new salesmen listen to this kind of talk and they never go out and make the effort, or if they do, they take the first rejection as proof the older, more experienced salesmen were right.

All through life, we meet people who have tried things and failed, and they will be quick to tell us why we can't do it, either. Here's the principle the story about the bumble bee should teach us: if what you want to do has potential and merit and will help you achieve what you want to achieve, how are you going to know whether you can succeed or not, if you don't try it for yourself? When you make the effort destiny comes into play. As William Jennings Bryan once said, "Destiny is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." As you go forth today, REMEMBER: the bumble bee is not supposed to be able to fly, but he DID! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 12 - YOUR DECISIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

No. 12

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUR DECISIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

Since the beginning of recorded history, the family unit has always been one of the essential building blocks in the success of an empire or a nation. The late William Thayer expressed it this way: "If well ordered, they are the springs from which go forth the streams of national greatness and prosperity, of civil order and public happiness." As leaders in the homes of America, our decisions will often affect our family for years to come.

According to the Bible I've been reading for the past several years, not one of us is perfect. For example, in Romans 3:23 it says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", and I know this is true. While I'm not perfect and certainly not a preacher, it's my heart's desire to share something with you that will help you become a happier, richer and more successful person. To do this, sometimes all we need is to be reminded of those things most important to us.

Some time ago I heard a true story that I believe can have a tremendous bearing on the traditional family in the years to come. In the 17th century there were two families in America by the names of Edwards and Jukes. As the head of the Edwards family, Mr. Edwards was a Godly man and he did his best to provide spiritual leadership and also be a productive and law abiding member of society. Mr. Jukes, on the other hand, was more or less a common criminal, spending much of his time in jail, and was anything but a good example for others to follow.

Several years ago, someone did a study on the history of these two families, and here is what they found: the Edwards family produced the famous minister, Jonathan Edwards, who entered Yale University at the age of 13 and later became a great theologian, as well as an author of several books. Further research revealed the Edwards' family tree contained a long list of ministers, college presidents and other prominent members of society.

Research on the Jukes family revealed the virtues of the original Mr. Jukes were also passed on to his offspring. The Jukes' family consisted of many criminals and others of unsavory character. The point here should be clear: if you are the leader of your home, the kind of person you are and the decisions you make will affect your family. If you are living the kind of life, however, of which you are not proud and have personal vices and habits that would keep you from being a good role model, it doesn't necessarily mean that your children will turn out the same way. People with this kind of background have risen above their circumstances to become outstanding successes. In no way do I want you to take what I'm saying too personally, because we all have problems, burdens and challenges, but there is a principle we should all consider. "What's true in the root will be seen in the fruit." There is a lot of truth in the saying, "Like father, like son."

The one thing our children want from us more than anything else is our approval and they will often go to great lengths to get it. This is a free country where we have the opportunities to make our own choices and decisions that affect our lives. Keep in mind, however, your decisions will affect your family and they will often have consequences for many years to come. A good example is the two young men who killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. I'm sure if their parents had the chance they would like to do it all over again. This is something that will haunt them for the rest of their days. Hopefully we can all learn from this tragedy. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 13 - THAT ONE LITTLE THING CALLED A T-O-N-G-U-E

No. 13
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THAT ONE LITTLE THING CALLED A T-O-N-G-U-E

My good friend, the late Doyle Burke from Newport, Arkansas, always had several funny stories to share with me each time I saw him, but some time back I saw him when he was almost speechless. It was at the Convention Center in Little Rock on the day he received a plaque to mark his retirement from the education profession. He was asked to say a few words before 600 of his peers. He simply stated, "it's better to remain silent and have people assume you are a fool than to speak and no longer have them assume it."

The ability to speak is a wonderful gift that God has given us and for those who can develop it to a high degree of proficiency, it can bring all sorts of rewards. If I were to ask you to state in one word the most powerful part of the human body as it relates to speaking and communication, what would be your answer? If you said the little six letter word, called a T-O-N-G-U-E, you would be right.

The reason I believe this is true is because I've seen the tongue lift the spirits and motivate a 260 pound man to action, and I've also seen the tongue slash another person to shreds. Yes, the tongue is a very powerful thing and learning to control it is a goal worthy for any person. The tongue is like a two-edged sword: one side is good and the other side is bad. It's how we choose to use it that makes the difference. It's only when we learn to control our tongue and use it for good that we can rightfully expect good things to happen in our lives. In my own experience I have found many people have Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personalities in respect to their tongues.

When they're in public or "on stage", so to speak, they use their tongues one way, but when they are "off stage" you would never know they were the same people. The Bible says in Matthew 15:18, "But those things that proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart and they defile the man." So there you have it -- it's really the heart of a man or woman that determines the kind of speech that comes out of his or her mouth. The tongue, on the other hand, is just a protrusile, freely moving organ that in human beings serves as an organ of taste and speech. I believe if you will give this some serious thought, you will see that it is not the smart or intelligent people or even those who are gifted with unusual skills, that learn to control their tongues wisely. It's the people whose hearts are right who exercise self-control and learn to speak only those things which serve to build lasting relationships.
If you have a problem controlling your tongue and you want to do something about it, a good place to start is to examine your heart. When you get your heart right with God and with others, it will be easier to control your tongue. I always admire the soft spoken, gentle person who speaks the truth and is always positive when talking about others. There just seems to be an inner strength that says it's not necessary to tear others down to build themselves up.

Until next time, when it comes to our tongue and the words it produces, here is something to keep in mind; automobiles run and airplanes fly, but human beings literally talk themselves forward. A medicore idea well expressed is often more effective than a better idea poorly expressed. Words are the most powerful success tools available to human beings. As I said in the beginning, it's all a matter of how we use that thing we call a T-O-N-G-U-E. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 14 - A FAIR WEATHER FRIEND

No. 14

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FAIR WEATHER FRIEND

The late Dale Carnegie, founder of the internationally famous course on public speaking and human relations, once said, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
It has often been said that we all need friends and I personally know this is true. While some people are loners and may not have any friends at all, to my way of thinking, they are missing one of the greatest blessings in life. We all need friends and perhaps even more importantly, friends need us.

Now here is an important question you may wish to consider. Do you have even one really true friend? That is, if you really and truly needed help, someone you can count on and someone you know for certain that would not let you down? I have several friends that I believe I can count on, however, until they are put to the test, I won't really know for sure, will I?
It has been my experience over the past several years that when I've been down and needed help, I've had a lot of people who I thought were my friends, desert me. On the other hand, I've had people who I didn't know were my friends, right there when I needed them most. Have you also found this to be true in your life?

A conversation I had some time back is what brought these thoughts to mind. One day while having lunch with my wife at the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, I met a lady by the name of Mildred Ward. Somehow we got to talking about friends and Mildred told me about a woman she knows who complained to her about not having any friends, and she went on to tell me why this was true.

One morning about two a.m., this woman's telephone rang and on the other end of the line was an elderly lady who had fallen in her home and couldn't get up. So, she called her friend (at least someone she thought was her friend), and asked her to come to her home and help her. Now, do you think she went? Well, the answer is 'no'. It was too far. At least that's what she told her.

When this woman complained to Mildred about not having any friends, Mildred said, "I told her to her face, the reason you don't have any friends is because you don't know how to be a friend. You are a 'fair weather' friend." When you stop and think about it, this is so true. Most of us can be a friend as long as the sun is shining and it doesn't cost us anything, but when friendship begins to cost us something, it has a way of setting the record straight. At this point the truth is revealed and we are either a true friend or a fair weather friend. With this thought in mind it might be well to share an old German Proverb that says, "There are three kinds of friends: those who love you, those who hate you and those who care nothing about you."

A few days ago I received a phone call from a lady who was not even a close friend, and she said, "Bill and I have had an accident, can you come get us?" She then told me where they were. Maybe I was motivated because I had just written this column, but at this point I didn't ask any questions, but said, "I will be there as quickly as I can get there."
The point I'm trying to make is simply this: if we want to have some true friends, we must be there when someone who calls us "friend" really and truly needs us. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 15 - HOW TO STAY OUT OF A RUT

No. 15

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO STAY OUT OF A RUT

Did you hear about John Jones? He died some time ago and they inscribed these words on his tombstone: "Here lies John Jones. Died at age twenty-one; buried at age sixty-one." You see, John Jones had been in a rut for forty years of his life. Here I'm reminded of the way it used to be in our country before we had paved highways. After a big rain, the first few cars or wagons made big ruts which led to the sign "Choose your ruts carefully because you will be in them for the next twenty miles."

I know this for sure, one of the greatest challenges I face each day in my own life is
to stay out of the old proverbial rut. Now, just in case the word "rut" isn't in your working vocabulary, what I'm talking about here is the mental state that most of us fall into when we have performed routine, humdrum activities for so long that we have lost our zest for living. For the person who is in a rut, life is no longer exciting and rewarding, and because it happens so slowly and over an extended period of time, most of us fall into a rut without realizing we are in one.

During seminars and speaking engagements, I've conducted surveys that relate to this, and most adults will admit falling into a mental rut at one time or another in different areas of their lives. This topic is very important because medical studies have shown boredom, a side effect of being in a rut, is a disease more crippling to the human species than most of us realize. The problems of boredom are manifold in our work force, schools, marriages, churches and anywhere else our thinking settles down into a well worn groove.

If you are aware of the problems associated with boredom, have you ever asked yourself why people become bored? While the problem itself may not be easy to solve, the answer is relatively simple. Whenever you find boredom (people in a rut), you will find the absence of a worthy goal or a great motivating idea.

In my work over the past thirty years, with our nation's public schools I believe
I have found at least a part of the reason why people let themselves fall into a rut. The reasons are different for different people, but for the most part, it goes back to our basoc education and our habitual way of thinking. While working with students in the area of communication skills, I have made a very important discovery. When you ask students the question: "What is produced when you link words together?", they will say sentences. When you take it one step further and ask what is produced when you link sentences together, they will say paragraphs. On the surface this may appear too simple to even mention, but the reason many people fall into a mental rut is because the world and every successful enterprise or individual person runs on great ideas. While it may sound trite, the world does not run on paragraphs. You see, the paragraph only separates the ideas, but it's the good ideas that are contained in the paragraph that makes the difference.

Unfortunately, most schools do not teach students to set goals or look for the ideas in a paragraph that will help serve other people. They only way we can succeed over the long haul, is to find a need and fill it, and this requires each of us to constantly search for new and better ideas.

Going back to my earlier statement, when a person is bored it is simply the absence of a worthy goal or a great motivating idea. Unless we are taught to think along these lines, it's easy to become bored and fall into a rut. The truth is, we don't make exciting plans while we are in a rut, and if we aren't careful the things that are most important will just pass us by. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 16 - ONE GOAL AT A TIME

No. 16
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ONE GOAL AT A TIME

As it relates to personal success, have you ever heard or read this statement before: "The person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder." If you will stop and think about this statement, I believe you will realize that it's true. More importantly, however, in terms how it may benefit you, if you are not already a person who sets goals this simple idea could make a real difference in your future.

To enable you to gain greater insights into what I'm saying, please consider this:
If we simply untie a ship, give it no crew, no compass or destination, but just let it drift, if it gets out of the harbor at all it will likely sink or wind up on some deserted beach. On the other hand, contrast this with a ship that has a crew, a compass and a definite port in mind. The odds are over ninety-nine percent that it will safely reach its destination. Another important consideration is that a ship can only reach one port at a time, which is really the essence of what I'm saying here.

But, to back up a moment and place things in perspective, the main reason we see so much confusion in people's lives is that they have not been taught how to set goals and as a result they have no real purpose or direction for their lives. Sure, a lot of people have dreams, hopes and wishes, but they don't have specific, written goals. As a result, they spend a lot of unproductive time going from one thing to another, being tossed "to and for" like that ship I mentioned earlier.

For a goal to be valid or worthy, it should be specific and not general; it should be realistic with a definite time limit; and, it should be written down on paper. While working with thousands of people over the past thirty years, I've found that fully ninety-five percent of all people do not have their goals written down on paper. There are many reasons why this is important, the first being that it's a commitment -- at least you have committed it to writing. This written form will allow you to review your goal often and with each repetition, drive it deeper and deeper into your subconscious mind. This is the reason, for the most part, that goal setters are positive people. You can't be a winner in athletics or in life without a goal.

If you are a beginner in the business of goal setting, I want to make a very important suggestion. Beginners should set only one major or large goal at a time. After the process becomes second nature and you have achieved enough success and the resources to diversify, more than one worthy goal is something many people can handle, but not in the very beginning. Most of the confusion in people's lives comes from trying to accomplish too many things at the same time.

After setting one worthy goal that is important to you, blaze it in your memory, burn it into your mind. When you first wake up, think of that one goal. When you sit down to rest for a few minutes, think about that one goal. As you think about it and visualize it, the goal will become crystallized and your focus, like a beautiful photograph, will be sharp and clear.
Since we become what we think about, soon you will reach that goal. At this point, set another goal and set out again. You will find this simple process of setting only one goal at a time will take most of the confusion out of your life and will bring order and self-discipline. As a result, your self-image and your attitude will definitely change for the better, and don't you agree, this is what success is all about. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 17 - HOW TO RAISE A CROOK

No. 17
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO RAISE A CROOK

While it should go without saying, most of us parents love our children and we want the very best futures for them and want them to become productive, responsible, law abiding citizens.

However, apparently a lot of parents do not realize that their own attitudes and behavior contribute to the real possibility of one or more of their children winding up in prison.
Along these lines I want to share something titled HOW TO RAISE A CROOK, printed some time ago in The Presbyterian Journal. I hope if you are a parent or someone who is in a position to influence the values, morals and character of young people, you may benefit from it. If you'll think about it, much of what we learn comes from the experience of others and it can be for bad or for good.

HOW TO RAISE A CROOK

1. Begin from infancy to give the child everything he wants; this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.

2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him -- it will encourage him to pick up "cuter" phrases that will blow the top of your head off later.

3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is twenty-one and then let him decide for himself.

4. Avoid the use of the word "wrong." He may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and that he is being persecuted.

5. Pick up anything he leaves lying around: books, shoes, clothing. Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing the responsibility onto others.

6. Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feed on garbage.

7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of children, then they won't be too shocked when the home is broken up.

8. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you have had them?

9. Satisfy his every need for food, drink and comfort. Denial may lead to harmful frustrations.

10. Take his part against the neighbors, teachers and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

11. When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him."

Certainly this is a personal thing, but let's hope this article will help us see ourselves in a true light, and it will make a positive difference in our attitudes toward raising our children and grandchildren. Someone once said that "prison" is a school to which criminals are sent to figure out what went wrong." It's no real mystery. When parents are not good role models and fail to teach character values to their children, the results are usually predictable. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 18 - DON'T PUT OTHERS DOWN

No. 18
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON'T PUT OTHERS DOWN

Several years ago, I had a neighbor who had a beautiful white dog that stayed in the house most of the time. Unfortunately, when the dog was let outside, he had a habit of visiting other neighbors' yards, bushes and flower beds, if you know what I mean.
One day another neighbor whose yard had been visited by this dog was irate and made a comment about the dog's owner. She said, "I think I will give her a piece of my mind." When the dog's owner heard about it, she responded, "If she gave it all, you still wouldn't have anything!"

While it's just human nature to respond to criticism in this manner, it's much harder to stop and consider whether or not the other person's criticism is justified. No one who lives in the city where houses are close together wants to have to watch where they step in their own yard, especially if they don't own a pet and the problem persists.
The problem here as it relates to good human relations is that it's much easier to put someone else down than it is to raise ourselves up. Unfortunately, because of the attitude of one neighbor and the resulting 'put down', both neighbors were losers and they missed the opportunity to be friends.

It's my belief that a lot of people today are being misled along these lines, and here's an example. Sometime ago I was in a very large city in another state and was listening to the radio. The program I was listening to featured a well known psychologist and she took phone calls from listeners who were having stress and emotional problems. After listening to a caller for a few minutes, she then gave advice on how to cope with his or her problems. As I continued to listen I'm convinced that most of her callers were satisfied with her answers, because it was obvious that she was well qualified and knew what she was talking about.

Because of my extensive interaction with people, I picked up several things in this psychologist's answers that told me where she was coming from. First, her tone of voice was harsh, not soft and gentle, and the feeling of love toward others did not come through. Next, she seemed to be elated when some of her callers (especially female callers), asserted they were going to do something for themselves for a change, because they had been involved in taking care of others too long.

Before you misconstrue what I'm saying, let me be quick to add; there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to be our own person, to have self-respect, and a certain degree of independence, but there is a real danger in not knowing when or where to stop. In many cases, people like this become overly assertive and they go from driving a motorbike to a Sherman tank, and before long, they develop the attitude that they can "bulldoze" their way over everything and everyone who gets in their way. This type of person has little or no compassion for others.

Regardless of whether by conscious choice or just letting their selfish human nature take over, it's a shallow, short-sighted way to think and live. I believe the people who put stock in the kind of information this psychologist was putting out are being misled. Sooner or later, regardless of what we say or the lifestyle we choose, we all have to come face-to-face with our Maker. We would be much better off if we would strive to always lift people up. In most cases, we can say what needs to be said without putting other people down. -- (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 19 - A HARD LESSON TO LEARN

No. 19
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HARD LESSON TO LEARN

Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Any government, like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns. But you and I know the continuance of that habit means the poorhouse." How many people do you know in today's society who spend more than they earn? Our nation's collective massive credit card debt, amassed by individuals, shoud give you a hint.
From my observation, I think one of the hardest lessons for many people to learn in today's times is how to do without. It's not easy to do without, especially when we see so many people around us who seem to get everything they want. However, this uniquely American penchant, which is often referred to as "keeping up with the Joneses" has pushed many people so far into debt that bankruptcy and financial collapse is a real possibility. The real problem with trying to keep up with the Joneses is about the time we think we get there, they refinance!
I'm fairly conservative. I don't believe in people over-extending themselves, buying things they cannot afford and putting themselves and their family at risk for the future. On the other hand, if people have the means or the where-with-all, as we say, to have all the things they want and do all things they want to do, I think it's wonderful, because that's the American dream. So long as their incomes are derived from legal means, I wish them continued success.
But we see thousands of people, perhaps millions, who want to live this kind of lifestyle, but they simply cannot afford it because they don't have any money. As a result, many of these people suffer from tension, stress, high blood pressure and finally, a stroke or heart attack or some other calamity. I'm not talking about the person who takes a calculated risk when it comes to getting ahead financially, because that's what financial success is all about. I'm simply talking about those people who have formed the habit of spending more than they earn month after month, and there's a big difference.
There are many reasons why we see people in our society who want to live "high on the hog" without having the income to support it. It really comes down to the fact that they have never learned the habit of doing without. If you or someone you love happens to fit in this category, here are a few thoughts that may help:
Fret not at small beginnings; the oak began as an acorn; the beautiful rainbow had its beginning in a drop of rain and a ray of light; the muscular athlete had trouble crawling; the university graduate started in first grade; the massive international oil industry began with a small shallow well.
In our country, it's still possible for most of us to have the things we want, but it may require a change in our thinking and our attitudes. Instead of buy now, pay later, we must save and invest now and then buy later. Most people who have gotten ahead financially don't ever have to touch the principal of their assets, because they meet their monthly obligations from the income derived from investments.
What this kind of thinking and the resulting actions really does is move our possessions from one side of the ledger to the other. It moves them from the things we can't afford to the things we can afford. Doing without is a difficult lesson to learn, but when we do, our financial future will be much brighter. P.S. Is the money you have burning a hole in your pocket? (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)
There are many reasons why we see people in our society who want to live "high on the hog"+-C${uoio{i (+-EG%h/

No. 20 - THE FALLACY OF LIBERAL THINKING

No. 20

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FALLACY OF LIBERAL THINKING

In the political arena of life, which is to say policies, issues and programs that affect every American citizen we often hear some politicians referred to as liberals. Have you ever stopped to think about what the word "liberal" really means when it's used in this context? Over the past 200 years of our nation's history, we have had a varied and rich history in relation to a good number of different political parties. Today the names have changed, but we still have several different political parties around but the two major parties that more or less control our nations policies are the Democratic and Republican parties.

In theory at least, each party represents a different political philosophy about how the government should go about serving its citizens. Within this context, we have given labels to people such as conservative, liberal and moderate. Each of these labels represents an attitude or philosophy a particular person holds in terms of how much government should do for its people.

In the larger scheme of things, from a philosophical viewpoint we identify liberals as people who want to do more and give more to the people they serve. Contrast this with the attitude of those identified as moderate or conservative who say our government has gone far beyond what it should be doing and it should conserve or cut back on the services it is now providing. Which view would you take -- liberal or conservative? Do you think our government should do more for its citizens or less? You might say more, which would certainly place you with the majority.

Without prejudging, let's look further for a moment. Today in the United States Congress there are a number of so called liberals who say we should not balance our nation's budget on the backs of the poor and we should not cut programs or services for the needy. On the surface, that's a pretty good argument and it's true, if you don't take this line of thinking any further. What the poor unfortunately do not know or understand is that they are exchanging their pride, self-respect and financial security when they vote for a liberal congressman or congresswoman who can vote for his own pay raise or tax exemption. When you increase taxes to pay for more services, it's not a good deal, except maybe for the additional revenue that enables our congressmen and women to give themselves a pay raise!

Personally, I resent the extravagance in lifestyle and travel that has become a regular regimen for many officials who are feeding at the public trough. You see, a liberal is someone who is loose and free with money he or she did not earn and this has led to excessive taxes, which kills the incentive for hard working and honest people. To say it very simply, it's easy to be liberal with someone else's money and this includes "corporate welfare" which is, in reality, the 'good ol' boy' system at the highest levels of our nation's government.

As citizens, taxpayers and voters we just need to understand where public money is coming from and to hold our public officials accountable for how they are spending it. If you will think back a few years I believe you will agree that we had our finest hour when most people understood the principle of "an honest day's work for an honest day's pay." When we look to the government to provide for our individual needs we are losing the very foundation that gave us our collective freedoms. I hope the next time you vote you will consider what I've said: a liberal is a public official who wants to be loose and free with money he or she did not earn. That is the fallacy of liberalism. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 21 - DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

No. 21

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

It's been said, if we want to know a lot about a person's character, just watch how he or she acts. But I'm here to tell you, if we really want to know about their character, watch how they react, because this it the real test. In these days of shades and pastels, it's the best way on earth for us to see a person's true colors.

Sometime ago, I ran across a terrific article that was printed in the Readers Digest way back in 1960 titled "Do You Act or React?" and I want to share it with you. As you read it, think about how you would act or react in a similar situation.

"I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn't even acknowledge it. 'A sullen fellow, isn't he?', I commented. "Oh, he's that way every night', shrugged my friend. 'Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?', I asked. 'Why not', said my friend, 'Why should I let him decide how I am going to act?'

As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me the most important word was act. My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us. He knows who he is, what he stands for and how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct.

When we are enjoined in the Bible to return good for evil, we look upon this as a moral injunction, which it is, but it is also a psychological prescription for emotional health. Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. His center of emotional gravity is not rooted within himself where it belongs, but in the world outside himself. His spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around him and he is a mere creature at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives him a feeling of euphoria, which is false, because it does not last and it does not come from self-approval. Criticism depresses him more than it should, because it confirms his own secretly shaky opinion of himself. Snubs hurt him and the merest suspicion of unpopularity in any quarter rouses him to bitterness.

A serenity of spirit cannot be achieved until we become the masters of our own actions and attitudes. To let another person determine whether we should be rude or gracious, elated or depressed, is to relinquish control over our personalities, which is ultimately all we possess. The only true possession is self-possession."

As I thought about this article, I realized just how much this affects us every day of our lives. It's not too difficult for most of us to act nice, especially if we had the proper training when we were growing up. But it's just human nature to react to others in a negative way when they are rude, thoughtless or ungrateful toward us.

The Apostle Paul gave us the answer to this problem in Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

The key to improving our human relations is to renew our thinking each day with good, honest and positive thoughts until it becomes a habit. Then when someone is rude or thoughtless, we will act toward them in a manner that is in theirs, as well as in our own best interests. As George Bernard Shaw once said, "Action is the only road to knowledge." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 22 - HOW TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SECURITY

No. 22
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SECURITY

Former President James A. Garfield once said: "Poverty is uncomfortable, as I can testify; but nine times out of ten, the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim for himself." The American free enterprise system offers tremendous opportunity for the individual who is always worth more than he or she is being paid. If you don't already know this, you will soon discover that it's the easiest and best way to have real financial security.

Several years ago, before moving here to Conway, my wife and I built a beautiful home and we installed a wood burning Franklin stove. Back then, the term "energy crisis" had become a reality in American society and it caused many of us to change our habits. While I've used the example of a wood burning stove before, I'd like to broaden it considerably and share something here that will definately help you in the area of your personal finances.

Have you ever heard of someone going up to a cold wood burning stove and saying, "give me some heat and then I'll put in the wood?" Well just for the fun of it, one day I tried it and I can tell you truthfully, it doesn't work! That stove just sat there and didn't do a thing! Finally, I gave up and put in some wood, stuffed some newspapers under the wood and lit the paper with a match. It wasn't long before it got so hot I had to move my chair back.

My point is simple. I could have sat or stood there and shivered for days and that stove would never have put out any heat. That is, not until I finally put in some wood and started it burning. Now, believe it or not, I have just described a principle that is holding many people back on their jobs and keeping them from earning the amount of money they need and would like to have. While it's a little more complicated than this, it stems from the attitude many people hold that they would like to have the benefits before they produce or prove themselves worthy of the salary they started with in the beginning. In other words, they're saying, "let me start out with a high salary, then I'll prove I'm worth that salary."
Unless you are self-employed, too young or retired, please consider this: when a person is looking for a job and someone agrees to hire them, regardless of the starting salary, the employer is taking a chance the person is going to be worth at least what he is paid. If the employer is in the private sector where a profit must be earned to stay in business, this means just breaking even. On the other hand, if the employee is worth more than he is paid, the difference is profit, and this is where future raises and fringe benefits come from.

If you are being paid eight dollars per hour, your value to your employer should be worth at least ten dollars per hour, because that's the only way you can have a financial future with the company. Take my word for it, if your employer is not earning a profit, there is no way he can pay you more money. Now he may pay you for a while, based on the value of other employees who are worth more, but it cannot and will not continue for long.

The next time you want to see this principle clearly, visualize that cold Franklin stove sitting there and me begging it for heat. If you really want to move up in your company and earn a lot more money in the process, the surest and most dependable way to do it is to always be worth more than you are paid. To hold this attitude, and then follow through with effective and effecient work, is the best financial security on earth. -- (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 23 - DO YOU HAVE CLASS?

No. 23

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE CLASS?

Some time ago, my wife and I attended a graduation exercise for a class of nurses at one of our fine hospitals in nearby Little Rock. Near the end of the program, the head instructor read something titled, "What is class?", that was so good that I went to her afterwards and asked for a copy of it.

In today's times, we often hear it said of someone that they have "class", but have you ever thought about what the word 'class' really means when it's used in this way? Well, in layman's terms, the person who has class is just someone who has good manners in all situations, especially when they are hurt or wronged in some way. As you read this article about 'class' it might be well to think about it as it relates to your life.

CLASS

"Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident that you can meet life head-on and handle whatever comes along.

Class never makes excuses, It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.

Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices.

Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class, while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.

Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.

Class can walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch. Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class, because he is comfortable with himself.

If you don't have it no matter what else you have, it doesn't make much difference."

To me, the contents of this article has a way of penetrating to the depths of my very soul. I especially like the thought "class never makes excuses, it takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes." Wouldn't we all be better off if we could learn to do that?

I know many times when I have failed to do something, I usually try to find a way to justify my actions. Then I say, "I did it because ..." In some cases, I've said to myself, "I wouldn't have done that if it hadn't been for so-and-so." All I was doing was trying to transfer the blame for my own failure to someone else. We should never be too hard on ourselves, because if we do that on a regular basis, all we are doing is putting ourselves down and the result will surely be low self-esteem. We do, however, need high standards because it's the only way to improve.

When it comes to personal accountability and establishing a standard for personal behavior, I don't believe you can improve on the qualities mentioned in the article on class. Ask yourself, "do I have class?" If you don't, would you like to have it? Of course it takes much more than just saying it to make it so, but the first step is to start acting like a person who has class. Who knows? It may be the beginning of a whole new way of living and a source of encouragement to those around us. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 24 - I LOVED YOU ENOUGH

No. 24
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I LOVED YOU ENOUGH

While enthusiasm is the most contagious, love is the strongest of all human emotions and it was placed in each of us by a loving God as a way to express our appreciation and commitment to those people and things that mean the most to us.

When we truly love someone it is only natural to have that person's best interests at heart. There is no greater love in all the world than the love parents have for their children. This is a God-like instinct that is not only present in humans, it is also present in the animal kingdom. We see examples of this on every hand, and one that comes to mind is the very vivid picture I remember of a mother hen being burned to death in a fire and when she was removed, her baby chicks were still alive under her lifeless body. Now, as the song goes, "If that isn't love, I don't know what is."

If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or someone else responsible for rearing a child, have you ever heard these words from your child: "You don't love me!" Now, I'm sure in some cases the words, "You don't love me" are actually true. There are some people who never feel love and because of this, it's impossible for them to give love. However, in most cases the child who says, "You don't love me" is actually using these words as a tool to get what he or she wants.

In recent years, discipline has become a major problem in our nation's schools and also in millions of homes across America. If we are to reverse this trend, it is important for us to understand the difference between "true" love and doing what is best for our children, as opposed to letting them use our emotions to do things that may not be in their best interests. Here I'd like to offer some positive suggestions and guidelines to help us deal with this problem. In administering discipline and punishment to children, here are nine principles that should be observed:

1. Do not discipline in anger.

2. Do not let discipline in retaliation.

3. Do it in such a way as to not embarrass and humiliate the child.

4. Let the discipline be reasonable and let discipline be an expression of love.

5. Above all, ask God to give you divine wisdom in raising that child.

6. Keep your cool. Children need the confidence that only a steady hand and a settled soul can offer.

7. Show your child that you are wise enough and strong enough to be the boss.
8. Be honest with your children. Tell them the truth.

9. Be generous with praise and when it comes time to criticize, your child will believe you and respect your judgment.

Raising children in today's times is not easy. There are so many pressures and problems in existence today that were not around fifty years ago. But children are a blessing and they are a gift from God. If we do a good job of raising them, when they are old enough to understand, we can say "Do you remember when you used to tell me. 'You don't love me.' " Well, the truth is, I loved you enough to ask you to clean your room, to not make excuses for your lack of respect and bad manners. I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and fail, so that you could learn to stand alone. But most of all, I loved you enough to say "no", when you hated me for it. This, my child, was the hardest part of all." -- (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 25 - SHAKE OFF NEGATIVE COMMENTS

No. 25
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHAKE OFF NEGATIVE COMMENTS

You may be familiar with the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." This is one of the biggest untruths I have ever heard. We should never underestimate the power of words, because if we let them, words can literally destroy our lives. As the English critic and essayist William Hazlitt once said, "words are the only things that last forever."

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard is to 'live our lives so we wouldn't mind selling the family parrot to the town gossip.' I'm sure you can see the wisdom of this thought. While there is no way to control the negative things other people may say about us, we should live our lives in such a way that no one would believe them. While I never like to hear negative comments about me, those I love or the things I believe in, they do come along from time-to-time. When they do however, I can either shake them off and go on pursuing the goals that are important to me, or I can let them defeat me. You see, the choice is mine.

Do you have trouble shaking off negative comments or negative things that happen
to you? If you do, I believe this story I'd like to tell you will help you shake off negative comments in the future.

A farmer had a faithful old mule that had served him for years, but now it was be-coming apparent with the passing of time, the old mule had just about reached the end of his days. As the farmer saw his old mule beginning to suffer, he realized he had to find a way to put him out of his misery. Being a kind, soft-hearted man, he couldn't stand the thought of just taking him out and shooting him, so instead, he devised what he thought was a good plan.

Since he was going to have to bury the mule anyway, he decided to lower him into
an old, abandoned well and cover him with dirt. He thought this would "kill two birds with one stone", as the old well was a hazard and needed to be filled in anyway. At this point, the farmer rigged up a tripod with a pulley and a hoist and lowered the mule into the well. While it was a very sad day, he thought it was the best way, so he got a shovel and a wheel-barrow and went to work.

As he poured load after load of dirt into the old abandoned well, a strange thing began to happen. As the dirt fell on the old mule's back, he shook it off and trampled it down. This process went on for several hours, with each load of dirt being treated the same way. The old mule would just shake it off and trample it down. Finally, the old well was completely filled in and the mule was standing on level grand. Then, he just walked away free from the prison that was to be his grave.

Obviously, this is not a true story, but it does make a wonderful point. The dirt thrown on the old mule's back could be compared to the negative comments and the neg-ative experiences we all have from time-to-time. When they do occur, we can either shake them off or let them bury us. The choice is ours.

Earlier, I mentioned we should live our lives in such a way we wouldn't mind selling the family parrot to the town gossip. This is, perhaps, the best way on earth to keep from having too many negative comments said about us. The next time this happens to you, and it will happen, I hope you will remember the story about the farmer and the old mule...JUST SHAKE IT OFF. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034.)

No. 26 - SORRY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN

The next password is blake

NO. 26
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SORRY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN

On a day by day basis, how we view our circumstances life is often a matter of perspective and this is especially true when it comes to raising children. Here is an example of what I mean: One time a woman said to a friend, "Our marriage would have broken up years ago if it hadn't been for the children. We can't get a divorce, because he won't take them and neither will I."

Children are a precious gift from God, but they don't always perform or act in a manner we would like for them to. As parents, we want the best for our children and in most cases have high expectations of them. A good case in point is the story about a college girl who wrote her mother the following letter:

Dear Mother,
I'm sorry I haven't written these last four months. The reason I haven't is because of a brain operation I had, which was the result of a concussion I received when I jumped from the fourth story of the dormitory when it caught fire. Fortunately, a young service station attendant across the street saw the fire, called the fire department and the ambulance and got me to the hospital in time.

While I was in the hospital, the young man visited me regularly. When I was released, I had no place to go. He invited me to share his apartment. It wasn't really an apartment, it was just a basement room. It was kind of cute. Yes, Mother, I am in love. I'm pregnant and we do plan to get married. The reason we haven't already gotten married is because of some silly disease he had and he failed the blood test.

Sincerely,
Your Loving Daughter

P.S. Now, Mother, this is just to let you know: I did not have the brain operation. There was no concussion. I did not jump from the dormitory. It did not catch on fire. I am not in love. I'm sure not going to get married! I did make a "D" in English and an "F" in history. I thought you ought to see these two things in their proper perspective.

Now, I believe you'll agree, after the first part of the daughter's letter, the long-suffering mother was happy about a "D" in English and an "F" in history. After reading this story, I began to reflect on it and a couple of observations came to mind. Everything is relative, and only when we have the common sense to place things in perspective are we able to properly deal with them. When you think about that daughter away at college -- in all likelihood at her parents' expense -- I'm sure her mother expected her to do better than a "D" in English and an "F" in history. The daughter knew her mother's expectations. Why else would she have gone to such great lengths to compose her masterpiece?

As individuals, if we are to profit from this story, we should consider the underlying fact that sooner or later we will be held accountable for our actions. If we short change ourselves in taking full advantage of life's opportunities, we are the ones who ultimately suffer the consequences. The message here is simple. Let's make sure we do our best to take advantage of our opportunities when we have the chance. In many cases, real opportunity only knocks once. To make sure our ship comes in, we must first make sure we have sent one out. A good education is vital in today's technological age. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034.)

The next column password is: Blake

No. 1 - OUR ATTITUDES CONTROL OUR LIVES

No. 1

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR ATTITUDES CONTROL OUR LIVES

William James of Harvard University, the father of American psychology, oncesaid, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." This profound statement made many years ago, contains tremendous potential to help us become happier and more successful human beings. After all, isn't this what most of us want our lives to be?

My wife has a sweat shirt with the words, "I have an attitude" printed across the front. To symbolize the word "attitude", there is also a picture of a duck with the most awful facial configuration you can imagine. The dictionary defines "attitude" as: a state of mind or feeling.

Unlike computers, which can only store facts, statistics and other data, the human mind also has the capability of storing feelings and emotions. The marvelous human mind, with its many and diverse powers is what produces thoughts, and these thoughts become the basis for our actions. Our actions, therefore, are the result of not only what we think, but also how we feel. As it relates to our personal success, it's important to realize that actions trigger feelings, and feelings trigger actions. Your thoughts and feelings produce "attitudes." As Dr. James points out, "human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind."

There have been a number of people and organizations who have conducted studies to determine the basis for personal success and they all pretty much conclude the same thing. Mental attitude accounts for about 85% of our overall success in life, while skills and knowledge make up the balance.

I would like to share a true, life experience that can help us see how important our mental attitude really is and why it controls our lives. In the 1958 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves, during the late innings of a very crucial game, Elston Howard, power hitting Yankee catcher, was up to bat. With the count three balls and two strikes, the Braves' manager went out to the mound to talk with Warren Spahn, his great left handed pitcher. The manager said, "Don't give him a high outside pitch, because he will hit it out of the park!", and returned to the dugout.

It was too late! Warren's computer-like mind registered the thought "high outside pitch", which is exactly where the ball went! The manager was right: Elston Howard hit it out of the park. As Elston circled the bases, Warren Spahn threw his glove down in the dirt and made what has become a classic statement. He said, "WHY would anyone motivate themselves or others with the reverse of an idea?"

You see, because of the way the human mind is constituted, we always move in the direction of our currently dominant thought. The chances that Warren Spahn would have been successful in pitching to Elston Howard would have been greatly increased if the manager had simply said, "Keep the ball low and inside."

The reason attitudes control our lives is simple. We always move in the direction of our currently dominant thought. When we are thinking good and true things and have worthy goals to strive for, a positive attitude will definately give us the advantage. As I've said many times during speaking engagements around the country, "It's your attitude and not your aptitude that will determine your altitude" (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 2 - DISCOURAGEMENT: ONE OF OUR GREATEST ENEMIES

No. 2

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DISCOURAGEMENT: ONE OF OUR GREATEST ENEMIES

It's just common sense to realize that we cannot do our best when we are deeply discouraged. Each of us should spend some time and learn what causes discouragement and what steps we can take to avoid or overcome it -- that is, if we want to achieve outstanding success. To achieve anything really worthwhile in life, there comes a time we refer to as "the moment of truth." In any undertaking, when we begin to struggle and maybe even have serious doubts, the moment of truth is that critical time when we either give up or keep going. If you will examine this statement, I believe you will conclude the reason many people give up far short of achieving success is because they become discouraged. On the other hand, those who keep going are those who find a source of inner strength which enables them to defeat or overcome discouragement.

It's natural and even necessary to give up on some things, especially if our priorities are wrong or the odds are too great. To be sure, I've given up many times, but the key to success in most anything is to know when to give up and when to keep going. More often than not, however, the reason most people are not successful is that they give up too quickly. There is a vast difference in giving up on reaching a specific goal and in giving up on life, in general. There is usually no real tragedy when we give up on a specific goal, but there is a real tragedy when we give up on life.

If you are a person who has a tendency to become deeply discouraged, I want to remind you of the source of discouragement, by sharing a story I heard some time ago: "Once upon a time, Satan, growing old and weary, decided it was time for him to retire from active work. He offered all of his devilish inventory of tools for sale to the highest bidders. At the time of the auction, the tools were all neatly arranged: envy, malice, enmity, sensuality, deceit and all of the other devices of evil. Each was plainly marked, and the price was surprisingly low, except for the ungainly piece of much used steel marked, "discouragement." It was marked ten times more than any of the other tools.

"Why, Mr. Satan", asked a prospective buyer, "do you ask so much for this tool?" "Well", replied the old tempter, "this tool has always been my most useful one. You can see that it has more wear than any of the others. I can use it as a wedge to get into a person's mind and defeat him, when all other means fail."

If this story has any truth in it, and I for one believe that it does, we can plainly see that Satan is the source of discouragement. He wants us to give up, sit down and wallow around in self-pity. If we allow this to happen, we certainly won't accomplish anything worthwhile for God, our fellow man, or anyone else, including ourselves. The only way to overcome discouragement is by intelligent action. Once you decide to do something worthwhile and get started, you'll soon find discouragement will leave you.

The exact opposite of discouragement is courage and this is simply the quality of mind that meets danger or opposition with firmness. Isolated performances of great deeds do not make individuals heroes or cowards, they simply reveal character to the eyes of others. Every successful life needs challenges, hurdles to overcome, and problems to solve in order to bring the power of courage into play. God has given us a will and in America we have the freedom and the opportunity to make choices. In every important decision in life, God votes for us, Satan votes against us, and it's left up to us to break the tie! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 3 - WRITTEN WITH PREJUDICE

No. 3

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WRITTEN WITH PREJUDICE

The English critic and essayist, William Hazlitt (1778-1830), once said, "Prejudice

is the child of ignorance." Without question prejudice has no place in a civilized society, because it leads to attitudes and actions based on conclusions that are preconceived, rather than information that is factual. Prejudice is usually associated with bigotry and hatred, but prejudice in itself is not necessarily bad. It can be good, if we are prejudiced toward the right things and in the right way. The real danger is that we often let our emotions get in the way.

Some time ago, Mr. Robert C. Howe, principal of the North Kansas City High School, was in Little Rock to address a conference of school administrators and I had the privilege of being in the audience. During his speech he shared something he called "Written With Prejudice", and I enjoyed it so much I asked him for a copy. If you have youngsters of your own, or grandchildren, I believe you will appreciate it, as well.

First, a mother is speaking: "Dear Teacher, Please find attached to this note one six year old boy, much cleaner and quieter than usual and with new hair cut and blue jeans. With him go the prayers of his mother and father. He's good at creating airplanes and chaos, very adept at tying knots and attracting stray dogs; he especially likes peanut butter, horses, the westerns, empty boxes and his shirt tail out. He is allergic to baths, bedtime, taking out trash, and coming the first time he's called. He needs to be taught and spanked, loved and spanked, and reminded to blow his nose and come straight home after school. After having him in your class and on your nerves, you may not be the same, but I believe you will be glad to know him, because while he strews books, toys and clothes, he has a special way of scattering happiness. Written, I'm afraid, with prejudice." Signed, his Mother.

Here's the principal's response: "Dear Mother, Please find attached to this diploma one 18 year old boy, much more mature, with loftier ideals and goals than he had when you sent him to us some 12 years ago. With him go the prayers of his teachers and friends. He's good at different things now. He has more understanding of the world about him. He is able to do mathematical computations, knows something of the scientific approach to problem solving. He can read and write in at least the English language, an has probably developed some skills in typing, woodworking, art and driving an automobile. He is still allergic to baths, bedtime, taking out the trash and coming the first time he's called. He still needs to be taught and loved, but perhaps not spanked. He needs to be reminded of the adult responsibilities of adult membership in the American society, to uphold the ideals of good citizenship, integrity, honesty, justice, humility and priority of life. He needs to realize that the completely successful life involves a partnership with his family, his community and his God. He should be told that education is a never ending process and only begins at the schoolhouse door. After having him in our classes and on our nerves, we are not the same! We're better people, enriched by his presence, broader in our understanding of humanity for having known him. We think we have provided him with an unbounded opportunity to learn in an atmosphere that has as its principle purpose the development of well informed citizens who carry on the great traditions of America. We love him, too. Written also with prejudice." Signed, his principal.

To amplify my own sentiments with respect to this excellent article, every freedom loving American needs to take a positive attitude towards the schools in this nation and do what we can to make them better in the years to come. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 4 - WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH DRUGS, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR "FRIENDS" ARE

No. 4

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH DRUGS,

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR "FRIENDS" ARE

The late Thomas Hughes, English author and reformer, once said, "Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another." This is certainly a true statement and one that those of us who cherish our friends can really appreciate.

However, there is a moral and social crisis in the world today which can make it difficult to know who our true friends really are. I'm referring to the terrible scourge of illegal drugs. For those who choose to get involved, the idea or thought of true friendship can quite often be a rude and painful awakening. There are millions of tragic stories that will bear this out and I have one of those stories to share with you. This true story involves a young person who got involved with drugs and it took place only a few miles from where I live, so it really hit close to home.

A young man in his twenties was a college student, and like so many others, he fell into bad company and before long he was using drugs on a regular basis. During this time he met another young man and they became friends. He had been left an old house in a will, and he was fixing it up to live in and his friend even spent several days helping him get it ready.

A few miles from the college town where these young men were both living, they had started a marijuana field to grow plants, harvest them and sell the drugs to other students and anyone else who came along. One afternoon, just a short time ago, they both left school early to go to the marijuana field to harvest some plants. It had become their custom for one of them to carry a gun, since they had become wary of the local authorities. As they made their way through a thicket of small pine trees, the young man who owned the house, was a few feet in front of his friend, and he heard the hammer of the gun click. The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground dazed, because his friend had shot him and presumed him to be dead.

As he continued to lay there, he heard the bite of a shovel as it tore hunks out of the pine floor. His friend was digging his grave. Realizing his only chance to survive was a knife he carried in his pocket, he slowly pulled it out and opened the blade. His real problem however, was that the blast of the gun had left him blinded. When his so-called "friend", who had now become his assailant, finished digging and came over to put him in the grave, as he heard footsteps close by, the young man lunged at him with the open knife blade and ripped into the calf of his assailant's leg. He expected to be finished off, but his assailant left without doing him further harm. Later it was revealed he had left to get medical attention.

For the next two days and nights, in a mosquito and snake infested forest, the young man wandered totally blind until he finally staggered upon a farm house where he was able to find help. Today he is living with his parents in a nearby town and he will be blind for the rest of his life.

While the subject of drugs and the havoc they wreak in people's lives in endless, I believe this true story will shed light on the problem from a little different angle. It's true, when you get involved with drugs, you never know who your friends are. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 5 - COURTESY NEVER COSTS -- IT PAYS

No. 5

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COURTESY NEVER COSTS -- IT PAYS

=Are you a courteous person? Those truly courteous in their dealings with others will find many doors opening for them, and it's also a sign of good breeding. However, genuine courtesy goes far beyond the obvious. It's much more than permitting others to break in line at the cafeteria, the supermarket checkout stand, or even saying, "Here, let me get that for you."

The other evening the phone rang at our house and a very pleasant sounding young woman was on the line attempting to enlist subscribers for a new magazine. After she introduced herself and the product she was selling, she went into her sales pitch. I listened very attentively and when she finished, I told her I had read a previous issue of her magazine and liked it, but due to some commitments in other areas, I didn't want to subscribe at this time. She thanked me very politely and hung up the phone.

Now you may say, "What's so unusual about this conversation with a telephone solicitor?" Well, you be the judge, but in light of what I've been hearing the past few years, apparently a lot of people are very rude to telephone solicitors when they call. In many cases, they yell at them, swear at them, or just slam the receiver down in their ear. I'm convinced that some people are rude by nature and extend this form of discourtesy to everyone they are around. Others feel they are being harassed and they develop a "mind set" to telephone solicitors and just turn them off. On the other hand, many people have been unduly influenced by negative comments made by their family or friends about telephone solicitors.

If you are in the habit of doing this, I want to share some thoughts with you that may cause you to change your thinking. The reasons will become obvious as you read on. In the end, I hope you will see that courtesy never costs -- it pays, and here are some reasons why this is true: A lot of people who are rude never stop to realize the American free enterprise system is based on sales, and this includes sales made over the telephone. Without sales our whole economic system slows down and in time, this puts many people out of work. But you say, "If I want to buy something I will call them or go to a store." While this is true, just stop for a moment and think about where the money you have in the bank came from. In part, it also came from sales and some of those sales were made over the telephone.

When the young woman I mentioned makes a sale, think about the chain reaction that takes place. She gets a paycheck, as do others in her company. They can take their earnings and pay house payments, car payments and utility bills. They can buy groceries, eat out once in a while, and go to a movie. God only knows what all that money will be spent for. As I say, sales keep our economic system moving and either directly or indirectly, we all benefit.

I hope the next time someone calls trying to sell you something, if you're not by nature a courteous person, you will remember what I've said and be thoughtful and considerate of the salesperson's feelings. You don't have to yell, swear, or hang up; just very calmly and politely say, "I'm sorry, I'm not interested in what you are selling, but I appreciate your calling." You will be amazed at what this will do for you and for the caller. My friend, it's true; it doesn't cost a penny to be courteous and it will pay you a tremendous dividend for your time and energy. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 756 - A GOOD DOSE OF REALITY

No. 756

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GOOD DOSE OF REALITY

Every once in a while we all need a good dose of reality. This is necessary to keep our feet solidly on the ground and not get caught up in a steady stream of politics that goes on around us for much of the time. The other day, a friend sent me something that might serve a useful purpose, as it presented a clear case of a good dose of reality.
It seems this middle age man and his wife had a young college-grad granddaughter they loved deeply, and had been there to help financially over some rough spots in her life. This granddaughter, whose name is Ashley, drives a flashy hybrid car, wears all the latest fashions, and loves to go out to nightclubs and restaurants. She also campaigned hard for our nation’s newly elected president. After the election she made sure her grandfather, who did not vote for President Obama, received a big “I told-you-so” earful, on how the world is going to be a much better place now that her party is taking over.
That was then. This is now. Ashley lost both of her roommates and ran short of cash and cannot pay the rent (again) on her three-bedroom townhouse. Like she had done many times in the past, she e-mailed her grandfather asking for some financial help. His response is the dose of reality that I mentioned earlier. In part, here is what he said, “Ashley, you know that I love you dearly and I’m sympathetic to your financial plight. Unfortunately, times have changed. With the election of President Obama, your grandmother and I have had to set forth a bold economic plan of our own… ‘The Ashley Economic Empowerment Plan’.
“Let me explain. Your grandmother and I are lifelong, wage-earning taxpayers. We have lived a comfortable life, as you know, but have never had the fancier things like European vacations, luxury cars, etc. We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon. But the plan has changed. Your president is raising our personal and business taxes significantly. He says it is so he can give our hard-earned money to other people. Do you know what this means, Ashley? It means less for us, and we must cut back on our personal expenses.”
The grandfather goes on to tell her about having to let his wonderful receptionist of 22 years go, and that her grandmother will now have to work four days a week to answer the phone. He also reports that her cousin Frank will no longer be working summers in the warehouse. When he called Frank to tell him, he was upset because he will have to give up skydiving and his yearly trip to Greenland to survey the polar bears.
When I read this, I realized that it was highly partisan and, for the most part, I try to stay away from partisan politics. What tilted my decision in favor of sharing it was the dose of reality aspect that so many people need to hear, regardless of which party is in power and how our nation’s financial fortunes play out.
There is an old saying that goes, “The one who pays the fiddler calls the tune.” There is one thing that our government can do that we, as individuals, can’t do, and that’s print money. When we run out of money we are just out and it’s then that we have to figure out how we are going to get more to pay our bills and live the kind of life we wish to live. Older people who have worked hard and saved money know how they got it. If we choose to give it away that’s benevolence. If someone takes it, that’s robbery. For Ashley, it was a good dose of reality.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 757 - THE COACH GARRISON CHALLENGE !

No. 757

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE COACH GARRISON CHALLENGE!

In case you have not noticed, in America today we have a sports culture. At least to me, it seems like our whole national calendar revolves around one major sporting event or another. Even the people on the Weather Channel tell you what kind of weather to expect the day of the big game, big race, big golf tournament or ___ (and here you fill in the blank).
In school, who do you think has the most influence on a student’s life? If the student is involved in sports, you can rest assured the answer is the coach, even more so than parents, in many cases.
Here is my reason for sharing this with you. Almost from the time we started the “Bookcase for Every Child” project here in Conway back in 2005, I have had a very serious concern. Our goal is to provide children in low-income families with a bookcase and some quality books in an attempt to help them develop a passion for reading, as this is the foundation for long-lasting success. My concern is that we can help a child learn to read, but there is another trait or element that we must help him develop if he is to be successful as a person. This is to help him develop good character. Many people in prison can read.
This is where I believe coaches all across America can be a tremendous help, and I also believe that most coaches have no idea how much influence they have on the attitudes, values and morals of their players. It is really important to reach young players in the summer leagues, junior high and senior high levels. For those who make it to the next level we can’t wait until they get to college, because in most cases it’s too late. It’s hard to change ingrained habits, attitudes and morals of those who need help the most, as it relates to good character.
To be sure, I don’t have much influence when it comes to athletics or coaches, but I have a good friend here in Conway who is a sports icon, and he shares my philosophy. I have asked him to get involved in this effort. This man’s name is Cliff Garrison, well known in our community and state. Together we have developed The Coach Garrison Challenge. In case you don’t personally know Cliff, his name is synonymous with athletics at Hendrix College. The competition court in the new $20 million Wellness & Athletic Center bears his name.
He served as Hendrix men’s basketball coach and athletic director for 31 of his 41 total years in coaching. He is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Lifetime member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches for 34 years, with other titles, honors, records, awards and leadership positions too numerous to mention. Cliff and I both know and believe in the power of reading great books and the impact the content can make on a person’s life.
Over time, with coaches all across America getting involved, The Coach Garrison Challenge will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many young players. Cliff’s challenge is for coaches to read two fantastic books and then ask their players to read them as well.
These two books are “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson (ISBN 9780310214694) and “A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring” by the late Coach John Wooden (ISBN 10-1596917016). These books are available at most bookstores or www.Overstock.com and www.Amazon.com.
Almost daily we see the devastation and impact of poor character in the lives of many sports celebrities, and this hurts the individual player, their family, friends and the image of sports.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 758 - THE DOWNSIDE OF THE LOTTERY

No. 758

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DOWNSIDE OF THE LOTTERY

In some circles, what I am going to say in this column will be about as popular and well received as a skunk at a family reunion. I want to say a few words about the downside of the lottery. This is something you don’t hear much about by the promoters, the media, state government officials and others who profit from it.
We now have 44 states in our nation that have a lottery in one form or another. My own state of Arkansas was the most recent to get on board, as the 2008 election indicated that a majority of our citizens were for it. Our voters had turned it down on at least two previous occasions, but this time they tied the fortunes of the lottery to a couple of very special words – education and kids.
Who could be against education and who could be against kids, especially when it comes to kids getting a free college education because of proceeds from the lottery? Here, let me be very clear. I am one of the 37 percent of Arkansans who voted against the lottery, have never played it and don’t ever plan to. There are two very definite reasons why this is true for me, and I will share them with you at the end of this column. A few weeks ago we had a speaker from the state lottery commission speak to our local Lions Club. One of the first things she said, even though she works for the lottery, is that she voted against it, too.
She then went on to build a pretty solid case for the lottery and why it is good for our state. If you live outside the state of Arkansas, the odds are pretty good that you also have a state lottery and, therefore, have more experience to base your feelings on. In other words, if you could do it all over again, would you vote yes or no to have it? Our speaker made it very clear that the lottery was to be viewed purely as entertainment. They also have a pretty good deal in relation to bad debts, as they only take cash (no checks or credit cards).
The lottery would not be a bad deal if we lived in a perfect world where all educated people and those who played it would buy only one or two lottery tickets each week, and that would be the extent of it. However, we know this is not the case. This is the reason we have Gamblers Anonymous -- to help those who become addicted to gambling and cannot help themselves. We have another issue where many people who play the lottery spend money they would otherwise spend on groceries, merchandise and other items where they pay sales taxes. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul, but the lottery money is earmarked for scholarships and the shortfall must be made up in some way, which usually means raising taxes.
While colleges and universities across the nation will continue to raise tuition -- that is the nature of progress -- the presence of scholarship lottery money makes the prospects a lot more inviting. The lottery has been proven to be the most regressive tax of all, where low-income and uneducated people bear the greatest burden of supporting it. One of the slogans the lottery people use here is “All you need is a dollar and a dream.” Really! By their own numbers, the odds of hitting the big jackpot are 174 million to one. The odds are better that a person will be struck by lightning than to be a large (millions of dollars) jackpot winner.
This is a personal choice, but here is the main reason for my opposition to the lottery. It creates a false hope for good people who could succeed at most anything, including financially, if they worked hard and used their own ingenuity and creativity.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 759 - WE WILL MISS YOU, BILL !

No. 759

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE WILL MISS YOU, BILL!

Most every die-hard basketball fan and player in America knows whom you are talking about when you mention “The Big Red Head.” This moniker belongs to Bill Walton, four-year starter for the 10-time national champion UCLA Bruins and 14 years as a professional player in the National Basketball Association.
When Bill Walton was in high school in Southern California he had a bad stuttering problem, but he overcame it and went on to become a television broadcaster. Today, Bill gives much of the credit for his success to the late Coach John Wooden, who won 665 games during his coaching years. However, history will probably record that his greatest contribution has and will come from his mentoring and being the author of nine books that talks about success in life, even more important than success in basketball.
His latest book, written when he was 98 ½ years of age, is titled “A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring.” It is without a doubt his best work and will no doubt be the standard for motivational and inspirational books for decades to come. It is one of the two books that Coach Cliff Garrison is recommending for coaches, all across the nation to read, along with “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson. These books can make a difference in any person’s life, and they will be read by countless coaches who never see or read “The Coach Garrison Challenge” but Cliff’s personal endorsement, and his purpose in doing it, will cause thousands more to get involved in mentoring young players.
Coach Wooden lists and talks about seven mentors in his own life, including his father Joshua Wooden; his grade school principal and coach Earl Warriner; his high school coach, Glenn Curtis, at Martinsville, Ind.; his coach at Purdue University, Piggy Lambert; and then Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln and Nellie, his beloved wife of 53 years who died in 1985. All of these played a great role in his life, but Nellie, his soul mate, was his greatest inspiration – she was the only girl he ever dated and ever kissed and was faithful to for all those years.
The second half of the book was written, for the most part, by just a few of those Coach Wooden had mentored, the most notable being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Roy Williams (coach at North Carolina) and Dale Brown, who coached for many years at Louisiana State University. Each gave a tremendous testimony of what Coach Wooden had meant to them and the success they later enjoyed in life. There is a famous story about Bill Walton that has been printed many times that will give you some insights into this “Wizard of Westwood,” the coach who sat silently on the bench during the games with a rolled-up program.
Bill Walton came to UCLA as a freshman in 1970, and while a tremendous “big man” basketball player, he was also a free spirit. Our nation had just gone through the Vietnam War era and Bill had strong personal convictions. As a result, he and Coach Wooden had many disagreements, but the coach always had the last word. Bill was named MVP in the last two championship games, and during his senior year he decided to challenge the coach on his policy of no long hair and beards worn by any of his players. When Bill told him he felt his rules were outdated, the look the coach gave him was more sympathetic than stern. The coach said, “Bill, I acknowledge you have a right to disagree with my rules, but I am the coach here and we will miss you.”
Here’s a final question from me. Could we use more of that today? Read the book.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 760 - ARE YOU WASTING YOUR LIFE ?

No. 760

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU WASTING YOUR LIFE?

The other day a lady who reads my column said something that really has me thinking. She said, “Your columns are too deep for me.” You could have knocked me over with a feather. I have never seen my writing as being too deep for anyone, but perhaps there are some readers who, from time to time, miss the point of what I am trying to get across.
Of course you know the three rules of communication are: be clear, be clear and be clear. There are some of my columns that require a good deal of research and contain facts and statistics that may be foreign to the thinking of some people, because we all have our own frame of reference. Anyway, if I have ever left you in the dark, it’s my fault; please accept my apologies.
There is another aspect of writing columns that enters the picture from time to time. Many subjects of a serious and far-reaching nature must be documented and have evidence that confirms what the writer is saying is true, at least reported and backed up by some reliable person, group or organization. Then there are other subjects that are more subjective and contain the writer’s own views and attitudes. It’s hard to argue with someone who says, “This happened to me.” What I want to present for your thinking today is of the latter nature.
I would like to begin with this simple question. Are you wasting your life? This question really strikes at the very heart of who we are as a person. It’s not for me or anyone else to say if you are wasting your life, but what is important is if you are happy with it. The other day a friend sent me a quotation that really hits the nail on the head. This quotation, by James Van Praagh goes, “We have all been placed on this earth to discover our own path, and we will never be happy if we live someone else’s idea of life.”
This quote was followed by a Question of the Week: If you could trade places with one person for a week, who would it be? Now, you think about that. Does anyone come to mind? Is there some person who is living such a rewarding, fulfilling and happy life -- maybe with a lot of money, or talent, or a lofty position in society -- who you would like to trade places with for just one week. Anyone come to mind? For me personally, I can honestly say that there is no person on earth that I would like to trade places with for any length of time.
The reason I would not want to trade places with anyone else is because I think I am the most blessed person on earth. I cannot say that this has always been the case. Over the past several years the life I have built has been the result of hard work, having a wonderful wife, a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and a number of meaningful causes that provides all the satisfaction that any person could ever hope for. For the past several years, our bookcase project (and I have had tremendous help) has been so rewarding just knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of many, many precious children.
When it comes to whether or not we are wasting our lives, I ran across a quotation by William James, the father of modern psychology, which has tremendous merit, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”
You may disagree to my way of thinking, a person is wasting their life if all they are doing is taking care of their own needs, to eat, drink and be merry. The most rewarding things we can do are what we do for others, what we leave behind when we are dead and gone. We only have one chance, so let’s do it right the first time.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 761 - CAN HUMANS BE DOMESTICATED ?

No. 761

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAN HUMANS BE DOMESTICATED?

Here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes. Can humans be domesticated? The obvious answer to this question is yes, even though many people never get the word and still act like animals.
With regards to humans, there is a contingency to my previous question, and this is what I want to present for your thought and consideration. Some time back a friend was telling me about a fantastic book titled “Wild Child” written by T.C. Boyle, an English professor at the University of Southern California and a fantastic writer. I then checked this book out of our local library and have read it.
The setting for this book is the village of Lacaune in the Languedoc Region of France. The year is 1797. The story begins with a group of weary, rain-soaked hunters returning from an unproductive hunting trip, when one of them spots what looks like a small child in the glade a few hundred yards away. He is cracking and eating acorns, but has not spotted them yet. When he does, he quickly vanishes into the brush. The child was naked and walked on all fours, and a visible large scar was clearly seen on his neck.
It was later revealed that he was a rebellious 13th child of a peasant family, pre-lingual, around age 5, when his father’s second wife took him into the forest with full intentions of killing him with a butcher knife. Deep into the forest, she twisted his head around and slashed his throat, and while blood gushed freely, she disappeared back into the brush and was gone. But the child didn’t die. At this point he was all alone with nothing but survival instincts and the will to live. He would spend the next several years without human contact, in the forest, constantly looking for something to eat. When his clothes were gone, there was nothing to replace them, so his skin adjusted.
This child was around 8 or 9 years of age when spotted by the hunters and was not seen again for several weeks. Then one day he was seen again, and this time captured by Messier, the village smith, and put on display for everyone in the village to see. Here was a child that was really an animal in human form, with no language, no ideas, no way of knowing he was alive, or in what place. He did not know why he was alive and that his life was no different than any of the other creatures in the forest. From this point forward, an unbelievable story unfolds of an escape, unknowingly making his way across a mountain range, to near Paris, France, where a second capture takes place.
He is first taken to an orphanage, and later to a school for deaf-mutes where two noted professors wanted to study him. Here, they began the process of trying to restore him to lead a civilized life. One professor, Jean Marc Gaspard, was having great success with deaf-mutes, but this wild child never responded to any stimulus, never spoke a word, never showed any signs of reentering society. This professor refused to give up on him, with no progress whatsoever, until the child was around 15 years of age and normal sexual instincts begin to take over. When he exposed himself to his teachers and all the female students, this was the last straw.
He was banished to live out his life with one of his caregivers, but he never spoke a word, made no progress of any kind, and finally died when he was 40 years of age. Can humans be domesticated? This true story suggests that only if we start soon enough.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 762 - ARE YOU OVER THE HILL ?

No. 762

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU OVER THE HILL?

The other day I heard a somewhat humorous story. This elderly man woke up one morning and thought he was dead. He did not hurt anywhere. One of the definite signs of getting older is that you discover you have muscles and joints that you never knew you had. Any kind of work or strenuous exercise, out of your regular daily routine, produces a soreness and discomfort that stays around until you find some kind of relief, or enough time passes for you to recover. I have always been an active person, participating in sports, gardening and just doing things around the house that keeps my body healthy.
However, things changed for me about a year ago, when I had a second triple bypass surgery and was soon placed on an exercise program, first at the hospital cardiac therapy unit and then the local fitness center. Blue Cross has a program called Silver Sneakers, and they will pay your fitness center dues if you have a Blue Cross policy. They found out that it’s a lot cheaper to pay fitness center dues than hospital and doctors bills. I try to go at least three times a week to walk on the treadmill, use several exercise machines and then some weightlifting for muscle tone.
I have said all that to say this: as we get older it’s important to keep our bodies healthy and physically fit if we want to stay around for a long time. Recently, I received a book by Dr. Don McGrath titled, “50 Athletes Over 50” that is jam-packed with useful information that will inspire any person, regardless of age, to maintain a great physical body. Dr. McGrath, who lives with his wife, Sylvia, in Fort Collins, Colo., is a leading advocate for those who want to be fit and healthy later in life through exercise and sports.
We are each different, but one thing I have noticed is that older people, from 65 to 100, maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise of some sort. Most people who have participated in athletics of some sort earlier in life continue with the same sport or adapt to another sport, but they stay active. A lot of time and effort went into Don’s book and he actually made the contacts and interviewed 50 older athletes to learn what motivated them and how their experience could benefit others.
There is a wide range of sports or activities involved that are different from your typical sports jock. Here is a partial list: distance runner, surfer, outrigger canoeist, bodybuilder, martial artist, triathlete, mountain unicyclist, dancer, rock climber, Nordic skier, weight lifter, race walker, handball player, power lifter, snowshoe racer and many more. Then there’s “Banana” George Blair, who is still water skiing barefoot at the age of 94. George has set several records, including being the oldest person to ever barefoot water ski and also the first to ever water ski barefoot on all seven continents.
This is a great book for anyone who would like to see the countless possibilities of either continuing a sport, either in competition or just to maintain fitness, and what it can do for you personally. The advice is simple. Consult your doctor, and if you want to lead a long and healthy life, get involved and stay involved in some type of regular exercise program. This book will show you and teach you why this is important. A lot of people think they are too old to start and that they are over the hill. The truth is, we can’t be over the hill until we first make it to the top.
Again, the book is “50 Athletes Over 50” by Dr. Don McGrath. Google it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 763 - WHAT MAKES YOU MAD ?

No. 763

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT MAKES YOU MAD?

Several weeks ago a newspaper reporter came to my office to conduct an interview for a feature article about our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. During the interview, one of the questions she asked was, “What makes you mad?” Without a moment’s hesitation I said, “People who are unkind.”
While I am usually pretty good at keeping my emotions in check, I get angry when I see other people deliberately being unkind to others they come across, whether it’s a member of their family, an employee, a co-worker, a competitor or maybe someone they don’t even know. To my way of thinking, we have far too much incivility in our country.
Of course there are many other things that make me mad, like cheating or taking unfair advantage of others, but here again, I try to keep things in perspective and try to give others the benefit of a doubt.
Now this question please, “What makes YOU mad?” Have you ever thought about this? We should not go through life being mad or angry, because that is unhealthy. However, if we do get mad from time to time, let’s get mad about the right things.
This is something I thought about when I received an e-mail from a friend the other day. It was titled “2010 College Football Scouting Report.”
It begins, “Well folks, it has arrived…the 2010 football scouting report! The following report is making the rounds of Division I college football coaches: Texas recruit- Wayfron P. Jackson, 6’ 6”, 215 lbs. Wide receiver. Hottest prospect from Texas in the last 10 years. Loves rap music. Will demand a mini cassette in his helmet. Currently holds world record for most “you knows” during an interview (62 in one minute). Wayfron can print his complete name.
Florida State recruit – Cletis Quinticious Jenkins: 6’ 3”, 220 lbs. Running back. Set state scoring record out of Triton High School, Dunn, N.C. Also, led the state in burglaries, but had only nine convictions. He has been clocked at 4.2 seconds in the 40 dash with a 19” TV under each arm.
Ohio State recruit – Roosevelt “Dude” Dansell: 6’ 1”, 195 lbs. Running back from Tyler, Texas. Has processed hair and imitates Billy Dee Williams very well. Before he signed his letter of intent, he wanted the school to change colors to chartreuse and pink. Listed his church preference as “red brick.”
Southern Cal recruit – Tyrone “Python” Peoples: 6’ 10” 228 lbs. Wide receiver. Has a pending paternity suit and two rape trials, but hopes none of his other nine victims will file charges. Tyrone has already signed letters of intent with six other colleges, but was also willing to sign with us. Thinks Taco Bell is the Mexican Telephone Company.”
There is more, but you get the idea. When I read this it made me mad, not because it did not have merit but because of the people who had failed these “fictional” but, all too often, real individuals during their childhood. This scouting report was obviously a put-down of super star African-American high school football players. During the interviews after a big college game, I think most people listen to see if the star players, especially African-Americans, are articulate and well spoken and many are, but unfortunately many are not.
When you think about the earlier examples, just think about the people who failed them, starting with their parents, their teachers, and a school system or college that used them for the sake of a winning record or money from ticket sales. We must do better.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 764 - GOING THROUGH LIFE - "JUST IN CASE !"

No. 764

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOING THROUGH LIFE – “JUST IN CASE!”

Have you ever thought about the fact that many of the choices and decisions we make in life are made with a contingency? When it comes time to choose, whether consciously or unconsciously, we often say, “just in case" -- this is really just another way of saying that we should always be prepared.
Here are a few examples to illustrate what I am saying. When we leave home, if the skies are overcast and threatening, we take an umbrella “just in case” it rains. For me, a personal example is back when we had a well before we got city water, Viola would always keep several bottles of water in the utility room “just in case” the electricity went off.
There are thousands of “just in case” examples, but my favorite was back when we were growing up. When leaving home in the car, mother always said, “Be sure you have on clean underwear, just in case you have a wreck.”
There is no limit to the examples I could use here, but the best one I have ever heard is about a little blacksmith who lived in a small town. He was an excellent blacksmith, made good money, but he was only a little over 5 feet tall and he was secretly in love with a girl who was at least a foot taller than he was.
Every so often this girl would walk by his shop and look in while he was working, but he would just duck his head and he never let his feelings be known. Then one day, she brought a little dog chain in for him to weld back together, after it had been broken. He jumped at the chance and made that chain look like a log chain. She said, “What do I owe you?” He said, “Little lady you don’t owe me a thing. I was glad to do it.” She then said, “Surely, there must be something I can do for you.”
Well, here it was, the girl of his dreams asking if she could do something for him. He just blurted it out. He said, “I am wondering if I might come calling on you.” She said, “You certainly may. You could come by my house tonight.” With this encouragement, he jumped up on an old anvil sitting on the floor of his shop and planted a kiss on her. She didn’t resist and this encouraged him still further, so he said, “Don’t make me wait till tonight. Let’s take a little stroll in the meadow back behind the shop and let me just pour out my heart to you.” She said, “Well, I guess I will.” So they started down the path of this beautiful little meadow. It was a beautiful time of the year. The wild flowers were blooming and the birds were singing.
After they strolled along for several hundred yards, chatting away, they paused in this little secluded spot and this little blacksmith looked up at this girl of his dreams and said, “How about another kiss?” She said, “No, I don’t think so. Not on our first date.” With this, the little blacksmith heaved a sigh of relief. He said, “Well, if there is not going to be any more kissing, I am going to sit this anvil down.” Now, here was a man who went prepared and he understood the concept of “just in case.”
What I have just shared with you is another one of those Bob Murphy stories that I love so much. There will never be another Bob Murphy, who told down-to-earth stories, clean as a hounds tooth, kept you in stitches, while learning some of life’s valuable lessons at the same time.
You know, our nation is going through some tough times right now, millions of people out of work, and the national debt has reached epidemic proportions. Freedom is not, and has never been, free. We must all be ready, “Just in Case.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 765 - BETTER ... T HAN THE ORIGINAL !

No. 765

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BETTER … THAN THE ORIGINAL!

Over the years many companies that have used the slogan, “Better … Than the Original.” One of the copy machine companies, I have forgotten which one, used this slogan to impress customers and would be customers that when an original went in their machine, the resulting copy would be sharper and clearer than the original that was used to make the copy. To be sure, this company’s machines did a good job, but it will take some doing to convince me that when you use a copy to make a copy and then take this copy and make another copy, and continue the pattern, the end result will be just as good as the original or the first one. With each succeeding generation you lose a little quality.
In a very real sense, this is what has been happening in our nation over the past several generations. While technology is great and has helped us in so many ways, we may have reached the point of overkill, especially in the area of electronics. Sometimes what we think is progress is really not progress at all, but just another way for companies to make a profit on customers who are hooked on having the latest things or gadgets. However, kids in today’s culture who are growing up with all these “advantages” may be missing an education in the most important quality of all -- the development of personal integrity and character.
In relation to integrity and character, it may be necessary to go back to the original to see where we went wrong. Most Americans are familiar with the term, “The Greatest Generation,” but many of today’s youth may not know what it means. This is a term coined by journalist Tom Brokaw to describe the generation who grew up in the United States during the deprivation of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II, as well as those whose productivity within the war’s home front made a decisive material contribution to the war effort. In 1998 Tom Brokaw wrote the book “The Greatest Generation” that will provide the basis for the kind of character that built our nation into the greatest superpower on earth.
I came along near the end of World War II and grew up when the vast majority of our citizens had character -- back in the days when no one locked their doors, a man’s word was his bond and adults felt safe in correcting the children of others. Then something happened when the Vietnam War era came along. This war was so unpopular that a new generation grew up who had disdain for authority and a total lack of respect for many of the institutions in our society. Now, this is where the slogan “Better…Than the Original” comes into play. When you take “The Greatest Generation,” the parents of “Baby Boomers” and they have children, and they have children, and they have children, and each succeeding generation is a little further removed from the original, you have only to read, listen and watch the news to see the results.
In spite of our recent history, we have many fine young people today who are the leaders of tomorrow. The slogan of our “Bookcase for Every Child” project is “Building a New Generation of Readers.” In today’s times, if children are to succeed, they must learn to read and keep reading to become lifelong readers. It’s not just learning to read that will enable our children to succeed, but they must also develop outstanding character. To be sure, we are each copies of a copy, but if we latch on to a good original and allow them to mentor us, we will help to preserve our way of life and insure future generations the same great opportunities we have had.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 766 - THE MEANING OF LAUS DEO !

No. 766

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MEANING OF LAUS DEO!

The people who know me best -- family, friends, people I attend church with, members of my civic club, those involved with our bookcase project and hopefully, thousands of those who read this column -- will tell you that I am a pretty simple and down-to-earth guy. I do my best to be honest, to tell the truth, treat others with dignity and respect and I have a deep love for God and my country. Given these things, I am also grateful for the privilege of living in the greatest nation in the history of the world. Our forefathers and those in the military, past and present, have paid the price for me to be free and have opportunities unlike three-fourths of the rest of the people in the world.
Without a doubt, we have a spiritual heritage and a reverence for God, and His blessings, unlike any other nation on earth. A firm reliance upon God is where we derive our power. God has truly blessed our nation, and it baffles me to no end why we have people in America who are also blessed who want to remove God from every aspect of public life, to our ruin. This is not to say that we don’t have differences in forms of worship, because we do, but going all the way back to the very beginning of our nation we made sure that God was Sovereign and that we honored and reverenced Him in the very fabric of our national character.
In the event you do not believe this, allow me to share something a thoughtful reader sent me the other day. It has to do with the Washington Monument and the simple words, “Laus Deo.” Many people may not know that, by law, no building can ever be built in our nation’s capital that is higher than the Washington Monument that stands at 555 feet. Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was president of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took 25 years to finally cap the memorial, and on one side of the cap was a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, a Latin phrase meaning, “Praise Be to God”
No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there, and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less. But once you know the history, you may want to share them with everyone you know. Laus Deo --two seemingly insignificant words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningful placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise Be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4, 1848, deposited within it were many items, including the Holy Bible presented by the American Bible Society.
Please send this to every child you know: to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. In today’s times it is fitting to end with these words from Psalm 127: 1 “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 767 - THE TOWN LIBRARY

No. 767

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TOWN LIBRARY

This past year our local public school district honored our Conway Bookcase Project with special recognition and a plaque. As the chairman, I was invited to attend the annual graduation and to say a few brief words. I am not used to holding my comments to one or two minutes, but with almost 600 graduates and parents who came to see their child walk across the stage to get their diploma, I would have been shot if I had gone any longer. For the sake of brevity I told those in attendance about two other graduates. Following the ceremony one said to the other, “Thank God it’s over. I will never open another book as long as I live.” The sad thing about this statement is that he probably didn’t, but he was the loser.
In more than 40 years of trying to help people succeed, the one constant for those who make it over the long haul is that they are readers. Reading good books makes all the difference in the world. We are blessed here in our community to have a fantastic library, and Ruth Voss, our county librarian, has invited our bookcase project committee to hold our annual Bookcase Awards Ceremony at our library, which will accommodate up to 1,000 people. Most every community has a library of some kind. Many are small, but nevertheless are a valuable asset in the lives of many of its citizens.
I did not get turned on to books until later in life, and I regret that, because I am the loser. When you open your mind and read, it makes you think, and according to the late Henry Ford, thinking is the hardest work there is. This is probably the reason so few do it. If you are a thinker and have visited your local library in the past few weeks, I believe you will enjoy a series of library quotations someone sent me a while back. To get the most from these quotations you will have to think and may even have to go back and read them again.
“I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.” -- Groucho Marx. “I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face.” -- Rodney Dangerfield. “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic, as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.” -- Lady Bird Johnson.
“A good book is the best of friends.” -- English Proverb. “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” -- Mark Twain. “The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries.” -- Descartes.
“Knowledge is free at the library. Just bring your own container.” -- Unknown.
“Never judge a book by its movie.” -- J W Eagan. “An original idea, that can’t be too hard. The library must be full of them.” Unknown. “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” -- Francis Bacon. “To those with ears to hear, libraries are really very noisy places. On their shelves we hear the captured voices of the centuries-old conversation that makes up our civilization.” -- Timothy Healy.
“Reading is thinking with someone else’s head instead of one’s own.” -- Unknown. “Library: a place where people lower their voices and raise their minds.” -- Richard Armour. “Nobody graduated from a library. Nobody graduated without one.” -- Debbi Healy.
Here is a final thought from me. Fill your mind with only the best and the results will be obvious.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 768 - EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A STANLEY RUSS

No. 768

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A STANLEY RUSS

Do you know someone in your community, retired or semi-retired, who has impeccable character and integrity, is a good communicator, can chair a meeting, emcee a banquet, and do radio, television and newspaper interviews? The person I have just described, man or woman, can be the leader of a “Bookcase for Every Child” project in your community.
Before I move on, let me be quick to say that every community of any size has a number of people who can do this. To restate the obvious, I am talking about leadership.
Here in Conway, Arkansas, we are blessed to have a retired state senator by the name of Stanley Russ, who surpasses my earlier description with flying colors. He has been involved not only in our bookcase project but with every other organization you can name. He was elected to the Arkansas Senate in 1975 and served 26 years, and served as President Pro Tem of the Senate from 1995-1997. He was named one of the “Ten Outstanding State Legislators in the United States” in 1981. He is a past president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Faulkner County, Kiwanis Club and Central Arkansas Life Underwriters.
Stanley is past state president of Future Farmers of America; past chairman of the Foothills District of Boy Scouts of America; board member of Faulkner County and State 4-H Foundation; member of Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and the class of 2000 of the Arkansas Agri Hall of Fame; was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow of Conway Rotary Club, and a charter recipient of the Faulkner County Leadership Award by the Faulkner County Leadership Institute in 1997. He also received the University of Central Arkansas Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Service Award in 1998.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas and an associate’s degree in agriculture from Arkansas Tech University. He served during the Korean War, stateside, Army Artillery Division. He is a member of the Second Baptist Church and former deacon and was married to the former Nina Benton for 50-plus years. He is the father of Debbie Merritt and Stan Russ and grandfather of five. There is much more, but you can understand why he was chosen the person with the most influence in Faulkner County when our local daily newspaper, the Log Cabin Democrat, conducted a reader’s poll several years ago.
When we began the Conway Bookcase Project back in 2005, Stanley’s late wife Nina was a charter member of our committee. When she passed away a few years ago, we asked Stanley to take her place and continue the work she had begun. We are blessed to have him and he has made a real contribution, especially as emcee for our Bookcase Literacy Banquet and during the annual Awards Ceremony, when we present the bookcases and a starter set of books to the children and their parents.
Now, here is my real reason for sharing this with you. As I said earlier, every community, of any size, probably has several people like Stanley Russ who can be the leader for a bookcase project in your community.
It’s not a difficult job at all for the right person. We just do what we do best. Other committee members can handle most of the details, but a good leader is really the image of the project that is projected in your community, and in the minds of your people. These children being reared in low-income or disadvantaged homes deserve our best. Together, we are making a difference. Please help us find the right person in your community.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 769 - SEE IT IN YOUR MIND'S EYE

No. 769

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SEE IT IN YOUR MIND’S EYE

The human mind is the greatest agency ever to appear on the face of the earth. From this small mass of gray matter has hatched every thought, idea, invention and advancement that has moved the human race forward right up to the present time. A great miracle takes place when a child is born, created in the image of God, because he has the intrinsic potential to learn, grow and make a contribution to his fellow human beings. This child is the product of a genetic pool that goes back thousands and thousands of years. The child’s parents determine, to a large degree, his success or failure and his role in society. There is an old Chinese Proverb that says, “If you are planning for one year, sow rice. If you are planning for a decade, plant trees, but if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”
Now, in view of what I have just shared, this question please: What are you doing with your mind? Are you using it to anywhere near its potential? It is in this context that I would like to share a very simple analogy that could make all the difference in the world in your life, especially if you are not using that marvelous mind that God has given you, to do and have the things you really desire. It can be truthfully stated that none of us use our minds to anywhere near its real potential. It has been reported that Albert Einstein used only 10 percent of his mental capacity, so you can see mother lode where I am staking out a claim.
The analogy that I referred to took place several weeks ago while I was building a trellis to support a “trumpet” vine that I had planted in the yard. A friend had given me several four-inch by four-inch treated posts that were about seven feet long. I had previously built a compost bin, using five feet high wire, to hold leaves, and had wrapped it around several pine trees to fashion a pen. When this project was finished, I had a four foot piece of fence wire left over. Rather, than throw it away, I just tossed it aside.
Well, it came in handy. I took this wire and some staples and tacked the wire to a couple of these treated posts. These posts were long enough to have about two feet in the ground and still have five feet sticking up above ground to support the trellis. Now, here is where my mind took over. I had been using some one-in by four-inch treated boards on another project and I saw a way to cover the wire edges, cut the boards to length for both the cross boards and those that would be straight up and down and use screws to hold them in place. It worked like a charm and the “trumpet” vine or cross vine, as it’s called, looks great and is now beginning to cover the trellis.
The concept or principle that I have just shared may sound too simple, but believe me, when properly understood, it is powerful. Our marvelous mind has the power to help us achieve or have most anything we desire. The key is to see the goal or object in our mind – to not only see it, but also experience the feeling we will have when we achieve it. Should you want a new home, see that home in vivid and complete detail, and also how you will feel living in it. The same is true for any other tangible object or thing you desire, but once you see it clearly, and it’s within the realm of possibility, then we must follow through and make it come true.
The French Philosopher Blaise Paschal had this to say about the mind, “Our mind holds the same position in the world of thought as our body occupies in the expanse of nature.” Whatever we want, we must first see it, in our mind’s eye.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 770 - SENIOR CITIZENS SHOULD BE IN PRISON

No. 770

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SENIOR CITIZENS SHOULD BE IN PRISON

The famous American Humorist Mark Twain once said, “It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class except Congress.” However, very few members of Congress ever wind up in prison, because their fellow members, who are also long-time friends, are on the jury.
The other day I got a very thought-provoking article from a friend over in West Virginia. It advanced the theory that we should put seniors in jail and criminals in a nursing home. The article begins, “This way seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks, they’d receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheelchairs, etc., and they would also receive money instead of paying it out.
“They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly, if they fell or needed assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their cells. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool and education. Simple clothing, shoes, slippers, pajamas and legal aid would be free, on request.
“Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise yard, with gardens. Each senior could have a P.C. a TV, radio, and daily phone calls. There would be a board of directors to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.
Now switch gears here because the ‘criminals,’ also known as patients, would get cold food, be left all alone and unsupervised, lights off at 8 p.m., and showers once a week. They would live in a tiny room and pay $5,000 per month and have no hope of ever getting out. It may be a hard life, but at least it would be justice for all.”
As I read this, several thoughts came to mind that I would like to pass along to you, with the hopes that a lot of people’s lives, especially seniors, could be made better. While I may be naïve, it is hard for me to believe the last part -- about the “criminals” getting cold food, left all alone and unsupervised, lights off at 8 p.m. and showers once a week -- is true. While this may be true in a few isolated cases, most nursing homes that I know anything about do a pretty good job. I can buy that part about living in a tiny room, paying $5,000 a month and no hope of ever getting out. To be sure, there are multiple cases of injustice in both of these institutions -- prisons and nursing homes. In fact, many books have been written about each one.
When you contrast the benefits and the hardships of each one, there is one simple element that makes all the difference. It’s a little simple word called freedom. The people in nursing homes all across America, and granted there are some limitations, do have freedoms that inmates in our nation’s prisons do not have. I don’t know anyone in a nursing home, in their right mind, who would trade places with any inmate in any prison for any length of time.
Regardless of how you slice it, freedom is one of the most precious gifts we have. Our freedom was won at a terribly high price. Just visit a veterans’ cemetery and you will have a better understanding of what I am saying. Many young people in our country do not really understand the cost of freedom, because they were not around when it was won and preserved. Personally, I believe there is a great threat to our freedom in America today. We must all be vigilante.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 771 - WHO WILL SPEAK FOR YOU?

No. 771

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO WILL SPEAK FOR YOU?

As we consider the future of our nation and the direction we seem to be heading, will there come a time when you need to speak out? This is a question that came to mind after I received a nice letter and an article from a lady reader who lives in Kansas.
This reader, Ann Heckenlively, reads my column in the Dodge City Daily Globe. What she sent was an article reprint titled, “Anti-apathy essay courtesy of Hitler foe,” printed by Mike Rudden in his Wacky Questions column. While it goes back quite a ways, this was an article about the way Jews were treated in Germany before World War II. The basic premise was that when the Germans closed the Jewish stores, most of the German people just ignored it because it did not affect them. Basically, it was about apathy and how you have to get involved if you see something wrong.
The following essay, written by the Rev. Martin Niemoller, a German Protestant minister and one of Hitler’s leading Christian opponents, tells a very compelling story. Here is one of several versions.
“First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a Communist; then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a Socialists; then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist; then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew; then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
If you keep up with the news, then you already know what is happening in our country since President Obama took office and gave us change we could believe in. I am sure you know that I am not an activist, but rather just an American who loves his country and cherishes his freedom. History has a way of repeating itself, so let me give you another true example of why all of us need to speak out.
I have a friend, Juan Alonso, who lives in Lincoln, Neb., who is originally from Cuba, but fled this island nation in the wake of Fidel Castro’s takeover. Today Juan, who truly loves this country, is doing everything he can to warn the American people of the same fate that awaits us, if we do not change course. Juan blames the Cuban press for the Communist takeover, because they were corrupt and did absolutely nothing to warn the Cuban people of what was going to happen to the country if nothing was done. The press failed to take action and allowed the Marxist/Communist people to take over the Cuban government and install a brutal, despotic, socialist economic and cultural way of life.
The press could have met with the then-head of government (President Batista) and his high ranking military members and work out a free presidential election, free of any intervention from Batista’s government. The press did not do that, and instead they sided with the July 26 revolutionary movement, headed by Fidel Castro. The lack of “cojones” by the Cuban members of the press for not doing their duties (jobs) resulted in 50-plus years of brutal oppression in which hundreds of Cubans died by assassination, torture, and drowning on the Caribbean waters as they tried to escape from such horrible conditions.
Juan concludes by saying, “I witnessed all the above until they came for me. I had to escape, like millions of others, from Castro’s Free Cuba. I held the majority of the Cuban press responsible for not acting in behalf of the Cuban people when they had their opportunities to save Cuba from Marxist/Communist dictatorship.”
My question: Who will speak for you and me?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 772 - THE RENEWAL RANCH

No. 772

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE RENEWAL RANCH

There is a faith-based ministry starting here in our community that will have a lasting impact on countless lives for decades, even centuries, to come. It’s called The Renewal Ranch, and the basic mission is to restore and renew broken lives that have been all but destroyed by chemical addiction.
When you look around, there are few families in our nation who have not been impacted to one degree or another by addiction to drugs and alcohol. You know them and I know them and, to be sure, they all need help to escape the vicious cycle they have fallen into, often without hope. Now, thanks to many people in our community who care, many of them will have hope, not only for now but also for eternity.
One thing I have noted from the people involved who give their money and time is that they have a compelling reason to make a difference, because their lives or the lives of immediate family members have been impacted in a negative way. While I have extended family members who have been addicted, I am thankful that none of my immediate family has had to wrestle with the demons that completely take over the lives of millions of people in our nation. One thing I have observed is that most of the secular treatment programs do not work for a number of reasons.
First, the cost is beyond most addicted people’s ability to pay and also the fact they can’t stay in these programs long enough to not only break the cycle of addiction, but also to get a job and re-enter society.
Several years ago a lady came to me and asked if I would drive her husband to a state alcohol treatment program south of Little Rock. She needed help, so I did my best to help her. Her husband stayed for several weeks and then came back home. Sadly, in a few short weeks he was right back where he was before he entered the program. The thing that will set The Renewal Ranch program apart from these type programs is that they are faith based, and those who are accepted can stay long enough, with God’s help, to win the battle.
They will also get a job and have a gainful means of employment to provide for their needs. However, the thing that really sets this program apart is that it is based on change that comes into an addicted person’s life, when they come to know and serve the Lord. In II Corinthians 5:17 it says, “If any man be in Christ, he has become a new creature, behold all things have become new and old things have passed away.” You may doubt the validity of what I am saying, but I have seen it many times with my own eyes. You may rest assured that family members are glad to have addicted fathers, husbands and sons, back renewed and restored.
Thus, The Renewal Ranch, which is located on 94 acres of land in Perry County, just a few miles west of Conway. The plan is to have these men, six to begin with, be active in the community by providing community service, growing much of their own food and spending some of each day having devotional time and Bible study. This program, which has worked in other communities, is receiving tremendous help and support for local churches. It should be noted that Home Depot Foundation gave The Renewal Ranch a $20,000 gift to help with the building of the first bunkhouse.
James Loy, who is the director along with his wife Laura, is a former cocaine addict. He found help in a similar program and has a deep desire to give back. For more information, or to contribute to The Renewal Ranch, visit their web site at www.therenewalranch.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 773 - HOW THE WORLD EATS EACH WEEK

No. 773

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW THE WORLD EATS EACH WEEK!

One of the greatest blessings of my life is to be married to a woman who is an excellent cook. In my case, I have never taken the time to figure it out, but most of us spend a good deal of our time each day, week, month and year eating, or as we say, feeding our face. We have excellent, well balanced and nutritious meals here at our home. Viola, who has had Parkinson’s for 13 years, still does a great job in the kitchen, and even goes to the store and purchases our food a good deal of the time. Neither of us is grossly overweight because we exercise some, and that part about our meals being well balanced and nutritious is one of the key reasons. The last report I heard is that 25 percent of the American people are obese. Now, that’s really sad when you think about it.
Even with the downturn in our nation’s economy and several million people being out of work, we are still a very prosperous people. However, I am not sure how long our nation’s credit card will be honored, which is really something to think about. There are pockets of poverty right here in our country where people still go to bed hungry each night, especially children. This is the backdrop for some ideas I want to share with you regarding a most interesting article a friend sent me the other day. The article consisted of some excerpts from a book titled, “Hungry Planet: What the world eats.”
In this book, the authors had researched 30 different families from 24 countries and came up with some most interesting parallels and contrasts, showing a photograph of each family and the amount of food they consumed each week. It was most interesting to see the Melander Family from Germany, with four members, standing before what looked to be a mountain of food that represented $500.07 in American dollars. Of course you understand the food in one nation is much different than the food in another. Ever go to a Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Japanese or Polish restaurant in your community?
While I can’t show you the photographs here, visualize each family and the number of family members, with a stack or pile of food they have to eat for the whole week, as given in American dollars, which helps to have perspective.
After Germany, that I gave earlier, we have the Revis Family, four members, from North Carolina. They were spending on the average $341.98, with this footnote: Sure hope most American families eat more fruits and vegetables and less junk food than this family. Next is the Manzo family of Sicily with five family members, who spend an average of $260.11 each week. A sidebar: these photos do not tell the whole story, since there is no way to know the calories and nutritional value of each item.
Next is the Casales family from Mexico, with five family members and they spend, on average, $189.09 each week. This family is followed by the Sobczynscy family from Poland, with five family members who spend $151.21. Then there is the Ahmed family from Egypt, with 10 family members who spend $68.53 per week. Next is the Ayme family from Ecuador, with nine family members who spend $31.55, then we have the Namgay family from Bhutan, with 12 family members who spend $5.03 and lastly, the Aboubakar family from Chad, with five family members, who spend $1.23.
Hopefully, this has been of interest. It was to me as it shows how really blessed we are, but it’s vital that we reduce obesity.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 774 - EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING !

No. 774

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING!

Several years ago I had a friend by the name of George Fisher, who was the political cartoonist for our statewide newspaper. While George is no longer with us, most of the time we did not agree politically, but he was a fine man and tremendously talented. He had married a woman from over in the country of England and he always placed her name “Snooky” somewhere in his cartoons. Most everyone who saw his cartoons spent at least some time trying to find her name. This has just been an aside, but it’s amazing how the mind works when you begin to use it. I was thinking about my topic today and something George said to me years ago popped into my mind, “It’s not the gale, but the set of the sail, that determines the way I shall go.”
I have since learned that this was a quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, but it really personifies the mission I have had for the past decade to improve literacy in our nation. As time has passed it is tremendously humbling to see what God is doing to use our “Bookcase for Every Child” project more and more to bring literacy to the front burner. Every once in a while, something comes along to reinforce the mission we have been on. Sometime back I spoke to the Stuttgart (Arkansas) Lions Club. and Bill Schrum, a reporter, for the Stuttgart Daily Leader, wrote an article about my talk. He gave some statistics that I had never seen before, quoting the Right to Read Foundation and the National Institute for Literacy.
Here are some statistics that should cause you to get on the band wagon if you are not already there. First, from the Right to Read Foundation: Forty-two million American adults can’t read at all. Fifty million American adults are unable to read at a higher level than is expected of a fourth or fifth grader. The number of adults who are functionally illiterate increases by 2.25 million each year. Twenty percent of high school seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.
Now, from the National Institute for Literacy (this will help you see what it is costing each of us): Seventy percent of prisoners in state and federal systems can be classified as illiterate. Eighty-five percent of all juvenile offenders rate as functionally or marginally illiterate. Forty-three percent of those whose literacy skills are the lowest live in poverty.
My theme from the very beginning has been “Everyone Can Do Something.” Just by getting everyone who reads this column involved will go a long way. While I have no way of knowing who is reading my column each week, the feedback I receive here in my own community tells me there are thousands of people who are faithful readers. Back before the down turn in our economy, and a lot more papers were carrying it, we did a little survey and found the readership may be close to a million readers each week. If you read my column, here is what I would like to ask you to do … do something to help improve literacy rates in America.
First, get involved with your own children and grandchildren. Let them see you reading and have books available in your home. Go to your local schools and read to children. Give books as birthday and Christmas gifts. Support your local library and go there often. Help start a “Bookcase for Every Child” project in your community. We are all volunteers and use no tax money or grants of any kind, which is really a novel idea in today’s economy. Everything you would need is on our Web site: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. Thanks for reading.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 775 - PEOPLE WILL LET YOU DOWN!

No. 775

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PEOPLE WILL LET YOU DOWN!

The famous cowboy humorist Will Rogers once said, “It’s just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated.” What I am going to share today is a subject that most of us already know, but one where we could all stand a little reminding.
Over the past several months, we have had a good number of high-profile sports celebrities fall from grace, because of sexual sins. While we certainly should not, we have come to expect that from politicians, but when it happens to a much revered sports figure the American people literally idolize, it hurts and is very disappointing. It hurts because millions of our children look up to these people.
When I mentioned writing this column to a friend he said, “Are you going to call names?” I said “No” for two reasons – first, most people who care and are affected already know who they are, and second, out of respect for their families. To me, the families are the real victims. In most cases, the wife and children of the male sports celebrity who falls from grace had nothing whatsoever to do with their demise. Now, I know that is painting with a pretty broad brush, but that is really not the point I want to get across here. Millions of us put these people up on a pedestal because of their great talent and athletic skills and not because of their personal character and integrity.
We need to hold those in the limelight to a higher standard because they are role models, whether they like it or not. However, we the American people need to keep things in perspective. These people are human, too, just like the rest of us and we need to be reminded that “Ppeople will let you down.”
While not in the sports realm, I am reminded of the story of the minister who requested that his elders be his pallbearers. When asked why, he said, “Because I want them to let me down one more time.” Again, a simple heartfelt reminder that when any person that you love, admire, respect and even idolize lets you down, just remember that they are human, too, and frail, emotionally and spiritually needy human beings will often let us down.
There is only one person in this world that has never let me down, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. I have let Him down many times, but He has never let me down. The Bible says that “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” Note that it does not say “some” have sinned, but “all” have sinned and fallen short of His Glory. When it comes to sports celebrities and winning, many people do not care about character and integrity, because they just want to win, or see their hero win, especially if they are a gambler. Again, what kind of message does this send to our young people? It’s a question only you can answer.
While this is personal, I can tell you that for most of my life I was just a church member and not really a born-again Christian, and Satan sifted me like wheat. However, when I accepted the Lord in 1984, I started a practice of reading the entire Bible through once a year. Just recently I finished my 25th time all the way through, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, and what a journey this has been. During my early morning devotionals and all these years of praying and reading the Bible, I came to understand the real meaning of a special verse in Psalms 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Not everyone will accept and believe what I have said here and that is not really my purpose. I just want to remind you that often the people you love the most, will let you down.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 776 - MOMMY, PLEASE READ TO ME !

No. 776

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOMMY, PLEASE READ TO ME!

“Mommy, please read to me,” is a plea that has been spoken by millions of children over the years. Blessed indeed is the child who has a reading mother, father, grandparent, sibling or others who will take time to read to them, especially before they are 3 years of age.
While this is not something that is discussed at most dinner tables, the simple act of reading to a very young child will determine to a large degree, what the child becomes later in life. As you may know, we have a bookcase project here in our community to help children in low-income families learn to read and to encourage lifelong reading habits. Many of the children we are helping are African-American children, and we have a passion to help them, especially in light of a very tragic report on NBC News.
Only 47 percent of African-American males graduate from high school. No need to discuss what this means to the individual who drops out of school, and to all the rest of us in society. In a recent article in The New York Times, the question was asked, “Why do low-income/minority kids do so poorly in school?” Only time will tell if we are able to do anything about this problem, but fortunately the answer is known.
In 1985, Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, child psychologists at the University of Kansas, published the results of an intensive research project on language acquisition. They recruited 42 families with newborn children in Kansas City, and for the following three years they visited each family once a month, recording absolutely everything that occurred between the child and the parent or parents.
The researchers then transcribed each encounter and analyzed each child’s language development and each parent’s communication style. Here is where it gets interesting: Hart and Risley found that vocabulary growth differed sharply by class, and the gap between the classes opened early. By age 3, children whose parents were professionals had vocabularies of about 1,100 words, and children whose parents where on Welfare had vocabularies of about 525 words. The children’s I.Q.s correlated closely with their vocabularies. The average I.Q. among the professional children was 117, and the Welfare children had an average I.Q. of 79.
To understand this data, here is a point that must be noted. The size of each child’s vocabulary correlated most closely to one simple factor: the number of words the parent spoke to the child. This is why reading to very small children can make all the difference in the world. Also, the kinds of words and statements that children heard were characterized by class. The most basic difference was the number of “Discouragements” (prohibitions and words of disapproval) a child heard compared to the number of “Encouragements” or words of praise and approval. By age 3, the average child of a professional heard about 500,000 encouragements and 80,000 discouragements. For the Welfare children, the situation was reversed: they heard on average about 75,000 encouragements and 200,000 discouragements.
In the final analysis, the researchers concluded that while wealth does matter, child-rearing style matters more.
Dr. Greg Murry, superintendent of the Conway School District, shared this important information: Out-of-school reading habits of students has shown that even 15 minutes a day of independent reading can expose students to more than a million words of text in a year. It’s true: Those who love to read most often succeed in life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 777 - WATCH OUT FOR CHICKS

No. 777

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WATCH OUT FOR CHICKS

So long as we have people around like an old farmer I heard about recently, creativity and ingenuity are alive and well in America. It seems that Farmer John lived on a quiet rural highway west of town. When he moved to his place, scarcely anyone lived in the area and he and his wife had few neighbors. But like many areas of the country, urban sprawl began to slowly make its way to his farm and, before long, that quiet rural highway became a busy thoroughfare. Traffic was zooming by his place in a steady stream of cars, trucks and buses.
A real problem developed, because as the traffic built up and became so heavy and so fast, his chickens were being run over at a rate of three to six a day.
So one day Farmer John called the local police station and said, “You’ve got to do something about all of these people driving so fast and killing my chickens.” “What do you want us to do?” asked the policeman. “I don’t care. Just do something about those crazy drivers!” So the next day the policeman had the Main Roads workers go out and erect a sign that said: “SLOW: SCHOOL CROSSING.” Three days later Farmer John called the policeman and said, “You’ve got to do something about these drivers. The ‘school crossing’ sign seems to make them go even faster!” So again, the policeman sends out the Main Roads workers and they put up a new sign: “SLOW: CHILDREN AT PLAY.”
True to form, that really sped them up. So Farmer John called and called and called every day for three weeks. Finally, he asked the policeman, “Your signs are doing no good at all ... can I put up my own sign?” The policeman said, “Sure, go ahead.” He was willing to do anything in order to get him to stop calling to complain.
The policeman got no more calls from Farmer John. Three weeks later, curiosity got the best of the policeman and he decided to give Farmer John a call. “How’s the problem with those drivers. Did you put up your sign?” “Oh, I sure did,” was his response. “And not one chicken has been killed since then. I’ve got to go. I’m busy.”
The policeman was really curious, and he thought to himself, “I had better go out there and take a look at that sign. It might be something we could use to slow down those drivers.” So he drove out to Farmer John’s house, and his jaw dropped the moment he saw the sign. It was spray painted on a full sheet of plywood. It said, “NUDIST COLONY…Go Slow and Watch for Chicks.” If nothing else, Farmer John deserves an honorary degree in psychology.
This story, which is obviously not true, points up the need to understand human nature. The first two signs “SLOW: SCHOOL CROSSING” and “SLOW: CHILDREN AT PLAY” were not effective for a couple of reasons. First, we see those signs so often they just become a part of the landscape, and second, there is just enough of the kid still left in us, even though we are old enough to drive, that when someone tells us not to do something we want to do exactly the opposite, right? Here in our community, the police department has found the solution. We do slow down when we see a police car with a live-in-the-flesh officer sitting there at the crossing. Obviously, the police department couldn’t afford that for Farmer John’s chickens.
When it comes to the NUDIST COLONY sign, in all my years I have never heard of a blind nudist, or a blind driver, have you? There is just an intrinsic or inherent quality in each of us that wants to see things we are not supposed to see, especially if no one else is looking.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is bean

No. 778 - A SHELTERING ROCK IN THE STORM !

No. 778

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A SHELTERING ROCK IN THE STORM!

There are some parts of our country, especially out in the West, where sand and dust storms often occur. While I have never experienced this personally, I have seen these storms on television many times. If there is one thing people caught in these fierce storms often look for, it’s a sheltering rock. In many cases, a large rock can mean the difference between life and death.
The same thing is true for many of America’s youth who are caught in a storm of a different kind. In many of our larger cities, and increasingly in our medium size and even smaller communities, kids are killing each other, being robbed, constantly being exposed to drugs and gangs. To put it mildly, it’s just not safe.
We have one organization in our nation that is making a tremendous difference for millions of these kids, and that’s the Boys and Girls Club. These clubs (originally the Boys Club which became the Boys and Girls Club in 1990) are also a sheltering rock in the storm. Hope you have one in your community and, if not, something similar.
We have a great Boys and Girls Club here in our community, and recently the director, Robert Wright, came to speak to our local Lions Club. We are proud of the fact that the Lions Clubs International Foundation donated $50,000 to help start the club here in our community. Robert told us a lot of things about the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs, and he really opened our eyes with many of the statistics he gave us. It costs a child, or his or her parents, $25 a week to have a safe environment with meaningful programs, and no child is turned away, even if they cannot afford the small costs.
Why a Boys and Girls Club? His answer really got my attention. In America, every 10 seconds a high school student drops out. Every 25 seconds a child is arrested. Every 40 seconds a child is confirmed as abused or neglected. Every minute a baby is born to a teen mother. Every five minutes a child is arrested for a drug offense. Every nine minutes a child is arrested for a violent crime. Every five hours a child or teen commits suicide. Every six hours a child is killed by abuse or neglect, and every day 2,467 high school students drop out. This is not a column about literacy, but it should help you see why our “Bookcase for Every Child” project is so important, as we strive to get 4-year-olds hooked on reading by giving them books and their very own personalized bookcase.
For children who are fortunate enough to be enrolled in an after-school program of the Boys and Girls Club, here is proof positive that the program works. Crime and Substance Abuse: 67 percent of club alumni attribute their ability to avoid difficulty with the law to the influence of Club staff. Another 67 percent say the Club is where they learned to “say no” to drugs and alcohol. Dropout Rates: 28 percent report they would have dropped out of high school if not for the club, and 51 percent achieved a higher level of education than they thought possible because of attending the club.
Childhood Obesity: 80 percent of alumni said the Club had a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health; 74 percent of Club alumni report participating in organized sports. African-American Males: 73 percent of African-American male alumni said the “Club saved my life,” and 34 percent of African-American male alumni earned a four-year college degree, compared to the national rate of 16 percent.
I believe you will agree: Boys and Girls Clubs deserve our support.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is corn

No. 779 - MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE !

No. 779

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!

If you take a vacation where you stay in a hotel or motel, or if you are part of the traveling public, you will be interested in what I want to share with you today. Of course there is always the possibility that you may already have this information and, if so, that’s good because we all need to know it.
Some time back a friend sent me some information that was news to me, and this is a case of where what you don’t know, can hurt you. It has to do with the information that is on that little card that hotel and motel people give you to open the door.
If you have never thought about the information that is on hotel key cards, here is what some may contain: A. Customer’s name. B. Customer’s partial home address. C. Hotel room number. D. Check-in date and out dates. E. Customer’s credit card number and expiration date! After receiving this information I checked it out on Snopes.com and they say this is a myth and is false. However, don’t be so sure. Snopes.com is not always accurate, as evidenced by another article reported in Consumeraffairs.com. Snopes.com later conceded that the report about hotels encoding key cards with personalized information was confused with another, much more legitimate story – that of identity thieves stealing key cards and turning them into “clone” credit cards and using personal data that had been taken from other sources. This was just saving face.
Here is a story that has some creditability. In Nevada, Deputy Attorney General Tracey Brierly saw some evidence with her own eyes. Brierly attended a High Technology Crime Investigation Association conference in South Lake Tahoe. The speaker asked for volunteers to provide their credit card-style room keys, the ones with the magnetic stripe. Five or six people provided their keys and the speaker swiped them through a credit card reader. “Two of the keys brought up a name and partial address, and another one brought up a name, address and credit card number,” Brierly said. “I had no idea this was even a possibility.” Of course, the hotel industry denies there is anything treacherous about the keys.
The bottom line is simply this: why take a chance? Keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them. Never leave them behind or in the room or waste basket, and never turn them into the front desk when you check out of a room. They will not charge you for the card (it’s illegal) and you’ll be sure you are not leaving a lot of valuable information on that card that could easily be lifted off with any simple card reader. For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in the airport trash basket. Take it home and destroy it by cutting it up, especially through the electronic information strip.
Here is a simple solution, and it only requires a little advanced thinking and planning. When you travel, always carry a small magnet with you and pass it across the magnetic strip several times when you are ready to leave the room for the last time. Then try it in the door. It will not work, as the magnet erases everything on the card.
As I thought about this, here is what came to mind. You need more than a magnetic personality, you need a real magnet. To be sure, there is more here than meets the eye. I am always reluctant to share this kind of information, but there are people out there who are just plain thieves, and all too willing to take from others to meet their own selfish ends.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is bean

No. 780 - CHARACTER AND ADVERSITY ARE SOUL MATES !

No. 780
The next password is bean

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CHARACTER AND ADVERSITY ARE SOUL MATES!

For 25 years, from 1972 until 1997, there was a man down in Baton Rouge, La., at the helm of the Louisiana State University basketball program by the name of Dale Brown. During this time, Dale Brown distinguished himself as few other coaches in the history of college basketball. In one stretch from 1984 until 1993, he took his teams to nine consecutive NCAA tournaments. Rather, I should say, while coaches are important, his teams took him, because the players are the ones who actually win the games. Here I am reminded of something the late Paul Eells, famous television sportscaster, used to say, “Poor coaching kept me from being an All American.”
Coach Brown’s record at LSU was 448 wins to only 301 losses. Only the legendary Adolph Rupp of Kentucky won more games in SEC history than LSU’s Brown. Brown and Rupp are the only coaches that had 17 non-losing seasons and Brown is the only coach to have increased his number of victories six years in a row. His most famous player was Shaquille O’Neal, two-time All American, who in 1991 was given the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men’s basketball player of the year. Today, Dale Brown is a highly sought after motivational speaker and is often called “The Master Motivator.” For more information, on his speaking and his books, go to his Web site: www.coachdalebrown.com
While many people in America, especially sports fans, know the record and accomplishments of Coach Dale Brown, I dare to say that most people do not know his personal story and what motivated him to achieve outstanding success. While painful at the time, it’s a legacy that any of us would be blessed to have.
In Dale’s own words, he talks about the early influence his mother had on his life. He says, “I guess you could say that my story of faith started two days before I was born. Two days before I was born, my so-called father left my mother, two young sisters, 11 and 12 years of age, and me, and he never returned. His departure left my mother in a difficult position.
“She had an eighth-grade education, came off the farm in North Dakota, and couldn’t get a job during the Great Depression in 1935. In the cold prairies of North Dakota, she had to do two things that were very unpleasant for her: she became a baby sitter to earn money, and she had to put our family on welfare. We lived in a one-room apartment above a bar and hardware store, and I remember my mother getting $42.50 in Ward County welfare each month. She sat down and meticulously decided what breads and canned goods we could buy for the coming week. Several times during these difficult times, my mother taught me a lesson that has stayed with me during my entire life.
“Two times I saw my mother get on her winter coat, walk down a flight of stairs, and take back to the Red Owl and the Piggly Wiggly grocery stores 25 cents and 40 cents, because the clerks had given her too much change for the groceries she had brought home. Seeing her dress in the middle of winter, I said, ‘Mama, where are you going?’ She said, ‘Oh, I’m taking this money back to the store. They gave me too much change’.”
Dale continued by saying that his mother followed the advice of St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century when he said, “Preach the gospel every day, and if necessary use words.” What I saw here was “Character and Adversity are Soul Mates,” and I bet you did, too. His basketball skills were a gift from God.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next column password is: Bean

No. 755 - AMERICA'S BEST EDUCATIONAL VALUE !

No. 755

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA’S BEST EDUCATIONAL VALUE!

With the help and support of the good people in my community, we have developed what I believe to be the best educational value in our country. This statement is true for several valid and very important reasons. To begin, every city, town and community in our nation has low-income families, with most of these being below the poverty level. As a general rule, most of these families do not have many, if any, books for their children to read, and education is not a top priority. These children, through no fault of their own, are at the greatest risk of dropping out of school, missing great opportunities for personal success. Many of them later get into trouble with the law, which often means costly incarceration.
This is the backdrop for a terrific literacy project that we started in 2005 called the Conway Bookcase Project, which is directed by a chairman and a 14-member committee of volunteers. Our project uses no tax money or grants of any kind. We build 50 quality personalized oak bookcases each year and present them to young children, free of charge, in the local Head Start program and the Conway Housing Authority. These bookcases, along with a starter set of books, in many cases, are the nicest piece of furniture in their homes.
It is important to understand that this is not a civic club project, not a church project, not a government project, not a school project – it’s a community project, where we seek to get the whole community involved. The support has been tremendous, as we have had students from three area schools involved, civic clubs, churches, local and state officials, the business community and leaders from our three institutions of higher education. Since we started in 2005, we have had between 2,000 and 3,000 people involved in one way or another.
The funds to build the bookcases is raised by holding a “Bookcase Literacy Banquet” each fall and is held at a local middle school cafeteria. Each person who attends buys a ticket for $15.95 and this covers a fantastic meal served family style, some great local entertainment and a complimentary copy of the founder’s book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” Many banks, public officials and individuals purchase a table of eight tickets and a crowd of 300 to 400 people will provide all the money needed to build the bookcases and have money left over to provide ‘seed’ money to help other communities start their own bookcase project.
A group of volunteer craftsmen build the bookcases in early spring, and an awards ceremony follows at the end of April, where they are presented to the children and their parents. Again, the whole community is invited, thanks to our local newspaper and cable television station, and we hold the ceremony at our local library. To this date we have built and presented 300 of these bookcases, and the children and their parents are delighted to receive them. At the ceremony we have an invocation, presentation of the colors by the high school JROTC unit, a welcome by a local or state official, a keynote address, the presentation of the bookcases, special thanks to donors from the project chairman and the closing benediction.
When a child starts to school ready to learn, they have a much better chance to succeed, and is why our no-cost project is the best educational value in our country. Every community needs a bookcase project and you can help to bring it about. Go to www.google.com and type in Bookcase Literacy Banquet and you will learn why this is so important. We care.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 790 - A LIFE OF SELF-ASSURED HUMILITY!

No. 790

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LIFE OF SELF-ASSURED HUMILITY!

It has been said that a human being can be Eminent without being Competent. A good case in point would be the man or woman who earns a doctorate in nuclear physics and then takes a job as a day laborer or a waitress. Not to say there is anything wrong with being a day laborer or a waitress, but it does not require all that education to qualify for these jobs and to become a good and valued employee.
But there is more to this story. A human being can also be Competent without being Effective, which should be the goal of every person. If you would like to be more Effective, I have a suggestion for you: buy a copy of Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and read it and then read it again.
This father of nine has a Harvard MBA and a doctorate from Brigham Young University where he is an adjunct professor at the Marriott School of Management. He is sought after internationally as a speaker and author on leadership, personal effectiveness and change, family, and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Covey is married to Sandra and they live in Provo, Utah. His book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has been a No. 1 National Bestseller, and for good reason. It is a great book and Dr. Covey has the ability to take complicated topics and concepts and make them very simple. He uses all manner of personal experiences, statistics, charts, graphs and true life stories to make the book come alive for any serious student who wants to better himself by becoming more effective.
The 7 Habits are: 1. Be Proactive. 2. Begin with the End in Mind. 3. Put First Things First. 4. Think Win/Win. 5. Seek First to Understand …Then to Be Understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the Saw.
From the beginning, he embarks on a course to explain in great detail how each of these habits impacts our lives and how making them a part of our subconscious thinking can literally change the paradigms that govern the activity that fills our days. I loved them all, but the habit that impacted me most was No. 2, Begin With the End in Mind. In this chapter he talks about where our personal self-worth and value comes from, and the various areas or centers of our lives that we “hang our hat on” for emotional support and well being.
If you have never thought about it, ask yourself if your self-worth and value is tied to one or more of the following centers: spouse centeredness, family centeredness, money centeredness, work centeredness, possession centeredness, pleasure centeredness, friend/enemy centeredness, and church centeredness. He explains the emotional danger of linking our own self-worth and value as a person to any of these areas. We are emotional beings and our opinion of ourselves tends to rise or fall with each problem or challenge that comes along. In other words, when they fall apart, we do, too.
Dr. Covey says the best way to live is as a principle-centered person. When we base our lives and our value and self-worth on principles, not emotion, we are free to rationally make the appropriate decisions at the right time for the benefit of all. After reading his book, I have concluded that I would like to live a life of self-assumed humility. This is to say that I know who I am, what I believe, where I am going and to always be humble, because I know that countless others have helped me along the way, and I am very grateful.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 791 - OUR KIDS ARE IN A WAR!

No. 791

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR KIDS ARE IN A WAR!

It may have started out as a minor skirmish, but today the Kids of America are in a real war. They are in a war between the forces of good and evil, and millions of them are losing their lives, and their souls, to an enemy more cunning and deceptive than they have ever faced before.
Thousands of our children and young people lose their lives each year to illegal drugs, suicide, crime, accidents caused by drunk drivers, and many other reasons due to poor choices. In many cases these choices were made because these children grew up in homes where they did not receive any spiritual or moral training. Their second-best line of defense was lost when the judges and the courts took God out of our schools and because of hypocrisy the church has lost a great deal of her influence. Today, millions of America’s youth do not attend church at all.
Of course, the best line of defense is for children to have Godly parents who teach by precept and example and prepare their children to live and compete in a world filled with unhealthy choices on every hand. Sometime back I received an opportunity to preview a book by Reba Bowman titled, “Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids.” Looking back I am so glad that I took advantage of the offer because, in the area of child rearing, it is the best book I have ever read. This book was written for mothers who have decided they are not going to sit back and hope it all works out. It’s for mothers who have the courage to strap on their boots and enter the battle. It’s for mothers who take their God-given responsibility as a parent seriously and refuse to relinquish their duty as watchman on the wall.
Reba Bowman is uniquely qualified to write this award-winning book. She grew up in a home with Godly parents and later became a coach, a professor and a college dean of women. She has dedicated her life to helping teenagers and young adults. She says, “As a coach, I have ridden thousands of miles with them, pushed them, fussed at them, encouraged them, and laughed with them. As a professor, I have challenged them, instructed them, and rejoiced with them. As a dean, I have prayed with them, cried with them, disciplined them, and eaten lots of pizza with them. It seemed as if time stood still for many years, because I was spending more time with young people than I did adults.”
One thing I really admired and appreciated about Reba’s writing is that because today’s kids, as the title suggests, are in a war, she uses a military analogy to make her points. The titles of the four parts of the book are Part One: My Mama Wears Combat Boots. Part Two: My Mama Ain’t Playing Games. Part Three: My Mama’s Standing Guard. Part Four: My Mama Is the Real Deal. After I finished reading this book I was convinced that every mother and grandmother in America would do well to read it, as it contains “live” ammunition that will strike a fatal blow to the enemy.
To return to my opening thought, our kids today are in a battle with the forces of evil on every hand. If you have children and grandchildren and are concerned about their future and the challenges they will face in the weeks, months and years to come, I encourage you to read this book. You will be glad you did. Again the title is “Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids.” ISBN 9781615796717.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 792 - MOST OF OUR PROBLEMS HAVE A SOLUTION

No. 792

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOST OF OUR PROBLEMS HAVE A SOLUTION

On the surface, it may appear that what I have to share with you today will not have any personal benefits for you. However, if you will think about the principle it involves, I believe you will agree that it does. The principle can be stated like this: The vast majority of the problems we face in life do have a solution, often a creative solution, if we will only do a little research and spend some quality time thinking about them.
Such was the case for businessman-developer, Tom Hastings, who lives in Hingham, Mass. Tom had just built a 45-unit condominium in his community and had donated $3 million in the form of state-of-the-art baseball and football fields with lighting, irrigation and scoreboard. He also gave $150,000 toward a new clubhouse and saved the town $1 million by remediating the construction site and cleaning up parts of the 500-acre Bare Cove Park that nearly encircled the development.
Tom Hastings appears to be a great citizen, but soon after he finished the project and the grass was planted on the ball fields, along came a large flock of Canada Geese. They took a real liking to his grass and also left behind pounds of droppings each day. At this point he vowed not to allow the geese to destroy his vision. However, he admitted that “Grass growth was hindered by the one-two punch of drought and geese.” After some research, he found a novel, safe, humane and effective way to get rid of the goose problem. His solution came in the form of large, two-dimensional, portable plastic coyote decoys. Coyotes are predators of Canada Geese, and placing decoys around the ball fields solved the problem. Hastings says, “Geese aren’t dumb. We have to move the replica coyotes regularly, so the birds don’t catch on.”
Experts say that geese problems can quickly get out of control. Adult geese weigh up to 14 pounds and each female can lay four to eight eggs per season. Droppings can be a source of disease. Geese are migratory birds and have become the most common waterfowl species in North America. When they find an area, close to water, where there are easy pickings, they just stay and don’t move on. Most of this information came from an article written by Stan Hurwitz and, after reading it, I went to the Internet and found that anyone can purchase these life-like “photo-realistic silhouettes” for about $30 each.
At this point I would like to add my own comments to supplement Stan’s article, as I had some first-hand experience with this problem a few years ago when I played in a golf tournament on a course a few miles south of where I live. This course was only a few miles from the Arkansas River and wild Canada Geese had literally taken over the course. On almost every hole when you hit a ball onto the green, you would find geese there or that they had been there, as evidenced by droppings all over the green. I just had a humorous thought. If someone would invent a golf ball that could navigate around goose droppings they could make a fortune. You do have to have a clear path to the hole to have any chance of making the putt.
But on a more serious note, at the time I thought about these coyote decoys as a deterrent but never took the time to contact the course owners. In the future, when you see a wild goose problem on a ball field or golf course, you might try or recommend some coyote decoys. As I said in the beginning, most every problem does have a solution.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 794 - A SHINING MOMENT FOR AMERICA

No. 794

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A SHINING MOMENT FOR AMERICA

On Oct. 12, 2010, “a shining moment for America” happened, but most of the world, including millions in our own country, never heard about it. This was the day the first of 33 Chilean miners trapped for 69 days, 2,100 feet below the earth’s surface, were pulled to the surface in a capsule as the world watched on live TV.
Over the course of the following day, all 33 miners were pulled to safety, one at a time, as this horrible ordeal came to a successful conclusion. However, during all of the non-stop coverage of the preparation and execution of the rescue, one critical fact was largely overlooked by the mainstream media. If it were not for the courageous Americans who came forward to offer their sweat and ingenuity, the world would not have witnessed a happy ending so many had prayed for.
Among the unsung heroes were two American drillers, Jeff Hart and Matt Staffel, who had been drilling water wells in Afghanistan to support U.S. troops stationed there. They joined other experienced drillers dispatched by the Layne Christensen Co. of Mission Woods, Kan., which had answered the call from Chile looking for drillers after it was confirmed the trapped miners were still alive. For his part, Jeff Hart from Colorado drilled for 33 straight days and was the first to reach the trapped miners. Hart said: “This is the most important thing I have ever done in my work, and probably the most important thing I will ever do.”
American ingenuity also provided the technology that made the rescue possible, again under-reported or not reported by the mainstream media. Clinton Cragg, a NASA engineer, was part of a four-man team NASA dispatched to Chile in late August after the Chilean government asked the space agency for assistance. They needed help in designing a device capable of bringing the trapped miners safely to the surface. Cragg provided the list of design elements to Chile. Most of them were incorporated into the final rescue capsule design. The rest is history. Had you heard about this? I sure hadn’t, until I read an article written by Joseph Klein.
Here is something else that was certainly not reported. When the miners were rescued – when they came up one-at-a-time in that rescue capsule – many were wearing a special yellow T-shirt. These had been created by the Chilean branch of the Campus Crusade for Christ. Emblazoned boldly across the front of the T-shirts were the words, in Spanish, “Thank you, Lord.” The miners themselves had requested these words. The shirts were made and sent down to them while they waited for rescue. But that is not all. A quotation on the back of the shirts was actually a scripture and began “porque en su mano estan.” It was Psalm 95:4 -- “In His hands are the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains are His also.” Now, that is pretty neat when you consider the circumstances.
Campus Crusade had also provided MP3 players with the audio version of the “Jesus” film to the trapped miners while they were still deep underground. They also received the Bible in audio format. Rev. Aldredo Cooper, the chaplain to the President of Chile, said of the rescued miners, “They’re all wanting to testify to the Lord Jesus Christ. All 33 of them are saying they found God in the mine.”
When you consider the probability of getting those 33 miners out alive, and the role our great nation played, it was certainly a shining moment for America.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 795 - THE CONCEPT OF CASH-CONTROLLED SPENDING!

No. 795

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CONCEPT OF CASH-CONTROLLED SPENDING!

A few weeks ago I discovered, quite by chance, a dirty little secret about saving money. The secret is simply this (you will have to decide if you think it’s dirty or not): You don’t have to account for every penny but you do have to save. If you do this and do it well, you will have all the money you will ever need. If you don’t, you risk living hand-to-mouth for the rest of your days.
These words are found on the back cover of a fantastic little book titled, “Don’t Make a Budget.” The author of this book is Ken Robinson, a financial planner who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. After I finished reading his book, I dropped Ken an e-mail and he responded that he was pleased that I wanted to share some of his ideas with you.
Statistics tell us that most marriages fail because of money problems. And no wonder: the average person in our nation has over $15,000 in credit card debt. Being broke and never having any money creates a strain on even the best marriages. This affects most single people as well. Of course the only way to overcome this malady is to be able to save money, which is obviously something that many people are not able to do. To curb spending, many people make a budget to account for where all their money is going, and they honestly try to save money. More often than not, their money never consistently makes its way into a savings account.
Once we understand what we really should do to save money, we will realize that budgeting gets the process exactly backward. Most people have been taught to create a list of expenses and then decide where to cut back. Then we total up these cutbacks and decide how much we can save. But the key to saving is not to figure out where we can cut back but rather to make a decision about how much we are going to save. The decision about where to cut back will take care of itself. In his book, Ken talks about the concept of cash-controlled spending, which is something I have been doing for years without ever thinking about. Here is the simple concept that I have used, and if you need it, will work for you as well.
I have only one credit card that is used to validate business expenses for tax purposes, and do my best to maintain a zero balance each month. When I receive monthly income from our business and my Social Security check, I pay our bills, including regular savings, and then deposit a small amount in a personal checking account. When this deposit is made, I keep between $75 and $100 for my wallet to have for incidental spending. I try to make this small amount of cash go as far as it will. You know what happens when you break a $20 bill don’t you? It’s gone before you know it. With me, it’s almost a game to be able to go for two, three or four days without breaking a $20 bill. When it comes to buying lunch for others or situations where I need to step up to the plate, I am not cheap, as I always do my part and then some.
And here is why this cash-controlled spending concept works. When we sign a check or use plastic, we don’t actually think about the fact that it’s money we are spending. We do when it’s cash. Why do you think casinos use poker chips and not real cash money when it comes to rolling the dice? It’s a lot easier to bet $10,000 in poker chips than to bet $10,000 in hard cash that you can see and touch. When we become conscious of what we are really spending, we will do a better job of spending it. Ken’s web site is: www.FinancialSelfConfidence.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 796 - HOW CAN WE REACH THEM?

No. 796

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW CAN WE REACH THEM?

The late Grayson Kirk (1903-1997), former president of Columbia University, once said, “Education is to develop the personality of the individual and the significance of his life to himself and to others.” In light of this quote by Grayson Kirk, my question to you is simple this: What happens when a person does not get an education?
I have a real burden to share with you today, and while it may or may not touch your life, the ramifications of my burden are far reaching. A while back I read a true story that happened in a public school in the eastern part of our state. A young man was sitting in a cafeteria having lunch when two other young men approached him, one from either side. They attacked him, resulting in injuries so severe that he had to be taken to the hospital.
The attackers later reported that they had words with the young man outside of school, and the only way they could get to him was at school. The victim later stated that the boys had been picking on him and his younger brother for a while and they claimed to be members of a gang. To make a long story short, the boys who carried out the attack were suspended from school and arrested on battery charges. Now, the article did not say if this school has an “alternative” school or not -- I can only hope they do because students kicked out of school prior to graduation have little hope of achieving any measure of personal success. While “alternative” schools are expensive, in the long run the costs to society are much greater.
The true story I have just described is just the tip of the iceberg of what takes place in schools all across our nation every day. In many cases, the consequences are fatal, because many students are killing each other. The question that keeps coming to my mind over and over again is, how can we reach them?
Kicking a student out of school in most cases solves the school’s problem. at least in the short term, but the long-term costs for society are often much greater. We know the problem and, in most cases, we know what causes it. All we have to do is study the student’s home environment for it to become readily apparent why aggressive and violent students act as they do.
I am well aware there are professional people in schools all across our country, as well as in our criminal justice system, who work on this problem every day and know a lot more than I do. My attitude is certainly not to try to upstage any of them, but as I thought more about this situation, I just wondered if it would be helpful if school officials could interview willing inmates in prison about their life. They could ask the inmates if they would change anything in life, given the chance to do it over. I just believe there are many inmates who would be happy to do this if they thought they could keep some of these kids in school and from being in prison where they are. These interviews could be filmed and shown to students who get in serious trouble to help them see where their actions are taking them, if not redirected.
In far too many cases, students never think about the consequences of their actions, especially if they are not taught when they are younger. I would encourage every person who reads this column to think about this question as it relates to our society and people you know who are heading in the wrong direction: How can we reach them?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 797 - GOLF AT YOUR OWN RISK!

No. 797

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOLF AT YOUR OWN RISK!

First, allow me to set the stage. On Sunday, Sept. 3, 1939, at 11 o’clock in the morning, Great Britain declared war on Germany to enter World War II. France also declared war later that same day. This is the backdrop for a most interesting article a reader sent me titled “Richmond Golf Club – Temporary Rules – 1940.”
Most avid golfers know that Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and the Old Course at St. Andrews has more history than any other golf course in the world. Now, I am not sure where the Richmond Golf Club was or is located, probably in England, but the reason for the Temporary Rules was most interesting in view of the fact they were issued during a time of war. Even if you don’t play golf, this article will show you just how die-hard some golfers are.
Here are the rules: “1. Players are asked to collect bomb and shrapnel splinters to save these from causing damage to the mowing machines. 2. In competitions, during gunfire or while bombs are falling, players may take cover without penalty for ceasing play. 3. The positions of known delayed action bombs are marked by red flags at a reasonably, but not guaranteed, safe distance there from. 4. Shrapnel and/or bomb splinters on the fairways or in bunkers within a club’s length of a ball may be moved without penalty, and no penalty shall be incurred if a ball is thereby caused to move accidentally. 5. A ball moved by enemy action may be replaced or, if lost or destroyed, a ball may be dropped not nearer the hole without penalty. 6. A ball lying in a crater may be lifted and dropped but not nearer the hole, preserving the line to the hole, without penalty. 7. A player whose stroke is affected by the simultaneous explosion of a bomb may play another ball from the same place. Penalty is one stroke.”
After reading this list of rules, I would say this is definitely a case of where you would have to golf at your own risk. As I write these words, our local Lions Club members are making plans to host the 13th annual Jamie Bray Memorial Golf Classic. It has been my privilege for the past several years to be responsible for securing the hole sponsors and the players for our tournament. This is our club’s major fundraiser to help the blind and visually impaired. While I am not very good, I love to play golf because it’s a great fellowship game and a way to be outside and enjoy the beautiful world that God has created for us. The guys I play with are always involved in a lot of good-natured kidding. We all moan when one makes a poor shot, and cheer when one of us makes a good one.
This past week I learned something exciting from our tournament chairman, Marty Faggetti. He and seven of his fellow golfers are going to Scotland this summer and will play the Old Course at St. Andrews and several others. They will have a wonderful time, and it will be the trip of a lifetime for each of them.
Now, there is another aspect of what I have been sharing, other than golfing. This is the fact that there are thousands of golf tournaments held all over the nation each year, with the proceeds going to help some worthy cause. There is really no reason why we should not have fun and help others at the same time. Personally, I feel good about the fact that my time, efforts and resources are going to help the blind and the less fortunate. Hope you share that same spirit. We are indeed our brother’s keeper.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 798 - WHAT HAS AMERICA BECOME?

No. 798

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAS AMERICA BECOME?

Former Secretary of the Treasury, the late William Simon, left us with a most sobering and insightful book titled, “A Time for Truth” (copyright 1978) in which he outlines America’s impending social and economic meltdown. His words, and the central theme of his book, could probably be best summed up with the dedication to his wife and children.
He states, “I dedicate this book to my wife Carol, who stands by my side throughout all my battles — and to my children, so they can never say, at some future time, “Why weren’t we told?”
As an eternal optimist I always try to paint the most positive and optimistic picture I can, but also realize there is indeed a time for stating the truth, because this is the only way we can ever be on solid footing to deal with our problems, both personal and as a nation.
We live in a day and time when the pen is mightier than the sword, and I can only hope that some of my thoughts will reach the eyes, hearts, and minds of those in positions of leadership and authority, who can make corrections in the course we are traveling.
A few weeks ago I received an article from a reader that should be read and pondered by every responsible citizen in our nation. It is titled, “What Has America Become?” I wrote the author, Ken Huber, and was given permission to share the story. It begins, “Has America become the land of the special interest and home of the double standard? Let’s see: if we lie to the Congress, it’s a felony, and if the Congress lies to us, it’s just politics; if we dislike a black person, we’re racists and if a black dislikes whites, it’s their First Amendment right.
“The government spends millions to rehabilitate criminals and they do almost nothing for the victims; in public schools you can teach that homosexuality is OK, but you had better not use the word God in the process; you can kill an unborn child, but it’s wrong to execute a mass murderer; we don’t burn books in America, we now rewrite them; we get rid of the communists and socialists by renaming them progressives; we are unable to close our border with Mexico, but have no problem protecting the 38th parallel in Korea; you can have pornography on TV or the internet, but you had better not put a nativity scene in a public park during Christmas; we have eliminated all criminals in America, they are now called sick people; we can use a human fetus for research, but it’s wrong to use an animal.
“We take money from those who work hard for it and give it to those who don’t want to work; we all support the Constitution, but only when it supports our political ideology; we still have freedom of speech, but only if we are being politically correct; parenting has been replaced with Ritalin and video games; the land of opportunity is now the land of hand outs; the similarity between Hurricane Katrina and the gulf oil spill is that neither president did anything to help. And how do we handle a major crisis today? The government appoints a committee to determine who’s at fault, then threatens them, passes a law, raises our taxes, tells us the problem is solved so they can get back to their reelection campaign.”
Ouch! This article kind of reminds me of a piece of meat I get once in a while that is tough. The longer I chew on it, the bigger it gets. It all comes down to this simple fact: We are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 799 - LIVING IN A DARK WORLD!

No. 799

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVING IN A DARK WORLD!

If you have ever been in a completely dark room, where you could not see your hand in front of your face, then you will understand and appreciate what I want to share with you in this column.
While writing this column, over the past 15-plus years, I have mentioned several times that I am a member of the Conway Noon Lions Club. The mission of our club, plus more than 44,000 other clubs around the world, is to help the blind and visually impaired. Our club has some great meetings, some great speakers and a several fund-raising events each year to raise the money to support a number of sight-related projects. All of our members understand our mission and what we are doing to help the blind. However, unless we have the opportunity to actually “see” and experience the life that blind people live, day after day, there is no way for even our best and most faithful members to be emotionally involved. I might add that this is the deepest motivation of all -- to put ourselves in someone else’s skin or shoes.
This fact was really brought home to me several months ago when a number of our Lions visited the Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock. This is a world-class facility dedicated to training the blind and visually impaired to be able to function independently and to live full productive lives with dignity and self-respect. Since it was founded in 1939, LWSB has become the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation center in the world, serving more than 9,500 people from 50 states and 58 other countries. I might add that the vast majority of people in our state, and even in central Arkansas, do not know we have this facility right here at home.
The day we were there, Dan Noble, public relations director at LWSB, gave us a tour of the campus, which included visiting a number of training stations where a sighted instructor was teaching various skills to totally blind and partially blind students. The center provides counseling services, personal adjustment training, pre-vocational training, and vocational training in 13 career areas ranging from computer programming to small engine repair. Trainees are given guidance through the often traumatic, emotional adjustment to blindness and taught techniques for daily living, communications and mobility so they can care for themselves and travel independently. The trainees are also given the opportunity to learn valuable job skills so they can function efficiently and competitively in the work place.
In looking back on our trip to LWSB, I think the thing that impacted me the most was when we had lunch in their cafeteria. As I was sitting there eating at one of the long tables with a number of my fellow Lions, all whom had their sight, the trainees began to come in for lunch. They were all totally blind, or had greatly impaired vision, and I saw more blind people at one time than I had ever seen in my life. You could easily spot those who had only been there a short period of time. They came down the line, guided by their white cane, and when they came to the wall where they had to make a right turn, you could tell it was awkward for them.
It was at this point I realized what it must be like to live in a totally dark world. I was grateful that I was blessed with my sight and it had a very emotional impact on me. Should you want to learn more about this world-class facility, visit their web site: www.lwsb.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 800 - FOR THE CAUSE OF LITERACY!

No. 800

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FOR THE CAUSE OF LITERACY!

Wise old Ben Franklin once said, “If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him.” An investment in knowledge always pays the best dividends.
In today’s technological society, a person must be able to read and write in order to gain life-sustaining knowledge. Sadly, 42 million adults in America can’t read at all and they are, for all practical purposes, fighting a battle with one hand tied behind their backs. If you have read, enjoyed and benefitted from my column over the years, I have a special request to make of you that will help a lot of deserving children learn to read. I am making this request for the cause of literacy, and it will not financially benefit me in any way.
Back in 2003, a state press director suggested that I publish a book of my columns, sell them, and give all the proceeds to help improve literacy in our country. In case you don’t know, the United States now ranks 18th out of 23 industrialized nations in reading, science and math test scores. With the help of another state press director friend, we secured a panel of award-winning journalists to read my columns and select the ones they liked best to be included in this book that was titled, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” As a result, thousands were sold for $15.95 to support a number of literacy projects. This was done prior to raising our funds with a Bookcase Literacy Banquet with each person receiving a complimentary copy of the book.
A few of the many topics include, “Our Attitudes Control Our Lives,” “Do You Have Class?,” “The Goose Story,” “Ten Causes Of Burnout,” “The Greatest Profession Of Them All,” “Shake Off Negative Comments,” “Making Wise Decisions,” “The $25,000 Idea,” “Do You Have A Loser’s Limp?,” “Nobody Owes You A Living,” “It Can’t Be My Boy,” “The Scars On The Door,” “The Least Important Word,” “A Letter From Prison,” “Society’s ‘Throw Away’ Kids,” “Have You ‘Hugged’ Your Child Today?”, “A Stranger Moved in With Us,” “Why The American Flag is Folded 13 Times” and countless others.
I am in the process now of completely rewriting the book to be a “New Revised Edition” that will be more in keeping with the theme and purpose of the “Bookcase for Every Child” project. At this point, I still have a limited supply of the original version on hand and need to sell them and apply the proceeds toward the printing cost of the new edition, plus free up some storage space to have when the new edition arrives from the printer.
For the cause of literacy I am making these available to my readers for $5.00 each, plus $3.00 S&H, while they last, and as I have said, I don’t personally earn a penny, as our project is all about giving back. As I have stated several times before, my vision is to have “Bookcase for Every Child” projects and Bookcase Literacy Banquets taking place in communities all across America in the years to come.
As we look to the future, this book could even become a collector’s item. It would also be a great way to support literacy by some companies giving a copy with the sale of large ticket items such as automobiles, appliances, homes and so forth. Just $5.00, plus $3.00 S&H, while they last. Make checks payable to “Bookcase for Every Child” and send to 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. Children in low-income families need our help.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 801 - HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW!

No. 801

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW!

One of the things I never want to take for granted is that I have some great people who read my column. Many of you have sent me various articles, stories and quotes that I have used in various ways, to share with others that serves to make us all better people.
While my mind often feeds me some unique thoughts and ways to express an idea, I have never claimed to be original. As it says in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” One of my readers, and also a friend, is a wonderful gentleman by the name of Joe Lehmann. He has sent me countless e-mails over the years. With me, recently, he hit the nail on the head when he sent me a story about a sparrow at a Starbucks in New York City. While this is not exactly the Bible belt, the message in following story Joe sent me is unmistakable.
This particular Starbucks is located at 51st Street and Broadway in Manhattan, and for musicians who play there it is known as the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world. For those who can play the right tunes, the tips are substantial. One day this old musician was playing songs from the 40s to the 90s. During an emotional rendition of the classic, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” he noticed a lady sitting in a lounge chair a short distance away. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the number was over, she approached him and said, “I apologize for singing along on the song. Did it bother you?” she asked. “No, he replied. “We love it when the audience sings along. Would you like to sing the next selection?”
To his delight, she accepted the invitation. “You choose the song,” he said. “What are you in the mood to sing?” “Well, do you know any hymns?” He said, “I cut my teeth on hymns. Name one.” “Oh, so many good ones, how about ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’”?
He began to play and she began to sing. “Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?” The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion. “I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”
When the last note was sung, the applause had reached a crescendo that became a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. The old musician embraced his new friend. “You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful,” he said. “Why did you pick that particular song?” She hesitated, “That was my daughter’s favorite song. She was 16 and died of a brain tumor last week.” In spite of her grief, she still managed to bless others through that wonderful song.
The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember. Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused, Moses had a stuttering problem, Gideon was afraid, Rahab was a prostitute, David had an affair and was a murderer, Jonah ran from God, Job went bankrupt, John the Baptist ate bugs, Peter denied Christ, The Disciples fell asleep while praying, the Samaritan woman was divorced more than once, Zaccheus was too small, Paul was too religious, Timothy had an ulcer and Lazarus was dead. What a blessing. Wish I could have been there that day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 802 - AN INSIGHTFUL AND SOBERING COMPARISON!

No. 802

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN INSIGHTFUL AND SOBERING COMPARISON

The late Charles Ponzi (1882-1949) was an Italian swindler who is considered one of the greatest swindlers in American history. He could appropriately be called the “Father of the Ponzi Scheme.”
The term “Ponzi Scheme” was coined after Charles Ponzi’s scam, and today it is the description of any scam that pays early investors returns from the investments of later investors. Charles Ponzi promised clients a 50 percent profit within 45 days, or 100 percent profit within 90 days, by buying discounted postal reply coupons in other countries and redeeming them at face value in the United States as a form of arbitrage -- meaning the practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets. Ponzi was probably inspired by the scheme of William Miller, a Brooklyn bookkeeper who used the same scheme to take in $1 million.
The name that most modern-day Americans will remember and relate to readily is Bernie Madoff, who sits in prison as I write these words. In this regard, a thoughtful reader sent me something that, because of the way it was presented, was very insightful and sobering. It was a side-by-side comparison of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme and our own Social Security system. While I already knew most of the give-and-take factors (mostly take) of our Social Security system, this comparison put the cookies on the bottom shelf and really brought it home to me. Permit me to share it with you and I believe it will give you some new insights as well.
There are five different points in a comparison of each, Bernie Madoff and Social Security.
“BERNIE MADOFF – Takes money from investors with the promise that the money will be invested and made available to them later. SOCIAL SECURITY – Takes money from wage earners with the promise that the money will be invested in a ‘Trust Fund’ and made available later. BERNIE MADOFF – Instead of investing the money Madoff spends it on nice homes in the Hamptons and yachts. SOCIAL SECURITY – Instead of depositing money in a Trust Fund the politicians use it for general spending and vote buying. BERNIE MADOFF – When the time comes to pay the investors back Madoff simply uses some of the new funds from newer investors to pay back the older investors. SOCIAL SECURITY – When benefits for older investors become due, the politicians pay them with money taken from younger and newer wage earners to pay the geezers.
“BERNIE MADOFF – When Madoff’s scheme is discovered, all hell breaks loose. New investors won’t give him any more cash. SOCIAL SECURITY – When Social Security runs out of money, they simply force the taxpayers to send them some more. BERNIE MADOFF – Bernie Madoff is in jail. SOCIAL SECURITY – Politicians remain in Washington.”
This last bit of information reminds me of a quotation by Milton Friedman, a prominent economist: “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there would be a shortage of sand.”
It has taken me a while, but I have finally figured out why we can’t reduce the deficit without increasing taxes. Nobody wants the government to cut their program. We can’t do it without it being painful, but the right thing to do is make cuts across the board where everyone knows, up front, that it’s fair.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 803 - JUST CONSIDER THE SOURCE!

No. 803

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JUST CONSIDER THE SOURCE

One time I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale say, “We live in America where a person has the right to be just as wrong as he wants to be.” This thought came to mind when I began to think about what I wanted to share with you in this column.
In our Sunday school class we have been studying a book by Dr. David Jeremiah titled “Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World.” In one of the chapters, he talks about Bill Maher, who is best known for two nighttime television talk shows. His second show -- Politically Incorrect -- pretty well sums up Maher’s tone, personality and subject matter. As a stand-up comedian, he is known for his acid-tongued commentaries on everything traditional – especially faith. In 2008, he added to his comedic resume by writing and starring in a documentary film called “Religulous” that opened in theaters in October of that year.
His goal was to attack organized religion, especially Christianity and its belief in the Bible. In an interview on the CBS Early Show with host Harry Smith, Maher said, “My motivation (with ‘Religulous’) is to make people laugh. I mean, religion, to me, is a giant elephant in the room of comic gold because, you know, we’re talking about a garden with a talking snake. If you can’t find humor there – people are just used to these stories. That’s why they don’t laugh at them.”
Really! Of course, Maher is not the only one who pokes fun at Christianity. Members of the mainstream media and press do it all the time. In our local newspaper we have a columnist by the name of John Brummett, who never misses an opportunity to put people down if they take a stand for Christian beliefs and values, especially Jesus.
I will confess that I used to get pretty upset when I would read or hear someone else attacking my faith, and I suspect this is true for most other Christians as well. As Christians we have been used as a punching bag for too long. However, I finally came to realize the truth of what Earl Nightingale was saying, “We have the right to be just as wrong as we want to be.”
Here is the good news for me and perhaps you, as well. All we have to do is consider the source and we will not get upset the next time someone attacks our faith. Now, I don’t say that to be flippant or condescending, but from a literal point of view. Those who attack our Christian beliefs have gained their wisdom in less than a century, and the Bible has been around for thousands of years. When I place things in the proper context, I no longer get upset.
I might add, the Bible will still be around when the Bill Mahers and John Brummetts of this world are long gone. In Matthew 24: 35, Jesus says, “Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will abide forever.” Again, so there will be no misunderstanding, this is what I meant when I said, “Just consider the source.”
It has never been my attitude, my spirit or my desire to attack someone else for his or her beliefs. I have a deep and abiding faith in humanity, and, while I may not agree, to respect the rights of every person to think and believe as they choose. However, I will not sit idly by and listen to someone else attack my faith without uttering a word in defense. The Bible says to “Be ready always to give an account of the reason of hope that is within you with meekness and fear.” Love is really the answer, and when we have love, we are truly blessed.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 804 - BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PLANT!

No. 804

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PLANT

A while back I read a story about a very creative CEO, who was ready to retire and wanted to choose his successor. He came up with a very unique plan. He assembled all of his young executives and made the following announcement. He said, “It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO of our company. I am going to give each one of you a seed today, one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.”
One man named Jim was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed, and very excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and planted the seed. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. Six months went by — still nothing in Jim’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim did not say anything to his colleagues. However, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil — he so wanted his seed to grow. A year finally went by and the young executives of the company brought their plants for the CEO’s inspection.
Jim told his wife that he was not going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what had happened. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew she was right. He took an empty pot into the board room. When he arrived he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. He put his empty pot on the floor -- many of his colleagues laughed and a few felt sorry for him.
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back of the room. “My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown,” said the CEO. “Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!”
All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, “The CEO knows that I am a failure. Maybe he will have me fired.” When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed — Jim told him the story. He tried, but just could not get this seed to grow. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, “Behold your next chief executive officer. His name is Jim!” “He couldn’t grow his seed, how could he be the new CEO?” the others asked.
Then the CEO said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all BOILED seeds. They were dead and not possible for them to grow. All of you except Jim have brought me trees, plants and flowers. You substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore he will be the one who will be the new CEO."
The moral here is simple. Be careful what kind of seeds you plant, they may come up.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 805 - IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN ...

No. 805

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN ….

Over the years it has been my privilege to travel a great deal and make speeches to groups in a good number of communities, in various parts of the country. I have always enjoyed these trips, and especially meeting new people. I have found that people are basically the same regardless of where my travels have taken me, but there is a definite difference in the prosperity and optimism from one community to the next. Much of this can be attributed to location and natural resources, but leadership plays a definite role as well.
Something else I have noticed, which is certainly not a scientific approach, is that some communities are fairing better than others due to the level and quality of educational opportunities in the community. This is borne out by the fact that “college” towns usually do much better than the others.
What I am going to say next may appear to be boasting, but it is certainly not meant that way. The community of Conway, Arkansas, where I live is known as the “City of Colleges,” as we have three colleges here -- the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College and Central Baptist College. Our population is approaching 60,000 people, but these colleges were here long before our population exploded. In fact, some people would like to hang out a “No Vacancy” sign. When we moved to the area back in the early 1980s, the population was somewhere around 20,000, give or take a few thousand. One of the reasons for our success, in addition to the education factor, is that our economy is so diversified. Our unemployment rate is well below the national average.
In addition to economic opportunities there is something that is often called “quality of life” factors. These are the various factors that make living, working and prospering enjoyable. We have real quality of life here, and most of our citizens are grateful for it. Another factor, and this is really the purpose of this column, is what our leaders have done to plan for the future. We have all heard the saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Here is a question that you may want to think about, “Does your community have a long range plan?”
The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce facilitated a strategic planning process, to be in place by 2011, called Conway2025. The first step was public input through a short survey to identify our local priorities. More than 1,400 Conway area residents participated in the survey. This almost tripled the goal of having 500 people participate.
The survey asked residents to prioritize 43 possible focus areas. The Conway2025 steering committee identified 12 areas that stood out among the survey responses. These were Education, Transportation, Public Safety, Job Creation, Minority Affairs, Public Transportation, Arts and Culture, Drainage, Land Use and Planning, Parks and Recreation, Downtown and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. During the survey process, respondents were asked if they were willing to help write the plan. More than 300 volunteered.
The goal was to establish 12 focus areas which include: Keep Conway Moving, Keep Conway Active, Keep Conway Building, Keep Conway Working, Keep Conway Safe, Keep Conway Creative, and Keep Conway Learning.
There is much more that space does not allow me to tell you, but if you are interested visit: www.conway2025.com. As I said earlier, it’s all about leadership.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 806 - IS YOUR CHILD'S COACH A BULLY?

No. 806
The next password is corn

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS YOUR CHILD’S COACH A BULLY?

There is no place in all of society where a bully should be tolerated. This is especially true in athletics where, in most cases, a dominant adult is coaching young people and children.
Recently, a friend sent me an article written by Dr. John Schinnerer that began: “My 10-year-old son was bullied recently. He was told that he was an ‘embarrassment’. He was told to ‘shut up’.
“He was yelled at and scolded with a tone of voice tinged with disgust and disdain. He was told that he would be punished for mistakes he or his peers made in the future. Surprisingly, this did not happen at school. The bully wasn’t even a peer of his. The bully was his swim coach, a young lady of perhaps 26 years of age. She was desperately trying to motivate her swimmers to swim fast in the big meet the next day. And this was her attempt at motivation.
“Later, in speaking with the lady in charge of the coaches on this swim team, it quickly became apparent that this type of ‘incentive’ was not only OK with her, it was actually encouraged. She said that 9- and 10-year-old boys were ‘squirrelly’ and ‘needed to be taken down a notch.’ She was in full support of her coaches yelling at, embarrassing and insulting young children to motivate them to swim faster. ‘That’s just the way swimming is,’ she said. This parent went on to say, ‘If I had not spent 12 years of my childhood swimming competitively, I may have believed her. We parted company’.”
Now, I will stop here because you have the picture. Apparently, according to Dr. Schinnerer, this type of bullying or abuse takes place far too often in various sports all across the nation, and it should not be tolerated.
Again, the question, “Is your child’s coach a bully?” To answer this question, you must first know what bullying behavior looks and feels like. Here is the definition: “Bullying is aggressive behavior that occurs repeatedly over time in a relationship where there is an imbalance of power or strength.” Bullying can take many forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, social manipulation and attacks on property. Physical violence is not usually a component of a coaching relationship. Should this happen, and a coach is violent with an athlete, it vital to call the authorities.
As I thought about this, I remember getting an e-mail from the “Master Motivator”, former Louisiana State University basketball coach Dale Brown, who is second only to the late Adolph Rupp in wins in the Southeast Conference. The e-mail contained a letter to his former player Shaquille O’Neal after his first year in the NBA. Here is some of what he said to “Shaq,” and please contrast his approach with the 26-year-old swim coach I talked about earlier.
“Be a good listener. One of the most consistent qualities of those who are labeled as extraordinary athletes is they have been coachable. There have been few exceptions. Make your dignity as tall as your body. Never, ever drop it or sell it or become complimented out of it. Respect others, even the most humble, and remember that above all else, you are a member of a group called mankind.
“So, be your brother’s keeper. Lift him up when he has fallen; bandage him up when he is wounded. Well, that’s my advice to you, Shaquille. You really don’t need it. You are what you are: a good man. Love you, Coach Brown.”
From my perspective, that is the way to motivate players and we should never tolerate bullying.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next column password is: Corn

No. 781 - THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

No. 781

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Sometime back a very thoughtful reader sent me a fantastic article titled, “The New High School Principal.” Since no author was given, I am not sure if this is a fictitious or a real person, but it is certainly worthy to be passed along to you, as education is the very foundation of our society.
The article begins: “To the students and faculty of our high school: I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people. I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school.
“I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country. This high school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.
“This is an American public school and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America, one of its three central values — E Pluribus Unum, ‘from many, one.’ And this school will be guided by America’s values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.
“Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism – an unhealthy preoccupation with the self – while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interesting in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.
“I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America’s citizens for 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here – it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English -- but if you want classes taught in your native language, this is not your school.”
There is much, much more that really hits the nail on the head, and if you would like to have the complete article, send me a self-addressed envelope and I will be happy to send it to you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 782 - AMERICA'S BIGGEST LOOPHOLE

No. 782

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA’S BIGGEST LOOPHOLE

Are you familiar with the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere? On April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere set out on horseback on a journey from his small wooden home in Boston’s North End that would make him a legend in American history. On this fateful night he set out to warn his fellow Patriots that the British were coming. Most Americans know the rest of the story.
What followed was the Revolutionary War, where we won our independence, another word for freedom, from England, our mother country. This was to be followed by two World Wars to preserve our freedom and other conflicts for various reasons, including the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, the land that has come to be known as the United States of America is at a crossroads yet again. We face an enemy far greater, because of the sheer numbers, than the British ever were and because of an ideology that is committed to ruling the world.
Of course I am talking about the Islamic extremists, who have already attacked us physically, here at home and abroad. We are spending a great deal of our nation’s resources to try to prevent them from doing it again – just book an airplane flight if you want to see evidence of this.
We hear on the news all the time that the vast majority of Muslims are peace loving, and I would like to believe that. However, based on what is happening in many other countries where Muslims have immigrated in large numbers, these peace-loving Muslims will also be victims of the extremists or terrorists, to call them what they are.
Because of the fertility rate factor, in time, the Muslims can take over our country, and the rest of the world, without ever having to fire a shot. Research has proven that in a 25-year cycle, the fertility rate must be at least 2.11 to sustain the culture. For example, if two sets of parents have one child each and these children become parents and have one child, if that trend continues the population rate slowly decreases to a point there is no growth in the population.
Here is the fertility rate for some countries in the European Union: France 1.8, England 1.6, Germany 1.3 and Spain 1.1. In England, where the fertility rate is 1.6, the population rate is not declining. Why? Because of immigration, and the vast majority of immigrants who come to England are Muslim. All you have to do is follow the news if you want to know what is happening in our mother country. The same thing is seen in France and other countries where Muslims are making even greater strides in achieving their ultimate goal to someday rule the world.
They not only want to rule the world and have Islam as the only religion, but also to have everyone live under Shiria Law. Today the population of the United States is 0.6 percent Muslim, but they have a fertility rate of over twice that of Western countries, so you can see what will happen in 30 to 40 years.
What is so ironic about this scenario is that the first thing Muslims holler when they immigrate to the United States is “Religious Freedom.” They had no religious freedom in any of the countries where they came from.
In my view this is America’s biggest loophole. A loophole is something we use to get around the rules or the law. We are a nation of immigrants but, up until now, they have all come to the United States and assimilated into our culture and were proud to be called Americans. Where is Paul Revere when we really need him?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 793 - OUR NATON'S THIRD PRESIDENT

No. 793

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATON’S THIRD PRESIDENT

The Spanish essayist and poet George Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them.”
When we think about where we are as a nation today and how our present financial crisis is impacting our lives, it might be well to look back at our history and examine the views and policies that made us the most prosperous and most powerful nation on earth in less than 200 years. Personally, in view of what I have just shared, I believe a good life to study, with this in mind, is none other than our third president, Thomas Jefferson. He was brilliant and made some of the greatest contributions in the history of our country.
You may be familiar with the famous quote by former President John F. Kennedy, spoken during a dinner at the White House, when he had a group of the brightest minds in the nation assembled there. He said, “This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”
Please allow me to remind you of some things about this remarkable man, who started learning at an early age and never stopped.
At 5, he began studying under his cousin as a tutor; at 9 he studied Latin, Greek and French; at 14, he studied classical literature and additional languages; at 16, he entered the College of William and Mary; at 23, he started his own law practice; at 25, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses; at 32, he was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress; at 33, he wrote the Declaration of Independence; at 36, he was elected the second governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry; at 40, he served in Congress for two years; at 57, he was elected the third president of the United States; at 60, he obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation’s size; at 61, he was elected to a second term as President; at 65, he retired to Monticello.
As history will bear out, there is little question that Thomas Jefferson was one of the most brilliant and capable men to ever serve in our nation’s highest office. With that in mind, to me it just makes sense that what he had to say, and the philosophy from which he governed, would serve us well in today’s times. We can learn from history and try to avoid some of the mistakes in the future that led us to the point we find ourselves today, with high unemployment and a massive national debt. Here are some quotes and thoughts attributed to Thomas Jefferson that will give us some insights for helping our leaders to right the ship of state.
“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.” “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” “It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.” “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”
A final question: Can we learn anything from men like Thomas Jefferson?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 783 - SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

No. 783

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

For many years there was a wonderful gentleman on PBS by the name of Fred Rogers, and the name of his program was “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He entertained several generations of children with wholesome values that many of us miss today. His trademark was that he always wore a cardigan sweater. While he has been dead for several years now, you or some of your children or grandchildren may have been fans of his. He was a wonderful role model for America’s children.

Here is a little background information on Fred Rogers, because it is most interesting. He was born and grew up in Latrobe, Pa., but the media market where he became famous was nearby Pittsburg. As a side note, there is another famous American who was also born and reared in Latrobe. Do you know who it was? If you said golfing legend Arnold Palmer, you would be right.

But, back to Fred Rogers and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and the legacy he has left us. I guess, quite naturally, because of his target audience, and PBS is not one of our most watched networks, his popularity has waned. As Tom Dvorak, director of broadcasting for WMVS-TV, a public television station in Milwaukee has said, “Kids today just don’t know him.” However, he will never be forgotten in the Pittsburg area. In October 2010, a 10-foot $3 million statue of Mr. Rogers tying his sneakers was unveiled along the city’s riverfront with great fanfare.

The reason I am sharing this information with you is because I got an e-mail sometime back about Fred Rogers that contained some very untrue things about him. The e-mail stated that he was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven veteran of the Vietnam War and had 25 confirmed kills to his name. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.

The myth continues that after the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister, and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human being he also dedicated the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. This e-mail also stated the reason he always wore a cardigan sweater was to cover up the many tattoos on his forearms and biceps from his past life. He did not wish to set a poor example for the millions of children who watched his program for more than three decades.

It’s right here that I would like to set the record straight. After the original column ran in our local paper, which included the myth, I got an e-mail from a lady associated with PBS and she told me that Fred Rogers was never in the military service and did not have tattoos on any part of his body. My question was, “Why would anyone distort the legacy, of a fine human being, by making up things that are just not true.” Well, there you have it. In memory of Fred Rogers, I have done my best to set the record straight.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 784 - HOW MUCH IS A TRILLION?

No. 784

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW MUCH IS A TRILLION?

Back in the days when there were still a few statesmen in Congress, we had a senator from the great state of Illinois by the name of Everett McKinley Dirksen (Jan. 4, 1896, to Sept.7, 1969). He served in the House from 1933 to 1949 and in the Senate from 1951 to 1969. There is a famous quote attributed to him, that apparently he never made, that goes, “A billion here and a billion there, and first thing you know you are talking about some real money.” Regardless of whether he ever said that or not, it has stuck with him all these years and it certainly should give us pause, for his use of the word billion.
Personally, I wish he was still around to hear the word “trillion” banded about almost like the term “billion” was in his day. I am so old that I can remember back in the days when a man in our town was reported to be a millionaire, and I was impressed. Today we have almost dropped that word from our vocabulary.
Now, back to the word “trillion.” Have you ever thought about, in terms of money, how much a trillion dollars really is? I have a good example that will give all of us some perspective that I will share before I reach the end of this column, but I have another example that will make you dizzy, if you watch it or dwell on it too long.
If you have not already seen it, there is a web site on the Internet: www.usdebtclock.org that will be an eye-opening experience. I must warn you, if you are afraid of heights and have a tendency to have dizzy spells, don’t stay too long. The numbers are going by so fast that it impossible to give any definite figures, because by the time of this writing and the time it actually runs in the paper, the figures will be off by a country mile.
There are a number of different categories but here are a few to give you an idea of what I am saying. To begin, the U.S. National Debt is more than $13 trillion and counting. Debt per citizen – more than $44,000 and counting. Debt per taxpayer – more than $125,000 and counting. U.S. Federal Spending – more than $3 trillion and counting. U.S. Federal Budget Deficit – more than $1.5 trillion and counting. And here is one that is probably the most asinine of all: Interest in the National Debt – more than $3 trillion dollars per year. That is money we give to someone else without getting anything in return.
Back to my earlier question: how much is a trillion? Well, it’s the number 1 followed by 12 zeroes. It’s written like this: 1,000,000,000,000, and our government has spent over 13 of those more than it’s taken in from all sources.
Since we are talking about some real money here, let me share something that was handed out at a meeting I attended the other day that really got me to thinking. Hopefully, it will cause you to think about it as well. As a nation, our elected officials must get this under control because our economic future truly hangs in the balance. The brief article I received had this heading: What’s the difference between a million, a billion and a trillion? Well, a million seconds is 12 days. A billion seconds is 31 years. A trillion seconds is 31,688 years.
Here I feel it necessary to give a brief disclaimer. I did not check these figures. My calculator does not go that high anyway. I just have to trust they are accurate. I do believe, however, the U.S. Debt Clock is right. Granted I am old fashioned, but when you have dug a hole for yourself, it’s time to stop digging.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 785 - BUILDING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW

No. 785

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILDING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW!

While it is not original with me, there is a saying that goes, “Show me the homes of a nation and I will show you what kind of nation you have.” It is in the home that love is fostered, character is taught and the direction for young lives is given.
I found a beautiful example of this in the lives of a couple by the name of Don and Anne Dierks, who live in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Anne is the author of a fantastic book titled “Granny Camp: How to Bond With Your Grandchildren.” Sometime back she sent me a copy in the mail. I was really impressed with her book. It has dozens of full-color photographs and the graphics and design just makes it truly a work of art, and that is just for starters. The content really makes it special.
The large color photo on the front cover says it all. This photo has seven of Don and Anne’s grandchildren, all girls, facing a large American flag with hands over their hearts saying the “Pledge of Allegiance.” This photo sets the tone, but this book is all about a Granny Camp that they hold each year for their 14 grandchildren, and have done so for more than a decade. While Don helps with the camp each year, the real genius of this truly unique camp is Anne, mother of four, and as previously noted, 14 grandchildren -- four boys and 10 girls.
While Anne has had no formal training as a teacher, nurse, art instructor, song director, coach or cook, she does them all because she has a heart’s desire to find a way to know her grandchildren through good clean fun and old-fashioned activities. She believes LOVE is the key to the success of this endeavor, and she wants other grandparents to pass their love to their grandchildren with the best adventure of their lives. This book is complete down to the last detail, including “How to Read This Book,” “What Is Granny Camp And Why Have It?”, “Who Can Come to Granny Camp?”, “What Are the Rules at Granny Camp?”, “What Do Campers Eat at Granny Camp?”, and “What Are Granny’s Helpful Hints?”
In the book you will find planning tips such as setting the date, distance and travel time, planning crafts, planning activities, making Granny Camp T-shirts, meal planning, and field trips, along with items to bring for the week of camp. She also talks about parents, telephone calls, clothes rules, sleeping rules, bathroom rules and computer rules, and then the Granny Story: Four Square Rule. And that is just for starters. In more than ten years of holding “Granny Camp” she has seen, been confronted with, or done it all, and she is willing to share it.
Of course, there is no way I can tell you everything that is in this fantastic book, but I will sum it up by saying that Anne and Don are using this quality time as a way to get to know and bond with their grandchildren, and to make a difference in the lives and their futures. As I said earlier, the key to success here is love.
There are a number of articles and columns that have already been written about Granny Camp, and they are all good, but I have a little different perspective. I see her Granny Camp, and hopefully others it will inspire, as a way to build leaders for tomorrow. If we want our children and grandchildren to have Godly values, character, integrity, and become great people, we have to teach them. To me, that is what Don and Anne are really doing.
You may order a copy of Granny Camp at www.grannycamp.com. The cost is $19.95 plus S&H, and worth it many times over.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 786 - AN EAR-SPLITTING SUCKING SOUND!

No. 786

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN EAR-SPLITTING SUCKING SOUND!

If you have been hearing an ear-splitting sucking sound over the past few years, it could well be the federal government siphoning off the wealth of private citizens and businesses to support a vast and growing leisure class of federal employees whose only concern, it seems, is to further augment their perks and privileges at taxpayer expense.
USA Today reports that “At a time when worker’s pay and benefits have stagnated, federal employee’s average compensation has grown to double what private sector workers earn.” While many of our citizens would lay this problem at the feet of the current administration, this problem did not start here.
According to the government’s own figures, as published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, federal employees now average $123,049 in pay and benefits, private-sector employees make $61,998. That’s a pay gap of $61,415 since the year 2000.
What we have here is a classic case of too many people riding in the wagon and too few pulling it. We have all heard this before, but this is truly a case of “Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.” It is my privilege to explain why this is happening and the best course of future action. As someone famous has said, “Let me be clear” -- I do not fault federal employees for this sad state of affairs.
When any person is working and doing what they think is a good job, they don’t turn down raises and perks. That is just human nature. As human beings, we are constituted in a way that makes us rationalize and justify where we are. “Hey, I am working hard, I deserve it and I have earned it,” is the attitude of most working people. The real villains here are members of Congress and the President who set policy and make the rules.
In principle, it works the same way in the private sector. Who determines who is going to give you a raise? In most cases it’s the consumer or the one buying products and services that make raises possible, and ultimately they must come from profits. Again, because of human nature, it would be nice if we could just give ourselves a raise any time we wanted one. In a very real sense, this is what our politicians have been doing for a long time.
But back to the issue at hand, why federal employees are making off like bandits with too much taxpayer money. Of course, the bottom line is “greed,” and Congress and the President (whoever may be in office) are taking advantage of their position as caretakers of the public treasury. To have a healthy economy where raises are possible for all working people, it is necessary to have balance between the private and public sectors. Private sector jobs are those that provide a useful product or service and continue year after year, so long as they remain competitive and stay in business. Here is the real issue that is important to understand. These jobs are not funded by taxpayers and are the back bone of the American free enterprise system.
Millions of American jobs have gone overseas because of government policy and regulations, and this results in high unemployment. Those jobs are in the private sector, because federal government jobs are doing quite well, thank you, especially in our nation’s capital.
What is the answer? Well, a good place to start would be for our president to fire all those Czars and at least half of his cabinet members, and replace them with people with business experience who have actually met a payroll.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 787 - THE LEGACY OF RAUNCHOUS RED!

No. 787

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LEGACY OF RAUNCHOUS RED!

If you grew up or ever spent any time on a farm, and have been around chickens and livestock, you will appreciate an earthy story I heard some time back.
One day this country woman was on her way to the henhouse to get some eggs and, about half way across the barnyard, she looked down and saw an orphan egg laying on the ground out there by itself. She reached down, picked up this orphan egg, put it in her apron pocket and went on in the henhouse to get the eggs. As she worked her way down the row of nest boxes, she got to thinking about this orphan egg, and decided she would place it under a setting hen, let her hatch it to see what she had there. Well, none of her hens would take it. Every time she would put it under a setting hen, they would kick it out.
Then she remembered a woman across the road who had an old blind hen, so she got in her pickup and went over there. They took this egg and placed it under this old blind hen. This old blind hen set it, and hatched it, and out came the prettiest little yellow rooster you ever did see. Over time this little rooster grew, prospered and did well -- and grew up to be the meanest, most hateful and fighting red rooster you ever saw. This rooster whipped everything on the farm. It whipped the dog, the cat, a coon, a possum, an armadillo, and anything else that came along. If it walked on all fours, this red rooster would take to, whatever it was, and whip it.
Even the farm bull came in to the barnyard with the milk cow one day, and red attacked this bull and put him back in the pasture. He was a fighting rooster. Because of his nature and penchant for fighting they nicknamed him – Raunchous Red. One day Red was parading around the barnyard in the bright sunlight, and a hawk began to circle in the sky. People who are raised on a farm know what a hawk will do to a chicken. This hawk made a dive, as only a hawk can do, and Red was not expecting any air attack. This hawk came down, hit Red in the center of his back and knocked him unconscious. Shortly, this hawk flew back down, picked Red up with those big talon feet and flew across a field and a little stream of water, and lit to eat him.
Well, a man was standing on his back porch nearby and saw what happened. He said he was not sure if it was the fresh air or the altitude, or what it was, but Red came to in flight. He went on to say that what followed was the longest, bloodiest and worst bird fight this county had ever seen. Red and this hawk fought for more than 35 minutes in this open field, and when they finished there was not a bush, a rock, a blade of grass or a stick in a radius of 35 feet that was not covered with blood, feathers and corruption. He said Red whipped this hawk worse than any living thing has ever been whipped. He went on to say that Red not only whipped this hawk, but he made this hawk fly him back over there to the barnyard. In the coming years local people talked about Red so much he would become a legend in this part of the country.
I hope you at least cracked a smile, because this was another one of those stories, told by the late Bob Murphy. The reason I have shared it is because we all need a break from time to time when we can regain our perspective and recharge our batteries. What is important here is that we should always take what we do seriously, but not take ourselves too seriously.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 788 - HAVE YOU HEARD OF FLOCABULARY?

No. 788

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU HEARD OF FLOCABULARY?

We have a routine here at our home each week that has gone on, week after week, for the past several years. This routine is set in motion when Viola says, “It’s blue barrel day” or “It’s green barrel day.” This tells me that it’s time for me to roll one of our two trash barrel containers out to the curb for a sanitation department truck to pick up and haul to the city landfill.
We have a great recycling program here in our community, and the blue barrel is used to place those items like cardboard, paper, plastic, newsprint and other items that can be recycled, and this also prolongs the life of our landfill for several years. The green barrel gets all the other household trash. It is hard to believe how much trash you can accumulate in just one week.
I have used this example to tell you about another kind of trash that may make its way to your public schools, if more of us don’t speak out or speak up. When I say public schools that means tax dollars are being spent and this means me, and I am sure you, too. The trash I am talking about is called “Flocabulary” and apparently is being used by many school districts around the country. Thanks to a thoughtful reader, the school district that has been using it that I heard about is in Oklahoma City, Okla. However, someone has pushed the “pause” button and I am not sure where it is at the time of this writing.
The program known as Flocabulary is a music-based educational tool that uses raps, rhythms and rhymes to help students learn and memorize everything from vocabulary and English to math and social studies. Sounds innocent enough, right? Let’s take a little closer look. One of the rap songs – “Old Dead White Men” chronicles the shortcomings of the early leaders of the United States. As a patriotic, taxpaying American, what if someone flung the following lyrics on you, “White men getting richer than Enron. They stepping on Indians, women and blacks. Era of Good Feeling doesn’t come with the facts.” Now that little ditty supposedly described the presidential term of James Monroe.
Here is another one that beats up on the term of President Andrew Jackson. “Andrew Jackson thinks he’s a tough guy. Killing more Indians than there are stars in the sky. Evil wars of Florida killing the Seminoles. Saying hello, putting Creek in the hell holes. Like Adolph Hitler he had the final solution. ‘No Indians, I don’t want you to live here anymore’.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think about our nation’s forefathers and especially the 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence who pledged “their fortunes, their lives and their sacred honor” for the cause of freedom, I am a little bit perturbed.
Flocabulary CEO and co-founder Alex Rappaport said the lyrics are made intentionally provocative and sometimes humorous to create student engagement among some of the toughest-to-reach students in the nation. My question is simply this: What do these students have when you reach them with trash like this?
Up to this point the Oklahoma City School District has spent about $10,000 on materials and the school board has authorized up to $97,000 in federal funds on the program. I have a good suggestion. They should dock the pay, each week for the next several years, of the Federal Coordinator who recommended this program until she pays it all back.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 789 - MAKING A CASE FOR SOLAR ENERGY

No. 789

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAKING THE CASE FOR SOLAR ENERGY

Sometime back I got an e-mail from Tom Rooney, president and CEO of SPG Solar of Novato, Calif., one of the largest solar energy firms in the country. He was making a strong case for solar energy and, after reading what he had to say, I believe he has something that every American at least needs to know about, since energy is such a large part of every families’ budget.
This should certainly be of interest if you live in area of the country that has abundant sunshine 12 months of the year, as we do here in Arkansas. While this is not a topic that I know much about, I am happy to pass along anything that may serve to lessen our personal and collective dependence on foreign oil.
Tom begins his correspondence by saying, “Everybody talks about carbon footprints. Turns out the water footprint from energy is just as important, if not more so. Here’s why: It takes an enormous amount of water to generate electricity. And it takes an enormous amount of electricity to move water. (This is especially true for areas where you don’t have a free-flowing stream where you can build a power plant). Here is an example: One 60-watt light bulb burning 12 hours a day will consume at the power plant 3, 000 to 6,000 gallons in a year. A laptop computer uses 200 gallons in a year.
“We all know that in the Western part of our country, water is at a premium. In Arizona, multiply those numbers by 7. If you get your electricity from hydropower, multiply by 18. That’s a lot of water for not much light. That is how water and energy is connected, but no one is talking about it. We are wasting a lot of water and power because we ignore this connection. Another example: In the California and Nevada desert, several large solar thermal power plants are being built. These plants require a great deal of water. But, in the desert? Here is the bottom line: There are only two types of power that do not require massive amounts of water: Wind and photovoltaic solar – the kind found on rooftops at homes, schools, wineries, army bases, etc.”
Tom goes on to tell me about a great solar project in the Irvine Unified School District, where the district has partnered with Sun Edison and SPG Solar to install solar energy at each of its 21 campuses. Purported to be the largest solar development for a public school system in California, and possibly the United States, the project will reduce Irvine’s school power bill by 20 percent – a savings of $17 million over 20 years. Sun Edison will own, operate and maintain the solar photovoltaic systems, with the district purchasing energy at a discounted rate. The solar companies will act as utilities, building and financing the system with no money from the district. This is a good example where a public school and private companies can work together and save taxpayers some money.
Again, our nation’s energy supply is not a topic that I am qualified to delve into but I belong to the school of thought that we need all forms of energy to help us reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We have had technology for many years that will help do this, if we can throttle the major oil companies and their lobbyists to open markets where everyone has a level playing field. When you get ready to build a home, business or other structure, why not consider solar. It could save you some money.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 39 - HOW TO CHANGE HUMAN NATURE

No. 39
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y

It's my sincere hope that what I have to share in this column will be a source of inspiration to you and a good number of other people, as well. One of the greatest blessings we have in this country which so many people take for granted is opportunity. Because of the basic freedoms we enjoy and an economic system that permits the free flow of goods and services to all parts of the world, opportunity abounds for each of us. Unfortunately, because there are millions of our citizens who broke the law and have committed crimes against society or one or more individuals, they wound up in prison and have forfeited their opportunity.
However, the greatest prison of all is not made with human hands, but rather it is the prison of the mind - people who are bound up in their thinking and just can't see all the opportunity that is around them. For example, think of the millions of people in America who are working at jobs they don't like or jobs where they feel they have no opportunity for advancement. Before I go on, could I be talking about you or someone you care about? Here is a statement that you may or may not agree with: the problem I have just described in 99% of the cases is not the job, it's the thinking of the person who holds the job.
This story will illustrate what I am saying: Some years ago there were three negative women who lived on a bayou in south Louisiana, and day-after-day they complained about their circumstances. Each day they would moan and say, "There is no opportunity for us here." Sound familiar? Then one day a positive thinking woman came along and heard them complaining and she said, "Look, so you live on a bayou. Well, the bayou runs into the river and the river runs into the gulf, and the gulf opens up into the sea. You have a boat. You can go anywhere from where you are."
I don't know how you feel about it, but to me this is really some exciting news! If you or someone you care about is in a job you don't like or one that seems to have no possibilities for the future, in most cases the problem is not the job -- it's in your thinking about the job. Like the three negative women on the bayou, you can go anywhere from where you are.
Here is what Walter Malone had to say about opportunity: "They do me wrong who say I come no more. When once I knock and fail to find you in, for everyday I stand outside your door and bid you wake and rise to fight and win. Wail not for precious chances passed away. Weep not for golden ages on the wane. Each night I burn the records for the day. At sunrise every soul is born again. Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped, to vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb. My judgments seal the dead past with its dead, but never bind a moment yet to come. Tho' deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep. I lend my arm to all who say, "I can." No shame faced outcast ever sank so deep, but yet might rise and be a man again. Art thou a mourner? Rouse thee from thy spell. Art thou a sinner? Sins may be forgiven. Each morning gives thee wings to flee from hell. Each night a star to guide they feet to heaven."
Until our next visit here is something worth thinking about. The American editor and craftsman Elbert Hubbard once said, “Opportunity is health and a job.” That’s it. If we have good health and a job we can use our time, talents and other resources as a springboard to achieve any success we desire. Don’t procrastinate!!!. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 40 - O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y

No. 40
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE $25,000 IDEA

There is an old American saying that goes, "Time is something we ain't got nothing but." Time is also the great equalizer, because every living person has exactly the same amount of time each day: twenty-four hours, no more, no less. Since achieving success is a worthy goal for most people, it really comes down to our priorities and how well we manage our time. If you would like to get a lot more accomplished in the days ahead, I have an idea to share with you that may be very helpful. This idea has been called "The $25,000 Idea" and as you will soon see, it's been around for years.
I discovered this idea several years ago quite by chance and it's been one of the most profitable ideas that I've ever employed. However, before I share it with you here is a word of caution that can be summed up with this quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Ideas are something that must work through the brains and arms of good and brave men, or they are no better than dreams.”
Some time after the turn of the century, Ivy Lee, a consultant with the Rockefeller Foundation was making a call on Mr. Charles Schwab, chairman of the board of Bethlehem Steel Company. Lee was telling Mr. Schwab how he could help him do a much better job of managing his company and Mr. Schwab broke in and said, "Look, what we need is not more knowing. We need more doing. If you can tell me how to get more done, I'll listen to you and pay you what I think your ideas are worth."
At this point, Ivy Lee asked Mr. Schwab to take a piece of paper and a pencil and write down the six most important things he had to do the following day. When he completed this task, Lee told him to go back and number the six items in the order of their importance. With this finished, Ivy Lee then told him to put the paper in his pocket and the first thing the next morning, go to work on number one and stay with it until it was completed, then to move on to number two and so forth, down the list. If something should force his delay, go on to the next item. This way he would always be working on the most important task and in order of its importance. When each item on the list was completed, repeat the process. It should also be noted that by developing a new list each day, the most important tasks would always be first at hand.
In about six months, Mr. Schwab wrote Ivy Lee a letter and told him the idea he had given him was the most profitable, from a money standpoint, that he had ever received and he enclosed a check for $25,000. You can just imagine what that $25,000 would be worth today! It was later reported that the simple idea of writing down the six most important things to do each day and numbering them in order of their importance was responsible for turning a little known steel company into the second largest independent steel producer in the world.
One of the key ingredients in this idea that may not be readily understood is the fact that before Mr. Schwab could write down the six most important things he had to do the next day and arrange the tasks in order of priority, he had to first know what his goals were. Now to the obvious: this idea will be of value to any person who will first decide what they wish to achieve and then write down the six most important things to do each day and number them in order of their priority. You see, this will take most of the confusion out of our days and allow us to focus on doing the things that are most important to us. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 41 - THE $25,000 IDEA

No. 41
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
AMAZING COINCIDENCES

Sometime back, a lady in another state called me on the telephone regarding something about President Abraham Lincoln and in the course of our conversation she asked this question: "Have you ever heard of the amazing coincidences between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy?" When I confessed that I had not, she offered to send it to me by mail. When it arrived a few days later and I read it, I was literally amazed, which I'm sure is the reason it's called "The Amazing Coincidences." I was most impressed with this article and since it was not copyrighted, I decided to include it in my book, You Can Be The Best, which is a collection of the best stories and ideas I've run across in the past 25 years. Sometime back I even thought about sharing this with you in this column, but had decided that most people had already seen it and had pretty well written it off. However, Mr. Herman Brown, editor of the Okmulgee Daily Times in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, has changed my mind. He said, "I know most people have not seen this article and I'm sure they would like to." Well, Herman, for what it's worth, here are the "Amazing Coincidences" between former presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.
Lincoln was elected in 1860, Kennedy was elected in 1960, exactly one hundred years apart. There are seven letters in each name. Both presidents were slain on Friday; both men were slain in the presence of their wives. Both presidents wives lost children through death while in the White House. Both were directly concerned with civil rights. Both presidents had legality of elections contested. Kennedy's secretary's name was Lincoln, who warned him not to go to Dallas; Lincoln's secretary's name was Kennedy, who warned him not to go to the theater. Both of their successor's names were Johnson: Andrew Johnson and Lyndon Johnson. Each name contains thirteen letters; both men served in the U.S. Senate; both were southern democrats. Andrew Johnson was born in 1808, Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908. Booth and Oswald were both Southerners favoring unpopular ideas. Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and hid in a theater; Booth shot Lincoln in a theater and hid in a warehouse. Both presidents were shot from behind and in the head. Booth and Oswald were both assassinated before going on trial. They were both born 100 years apart and each name, Lee Harvey Oswald and John Wilkes Booth, has 15 letters.
Well, that's the end of it, but even more importantly, what do you think about it? I'll confess that I don't know what to make of it. For me, it's highly unusual and even a little spooky. Here, I'm reminded of the words of Satchel Paige, who pitched baseball in the major leagues until he was over 50 years of age. He said, "Don't look back, something may be gaining on you." Personally, I'm grateful that we live in a world of order and the odds or chances that something like this would ever occur again have to be very remote.
As I bring my thoughts to a close in this column, I would like to say that I hope you are enjoying the various topics, ideas and concepts that I've been sharing with you. While today's column has been the exception, as a general rule, I try to be conscious of what I'm saying and present my ideas from a positive point of view. This is not to say that I'm not aware of the serious problems we have in our nation today.
In fact, the first five stories on our local television newscast the other evening had to do with murder. While tragic as this is, we can thank God for the fact that murder is still news. If it ever becomes so commonplace that it is not reported, we as a nation, will be worse off than we are. What we should never forget is that there are still millions of good people and that we have tremendous opportunities in this country. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 42 - AMAZING COINCIDENCES

No. 42
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
"NATURAL" LAWS

As a motivational consultant, over the past several years, I've had the joy of helping many people achieve greater success and happiness in their lives. In each case I’ve simply supplied them with some information they didn’t have and helped them see more if their God given potential. While success is a relative thing and means different things to different people, I've changed my views over the years in terms of what success means to me personally. In my earlier years I viewed success as getting ahead financially and having more material possessions, as well as achieving greater prestige and standing in the community.
Now as I've grown older and hopefully a little more mature, I realize that many of my views, values and goals were misguided, as I was attempting to lay up treasure where "moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." Today, I still desire many of those things, but they are no longer my first priority. Serving God, treating other people with dignity and respect and helping my fellow human beings to discover their hidden talents and abilities is far more important to me at this time in my life.
While working to achieve personal success should always be something that is possible in America, because that's part of the American dream, I believe our first priority should be to become good people and good citizens. God knows in today’s violent society we really need to invest more of our resources to make America a better place for all of us.
When it comes to your personal success, regardless of what your goals happen to be, there are some things you have to know and in a sense, has to become second nature, if you are to maximize the talents and abilities that God has given you. One of these areas of knowledge has to do with "natural laws." It's my belief that many people do not truly understand natural laws and how they work, at least not fully. We all know about man made laws that are enacted by congress and signed into law by our nation's president and the state laws that are passed by the various state legislatures. As I heard a lawyer say in a T.V. commercial the other day, "There are so many laws passed that even the lawyers can't keep up with all of them!"
But back to what I was saying about natural laws. A natural law has been defined as "A series of events in nature that has been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity." In other words, if the circumstances are exactly the same in all respects, then the outcome will always be the same. For example, if you step or fall off a tall building you will always go down. You will never go up. It's the same with all other natural laws -- they always work whether we understand or know about them or not. At this point, you may be saying, "How can knowing about natural laws help me?" Well, every natural law is like a two edged sword. It cuts both ways.
If you operate or perform on the good side of the law, it will always work for you. If you operate on the wrong side, it will always work against you. In doing research over the past several years, I've discovered almost 50 natural laws and from time-to-time in the future, I will share them in this column. Why not clip out this introductory column and those that will follow, and save them. As time goes by, I believe you'll come to appreciate what this information can do for you. You can also share a copy of the natural laws with other people who are special to you. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 43 - "NATURAL" LAWS

No. 43
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A CONSTANT BATTLE

It is often said that an honest confession is good for the soul. I certainly hope this is true, because here at the beginning of my column today, I want to confess that I have a battle going on inside of me. The battle I'm referring to is the battle between my two natures. On the one hand, I have a "Divine" nature that tells me I should always seek to do good and seek after righteousness, and on the other hand I have a "sinful" nature that tells me it's okay to be involved in various activities that are evil or bad. In view of the crime problems we have in America, the tragic shootings in our nation’s schools, the alcohol and substance abuse, gambling addiction and the apparent lack of love and compassion that many people have for others, this may be something worth thinking about.
Before I continue, it might be helpful to define or discuss the terms "Divine" and "sinful" nature to make sure we are speaking the same language. The word "Divine" means supremely good, as in Godly, and the word "sinful" means to commit a sinful act or to do wrong. In other words, when someone commits a "sin" they have a broken relationship with God.
At one time or another, you have probably heard this expression: "It was almost 'second nature' for some person to do this or that." The reason this statement is true is because this person has performed the action so long and so often they no longer have to consciously stop and think about it. In other words, the action has become a habit and is an ingrained part of their nature.
If you have ever wondered why the habitual way of thinking for one person has developed a 'second nature' of doing what is right, while anther has developed a 'second nature' of doing what is wrong, I believe this illustration will shed some light on this process. The constant battle that is going on inside of every person could be compared to two dogs fighting. For the sake of example, let's say one dog represents good and the other dog represents evil. If you would like to know which dog is winning, it's the dog we feed the most. You'll never see a dog win a fight (except in self-defense), that has its ribs sticking out and is "poor" as a rail, because it hasn't had anything to eat in a long, long time.
As human beings, we need to understand that in the battle of our two natures, we are the ones doing the feeding. Just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, we will have a "Divine" nature or a "sinful" nature depending on the kind of food that we permit to enter our minds and hearts. Regardless of what some people would have us believe, it does make a difference in what kind of television programs we watch, the movies we see and the books and other literature we read. In simple layman's terms, when we permit filthy, crude and evil thoughts to enter our mind on a regular basis, we are feeding the wrong dog.
Again, whether we realize it or not, our nature has a tremendous impact on our daily lives. As the English philosopher John Stuart Mill once said, “Our nature is the sum of all phenomena, together with the causes which produce them: including not only all that happens, but all that is capable of happening.” Just as another human being, if you have never thought about this, I want to encourage you to be very selective in which dog you are feeding. In terms of our society and our culture, we need to get back to respect for others and honesty and decency in everything we do. We will all feel better about ourselves. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 44 - A CONSTANT BATTLE

No. 44
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE POWER OF WORDS

There is an old saying that goes, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." While I don't know if you have ever heard this or not, I'm here to tell you that it's one of the biggest lies that has ever been told. In my own personal experience, I have seen the power of inspiring words lift a very despondent person to overcome all manner of obstacles and I've also seen the power of malicious and mean-spirited words tear another person down and make them feel worthless, as a human being.
Like you, I love the English language and do my best to express myself in a clear and convincing manner. Here is what Leo Rosten, a noted authority on our language has to say about words, “They sing. They hurt. They teach. They sanctify. They were man’s first, immeasurable feat of magic. They liberated us from ignorance and our barbarous past.”
There is no doubt about it, words are very powerful and we should be very careful how we use them, especially in relation to the worth and dignity of other people. This is even more important as it relates to members of our own family and others we have the power to influence. For some reason, our nation's school teachers just came to mind here. To illustrate what I mean, I'd like to tell you about an interesting experiment that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of those unfortunate people who spend all or most of their time in a negative environment. This experiment began as follows: one time some research scientists took a large glass tank and filled it with water. In this tank they placed a large fish and a good number of small minnows. Hopefully you can see this in your mind. What do you think happened? If you said the fish ate the minnows, give yourself an "A".
For several days the scientists kept adding more minnows to the tank and the big fish had a good thing going, because he just kept on eating them. Then one day the scientists placed a glass partition between the two, with the big fish on one side and the minnows on the other. If you have spent a good deal of your time in a "negative" environment, here's the part of this experiment that may be of some benefit to you.
As the big fish got hungry and would start for a minnow, the glass partition was there to stop him. In essence this partition was saying, "No, you can't" and this experience was repeated literally hundreds of times. Each time the fish went for a minnow, the partition was there to say, "No, you can't." Finally, after several more days the scientists removed the glass partition. At this point, what do you think happened? Here is the correct answer. The fish was so conditioned that as minnows swam all around him, he would not even make an attempt to go after them, and in a few weeks he literally starved to death!
In a tank where a banquet was being served, a fish starved to death because he had been preconditioned by a clear glass partition that said, "No, you can't." Here's the moral or principle of this story that has the potential to change our lives for the better. If we aren't using the wonderful talents and abilities that God has given us, it could be that at some time in our lives we were preconditioned by someone who literally kept saying, "No, you can't." If we hear those words often enough, like the fish, pretty soon we will begin to believe them. This will result in lower self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence, which affects everything we do. Remember, as it relates to inspiring others, "words are powerful" and we need to be very careful how we use them. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 45 - THE POWER OF WORDS

No. 45
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
TWO KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE

From the earliest writings of man on cave walls (which came to be known as hieroglyphics), and in the past 6,000 years of recorded history, mankind has had a thirst for knowledge. This insatiable thirst for knowledge has been responsible for most of the technological advancements and other achievements that has moved our civilization forward to present time. It is not my intent today to delve into the past so much, but rather to share some practical thoughts and ideas that may be of value to you. The Bible says in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." As a Christian and one who has a deep love for God, I certainly believe this and try to keep this perspective in everything I do.
As we function day-by-day in our own personal lives, there's another consideration of knowledge that should be brought to our conscious mind from time-to-time. Namely, there are two kinds of knowledge: one kind we call "intellectual" knowledge that comes as a result of our intellect and we acquire this knowledge through study and observation. The other kind of knowledge is "experiential" or knowledge that comes from our experience. Obviously to be successful in today's times we need both kinds of knowledge, but there is a stereotype in our society that may be keeping some people from becoming as successful as they could be.
In recent years, our society has almost come to deify the attainment of a college degree, and in many cases has looked upon the person who doesn't have one as being somewhat inferior. From my experience, I can tell you that a college degree does open many doors and it's a step in the right direction, but it does not guarantee success. There have been hundreds of times when I have been a paid featured or keynote speaker and I was the only one there who didn't have a college degree. They were paying me for my experience and for my proficiency in developing a skill. What I'm saying is this: don't ever suffer from low self-esteem just because you may not have a college degree. It's great if you can get it and I certainly recommend that, but if you don't, you can bridge the gap by your experience.
However, we should never be like the fella who didn't have 20 year's experience; he had one year's experience repeated 20 times. He never went on vacation because he was afraid he wouldn’t be missed. Another example is when I was in high school and our class went on a field trip to The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. One of the speakers told about a company that had a large generator that stopped working, and as a result the whole operation was shut down. Well, everyone in the company tried to get it started again, but with no success. Finally, they called in an "expert" and when he arrived and surveyed the problem, he took a little ballpeen hammer and went to a certain spot and tapped on it three times. It started immediately and the company was back in business.
In a few days, this "expert" sent the company a bill for $5,000. Since it only took about 10 minutes of his time, the company felt this was a little high, so they asked him to itemize his bill. The expert's new invoice contained these words: "Pecking on generator $10.00. Knowing where to peck, $4990.00." Granted, this expert probably had a college degree, but his experience was also very important. We are never bored when we are learning something useful and worthwhile. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 46 - TWO KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE

No. 46
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE WILLING SERVANT

The English clergyman and author Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) once said, “Money is the best bait to fish for man with.” If you should spend the next one hundred years searching for a room large enough to hold all the books that have been written about money and its related topics, you could not find it. In our modern society, money is something we all desire and something we must have to function in our day-to-day lives. The amount of money each of us needs, however, is determined by a wide variety of factors: the lifestyle we choose, where and how we live, government policy, inflation and individual responsibility, just to mention a few. The Bible says that "The love of money is the root of all evil." The Bible is true, but we must take note that it doesn't say that money is the root of all evil, rather it is the love of money.
Herein lies the problem that millions of people face, day-after-day in their personal lives. If you have a problem with money, either personally or in your home, I believe what I’m going to share will be of interest to you. It's my belief that many problems caused by money are due, by in large, by the way money is perceived. First, what is money? Well, money is a form of wealth, but in actuality money is simply a medium of exchange. It's what we use to exchange for goods and services we need and want. In addition to our physical needs, it's a new home, a vacation, a college degree and financial security for our retirement years. We earn money by providing a product or service to other people. When we satisfy their needs and wants, they in turn pay us or reward us with their money.
Here's what I meant when I said that most money problems are caused by the way money is perceived. Money, whether currency or coin, is a tangible object. You can see it and touch it. Money is really a "willing servant." It's what we use to serve us and that's really all it is. When we permit it to become more than that, it then becomes an emotional issue and emotion is not tangible. We can't see and touch our emotions. It's like the wind. The money that comes to us from one source or another is what we call income. The money we spend is called expenses and discretionary spending. Do your best to never fall into this trap: money is tangible and you can see it and touch it, you can receive it and you can spend it, but when your money begins to become an emotional issue is when real problems begin.
As you may know, the reason most marriages fail is because of money problems, namely debt. If a husband and wife would handle money as a tangible object and know they could not spend more than they jointly earn and would keep money from becoming an emotional issue, then most of their problems could be averted. On a related note, credit cards and quicksand have a lot in common. They will both swallow us alive. Over the years I have been guilty of trying to motivate people to earn more money, and certainly that's important in today's times, but if we would spend more time keeping money in perspective, we would all be happier and a lot of marriages wouldn't wind up in divorce.
As someone has said, "It's nice to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's also good to check up once in a while to make sure we haven't lost the things that money can't buy." I'd like to leave you with these words from the Wall Street Journal: "Money is an article which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere except heaven, and as a universal provider of everything except happiness." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 47 - THE WILLING SERVANT

No. 47
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU PLAYING TO WIN?

As the famous golfer, Lee Trevino, a poor Mexican who became a rich Spaniard, has said, "There is one thing that never gets old and that's winning!" I'm sure you know that it's just human nature to want to win, but unfortunately in the larger game of life there are millions of people who aren't playing to win. These people are playing not to loose, and there is a big difference. To illustrate the concept of playing not to loose, please allow me to use an athletic example. If you are like I am, you spend at least some of your time watching sporting events in person or on television. While watching countless basketball games, I've seen one team play hard for about three-fourths of the game and get ahead by a considerable margin. Then for some reason their strategy changed and instead of playing to win, they started playing not to loose. In short, they started playing the clock instead of the other team. In some cases this strategy worked out, but more often than not, the team that was behind kept playing to win -- and they did.
Now I'd like to go back to what I was saying earlier about the millions of people who are playing not to loose in the only game that really counts: the game of life. Instead of developing a long range plan and setting some clearly defined goals that would enable them to take charge of their lives, they're simply marking time and hoping that nothing bad will happen to them. Each day these people live in fear that they will not loose their jobs, get sick or have an accident, that one or more of their kids will not get in trouble and they also fear that they won't be able to pay enough on their credit card balances to be able to keep them.
While I have no way of knowing about you or your circumstances, if you happen to be one of these people or know someone who is, I have some good news to share with you. We can lose more athletic contests than we win, but still be a real winner in the game of life. If I recall, when I was playing high school football, we only won about three games out of twenty in the two years I was on the team. What we need to keep in mind is that we all have our "ups" and "downs", our good days and bad days, our victories and our defeats, because that's what life is all about. The most important thing here is our attitude, our desire and our will to win.
The legendary Green Bay Packer football coach, Vince Lombardi once said, "Winning is not the main thing, it's the only thing!" Obviously his team didn't win every game, but when they went on the field, he had every one of his players mentally prepared to win. It should also be noted here that a true winner always plays by the rules. As this applies to you and me, we can't get ahead financially or any other way if we cheat or give less than our best at whatever we are doing. We see people who try this all the time and they may get away with it for a while, but sooner or later the scales will balance.
You know, the human mind is a wonderful tool and it will take us anywhere we want to go, but the key to our success is how we use it. Here's something I ran across by an unknown author that will bring this thought into clear focus: "Great minds have noble objectives, high purposes and daring dreams; average minds engage themselves in wishful thinking and petty dabblings in little ventures; small minds are content to complain why life has passed them by." To close out with a baseball example, just remember, a bloop single looks like a line drive in the box score the next day. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 48 - ARE YOU PLAYING TO WIN?

No. 48
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE FOUR PLANTS

The famous educator Horace Mann once said, "A habit is a cable. We weave a thread of it every day and at last we cannot break it." There is little question that our habits wield a tremendous influence over our lives and when the day comes that we write the final chapter, they can literally mean the difference between our success or failure. In this column I'd like to share some thoughts and ideas about "habits" and if you aren't happy with some of yours, then hopefully these suggestions will enable you to develop new and better habits that will make you a happier and more successful person.
To illustrate the power of "habits", I would like to share this story which I have had tucked away in my files for some time. It begins this way: "One day a wise old teacher was taking a stroll through a forest and a youthful companion was by his side. The teacher suddenly stopped and took the time to point out four plants that were close at hand. The first plant was a tiny sprout, just coming out of the earth. The second plant had rooted itself quite firmly in the fertile soil. The third plant was a small shrub. The fourth plant had grown into a well developed tree.
At this point, the teacher said to his youthful companion, "Pull up the first plant." The youngster pulled it up quite easily with his fingers. "Now, pull up the second." The young lad obeyed and with slight effort the plant came up, roots and all. "And now, the third." The young lad pulled with one hand and then the other, but it would not come. Then he took both hands and the plant finally yielded to all of his strength. "And now," said the wise old teacher, "try the fourth." The young lad grasped the trunk of the tree and pulled with all his might, but hardly a leaf moved to acknowledge the best he had to give. At this point, the wise old teacher said, "My son, you have just demonstrated the power that your habits will have over your life." Then the young lad understood the principle he was trying to teach him.
While I'm sure many of you already know this, for the benefit of other readers, let me define the word "habit." A habit is any action that we have preformed often enough and long enough so that we repeat the action without having to consciously think about it. When it comes to developing new and better habits, there's one element in the process that is very important to understand. As a general rule we don't break habits, we replace them. When we quit repeatedly doing one thing, something else comes along to fill the void. Psychologists and others in the behavioral sciences have determined that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Here is how to go about forming a new habit.
First, determine the new desired habit and perform the action while it's fresh on your mind, then repeat it as often as possible throughout the day. Make yourself a little note and place it where you will be sure and see it the first thing each morning. Again, repeat the desired habit when it's practical to do so and continue this process as often as possible in the coming days. Do this for 21 consecutive days and it will have become a habit and in the future you will just do it without having to consciously think about it. While it may be too obvious to mention, the key to success is to form "success habits" and it's certainly worth the effort. As the English novelist George Eliot puts it, “A habit is that beneficent harness of routine, which enables silly men to live respectably and happy men to live calmly.” (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 49 - THE FOUR PLANTS

No. 49
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LAW OF ABUNDANCE

If you are living in America, have you ever wondered why our nation has become the greatest economic success story in the history of the world? In the event you don't know, there are two basic reasons why this is true. The first being that our system of government allows private citizens to own property and production facilities and to produce products and services and sell them to consumers for a profit. To say it very simply, we have the incentive and the freedom to achieve personal success. While just as important, the second reason is that our nation was blessed with tremendous natural resources. We have an abundance of clean water, fertile soil, timber, petroleum and minerals that are needed to produce these products in vast quantities.
While the age of technology has changed the way we do things, the key element in our success is that we produce far more than we need for our own use and this "surplus" is what drives the engine of trade and commerce. To continue this line of thinking, I want to talk about the "LAW OF ABUNDANCE" and how this law can help you in many different ways. The LAW OF ABUNDANCE is a natural law and we know a "natural" law is a series of events in nature that has been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity. The key word is "unvarying." In other words, if the conditions and circumstances are exactly the same, then the result or the outcome of our actions will also be the same.
As the LAW OF ABUNDANCE relates to each of us, when we know about this law and understand it, we can then use it to our advantage. In this sense, a natural law then becomes a success law. While I'm not talking about just "making" money, who among us doesn't want to achieve financial success? What many of us fail to realize is that we live in a prosperous nation, but unfortunately there are millions of our citizens who don't share in this prosperity. While it may be too obvious to even mention, the reason this is true is because of their low self-esteem and their negative thinking.
Now if I happen to be talking about you or someone you love, quit thinking that there's not enough to go around. Everything we could possibly wish for has been placed within our easy reach. It was certainly intended that everyone who wished for abundance and worked toward it can have abundance. Just think about this: there is sufficient electricity in the water of a creek to furnish the power of a million slaves. There is enough atomic energy in the substance we could hold in one hand to run the world. If every person produced to his utmost and we did away with strikes, monopolies, crime and waste, everyone could have his needs supplied many times over.
On a more personal basis, think about the fact that a handful of seed sown in fertile soil, watered and cared for, can produce millions of times more than the original planting. A whole forest can spring from a single acorn. This is the LAW OF ABUNDANCE at work and it operates in the mental, social, financial and spiritual areas of our lives, as well. The essence of this law is that you must believe in abundance. You must think abundance. You must raise your sights for greater accomplishments and let no thought of failure or limitation enter your mind.
One of the great concerns I have is that the economic gap between the rich and the poor is widening in this country. If every American understood the “LAW OF ABUNDANCE”, and how to apply it to their own lives, we would all be better off in the future. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 50 - THE LAW OF ABUNDANCE

No. 50
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
FIVE STAGES OF FAITH

One of the many things that affects each of our lives on a daily basis is something we call faith. But what is faith? The Bible says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." I especially like the definition of faith used by my former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway: "faith is the bird that feels the dawn and sings before the darkness is gone." From the time we first open our eyes in the morning till we drop off to sleep at night, we exercise our faith in a variety of ways. When we get on an airplane these days, it takes a great deal of faith and when we eat at a restaurant, we have faith that the food is clean and not contaminated. There are countless other examples and of course there is our religious faith, which is a very important part of life.
What I want to share today however, has to do with faith, but from a little different perspective. I want to discuss faith as it relates to the good ideas that come into our lives. It has been said that the world runs on good ideas and I personally know this is true. With few exceptions, every single invention or product we see about us at one time was just an idea in someone's mind. Just think of the thousands and thousands of products in a discount chain store and it will help you visualize more clearly what I mean. In a much larger sense, our overall success in life will depend, at least to some degree, on the quality and quantity of the good ideas we develop an put to productive use.
One of the key ingredients to developing any good idea is our faith. Whatever the need or the problem, our faith goes through at least five different states from the original idea to the final outcome. The first stage is called the "nesting" stage. This is when the idea first comes into the mind and like a bird setting on her eggs in a nest, it merely sets there for a while. Just as it takes time for a bird egg to hatch, it's important to understand that any great idea takes time to develop.
The second stage is called the "testing" stage. After the idea has incubated a while, during this period of time we begin to test the idea to see if it's sound and has any real merit. The third stage is called the "investing" stage. If the idea has gone through a systematic series of tests and proves to be sound, it's time to invest more time, energy, money and other resources to move it closer to becoming a reality. Now I want to warn you: the fourth stage is where "the rubber meets the road", and this is called the "arresting" stage. This is the period of time when you will encounter more obstacles than you ever dreamed possible. You'll doubt yourself a million times and feel like you have made a big mistake. It's right here that most people fail, because they quit and never make it to the fifth and final stage. This is the "cresting" stage, and it's reserved for a very small group of people, those brave souls whose faith kept them on course until the idea became a reality. These are the people who received the payoff, reached the mountain top and took the victory lap.
Now a personal application: whatever you set out to do, if it requires some measure of faith, large or small, just remember the five stages the idea must go through if it's to prove successful and become a reality. Again, these are the NESTING, TESTING, INVESTING, ARRESTING AND CRESTING stages. Why not repeat these to yourself several times and as you visualize them, they will become very clear. However, to place things in perspective, just remember, genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 51 - FIVE STAGES OF FAITH

No, 51
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CHILDREN AND FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE

At one time or another, can you remember hearing some parent say, "My kids think that money grows on trees?" If you have never heard this, loosely translated it means that some children think there is an unending supply of money and for whatever they think they need or want, their parents should have enough to buy it for them. When I was growing up, my parents were good, honest people, but we didn't have a lot of money. We certainly were not destitute and had plenty to eat, a warm place to live and decent clothes to wear, but beyond this, at times things were pretty "lean." To be honest, I guess the thing that has motivated me more than anything else is that I saw so many of the other kids in our small town who had so much more than I did.
One year during the summer, when I had just finished the seventh grade, I remember
chopping cotton for four ten-hour days, for $4.00 per day. When I got paid 16 crisp one-dollar bills, I thought I was rich! Of course, in some circles today that $16.00 won't even buy a good steak. This experience helped to shape my values and I truly believe the only way to appreciate the value of money is to earn it. When a young person earns their money by the sweat of their brow they not only know its value, the chances are much better that they will spend it wisely and may even save part of it.
What I'm saying that may be of interest to you, especially if you have children or grandchildren you are rearing, is that most of our financial habits are learned while we are young. Trying to teach a 16 year old youngster financial responsibility is a little late. It's not impossible, but it's much easier when they are younger. To my way of thinking, one of the greatest problems we have in America today is parents who give their children too much money and material things without them having to earn it. Just think of all the divorces that come about because one or both of the marriage partners never learned the value of money or how to manage it.
Please consider this true story and how you might be able to use it to help someone you love. It seems a father had an eleven year old son who always wanted to borrow money, in addition to what he was being paid for doing assigned chores and odd jobs. So the father said, "What will you give me as collateral on a $35.00 loan?" At this point the father explained what the word "collateral" meant and the son said he had a skateboard and a stereo set that he would give him to keep until the loan was repaid. Over the coming weeks a few payments were made on time, then one day he missed a payment, so the father sold his skateboard. Later when the son missed another payment, the father sold his stereo set. Quite naturally this made the son very unhappy, but the father reported that this son never asked to borrow money again. You may think this was cruel, but just try to keep in mind that quite often the best lessons in life are learned the hard way. I say this because here is the rest of the story. Ten years later this same son said, "Dad, there is just no way you will ever know how much I appreciate what you have done for me in regards to managing my finances."
When we have lots of money, it's the easiest thing on earth to give, because there are few who will refuse it. From my heart to yours, if you really want to do something special for your children and grandchildren that has lasting value, teach them to work, save and invest a percentage of their money. Few are they that learn this, but it’s a great lesson. (EDITORS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 52 - CHILDREN AND FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE

No. 52

The next password is caleb

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
MAKING WISE DECISIONS

It has been said that a decision is what a person makes when he or she can't find anybody to serve on a committee. This is certainly true in an organizational sense, but as it relates to each individual person, you will find the most successful people are the ones who have the knack of making right and timely decisions most of the time. Now I said "most" of the time because if we do anything at all, we are bound to make some misteaks. In fact, the only people who don't make them are dead.
If you will also think about your life, I believe you will agree that we are where we are, right, wrong, good, bad or indifferent, because of our ability or inability to make wise decisions. One of the primary reasons decision making is so difficult for many people is because these skills have not traditionally been taught in our nation's schools. Most of us have never had a course titled How To Make Decisions. Although I've been out of school for some time I can't remember ever hearing it discussed. Rather, in most cases we make our decisions based on emotion, habit or spur of the moment, erroneous information and trial and error.
In the case of trial and error, if we make a mistake and the consequences are too severe, as a rational thinking person, we try not to make that same mistake again. It's just common sense to realize that making the wrong decision at a critical time in our life can lead to some very serious problems. This is an excellent reason why a "made-up" mind is so important when it comes to making moral and ethical choices. In other words, the decision to do or not to do certain things has already been made.
There are a great number of factors involved in making right and timely decisions, however it is not an exact science, but there is a decision making concept based on logic and a step-by-step sequence that will definitely improve our odds. Before I share it with you, let me warn you that the number one problem in making decisions is something we call procrastination. This means to put off making the decision based on the notion that the problem will somehow go away or solve itself.
Following is a decision making concept: first, state the problem very clearly and write it down on paper where you can see it. There is a lot of truth in the saying, "A problem well stated is a problem half solved." Next, answer these simple questions in relation to your problem: 1) What will happen if I don't make this decision? 2) What will happen if I do?
3) Who are the people this decision will affect? 4) What are the different ways it will affect them? 5) What will it cost in human terms and also in money, if I make this decision?
6) What will it cost in these two vital areas if I don't? 7) Based on my best judgment, when is the best possible time to make this decision?
You have probably heard the saying, "There is never enough time to do it right, but there is always enough time to do it over." This is true when it comes to taking time to prepare for good decision making just like it takes time to prepare for a successful life. There are times when a "snap" decision or judgment must be made right on the spot, but even then this advance mental preparation will help you make wise and timely decisions a higher percentage of the time. Until our next visit, I want to acknowledge that “making wise decisions” is not an exciting topic. Really, it’s kinda boring. However, if you get this one right, there will be many more exciting things in your future. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next password is caleb

No. 27 - MAKING WISE DECISIONS

No. 27
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ATTITUDE AND THE SELF-IMAGE

Have you ever wondered why some people have a negative, pessimistic attitude about most things while others are generally positive and up-beat? Based on many years of work in the field of human resources, it's my personal belief that the answer to this dilemma, while very simple, is not understood by the majority of people. Since these individuals don't really understand it, they don't know how to go about changing a negative attitude to a positive attitude, and in the process, living a happier, more productive and successful life.
=The reason one person is positive and up-beat while another is negative and pessimistic, is because our overall attitude and our outlook on life is a reflection of our self-image. In other words, what's "taking place" on the inside shows up on the outside. Because this discovery was made in the past 50 years, many people did not learn about it in school or later in life, as they moved out into the world.
Almost by chance, a plastic surgeon, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, discovered the concept of self-image and later wrote about it in his book, titled Psychocybernetics, which has sold in excess of fifteen million copies. As Dr. Maltz worked with his patients to change their physical appearances with the aid of plastic surgery, he began to notice a definite, marked change in their attitude and their willingness to tackle jobs and assume risks that would have been considered impossible before.
Further research revealed that an outward physical change was also accompanied by an inner emotional change. Thus the conclusion was reached: the self-image is the mental picture we hold of ourselves and this mental picture relates to both the "outer" and "inner" person and it literally controls our lives. In fact the discovery of the self-image has been called the most important psychological discovery of the twentieth century. When an individual holds a positive picture of himself, he performs better than when he holds a negative picture. In a very real sense, a ‘winner’ feeds on his or her success.
The real meat of the coconut can be found in this statement: The human nervous system cannot distinguish between actual true life experiences from those imagined in vivid detail in the mind. In other words, we must see ourselves as successful and begin to act this way before it will ever come to pass. There is however, a real pitfall that we must take steps to avoid. In recent years many schools have developed courses to help students develop a healthy self-image. While the intent is great, many times the methods have been found wanting. It takes more than telling a student or any human being that he or she is a good person with real value because a healthy self-image is not based merely on words but on solid achievement. Our subconscious mind can tell the difference between praise and performance. To say it another way, nothing truly worthwhile is ever easy.
Since our rewards in life are determined by the quality and quantity of service we provide to others, it's important to understand that our value to society is determined by what we make of ourselves. We can change our life for the better by changing our self-image, which is simply the way we see ourselves, both physically and emotionally, that is to say, from both the outside and the inside. It also becomes easier to help other people when we understand the reasons behind their negative attitudes. It’s a wonderful thing to help a person change his or her self-image and begin to see the winner God created them to be. In reality, the more we help others, the more we help ourselves. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Caleb

No. 28 - ATTITUDE AND THE SELF-IMAGE

No. 28
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SEVEN STAGES OF A MARRIAGE COLD

It's been said that "marriage is a deal in which a man gives away half of his groceries in order to get the other half cooked." While there may be some truth in this humorous definition, the institution of marriage is very important to the success of our nation, and a good marriage is certainly to be treasured.
If you are a married person or planning to get married, I believe you will enjoy this little story I discovered some time ago. It's called, "The Seven Stages Of A Marriage Cold." This story has been around for some time and I'm not sure where it came from originally, but it illustrates the fact that in most cases the happy, blissful state of marriage goes downhill with the passing of time.
While it certainly doesn't have to be this way, and there are exceptions to the rule, the first few days, weeks and even months of marriage are usually very happy times. As you read this story, just keep in mind that each stage of the cold represents one more year of marriage, by the way the wife's cold is handled by the husband.
Seven Stages of a Marriage Cold
First year: The husband says, "Sugar Dumplin', I'm worried about my baby girl. You've got a bad sniffle and I'm putting you in the hospital for a general check-up and a good rest. I know the food is lousy, but I'll have your meals brought in from the deli. I've already got it arranged."
Second year: "Listen, Darling, I don't like the sound of your cough. I've called Dr. Miller to rush over here. Now go to bed like a good girl, please, just for your old dear papa."
Third year: "Honey, maybe you had better lie down. Nothing like a little rest when you feel puny. I'll bring you something to eat. Do we have any soup in the house?"
Fourth year: "Look, Dear, be sensible! After you feed the kids and get all the dishes washed, maybe you'd better hit the sack for a while."
Fifth year: "Why don't you get up and get yourself an aspirin? And stop complaining so much!"
Sixth year: "If you would gargle or something, instead of sitting around and barking in my face like a seal, I would appreciate it!"
Seventh year: "For Pete's sake, stop sneezing! What are you trying to do? Give me pneumonia?"
If you are a married person, I hope you have one of the happiest marriages to be found anywhere, whether you have been married for three days or fifty years. I'm sure you know, marriage is one of the most basic and most important institutions in our society.
Let's keep in mind that a successful marriage is built on mutual trust, love and a lifetime commitment to each other. I believe someone said it best with these words: "Marriage is not looking at each other, it is looking in the same direction together." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 29 - THE WORST GUILT OF ALL

No. 29
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE WORST GUILT OF ALL

There is a little five letter word called "guilt" that most people suffer from at one time or another, and if it's not dealt with and handled properly, the consequences can be devastating. The primary reason guilt is so difficult to deal with is because complete freedom or release from guilt often involves some deep soul searching, a confession or at least admitting our shortcomings. To confess or admit we are wrong goes against basic human nature and this is especially true for the person who has poor self-esteem. The British statesman and author Edmund Burke (1729-1797) had this to say about it, “Guilt is never a rational thing; it distorts all the faculties of the human mind, it perverts them. It leaves a man no longer in the free use of his reason, it puts him into confusion.” I might also mention in passing that Edmund Burke was highly esteemed and one of the foremost thinkers of his day. I believe you will agree that guilt is a load too heavy to carry.
Here it might be appropriate to ask you a couple of very pertinent questions. What's inside a person who feels guilty that causes him to feel this way? Are we born with a mechanism that makes us feel guilty, or is it an instinct or attribute we have to develop? Personally, I think it's both. We are each born with a conscience, which has been defined as "the faculty by which distinctions are made between moral right and wrong, especially in regard to ones' own conduct." In other words, because we are each born with a conscience, we therefore have the inherent or built-in capacity to know whether what we do is right or wrong. It's how we use this built-in faculty that has a lot to do with whether or not we feel guilty. I believe this little allegory will help you see what I'm saying.
Our conscience, figuratively speaking, can be compared to a triangle inside our hearts. When we do something that we instinctively know is wrong, the triangle turns and the corners prick our heart and it hurts. When we continue to commit acts we know are wrong, the triangle keeps turning and before long the edges are rounded off and worn smooth and it no longer hurts. At this point, it is often said, "he has no conscience." This isn't true; this person still has a conscience, but it's become so dull from misuse that it no longer makes him feel guilty or has any bearing on his actions.
If we are to live happy, successful and well-adjusted lives, we should feel guilty when we lie, steal, cheat or commit crimes against an individual or society. Otherwise, we will be totally insensitive to the needs of the people around us. The power of guilt is evident when we see people who have committed serious crimes and they feel such guilt for what they have done, they actually want to be punished. It's very important for us to deal with the day-to-day problems and decisions that are the source of much of our guilt; however there is a deeper and much more serious root problem that brings about the worst guilt of all. This is the awareness, deep in the innermost part of our beings, that God has given us tremendous talents and abilities He wants us to develop and use to serve Him and our fellow human beings. When we don't develop and use what He has given us, it creates a void. As a result, we experience a form of deep-seated guilt that gnaws at us regardless of where we go or what we do. There is only one solution to this problem and that's to put our heart and soul into those activities that we deem worthy of our time. It's even better if we can find some real purpose in life. It's only when we do our best with what God has given us that we feel good about ourselves. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 30 - WHO ARE THE GIFTED?

No. 30
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO ARE THE GIFTED?

In today's times we often hear the statement, "he or she is a very gifted person," but have you ever thought about what this statement really means? In checking my dictionary, the word "gifted" is defined as 'one having or showing great natural ability or one who is talented.' As it's used in this context, the word gifted is really a label that is used to identify a person as being a 'cut above' the average or one who has been blessed with extraordinary talent.
In recent years we have learned a great deal about the self-image and the tremendous power it has over our lives. We have also come to realize that one of the most powerful and damaging things we can do to another human being is to pin a negative label on them. In most cases, without even realizing it, when we refer to other people as dumb, stupid, idiot or morons, we have not only pinned a label on them, we are giving them mental pictures of themselves that sooner or later they will begin to accept as true.
The converse of this statement is also true. When we pin positive labels on people, such as brilliant, smart, intelligent and gifted, they begin to visualize themselves in a different light and form mental pictures that create potential for full use of their talents and abilities. I did not use labels here that have to do with a person's outward physical appearance, since a quick glance in the mirror is all it takes to prove or disprove whether this kind of label is valid.
In relation to the emphasis our nation's educators are placing on identifying gifted and talented students, if used in the proper way, I personally believe this new focus has some merit, because we all know as technology continues to advance we will need our very best minds to help us solve problems. There is, however, a great danger in this new focus, as illustrated in an article titled, "Who Are The Gifted?", written by Wilbert Larson of Fort Collins, Colorado. Mr. Larson points out that Albert Einstein was four years old before he could speak and seven years old before he could read. Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school, Beethoven's music teacher once said of him, "as a composer, he is hopeless." When Thomas Edison was a boy, his teacher told him that he was "too stupid to learn anything." A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he had "no good ideas." Caruso's music teacher told him, "You can't sing! You have no voice at all." Leo Tolstoy, author of War And Peace, flunked out of college. Abraham Lincoln entered the Black Hawk War as a captain and came out as a private!! Fred Waring was once rejected from high school chorus and Winston Churchill failed the sixth-grade.
If we know these examples of where people did not fare well in the beginning, but later turned out to be world famous, how many others could have been, if someone had not pinned a negative label on them or destroyed their confidence by ridicule? Yes, labels are very powerful and we need to be careful. When we look at any person, young or old, we just never know who are the truly gifted.
A final thought with reference to our nation’s educators. What I am sharing here is not meant to demean or detract from the good job you are doing. I’m simply pointing out that we should never ‘give up’ on a student, or any person for that matter, who may not possess obvious talents and skills. There are many people who are ‘late bloomers’ who do not achieve real success until later in life. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 31 - STRAIGHT TALK THAT PAID OFF

No. 31
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
STRAIGHT TALK THAT PAID OFF

The Golden Rule is to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", but there is another golden rule that also affects the lives of many people. This could be called the Economic Golden Rule, and it can be summed up with these words: "He who has the gold makes the rule." Because we live in a materialistic society, it's important to also understand this other golden rule, otherwise life can be very frustrating.
One of the greatest blessings I have in traveling and making speeches is that I get to meet and know so many fine people. This personal contact with people in all areas of society is where I get most of the ideas and concepts for this newspaper column. However I realize a good idea in itself is of little value to you unless I can show you how to use it and how to turn it into a benefit for your own life. Some time ago, I was visiting with a businessman in south Mississippi and he told me a true story involving one of his employees that contains a very important principle.
It seems the mother of one of his employees had died recently and the employee was fast becoming an alcoholic. Word was beginning to spread that he was talking 'smart' to some of the other employees. Well, the problem reached the point that it became necessary for my new friend to call him into his office. When he did, he closed the door behind him. After they chatted a moment, my friend looked him straight in the eye and called his name. He said, "You know your mother would not be proud of you and the way you are acting. You have a choice. You can either make your mother proud of you or you can become a drunk. But you are not going to be a drunk and work for me."
My friend went on to say, "I don't want your answer now. I want to give you a few days to think about it, but come Monday, you come in sober and be ready to work, or be ready to leave." Well, that was almost ten years ago and the man is still there and has become an excellent employee. He later told his boss, "Mr. Moore, I ain't never had anyone talk to me like that."
You see, with my friend, it was not just an employee with a problem, it was a human being that he really cared about. One of the deepest psychological needs we have is to know that other people care about us and that we are needed and appreciated. As an aside to this true story, the lack of personal concern and caring is why many management people fail when it comes to dealing with employees who have problems. In many cases they treat them impersonally, yet wonder why their turnover rate is so high.
Another amusing part of the story about my friend's wayward employee is when still another employee was having a problem and this man told him, "You better straighten up. You don't want to go into the boss's office and have him close the door behind you." There is not doubt about it, my friend had made a believer out of him!
As I bring this story to a close, there are several obvious things some of us can learn from this experience. In many cases, it's hard to find another person who cares enough about us to look us straight in the eye and tell us the truth. The truth may hurt, but it's better to hear it and do something about it than go on living with the problem. Of course, the primary reason the employee's problem was solved was because the 'Economic Golden Rule' came into play. "He who has the gold makes the rule." Sometimes all it takes is the thought of losing our job to change our attitude and our behavior. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 32 - SOME OL' FASHIONED MANNERS

No. 32
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SOME OL' FASHIONED MANNERS

We've all heard some person make the comment, "I want to give my child a head start in the world." There is no better way to prepare a young person for success in life than to teach them respect for authority, to respect the rights and property of others, and above all, the importance of good manners, because all other educational experience will pale in comparison. To go a step further, self-respect is at the bottom of all good manners. They are the expression of discipline, of good will, of respect for other people’s rights and comforts and feelings.
For over twenty five years I've worked with our nation's public schools as a businessman consultant and during this time I spent many hours attempting to motivate students and teach them about the American free enterprise system. As I would begin each session I could usually tell which students had received discipline and moral training at home and which ones had not. I have found the most accurate barometer for making a determination of this kind is a child's manners.
If they responded to my questions or other forms of interaction with the simple words, "yes, sir", "no, sir", "please", "thank you", and "you're welcome", I knew without a doubt they were willing and eager to learn. On the other hand, in a few situations where I was not shown the courtesy and respect that should have been afforded any guest, I knew some valuable time would be wasted as I had to first prepare them to learn.
To illustrate what I'm saying, please let me share this true story with you. For several years I had been calling on a particular school superintendent, attempting to sell him my services, but he would never purchase any of my materials or even let me talk with his teachers. However, when I called on him some time ago, I sensed that something was different. After about thirty minutes, he invited me to come talk with his teachers and then he went on to tell me why. In this town of about 1,500 people, the school had just had their Junior-Senior Awards Program and it was conducted entirely by students. He said the program was a real disaster. The bad language, dirty jokes and the way these students conducted themselves was embarrassing and humiliating to the administrators and the teachers.
As he said, "it was a good thing the school board and the parents were not there." The situation had finally shocked him into realizing that something had to be done. Well, it
should have been done a long time before, starting at home, by parents teaching these young people good manners, along with some old fashioned discipline, but when they arrived at school they still needed leadership by example, by both administrators and teachers. Many schools have discipline; students are taught respect and you would never hear bad language or dirty jokes in any school program. In the case of this superintendent, it all comes back to his own childhood.
If you have never thought about it before and have children or grandchildren of your own, I would like to suggest for your consideration, if you want to give them a head start in life, teach them to say, "yes, sir", "no, sir", "please", "thank you", and "you're welcome." As the twig in bent, so grows the tree. Do something special for these young people and it will be like the soap commercial we've all seen: "what a nice reflection on you." It will be great for them and it will also be good for America. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 33 - YOU CAN'T SINK HALF A SHIP

No. 33
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
YOU CAN'T SINK HALF A SHIP

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "No one ever fails in life until he blames someone else." Unfortunately, many people in our prosperous nation were never taught that accepting responsibility for themselves and their actions is the most visible sign of maturity. This is a personal quality that will contribute greatly to individual success and it's also a vital need, if we are to preserve our freedom in the perilous and ever changing times in which we live.
As it relates to our personal and collective freedom, I would like to ask you to create this scene in your mind: just before the break of dawn one cold winter morning, a family is standing out in the street in their pajamas, watching their home burn to the ground. As they huddle together and hear the distant sound of the fire truck on its way to the fire, they begin to think about the loss of their most cherished possessions, many of which can never be replaced. But at this moment, they are thankful just to be alive.
Now, as we all know, this scene actually takes place thousands of times each year in America and many families are not as fortunate as those I've just described, as their lives are lost in the tragedy of a home fire. There are also many of our nation's firemen who perish in the line of duty. However, for those who are fortunate enough to escape with their lives, they can start over and rebuild. In a few years, in most cases, their lives can be back to 'normal.'
The example I've just shared with you is meant to graphically illustrate that everything is relative. We don't appreciate fair weather until we have suffered through several weeks of rain or snow. Most of us don't appreciate good health until we have had an accident or a prolonged illness of some kind. Most won't appreciate freedom until we come face-to-face with the distinct possibility of losing it.
One time I heard the late Dr. Ken McFarland, noted speaker, author and guest lecturer for General Motors, tell the story about the first mate of a ship who rushed up to the captain and said, "Sir, the ship is sinking!" to which the captain calmly replied, "Let 'er go, she ain't ours." Dr. McFarland then went on to make a very important point, as he said, "If we are on a ship, it is ours, regardless of who owns it." You see, when a ship goes down, every person who is on it goes down with it. In other words, "you can't sink half a ship."
The reasons are many, but the United States of America is sailing through some tough social and economic seas just now, as we struggle to pay off our national debt and we have many social problems begging for a solution. If we are to maintain our precious freedom, as American citizens we all need to accept responsibility for ourselves and our actions and we must believe it's possible. This principle also applies to our homes, our jobs and careers, and especially how we treat those around us. To show love, kindness and concern for others is a sign of maturity.
In the wake of the tragic shootings in our country we should all get on our knees and pray to God that He will heal the wounds of our society. I’m deeply concerned, as I’m sure you are, for the citizens of our country, especially for our young people because they are our hope for the future. Just remember this thought, you can't sink half a ship. The whole ship stays up or the whole ship goes down, and it is yours, if you are on it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 34 THE COURAGE TO SAY "NO"

No. 34
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE COURAGE TO SAY "NO"

To have courage in the face of adversity is one of the greatest of all human virtues. The dictionary defines courage as “That quality of mind or spirit enabling one to meet danger, or opposition with fearlessness, calmness and firmness.” The late Winston Churchill, former prime minister of Great Britain summed it up this way, "It is the quality which guarantees all others."
As the topic of courage relates to your own life, here is a question I would like for you to think about: do you want the best life has to offer? I'm confident most people will answer "yes" to this question. It's just human nature to want the best, however, in many cases we settle for far less than it's possible for us to achieve. The only way any person can have the best life has to offer is to learn how to say "NO" at the right time and in the right way. Most of our obstacles to having and living the best life are brought about when we don't have the courage or intestinal fortitude to say "NO."
Almost from the time we are born and come into the world, life is made up of one decision after another. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have had loving parents, to have received a good education and to have made some positive choices, we began our journey through life with a lot going for us. Of course, for those who were not so lucky, there is always hope they will encounter enough positive influences to make a real difference.
In your own life, can you think of problems that were created, because you didn't have the courage to say "NO?" In my personal life, I can think of a thousand cases where I would have been better off if I would have just had the courage to say NO. Here are some examples where the simple word "NO" would make a big difference in a person's life.
NO to premarital sex; NO to drugs; NO to smoking; NO to alcohol; NO to profanity; NO to crooked or unethical business practices; NO to breaking the law; NO to cheating on your mate. NO! NO! NO! It's a powerful word when it's used in the proper way and at the proper time. Please don't think for a moment that I'm setting myself up as a perfect example of someone who has had the courage to say "NO" to each of these life changing decisions. In fact, there are only a few things on this list where I can truthfully say I've said NO to in every case. Based on my years of experience, knowing what I know now, my list of things I would say "NO" to would definitely be longer.
If we are wise, we will make these kinds of decisions in advance, so when we are confronted with a choice of this type, it will already be settled. I believe you will agree we do need a standard to live by, and something we can depend on to be right in every possible situation. We hear a lot these days about positive thinking and NO is not a positive word, but a negative word. When we say "NO" in a group environment, it shuts off fellowship, and who wants to be a wet blanket?
In most cases the lack of courage comes from fear. The word fear, in this case, can be seen in the acrostic, "False Evidence Appearing Real." In the vast majority of cases, we are afraid because we don't know enough or because we are acting on information that is untrue. When it comes to life changing and life altering decisions, I hope you will give some serious thought to what I’m saying and have the courage to say "NO", which is the only way to have the best life has to offer. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 35 - THE COURAGE TO SAY "NO"

No. 35
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SCARS ON THE DOOR

One time I heard a story about a little boy who crawled under a big tent, thinking he was getting into the circus free, but when he got inside it turned out to be a revival meeting. Life is filled with surprises and disappointments of various kinds, but this is one facet of life which makes it so interesting. When you think about it, I believe you will agree that much of the drama of life would be destroyed if this were not the case.
From my perspective, it would be wonderful if there was always something good, exciting and worthwhile waiting just around the next bend in the road or in the next days' mail or the next phone call, but we know this is not reality. Life is made up of good days and bad days, happiness and sorrow, and success and failure. Life is just this way.
We can, however, make personal choices to insure that the law of averages will work to our advantage to have more good days than bad days, more happiness than sorrow, and more success than failure. In other words, it's not what life does to us, it's what we do to life that counts. The reason this is true is because of the natural law that controls everything in the universe, called "cause and effect." If we take care of the causes, in most cases the effects will take care of themselves.
We read in the Bible in Galatians 6:7, "Be ye not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap." Most of us believe this and know it's true, but unfortunately we do not always base our actions on this great truth. Rather, we permit other factors to influence our decisions and for the time being, forget that sooner or later we will reap the consequences of our actions.
Since most of our important values and habits are established when we are young, I felt the following story might be worth thinking about. It seems a farmer had a rebellious son. This youngster was forever getting into trouble. Not serious trouble, just things that were out of character for the way he was raised. Finally, one day the father suggested to his son: "Son, every time you do something that you know is not right, I want you to take a hammer and drive a nail in the front door of our barn.
Every so often during the next few weeks, the father would hear the tat-tat-tat of the hammer, as the son was driving nails in the barn door. This went on for several months, until the barn door was almost completely covered with nails. At this time, the farmer made another suggestion. He said, "Son, now every time you do something that you know is right, I want you to pull a nail back out of the door."
At this point, the son took his father's suggestion and little by little, the nails began to come back out of the door. However, they didn't come back out nearly as fast as they went in. Finally, one day when the nails were all out, the son said to his father, "Father, I see what you mean. I thought I would be happy when I got all the nails out, but I didn't realize all the scars that would be left on the door."
I hope you can see the point of this story, because while outside influences can help us change our values, attitudes and habits, in most cases the consequences of our actions will still be there. Everything we do in life has a consequence and there's always a price that must be paid. If you really want to do something that will make a difference in the lives of some young people, why not sit down and explain this principle to them. It could make a world of difference down the road. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 36 - THE SCARS ON THE DOOR

No. 36
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SECRET OF ACHIEVEMENT

Some time back I heard about a real estate developer in California who made a fortune by developing an idea that all the other developers had overlooked. It seems there was a tract of land in his area that was a swamp and considered worthless by everyone who looked at it. However, this developer got the idea of digging canals throughout the area and when the swamp drained, he was left with choice lots where each home had a private boat dock and all the other benefits of living on a lake.
Now this true illustration should give rise to a very interesting question: why did one developer see real opportunity, while all the others did not? The answer to this question lies in the complexity of the human mind and the fact that every human being is unique. How we view the world and the circumstances we are in is closely linked to our success and to personal achievement, which is something most of us desire. There is no question that this developer is an achiever and he received both the tangible and intangible rewards that go with it.
Before I proceed, let me pose this question to you: do you consider yourself to be an achiever? If your answer was "yes", then you already know and will appreciate many of the things I'm going to say. However, if by chance your answer was "no", and you would like to become an achiever, please give some thought to what I'm saying because I can definitely help you get started off on the right foot. You know that the most important step in any journey is the first one.
At this point you may ask just what is an achiever? Well, an achiever is someone who accomplishes what he or she sets out to accomplish. In other words, an achiever is someone who has goals and persists or stays with their goals until they reach them. You have probably heard someone say about another person that "he or she is a high achiever." The difference between a high achiever and a low achiever can basically be found in what kind of goals they have. A person can only become a high achiever if they establish high goals. The same thing applies to low goals or no goals. This is the root problem for most people: they never take the time to establish definite, written, clear-cut goals, and because they have no goals, there is no way they can become an achiever.
Alfred Adler, Austrian born psychologist (1870-1937), came to the same conclusion. After a lifetime of study in this field, he became convinced that a continuous striving toward a self-chosen goal, not sex alone, is what motivates human beings. Now, I want to tell you the secret of achievement. The secret of achievement is not to let what you are doing get to you before you get to it. If you will think about this a moment, I believe you will see the truth of it. What keeps most people from becoming high achievers is that in most cases, they become discouraged and give up. In short, they quit too soon.
Let me share something called "Press On" that I believe you will find to be very appropriate. "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Here is something to think about until our next visit: Set your goal and don't quit until you reach it. In other words, don’t let it get to you, before you get to it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 37 - THE SECRET OF ACHIEVEMENT

No. 37
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THEY WANT TO BE "IN"

Former President Hoover once said, "Children are our most valuable resource." I've said the same thing many times and because of my extensive work with the public schools, I have been able to see and understand some things from first hand experience. If I had to decide on one single thing in today's times that impacts a youngster's future more than anything else, I believe it would be along these lines. Because of the tremendous changes in our society over the past two or three decades, not only from the standpoint of technology, but also the breakdown of traditional moral values, our young people today are subjected to more "peer pressure" than at any time in the history of public education.
Because "peer pressure" is so strong, kids want to be "in" and they will do almost anything in order to be in. As a friend told me recently, they want to be in even if it kills them. Unfortunately in thousands of cases each year, it does kill them, whether it's from drugs, alcohol, suicide or any number of other things that are peer pressure related. Fear for their safety is another concern but that’s another story.
Here in Conway, Arkansas, where I live, we have a great community. We have one of the very best school systems in the state, a strong economy and some of the most compassionate civic minded people in the world. At Christmas time last year I volunteered to ring the bells for the Salvation Army and learned that Conway is one of only two communities in the United States where the entire fund raising effort of ringing the bells is made up entirely of volunteers.
Of course, Conway, like most communities in our country, also has problems. Some time back the vice principal of the high school came to speak to the Lion's Club where I am a member. He told us about the gang activity in our community and our schools, as no less than 16 gangs are operating at one level or another. Our school people, along with local law enforcement are on top of it and doing a good job, but there is always the possibility that it will get out of hand, as it has already done in many communities across the country.
The thing I remember most about his presentation is when he said, "Don't stick your head in the sand and pretend it doesn't exist, because it does." Unfortunately many good kids are pulled into gang activity because they want to be "in" and also because gangs use fear as a way to recruit new members. They tell many unsuspecting, naive kids, "You become a member of our gang and we will protect you."
I believe you will agree that when a young person gets involved in a gang they are headed down the wrong road and in time this can have devastating consequences. The reason I have shared this with you is because while law enforcement and school officials already know this, many parents do have their heads in the sand and don't think it could happen to them.
Now, let's go back to that quote by President Hoover: "Children are our most valuable resource." It's my belief that the best way to help a youngster to stay out of a gang is to constantly tell and show them that you love them, communicate with them and tell them over and over again that they have value, worth and potential. In short, give your youngsters a reason to have hope and help them realize that they have a wonderful future in store for them. It's fine to be "in" if they are in the right things. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 38 - THEY WANT TO BE "IN"

No. 38
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUM
HOW TO CHANGE HUMAN NATURE

Several years ago I met a wonderful man by the name of Winston K. Pendleton, who, before he passed away, lived in Windermere, Florida. "Win" as his friends called him, has written over 20 books, a newspaper column and for many years was a much sought after public speaker. The reason I'm sharing this with you is because Win helped me so much that I considerd him to be my mentor. While you probably have never heard of this man, I believe it's important to pay tribute to those individuals who have helped us along the way. It's possible to become highly successful in this country without a lot of formal education, but no person ever achieves success without the help of others.
As I said earlier, Win was my mentor and one of my favorite stories that I've heard him tell is about a man who worked for a lumber yard. It seems that this man had worked there for about 25 years and during this period of time whenever he needed some lumber for a project at home or to help a neighbor, he would just take it without paying for it. Well, one night during a revival service at his church, this man got saved and soon thereafter, his conscience began to bother him. He said to himself, "Oh, Lord, what am I going to do?" Then he remembered that the Catholic church has a confessional booth where you can go and confess your sins to a priest and never be seen. Well, this seemed like the right thing to do, so he made the necessary arrangements and went into the booth and confessed. When he finished, he said to the priest, "Father, is that all there is to it?" The priest said, "No, you can't get off quite that easy. Did you ever make a novena?" The man thought for a moment and then said, "No, but if you've got the plans, I know where I can get the lumber."
While this is not a true story, it certainly makes a very valid point. Permanent change in our nature, even after we have been saved, is not easy. A person who is inwardly a crook is just waiting on another chance to steal. As it relates to what I am saying, have you ever really thought about the word "nature?" Our nature, according to the dictionary is "the intrinsic or inherent character of a person or thing." In other words, it's our natural instincts we are born with. A good example is that a baby cries when he or she gets hungry.
You may not agree, but as a Christian, I believe because of the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, man was eternally sentenced to a nature of sin. It's just "human nature" to lie, to cheat, to steal, to commit adultery, to lust or to fight back and try to get even when someone has wronged us. The way to change human nature can be found in the Bible where it is recorded in II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things passed away, behold, new things have come.”
Of course, our environment also has a great impact on our lives. Children who are taught character values by adults who set a good example have tremendous advantages over those who are not. In recent years, psychologists have determined that a person's attitudes and character values are pretty well established at a very early age. So, back to my statement, "permanent change in our nature is not easy." This is the reason a person can have all kinds of educational credentials but still wind up in prison if they lack character and integrity. Hopefully you will give some thought to what I’m saying here because, depending on your needs, it could make a wonderful difference in your life. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 70 - THE SLIGHT EDGE

No. 70
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SLIGHT EDGE

In these modern times when millions of Americans are all wrapped up in sports, we hear a lot about "winning" and "losing", but have you given much thought to the difference between the winners in life and the losers? Well, believe it or not, the difference is very little. In fact, it can be as little as 2%. Some time ago I ran across a very timely article by Gene Emmet Clark, D.D., titled The Slight Edge - It Only Takes 2%. If you are striving to reach some goals that seem to be just beyond your reach, I believe this article will help you see that if you do just a little bit more, it could mean the difference between winning or losing, success or failure, mediocrity or greatness. The remarkable thing about the principle involved here, is that it's true regardless of how well you are presently doing.
Dr. Clark makes a good case as he relates this principle to his own personal success. He begins by asking the question: "Have you been working like a horse?" Well, I've been thinking about that expression and at least one horse I can name has earned a pretty fair hourly rate. Someone figured up that the race horse Nashua earned more than a million dollars in a total racing time that added up to less than one hour. Now I believe you will agree -- that's pretty good pay!
Of course we know that many long hours went into preparation for that winning hour of racing, but here's something else that's important to understand that makes this horse so valuable. You would probably pay a hundred times as much for a horse like Nashua as you would for just an ordinary race horse, but is this horse a hundred times faster? Of course not. What makes the difference is the fact that a horse of this caliber finished just ahead of the rest on a consistent basis. All he had to do is win by a "nose" a good share of the time to be worth a hundred times as much as an "also ran."
Here is the reason I wanted to share this with you and it's the unmistakable point of Dr. Clark's article. The principle we see illustrated here with Nashua the race horse is the same with human beings who are on top in the game of life. The difference between achievement and mediocrity is that extra 2% in study, application, interest, ambition and effort. It's that one extra story for a writer, that one extra call for a sales person, that one extra putt for a golfer, and it's that extra hour of practice for the athlete who wants to compete in the Olympics. In short, it's that little "extra" -- that 2% -- that often makes the difference.
When it comes to applying this principle to our own lives, the most important advice I could ever give you or anyone else is to use your common sense. The Bible says there is a time and a season for everything under heaven and this is certainly true here. I want to make it perfectly clear that I never advocate having an all consuming goal that drives an individual to work day and night at the expense of everything else in his or her life. The problem for most people is that they waste too much productive time. We should balance our activities in light of our current responsibilities, our age, our health and the commitments we have to God and our families. As I’ve said before, we can never be defeated if we take the long range view. We should view life over the long term and give that extra 2% all along the way. We should also take time off for a vacation on a regular basis. When we do that and keep our priorities in the right order, we can become a real "winner" in the game of life and still have good health to enjoy it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 71 - BURNING THE AMERICAN FLAG

No. 71
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BURNING THE AMERICAN FLAG

Several weeks ago I received a telephone call from a man by the name of Ron Spradlin who lives here in our community. He had called to tell me how much he was enjoying this column and in the course of our conversation, he shared a very touching and heart warming experience involving the American flag. It seems his son, Daniel, had retrieved a badly soiled and tattered flag from a trash heap where someone had thrown it away. That same afternoon, as Ron was looking out through the back screen door, he saw something that brought tears to his eyes: Daniel was in the process of disposing of this tattered old flag in the proper way.
Ron was so moved by this experience that he wrote the following tribute, titled The Day My Son Burned The American Flag: "Some have cried and cursed those who burn the American flag and would have condemned the culprit to an impersonal body bag. Is it really so important as our wounded and dying fathers say? Well, I watched as my son burned it just the other day. Just a filthy piece of cloth, never again to fly and wave in the air. Without the sun and light, with no respect and without care. Yes, my son burned the flag which he retrieved that day, all torn, tattered and stained with clay. With scissors he trimmed the fray and removed the clinging trash. He smoothed the banner bright and pulled together a gaping gash. He folded Old Glory to a military tuck, then made of sticks a supporting tripod, now a flaming benediction for this ensign, one nation under God. From the back porch I watched smoke curl from that burning rag, folded to a perfect pack, my son burning the American flag. He stood respectfully saluting and adding character to his stately manner. Grasping a harmonica in his left hand, softly played The Star Spangled Banner. I stood so very still, could speak nary a word, a lump in my throat, emotions within me stirred. He has properly learned to dispose of a used-up flag, no doubt. Yes, we are the happy parents of an honorable Eagle Scout."
What you have just read was a tribute written by Ronald Spradlin to honor his son, Daniel, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. In relation to this, there are many things that could be said, but here are a couple that should be obvious. When our children are young, we should do our best to teach them to love, respect and honor our country. As parents, we just cannot assume that someone else is going to do this later on. I don't know how you feel, but I get very distressed when I see someone not showing the proper respect for or misusing our flag as a symbol of protest.
The American flag, which we often refer to as "Old Glory" symbolizes the very essence of what our country stands for. She represents millions of men and women who have fought on countless battlefields through the years, giving their lives and their all, to win our freedom and then to insure that our nation has remained free. I'm proud to say that I'm a past president of the Lions Club here in our community and we pledge allegiance to our flag at each of our weekly meetings. Make no mistake, our flag is very important and when it comes to disposing of a used-up flag, there is a wrong way to do it, but there is also a right way. Thanks, Ron, for sharing this with us in such a moving and stirring way and for teaching your children to honor and respect our great nation. It's my hope and my prayer that each person who reads this column will think seriously about what the American flag means to them. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 72 - RATE YOUR PERSONALITY

No. 72
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

RATE YOUR PERSONALITY

Did you hear about the conceited nurse? She always subtracted 10 beats from the pulse count of each of her patients to compensate for the effects of her personality. In relation to this, here is a question that may be worth thinking about. When it comes to your personality, do you have a good one or does your personality have a way of turning other people off? You probably know he answer to this question and if you feel your personality could stand a little improvement, I would like to invite you to take the following personality self-rating scale. Since it is self-rating, be totally honest with yourself, because no one needs to see it but you.
There are 23 questions in this exercise, so please take a moment and rate yourself 1, 2, 3, or 4 on each one. As you answer each question, give yourself 1 for poor, 2 for average, 3 for above average and 4 for superior. 1) Do I maintain a well groomed appearance? 2) Do I have a pleasing voice? 3) Is my posture alert and poised? 4) Is my disposition cheerful? 5) Do I make friends easily? 6) Do I exert positive leadership? 7) Am I generally thoughtful of the feelings of others? 8) Is my enthusiasm sincere and contagious? 9) Do I persevere until I achieve success? 10) Am I sincere in my interest in other people? 11) Am I ambitious to get ahead? 12) Do I get along well with others? 13) Do I react constructively to criticism? 14) Do I remember names and faces? 15) Am I punctual on all occasions? 16) Do I have and evidence a spirit of cooperation? 17) Am I free from prejudice? 18) Do I know how people react in most situations? 19) Am I generally a good listener? 20) Do I refuse to allow what other people say to hurt me? 21) Can I criticize without giving offense? 22) Am I reliable? 23) Can I adapt myself to all situations?
When you total up your answers, if your score was 70 or more, your personality rating is superior, 60 to 70 is above average, 50 to 60 is average and anything under 50 definitely shows some room for improvement. This is one of those personal development tools that I picked up at an education conference and I don't know who developed it, but it sure "hits the nail on the head." According to my large Funk & Wagnell Dictionary, the word personality means "distinctive qualities or characteristics of a person." In other words, it's what distinguishes or sets us apart from every other person, it's what makes us totally unique, unlike any other human being in the world.
If you will go back and re-read each of the 23 questions in this exercise, you will see many of these characteristics such as your appearance, your voice, your posture, your disposition, your thoughtfulness, your memory, your enthusiasm, your listening skills, plus many others. This should make it easy to see why your personality is so very important.
A good example of this came the other day when I was talking to the manager of our local Chamber of Commerce. He was telling me about filling a position on his staff and he had two applicants with outstanding credentials. Both were highly qualified, but he gave the job to a young lady who has a great personality, in addition to her education, experience and personal appearance.
Until our next visit, here is a statement that I hope you will think about. When we combine a great personality, excellent character, creativity and a genuine love of work we have a winning combination. Obviously, we can have the first three and be lazy and still fail as a person. Our personality is what we are when people are around, the rest is what we are when everybody else goes home. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 73 - THE GOOD OL' DAYS

No. 73
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GOOD OL' DAYS

Every so often in a conversation with some of my friends, we get to talking about
the "good ol' days." When the conversation shifts to me and it's my turn to talk, I usually mention the days when you could buy a coca cola for a nickel, you didn't have to lock your doors at night, you never had to take the keys out of the car and a family could make it on one salary. While we have a lot of things going for us now that we didn't have back then, the "good ol' days" for me were back in the 1950s when I was in high school. My parents were good, honest, hard working people and this was a carefree time for me. Since I was not married, had no house payment, no car payment and no April 15th to worry about because I had not yet taken on the responsibilities of being an adult.
If you have been around for any length of time, you can probably think back to some of your "good ol' days". On the other hand, these may be your "good ol' days", as you may never have had things any better in your life than you do right now. One of the things that determines our "good ol' days" is the satisfaction we experience from our job or career, and this is the reason I wanted to share something that I found in my files recently. What
I discovered was a list of office work rules that were issued in 1852 and found a few years ago in the ruins of an old factory in Scotland. As you read these rules, if you will think about your job or career, past or present, I believe you will appreciate your "good ol' days" even more.
All employees must abide by the following regulations: 1) This firm has reduced the hours of work and the staff will now only have to be present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.. 2) Daily prayers will be held each morning in the main office. The staff will
be present. 3) Clothing must be of a sober nature. The clerical staff will not disport themselves in raiment of bright colors. 4) No member of the staff may leave the room without permission from Mr. Rogers. The "calls of nature" are permitted and the clerical staff may use the garden below the second gate. This area must be kept in good order. 5) No talking is allowed during business hours. 6) The cravings of tobacco, wines and spirits is a human weakness and as such, is forbidden to all members of the clerical staff. 7) Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the partaking of food is allowed between 11:30 a.m. and noon, but work will not on any account cease. The owners recognize the generosity of the new labor laws, but will expect a great rise in output of work in compensation for these near "Utopian" conditions.
After reading these office work rules that were adopted in another country back in 1852, I believe we can all agree that during these times working conditions in our country also, left a lot to be desired. With our marvelous free enterprise system and the freedoms we enjoy in America today, it would be virtually impossible to foist anything close to this on any segment of the American labor force. In thinking about this, the one point that I do not wish to be lost or overlooked here is that while these conditions were terrible, they were probably much better than workers a century earlier had to endure.
As a citizen of the greatest nation on earth, as you think about your "good old' days", I want to remind you that everything we have today came about as a result of someone else's sacrifices and it was bought with a price. There must be a balance if we are to continue to prosper. We can have things too hard, but we can also have them much too easy. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 74 - THE GOOSE STORY

No. 74
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GOOSE STORY

The Greek philosopher and teacher, Aristotle once said, "Education is the best provider for old age." While my views with regards to education may be a little too simplistic, I believe that all of life should be a classroom. We should learn something from every person we meet and spend time with and from every experience we have throughout our lifetime. We are each different as individuals and I don't know about you, but I love nature and the out of doors. This covers the gambit from raising a garden, working in the yard, taking trips to the mountains and the beach and each year I spend some time deer hunting with good friends down in south Arkansas.
Our hunting camp is located near the Mississippi flyway and while we are there, there is seldom a day that goes by that you can't hear geese honking and look up in the sky and see them flying along. Any one who has ever seen a flight of geese knows they always fly in the shape of a "V" and many people have wondered why this is true. We can learn a lot from our fine feathered friends, as evidenced by the following article, titled The Goose Story, by an unknown author.
The Goose Story
Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. An encouraging word goes a long way.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gun shot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
When I first read The Goose Story I was reminded of a visit several years ago with Jack Smith, over in Jackson, Tennessee. He told me about a goose hunting trip when he actually saw a wounded goose being carried to safety by another goose. He said, "As I sat there and watched this big goose get underneath the other one and flap its wings harder and harder to carry it to safety in a nearby refuge, I couldn't believe this was happening before my eyes." While doing research for this column, I also learned that wild geese mate for life, which ain't no bad deal. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 75 - THE POWER OF INFLATION

No. 75
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE POWER OF INFLATION

There is an old Welsh proverb that goes, "money is an eel in the hand." In other words, it's so slippery that it's impossible for most of us to hold on to it. Back in the 1992 presidential election, the phrase "it's the economy, stupid" not only helped the democrats win the White House, but it also summarized in one simple phrase what is most important to the American people. There is a lot of truth in the saying, "if you really want to get someone's attention, hit them in the pocketbook."
In these modern times, there is no doubt about it, money is very important and there is a factor that we know as "inflation" that determines the value of our money and how much it will purchase. You know about inflation, don't you? Inflation is that $100 that you had 20 years ago that would go a long way, and now you won't have much change left if you take your spouse out to dinner some evening.
Several months ago I received a report from my congressman that contained a full page article about inflation. Even before it reached my mail box it was out of date, because as you probably know, the consumer price index is tabulated on a monthly basis and the inflation rate changes. There are a number of factors that determine the inflation rate, but it is controlled, for the most part, by the Federal Reserve Board when they raise and lower interest rates.
We all know that inflation means higher prices, but here is an example to show how inflation affects you and your family. Back in 1980 the inflation rate was 12.4% and in 1983 it was 2.5%, a difference of roughly 10%. This means that a family of four with an income of $24,000 is ahead by $2,440.00 with the lower inflation rate of 2.5%, as opposed to 12.4%. What I really want to get across to you is this: a lot of people and a lot of politicians would have us believe that inflation is "just a way of life" and that we can live with moderate inflation. What this does is give them room to operate.
What we constantly need to be reminded of is that every 1% increase in inflation increases taxes by 1 1/2%. The people in our country that inflation hurts most are those on a fixed income and those in minimum wage jobs. They have to pay the same prices at the grocery store that the rest of us do. If our annual income is increasing more than the rate of inflation, then we are not affected too adversely, except for the tax factor. Keep in mind that politicians can give themselves a raise, but most of us can't do that.
The article I mentioned earlier contained a graph showing the explosive power of inflation. Let me show you what inflation does to items worth $100 over a period of 50 years, and remember, this is your $100 I'm talking about. Items costing $100 at 2% inflation in 50 years would cost $269. Items costing $100 at 4% inflation in 50 years would cost $711. Items costing $100 at 6% inflation in 50 years would cost $1,841. Items costing $100 at 8% inflation in 50 years would cost $11,739. Now, it should be easy to see why a politician would want us to believe that from 4%-6% inflation is acceptable. This would give them room to operate, but I'm not sure about the rest of us -- especially our kids and grandkids.
It may appear that I'm down on politicians, which is not the case. Only those who are greedy and self-serving. Let me say how very much I appreciate those men and women who serve in elected office, who care about America and make decisions based on what is best for our country. In the months and years to come, we must pay off the national debt and get back on solid ground. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 76 - THE LEAST IMPORTANT WORD

No. 76
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LEAST IMPORTANT WORD

There is a word in the English language that is used, perhaps more than any other, yet it is the least important word of all. Do you know what it is? Before I address this question, however, I would like to share some personal thoughts with you about this column. If you have become a regular reader over the past several months, I would like to say a very sincere "thank you" for your interest and also for your time. It's my heartfelt desire that a good number of my topics will speak directly to you and your interests and will benefit you in a multitude of ways.
I'm pleased to say that we now have newspapers from coast-to-coast who carry this column and even though we may be miles apart, I hope you will think of me as a good friend who stops by for a visit each week. If you have a comment or suggestion about anything I've said in the past or an idea or suggestion for a future column, please call the fine people at this newspaper. If they don’t run it at the end of the column I feel sure they will give you my address. Regardless of the nature of your comments, if you write me, I promise I will respond.
Now, back to my earlier question: Do you know the least important word in the English language? Like most things of this nature, it's a matter of perspective, but according to an article I ran across a while back, titled A Short Course In Human Relations. I've already used it a good number of times. It's "I" -- that's right, the big "I". As the saying goes, "I, I me, myself and my." "I" did this, "I" did that, "I" want, "I" will, "I" can't, "I" won't, "I" shouldn't and so forth. Without further comment from me, here is:
A Short Course In Human Relations
The six most important words: "I admit I made a mistake." The five most important words: "You did a good job." The four most important words: "What is your opinion?" The three most important words: "If you please." The two most important words: "Thank you." The single most important word: "We." The least important word: "I."
As some wag has said, the problem with most people is that their "I"s are too close together. When it comes to changing our focus from "I" to "we", here is a quotation by the English novelist, Charles Kingsley that may be worth thinking about. "If you want to be miserable, think about yourself, about what you want, what you like, what respect people want to pay you and what people think of you."
At this point, I'm just going to lay it on the line and say something that you may not want to hear. The problem for most of us is that we are too self-centered and by nature we are selfish. In other words, we are too wrapped up in ourselves and our own plans, ambitions and desires to think about other people and how we can help them. While we all want to succeed we must remember that success is not to be achieved by following our natural wants and desires. Success is achieved by doing those things that most people don't want to do and that's why so few people achieve outstanding success.
If you will take the time to go back and re-read the Short Course In Human Relations and begin to use the key words and phrases it talks about, i.e., "I admit I made a mistake," "You did a good job," "What is your opinion?", "If you please." "Thank you," and "We," when it is appropriate to do so, it will be a tremendous help to you. Changing our habits is not an easy thing to do, but when it comes to making other people feel genuinely important, the results will be very rewarding. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 77 - WHAT'S YOUR WORTH?

No. 77
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT'S YOUR WORTH?

If you have ever struggled with your self-esteem, your identity as a person and your value to yourself and others, I believe you will be interested in what I have to share. Because I have been so blessed with loving parents, great teachers, pastors and others through the years, who have helped me to truly understand my own self-worth and value as a human being, I count it among my greatest blessings to, in turn, help others realize just how special they really are.
Make no mistake!! What I'm talking about here is a real sales job! If you don't like yourself as a person, don't feel like you have much value as a human being and don't have much self-confidence, then I'm going to do my dead level best to help you to change that. First, let's understand that you are indeed "unique" as a human being, as science has proven that of all the six plus billion people in the world today, no other person is just like you. Your finger prints, voice print, DNA and other forensic tests prove this is true. Yes, you are special, whether you believe it or not.
Next, according to the Bible, in Genesis 1:27, you were created in the image of God. When you can understand and believe that you were created in the image of an all loving, all wise and all powerful God, and that he loved you enough to send His only Son to die for you, you will view yourself and others in a way that you have never viewed them before. While there are those who will disagree with what I've said, listen to these words by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower: "It takes no brains to be an atheist. Any stupid person can deny the existence of a supernatural power, because man's physical senses cannot detect it, but there cannot be ignored the influence of conscience, the respect we feel for moral law, the mystery of first life on what must have been a molten mass, or the marvelous order in which the universe moves us about on this earth. All of this evidence is the handiwork of a beneficent deity. For my part, that deity is the God of the Bible and of Christ, His Son."
Please understand that your worth to God is already assured. You count and you matter to Him. It's wonderful if you were fortunate enough to have loving parents, but if you weren't or don't, they will be held accountable and the same is true or all other members of your family. As the saying goes, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your kinfolks." Now it comes down to your worth to yourself, to others and to society. At this point, it's up to you to take the ball and run with it.
To demonstrate what I mean, I want to share something titled, What's Your Worth? Think about this for a moment: "A small bar of iron is worth about $5.00 to start with, but made into horse shoes, this same bar is worth about $10.50; made into screw drivers, it may be worth about $250.00; made into needles, this same bar of iron could be worth about $3,250.00; while made into balance springs for watches, its worth could go up to $250,000." This same thing is true for another kind of material -- Y-O-U. Your value is determined by what you make of yourself.
When you know and understand who you are and truly believe that you are very, very special, you will have that "inner peace" that will help you deal with the negative things that come along. You will have a feeling of genuine self-respect which is to be mentally faithful to yourself. When you can do that, you are on your way to a much happier and richer life. The great news is, IT'S SELDOM TOO LATE TO START ! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 78 - DO YOU NEED PLASTIC SURGERY?

No. 78

The next password is dennis

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU NEED PLASTIC SURGERY

There is a new and noisy kind of plastic surgery taking place in America today. It's the sound of people who are cutting up their credit cards! It's too late for many people as we have reached the point where over one million families are filing for bankruptcy each year. A recent report revealed that the collective debt of the American people is now over one trillion dollars and about 40% of this is credit card debt. While filing for bankruptcy may seem like a panacea to some people, it has far reaching consequences and this is the primary reason I decided to write this column.
Who knows, I may be able to keep a few people from going down the path that leads to financial ruin. While I believe in the individual rights of every person and how they handle their financial affairs is up to them, however, it does affect all of us when they act irresponsibly. When a person files for bankruptcy and the slate is wiped clean, the debt still has to be paid by someone. In most cases, it's simply passed along to the American consumer in the form of higher prices, which means we all pay. The saddest story of all is about the one who does the filing. It may appear that they get off "Scott free", but in reality they have been branded, much like a cow on a Texas ranch and it stays with them for the rest of their life, psychologically, if not physically.
Now, please understand that I'm not saying that all credit is bad. It's good when used in the proper way and most of us would not be where we are today if it were not for credit. Over the years, we have had a great number of loans and installment contracts and I'm proud to say that everyone of them has been paid back, either before or on time. At present, we only have one credit card with a very low balance, and we keep it for tax purposes, emergencies and convenience, in a small number of cases.
It's easy for me to see why many people get in a real dilemma when it comes to the use of credit cards. Several times each month we get offers from various credit card companies with special offers, low introductory rate, no annual fee, life insurance benefits and on and on. They make it so easy and if you don't have the self-discipline to say "no", you can be up to your neck in hot water in a very short period of time. The problem for most people comes when they live so close to the edge and when an emergency comes along they are wiped out. After several months of being wiped out, then bankruptcy becomes more and more attractive. As I said earlier, "don't do it" and don’t get yourself in a position where you have to even consider it, because the consequences are long lasting.
If what I'm saying applies to you, I believe you will appreciate something titled Economy Raises Revenue. This has been a great guide for us when it comes to spending and saving money. "Your ship won't come in except through the straight of economy. You can increase your wealth by decreasing your wants. You can raise your wages by lowering your expenses. You can have more by wanting less. What you make is not as important as how you handle it. This requires efficiency, planning and the maturity to stick with the plan. Economy does not mean no spending, it means wise spending. Frugality takes the view that a thing not needed is too high at any price, and there are so many things we don't need.”
In conclusion, here are a couple of questions that may be worth thinking about: Do I need plastic surgery at this time in my life? If I continue with the same spending habits as I have in the past, am I headed for some real financial problems down the road? As I said earlier, my heart’s desire is to help you. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Dennis

No. 53 - AMERICA'S MAJESTIC SYMBOL

No. 53
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
AMERICA'S MAJESTIC SYMBOL

Several years ago when I was working in the production department for a printing company, we used to have a saying: "The eagle has flown." This saying was heard mostly on Fridays, because this was payday and the day that checks were passed out. The eagle in this case was synonymous with money, because over the years the picture of this majestic bird has been printed on different denominations of our nation's currency.
Most people know that the American Bald Eagle is America's symbol, but there is a story behind this fact that may not be common knowledge. In the earliest days of our nation's history, our forefathers decided we needed a national bird that would be symbolic of the character and values of our people. In the beginning there was a great deal of sentiment for the wild turkey, because of its keen eyesight, elusive qualities and also the fact that it provided food and other benefits, especially in relation to the tradition of Thanksgiving.
The eagle won out for reasons I'll share a bit later, but this is probably the basis for the saying we have all heard: "You can soar with the eagles or roost with the turkeys." This is the reason many people began to refer to someone else as a "turkey." In relation to this, I want to share a true story that you may appreciate.
The former chairman of the board of a large bank in our state was a well known civic leader, wealthy and very aggressive, but small in size -- around 5'6" tall. Quite naturally, in a large organization with several hundred employees, it takes a while for people to get to know each other, especially new people who have just been hired. One day this chairman got off the elevator on a floor where you must have security clearance and a new security guard who thought she was just doing her job, hollered, "Hey, turkey, where are you going?" Unfortunately, what this lady didn't know is that this man was not a turkey. He was an eagle and she lost her job. As I said, this is a true story.
For thousands of years throughout the world, the eagle has been admired for its grandeur, its grace in flight, its great size and awesome power. It gets its name from the white head feathers that gives it the appearance of being bald. The soaring eagle in flight so captivated the imagination of our nation's forefathers, they adopted it as our national bird and it came to be a symbol of the true meaning of liberty.
Our national symbol, however, is much more than what "meets the eye." The eagle displays a sense of responsibility that is a companion of genuine liberty. He mates for life and returns to the same nest each year, making necessary repairs and additions. He takes an active role in providing for his family and teaching his young to fly. While this may appear to be redundant, it's far too important to miss. The reason the bald eagle is America's symbol is because he possesses many of those characteristics and qualities that has made America great and must be reinstilled in our society, if we are to preserve the freedom which God has so graciously entrusted to us.
We live in a day when symbols have almost become America’s stock in trade so the next time you see an American Bald Eagle, stop for a moment and think about what he represents: the United States Of America, the greatest nation on earth. In view of what I have shared, I want to leave you with this verse from the Bible: "Yet those who wait for the Lord, will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31 (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 54 - HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES

No. 54
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES

Someone once said that "our memory is what holds the past and present together and gives continuity and dignity to human life. It is the companion, the tutor, the poet, the library with which we travel." To be sure, the capacity to remember in vivid detail and recall facts, data, events and circumstances of the past is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us.
There is one area of our memory, however, that causes real problems for many people, and this is the perceived mental condition that they are unable to remember names. In regard to this, over the years, if there's one comment I've heard more than any other it's, "I'm terrible with names" or something to this effect. If this is an area of concern for you and you would like to do something about it, I will do my very best to help you.
While this may or may not apply to you, we see many individuals in our society who are motivated to remember names because of business or economic reasons. On a personal level, how successful would a salesperson, a teacher, a minister, a banker or a public speaker be, if they could never remember your name? It wouldn't take long before you would begin to feel like they really didn't care about you as a human being, which is exactly the point.
We must care about other people and respect them as one of God's special creations, if we are to be able to remember and recall their name, even if we hadn't seen them in months and ran into them 1,000 miles from home. In other words, their name is important because they are important as a person. In reality, the only people we are going to help very much are those we really care about.
Apart from this "caring" factor, the biggest obstacle to remembering names is that about 95% of our waking hours are spent thinking about ourselves, our goals and our own personal problems. When we are introduced to another person and they give us their name, we hear what they say but our mind is thinking about something else and we simply never "get it." When trying to recall it later, we say, "I've forgotten their name", which is really not the case. It's impossible to "forget" something that we never "got" in the first place. In other words, we must get it before we can forget it.
Here is the key. The next time you are introduced to someone, try to slow your mind down and really focus on their name and get it lodged firmly in your mind. If you didn't get it the first time, don't be embarrassed to look this person straight in the eye and ask them to repeat it as often as necessary, until you really get it. While this may seem like a failure on your part, the other person will view it as a sincere compliment because you care enough to want to know their name.
Please understand that some people can remember a name best by hearing it, while others can remember best by writing a name down on paper. In many cases, it may not be possible to write it down, but by repeating it several times in your mind and using it in your conversation, you will be able to remember it and you can always write it down later. There are many techniques that space does not permit me to give you, but one that has really helped me is association. Get the new name lodged firmly in your mind and then associate it with some famous person or someone you know real well. As in most things, the key to success is practice, practice and more practice. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 55 - THE ONE IN THE GLASS

No. 55
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE ONE IN THE GLASS

Several years ago, my wife and I attended a communications seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. During this time we had the opportunity to get to know Cavett Robert, who was one of the founders of The National Speakers Association. Sitting around the dinner table at the Camelback Inn in nearby Scottsdale with Cavett and his wife, Trudie, he said something in regard to accepting responsibility for ourselves that I have never forgotten. He said, "When many people are born and their umbilical chord is cut, they spend the next 50 years trying to find a place to plug it back in."
While they would never state it in this way, today there are millions of people in our nation who believe it's their parents, the government or someone else's responsibility to provide for their needs and to take care of them. When it comes to legitimate needs, through no fault of their own there are millions of people who are mentally and physically handicapped and they cannot provide for themselves. These people need our help and it's our responsibility to take care of them, but there are millions of others who have a healthy mind and body who must learn or re-learn to accept responsibility for themselves.
Since the politicians in Washington have changed welfare "as we know it" many of the people who are being forced off welfare are having a hard time dealing with it. Rather than being down on these people, what most of us need to realize is that this kind of thinking goes back to the earliest days of their childhood and it's so deeply ingrained that it will take many years for them to change. The rest of us can provide positive encouragement to these people who are getting off welfare, and in doing so we are helping our country, as well. While it has to be on an individual case-by-case basis, when many of these people are trained and have a good paying job, they will see things differently and have a sense of pride and self-respect they have never known before.
Along these lines, I discovered a poem several years ago, titled The One In The Glass, that has been a blessing to me and I hope you will think about it as it relates to your life. The One In The Glass
"As you go through life in your struggle for self, and the world makes you King or Queen for a day, just go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what that person has to say. For it isn't your father or mother or spouse whose judgment upon you must pass, but the one whose verdict counts most in your life, is the one staring back in the glass. Some people may think you are a straight shootin' sort and call you a wonderful gal or guy, but the one in the glass says you're only a bum, if you can't look him straight in the eye. He or she is the one to please, never mind all the rest, for they are with you clear up to the end and you have passed your most dangerous, difficult task, if the one in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life and get pats on the back as you pass, but your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you have cheated the one in the glass." Author Unknown
If you have family or friends who could benefit from this poem, why not clip it out, make copies and share it with them. The United States of America is a great land and our economic and political systems are based on the merits of the individual. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “An individual is a bundle of possibilities and he is worth what life may get out of him before he is through.” It’s not what we get, it’s what we give that really counts. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 56 - THE RIGHT WORDS

No. 56
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE RIGHT WORDS

The English poet, letter writer and political figure, Lord Byron (1788-1824), has made this observation concerning words: "Words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew on a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think." When taken in this context, I believe we can see how very important it is to choose our words carefully, because words not only influence the quality of our thinking, they also enable us to express ourselves --- to communicate.
Thank you for spending a few moments of your time with me. I would like to begin by sharing some thoughts concerning the "right" words and how, if we are not careful, they can expose some of our misplaces values. Here is an example that will illuminate what I am saying. The story is told of a man who was a public speaker by profession. Using the right word, in the right place, with the right pronunciation, was a passion for him.
One day during a stroll by the river, he slipped off the bank and sank under the water. An elderly lady shouted, "He'll be drowned-ded! He'll be drowned-ded!" The public speaker came to the surface sputtering and coughing. He asked for no help and didn't reach for the rope thrown to him. Instead, he fixed his eyes and index finger on the lady and shouted, "Drowned, not drowned-ded! Drowned!" His thoughts were not on life, but the right word.
When it comes to using the right words, I'm limited in some respects and I tell people my vocabulary is kinda like the printer who said, "I ain't never made but one grammatical error since I come to work here. I seen it when I done it, so I taken it back." All kidding aside, the manner in which we communicate is very important as it relates to achieving success in today's times.
Our effectiveness in communicating with others is determined to a large degree by our vocabulary. It's been said that we should know big words but use little words if we are to communicate with the vast majority of the people around us. Along these lines, something that may cause you to think is the results of a survey that I came across some time ago. It's been determined that the average middle class person in our society uses less than 400 words, 80% of the time in his or her normal everyday conversations.
If you will think about it a moment, you'll be able to come up with many of these words, like: hope, happiness, security, money, work, love, family, time, sale, bargain, food, if, and, it, but, or and so forth. Now if you will continue on, I believe you will see that it takes a lot of these "regular use" words to reach 400. However, when it comes to successful communication this is tragic, because there are now over 700,000 words in the English language.
Another consideration here is what educators call our "reading level." When we read a story or an article that has one or more words that are not familiar to us, much of our comprehension or understanding can be lost. While we can certainly get by without a large vocabulary, and millions do, it does give those individuals who have a good vocabulary a great advantage in these days of rapidly changing technology.
In conclusion, when we take the time to improve our vocabulary so we can use the right words, we are taking a step in the right direction and this will pay handsome dividends in the months and years to come. Please consider these ten two letter words: If it is to be, it is up to me. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley rive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 57 - THE HAPPY LOSER

No. 57

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HAPPY LOSER

One day a few weeks ago I came from a Lion's Club meeting and got the shock of my life. My wife informed me that she had just returned from a trip to the liquor store. There were two primary reasons why I was so shocked. First, we live in a dry county and the nearest liquor store is in Palarm, about 15 miles away on the Faulkner-Pulaski County line. Next, I teach a couples Sunday School class and needless to say, for my wife to be seen going in or coming out of a liquor store would raise a few eyebrows and not be a good witness for the Lord.

However, I will give her credit. She took great precaution and planned it out very carefully. She didn't have much pocket money so she went to the bank to get cash so she wouldn't have to give the liquor store a check. She also took the back way in the hopes that no one would see her van, that has a paint job that sticks out like a sore thumb and everyone we know can spot a mile away.

At this point she told me the rest of the story. Because of some problems that she has been having with her arm, medical diagnosis has revealed that she might have a slight case of arthritis. One of her friends told her that Paul Harvey had been touting a concoction of gin and white raisins as something that could help to relieve the pain. Not to leave you hanging, you mix a pint of gin with a box of white raisins and then stir it once a day for 9 days. When this process is complete, you eat 10 raisins each day until they are all gone.

Because of the conversation we were both laughing and it reminded me of the fellow who had a race horse. At least he thought it was a race horse. However, when he got his horse out and ran him around the track, he would just barely get out of a slow lope. He did so want his horse to run in a race but he knew he could not win. Then he remembered reading somewhere that you could dope up a race horse and he would run one last dying race. He would really move out. At this point he got to thinking about what kind of dope to use. He finally decided to use a little "white lighting", which is to say a little moonshine whiskey. It really took some doing but he finally poured about half a gallon down his horse's throat.

About a week later he was telling a friend about the race. He said, "I wish you could have been there to see my horse run. They shot the gun and he bolted out of the gate, his tail was sticking straight out, his ears were back and when he came around the final turn dust was flying and rocks were breaking out windshields. This fella said, "well, did your horse win?" This man said, "No-o-o, my horse didn't win, but he's the happiest loser you ever saw."

In a way this story kind of applies to my wife. We can't tell whether or not the gin spiked raisins are helping her arthritis, but I can tell you this for sure, she is happier than she has ever been. Not long after this experience, I told this story at a Chamber Of Commerce banquet and a lady said to me after the meeting, "I don't know if you were watching my husband or not, but he was laughing so hard that he almost fell out of his chair."

In the Bible we read in Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine. But a broken spirit dries up the bones." In my opinion, we all need to have a good laugh from time to time and to have fun and really enjoy life. I hope you are not like the lady who came up to me after another speaking engagement and said, "I want you to know, while you were telling some of those stories, I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034)

No. 58 - CAN YOU STAND PROSPERITY?

No. 58
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
CAN YOU STAND PROSPERITY?

The other day I asked my wife if she could stand prosperity and she said, "I don't know, but I sure would like to try!" My response was, "Yeah, you and several million other people." The Roman philosopher, Cicero, once said, 'Prosperity is when the stream of life flows according to our wishes." Using the vernacular of our day, we might express it this way: The person who experiences prosperity has the world by the tail on a downhill drag." In our modern culture, however, when we think of someone who is prosperous, we usually think of someone who has a lot of money.
Now, I would like to ask you the same question I asked my wife: Can you stand prosperity? If you are fortunate and already have a lot of money, then you probably know the answer to this question, but if you don't, you may want to think about this for a while. I think it's important to understand that we are already rich as a people, because our nation has experienced unparalleled prosperity in the history of the world. The point I want to make here is that all too often money changes people. It shouldn't, but it does. There are a few people who can handle it, but they are rare.
Have you ever been around someone who didn't have a dime and because of luck or a rich uncle dying or something like that, they came into a lot of money overnight and suddenly they got too good for their friends? As the old saying goes: You couldn't touch their rear with a ten foot pole. Unfortunately there are lots of young people who were fortunate enough to be born to rich parents who have the same attitude.
The people I know who are truly prosperous and have it all together are those who understand that money is just a medium of exchange and it comes from rendering valuable service. Instead of being arrogant or big headed, these people are humble and grateful that America has provided the opportunity for them to become financially successful. I believe I'm safe in saying that the big difference is whether a person has made their wealth slowly, over a long period of time or have come into it overnight. To those who acquire instant wealth, I'd simply say there is a rule of thumb you might consider here: "Easy come, easy go." While we can go to nicer places and have nicer things, our money should not change us, as a person.
Another consideration here is that the acquisition of a great deal of money does not necessarily produce happiness. I saw a great example of this in the paper a while back. A man in another state had won a big lottery jackpot a few years ago and according to him, that's when his troubles really began. He had gotten his first installment and his family and new found friends had helped him spend it quickly. But he didn't stop there; at the time of the article, he was deep in debt, as he had been spending considerably more than his yearly installments from his lottery winnings. The man was just plain miserable and he was trying to sell his future jackpot lottery installments and pay off his debts and go back to the way things were before he won.
To be sure, here was a man who could not stand prosperity. In the event you do not already have a lot of money, since you began to read this column, have you thought about whether or not you could stand prosperity? When it comes to my own personal situation, I'm kinda like my wife; I don't know if I could handle it or not, but I sure would like to try. I'm convinced, however, that God does not bless many of us with too much prosperity, because He knows we can't handle it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 59 - THE OPTIMIST CREED

No. 59
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE OPTIMIST CREED

Sometime back I was asked to be the speaker for an "ol' timer's" breakfast at an Optimist District Convention that was held in Texarkana, Texas. In case you are not familiar with the Optimists, they are a service organization with over 4,000 clubs in the United States, Canada and a small number in Europe. The motto of Optimist International is "Friend of Youth." These men and women do a great job of working with young people in the various communities where one or more of their clubs are located.
It was a fun time, with lots of good, clean humor and at the conclusion of my presentation, they presented me with a framed copy of the Optimist Creed that they recite at each of their meetings. This creed contains such a timely and profound message that I asked if it were possible to share it with you in this column. Permission was granted, so here it is: PROMISE YOURSELF: "To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble."
After you finish reading this column and some time has passed, if you will go back and reread the Optimist Creed and really think about what it says, I believe you will find a great deal of encouragement for your life. To my way of thinking, in today's times we have far too many people who are cynical and pessimistic and not optimistic about the future and their own chances for success and happiness. While doing research for this column, however, I came across a quotation about "Optimism", by Georges Bernanos, that really made me stop and think. Based on the tone of what I've been saying, this will seem out of place, but he said, "Nine times out of ten, optimism is a sly form of selfishness, a method of isolating oneself from the unhappiness of others."
This is just one man's view and it's certainly no reflection on the fine men and women of Optimist International and the good work they do, and I don't want to say or imply anything that sounds like it. I couldn't find anything at all about Georges Bernanos, but what I think he was saying is that if we are not careful, while we are optimistic and looking on the "sunny side of everything," we fail to see many hurting people and the unpleasant side of life that is all around us.
Certainly it's an individual thing and in most cases, what happens to us during the course of our lives is not nearly as important as how we react to it. It has been said that in most cases, life is a self-fulfilling prophecy, as more times than not, we will get what we expect. The wonderful thing to always keep in mind is that we do have a choice and if we begin each day with hope and optimism, expecting good things to happen, in most cases it will turn out that way. I don’t know about you but my glass is “half-full” if you know what I mean. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 60 - THE LAW OF APPRECIATION

No. 60
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LAW OF APPRECIATION

Do you remember how you felt the last time you did something special for someone else and they took the time to say "Thank you" or even wrote you a note to express their appreciation? This happens millions of times each day in our country and it enhances the lives of both the one who sends the note, as well as the one who receives it. This wonderful feeling is also the basis for a natural law called The Law of Appreciation. If you recall, a "natural law" is a series of events in nature that has been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity. In other words, if the conditions and circumstances are exactly the same in all respects, then the results or outcome will always be the same.
It should go without saying that the proper understanding and application of this law will help any person to achieve a happier and more successful life. The reason this is true is because one of the strongest hungers in human beings is the desire to be appreciated. Everyone wants to be liked and to be made to feel important. No one wins the esteem of another quite so quickly as the one who feels and shows sincere appreciation with "sincere" being the key word here.
Before I move on to another aspect of this law, I want to suggest a way you can prove this to yourself, and if you are not already doing this, I can guarantee you that it will change your life for the better. In your mind, just see an invisible sign on every person you meet that has the letters "M.M.F.I.". These letters stand for "Make Me Feel Important." If you will take the time to make every person you meet to feel like they are the most important person in the world, you will find more open doors and more opportunities to be of service than you ever dreamed possible. Just remember, this law will make things better in every area of your life. To earn more money, apply this law to your customers, your business associates and those you serve. To have a better spiritual life, home life and social life, apply it to your family, fellow church members, your friends, neighbors and anywhere else you wish to be more successful.
Now, apart from this aspect of the law of appreciation, there is also another consideration that must be completely understood if we are to profit from this law. Here is an often misunderstood paradox: if we expect appreciation from others in return for what we do for them, we will be sadly disappointed. No doubt you know people who do for others because they expect something in return. In reality, this is a very shallow way to live, because it goes against a fundamental trait of human nature. All too often, we see people who are not appreciated for their good works and they withdraw or become bitter and this doesn't produce success. In most cases, it produces failure and the root cause was a lack of understanding of this great natural law.
Here is the essence of the law of appreciation in clear, understandable terms. When we are sympathetic, helpful and give sincere appreciation to other people, we are using this great law to our advantage. It is equally important that we never count too much on the appreciation of others, because in many cases we will be greatly disappointed. We should remember what others do for us and forget very quickly what we do for them.
Whether or not you believe or understand this law is not the issue. The only thing that really matters is that you use it. Incidentally, if reading this column made you feel like you were back in school again, just remember, we all need to stop and sharpen the ax once in a while. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 61 - THE PREACHER'S NEW SERMON

No. 61
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PREACHER’S NEW SERMON

Former President Thomas Jefferson once said, "Farmers are the chosen people of God." Over the years I've come to have a deep respect for our nation's farmers. They have come a long way since Jefferson spoke those words and today, they not only produce the fruits, vegetables, meat and other foodstuffs we need, but they also help to feed millions of people all over the world. Sometime back I heard the following story about a farmer and a preacher that contains a message every American should stop to consider.
One Saturday morning a preacher was riding down a country road and he came to the most beautiful farm he had ever seen. The house had just been painted, the grass was freshly mowed and a beautiful row of flowers lined the driveway. The barns, fences and fields were in the same condition. They were immaculate. As he drove on, the preacher saw the farmer out on his tractor plowing and he was so impressed that he stopped his car and waited for him to get down near the end of the row. At this point, he hailed him and when the farmer came over he said, "My good man, God has certainly blessed you with a beautiful farm." The farmer backed up, thought for a moment and then said, "Yes, He has, and I'm grateful, but you should have seen this place when God had it all by Himself."
They chit chatted for a while but on his way back to town, the preacher began to think about what the farmer had said, and then he had his sermon for the next day. You see, he began to realize that all the farmers up and down that road had bought or inherited the same type of land, but here was an example of where one farmer had made something great out of his. The message here for each of us should be obvious. If you will take a moment and think about it, in this sense you are given the same land, too. You were given a marvelous human mind, a body and opportunity in what could be called the greatest farm in the world: The United States of America! Unless there are limitations and circumstances beyond your control, if you have not already done so, you too can make something great out of your life. Even in these days of high taxes, government regulations and the ever present threat of inflation, the United States still has great opportunities for most of us. However, I'm convinced that most people never see or take advantage of them because they are preconditioned by those around them.
Unfortunately, too many people see themselves as destined to fail, because they were born poor, born with the 'wrong' color skin, born on the wrong side of the tracks, never had a chance to get a good education or any number of other reasons, which in reality are only excuses. While this may sound strange, I believe the people in this country who are at the greatest disadvantage are those who were born rich. To illustrate what I'm saying, sometime when it's convenient, go into a forest and notice the giant trees that almost blot out the sun. When you see a small tree in their midst, notice how it has to struggle to survive. It has to fight for moisture, because roots of the big trees are deeper. It gets very little sunlight, because it is overshadowed and it is sheltered from the wind, which has already made the big trees strong.
While it may not be obvious, human beings are much the same way. When we have been taught character values and have to earn our own fortune by the sweat of our brow , the chances are much better that we will keep it and appreciate its value. Over the coming weeks and months, I hope you will think about the preacher and the farmer and how the message it contains could help you. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 62 - THE STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES

No. 62
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES

Several years ago I had the privilege of flying to Savannah, Georgia, to be the keynote speaker for a Guidance Conference sponsored by the Georgia State Department of Education. The conference was to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Savannah, and this is where they made a reservation for me. I have done quite a bit of traveling in my work and have stayed in some nice hotels before, but the Hyatt Regency just has that little extra "touch of class" that makes it stand out as one of the very best.
First, the hotel was new and it had very elaborate furnishings. It also had those bubble elevators with glass, so you can look out and see folks in the lobby as you go from the ground floor all the way to the top. The hotel also has a couple of very nice restaurants and the food was great. Since the hotel was right on the Savannah River, the view was fantastic. You could look out over the city in one direction and see the river and the large ships in the harbor in the other direction. Just these things alone would have been enough to make the Hyatt Regency a fine place to stay, but as I said, they had that little 'extra' touch of class.
After a long, hard day, I went to my room to turn in and was surprised to find the maid had come by and turned the covers down and propped up on my pillow were two small bars of chocolate wrapped in foil, and a little card with this message written on it: "To our guest: In ancient times there was a prayer for The Stranger Within Our Gates. Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people and not solely a money making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof. May this room and hotel be your second home. May those you love be near in your thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be as comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house. May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe. We are all travelers, from birth till death as we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best."
When I boarded the airplane the next day for the flight home, this little card was tucked safely in my briefcase and as I've looked at it from time-to-time, it has reminded me of that wonderful experience. To the management and staff of this hotel, I was just another sojourner passing through, but as I've thought about the message on the card, I realized once more that it's the little things that often make the difference. In short, they made me feel "special" and in doing so, they also made me feel at home. In a general sense, the people all over Savannah were the same, and the grace and charm of this historic old city has touched my life.
The people of the south have a word for this kind of treatment. They call it "hospitality." There is an old Greek proverb that says: "The chief thing is good will." While it's hard to put a price tag on "good will", if we are to succeed in business, it's something we cannot do without. The lesson for each of us should be obvious: if we wish to succeed in business or any area of life, we must take the time to do those little things that makes the people we serve feel special. When we do, they will come back time and time again. Until next time, please understand that this is not meant to be a commercial plug for this fine hotel, but rather an example that all business people would do well to emulate. A final question. Is it possible that these thoughts could help you? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 63 - TEN CAUSES OF "BURNOUT"

No. 63
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
TEN CAUSES OF "BURNOUT"

Every once in a while, I have a friend or hear about someone who has been working 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, and this has been going on for months! Because of my own personal experience, I feel very sad for this person, because I know if things do not change they are headed for some very serious problems. Someone once said, "You can burn the candle at both ends and it does produce a brilliant flame, but it sure is hard on the candle." While I began this column with an extreme example, there are many other people in our society today who are under a tremendous amount of stress and without their being aware of it, they may be headed for the modern day phenomenon known as "burnout."
When it comes to our job or career, "burnout" is a relatively new term, and if you will stop and think about it, it came along about the time jet airplanes began to criss-cross the skies. It seems as though our tendency to get burned out is directly related to our penchant for speed. This is quite natural when we stop and think about it. For example, when does a car overheat and blow up? When it's barely moving? Of course not. The dad-burned contraption blows up after it has been running 100 miles an hour for several hours.
But back to the subject of burnout. Please understand, there is a big difference between a person being physically tired and able to rest for a few days, then going back to work, and the person who feels a lot of stress and pressure and it just won't go away. As it relates to this, I heard a humorous story a while back about this school teacher named Maxine, who went to her principal and said, "I've had it up to here. I'm stressed out, the other teachers don't like me, I can't get the kids to mind and I'm just burned out!" The principal said, "Maxine, before you can be burned out, first you have to be lit."
Sometime back, Small Business America, a newsletter of The National Association for the Self-employed, listed 10 causes of burnout. If you have any inclination that you may be headed for burnout, if you are not already there, you may want to think seriously about these causes to see if one or more relate to you. Ten Causes Of Burnout:
1) Do you feel yourself under pressure to succeed all the time? 2) Do you need to generate excitement again and again to keep from feeling bored? 3) Is one area of your life disproportionately important to you? 4) Do you feel a lack of intimacy with the people around you? 5) Are you unable to relax? 6) Are you inflexible, once you have taken a stand on something? 7) Do you identify so closely with your activities that if they fall apart, you do, too? 8) Are you always worried about preserving your image? 9) Are you taking yourself too seriously? 10) Are your goals unclear, shifting back and fourth between long-range and immediate?
Well, how about it? Did you see yourself in any of these 10 causes of burnout? I sure did -- several times! A few years ago, I discovered that I was headed for burnout and I've been able to back the throttle off just a little bit. Having triple by-pass heart surgery will do it every time! What we need to do is slow down and take time to enjoy life because we are not going to get out alive anyway. This reminds me of the fellow who went to the Doctor and asked him the secret of long life. The Doctor said to put a little gun powder on his oatmeal or cereal each morning and that should help. Well, he took his advice and it worked. He lived to be 93 and outlived 3 wives. They said when he died he left behind 8 kids, 13 grandkids, 26 great grandkids and a 9 foot hole in the crematory wall. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 64 - THE RATCHET PRINCIPLE

No. 64
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE RATCHET PRINCIPLE

The person who achieves real success in any area of life seldom travels in a straight unbroken line, because he or she has setbacks and reversals along the way. It is often said that success is taking two steps forward and one step back. But what happens to the person who takes two steps back after one step forward? Unfortunately, this person is going backwards and losing ground. Today, this is happening to millions of people in America, especially in the area of personal finances. Perhaps the American Railroad Builder, and financier, James J. Hill (1838-1916), said it best in relation to financial success: "The test is simple and infallible: Are you able to save money?" If you or someone you love is losing ground financially and you would like to do something about it, perhaps a good understanding of the little known "ratchet" principle may help you.
The ratchet principle refers to something or someone moving in a given direction for a period of time, then falling back to a solid position to regroup, then doing what's necessary to be on solid footing before heading out again. To be able to see this principle very clearly in your mind, just visualize a socket wrench that can be purchased at any store where tools are sold. A socket wrench consists of a set of sockets and a ratchet with a little button on top of the ratchet to turn if you want to go in the opposite direction. As you turn a tap or bolt and then back it up to get more leverage, you can hear the little 'clicks' of the ratchet as it's being brought back into position for a fresh start. These little clicks of the ratchet is what keeps it from losing ground.
When it comes to achieving personal financial success, I might say here in the beginning that the most important ingredient is self-discipline. Without having the self-discipline to stick with a plan, everything else is lost. When it comes to using the ratchet principle to help you or someone you love to achieve personal financial success, there are four simple steps to follow that will definitely help you to improve your present circumstances. The first step is to REGROUP, which is what happens when you pause while using the ratchet; just sit down where it's quiet and list all of your expenses item-by-item so you will know exactly where you are in relation to your income. You must know this before you can proceed.
The second step is NOT TO LOSE GROUND, which is what the little clicks of the ratchet are designed to do. Eliminate unnecessary expenses and if you have credit cards and other loans with a high interest rate, pay them off before buying anything else that is not absolutely necessary. The third step is to GET ON SOLID FOOTING, which means you must have the ratchet setting firmly on the tap or bolt you are going to turn. This is the point where you develop a financial plan that includes goals and it's vital that you establish a savings and investment account that will begin to compound your earnings for the future.
The fourth and final step is to HEAD OUT AGAIN, which is when you begin to turn the ratchet to achieve real financial success. At this point, with peace in your mind and heart, you can go to work with real determination and enthusiasm that will make your plans and your goals come true. Remember, when you follow this simple four step plan, the chances of your losing ground have been greatly diminished and you have the plans to help you achieve. It's the ratchet principle. Until our next visit, just remember, you can not be defeated if you take the long range view. What many people do not realize is that ‘perseverance’ is just another word for success. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 65 - A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY REQUEST

No. 65
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY REQUEST

It has been said that "A birthday is a big event in everybody's life -- it should be a holiday -- with pay." This sounds like a great idea, except for those of us who are self-employed. In this case, we would have to pay ourselves. While I enjoy the cards, phone calls, gifts and usually a birthday dinner, it's really a special day for my wife. Viola is a lovely and caring person and on her birthday she has many friends who call and take her out to brunch and dinner, as well as express their love in a variety of ways.
It seems the older we get the more special our birthdays become. If you are getting along in years, too, you may appreciate this story about a 90 year old man. When someone asked him how he felt when he woke up in the morning, he said, "surprised!" Isn't it wonderful what technology has done for people all over the world? We are living longer and enjoying it more. Aside from this personal reference about our birthdays and a little levity, I'd like to redirect our focus to a wonderful little story that contains some principles that could help any of us.
This is a story about a small crippled boy who was very hunched-back. When asked by his father what he wanted most of all for his birthday, he said he wanted a life-sized statue in the likeness of himself, except tall and straight and he wanted it placed right outside his window. The father complied with his request and each day, the young lad would stand and strain, looking up, admiring the likeness of what he longed to be. On his 21st birthday, he walked out in the yard and without having to strain, he looked the statue right straight in the eye.
If you will think about this story for a moment, I believe you will see some principles here that can help any of us who have a desire to improve ourselves in some way. First, this youngster, to some degree, was handicapped. He was crippled and he was hunched-back. Now, no one likes to endure pain and many handicapped people also have to overcome stereotyping, which simply means they have been looked down on, thought inferior and many people are embarrassed to be around a handicapped person, much less be willing to give them a job. While the overall treatment of the handicapped and providing greater opportunities for them is a topic for another column, I'm proud that we have made a great deal of progress in this country over the past several years.
But back to the story of the young lad who for years had been admiring the likeness of what he longed to be: Isn't this also true for us? Don't we need to see ourselves as the person we can become, rather than the person we are? In reality, this is the secret of all achievement. When we know who we are, where we want to go and then develop a plan to get there, it’s just a matter of time until we succeed. The key word in this whole story is “longed” which is just another word for desire. You show me a ‘winner’ in any field of endeavor and I will show you a person who had a deep down longing or desire to achieve it.
We also need good models around us -- people we can look up to, admire and pattern our lives after. While it's my personal opinion which you may or may not share, I believe one of the real problems we have in America today is that we don't have enough good role models. In the case of this young lad, the role model was his father, which is exactly as it should be. When it comes to being a good role model, what’s important to realize is that many great opportunities are available to you and me. Let’s make the most of these opportunities when we have the chance. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 66 - ADDLED ADS

No. 66
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ADDLED ADS

It has been said that if we wish to live a happy, well adjusted life, we should take what we do seriously, but we should not take ourselves too seriously. This is especially true when it comes to making mistakes. One day I heard the late Earl Nightingale say, “If you will watch what the crowd is doing and do exactly the opposite, you will probably never make another mistake as long as you live.” The truth is, we all make mistakes and while I'm sure they make many mistakes that I don't even see, every once in a while our local newspaper makes a real "doozie" and true to form, in a few days a reader writes a "Letter to the Editor" to take them to task.
To my way of thinking, it's very important to be conscientious and do our best work, but in real life, if we were doing anything at all, we are bound to make some mistakes. To place what I'm saying in perspective, I would like to share something I ran across, titled "Addled Ads", from the collection of The National Composition Association. Back in the old days, before the computer came along, these are the folks who used to set type for the major newspapers across the country. The article starts off this way: "For sale, a used sewing machine. Call Mr. Tom Kelly at 555-3455 after seven o'clock and ask for Mrs. Perkins, who lives with him cheap." The next day in the paper there was a correction for this ad: "Correction: an error appeared in Mr. Tom Kelly's advertisement yesterday. It should have read: For sale, a used sewing machine cheap. Call Mr. Tom Kelly at 555-3455 and ask for Mrs. Perkins who lives with him after seven o'clock." The next day there was another correction: "Mr. Tom Kelly has reported several annoying telephone calls as a result of a classified advertisement that appeared in this newspaper yesterday. The ad stands corrected: "For sale, a used sewing machine cheap. Call Mr. Tom Kelly after seven o'clock at 555-3455, and ask for Mrs. Perkins who loves with him." The next day the paper carried the following notice: "I, Tom Kelly, no longer have a used sewing machine for sale. I took an axe and smashed it. I also no longer have a housekeeper. Mrs. Perkins resigned yesterday."
There are several reasons why I wanted to share this with you. First, it's a wonderful example of "Murphy's Law" -- anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. To me, and maybe to you, it was very humorous, but at the time I can assure you it was not funny to Mr. Tom Kelly. We have to be very careful when we start having fun at someone else's expense. As the old saying goes, "what goes around comes around." The primary reason, however, that I wanted to share this with you is because of my own personal experience in the printing business.
About 30 years ago, I was a printing salesman for a large commercial printer in Little Rock, Arkansas. In spite of the best efforts of our company to produce "error free" work, very seldom did we produce a print job that contained a large number of pages of "type" that didn't have some mistakes. You could find them later, but very seldom could you catch them all before press time, especially when you were under a deadline. So, the next time you see a mistake in your local newspaper, if you feel you must point it out, do so in a constructive way, because a critical spirit never helps anyone. What we all need to remember is that "to err is human, but to forgive is divine." If we overlook the mistakes of others, maybe they will overlook ours. To be honest, I would never make it were it not for God’s grace. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 67 - ALONG THE MARGINAL WAY

No. 67
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ALONG THE MARGINAL WAY

If you'll come along, I would like to invite you to take a wonderful trip that literally produced enough memories to last me a lifetime. Early one Saturday morning, this past October, my wife, Viola and I, along with our good friends, Fay and Deveryl Smith, boarded a Delta flight bound for Hartford, Connecticut. For me this was the fulfillment of a long awaited goal to visit the New England states during the peak foliage season. We were met at the Hartford/Springfield Airport by some precious people, Charles and Hope Rice, who live at nearby Enfield and they were our unofficial hosts while we were in the area. Deveryl and Hope had been childhood friends back in Arkansas and they have maintained their friendship over the years. It was super nice to have these dear people to greet and dine us and then send us on our way the next morning, in our rental station wagon.
We had already decided to take the back roads without any itinerary and see all the sights at a very leisurely pace. Each of the five states we visited was different and the whole New England area was just beautiful, with the mountains ablaze with color! It is impossible to share all the highlights in this column, but for me the greatest blessing of all came from something that was totally unexpected. Near the end of the following week we spent the night at York Beach, Maine, and the next morning during a phone conversation, Hope told Deveryl to be sure and see "The Marginal Way" at Ogunquit, which was only a few miles away.
None of us knew what to expect and when we arrived, we were not overly impressed, as it turned out to be just a one mile paved walking trail. The trail, called "The Marginal Way", begins at Perkins Cove, where a lot of gift shops and restaurants and a charter boat service is located. The air that morning was a little chilly, so the girls said they had rather visit the gift shops and would be along in a while, so Fay and I went across the parking lot to start our journey up the trail. Almost from the beginning, it rises in elevation as it curves and winds its way through the scrub brush up to the top of the cliffs, where you can see and hear the ocean waves as they crash onto the jagged rocks over 100 feet below. It only took a few minutes for both of us to realize that our initial reaction was wrong and that we were experiencing something very special.
As we walked along, drinking in the majestic view, we began to notice the trash cans that were 300-400 yards apart and had been painted a dark green color. Further observation revealed that each can contained a single word printed with white script lettering which made it stand out against the dark background. The first can we noticed had the word "compassion", the next "forgiveness", the next "sympathy", followed by "generosity" and "thoughtfulness". Fay and I had no idea who had done this or why it was done, but it sure made us stop and think.
We both agreed that along "The Marginal Way" you could feel the presence of God and you could also see some of His very best handiwork. When you add to this the human qualities of forgiveness, compassion, sympathy, generosity and thoughtfulness, there is no reason why any person should not stop and count their blessings. We surely did. A few minutes later, we were joined by the girls who had made quite a contribution to Maine's economy and we did our best to share with them what we had experienced. It turned out they had felt it too, and we just praised the Lord together for the privilege of being there. Yes ! The Architect of the universe has certainly built a wonderful place for us to live! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 68 - "ACRES OF DIAMONDS"

No. 68
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
"ACRES OF DIAMONDS"

Do you have any idea how many people waste their lives always searching for the "Pot of Gold" at the end of the rainbow, but they never stay with one thing long enough to find it? Based on the number of people I've talked with over the years, I would say the it has to be in the millions. There is hardly a week that goes by that I don't bump into someone who has a brilliant idea, a way to strike it rich, some new product, invention or innovation that just can't miss. However, I often run into these same people six months or a year later and they are doing something entirely different. If this person happens to be you or someone you love, I believe you will be interested in this story I discovered many years ago, called Acres of Diamonds.
This story is about a man who owned a farm in Africa and he became fascinated by the tales he began to hear about people who were discovering diamond mines. In his mind, this fascination became so strong that he could hardly wait to sell his farm and search for diamonds himself! After selling his farm for practically nothing, he spent the next 20 years searching for the gleaming gems that brought such high prices on the markets of the world. Then one day, broke, discouraged and despondent, as the story goes, he threw himself into a river and drowned.
Some time later, the man who bought his farm was out on his property and he picked up an unusual stone in the small stream that flowed through the land. Evaluation proved this to be one of the largest diamonds that had ever been discovered. When he went back to the same area and searched some more, he discovered that his whole farm was literally covered with them. So you see, the first farmer had owned literally "Acres of Diamonds", but he had sold them for practically nothing in order to search for them somewhere else. If he had just taken the time to learn what diamonds look like in their rough states, he would have had the millions he sought right there on his own property.
As you think about this story, can you see a parallel between the first farmer and the millions of working people in our country who never stay with one job or career long enough to become a great success at it? What we all need to realize here is that in the vast majority of cases, it's not the job or career, but rather it's the person who holds it. The job has all the potential in the world, at least it can be a starting point to move to any reward or position we want in society. In reality, it's up to us to turn our job or career into our own "Acres of Diamonds."
As a word of caution: please don't confuse the moral of this story with the person who starts to work for a company or organization, does a great job and builds a solid foundation of knowledge and experience and gets promoted to a higher position. This may occur several times over the years and well deserved promotions may propel this type of individual from the very bottom all the way to the top. Nor does it apply to the person who becomes highly qualified and takes a position with another company with equal or higher standing, because he or she sees more opportunity there. The key phrase here is "becomes" highly qualified.
The bottom line is simply this: if you are a 'job hopper' and take every job that comes along because someone offers you a little more pay, you may be missing the boat that will carry you to a very rewarding career in the future. The problem with being a "job hopper" is that in time, everybody knows it. Earning a lot of money is another story and I’ll address that in a future column. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 69 - "SELF-TALK"

No. 69
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
"SELF-TALK"

My wife and I have a wonderful relationship, but every once in a while when she is deep in thought, I come up on her blind side and when I say something or make a noise, she almost "jumps out of her skin." This is always followed by, "Don't do that!", along with some other stern admonishments, especially if she thinks I did it on purpose.
Because of the way the human mind is constituted, we all spend some time each day in deep thought, and we also spend a great deal of this time talking to ourselves. I don't know about you, but I spend a great deal of time talking to myself, "out loud", especially when I am alone. This self-talk may be more important than many people realize and this is what I want to talk with you about. In his wonderful little book, Think And Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill talks about "repeated affirmations" of one's chief aim in life. This is simply the process of self-talk being used to systematically reinforce a purpose or a goal into the recesses of our subconscious mind.
In terms of achieving personal success, the problem for most people is that they don't have any specific, written goals. Because they have no goals, their thinking is not focused or directed to achieving anything that is truly worthwhile. We live in a negative world, where the news of the day is constantly negative, and for this reason it's much easier to think negative than it is to think positive. It's just common sense to realize that if our thinking is negative, then our self-talk will also be negative.
One of the best examples of negative self-talk that I've ever heard, can be found in the following story: Late one night, before most people had a telephone, a young man and his girl friend were driving down a lonely, deserted gravel road and they had a flat tire (really!) When the young man got out and opened the trunk to change it, he discovered he didn't have a jack. At this point, they both realized the dilemma they were in, because they had passed just one house and it was about a mile back up the road. After some discussion, it was decided the best thing to do was for the young man to walk back to the house to see if he could get help or at least borrow a jack.
As he walked along, he began to talk to himself. At first, he was very hopeful about his prospects to get help, but then his thoughts began to turn negative. As he continued to walk and the closer he got to the house, the more negative he became. Soon he was completely overcome by his negative thinking and he said to himself, "this fella is probably going to be mad when I wake him up and he sure won't be willing to help someone like me who is too stupid to make sure he has a jack in the car." By the time he reached the house and knocked on the door, he was so upset that when the man finally opened the door, he yelled, "you can keep your old jack! I didn't want to borrow it anyway."
The moral of this story should be obvious: This young man had already defeated himself mentally before he even had a chance to succeed. If you will think about what I said earlier about "repeated affirmations" of your purpose or your goals in life, I believe you will see how your own positive self-talk can help you achieve even greater success and happiness in your life. If you would like to know what works for me, I will be happy to share it with you. I spend a good deal of time talking to myself about my own plans and goals, and especially during the day when I'm working to reach them, but I also spend some quality time early each morning talking to the Lord. When my priorities are right, my “self-talk” makes life so much easier. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

820 - BOOKCASE FOR EVERY CHILD IN AMERICAN PROFILE!

No. 820

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BOOKCASE FOR EVERY CHILD IN AMERICAN PROFILE!

There is an old saying with a great deal of merit that goes, “If you are free, thank a soldier. If you can read, thank a teacher.” I am confident that most Americans are grateful for our nation’s Armed Forces that have won and preserved our freedom. I am also confident that the vast majority of Americans who are literate are grateful for their teachers who taught them how to read and the value of education.
As a literate person, can you imagine what life is like for those who cannot read? Sadly, there are 42 million adults in America today who are being denied basic opportunities most of us take for granted.
Those in our society who are at the greatest risk are children being reared in low-income homes, because quite often their parents can’t read. As a result, they have few, if any, books in the home for the children. In 2005 we started a literacy project here in Conway, Arkansas, called “Bookcase for Every Child” and we are making a difference. So far we have given 350 personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to some of these children. We are making a difference, and now our project is beginning to spread to other communities. The community of Greenbrier, just north of us, is holding their first Bookcase Literacy Banquet soon, no doubt with great success, and will build 60 bookcases to present to their children this coming spring.
We have been truly blessed by something that happened back in August 2011 when the American Profile magazine featured our project on the front cover. This publication is a full-color weekly magazine that is distributed in more than 1,400 newspapers, has a nationwide circulation of more than 10 million and is presently the fourth largest magazine in the nation. You can view our story at www.americanprofile.com. Knowing the story was coming for several weeks, I worked hard to completely rewrite and update the copy for our own web site so I could point those in the right direction who had an interest in starting a project of their own.
My thinking was well founded, as there was no way I could have kept up with all the activity without this miracle of technology. As the chairman, I had e-mails and phone calls from interested people all across the nation and believe we have at least two other communities in other states, so far, that are starting their own project. Just go to our web site: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com and you will find everything a community needs to start and complete the first-year cycle of having a book drive, hosting a fund-raising banquet and an awards ceremony to present the bookcases to their children. You should see the children’s faces light up when they receive their very own personalized bookcase and a starter set of books.
The American Profile story was written by contributing editor Marti Attoun, who came to Conway to interview me about our project. She also interviewed Nija Graves, a child who received a bookcase as a Head Start student a few years ago. Her picture, along with her bookcase and books, were featured on the front cover. In a subsequent video, she and her mother told about how much she had been helped by a “Bookcase for Every Child.” As the article says, “We are making a difference one kid at a time.” These children are America’s future and we must take time and make the effort to help those in low-income families who, in most cases, cannot help themselves.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

821 - ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE GULLIBLE!

No. 821

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE GULLIBLE!

Early one morning several weeks ago, my 88-year-old mother, who lives in a nearby community, called me to tell me that she had just won the Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes. She went on to say that she had just received a phone call from a man in Dallas telling her she had won the sweepstakes, valued at more than $3 million. He told her that two of their men would be in her community later in the day and would follow her to the bank where she would withdraw $1,500 to cover the IRS fee as down payment for them to deliver her money.
She was really excited, but I knew immediately what was up. At this point I told her, in no uncertain terms, not to get involved because she was about to become the victim of a scam. I even went so far as to call her brother, who is a CPA, and he in turn called and told her the same thing -- I later learned all to no avail. Even with a warning from a policeman who attends her church and the branch manager of her bank, she still withdrew $1,500 from her savings and sent “cash” to this man out of state. If she gets a penny of it back, I will be more than a monkey’s uncle.
Of course, the question that immediately came to my mind was: why? Over the objections of a number of people she should have been willing to trust to tell her the truth, she still fell victim to a scam. It could have been that, due to her age, her mind is slipping and she was just not able to think logically and rationally. Also the fact that she has never had a lot of money in her life, the thought of having that much money was so exciting and appealing that she just threw caution to the wind. This also leads me to make another statement that you may or may not agree with. Elderly people are gullible. This is not to say that all elderly people are gullible, not by any stretch, but many are and they often pay a high price.
The reason for this, I believe, is because she comes from a generation where the vast majority of people were honorable, honest, truthful and would not take unfair advantage of another person for personal gain. However, we now live in a day and time when scams of various kinds have become big business. While my own mother has been a victim, along with thousands of others, I personally believe there is a special place in Hell reserved for those who would scam the elderly and are cruel to animals.
Ironically, the same day she called me we had a Lions Club speaker from the Little Rock Better Business Bureau and you can probably guess his topic: “How to Spot Scams.” Due to space constraints I won’t be able to give much detail, but here is a list of the 10 most frequent scams they report: 1. job hunter scams. 2. debt relief and settlement services. 3. work from home schemes. 4. timeshare resellers. 5. not so “free” trial offers. 6. rogue home repair and roofers. 7. lottery and sweepstakes scams. 8. advance-fee loan scams. 9. over-payment scams. 10. identity theft.
Here is a point that needs to be made. People who are scammed may lose a little or a lot, but the real losers are the scammers themselves. When we do wrong there is always a price to pay whether we get caught or not. Here I am reminded of the late Billy Sunday’s sermon titled, “There Will Be a Payday Some Day.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

822 WHAT IS YOUR LOT IN LIFE?

No. 822

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS YOUR LOT IN LIFE?

Every once in a while when I get to thinking about my lot in life, at this particular time, I am reminded of the story of the man who felt sorry for himself because he had no shoes, then he encountered a man who had no feet.
As individuals, when we are facing adversity, regardless of the source, we can usually find others who are having a much rougher time than we are. To be sure, adversity is just a part of life, and how we handle it can mean the difference between sanity and insanity, happiness and unhappiness or even life and death. The word “lot” has a number of different meanings, including a parcel of land, a batch or group of products, a number assigned as a result of drawing or casting lots and several others. However, when I say my “lot in life” I am referring to fate, as in a card game - playing the hand we are dealt.
If you happen to be going through a rough time, regardless of the reason, what I am going to say to you in this column is meant to be a source of encouragement and a way of mentally dealing with the problems you may be facing. If you have read my column for very long, you know that my wife Viola has Parkinson’s and has had for the past 15 years. In spite of this, we have had a great quality of life and have been able to accomplish more than we ever dreamed possible. However, the inevitable is now beginning to come about. Parkinson’s is winning the battle, as we knew it would. Over the past few years I have seen her go from walking with a slight limp, then to walking behind a walker, and on to a power chair but still able to stand, move about and do many things.
Then, in just the past few weeks, she reached the point where she can no longer walk or stand, which means she is totally dependent on me or someone else to take care of her and meet all of her needs. To exacerbate the problem, Viola happens to be a very fastidious person, this is to say, she has a special way of doing many things and she wants them done the very same way they have always been done. It’s taken me a while, but I am learning and life is getting much easier. It is amazing the things you can learn when you have to. My domestic skills have improved dramatically over the past couple of months. I am now doing the laundry, cooking, grocery buying, dish washing and many other household duties, while continuing to write my column, volunteer for our Lions Club and doing all I can to provide leadership for our wonderful “Bookcase for Every Child” project.
When I have told this to a few of my friends, some have responded by saying how sorry they were for my present state. To this I have replied, don’t be … this was part of the contract I signed many years ago. The contract, our marriage vows, did not say for better or better, it said for better or worse. We just face life and each new day one at a time. I am happy to report that I have found some relief when a wonderful lady, who is experienced in dealing with those who have Parkinson’s, has come to help me and stay with her three days a week.
I am not complaining. I count it all joy that I can be here to take care of her during this time. She certainly took care of me for many years. Now, this question please. What is your lot in life? If it’s rough, how are you handling it? A positive attitude certainly makes a lot of difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

823 THE BENEFITS OF ZERO-TOLERANCE!

No. 823

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BENEFITS OF ZERO-TOLERANCE

There is an interesting concept that, if employed on a much larger scale, could make a tremendous difference in the quality of life we have here in America. This concept is called “Zero-Tolerance.” If you drive an automobile, I am sure you have seen speed limit signs that give the posted speed limit, and then a little sign below with the words, “Zero-Tolerance.” This simply means that you have been warned and if the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour, if you are caught going even 31 mph you are going to get a speeding ticket. With automobile insurance rates going up in our country each year, and one or more speeding tickets increasing them even more, it does not take long to get the message. The vast majority of drivers will obey the law.
Now, take that same concept and apply it to other areas of our society. We will begin to see more self-discipline, more respect for the law and a much larger percentage of our citizens who understand that their actions do have consequences. Here is a good example of what I am saying. Several years ago, prior to graduation of a large private school, a young lady was kicked out of school for drug use, three months before she was to graduate. The reason was because this school has a “Zero-Tolerance” drug policy and this student violated it. You may say that this was cruel. Well, it was, especially for the student who got kicked out of school. However, she knew the policy, as did all the rest of the students. As we all know, word has a way of getting around very quickly and the remaining members of the graduating class, as well as all future students, understand that their actions and behavior do have consequences.
When it comes to implementing “Zero-Tolerance” policies, there are a number of things that should be understood up front. This is not a partisan or religious issue. Nor is it based on race, gender or national origin. It is simply a concept that, when applied even handedly and consistently to those who violate the policy, conditions will improve dramatically. Of course, everyone should know what the policy is, and this is the responsibility of those who make the rules or set the policy. Wouldn’t it be great to have a “Zero-Tolerance” policy for members of Congress who are involved in a sex scandal? Would we ever have anyone unfit to hold office, be voted out by their peers, instead of having the media force them out of office?
While I am not sure how many people in our nation share my views, I believe we need to raise our standards in every area of society. As most of us know, we usually get what we expect and, as Americans, we need to expect more and demand more from our leaders. This includes not just members of Congress but leaders in education, business and industry, state and local governments, and anywhere public or tax money is used. One way to do this is to adopt “Zero-Tolerance” policies … let everyone know upfront what the rules are and then hold them to a higher standard.
You really want to know what gets to me? It’s when the Tiger Woods’ and Mark Sanford’s of this world are poor role models for our young people. I believe a person can have more money, win more titles and races than anyone else in the world, but still fail if they are poor role models. Yes, there are consequences, and our kids deserve better.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

824 THE LIFE-LONG IMPACT OF PARENTING STYLES

No. 824

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LIFE-LONG IMPACT OF PARENTING STYLES

What I want to share today can make a tremendous difference in the lives of many, many people. Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green has written one of the best and most insightful little books I have ever read. I say little because it only contains about 100 pages. It’s titled, “Because I Said So” and is about various parenting styles and the influence they have on a child’s development, self-esteem, behavior and success. Just remember, we were all children at one time and I believe we have a responsibility to help the children of today become good citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. This is especially true if we have children or grandchildren at the present time.
The book opens with the example of two pre-school girls, in different homes, getting too close to an open fire in a fireplace. Cassandra’s mother states firmly, “I told you not to get too close to that fire, Cassandra!” “Why can’t I get close?” Cassandra questioned. “Because I said so, Cassandra. Do not ask me why. Just do what I told you to do.” When their eyes locked, Cassandra quickly stepped back from the fireplace and watched her mother close the screen.
This scene is repeated in another home when Stephanie also moved too close to the fireplace. Her mother says, “Remember what I told you, Stephanie,” her mother said firmly. “I remember: Don’t get too close to the fire,” Stephanie recited in her mother’s tone. “That’s right. Fire is dangerous. Don’t let the beauty fool you. Fire can and will burn almost everything it touches.” “I know mom. You don’t have to remind me.” “OK, because it will burn your hand, just like it destroyed that house on the news last night.”
After these verbal exchanges, two years passed and both girls were entering kindergarten, same school, same class, with the same teacher. The first day Mrs. Icy, the teacher, prepared to read the class a story and showed them a picture. “Who knows what is in the picture?” Mrs. Icy asked. Both Cassandra’s and Stephanie’s hands shot up. So she called on Cassandra. “It’s a picture of fire,” she answered confidently. “That is correct, Cassandra. What do you know about fire?” “You don’t touch it!” she responded confidently. The teacher said, “Very good, Cassandra. Who else can tell me about fire?”
Stephanie was almost out of her seat when Mrs. Icy called on her, “Fire is dangerous. It can burn almost anything it touches. It burns houses and takes away people’s things, and you should not be fooled by its beauty.” This brief exchange set the wheels in motion for much more serious things down the road. In the teacher’s notes after class, she noted that Stephanie was exceptional with a good vocabulary, while Cassandra may need some remedial work. Here is the rest of the story. Cassandra is an African-American child while Stephanie is Caucasian.
Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green, who is African-American, points out that the parenting styles in the home environment, before each child enters school, could be the difference that charts the course for each child’s future. She lists three different parenting styles: Authoritative, Authoritarian and Permissive. She also talks about the African-American culture and the impact it has on achievement gaps and dropout rates. You will have to read the book to learn more, but this fine author, who did the research, really opened my eyes. The book is “Because I Said So” and was published by Outskirts Press.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

825 NEW BOOK TO AID BOOKCASE PROJECT

No. 825

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NEW BOOK TO AID BOOKCASE PROJECT

It is with a humble and grateful heart that I announce the publication of my new book -- the New Revised Edition of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” This book is unique for several reasons, certainly not because I am the author, but the foremost reason is because the printing was paid for by supporters of the “Bookcase for Every Child” project. To begin, at the urging of a state press director, in 2003 I published a book of my columns to sell and use the proceeds to aid various literacy projects, namely the Newspapers in Education program. This was the original version of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”
As time progressed, with the help of a number of my fellow citizens here in Conway, in 2005 we started the “Bookcase for Every Child” project, still selling my book with the proceeds being used to purchase materials to build the bookcases. Then in 2008, the best fundraising idea the Lord has ever given me came along, namely for our committee to host a Bookcase Literacy Banquet and invite the whole community to attend and be a part of the project. In the next few weeks we will be hosting our fourth banquet, with last year’s being a sell-out. For $15.95 anyone can attend, receive a delicious meal, some great local entertainment and be given a complimentary copy of my book. Part of the proceeds is used for seed money for other projects.
However, the book was just a collection of my columns, and I personally paid for the first 10,000 copies, but it had nothing to do with our project, the need to improve literacy and as a way to bring awareness to the plight of children being reared in low-income families who have few, if any, books to read in their formative years. As a result, many of these children later drop out of school because they lack basic language, vocabulary and communication skills. No need to tell you the life facing a young person who is a school drop-out: According to The National Institute for Literacy, 85 percent of all juvenile offenders rate as functionally or marginally illiterate.
Long story short, I saw the need to have a book that was a basic self-improvement book that would help any person to live a happy, successful and fulfilled life, while at the same time making it clear that literacy was the foundation for success in any endeavor in our modern society. The book has been published and paid for by 143 of our supporters, mostly from Conway, whose names are printed in the final section. The final section also includes a list of books that I have read and highly recommend and The Coach Garrison Challenge, issued by Coach Cliff Garrison. Cliff is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and was coach and Athletic Director at Hendrix College for 31 years. You will love his challenge.
The Governor and the Arkansas General Assembly have recognized our project and it’s now spreading to other communities. My vision has always been to have thousands of communities across America have a “Bookcase for Every Child” project to help children in their community. Our project was featured in the American Profile magazine in August 2011, fourth largest in the nation with a readership of 10 million, and the response has been nothing short of amazing. Every person who attends a Bookcase Literacy Banquet anywhere in the nation will receive a copy of my new book or send a $20 non-tax deductible donation to Bookcase for Every Child, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. No one associated with our project earns a penny as it’s all about giving back. We don’t use any tax money or grants of any kind.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

826 THE RULE OF LAW!

No. 826

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE RULE OF LAW!

Here is one of the most compelling statistics in all of society and affects every law-abiding citizen, whether they realize it or not. According to the National Institute for Literacy, 85 percent of all juvenile offenders rate at functionally or marginally illiterate. In our local daily newspaper, perhaps yours as well, we have a section that runs several times each week titled “Police Beat.” In this section you will find reports released by the Conway Police Department that lists the various incidents, or police calls, that occur in our city over the past 24 hours or longer, depending on when the report runs in the paper.
We have one or more homicides reported from time to time, along with the usual armed robberies, muggings, purse snatches and many others. To give you a good idea, here are some incidents that were in a recent “Police Beat” that I read: harassing communications, public intoxication, violation of a protection order, sexual assault, terroristic threatening, theft of property and property damage. Have you thought about the fact that a high percentage of individuals who are involved in these incidents are functionally or marginally illiterate? Again, we all pay a price whether we realize it or not.
In our community, our overall crime rate is fairly low because we have a good police department and they are on top of the crime problem. The thing that makes any community safe, more than any other, is something we call the Rule of Law. The rule of law in its most basic form is the principle that no one is above the law. The most important application is the principle that government authority is legitimately exercised only in accordance with written, publicly disclosed laws adopted and enforced in accordance with established procedural steps referred to as due process.
The principle is intended to be a safeguard against arbitrary governance, whether by a totalitarian leader or mob rule. Since this column runs in newspapers all across the country, please allow me to stop here and ask you a few questions. How safe is your city or community? Is the Rule of Law strongly exercised where you live? Do you feel safe when you leave home, in the daytime or at night? While my column is basically a “community” newspaper column, I have been seeing something in the news that is very disturbing to me.
This is the rise of something called “flash mobs,” where a group of people, mostly teenagers, swoop down on a business of some kind and just loot it in mass, taking anything they can get their hands on. Apparently these “hits” are coordinated with the use of cell phones and they enter an unsuspecting business establishment, take what they want and are gone before anyone has time to call the police. For the most part this is happening in large cities, but you can see where this is taking us if the authorities do not put an end to it. You can be sure that those responsible for actions of this type do not have any respect for the Rule of Law.
I am sure you know that the best way to deal with problems of this nature is to stop this activity before it spreads or gets a toehold. This usually requires harsh action and severe consequences for the offenders. Of course, catching them is something else. When people are functionally or marginally illiterate, they are failing in life and we all, as law-abiding citizens, pay a high price. Our Bookcase for Every Child project can make a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.

827 NORMAN VINCENT PEALE OF LITTLE ROCK!

No. 827

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
NORMAN VINCENT PEALE OF LITTLE ROCK!

Back in May of 1970, I went into business with my former Dale Carnegie instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, to distribute the Earl Nightingale attitude motivation programs that were being produced on cassette tape. A few weeks later, I was explaining to a lady what we did, and after a few minutes she said, “Oh, you’re the Norman Vincent Peale of Little Rock.” At the time I did not know much about Dr. Peale, but at least had heard of him. Suffice it to say, this lady was paying me a high compliment and I didn’t even know it. Since the day of that conversation I have learned a good deal about this amazing man who, over the years, has been an inspiration to millions of people.
Dr. Peale was born on May 31, 1898, in Bowersville, Ohio, and died on Dec. 24, 1993, at the ripe old age of 95. For 52 years he served as pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. He is the author of a great number of books, the most notable being “The Power of Positive Thinking” and “Enthusiasm Makes the Difference.” In 1945, along with Raymond Thornburg and his wife Ruth, they founded the famous publication Guideposts. Most older Americans have read or at least heard of Guideposts, and it has continued publishing after the passing of its founders. Today it has a weekly circulation of 2.3 million copies.
Sometime back I discovered a copy of his book “A Guide to Confident Living” in my library and began to read it. I am not even sure where it came from. In the book he shares story after story of how, over the years, many top business executives came to him who were deeply discouraged, hurting and sick, not physically, but in their mind, spirit and in their soul. As in the case with many people, the last place they wanted to turn was to God, but they were desperate. Dr. Peale, in a very gentle way, encouraged them to attend church, be quiet and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them. In the vast majority of cases, the outcome was life changing.
One of the things in his book that struck me as being of value was his 10 rules for saying your prayers. Without any precondition, I pass these along simply for any interest and value they may be for you. 1. Set aside a few minutes to be alone and quiet. Relax body, mind and spirit by turning the thoughts away from problems and fixing the mind on God. 2. Talk to God simply and naturally, telling Him anything that is on your mind. Do not think you have to use formal words and phrases. Talk to him in your own language. He understands it. 3. Practice talking to God as you go about the business of the day. On the subway or bus, or at your desk, close your eyes for a moment to shut out the world and have a word or two with God. This will remind you of His presence and give you a sense of His nearness.
4. Affirm the fact that God is with you and helping you. That is to say do not always beseech God for his blessings, but affirm the fact that He is now giving you His blessings. 5. Pray with the thought that your prayers reach out and surround your loved ones with God’s love and care. 6. Think positive, not negative, thoughts when you pray. 7. Always state in your prayers that you are willing to accept God’s will, whatever it is. 8. In your prayer, simply put everything in God’s hands. 9. Say a word of prayer for people who do not like you or have treated your badly. 10. At some time during every day, say a word of prayer for this troubled world, for our community and for lasting peace. And peace to you, too!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

828 THE HIGH COST OF BACON!

No. 828

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HIGH COST OF BACON!

Even though I like bacon, I quit buying it several weeks ago when the price of the brand I like went to almost $5 a pound. It was not that I could not afford it, it was the principle involved, and besides I could buy a great 97 percent fat-free slice of ham for a dollar a pound less.
Now I know there are various market factors involved that determine the price, but the one that overrides all others is called supply and demand. Apparently a lot of other people agreed with me, because the price of my bacon has come back down. As a result, I have started picking up a package now and then.
I have shared this example to talk about another kind of bacon, which as you know is made from pork. The pork being doled out by members of our nation’s Congress is literally killing us and is one reason for our massive national debt.
Here is the bottom line and the point I want to make. In our society we have gotten so used to members of our congressional delegation bringing home the bacon or pork to our district that we are willing to look the other way when it comes to his or her character. It has been said that character is the stamp on our souls of the free choices of good and evil we have made through life.
A good case in point is former Congressman Anthony Weiner, who represented the 9th Congressional District in the state of New York. Congressman Weiner was elected to Congress in January 1999 and resigned from office in June 2011 due to a sexting scandal that began when he posted a link to a suggestive picture of himself on his public Twitter account. There is much more about this affair that I could say, but won’t. However, he would still be in office if left to his fellow congressman to boot him out -- rather it was the media that did him in. Personally, I am so thankful for the American media, in spite of their shortcomings, who understand there is a limit to what a person can do and still remain on the government payroll.
In spite of this sad state of affairs, the thing that is most egregious to me is that in a subsequent survey of the people in his district, 56 percent of his constituents said it did not matter at all to them what he did in his personal life. When I heard this, my first thought was, “Boy, I sure would not want any of these people representing me in Congress.” While not a true reflection of the attitudes of voters in all parts of the country, it has a lot to say about what is important and what is not important, at least in former Congressman Weiner’s district.
As I thought about this, two observations came to mind. First, is the morality so low that a majority of his voters think it’s the norm and don’t see anything wrong with the kind of bizarre behavior that finally led to his resignation? Second, so long as Congressman Weiner was bringing home the bacon or the pork, regardless of his poor character, in the end is that what really matters? If that is the case, the price of bacon is way too high. It has been said that a better world begins with me. Certainly I am not perfect, but I do know what is right and what is wrong. While only time will tell, together we can make a difference.
If enough of you feel as strongly as I do, we can begin to hold our elected officials to a higher standard. For the sake of future generations of Americans and our country, we must hold our elected officials accountable. They take an oath when they are sworn in. Let’s boot them out of office if they don’t live up to it.
P.S. As a postscript, apparently the survey about 56% of voters in his district not caring was wrong or the voters had a change of heart. In the following election to replace Congressman Weiner, voters elected a Rupublican for the first in in almost 100 years. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

829 THE CONSEQUENCES OF OVER-CORRECTING!

No. 829

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CONSEQUENCES OF OVER-CORRECTING!

If you drive an automobile, at some time or another you probably have experienced this situation. You are driving down the road doing the speed limit when you are distracted or maybe doze off. Your vehicle veers off the side of the road onto the shoulder. In the vast majority of cases, you just firmly take the steering wheel and make the correction and soon are back where you belong.
Now, depending on how far off the road you are and how fast you are going, a more severe course of action may be necessary. It’s right here that many people over-correct and they find themselves fighting the steering wheel, trying to keep the car on the road and not in the ditch on the other side. I am sure you will agree that many accidents happen just like the scenario I have described. This can be and sometimes is fatal.
This example came to mind when a friend sent me something in the mail the other day. It was a series of scenarios that point out how many people handle problems today, as opposed to back in 1957. This may help to explain why America has been in the proverbial ditch in many ways for the past several years. To say it very simply, too many of our citizens lack basic common sense, and when it comes to solving problems they have over-reacted and over-corrected. Please read on and see if you don’t agree.
Scenario 1: Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck’s gun rack. 1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack’s shotgun, goes to his car and gets his own shotgun to show Jack. 2010 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario 2: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school. 1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies. 2010 - Police called and SWAT team arrives – they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario 3: Jeffrey will not sit still in class, and he disrupts other students. 1957 - Jeffrey sent to Principal’s office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again. 2010 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario 4: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt. 1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman. 2010 - Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy’s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has an affair with the psychologist.
Scenario 5: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school. 1957 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal in the hall. 2010 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.
There is more, but I want to make a comment or two before my space is gone. I realize that we live in a different day and time. Often we do have to err on the side of caution because of the negative and often satanic forces in our society today that were not around back in 1957. Really this is about using some “common sense” and not over-reacting. Don’t be guilty of that.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

830 AM I MY KEEPER'S BROTHER?

No. 830

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AM I MY KEEPER'S BROTHER?

It is often said that an honest confession is good for the soul. I certainly hope this is true. This is because I am about to make one. For most of my life I have known what an idiot was, but I had no idea what an idiom was. Do you know? If you do, you are way ahead of me in this area of our various language peculiars. Fortunately, this changed for me several weeks ago while attending an interdenominational prayer breakfast at one of our local churches. A well-versed gentleman by the name of Joe Heird, who has become my friend, brought the program that day and he talked about Idioms.
In case you don’t already know, an idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language. In linguistics, idioms are usually presumed to be figures of speech. Moreover, an idiom is an expression, word, or phrase whose sense means something different from what the words literally imply. When a speaker uses an idiom, the listener might mistake the actual meaning, if he or she has not heard this figure of speech before.
Idioms usually do not translate well -- in some cases, when an idiom is translated into another language, either its meaning is changed or it is meaningless. As you can guess, this drives teachers of ESL (English as a Second Language) crazy. If you are like me, you have probably been using idioms all the time and did not know what they were. Here are some of the more common, with maybe a comment or two by me, thrown in here and there. You will recognize that a good number of these come from the Bible, and if you are interested you might even look up the scripture references from where they came.
Here we go: “Fly in the ointment. My heart’s desire. Three score and ten. See eye to eye. Put words in one’s mouth. No rest for the wicked. Go the extra mile. Fight the good fight. O ye, of little faith. Woe is me. Living off the fat of the land. Can a leopard change its spots? Fall from grace. Don’t cast your pearls before swine. Wolf in sheep’s clothing. Writing on the wall. Sweat of your brow. Thorn in the flesh. Pride goes before a fall. Skin of your teeth. It is better to give than to receive. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Man after his own heart. Wash your hands of the matter.”
There is a little difference in an idiom and a cliché. A cliché is just a truth used so many times that it has grown old, while an idiom is a figure of speech that is separate from its literal meaning. In preparation for writing this column, I went to the Internet and found scads of other idioms. One that struck me was “Zip your lip.” Now we both know that you cannot put an actual zipper on your lip but another way to say the same thing is “keep your mouth shut.”
When I read the idiom, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” which comes from the story of Cain and Abel in the Bible, I had the mental picture of a monkey sitting in a cage in the zoo, being fed by his caretaker and the monkey was asking himself this question, “Am I my keeper’s brother?” For sure, an interesting way to close this chapter on Idioms.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

831 WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE!

No. 831

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE!

If you have a tendency to get discouraged from time to time, and who doesn’t, I have some thoughts to share that I believe will help to charge your battery. Our discouragement is usually the result of an outcome that was less than expected or we have something bad or negative happen to us. What I want to accomplish during the time you spend with me today is remind you of the source of discouragement and what you can do about it.
Whether you agree or not, there are Satanic or evil forces in the world that work to undermine our happiness, peace of mind and our determination to accomplish our goals. What we all need to do when we are having a bad day and become aware of this situation is to say, “Get behind me Satan -- you are not going to win this one, I am.”
There is a phrase we can all use when we are tempted to dwell on the past or be pulled down to the gutter in regards to our thinking. We just need to realize that everything that has happened to us in the past is “water under the bridge.” Certainly we need to profit from our mistakes and try to learn from them, but to constantly dwell on something that has no future just does not make good sense. Without meaning to be personal, what are you doing at the present time that you could be doing better? When I worked for the Nightingale-Conant Co. several years ago they had a motto that went, “Human Beings Are Improvable.”
Now, I believe that, do you? It is estimated that every human being has latent potential that he or she is not using. I know I am not using near all of mine. We just need to pay the price and look for ways to do a better job: as a parent, student, employee, educator, businessperson or any number of other roles. What I am talking about is really an attitude that says, “I can and I will” rather than giving in to the forces of evil that are all about us. Now, granted this may sound like Pollyanna, but it works. Many of the greatest thinkers of all time have come to the same conclusion.
William James of Harvard University has said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” Thomas Jefferson once said, “You are not what you think you are. You are what you think. Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” In the Bible we read, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” The key to success is that when we get down on ourselves, to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and take corrective action that will produce the results we want.
I have found, and I believe you will to, that when bad or negative things happen to us that we can’t do anything about, the best thing is to say “that is water under the bridge,” put it behind us and move on with fresh optimism and a positive mental attitude. It has been said that the world will stand aside for the man or woman who knows where he is going. I hope life is good to and for you and you are making the most of the time you have left here on earth. We will all run out of days at some point in the future, so let’s do our best to make them count for something really worthwhile. The only thing that is truly lasting and will bring personal satisfaction is what we do for others.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

832 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO HELGA'S BAR?

No. 832
The Next Password is Dill

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO HELGA’S BAR?

Helga is the proprietor of a bar in downtown Detroit. She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar. To solve this problem, she comes up with a new marketing plan that allows her customers to drink now and pay later. Helga keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting her customer’s loans). Word gets around about Helga’s “drink now, pay later” marketing strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Helga’s bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume in Detroit.
By providing her customers freedom from immediate payment demands, Helga gets no resistance when, at regular intervals, she substantially increases her prices for wine and beer, the most popular consumed beverages. Consequently, Helga’s gross sales volume increases massively. A young and dynamic vice president at the local bank recognizes that these customer debts constitute valuable future assets and increases Helga’s borrowing limit. He sees no reason for any undue concern, since he has the debts of the unemployed alcoholics as collateral. At the bank’s corporate headquarters, expert traders figure a way to make huge commissions and transform these customer loans into DRINKBONDS.
These “securities” are then bundled and traded on the International Securities markets. Naïve investors don’t really understand that the securities being sold to them as “AA” “Secured Bonds” are really debts of unemployed alcoholics. Nevertheless, the bond prices continuously climb and the securities soon become the hottest-selling items for some of the nation’s leading brokerage houses. One day, even though the bond prices are still climbing, a risk manager at the original local bank decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Helga’s bar. He informs Helga, who suddenly demands payment from her alcoholic patrons, but being unemployed alcoholics they cannot pay back their drinking debts.
Since Helga cannot fulfill her loan obligations, she is forced into bankruptcy. The bar closes and Helga’s 11 employees lose their jobs. Overnight, DRINKBOND prices drop by 98 percent. The collapsed bond asset value destroys the bank’s liquidity and prevents it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic activity in the community.
The suppliers of Helga’s bar had granted her generous payment extensions and had invested their firm’s pension funds in BOND securities. They find they are now faced with having to write off her bad debts and with losing more than 95 percent of the presumed value of the bonds. Her wine supplier also claims bankruptcy, closing the doors on a family business that has endured for three generations, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor who immediately closes the local plant and 150 workers are laid off. Fortunately, though, the bank, the brokerage houses and their respective executives are saved and bailed out by a multi-billion-dollar no-strings attached cash infusion by the government.
The funds required for this bailout are obtained by new taxes levied on employed, middle-class, non-drinkers who have never been in Helga’s bar. There are winners and losers here. Does this story sound familiar? A special word of thanks to my friend Bud Green for sharing this with us.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The Next Password is Dill

807 - LIFE IS JUST NOT FAIR

No. 807

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIFE IS JUST NOT FAIR!

We often hear the statement that “Life is just not fair.” There is another line we can add to this statement that is equally true. It never has been fair and never will be. There are many different areas of life where this applies but one of the most fundamental, often overlooked in our society, begins at birth.
If you will contemplate what I am going to say in this column and really give it some thought, you may never look at another human being the same again. It has to do with genealogy, and who our parents are or were. For example, one child is born into a loving family, parents are successful, educated and do their best through precept and example to rear their children in a Godly home, steeped in family values.
On the other hand, another child is born to a crack-addicted single-mother, who may not even know who the child’s father is, and is living in a small, roach-infested, apartment in the ghetto, on welfare, illiterate and a school drop-out, with eight siblings under the age of 10.
The irony of these two examples is that the child, in each case, had no choice whatsoever in choosing his or her parents. This is the reason life is so unfair and why we should be very careful when it comes to judging the less fortunate who come across our path each day. Quite often when I am at the fitness center doing exercises in an attempt to ward off senility, I see people who weigh more than 400 pounds and have to take the elevator because they cannot make it up the steps. These people need compassion, not ridicule or scorn.
Another factor in the equation when it comes to life being unfair is that we all inherit the genes, hereditary characteristics and predisposition for certain diseases from our parents. When we have a serious medical problem, the first question usually asked is “did one or both parents have this condition?”
Keeping what I have just shared in mind, the United States of America is perhaps the best place on earth to be for the person who was not born into the best of circumstances, has one or more parents with a history of serious medical problems, or may be physically or mentally handicapped. In spite of our huge national problems, because of our political and economic systems, we still have more opportunity for success and happiness than 90 percent of the rest of the people on earth.
One of the reasons this is true is because that ill-fated child may encounter one or more positive role models early enough in life to provide some of what was missing in the early years. We see examples on every hand where a Godly mother, a fine teacher, a great coach, a compassionate boss, a pastor or someone of high character was there at a very critical time to fill the void. Earlier I said that if you would seriously consider what I was going to say that you would never look at another human being the same again. Just realize that if you are beautiful or handsome, and have a lot of good things going for you, it was in all likelihood because fate smiled on you in who your parents are or were.
It is true that life is just not fair, but don’t make it even more unfair by looking down on someone who may not have had the same good fortune that you have had. It has been said that heredity is something everyone believes in until his children start acting like fools. We should treat everyone with respect, as this is the best way to honor those who have helped us.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

808 - THE VALUE OF FAMILY LITERACY

No. 808

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE VALUE OF FAMILY LITERACY

If there is one thing I have learned in almost 20 years of writing columns, it is that what I have to say is just so many words on paper unless I can express my thoughts and ideas clearly, with conviction. It must also be of interest and have real benefits for the vast majority of my readers.
If you will tune me in and really think about what I have to share today, I believe you will agree that this one qualifies on all counts. As you may know, my real passion is literacy, especially helping children in disadvantaged or low-income homes learn to read at an early age. A member of our Conway Bookcase Project Committee, and a former teacher, told me recently that if a child is not reading at grade level by the third grade, the chances of this child later winding up in prison are very high.
As you may know, illiteracy affects every single person in our nation, either positively or negatively. No literate or highly successful person in our society is above having an illiterate school drop-out who can’t find a job, steal from or rob them, or even worse, take their life. And this is just one example of how we are all affected. To improve literacy and our schools, reading must begin in the home with what is often called Family Literacy. I have a favorite aunt who has taught fourth grade in one of our local elementary schools for almost four decades. Several years ago she shared a school newsletter that contained the following article.
FAMILY LITERACY: Family literacy is a powerful and innovative approach to education. It is a bridge that leads to a more literate future for American families. It is often said that reading can take us places that we have never been. We can soar as high as a bird, travel to an exotic land, sail upon the open sea, or become a hero or a villain, all within the pages of a book. There is no better way to connect, educate, and just have fun with children than to read to them. (Parents and grandparents are you listening?) Here are 10 ways to encourage children to read.
1. Share at least one book every day with your child. 2. Select a quiet, comfortable place to share a book with your child. 3. Children need to see reading as a fun thing to do if they are to become good readers. Make reading a family fun ritual. Allow for age and needs of your child. 4. Listen to your child and encourage his/her listening. 5. Think and talk about the stories that you read as you go about daily life.
6. It is OK, even good, to read the same story repeatedly to your child. Children love to hear books repeated many times. Let your child turn the pages, touch the book, explore. Be patient. 7. Children are never too young to read to! Babies respond to sound and language before they are born. 8. Even when children can read, they still need to be read to. 9. Take your child to the library. 10. Apply for a library card and use it regularly.
Here are a few closing comments to consider. In the age of technology where we now live, all the major companies are spending billions of dollars on advertising to entice a younger audience to buy all the latest gadgets, including cell phones. However, for a person to succeed in life, he must be able to read. This fact makes it even more critical for parents, and grandparents, to begin Family Literacy in the home. When I encounter people who are struggling, I also see the results of poor reading and communication skills. This is why reading must begin very early in life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

809 - MARRIED TO A LEGEND!

No. 809

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MARRIED TO A LEGEND!

When my wife Viola and I got married she said to the Lord, “If You will make him successful, I will keep him humble.” Now, she says she did her part and the Lord has not come through. I can promise you one thing, if I am not humble, it’s not because she did not try. To be very honest, she has not only done her best to keep me humble but has pulled my chestnuts out of the fire so many times I have quit counting.
We all make mistakes but I have made far fewer because she was there to give me wise counsel when I needed it most. What is that old saying, behind every successful man is a good woman. Truer words were never spoken as they apply to her. As I think about Viola, I realize that I have been married to a legend all these years.
In thinking about what I wanted to say as a tribute to her, I did a little research on the word “legend” and found that this word goes all the way back to the 13th century, as it applies to the English language. The word “legend” has a number of different definitions but originally a legend was one or more stories transmitted orally from generation to generation. The word “legend” has evolved over time to also mean a person or achievement worthy of inspiring anything or anyone whose fame promises to be enduring, even if the renown is created more by the media than by oral tradition.
For example, how many legends would we have today if it were not for the media who reported their success, exploits and accomplishments that made them famous? The legendary Bobby Jones, Jim Thorpe, Will Rogers, Babe Ruth, Pop Warner, Bob Hope, John Wooden, Patsy Cline and Martin Luther King Jr. just to name a few.
To be sure, Viola does not qualify by these lofty standards, but her life, her talents, her ministry, her faithfulness and her compassion for others makes her a legend in my eyes. As you may know, if you have read my column very long, she has battled Parkinson’s for the past 15 years. She is in constant pain and, while I have heard her scream and cry, I have not one time ever heard her say, ‘Why me’? Going all the way back to her early life she was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she has social graces that are to be envied, her exploits as a good cook are almost legendary, people call her all the time for home medical remedies, and she is so well organized and efficient that she puts me to shame.
Only the Lord knows how much longer she will be here. Of course, I could go before she does, but as I thought about how I could pay tribute to her I decided to dedicate my new revised edition of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back” to her. Please allow me to share it with you as I sum up a life well lived, and a legend in my eyes. To Viola – “If I could only choose two words to describe my wife, Viola, they would have to be ‘world-class’ because she does so many things exceptionally well. In spite of battling Parkinson’s disease for the past 15 years, she has been a constant source of help and encouragement, not only to me and our business, but to countless others whom she has ministered to in a variety of ways. She is the love of my life and I feel honored to be able to dedicate this book to her.”
Thank you for letting me share something with you that is deeply personal. I just hope and pray that if you have a similar person in your life, or your home, that you will take a little time to express your own feelings in a way that will be meaningful.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

811 - IS YOUR STATE GOING BANKRUPT?

No. 811

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS YOUR STATE GOING BANKRUKPT?

We have become a nation of “Takers” not “Makers,” so says Stephen Moore, senior economics writer for the Wall Street Journal. Sometime back a friend sent me an article written by Mr. Moore, dated April 11, 2011, in which he outlines in very vivid detail why many states in our nation are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. As a general rule, when any business or a government goes bankrupt, it means that expenses exceed income. If this situation continues for long enough, an organization of any kind is insolvent and has no other choice but to declare bankruptcy. It’s kind of like that fellow I heard about one time who was making it for $3 and selling it for $1, but they said he was making it up on volume.
From a practical standpoint, when a ship starts sinking, you know the first thing that happens, don’t you? The captain and crew begin to throw everything overboard that is not nailed down to lighten the load. This is what states that are on the verge of bankruptcy must also do, but it’s very painful. If you want to understand better why so many states – from New York to Wisconsin to California – are going bankrupt, consider this depressing statistic. Today in America, there are nearly twice as many people working for the government (22.5 million) than in all of manufacturing (11.5 million). This is an almost exact reversal of the situation in 1960, when there were 15 million workers in manufacturing and 8.7 million collecting a paycheck from the government.
It gets worse. More Americans now work for the government than work in construction, farming, fishing, forestry, manufacturing, mining and utilities combined. Here is the real rub and why we must reverse the trend if we are to survive. Nearly half of the $2.2 trillion cost of state and local government is the $1 trillion-a-year tab to pay the benefits of state and local employees. Is it any wonder that so many states cannot pay their bills? In his article Mr. Moore gives a number of state-by-state examples, but it all adds up to the same thing, as already stated -- unless the trend is reversed we will not survive.
However, don’t expect a reversal of this trend any time soon. Surveys of college graduates are finding that more and more of our top minds want to work for the government. Why? Because in recent years only government agencies have been hiring, and because the offer of near lifetime security is highly valued in these times of economic turbulence. When 23-year-olds aren’t willing to take career risks, we have a real problem on our hands. Sadly, we could wind up a generation of Americans who want to work for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The real question for me becomes, what are we going to do about it? While easier said than done, we must elect people to office who have business experience and understand our free-market economy, and create jobs that are attractive for our nation’s college graduates. We can also reduce the size of government and not have to lay off or fire anyone just by attrition. Just stop hiring people to work for the government and, in a few years, the ratio will come back into balance. There certainly was a day when the dream of most college graduates was to go into business for themselves and not seek a career in the government. My economic attitude has always been, “Give me opportunity and then get out of the way.” To be sure, there is security in the ship of state, but only if it’s not loaded too heavy.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

812 - THINGS JAPAN CAN TEACH US!

No. 812

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THINGS JAPAN CAN TEACH US!

As the old saying goes, “When you are up to your armpits in alligators, you don’t have the time to stop and drain the swamp.” This is exactly where the people along the eastern coast of Japan found themselves on March 11, 2011, when an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck this island nation and a 30-foot tsunami rolled across the landscape, destroying everything in its path. The world watched in horror as the tsunami swept away boats, cars, homes and large commercial buildings, and widespread fires raged out of control, taking the lives of hundreds of people. It is unbelievable the amount of destruction that took place on this fateful day.
While it will take years for this nation to completely rebuild, there was something that came out of this tragedy that could teach the rest of the world something about life and how to live it. What I am referring to is the character of the Japanese people. Here in America, when we have an earthquake, a flood, a tornado, a hurricane or some other widespread disaster, one of the first concerns the authorities have is how to keep people from looting. Question: do you get as upset as I do when you see people who have lost almost everything they have and are truly hurting, and some low-life comes along and takes what little they have left? I don’t know about you, but when this happens it makes me very unhappy.
The thing that makes me most unhappy is not the loss of material things -- these can be replaced -- but it is the total lack of character on the part of far too many of our citizens. In this respect, it is obvious the Japanese can teach us a lot about the human condition and how to treat others. This approach to life may just come from their culture and, if it does, we could definitely use some of it.
What I am going to share next has been on the Internet for some time. Every American needs to read, hear and think about these exemplary qualities, especially parents who are rearing children. Here are 10 things to learn from Japan.
1. THE CALM – Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief, sorrow itself has been elevated. 2. THE DIGNITY – Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or crude gesture. Their patience is admirable and praiseworthy.
3. THE ABILITY – The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall. 4. THE GRACE (Selflessness) People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something. 5. THE ORDER – No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just total understanding. 6. THE SACRIFICE – Fifty workers stayed back to pump seawater in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid? 7. THE TENDERNESS – Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak. 8. THE TRAINING – The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA – They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage. Most of all – NO POLITICANS TRYING TO GET CHEAP MILEAGE. (Politicians from other countries- are you listening?) 10. THE CONSCIENCE – When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.
Please don’t misunderstand what I have been saying. Most Americans would do the same thing, and more. It’s those people who flunked potty training that I am talking about.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

813 - BUY GOODS MAKE IN AMERICA!

No. 813

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUY GOODS MADE IN AMERICA!

In case you have not noticed, America is in a trade war and has been for the past several years. We have a huge trade imbalance as we import far more goods from foreign countries than we sell or export. Of course, this varies from month to month, and year by year. Our biggest trading partner is China, as the American consumer has all but built their economy. Now there is an effort under way to do something practical about our trade situation, especially with this fast-developing superpower, and it’s simply to stop buying Chinese-made products and food, unless there is absolutely no other option. Because of some recent developments we, the American consumer, may be able to turn this around.
Sometime back, Diane Sawyer of ABC News conducted a study that was later reported on this major television network. Here was the basis for the study -- their team removed all items from a typical, middle-class family’s home that were not made in the USA. There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During this special report, they showed truckloads of items – USA made – that were brought in to replace these items and they also showed where to find these items and the difference in price, etc. It was interesting that Diane Sawyer said that if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA-made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs.
Here is the bottom line. Would you spend an extra $64 each year at the grocery store if you thought it would create more jobs in America and do great things for our nation’s balance of trade? I would in a heartbeat! Again, from a practical standpoint, simply look at the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says, “made in China” or “PRC” (Peoples Republic of China) and that now also includes Hong Kong, just choose another product or none at all. If you will take what I am saying seriously and begin to do this, you will be amazed at how dependent you have become on Chinese products and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.
For example, who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and help some American farmer. Easter is just one example. The point is this: Do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own. Think about this: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that’s a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor … fast. There is a downside: Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. I would not want that and I don’t think you would either.
What’s the solution? Let’s give them fair warning and send our own message. Most people who have become aware of this campaign, and are reading and thinking about it, will taper off over a period of time anyway. For me, and perhaps you as well, this comes down to a matter of freedom. We all cherish our God-given right to open, honest and free elections but actually we vote each time we open our wallets or swipe a credit card. When enough American consumers decide we have had enough, and vote with our purchases, there will be changes made in our economy.
The greatest change of all is that more Americans will be working instead of drawing unemployment. If you have some good ideas, share them with me. I will be happy to pass them along in a future column.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

814 - PAINTING JOBS MADE EASY!

No. 814

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PAINTING JOBS MADE EASY!

Several years ago I heard a story about this little old lady who went into the local hardware store looking to buy a small heater to keep the chill from her living room. A salesman greeted her at the front door and she told him what she was looking for. He said, “You are lucky. We have a sale on our heaters this week” and then he led her to the sales display to show her the various styles and models. After about 30 minutes of detailed explanation about the various features and advantages of each one, he asked her if she had any questions. She said, “Yes, just one. Will one of these things keep a poor little old lady warm?”
The benefits of the product and not the features is what most of us are looking for when it comes to spending our hard-earned money. Along these lines, I get several offers each week from companies, manufacturers, ad agencies and others wanting me to tell my readers about their unique product. Some are very good, but I am very selective in what I pass along to you, as your time is too valuable to waste. However, if I can tell you about a great product that will save you time and money, and provide a real service, I am certainly not averse to letting you know about it.
Such is the case with a new product that I learned about recently that I could have used several times over the years. This product is called PaintSmart-Trayz, and the idea is a combination paint tray and paint bucket all in one. If you do any painting at all around your house, you know the feeling. You are up on a ladder with a brush in one hand and a roller in the other. Your bucket is balanced on the top step and the phone rings. What do you put down and where do you put it? Or perhaps you’re at the peak of a roof and balancing it all and a paint brush slips out of your hand and falls to the ground. At this point you have to carry everything down the ladder to get the brush, clean it and start all over. You may have even said to yourself, “There has to be a better way.”
Well, there is, and this is why PaintSmart-Trayz was invented. It is easy to carry. It hangs conveniently on the side of your ladder to keep your hands free to safely paint (or answer the phone.) And this neat product also helps to keep your workplace neat and tidy. It gives you a place to hang the roller while you are using the brush, and vice versa. One of the most intriguing aspects of PaintSmart-Trayz is that it can hang either vertically on an extension ladder or hang horizontally on a step ladder. It is easily portable, thanks to a large carrying handle making transport up and down a ladder very simple. The uniquely designed reservoir has high sides and holds up to two quarts of paint to keep refill trips to a minimum.
The PaintSmart-Trayz also sports handy hooks for brushes and slots for paint rollers, allowing paint to flow back into the tray preventing spills and drips. A clever twist cap drain spout, made of strong plastic so it won’t rust like the old metal trays, allows painters to easily pour excess paint back into the can. One of the greatest benefits for you, the painter, is that it saves countless trips up and down the ladder.
PaintSmart-Trayz is produced by Keane Corp. in Lake Worth, Fla., which is another way of saying “Made in America.” To learn more, e-mail info@PaintSmart-Trayz or visit their web site: www.PaintSmart-Trayz.com.
You know, time is all we have and we should strive to work a little smarter, as well as harder.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

815 - FAILURE: DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL!

No. 815

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FAILURE: DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL!

Have you ever heard of a prolific author by the name of Joey Green? To be honest, I had never heard of him until my friend Coach Dale Brown sent me some excerpts from one of his books titled “Famous Failures.”
With a little investigation, I learned that Joey Green was born in Miami, Fla., on May 26, 1958. He graduated with a BFA from Cornell University in 1980, where he founded the humor publication, The Cornell Lunatic, and had many literary honors. At this point in time, Joey Green has written more than 40 books, has been a guest on numerous television talk shows and has written numerous television commercials.
Coach Brown and I have a wonderful relationship because we have a common bond -- we both want to encourage others to be the best they can be. The book “Famous Failures” lists a plethora of well-known individuals in a wide variety of fields who were told by others that they would never make it, and later went on to become a household name because of their outstanding success. This brings me to a very important point. You and I have the final vote. No one, I repeat, no one, can tell us that we can’t succeed but ourselves. Failure is just a normal part of life and, when we don’t take it personally, we can get back up, dust ourselves off and get back in the game.
Most, or all, of the following names of people who achieved outstanding success will probably be well known to you, but maybe there is a story behind the story that will be both interesting and revealing. The most important thing in the life of each individual is that they did not quit when another person in authority sold them short.
Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, but was later named the greatest athlete of the 20th Century by ESPN. Marilyn Monroe was dropped in 1947 by 20th Century Fox after one year under contract because production Chief Darryl Zanuck thought she was unattractive.
The famous children’s author Dr. Seuss’s first book was rejected by 27 publishers, and Seuss considered burning the manuscript. The book that was eventually published sold six million copies. Barbara Streisand’s Broadway debut opened and closed on the same night. Humphrey Bogart was fired from a job reading radio playlets for laxatives. He then earned a living playing chess for 50 cents a round.
Walt Disney’s first cartoon production company went bankrupt. The Beatles were rejected in 1962 by Decca, Pye, Phillips, Columbia and HMV labels. And here is a shocker, Elvis Presley’s music teacher at L.C. Humes High School in Memphis gave him a “C” and told him he couldn’t sing.
In Joey Green’s book “Famous Failures,” the list is almost endless, but without the specifics here are other well-known names of individuals who failed one or more times before they achieved great notoriety: Lucille Ball, John F. Kennedy, Dustin Hoffman, Steve McQueen, Mick Jagger, Gen. Douglas McArthur, Albert Einstein, Wilma Rudolph, R.H. Macy, Henry Ford, Randy Travis, Rudyard Kipling and best-selling author John Grisham, whose first novel was rejected by 16 agents and a dozen publishers.
What this says to me is these people had more than talent and ability. They also had true grit and determination. A final question: Are you as successful as you would like to be?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

816 - LET ME BUTTER YOU UP!

No. 816

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LET ME BUTTER YOU UP!

You no doubt have heard the saying, “He was just trying to butter him up.” I did a little research to try to learn the origin of this saying but with no success. However, I did discover a great example of how and where this saying is often used. It’s in school or college when students want a high grade and they try to “butter up” their teacher or professor in an attempt to gain the edge.
A while back I got one of those often-circulated e-mails that had some tremendous information that takes the saying “butter up” to a whole new level. This piece had to do with actual “butter” and a comparison with margarine, and the effects the latter can have on the human body. I am assuming that some research has been done on these two items and why it’s important for all of us to know the difference. There was also a practical test that I will share a bit later.
Question: Do you know the difference between margarine and butter? To begin with, they both have the same amount of calories. Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53 percent over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few, and only because they are added. Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods. Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.
And now, for a closer look at margarine. It is very high in trans fatty acids. Eating excessive amounts triples the risk of coronary heart disease. It increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL (the good cholesterol.) Further, it increases the risk of cancer up to five times, lowers quality of breast milk, decreases immune response and decreases insulin response.
Now, here is that practical test I mentioned earlier. Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will observe the following: no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies, will go near it. That should tell us something. It does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny-weeny microorganisms will not find a home to grow.
Now, I will be the first to admit this sounds like a commercial for the dairy industry, and it could just be a myth, but if it’s true, it’s certainly worth checking out. Would you please pass the butter?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

817 - DO UNIONS HAVE TOO MUCH POWER?

No. 817

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO UNIONS HAVE TOO MUCH POWER?

A few years ago I bought a new set of tires for our 2003 Honda Element, an automobile that has served us well. A new set of tires just gives you that hug-the-road feeling and you, at least, feel safer. Then over the past few weeks I began to notice a vibration on the front end and I knew from past experience that it was time to rotate and balance the tires. This past week I got around to doing that and, presto, the problem was solved for a while.
You know, having the proper balance is the key to lot of things running better and smoother, including our lives. This concept also includes our nation’s economy, which has been terribly out of balance for a long time. In this context it is important to understand that it only took a few months of highway tread wear for my tires to get out of balance, while it’s taken several decades for our economy to get out of balance.
There are many different reasons for the dilemma we face: Corrupt politicians, a massive national debt, high unemployment, a huge trade deficit and a national government that is seeking to control more and more of our lives. While there is more than enough blame to go around, one of the factors that must be considered is our nation’s unions.
In the national interest, here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes: Do unions have too much power? From my perspective, the answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.” If you are a member of a union and, over time, your union leaders have been able to negotiate you a higher salary, fringe benefits and a better work environment, the answer is “no.” On the other hand, if you own or manage a company that is “union” and it has become so powerful that it is almost impossible to fire incompetent employees, and the union is inflexible when it comes to concessions when the company falls on hard times, the answer is “yes.”
Whether you agree or not, here is the problem. Like my tires that got out of balance, when unions get out of balance and have “too much” power, you have a stand-off that is not good for anyone, and this includes our nation’s future. The key phrase in the question is “too much.” As English historian and moralist Lord Acton (1834-1902) has said, “Power corrupts; and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Then there is also the question of whether we are talking about private sector or public sector unions. I belong to the school of thought that public sector unions should not exist. It is a privilege to work for the government and serve the people, and when public sector employees band together to from a union and “take more” than private sector business and jobs can sustain, you are again out of balance. You know what happens when workers are taxed to their limit -- the government borrows the money and this is where we are today. If we are to ever again have a healthy free-enterprise economy in our nation, we must understand who the real boss is.
The author here is unknown, but the truth is undeniable: “There never has been, there is not now, and there never will be any boss but the customer. He is the one boss we must please. Everything we own he has paid for. He buys our home, our cars and our clothes. He pays for our vacation and puts our children through school. He pays our doctor bills and writes every paycheck we will ever receive. He gives us every promotion we will ever obtain during our lifetime and he will discharge us, if we displease him.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

818 - BE KIND TO UNKIND PEOPLE!

No. 818

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE KIND TO UNKIND PEOPLE!

A few days ago I read a statement that has had a tremendous impact on my thinking. The statement goes: Be kind to unkind people, as they probably need it the most.
If you will think about this statement I believe you will agree, we can’t be kind to unkind people if we are not organized, live a balanced life and are at peace with ourselves. This statement, contained in a wonderful article sent to me by my friend George Pickett, was only a small part of a larger group of statements that, taken together, are some of the best I have ever read. While I don’t know about you, I am always distressed when I see a dysfunctional person or family because they are missing out on a quality of life that only a small group of people in our society ever attain.
I will be the first to say that we cannot live our lives based on a list of rules or advice from others, but there is quality information all around us that would be very helpful if we would just slow down long enough to meditate on it and then apply it in practical ways. With that said, I would like to share the other statements contained in the article George sent me. Please take a moment and ponder each one. Here are the statements and they are numbered so we can place the emphasis where it belongs.
1- Pray. 2- Go to bed on time. 3- Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4- Say “no” to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health. 5- Delegate tasks to capable others. 6- Simplify and un-clutter your life. 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8- Allow extra time to do things and get to places. 9- Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things together. 10- Take one day at a time. 11- Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12- Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13- Have backups: an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc. 14- K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut) This simple piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15- Do something for the kid in you everyday. 16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line. 17- Get enough rest.
18- Eat right. 19- Get organized so everything has its place. 20- Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. 21- Write down thoughts and inspirations. 22- Every day, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray. 24- Make friends with Godly people. 25- Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. 26- Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank You Jesus.”
27- Laugh. 28- Laugh some more. 29- Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all. 30- Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31- And to repeat the title line, be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32- Sit on your ego. 33- Talk less; listen more. 34- Slow down. 35- Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36- Every night before bed, think of one thing you are grateful for that you had never been grateful for before.
As a faithful reader, I am grateful for you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

819 - LESSONS FROM THE GARDEN!

No. 819

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LESSONS FROM THE GARDEN!

If you could stand a little practical advice in the areas of happiness, loss, humility, pride, death, life or some other crucial aspect of our existence, I have some great news for you. Sometime back I received an offer from Steve Bates to preview his first book titled, “The Seeds of Spring -- Lessons from the Garden.” Steve Bates is a longtime gardener and journalist who grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., and spent 14 years as a reporter and editor at The Washington Post. Steve received a scholarship from the Virginia chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists, and he earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary.
After reading his book, I have concluded this is not only a great book from the gardener’s perspective, but it demonstrates how our gardens can teach us valuable lessons about life. As one would suspect, this journalist with one of our nation’s major newspapers is a gifted writer, but what sets Steve apart is that he loves nothing better than to get his hands dirty in the soil. He not only loves to reap the rewards of seeing things grow, but also enjoying the fruits of his labor at the dinner table. “The Seeds of Spring” follows the challenges, failures, joys and revelations that Steve experiences as he cultivates vegetables, fruits and flowers in a remarkable setting.
The book intertwines practical “how-to” gardening advice with deep insights as he recognizes the richness and simplicity of the outdoor life and the importance of sustainability for individuals and the planet. As they say, the proof is in the pudding and I don’t know of a better way to convince you to buy and read this book, especially if you love to garden, than to share a portion of the Foreword with you.
He begins: “We all tend gardens. Tens of millions of us battle heat and storms and unrelenting weeds, all for that golden moment when we pluck that first rich tomato of summer or fill a basket to the brim with bright yellow zinnias. We save a little on our grocery bills, welcome the release of tension as we work the soil, revel in that supreme sense of satisfaction as we harvest the fruits of our labor.
“We tend figurative gardens, too. We cultivate our careers, families and sow the seeds of hopes and dreams. We weed out illness, transplant hope, nurture ideas. In countless ways, we strive to create, to shape, to guide, to produce and we are compelled to be at least a tiny part of something bigger than ourselves, outside of ourselves. Yet it is in our garden plots that our spirits take flight in unique, myriad and sometimes surprising ways. It is here that we become more than just neighbors and voters and architects. We come to realize that we are the fortunate ones who know that dirt is not dirty, that returning home with a line of fine soil under our fingernails is a badge of honor.”
Well, I will stop there because you can easily see what a gifted writer Steve Bates really is, and his ability to use words that can add meaning to our lives. The whole book is laced with solid and entertaining ideas that will stimulate your thinking in ways you may have not even considered. A healthy mind is a good mind that will serve us well all the days of our lives. “The Seeds of Spring” is available from Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle editions or visit his web site: www.theseedsofspring.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

810 - THE MYTH OF CHRISTIAN DIVORCE!

No. 810

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MYTH OF CHRISTIAN DIVORCE!

Are you a believer? Your answer to this question would logically be: a believer in what? There are myriads of things one can believe in, but for my purposes here, I would like to focus on just two.
First, when I could see gas prices going to $4 per gallon and beyond, I decided to buy one of those little Smart Cars made in France by Mercedes. It was reported they were getting more than 40 miles per gallon and the price was very reasonable. I knew the quality had to be excellent if the car was made by Mercedes and they advertised something called a “safety cell” where passengers were actually housed inside a rigid steel cage, and crash ratings were very high when compared to other vehicles.
Soon after I bought the car, I began to take a lot of good-natured kidding from many of my friends. A couple of favorite questions were: where is the other half of the car and do you have to peddle it? Well, Viola was out in the Smart Car a few weeks ago and pulled out in front of another car and was hit almost head-on. She called me on her cell phone and told me she had a wreck. When I got there, the front end of the car was gone -- it was totaled -- but she was inside that “safety cell” with only a minor scratch. She could have been seriously hurt or even killed. The police officer and other emergency personnel who worked the wreck could not believe it.
Needless to say, I am a believer. While in a completely different realm, there is another area where many people are completely wrong when it comes to perception. This is the area of Christian divorce rates. While we know the divorce rate in our nation is more than 50 percent, and sadly many couples are living together without being married, which keeps the numbers from being even higher. In today’s culture, it is often stated that the divorce rate among Christians is just as high as non-Christians. In fact I have been guilty of saying this myself. My thinking was drastically changed when I read an article by Glenn T. Stanton of Colorado Springs, Colo., director of family formation studies at Focus on the Family.
Mr. Stanton has done considerable research and quotes a number of leading authorities in this field, including W. Bradford Wilcox, a leading sociologist at the University of Virginia and director of the National Marriage Project. He has found from his own analysis that “active conservative Protestants” who regularly attend church are 35 percent less likely to divorce compared to those who have no affiliation.
The reason I am sharing this is simple. The perception we hold of something, like those who kidded me about my Smart Car, may not be true based on the facts. For many years, like millions of others, I was a church member, but sitting in church every week does not make one a Christian.
Here is why I would like to set the record straight. When we say the divorce rate among Christians is no different than non-believers, what we are actually saying is that a belief in Jesus Christ, and striving to live a Christ-centered life, does not make any difference. Believe me, it does. While this is a deeply personal thing and I am certainly not preaching to you, like our experience with the Smart Car, we are believers because we have experienced it first hand. To be sure, perception is a very powerful thing because many of our decisions are based on what we perceive. Let’s seek the truth, as this is the only thing that will stand.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 180 - HAVE YOU "HUGGED" YOUR CHILD TODAY?

No. 180

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU "HUGGED" YOUR CHILD TODAY?

There is an old saying that goes, "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It doesn't work and it annoys the pig." I had not heard this saying in many a moon until I heard a well known TV Judge use it on a program I was watching the other evening. This Judge was trying a case that was brought by an elderly couple who were trying to get the money back from a "sensitivity seminar" that was paid for by their children.

If you have ever seen or heard something that caused a "flashback" to an earlier time in your life, then you will appreciate even more what I'm going to share with you. What this elderly couple had gone through was to them a humiliating and stressful three day seminar that was designed to remove their "inhibitions" and make them more sensitive and loving toward their children.

After hearing the sordid details of what went on during the seminar however, I could understand why these old people were stressed, but their children were so desperate they were willing to try most anything that might make a difference in their relationship. Here are a few of the details that will give you some insights that may be of value. The elderly mother, who did most of the talking, came to this country from Baghdad, Iraq when she was ten years of age and had later married the children's father. This was back in the days when times were extremely hard and they both worked to provide a meager living for their family. As is often the case, the children's physical needs were met, but they received little or no affection from their parents. Years passed, and while the two sons and a daughter knew deep down that their parents loved them, there was never a strong bond of love between them and this left a real void in their lives. .

Now, years later, they were so desperate for a meaningful relationship with their parents they had paid for them to take the sensitivity seminar. Well, it didn't work and that's when the Judge made the comment about "annoying the pig." She dismissed the case, but in doing so she reminded the children that they were fortunate to still have their parents and she also helped them realize that the hard times they had gone through had taken their toll on quality time and their affection toward them.

As this story unfolded, it caused a "flashback" in my mind to the days when I was growing up. My parents were good people, hard working, honest and they did their best to provide for my sister and me. We didn't have much money but we knew they loved us. My father however, was considerably older than my mother and I very seldom ever saw any open display of affection between them. I can't ever remember seeing them hug or kiss and they very seldom hugged us, at least after I was old enough to remember.

As I look back now to times with our extended family, there were few hugs and kisses when we got together. To say it very simply, we were just not a "hugging" family. They were and are good people and most have done well. It was not until I married my wife however, that I began to realize how much I had missed. She came from a large family and they were "huggers" and openly demonstrated their love and affection for each other.

Today, our children are all grown and have families of their own. Now, when we are together I always "hug" each of my children and tell them how much I love them. What I have shared here is very personal, but if you have children or grandchildren I hope you will give each one a "hug" and tell them you love them. While teachers, friends and other people can do this, it's just not the same. They need it from "YOU" and they need it every day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 181 - LIFE GETS "TEDIOUS"...DON'T IT?

No. 181

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIFE GETS "TEDIOUS"...DON'T IT?

There is a word in the English language that we don't hear very often and this word is "Tedious", which means "Long and wearisome, tiresome and boring." About the only time I use this word is when my wife asks me to thread a needle or tighten the screws on her glasses. After poking the thread at the needle for about five minutes or trying to line the tiny screwdriver up with the slots, I usally say, this is really 'tedious.' In our modern society however, the word tedious is used most often in relation to "close work" like the person who has a job installing computer chips or working on an assembly line in a watch factory. Of course there are many other examples, but you get the picture.

The full and complete meaning of this word however, is only understood when a person must do this type of job for an extended period of time like 8 to 12 hours a day, for weeks, months or years on end. These circumstances have given rise to my title, "Life gets "Tedious, don't it?" My point being, the person who has this kind of job needs a break...and they need one often. While I love writing these columns and sharing positive ideas with you, I also need a break from time to time. You can only stay in a stressful mental state for just so long before it begins to take its toll. I don't know about you, but the thing that keeps me going is to always place things in perspective and try to really enjoy what I do. We are not going to do anything very well over the long haul if we don't have a little fun once in a while.

If you have not cracked a smile in a day or two, you may enjoy this story a friend told me the other day about an old maid that had a great sense of humor. When she went to the funeral home to prearrange her funeral, she requested all women pallbearers. When they asked her why, she replied, "Well, if the men couldn't 'take me out' while I was living, I sure ain't going to let them 'carry me out' when I die!"

Here are a few more humorous stories I found tucked away in my files that you may find amusing or if you make talks, you may be able to use them. I'm not sure where I got these stories but apparently I picked them up at an educational conference, because as you will see, they are slanted toward parents or educators. Now, picture yourself in an audience and the speaker has been introduced and he says, "You know, I've always wondered, how do history teachers keep a straight face when they tell students the early settlers came to America to escape high taxes?

A while back, we had a county agent come to talk on the dangers of rat infestation. When a student stood up to thank him for coming to talk to the class, she said, "We didn't even know what a rat looked like until you came to school." When Johnny came home from school the other day, he said to his father, "Here is my report card and here is an old one of yours I found." You know what FEAR is, don't you? "Fear is watching your teenage son drive off in his four wheeled lawsuit." I passed by the Civics classroom the other day. The teacher was yelling at the top of her lungs, "I don't care what your father says, money is not this country's chief export."

Finally, we have been concerned about some of our students, but it looks like the counserlor has come up with a solution. He says, "The vocational aptitude of some of our students indicates their best opportunities lie in a field where their father holds an influential position." As I said earlier, "Life gets "Tedious", don't it?...that is, if you don't have a little fun. Hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the "lite" side. You know, we should always take what we do seriously, but we should not take ourselves too seriously. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 182 - THE "TWO-LEGGED" STOOL

No. 182

The next password is earl

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

"FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH"

Over the past several years I have discovered something for myself that has had a tremendous impact on my life, and for "what it's worth" I would like to share the essence with you. It is common knowledge that a human being is made up of basically three parts..the body, the mind and the spirit. We also have an immortal soul which is interrelated with the spirit, but that's a different story. According to Webster's New World Dictionary the body is defined as "The whole physical structure and substance of a man, animal or plant. The mind is that which thinks, perceives, feels, wills, etc; seat or subject of consciousness." The spirit is "the vital or aminating force in living organisms, especially man, often considered divine in origin." The reason I wanted to give you these definations is so we would all be on the same page.

Please understand, it is not my purpose here to get into Theology or dig too deeply into what could be a very complex and even controversial subject. Rather, I'm more than content to stick with common sense and the practical aspects of what I want to share that most people will accept at face value. One of the most desired aspects of what we call "life" is to have good health. In fact, the American people spend billions and billions of dollars each year on health insurance, medications, dietary supplements and trips to the Doctor or hospital when a crisis arises.

Now "for what it's worth", here is what I have discovered that has made a tremendous difference in my life. I am blessed to have a wife who is a fantastic cook and she feeds me good nutritious meals. It's up to me however, to exercise and do other things that will help me to keep my BODY in good physical condition.

When it comes to my MIND, I have learned to be very selective in what I read, watch and listen to because what goes into my mind will sooner or later come out. It comes out as speech, actions and behavior. You no doubt know the computer term G.I.G.O. which stands for "Garbage In..Garbage Out." This is a perfect example of how the human mind works and in time will have a great bearning on the quality of our life.

While we all know that it is important to feed our body if we are to live and its also an accepted fact that our mental diet, or what goes into our mind, is also very, very important. What's not so widely known however, is that if we are to be a happy and contented person we must also feed our SPIRIT. From my perspective, many of our problems in society are brought about because millions of people are spiritually and morally bankrupt. This is to say these people are spiritually hungry and may not even know it.

Little did I realize it at the time, but in 1984 when I made the decision to read the Bible through once each year and to spend some quiet time each day with the Lord, it would completely change my life. At this point I was not only feeding my body and my mind but I was also feeding my spirit. What a difference this has made in my attitude and how I view other people and the world around me. I also listen to QUALITY spiritual music, like the songs and videos produced by Bill & Gloria Gaither and the singing of gospel artists like Squire Parsons, Anrde' Crouch, Carmen and the late Ethel Waters.

Here don't be misled and compare this with other types of music. It's not the singing or the music but it's the words that really makes the difference. As I said earlier, this is just "for what it's worth", but if there are times when you are lonely, discouraged or sad, why not take time to 'feed your spirit' and I believe you will find as I have, that it will make a tremendous difference in your life. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Earl

No. 157 - THE SCOTT PENDLETON STORY

No. 157

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SCOTT PENDLETON STORY

William Penn, the English Quaker and founder of the State of Pennsylvania once said, "Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in another still." These words, I think, better than any other, describe a wonderful young man by the name of Scott Pendleton. Scott was the Grandson of my long time friend, the late Win Pendleton who lived in Winderemere, Florida.

One day shortly before he passed away I got a note from Win, along with a news article, saying that at the age of 31, Scott had been killed in a tragic automobile accident near his home in Mesa, Arizona. Because this dear man was so very special to me, rather than a few words in a sympathy card, I just picked up the phone and called him. It was obvious from the beginning that he was hurting, but slowly he began to tell me about Scott and the wonderful life he had lived.

Scott was a skilled musician and played French horn in the University of Miami band. He later transferred to the University of Michigan where he received a degree in music. Shortly thereafter he took a job with the Mesa, Arizona public schools teaching music to fourth grade students in three elementary schools. From the beginning he had an uphill battle because he was teaching violin to 30 students and many did not want to be in his class. You know how you would feel if you did not want to take violin but mom and dad said you had to.

One thing that made Scott's classes unique is that he taught the Japanese method of playing the violin. While I am not a musician, I have been to Branson, Missouri and had the pleasure of hearing Shoji Tabuchi play the violin at his own theater. If Scott could teach these youngsters to play the violin like that, they would have something they could be proud of for the rest of their lives.

Because this young man had a wonderful, magnetic personality, plus being a very gifted musician, he began to win his students over. It was not long before there was a waiting list to get into his classes. In the area of human relations here is a technique that Scott used that could help any of us. When he was having difficulty with a particular student, he would say something positive and complimentary about this student to the other members of the class. Before long, word would get back to this student what the teacher had said. A changed attitude was almost always the result.

In a day when our society cries out for good role models I just thought you would be blessed by reading his story. He came to town with nothing, and although he was there for only a few short years, he left with everything. A good name, an impact on many of the people that he touched and a legacy that will live on for many years to come.

This was most evident when it came time for Scott's funeral. There were over one thousand people who came to the viewing at the funeral home and over one thousand people who came to the service the next day. In addition to family and friends, the mourners included members of the school board, administrators, teachers and students.

The television newscast that evening in this city of 300,000 people devoted about five minutes of coverage to his funeral and it featured comments from teachers and one of his students who told about the impact that Scott had made on his life. A Scott Pendleton Memorial Fund has been established with an initial deposit of $10,000 to help needy students to buy musical instruments. Scott Pendleton is too soon gone, but his life really counted. He truly did make a difference. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 158 - THE PESKY LITTLE ROOSTER

No. 158

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PESKY LITTLE ROOSTER

A few years ago I had the pleasure of traveling over to Claremore, Oklahoma and speaking to the Annual Progress Banquet sponsored by the local newspaper. The city of Claremore is also the home of the famous Will Rogers Memorial Museum and I found the time to visit it while I was there. What I saw that day was so very, very impressive and if you have never been there, I would enthusiastically recommend that you go see it because you will be glad you did.

Will Rogers, the cowboy humorist, was talented in so many different fields and especially as a writer. I've taken a moment to add this personal touch because I want to enlist one of his quotations as a basis for what I want to share with you in this column. He said, "it's just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated." The reason this is true is because the human mind is like a two edged sword. We often forget some of the most important things but remember many other things that have little merit or lasting value.

It is in this vein that I would like to ask you to think with me about a human weakness that many people have, including myself, that could help us achieve greater success in our lives. When we interact with other people, many times in our enthusiasm about what is taking place in our lives we move from sharing to telling and then to bragging. And sometimes it's very difficult to know when we have crossed the line.

When we begin to tell someone about our job, career, kids, hobby, team and a whole hosts of other things, most people don't mind if we share it with them. Usually they welcome the news unless we are an out and out "bore", but we begin to get on shaky ground when we talk about our success. If you are not careful, we come across as bragging.

To be honest, this is a failing of mine, especially when I am telling a newspaper publisher or editor about the merits of our column. Because I have deep convictions about what I believe the Lord has called me to share with you, I don't mean it that way, but later I realize that this is the way I may have come across.

We have all heard people say after their hand was called, "toot your own horn, lest the same be never tooted." To be sure, we would all be better off if we never had to make this statement. Now, I've already confessed and if your personality and enthusiasm lends itself to bragging a little once in a while, this very pointed story might be of value. I know it has reminded me to be more sensitive in the future.

"When I was a boy in the country we had a pesky little rooster that was a mighty big crower. Finally, we got tired of it and took him to market. He was priced according to his weight rather than the noise, because crowing doesn't bring anything in the market place. No wonder, for all its noise, not being, not doing." This is another way of saying, it's not so much what we say but what we do that really counts. As George Eliot once said, "A donkey may bray a good while before he shakes the stars down."

In the final analysis bragging never accomplishes anything, not even in prayer. So, all our boasting today will be naught tomorrow. How frantic, how vain, how futile. And finally this quotation by the French philosopher, mathematician Blaise Pascal, "Do you wish people to think well of you? If you do, then don't speak well of yourself." That's pretty sage advice but in these days of the "me" generation, it's pretty hard to do. Our human frailties is the reason I believe Will Rogers said, "It's just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated." What you do about this particular reminder, of course, is your own private affair. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 159 - THE LAW OF CONSEQUENCES

No. 159

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF CONSEQUENCES

While working with people over the years one of the most reassuring truths I've ever discovered is that we all have the potential to do a better job than we are now doing and consequently earn more of the rewards that can be ours. The reason this statement is true is because of a natural law that operates in the universe called, "The Law Of Consequences." Are you familiar with this law? Do you truly understand that every "action" will have a "reaction" and for every act we perform there is a natural and appropriate consequence?

What I'm going to say next is not from my intellect, but from my heart. I feel so sorry for many people I see in the news each day. The radio, television and newspapers are filled with stories of people who either didn't know about the "Law Of Consequences" or they thought it would not catch up with them when they were committing immoral, unethical or illegal acts. Unfortunately, what these people failed to realize is that by committing these acts they were just sowing seeds that would sooner or later come up and the evil exposed for all to see.

While working as a businessman consultant with our nation's public schools, in relation to wrong deeds or actions, I've had many students make the statement, "It's ok to do it, if you don't get caught." Here again, as in my earlier example, these students did not truly understand the "Law Of Consequences." Even if their wrong deeds or actions were never discovered or revealed, they knew about them, which in time would take an even greater toll. We can never escape from who we really are.

Here is something we should always remember. When we commit a serious crime, it's not something that happens just once and is behind us. It stays with us as long as we live. Have you ever heard of Benedict Arnold? He became a traitor and actually tried to sell West Point. The evil first settled in his heart and then it ruined his life. We should continually and forever be aware of the great "Law Of Consequence" that says, "No wrong ever goes unpunished" and for every evil thing we do, there must be a natural and appropriate consequence. Now I ask you, what could be simpler to understand than that?

But I would do you a real disservice if I did not also point out the positive side of this great natural law. Just as all evil deeds will be punished, all good or righteous deeds will be rewarded. This is the law that allows us to tell our own fortune. When our deeds and actions are based on truth, honesty and integrity, over time good things will come to us. Now, this is not to say that bad things do not happen to good people. We all know they do. Here it's not so important what happens to us but whether we act on it or react to it.

The other day a friend and I were talking about all the good things that were happening in our lives and she made the comment, "Even a lot of good Christian people fail to realize all the blessings they can receive from being of service to others. They just don't get it." She is right. If we will just look for ways to help other people, with the right attitude and the right motive, more good things will come our way than we ever dreamed possible.

Please understand, I give God the glory but I am deeply grateful for letters and phone calls from readers all over the country who express appreciation for our column. At this point we have about 180 newspapers in 27 states who run it and when we started, I never dreamed this would be possible. I can only say "THANK YOU" to all of you who have called or written to encourage me. You're the best!! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 160 - DO YOU BELIEVE IN LUCK?

No. 160

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LUCK?

Someone once said that LUCK is "when the bread falls on the floor with the buttered side up." It is also "a lazy man's estimate of a workers success." Because there are millions of people in our prosperous nation who base their future and their success on luck, I felt it might be a wise use of our time to dig into this topic a little bit.

I'm sure you have heard this statement before: that man or that lady is the luckiest person in the world. We have all been around people who seem to have the Midas Touch or the Luck O' The Irish and everything they touch turns to gold. Maybe you are this kind of person and if this is the case, I hope your luck never runs out.

To gain a little deeper insight into this word that we all like if it's preceded by the word "good", this question please. What is LUCK? Mr. Webster defines luck as the fortuitous happening of fortunate or adverse events, or simply "good fortune." Now, here is a personal question that I believe will bring what I am saying a little closer to home. Do you believe in luck? Please give some thought to your answer because it may have more effect on your future than you may realize.

While this is a very personal thing, for what it's worth, please permit me to share how I view luck. I believe in luck up to a point. The point being, I'm not going to depend on luck to build my business, make a living or feed my family. If some luck or good fortune comes along, fine, I'll take it and thank the good Lord for it but that's as far as it goes.

The truth is, there are some people who are lucky, like the person who wins the sweepstakes or the lottery. In this case, these people simply beat the odds, a million to one, a hundred million to one or whatever they were. In reality however, for you as an individual the odds are better that you will be struck by lightening than to win a lottery jackpot. The lottery people always put the "winner" on television for promotion but it would take several years if they were to give the same treatment to all the "losers" and put of them on television.

Talking about odds reminded me of the man who was about to get on an airplane for the first time. He said, "What are the odds that there will be a bomb on this plane?" The airline official said, "We have done a study and the odds are a million to one that there will not be a bomb on this plane." This man said, "I don't like those odds." The airline official replied, "Well, if you will take a bomb on with you, the odds are a billion to one that there won't be two bombs on this plane."

But back to the word LUCK for a moment. Most of us who live in this great country consider ourselves lucky to have a job, good heath, a good home and all the other blessings that many of us take for granted. In planning our future however, most of us need to be reminded of some things from time to time. First, we need to understand that luck comes most often when preparation meets opportunity. As I have said many times, the smarter and harder I work, the "luckier" I get.

If you really want to increase your chances for good luck, here is how to go about it. The letters in the word luck stand for Labor Under Correct Knowledge. When we work or labor under correct or true knowledge, the odds are good that we will be far more successful. While we have to make our own decisions, instead of buying lottery tickets or gambling on our future in other ways, I believe we should invest our money in real estate or Treasury Bills or something that has the potential to grow. It's this kind of thinking and acting that will produce a bright future. In short, we can make our own "lucky" breaks by making wise choices. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 161 - THE GENUINE ARTICLE

No. 161

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GENUINE ARTICLE

One of the things I love about small children is that they are totally, and often, brutally honest. The former radio and television personality Art Linkletter made a good living interviewing kids who always said, "The Darndest Things." A good example is the story I heard about the mother who gave little Johnny a dime to put in the collection plate during Sunday School. After Church the mother asked, "Johnny, did you put your money in the collection plate?" He said, "No, me and the devil are gonna have us some bubble gum."

While little Johnny may not have pleased his mother, at least he was honest, which is more than we can say about a lot of politicians these days. If you are concerned about the breakdown of ethical character, integrity and basic morality in our country, I have some things to share that I hope you will seriously consider.

In view of all the scandals that have taken place the past few years, it's obvious we must return to the basic morality and ideals of our forefathers. There has been and always will be sin, but even during my lifetime I have seen it move from the discreet, to the big screen, the tube, the tabloid, the front page and now the Internet.

Please understand, I don't have any political axes to grind and it does not make any difference to me which party they belong to, or their gender or national origin. I can say with complete honesty, I just want what's best for America and the American people.

The question in my mind is, "What kind of nation will we have in the 21st century if we don't return to basic morality and character values that made it possible for the United States Of America to become the greatest nation on earth."

What every American needs to realize, if they don't already, is that we are not "independent" but rather we are "interdependent." This means in the long run we must depend on each other. When we see people who are dishonest, won't pay their bills, tell lies, fail to pay their taxes and commit acts of gross immorality, it affects every person in this country. If left unchecked, this kind of behavior just lowers our standards and we all ultimately pay the price.

While I don't know how you feel about it, I love people who are genuine. This is to say they are real and don't engage in half-truths and double talk. I'm sure you know that a half-truth is still a lie. When it comes to the right way to live, to act and to treat our fellow human beings we have something that will serve as a guide that I would like to call "the genuine article." You know it as THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and ever since the days when God gave them to Moses on Mt. Sinai, they have been the basic moral code that has guided all civilized people.

If you have not read THE TEN COMMANDMENTS in some time, why not take a moment and read them here. If you will read each one slowly and think about what it means, I believe you will agree that America can take a giant leap forward if we will take them serious and began to obey them again.

1. You shall have NO other Gods before me. 2. You shall NOT make for yourself any idol or graven image. 3. You shall NOT take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy. 5. Honor your father and mother so that your days may be long. 6. You shall NOT murder. 7. You shall NOT commit adultery. 8. You shall NOT steal. 9. You shall NOT bear false witness against your neighbor. 10. You shall NOT covet. I hope your life is a source of hope and inspiration to those who know you best. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 162 - THE DAY THEY'LL STOP LAUGHING

No. 162

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DAY THEY'LL STOP LAUGHING

One evening last week the phone rang and on the other end of the line was a lady who reads my column in one of our many fine Kentucky newspapers. After she introduced herself and told me where she was from, she said, "I've been meaning to call you for some time. Each week after reading your column I feel better." She then went on to tell me that she works as a hairdresser in a beauty shop and is constantly around negative people.

After thinking about our conversation I decided to share some of the highlights with you because there are so many working people who are in a similar situation. If you have ever experienced this kind of environment, you know it can be terribly depressing. It's almost like working and living under a wet blanket. If my column is helping this dear lady to cope with her circumstances, I say, "Praise the Lord" and I hope some of the ideas I share in the future will help her to rise above her circumstances. I know it's easy to feel trapped but really, life is too short to be unhappy.

In reality, we must first achieve success in our own life before we can ever be in a position to help someone else. It should be understood that success means different things to different people. Here I'm not advocating that this lady quit her job if being a hairdresser is what she is good at and what she likes to do. She also told me that she is involved in a multi-level marketing program. This may work out but the odds are against her. In her case, she would be much better off in the long run, if she saved her money for a few years and either started or bought a beauty shop of her own. She would then be in a position where she could control her enviorment.

In case you don't know or have wondered why so many people are negative, I believe I can shed some light on this subject. If you will do some research as I have, you will find that the vast majority of negative people have no goals. Without goals there is no way to score or to win. In other words, these people may cheer when their football or basketball team wins but they don't have much to cheer about in relation to their own personal success.

When you find people who are negative and down and out, you will find other people just like them because these are the kind of people they want to spend their time with. Misery loves company. Over a period of time this negative environment creates a negative state of mind. What's important to realize is that negative talk or comments must first be formed in our mind before they are expressed out loud.

In many cases negative people have the same talents and abilities as positive people, but they have just never seen it or believed it. One of the things that holds a person back when they begin to seek a better life is that they must make a break with their old friends and places where they hang out. For the person who decides to make the break, it's like the story of the crabs in the bucket. One crab gets almost to the top and freedom but just before he gets out a crab from the bottom reaches up and pulls him back down. Another technique they use is to laugh and make fun of the person who is trying to better himself.

Here is perhaps the most important point I can make in relation to what I have been saying. In our society no one laughs at a true "winner" and the way to become a winner is to keep our own councel, set some short and long range goals, save and invest 10% of our income, and work hard and stay with our plan. If what I'm saying applies to you or someone you love, when you become a "winner" you will know it and so will they. I can promise you the day you move up in the world is the day they'll stop laughing. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 163 - MOUNTAIN TALK

No. 163

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOUNTAIN TALK

William Smith, the father of English geology, once said, "Language is the memory of the human race." In recent times, progress and advancement in education have altered the course of human history. When it could be truthfully said, "the pen was mightier than the sword," the fulcrum of power was no longer brute strength, but people's ability to use their native tongue with grace and ease. While America is a land of diverse peoples and cultures, our rich heritage is something we should always strive to preserve.

Several years ago I had the honor of being the speaker for the Yellville, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Yellville is a quiet little town on the Ozark plateau, not too far from the Missouri border. The morning following my speech I had breakfast at a little restaurant called the Cedar Inn. I understand it's no longer in business but back then their place mats contained something called Mountain Talk that I found to be very interesting.

Before I share a portion of this information with you, I would like to point out or at least emphasize that one of the greatest things about our country is that we have a common bond. Regardless of who our ancestors were or where they came from, what we do for a living, whether we are rich or poor, we are all Americans. We should take our responsibility seriously because we are all citizens of the greatest nation in the world.

Not only do we have a common bond, we also have a great diversity among our people which is also a great strength. As diversity relates to our language, millions of Americans speak languages in addition to English and many speak with an accent. Accents can reflect more than American's ethnic variety, they can reveal regional speech patterns as well. For example, I can't figure out why the folks in Boston think I talk funny. Mountain Talk, the article from the place mat that I want to share with you, contains regional sayings commonly used in the Ozark Mountain area. Some of you folks in the Mid-West, California, Washington and other areas where our collumn runs may find this a little more than unusual. Some of these sayings have roots in expressions found in England, Scotland and Ireland brought to this country by early settlers who lived in the mountain regions of the American South.

Here are some of the examples: A-fixin' means getting ready to do something. "We're a-fixin' to go to the store." Peaked means pale or sickly looking. "He's looking mighty peaked today." Fetch means to bring." "Go fetch the Doctor." Put-Out means angry or annoyed. "He shore was put-out about the meeting." Hesh-up means become quiet. "Make Jamie hesh-up." Clum means climbed. "I clum that hill for the last time."

Now, before I'm plum slap done, I would like to give you more of the sayings without the definitions and examples. You will probably be able to figure out some of them. Askeered of, doins, dast, holler, vittles, you'uns, cuttin' up, book read, fur piece, gully washer, lolly gag, crick, airish, kiver, skittish and smack dab.

These expressions have a way of touching my roots, and if you will think about it, you can probably trace yours back there too. You know, if we will take this line of thinking back far enough, we're all just chips off the old block. In all my years of speaking, the one thing I have learned is that if I want to be effective, I must speak in the language of those who are in the audience. I have found however, that clean humor is the one bond that unites us all. As Robert Louis Stevenson has said, "All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language until it finds a willing and prepared hearer." (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 164 - A BETTER HUMAN BEING

No. 164

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BETTER HUMAN BEING

The late Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was one of the finest human beings to ever grace this planet. Born in the Alsace region of France, during his long life he would become a missionary, theologian, doctor, philosopher, author and musician. Having resolved to devote his life to the service of humanity when he reached the age of 30, Schweitzer prepared by qualifying in medicine, and in 1913 he went to Lambar'ene' in French Equatorial Africa where founded a missionary hospital.

His hospital was supported almost entirely by proceeds from his many organ recitals in Europe and numerous lecture tours and publications. Always a leading exponent of JoHann Von Goethe, he came to the United States in 1949 to deliver an address at the Goethe Celebration in Aspen, Colorado. During his notable discourse he shared his faith in two basic ideals: "Purity and Kindness." He would later be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.

When I read about Dr. Schweitzer and studied various aspects of his life, I was greatly impressed by how he used his God given talents. One of the things I most admire and appreciate about Dr. Schweitzer and his exemplary life, is that he was a trend setter. He gave us a standard, as a human being, that we would do well to try to emulate. Of course there have been others over the years, too numerous to mention, but were it not for great men and women who routinely placed others before self, the human condition would be much worse off.

Now, you may not share my convictions, but it seems in these days of the "me" generation here in America that we need people who will take a stand and live by Dr. Schweitzer's ideals of purity and kindness. Pure in the sense that our ethical character and morals are above reproach and that more of our citizens will develop a spirit of kindness that always considers the needs and feelings of others, as well as their own.

At this point I realize that to some people what I am saying sounds like Pollyanna but believe me, it's real life. I'm sure you know that an individual can become "world class" in many fields of endeavor and still be a lousy human being. Unfortunately, what these people miss is that when they come to the end of their life and stand before a Holy and Righteous God, they will not be judged on their accomplishments but on what kind of life they lived. Every week I see people who are changing their lives because they finally realize that what I am saying is true. Here it should be noted that what I am advocating is in no way meant to diminish the "spirit of competition" that has helped us individually and collectively as Americans to achieve great things.

We should always play hard and play to win, but always within the rules of decency and fair play. Whether it's in business, sports, politics or any other area of society, to win by any other means is shallow indeed. To my way of thinking we should reward those who play by the rules and disqualify those who don't. While not easy, the answer to our national ethical and moral crisis is simple. We just have to emulate Dr. Schweitzer's ideals of Purity and Kindness. The greatest power we have as a free people is the power to choose. We can choose what kind of leaders we have, what kind of government we have and most important of all, we can choose what kind of person we want to be.

What I want you to see is that if enough people feel this way and will take a stand we can make a difference. I'm hoping and praying that these thoughts will resonate and you will think about what I've shared here. The past is gone but from this point forward let's pledge that we will strive to be better human beings. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 165 - THE DOG AND THE RABBIT

No. 165

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DOG AND THE RABBIT

The other day I heard an interesting story that may be of some value to you. This story will be especially meaningful if you are bored with your job, your marriage, your school or maybe even some of your friends. Incidentally, the American editor and craftsman Elbert Hubbard once said that, "Boredom is the essential nature of monogamy." Now, you may have to think about that for a moment, but boredom is a disease more crippling to the human species than most of us realize.

If you will think about the divorce rate, decline in church attendance, lost sales and productivity and many other things along this line, and see boredom as a big part of the problem, you will begin to get the picture. The story I mentioned earlier is called "The Dog And The Rabbit." In an allegorical sense, as it relates to living a more exciting and fun filled life, I want to suggest that you learn to live your life like a dog chasing a rabbit.

Now, please stop for a moment and think about what I have just said. Have you ever had the opportunity to look at a dog's face while it was right in the middle of a rabbit chase? Well I have, and believe me, it is the most satisfying and enthusiastic sight you could ever see. You can be sure when a dog is chasing a rabbit, in his mind, he has something wonderful to do.

As it relates to what I am saying, here is something else to think about. How many rabbits can a dog chase at once? While there may be several rabbits running around at the same time, a dog is lucky if he catches even one. There is something else that I might also point out here. I've never seen a rabbit chasing a dog, have you? Most of the time the rabbit gets away but the dog's goal is always to catch him.

However, here is the real moral of the story. The fun is in the chase. Now, let me pause here and say something very important because if I fail to get this point across, I've done you a disservice, and even more so if you happen to be bored a good portion of your time. The rabbit is the GOAL, and the fun is in the CHASE. In other words, "No Goal, No Fun, at least not for long.

Can you see and understand what I am getting at? Life is only rewarding and interesting when we are working to attain something that is really important to us. While we may not even be aware of it at the time, when this element is added life takes on new meaning and in the process we are having a wonderful time.

As it relates to what I was saying earlier about being bored with our job, our marriage, our school and maybe some of our friends, the truth is, it may be our fault. In a sense, this is why some people like to travel. They are always moving, seeing new things and meeting new and interesting people. Our journey through life should be that way. Unless we are retired or on vacation, we should never get out of bed without something wonderful to do and something to look forward to.

If what I am saying has any merit in your life and you are not already doing this, here are a few suggestions to get started. First, visualize the rabbit chase and notice that the rabbit is always out front. That's the GOAL. Secondly, stop here and set some goals for yourself. Write them down on paper and decide on the single goal that is most important. Remember, the dog can only chase one rabbit at a time.

And lastly, focus on that goal that you want to achieve and get started and each day when you get out of bed you will have something to look forward to. As a result, life will take on new meaning and "boredom" will be a thing of the past. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 166 - SOCIETY'S "THROW AWAY" KIDS

No. 166

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOCIETY'S "THROW AWAY" KIDS

One of our fine city police officers came and spoke to our Lions Club a few weeks ago on the subject of gangs and he really opened my eyes. If you know about gangs in America and their activity, what I'm going to say will be old news to you, but in my case I had heard reports about gangs on television but that was about all. In some of the smaller communities across our country gangs may not be a problem but they are so pervasive, the more we know about them the better off we will be. One of the handouts that Officer Haynes shared was titled, U.S. GANGS: AN ANALYSIS OF RECENT DATA, that was written and compiled by George W. Knox, Ph.D.. Dr. Knox is the director of the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The report covered a wide range of topics involving gangs in America and their activity and here are a few of the areas: gang members among the nation's prison population, racial conflicts among confined juveniles, simple questions, complex answers, gang proliferation or gang migration, gangs in high school, a breakdown of the various gangs state by state and it wrapped up with a summary, conclusion and some very good recommendations.

If you think we don't have a gang problem here in America here is a documented statistic. There are from two to four gang members for every sworn law enforcement officer in the United States. To me, that's scary. From all accounts, with a few rare exceptions, we know that gangs and their activity is bad news. Gang members are involved in illegal drugs, auto theft, and other crimes which either directly or indirectly affects every citizen in our nation. I feel a part of that affect each time I pay an insurance premium.

While statistics are important because they give us perspective, I always like to reduce things down to the personal level because this is where we live. The one thing that Officer Haynes said that stuck in my mind is that in most cases, gang members are Society's Throw Away Kids. Here is what he meant by that. More likely than not, a gang member at one time was a young man who was attending school but did not have the material things like most of his peers.

While this description is by no means exclusive, go back a few years and think of a young man who comes to school in old, worn out tennis shoes, faded blue jeans, no transportation and very little spending money. If this humiliation were not enough, he was often made fun of, ridiculed and was the butt end of jokes. About this time a gang leader comes along and sizes up the situation and begins to cultivate a new gang member. His approach is to provide this young man with things he was not getting at home. First, genuine acceptance into a group of people who become his friends. Then comes the success trappings of society like a gold chain, new clothes, transportation and spending money. In short, the gang has now become his family.

A gang member and his new family's bond is so strong that it can't be broken, even when he is sent to prison for selling drugs and other illegal activities. It's a sad but all too often true story. Unfortunately, there is much more that space does not permit me to share with you such as gang names, signs, graffiti, and how they wage war to protect their turf. Hopefully what I've shared with you has been of interest because I wanted you to know or be reminded of Society's Throw Away Kids. The way to deal with this problem is to become better informed and to identify potential gang members and help them before it's too late. What we need most in our nation is positive role models for our kids and we can all be that, if we choose to do so. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 167 - GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

No. 167

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

The German reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) has left us with this enduring thought: "A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing." In the Bible in the book of Hebrews we find these words in 11:1, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." A person's faith is a very private matter, but as I have studied the Bible over the years, one of the most reassuring things I have come to believe is regardless of the events and circumstances we see about us, God is still in control.

This is something I beleive we all need to hear and think about from time to time, especially when we are discouraged. God is eternal and to understand His greatness and His awesome power is something we should not fear, but take comfort in. I was reminded of this truth in a new and dynamic way the other day when I read an article titled Perspective, that was written by the pastor of a Church in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Shortly after getting out of bed and washing the sleep from his eyes, this pastor begins by saying, "It was early morning as I put on my new jogging outfit and headed West toward the edge of town. The rising sun warmed my back as I turned the corner and crossed the river. The cobwebs began to clear from my mind. Once again, I rejoiced from that special exultation that comes from exercise and dawn. I swung West again and faced the monster hill at the edge of town. I had never come this way before and I was anxious to try this new challenge.

Halfway up the hill I began to have serious doubts. My legs felt as is spikes were being driven into them. My lungs seemed to be burning as I kept my eyes focused on the pavement. Each step I took made the snow capped Mt. Adams loom larger until the whole horizon seemed to be filled with its 12,000 feet majesty. The pain of running drained from my body, as I was filled with the wonder of God's creation! I topped the hill and ran past the airport. I glanced to the South and there stood Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens in equal splendor.

As I headed home, I saw the awakening city before me and my thoughts turned to its buildings and its people. I was struck with the contrast of the physical creation of God, and the struggle of life on this planet. I thought about a house where a young woman lived alone, abandoned by her husband; an apartment where two unmarried young people were living together; another house where religious differences were ripping a family apart; a house where divorce threatened to destroy the children; another house where alcohol had already crushed one of God's special creations; and still another cottage where a widow grieved alone. About this time I looked up and saw the church rising above the trees. Then I realized that God's redemptive power is still at work. Yes, God is still in control."

Along these lines another special blessing from God happened in my life just the other day. Because of my schedule and work load, I had allowed stress to build up in my body. So much so that my chest was hurting. First, I prepared myself a cup of hot tea and then sat down in my recliner, but that didn't seem to help. After a bit I took my Bible out on the deck and as the sun was setting and the rays were filtering through the trees, I read several chapters from God's word. After a few minutes I noticed that the stress was gone and I had perfect peace. Yes, in my mind and heart, I know that God is still in control. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 168 - THE "WHY DON'T THEY" SYNDROME

No. 168

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE "WHY DON'T THEY" SYNDROME

The other day I heard a story about this mother who took her young son to visit a church where they had a new minister. After it was over and they were leaving the service, the young lad said to the minister, "That was the worst sermon I have ever heard." The mother, somewhat flustered and embarrassed said, "Oh, don't pay any attention to him. He just goes around repeating what he hears other people say."

Hopefully you understand this is not a true story but it does serve to enhance a concept that if properly understood and applied, could be of real value. The key word in this concept that I would like to illuminate is "repeating" and the danger here is that if we repeat something often enough and for a long period of time, it could turn into a syndrome.

Over the past several years I have heard a lot about the various kinds of syndromes, but do you know what the word syndrome means? The dictionary defines this word as "a group of signs and symptoms that collectively indicate a disease or disorder." In other words, the person who develops a syndrome of one kind or another is sick, at least to some degree. Whether we have been personally affected or not, we all know about "Down's syndrome" and "Parkinson's syndrome."

However, the syndrome that I want to discuss with you here is curable, because it has to do with our human personality. Really and truly what I'm sharing with you here is good news. In recent years the behavioral sciences have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that a human being's personality can be altered and changed for the better.

As a basic premise for this discussion, I believe I'm safe in saying that most people, at some time in their lives have developed "hang-ups" of one kind or another. What I'm referring to here is people who form the habit of thinking in a certain vein for so long that they just do it over and over again until it actually becomes a syndrome. Many years ago I worked for a man who owned a laundry and he used the expression, "on the thing out there" at least 50 times in every conversation. In short, he had developed a syndrome.

As it relates to our own mental health I would like to narrow this discussion down to one particular syndrome that affects many people in a negative way. This is what I call the "why don't they" syndrome. Unfortunately, this is how many people view life. When they don't get the breaks they think they deserve, the all too often question, "why don't they" comes to their mind.

Without being aware of it, is it possible that you may have developed this syndrome? How often do you say, "why don't they?" Here are some questions we have all heard from time to time: "Why don't they like me?"-- "Why don't they treat me better?"-- "Why don't they accept me?"-- "Why don't they respect me as an individual?"-- "Why don't they give me a raise or a promotion?"-- "Why don't they do a number of other things for me?"-- "Bless my poor little heart!!"

Do you see what's happening here? If we are not careful, any of us can fall into the "why don't they" syndrome. What this is of course, is an attempt to transfer the burden of guilt for our failures to someone else. In our mind, it is really someone else's fault rather than our own. We all have our ups and downs and our good days and bad days, but we just need to be careful that our "self-talk" from the bad days does not turn into a syndrome. Please repeat after me, If-It-Is-To-Be-It-Is-Up-To-Me. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 169 - YOU TELL ME I'M GETTING OLD

No. 169

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU TELL ME I'M GETTING OLD

It's often been said that "Age is mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." There is a great deal of truth in the saying, "you're only as old as you feel." To feel good most of the time is a blessing that most of us take for granted. When it comes to the subject of old age, someone once said, "Old age is a club that with luck we will all join."

I'm looking forward to it, aren't you? You may respond by saying, "I'm already old." This may be true in a chronological sense, because based on the letters and phone calls we receive, I know many of my readers are elderly people. Did you notice how I switched terms? There is a vast difference between being elderly and being old. This is to say we get old when it comes to our thinking and our ideas.

What prompted these thoughts was a poem I ran across the other day written by Dora Johnson titled, You Tell Me I'm Getting Old. While reading this poem I discovered it contained a profound message and I would like to share it with you. Even if you are not elderly, just be patient because your time will probably come. It's my sincere hope that this poem will be a source of great encouragement for you.

YOU TELL ME I'M GETTING OLD

"You tell me I'm getting old. I tell you that's not so! The house I live in is worn out, and that of course, I know. It's been in use a long, long while; it's weathered many a gale; I'm really not surprised you think it's getting somewhat frail. The color's changing on the roof, the window's getting dim. The wall's a bit transparent and looking rather thin. The foundation not so steady as once it use to be. My house is getting shaky, but my house isn't me. My few short years can't make me old. I feel in my youth, eternity lies ahead, a life of joy and truth. I'm going to live forever there; life will go on, it's grand. You tell me I'm getting old, you just don't understand. The dweller in my little house is young and bright and happy; Just starting on a life to last throughout eternal day. You only see the outside, which is all that most folks see. You tell me I'm getting old, you've mixed my house with me."

The message this poem contains is very clear. For Dora Johnson and those of us who have experienced the free gift of eternal salvation made possible through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, life will go on for eternity. While this is a very personal decision and this is between you and your God, I care about you and where you will spend eternity.

In reality, every book must have a final chapter, just as every person's life will someday come to an end. To me, it would be tragic to pursue our goals in life and strive to achieve success and then get to the final chapter and discover that we had missed the whole point of life. I hope you understand that every important decision you make is your own personal affair but whether you are a religious person or not, physical death is something that sooner or later we all must face.

While we are here, however, we should make the most of each day. I would like to leave you with these thoughts by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. The day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on yesteryears." (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 170 - WHAT KIND OF "TATER" ARE YOU?

No. 170

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT KIND OF "TATER" ARE YOU?

While I'm sure I miss the mark in many cases, it's my hope and prayer that I can share something with you in each of these visits that will make a difference in your life. As we work and grow together to develop and use more of our God given potential to serve others and to be happy and contented with who we are, one of the most important factors is our attitude. The person with a great attitude is head and shoulders above the crowd and, if not already, is well on their way to becoming a more productive and successful human being.

With these thoughts in mind I want to tell you about one of the most fantastic ladies I've ever had the priviledge of knowing. Her name is Willie Oates and while I have never had the courage to ask her age, she was a cheerleader for the Arkansas Razorbacks back in 1937-40, but since that time what a difference she has made in the lives of others! Without a doubt she has started or been involved in more civic, charitable and humanitarian organizations and received more awards and honors (including from 6 former Governors) than any person in the history of Arkansas. Wouldn't you know it! She is originally from Arkansas City, Kansas but she has become in institution in our state. Her resume, single spaced, is seven pages long and even you would be impressed.

One of the things listed on her resume is that she has traveled to all 50 states doing "hat" skits over a period of years. She is known far and wide as the "hat" lady and each time you see her in person, in the newspaper or on television, she will be wearing a 'hat' that is a show stopper, if you know what I mean. Recently I had the pleasure of being in her audience when she performed one of her famous "hat" skits. After some opening remarks she began to pull long Irish potatoes from a shoe box. Each potato had both ends cut off so it would stand up and she had painstakingly painted a face on each one so it could be identified as a person. As she continued to talk, she would pin a little hat on each potato and set it up before the audience.

Now here is the part that I don't want you to miss. She was very creative and this made the message she was sharing ten times more effective. The first potato she called 'spectator' or 'Spec' for short. She then talked about how most people never get too involved in anything worthwhile. In other words they are a 'spec-tater'. They show up for the meeting but that's as far as it goes. The next potato she called 'agitator' or 'Agie' for short. As she said, there are some people who never plan on getting too involved but their nature is to needle people and always ask controversial and emotional questions at the wrong time. This type of person is a "lightening rod" and quite often makes the sparks fly. Just one person like this can kill the enthusiasm of any group.

The next potato she called 'dictator' or 'Dick' for short. None of us want to be around, much less be under, any person who tries to be a dictator. Unfortunately, this is the style of many people but they are far less effective than they could be. The final potato was a little different color than the others because it was a 'sweet-tater'. She said old 'Sweet' is the one who has a sweet spirit, is always there and is willing to do more than their share. Every successful organization, profit or nonprofit, has people with these very important qualities.

I'm sure you know, not every person can or wants to be a leader. We need great leaders but we also need good followers if the job is to be done. When you boil it all down, (I hope you caught the pun) the big question becomces, "WHAT KIND OF TATER ARE YOU?" (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 171 - NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION

No. 171

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

The American pioneer John Chapman (1775-1847) also known as Johnny Appleseed once said, "The task of education is to bring the young and the great together." What I believe Mr. Chapman was saying is when young people study the lives and careers of great men and women, they will be inspired to achieve greatness in their own lives. Young people need good role models and this is true for the rest of us as well. As a businessman who has worked with educators for many years, I have found that most young people do indeed want to become great at something during their life time.

While this will work out for a few students, the real challenge for the vast majority is how to use or apply what they have learned out in the world, especially in the market place. This has always been a real concern of mine, but along this line, just recently I have had the opportunity to get involved with something that I really feel good about. In our community, as well as hundreds of others throughout the country, there is a structured program called NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION. This is a joint effort between the local newspaper, the schools, the business community and a number of individuals who care about young people and their future.

This past year I had the privilege of becoming a sponsor for an NIE teacher in one of our local elementary schools. This means I am personally paying for a class set of 25 papers each week throughout the school year. When I expressed an interest to my friends at the paper I never dreamed that I would be the sponsor for Mary Jones' 4th grade class at Ida Burns School. You see, Mary Jones was recently selected as The Arkansas Newspaper Foundation "Teacher Of The Year" for the newspapers in education program. This is why I said earlier that it was quality instruction, but all of the other NIE teachers in our community are doing a great job as well.

A few weeks ago I got a call from Mrs. Jones and she invited me to come and speak to her class. I spent over an hour with her students and they were bright, well mannered and not only participated but they had a ton of questions for me. It was a rewarding time and before I left, they presented me with a personal letter from each student thanking me for providing the newspapers and I was also given an album of photos showing various students working with newspapers during their instruction time.

I'm sure you know that community newspapers cut across all areas of society and they can be used to teach a multitude of practical and useful things to students. Every teacher who participates in NIE develops his or her own unique ways to use the papers in the classroom. They can be used to teach Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, History, and all phases of Consumer-Related topics that will help them for the rest of their days. Something else that's exciting to me is that, working with teachers in their area, The Mobile Press Register in Mobile, Alabama has developed a comprehensive list of ways to use the newspaper in the classroom. I have been given permission to share these and if you will send me a self-addressed stamped envelope, I will be happy to send them to you free of charge.

As you read this column, if you are a business person or an individual who would like to make a difference in the lives of some precious young people, you may wish to become an NIE sponsor. If you will call your local paper or your elementary school principal, I'm sure, even if they don't have an official NIE program, you will find a very positive response. The cost is very reasonable and you will be making an investment in the future...yours and theirs. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 172 - PUTTING SUCCESS INTO PERSPECTIVE

No. 172

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PUTTING SUCCESS INTO PERSPECTIVE

The first time I met Ray I was impressed with his intelligence, energy level and commanding presence. Although he was just in his early thirties he was moving up the management ladder of a large company like a rocket. One evening when my wife and I were in his city, we made arrangements to have dinner with Ray and his wife Laurie at a well known restaurant. We had a pleasant evening but I was surprised at the amount of alcohol Ray consumed during dinner. When he told us he had recently been promoted to Senior Vice-President, I figured he was just celebrating a bit.

Laurie was a lovely person. She and Ray had one child, a son who was an outstanding football player at a major university. Tim was a blue-chip athlete, sure to be named All-American that year. Ray was excited about the prospects of his son going early in the NFL draft the following spring. As it turned out, Tim was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round and Ray called me long distance to relay the good news. If there was one thing I learned about Ray over the years, it was that only two subjects made him sit up and take notice. One was his son's football career. The other was money. At the time he was made Senior Vice-President, he confided in me that his net worth was already close to three million.

Ray was flying high, but little did he know that he was headed for a crash. The downward spiral began when the President of Ray's company announced he planned to retire later that year. Most of the employees felt that Ray or the other Senior Vice-President would move into the corner office when that happened. Top management insiders believed that Ray had the edge. Between the President's announcement and his actual retirement however, the pressure began to eat Ray alive. His drinking inreased and two or three martinis with lunch were the norm. Another change took place in his life as his former relaxed management style changed to a more dictitorial and demanding one.

When the President finally retired, few in the company were surprised when the other Senior Vice-President got the job. When Ray was informed of the decision he angrily resigned. After his resignation I lost contact with Ray but I learned that he had taken a job with a company in another state. He commuted back and forth but his drinking continued until Laurie moved out. She told him that she still loved him but he had to stop drinking. Some time later I ran into Ben, who was a mutual friend, and he told me that he had called Ray to have dinner so he could cheer him up. They were to meet at 7 O'clock but Ray never showed. Later he learned that around 6 O'clock Ray had put the barrel of a gun into his mouth and pulled the trigger. He was forty-five years old.

Here was a man who had everything to live for. He was wealthy, had a beautiful wife who loved him and a son who had fullfilled his dreams by becoming a professional football player. By most standards, he was successful. He had position, power and money, however he lacked some things that were even more important: peace of mind, happiness and contentment.

I believe you will agree this true story really puts SUCCESS into pespective. It can be found in the first chapter of a powerful and life changing book titled "ULTIMATE SUCCESS" written by Frank R. Baudine who lives in Dallas, Texas. Frank Baudine is the CEO of a major executive recruting firm and has had the opportunity to dig deeply into the lives and careers of top executives for many years. The book "ULTIMATE SUCCESS" is the best book on success that I have ever read. It's available at your local book store and is published by Tyndale House Publishers. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 173 - THIS IS NOT A CHECK

No. 173

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THIS IS NOT A CHECK

In my early days, when I was a kid growing up, we lived so far out in the country they had to pump sunshine in to us and when we wanted to go hunting, we had to come back toward town. Now we live much closer to the city and things are different. We have indoor plumbing and even have a telephone. Now, hopefully you realize that I am just kidding and I don't want to insult your intelligence like some people insult mine. The other day I got something in the mail from a home equity loan company that is located in another state that seems to be typical of the times. The top third of this sheet of paper was designed as a check from this company in the amount of $42,800. Where they got that number I'll never know but printed across the middle of this fake check were the words 'This Is Not A Check.'

Being as perceptive as I am, of course I knew this was a direct mail appeal for me (and it was made out to me, not jointly) to take out a second mortgage on our home in the amount that I stated earlier. In the letter below this fake check, they stated that if I wanted to increase or decrease this amount, just call the agent listed below. They were also liberal enough to say that I could receive these funds even if our property had no equity and if my credit had suffered in the past. The one thing they failed to do, however, was state the rate of interest for the loan.

Now, I would like to turn my comments to a more serious note and talk with you about the massive number of appeals for easy credit and debt consolidation. There is not a week that goes by that I don't see from 10 to 15 advertisements for loans of this type, and all tied to a tangible assett...our home. There is one big catch in all of these advertisements however, and that is the money has to be paid back....plus interest.

Apparently there are millions of people who are taking out these 2nd mortgage or debt consolidation loans or these companies would not keep up this level of advertising. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying here. I certainly believe in advertising and I also believe in credit, if it's used wisely. The problem comes for individuals and families, who do not exercise good judgement and wind up losing their home a few months or years down the road, and that's my real concern.

The reason these types of loans are attractive is because of what easy credit has done to millions of credit card users over the past several years. When a person is 'maxed out' and their level of income is not sufficient to continue with their acquired life style, there are hard decisions that have to be made. Unfortunately, in many cases the decision is bankruptcy. For others, it's taking out a home equity loan which reduces the amount of their payments each month.

Before I share the real problem, I would like to say that I realize this is a free country and every responsible adult can make his or her own decisions. My purpose here is not to try to tell you or anyone else what you should do. I just wanted to share some insights that may be of value to you or someone who seeks your council about taking out a loan of this type. There is a real pitfall for this type of loan and I hope you will think seriously about what I am saying.

These loans may be good over the long haul only if the individual is willing to change his or her behavior and their spending habits. Otherwise, the home equity loan will serve as a false sense of security and the debt will continue to grow and there will be a time when it must be paid. Unfortunately, that sports star that has been hawking the loan is not going to help repay it. If a real emergency should arise, it could be "the straw that broke the camel's back." I care !! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 174 - HOW TO FLY OUR FLAG

No. 174

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO FLY OUR FLAG

The famous American, General Douglas MacArthur once said, "The American flag is the embodiment of our ideals and it teaches us not only how to live but how to die." The other day I got some correspondence in the mail from The Veterans Of Foreign Wars of The United States and it contained a little brochure titled, "HOW TO FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG." After reading it, I decided it was something I wanted to share with you in this column.

If you are someone who already knows the information it contains, please understand that I do not wish to insult your intelligence. After doing a little survey however, I find that most people do not know there is a right way and a wrong way to fly our nation's flag. I hope you will join me in helping to enlighten some of the citizens of this great country. Before sharing this information I want to go a step further. If you do not own a flag with a holding bracket or a flag and pole like we have, why not purchase one at your earliest convenience and display it at the appropiate times and in the proper way?

First, here are ten rules on how to properly fly the flag. No.1-The flag should be hoisted brinkly and lowered ceremoniously. No.2-The flag is never allowed to touch the ground or the floor. No.3-When hung over a sidewalk on a rope extending from a building to a pole, the union stars are always away from the building. No.4-When vertically hung over the center of the street, the flag always has the union stars to the North in an East/West street, and the to East in a North/South street. No.5-The flag of the United States Of America should be at the center and at the highest point of a group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. No.6-The flag should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds but always allowed to fall free. No.7-The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day then raised to the top of the staff. No.8-Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. No.9-The flag is never flown in inclement weather except when using an all-weather flag. No.10-The flag can be flown every day from sunrise to sunset and at night if illuminated properly.

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1st; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th; Washington's Birthday, 3rd Monday in February; Easter Sunday, variable; Mother's Day, 2nd Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, 3rd Saturday in May; Memorial Day, Last Monday in May (half staff until noon), Flag Day, June 14th; Independence Day, July 4th; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; Citizenship Day, September 17th; Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27th; Veterans Day, November 11th; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25th, and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of states (date of admission) and on state holidays.

And lastly, here is the Pledge Of Allegiance to our flag. When you pledge, please stand reverently, face the flag, remove your hat or cap, place your right hand over your heart and begin, "I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL." When it comes to patriotism and love for our country, this is something we have to teach, especially to our young people who have never fought a war to preserve our freedom. When the opportunity presents itself, why not talk with your children and grandchildren about why it is so important to respect and honor our Nation's Flag? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 175 - WHAT "IS" YOUR BAG?

No. 175

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT "IS" YOUR BAG?

There is an expression we hear quite often in our part of the country, and perhaps in yours as well, that goes, "That's not my bag". Most of us have said this at one time or another. I know from time to time I talk with someone about giving a speech and they respond, "That's not my bag." This expression would be apropos in many other activities as well. This simply means that whatever we do not like or want to do, for whatever the reason, "That's not my bag" would be fitting and appropiate.

The other day I was thinking about the fact that as unique human beings we have different interests, likes and dislikes and this to some degree determines how we spend our time, both leisure and in the persuit of our job or career. For example, it would be much more crowded than it already is if everyone liked to play golf, fish, bowl, fly an airplane, or a multitude of other things. Many of us have similiar interests but we are really and truly unique and thank God for that.

While the expression "That's not my bag" is negative and it does rule out for many of us the opportunity to learn and explore new and exciting things, it is however, more or less the norm. It's easier to think negative than positive and that's why on a percentage basis, so few people are truly successful. With these thouhts in mind I would like to go a step further and ask you this question, "What "is" your bag"? Have you ever thought about it in view of what I've been saying?

Along this line, something I heard a while back may be of value to you. We can acrosticize the word "bag" and take a personal inventory. The letter "B" stands for blessings. What are your blessings? If we would stop every once in a while and think of all the things we have to be thankful for, in the areas of personal, family, career, income and opportunity for service, we would face each new day with a much better attitude. As I've said before, on a human level, attitude is everything.

The next letter "A" stands for accomplishments. What have you accomplished so far? Can you look back over the years and pick out a number of things that you have accomplished that are a source of pride and personal satisfaction? The list could encompass such things as perfect attendence, awards, honors, offices or positions held, rearing successful children and other things that bring you joy and happiness. For each person this is different, but I know if you would give it some thought, there are many things you have accomplished during your life time.

The next letter "G" stands for goals. What are your goals, both short and long term? Do you have any? Are your goals written down on paper with a definite time limit? From my own experience, I can tell you the number one reason for boredom, and that is because most people don't have any goals. When you see and hear people who are down in the mouth, critical of everything and everybody, you can just bet they don't have any exciting goals they are working to achieve.

It's been said that a person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder. These people are tossed to and fro by every wind that comes along and they just drift through life without any real purpose. If you do not have any clearly defined goals, I hope you will think about what I have said in this light. To kinda sum it all up, here is that important question again, "What is your bag"? What are your blessings? Your accomplishments so far? Your goals? I believe you will agree, this is really something to think about. In the final analysis, the difference between success and failure is, to coin an athletic term, "taking care of business." As W. Clement Stone says, "DO IT NOW!!" (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 176 - ARE YOU "SEEDING" YOUR MIND?

No. 176

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU "SEEDING' YOUR MIND?

Each Spring for the past several years, my wife and I have planted and raised a small garden. We both enjoy the therapy and the fresh tomatoes, onions, radishes, beans, potatoes, squash, cucumbers and the other vegetables we grow are always delicious. We also enjoy having guests over for dinner and giving some of it away to family and friends. Along about the first of March, I begin to get the soil ready and the big debate begins. What are we going to plant and where? We usually compromise and do it her way. Other than the plants we buy, something that always comes up is the question about seed. Do we use some of the seed left over from the previous year or do we go to the store and buy fresh seed? I prefer fresh seed, using the logic that the cost is so small, compared to all the hard work I have to do to get the soil ready, to take a chance on not getting a good stand. Of course, to some degree each of these decisions are important if we are to maximize our potential for a good harvest.

At this point I would like to change gears a bit and use what I have just shared as an analogy to the human mind. Have you ever thought about the fact that a human mind must also be "seeded" if it is going to be productive and produce a good harvest, which is to say, to enable us to live a happy and successful life.

A while back I read a column where the writer was talking about the fact that "good ideas" are everywhere, and at the end of the column she encouraged her readers to send her column ideas by E-Mail. I know from my own experience of writing for over 20 years that my good ideas would dry up very quickly if I did not constantly "seed" my mind. I have a number of resources I use when I sit down to share with you and these include the World Book Of Facts, a book of quotable definations, a set of encyclopedias, my files and library, the Bible, a pink binder that contains several years of collecting quotes, concepts and humorous stories, my personal experiences and listening to and reading about interesting people. Really and truly great ideas are everywhere, if we will just take the time to look for them. In writing as in speaking, the key is to share our experiences in such a way that it will help other people to be happier and more successful.

To expand a bit on what I have just said, think about the person who works in a factory and punches a time clock. Once they punch in, usually this person will do some routine things over and over again. After the new wears off and this person has the routine down pat, there is little or no challenge to grow mentally unless he or she takes the initative to learn new things and expresses a desire to move up in the organization. A quick aside here. Most people want more money, but they do not want the increased responsiblity that comes with it and this can be very frustrating.

This same principle is true for every other person who is employed, and it doesn't matter whether they work in the public or private sector of our economy. To grow and succeed as a business owner, manager, employee or whatever our job description or title,

we must continually "seed" our mind with new and better ideas in these highly competitive times in which we live.

When I write each of these columns, I have a set of established criteria that I follow that I trust may give you some ideas. No.1-Must be national in scope. No.2-Positive & Upbeat. No.3-Personal benefits for my readers. No.4-Variety of topics that will meet a specific need in the lives of as many readers as possible. No.5-Have fun..light when appropiate. I just try to do each of these things to the best of my ability. I hope at every opportunity you will"seed your mind" with with good, positive information. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 177 - A CANCER IN OUR SOCIETY

No. 177

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CANCER IN OUR SOCIETY

This past week I sent a small contribution to the American Cancer Society in the hopes that, along with millions of others, it may help medical researchers find a cure for this dreaded disease. Regardless of the type or part of the human body it attacks, if left unchecked, it will continue to devour healthy cells until it squeezes the very life out of its victim.

Furthermore, it is no respector of persons and practically every family in our nation, regardless of status, has been affected in one way or another. With regards to cancer, we have all asked questions like, "Did they get it all?", "Is it in remission?", and "What is the prognosis?". Sadly, cancer is among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Unless your name is Rip Van Winkle, you also know there is another form of cancer in our society today that is equally, if not more dangerous to the health and well being of our nation. I'm referring to the breakdown of moral, ethical and spiritual values over the past several decades. If the erosion and decay of these important values is not checked and rebuilt, it will result in the downfall of the greatest nation in the history of civilization.

If you have read my column very often in the past, you know that I am an eternal optimist. I believe in success. I encourage individuals to reach for the stars, to use their God-given talents and abilities to serve others, and in return receive all the rewards, both tangible and intangible, that life has to offer. But you and I both know this is only possible if our nation remains free and the opportunities afforded by a free market economy are available to us in the near and distant future. Furthermore, we can't just assume that this will always be the case if we don't take care of what we have.

A while back I ran across a quotation by former President Harry S. Truman that pretty well sums up what I am saying, "Always tell people the truth. They can handle it." To be sure, we can handle the truth. It's the lies under oath, the bribes and kickbacks, the scandals, the pervasive and widespread cheating and the blatant, open immorality that we can't handle. When I say we, I'm talking about the millions of God fearing, honest, responsible and hard working American Citizens who love this country and want to perserve our way of life.

In the long run, the individuals involved in the activities I mentioned will ultimately pay a price for that they do, but in the meantime our standards are lowered and the unsuspecting are caught in the web of personal destruction before they truly understand the consequences of their actions. We must be reminded again and again that our leaders, whether political, business or others in high positions must be held to a higher standard than people in the general population. In time the example they set establishes the very basis for our culture. Contrary to what many people think, you don't raise morale in an organization, it filters down from the top. It's the same principle with leadership in our society and nation.

As I've said before, I don't get involved in partisian politics. Unfortunately, many people are so turned off by politics as usual that they don't even take the time to go and vote. Our system of government in our nation has served us well, but I have never been an active member of any political party. In every general election, I have always voted a split ticket, because I vote for the candidates who I feel are best qualified and who have America's best interest at heart. In the final analysis, we either will or will not stop the spread of this cancer in our society, but the stakes are high, especially for future generations. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 178 - THE OLD COUNTRY CHURCH

No. 178

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE OLD COUNTRY CHURCH

A while back my daughter gave me one of those not so small, refrigerator magnets that has a line drawing of an old antique automobile. It has the words "Dad Is A Classic" printed on it. There was a time in my life when I thought someone who was sixty years of age had one foot in the grave and the other one on a banana peeling. But now that I have reached that magic number, it's not so bad and I certainly don't feel old. In fact, mentally I feel better and fresher than anytime in my life.

One of the advantages that I have now that I didn't have when I was much younger is that I see things from a different perspective. I have lived long enough to not only see and experience some of our wonderful modern inventions like the television, jet airplanes, the cotton picker, computer, digital sound and the Internet, but I was also around when life was much simpler.

While it may be just wishful thinking, I would like for us to be able to hold on to the best of both worlds. Wouldn't it be great to have all the modern conveniences that we have today, like those in a modern kitchen for example, and not have the massive social and enviormental problems that were not so evident thirty to forty years ago? Again to place things in perspective, please consider this: since 1960 there has been a 560% increase in violent crime, more than a 400% increase in illegitimate births, a quadrupling in divorce rates, a tripling in the percentage of children living in single parent homes and a 200% increase in teenage suicides. This may be the reason there is a massive wave of nostalgia that sweeps over many of us from time to time.

Because I'm not dumb, I know it's impossible to live in the past, but we can hold on to some of the traditional values that have served to make our nation the greatest in the history of the world. There are many symbols of the past, but one that holds special meaning for me is "The Old Country Church." I grew up in a small town and was not around when it was most prominent, but I'm reminded of it's virtues each time I hear these words set to music, "Oh, I'd love to go back to that old country Church and to hear the songs of praise. How the people would sing..It would make the heavens ring, in that old country Church".

A few days ago I was reminiscing with a friend and we were trying to decide on an era or period of time in our nation's history when "The Old Country Church" played the most prominent and significent role in our culture. We finally settled on a time that was before the advent of television and maybe just prior to most people owning an automobile. From what I have read and seen on television, it was back in the days when a father would hitch up a team of horses or mules and the family would ride to Church in a wagon. There were few large buildings or meeting places in those days and the Church was more or less the center of the community.

When people went to Church on Sunday it was a all day affair; preaching, singing, dinner on the grounds and kids running everywhere. Many people were married in the Church and were usually buried in the nearby cemetery. During these hard times families prayed together and stayed together and the values that were taught, both in the Church and the home, made it possible for us to become a great nation. These were also the people who volunteered for military service and made it possible for our nation to win two world wars. In a very real sense, those of us living today owe our very freedom to these people. In case you didn't already know, or had never thought about what I've shared, the next time you hear the song, "The Old Country Church", I hope you will be reminded of what these good people have done for us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 179 - THINGS WE ALL WANT TO KNOW

No. 179

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THINGS WE ALL WANT TO KNOW

The well known speaker and author Dennis Waitley once said, "The mind has an amazing quality. It doesn't automatically gravitate toward truth, right, justice..the best. It gravitates toward what it is exposed to the most." When I first read this statement I said, "Eureka...I've found it!!" I finally realized how all the people I see and hear on talk shows can sit there and spout "untruths" and use them as the very basis for what or who they are promoting. It simply boils down to the fact that if we hear something long enough and often enough we will tend to believe it, even though it could be miles from the truth.

In relation to this, here is something that applies to me, you and every other person. If we are not building our lives on "truth" we are building on sand and sooner or later, the sand will be washed away. To me, this means we should always check our references or the foundation that is holding us up. Like the surveyor who must always find the pin or cornerstone, we cannot proceed with firm assurance until we know the right starting point, which for us is the truth. Personally, I believe the Bible is the source of all truth and I'm willing to base my future and my life on it. As I read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit teaches me Godly laws and principles that I can apply to any situation or set of circumstances.

Before I discuss two questions that we all want to know the answers to, I would like to say that I know I make mistakes. When I discover that I have made a mistake, I will do my best to correct it. I will also do my best to always tell you the truth and try to do it in a helpful sort of way. The two questions that I mentioned a moment ago are, "What's in it for me?" and "Is it worth it?" Now, collectively there are billions of things we want to know and questions we could ask, but when it comes to our basic human nature these two questions are near the top of the list.

Let's just take them in order. The question "What's in it for me?" is an expression of our legitimate self-interest. Each time we spend our money, render a service, give a gift, develop a skill or talent and every other human activity, this question comes into play. It's important to understand that what we receive in return does not have to be material, money or other tangible objects. It can be in the form of satisfaction, peace, joy, contentment and increased self-esteem.

The other question, "Is it worth it?", simply projects the other half of the equation. In order to get something we must always give up something in return. It may be our time, our money, our reputation, and many other possessions. A good example would be to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics. You know, or can visualize, I'm sure, what a person would have to give up in order to do this. In the beginning, of course, the question was, "Is it worth it?" Once the answer is yes, they are willing to commit all of their resources to make this dream or goal come true.

Hopefully, you are still with me because I want to bring what I have been saying into sharp focus, and share a thought that will enable you to achieve whatever you want out of life. Because of the wonderful LAW OF RECIPROCITY, we always get back from others what we first give. What I mean by that is that we have to serve "FIRST" and the rewards will come as a result. In view of this great law, instead of saying, "What's in it for me?" rather say, "What can I do for others?" and think about their needs. You will find, as I have, the more you do for others, with the right attitude and the right motive, the more God wll bless you. I can make you this promise. A life of serving others will give you more rewards than anything you could ever do. "It is worth it!!" (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 853 GET RID OF THE CLUTTER!

No. 853

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GET RID OF THE CLUTTER!

Do you know what happens when you point a finger at someone? If you will look closely you will see there are three pointing back at you. This is my way of saying that what I am going to share with you in this column will apply as much, or maybe more, to me than anyone else who will read it. I am going to talk with you about getting rid of the clutter in our lives, which will result in having more time to do those things that are more important, because time is one of the most important resources we have.
For me, the awareness of clutter has come about as I find myself battling the time factor due to my wife Viola’s Parkinson’s disease that she has had for the past 17 years. She is a real trooper, and a very strong woman, but the Parkinson’s is beginning to win, as we inevitably knew that it would. Several months ago she went to a local nursing home for physical therapy and it helped some, but soon we found ourselves back home. While I have a wonderful lady who helps care for her during the week, I am her primary care-giver. She is now in Hospice and we take life one day at a time and cherish each moment that we can share together.
The setting where I find myself, and I would not have it any other way, is more pressure on my time than I have ever had in my life. As a busy person with an active lifestyle, I was already committed to so many things that had to continue or I would let others down and I just did not want to do that. Of course, I have to continue to write this column or I am out of business. Our Bookcase for Every Child project has really taken off and we now have 10 projects going in five states, and this requires some of my time. We have a great project in our Lions Club that I am leading and it’s very important that it be successful. My fellow Lions are counting on me.
There are other pressures as well that I won’t take time to list here. Be that as it may, my wife is, and always has been, my first priority and I just try to keep the others going as best I can. Here is the “meat of the coconut” or the rest of the story. All of this means that I must be very efficient or it will swamp me. I pay our bills, buy all the groceries, do the cooking, run the dish washer and washing machine and run our home as best I can. Both of our freezers were full of things and the refrigerator had things in the back of some shelves that had not been cleaned out in months.
One of the first things I did was inventory all the food in the house and made up a chart with 16 different meals that I could prepare. This helped me make up a grocery list each week. I threw away everything that was no longer good, and went about eating or using everything that was good instead of buying more stuff to eat, when there was still plenty on hand. It took two to three weeks but I began to see progress and it was amazing how much better I could function without having to dig through all the clutter every week. In time, I am going through my closet and storage building to do the same thing. About 80 percent of my clothes and shoes I never wear, so I am going to give them to our church food pantry or some other agency where they can be put to good use.
Now, I realize the nature of this column has been personal and everyone’s situation is different, but I just wanted to share the benefits of what I have learned when my time really became a premium. What I learned is that when we don’t get bogged down with all the stuff and junk that serves no useful purpose, we are much better off to get rid of the clutter.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 854 A PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO YOU!

No. 854

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO YOU!

With your permission and hopefully your blessing, I would like to present a personal challenge to you. If you can read the following column without laughing out loud or at least cracking a smile, I will give you an autographed copy of my new book, the new and revised edition of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” However, I must limit this offer to the first 25 readers that I hear from, for obvious reasons. And you will be on your honor as to whether you laughed or smiled or not.
What follows is about a nun sitting at her desk grading papers from students in her class. These students were asked questions about the Old and New Testaments. The following 25 statements about the Bible were written by her students and they have not been retouched or corrected. Note that the incorrect spelling has been left in.
“No. 1 - In the first book of the Bible Guinessis. God got tired of creating the world so he took the Sabbath off. No. 2 - Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was Joan of Ark. Noah built the ark and the animals came on in pears. No. 3 - Lots wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night. No. 4 – The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic genitals. No. 5 – Sampson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah. No. 6 – Sampson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles. No. 7 – Moses led the Jews to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread without any ingredients. No. 8 – The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up to Mountcyanide to get the ten commandments.
No. 9 – The first commandments was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple. No. 10 – The seventh commandment is thou shall not admit adultery. No. 11 – Moses died before he ever reached Canada then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of geritol. No. 12 – The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him. No. 13 – David was a Hebrew king who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. No. 14 – Solomon, one of Davids sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines. No. 15 – When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.
No. 16 – When the three wise guys from the East side arrived they found Jesus in the manager. No. 17 – Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption. No. 18 – St. John the blacksmith dumped water on his head. No. 19 – Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says to do unto others before they do one to you. He also explained that man doth not live by sweat alone. No. 20 – It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance. No. 21 – The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.
No.22 – The epistels were the wives of the apostles. No. 23 – One of the oppossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan. No. 24 – St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. No. 25 – Christians only have one spouse. This is called monotony.”
Now, if you did not laugh or smile, let me know, and I will send you an autographed copy of my book. When you meet someone who has no smile, give them one of yours, because no one needs a smile as much, as those who have none left to give.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 857 IT'S TRUE - KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

No. 857

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S TRUE – KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

The word passion is one that we hear quite often in our English language. It means, “Any intense, extreme, or over-powering emotion,” according to my trusty dictionary. As it relates to people, you show me a person who has a passion about something truly worthwhile, and I will show you a person who will get more done and often excel in the process. Such is the case for a group of male African-American students at Rivercrest High School in Wilson, Ark. These students became known as the Gentlemen of Knowledge, and there is a story behind this distinction that I want to tell you about it in this column.
Let me say up front that the information I am about to share will help minority students, especially African-American, all across our country. So tune me in, as it affects you whether you realize it or not. I will tell you how before I finish. This story begins at the end of the 2010 school year when the end-of-course literacy exam revealed that African-American juniors scored 31 percent and their white counterparts scored 64 percent. These scores are typical in many school districts across the nation. This was unacceptable to a teacher and an assistant principal, both white.
They decided to try a novel approach, asking the students, grade by grade, for their help in bridging the gap in test scores. All African-American students were interviewed in small groups. They were asked what the school district could do differently to make a difference. Educators wanted to know how to better reach members of this population, and it did happen. Just as important, a group of African-American male students were offended that minority students were falling behind their white peers, formed the Gentlemen of Knowledge to hold each other accountable, and to serve as examples for their fellow students of all races.
In one year, African-American scores on that end-of-course literacy exam rose 17 percentage points to 48 percent scoring proficiency. Educators expect more improvement in the current year. As a result of their success, the Gentlemen of Knowledge are making a name for themselves, and other school districts are following suit. They have even presented a session before 700 members of the Arkansas School Boards Association who were ready to carry them out on their shoulders after it was over. Meanwhile, the Gentlemen are solidifying and expanding their mission. They also started a service project to collect used shoes to benefit children in Kenya.
Membership requirements have been created that include a minimum 2.5 grade-point average, good behavior and demonstrated leadership. Here is what senior Terrian Tyler told the school boards association: “You pay more attention to what you do because you don’t want to get kicked out of the Gentlemen of Knowledge. I mean, this is where the cool kids are.” What is really exciting is that now a number of white students want to be in the group, and a group for young ladies is also being formed.
I am indebted to my friend, and fellow columnist, Steve Brawner, who has written two columns on this subject and for giving me permission to share portions with you. I mentioned earlier that I would tell you how this would help you. When minority students do well, they stay in school, and many go on to college and get a degree. They pay taxes and become successful, productive citizens. It’s true – Knowledge is Power. I don’t have to tell you what happens to many of them without an education, and we all pay the bill.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 858 AN ALPHABET OF CHILD-REARING IDEAS!

No. 858
The Next Password is Egg

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ALPHABET OF CHILD-REARING IDEAS!

If you are a parent and have children, young or old, are you happy with your parenting skills? While a very simple question, it strikes at the very heart of why so many of America’s children get in trouble, feel insecure, and often run with the wrong crowd, which leads to some very serious consequences down the road. It is safe to say that most parents love their children and want the very best for them but simply lack the parenting skills necessary to create the kind of environment where their children turn out to be model citizens and all that entails.
Along these lines, a Kansas reader sent me column reprint by the late Ann Landers that features an alphabet of child-rearing ideas. While it was written many years ago, attribution is given to Jo Frisbie Von Rachl in Pasadena (I assume California.) If she were still here, I am sure Ann Landers or the original author would not mind if I shared these ideas with you.
It begins: A is for Accountability. Hold your children accountable for their behavior. B is for Boundaries. Set specific limits and make clear the repercussions if these limits are exceeded. C is for Consistency. Hold to the same principles and practices.
D is for Discipline. Make the punishment fit the crime. Never discipline in anger. E is for Example. Children are in greater need for models than critics. Set a good example. F is for Forgiveness. Practice it and teach the importance of forgiving. G is for Giving. Teach the joy of giving, not only to family and friends, but to strangers in need. H is for a sense of Humor. Keep your sense of humor. Promote laughter with your children. I is for Imagination. Be creative, and play with your children. Make up stories or songs when you read and sing with them. J is for Justice. Be fair, and insist that they be fair, also.
K is for Knowing your children’s friends and their parents as well as their teachers. L is for Listening. Listen to your children. It will teach them how to listen to others, and their thoughts will give you insights. M is for Morals. Be sure your own standard of conduct is sound. N is for No. Use it and mean it. O is for Outdoors. Provide as much outdoor activity as possible. Teach respect for others. P is for Pressure. Reduce the pressure on your children, but insist they maintain high standards. Q is for Questions. Pay close attention to their questions, and give answers unless they demand more. R is for Respect. Show respect, teach respect and earn respect.
S is for Source of Strength. Share your own faith or beliefs with your children. T is for Togetherness. Have special designated times to be together as a family – but know when to let go, too. U is for Uniqueness. Understand the uniqueness of each child, and let that child be who he or she is. V is for Voice. Tone of voice can convey more to a child than the words spoken. W is for Words. Keep your word. Promises broken destroy trust. X is for Examine. Examine constantly and be aware. You is for You. Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. A happy parent helps a child to be happy. Z is for Zowie. Who would have thought they would grow up so quickly?
Well, there you have it, An Alphabet of Child-Rearing Ideas. No doubt about it, there is some great information here for any of us parents, grandparents or guardians who will use them. You may have thought about Love and Honesty being in the list but it was assumed these were already in place. I want to end this column with my very best wishes and words that I believe are most appropriate; “when your children shine, what a nice reflection on you.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The Next Password is Egg

No. 852 A UNIQUE GIFT-GIVING IDEA!

No. 852

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A UNIQUE GIFT-GIVING IDEA!

When you buy Christmas gifts, or gifts for other special occasions, do you ever get sick and tired of seeing labels that say “made in China” or some other foreign country? If you do, you are not alone, and some creative person came up with a unique solution to this dilemma that will benefit a lot of your fellow citizens and may even save you some money. As you may know, for the past several years our trade deficit has been growing, which is to say we have been importing a lot more goods from other countries than we have been exporting. This means that their economies are helped while ours suffers. The result is a lower standard of living for American citizens.
I am indebted to a loyal reader, Holly Baxter, who lives in Forrest City, Ark., and who shared this idea. She reads my column in the Times-Herald, where it has run since August 1996. Here is the gist of the idea. Instead of buying foreign-made products, Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. Rather than complaining that there is nothing to be found that is produced by American hands, you can find out that, yes, there is. And after reading this, I believe you will agree. It is time to think outside the box, and instead of buying a gift that needs to fit in a shirt box with Chinese-produced wrapping paper, consider these alternatives.
How about buying that special person a gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who would not appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down a pile of George Washingtons on a Chinese-made flat screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like to have his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at a local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants all offering gift certificates, and if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember, this is not about big national chains. This is about supporting your home-town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? How about a heart-felt gift for mom? Mom would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
There is no limit to the number of things we can do for other people, and because most gifts of this nature are out of the ordinary, you will be a hit because you were so thoughtful. While I am sure you have gotten the idea a long time ago, I’ll give you just a few more, as one or two may be something you have not thought about before. Let’s say you are looking for something a little more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love, too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Well, I am about out of space, but I believe you will agree that this is really thinking outside the box and I am grateful that Holly cared enough to pass it along.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 855 THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH!

No. 855

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH!

As I begin to share my thoughts with you, I have an honest confession to make. Today I am going to write the kind of column that I don’t like to write, but someone, hopefully thousands of people, will speak up about the many abuses that are taking place in country.
A few weeks ago I got a beautiful full-color piece in the mail (snail-mail) that had this heading: “No Payment Ever.” Below the heading were the following words: FREE Camera Phone – FREE Monthly Minutes. Then further down on the piece were these sentences, each with a red arrow in the check box beside them: FREE Camera Phone – FREE Monthly Minutes – No Contract – FREE Enrollment - No I.D. Required – No Problem.
How is that for getting something for nothing? It reminded me of the story of the company CEO who wanted to make his organization more efficient, so he hired a consulting firm with a stable of efficiency experts. He gave them the challenge to do an assessment of his entire operation and come back with ways to save his company money and run more efficiently. After about six weeks they came back with a report that contained more than 1,000 pages. The CEO looked at the report and said, “This is far too detailed, can you condense it down a bit?” So, they went away and came back a month later with a 500-page report.
Again, the CEO looked at the second report and said, “Still too much detail. Can you condense it still further?” In about a week they came back with one simple sentence. It read, “There is NO Free Lunch.” I probably don’t have to tell you that every business person in the private sector knows what this means. In addition to providing a useful product or service, every business is in existence to earn a profit. Profit is where every expense and all future potential growth comes from, and without it there is no future for the company.
For the uninitiated, here is how it works. A business sells its products and services to earn a profit. At the end of each accounting period, the business totals up its total sales and subtracts all of its expenses, including taxes, salaries, rent, utilities, insurance, advertising and all other expenses which is called overhead, and this leaves a net profit. Every business person understands that without profits, there is no future for the company. Again, they all understand there is no “FREE LUNCH” as someone has to pay for it.
Now, back to the beautiful brochure I received in the mail with all the offers of “FREE” printed all over it. Since someone has to pay, who do you think this is? I will give you the answer in a moment. For several months I had been hearing about people getting “FREE” phones, and this is what this unsolicited mailing piece was advocating. When I checked it out, I found that it is a government program offering anyone a free camera phone who is getting any form of government help such as Medicaid, food stamps, SSI, National School Lunch Program and Section 8 Housing. In short, the American taxpayers are paying for “FREE” phones for poor people, and again that’s not a regular cell phone but a camera phone.
Sadly, our government is now borrowing 40 percent of all the money it spends and we are more than $16 trillion in debt. Here are two statements that really sum it up. “The government’s food stamp program is pleased to report they are distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.” Meanwhile, the National Park Service warms, “Do not feed the animals.” They are concerned the animals will grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 856 THE POWER OF WORDS!

No. 856

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF WORDS!

It has been said that we should keep our words soft and sweet because we never know which ones we will have to eat. To be sure, words are powerful. They can lift the spirits of a downcast human being to the heights of the tallest mountain, or they can crush the very life out of a person, much like a smoker who drops a cigarette butt to the pavement and extinguishes it with his heel. What brought these thoughts to mind was a short one-minute video clip a friend sent me in an e-mail a few days ago.
It began with a blind man sitting on the bottom step of a large building on the sidewalk of a very busy street. He had a soft blanket in front of him with a tin cup and a hand-lettered sign that read, “I am blind. Can you help me?” As the throng of people passed by, occasionally someone would throw a coin or two at the cup, usually missing, but landing on the soft blanket, whereupon the blind man would move his hand across the blanket slowly until he found it, and he would then place it in the cup.
Shortly, a well dressed lady stopped in front of him. As she stood there for a moment, he touched her shoes to identify her, and she then took his hand-lettered sign and moved on, without placing any money in his cup. She returned shortly with the sign and placed it where it had formerly been. She had taken his sign and changed the wording. Now, as people passed by, many would place numerous coins in his cup or on the blanket near him where they were easy to find. Soon, she came back and once more stood in front of him. He reached out and touched her shoes again and recognized her as the same person who had been there before.
The blind man said, “What does my sign say now?” She said, “It’s a beautiful day but I can’t see it.” Yes, words are powerful, and as this simple illustration points out, they can make all the difference in the world. Since I am a member of our local Lions Club, a part of the 44,000 clubs in more than 200 countries in Lions International, I would be remiss if I did not stress the importance of helping the blind, which is our primary objective. Like the poor blind man in the video clip, we also raise money to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
In February 2012, we had a great fundraiser that is worthy to tell you about. In your community, assuming you have service organizations, you may want to do something similar. We recruited two legendary coaches and a former member of the Arkansas Razorback basketball team to coach our local team called the Toad Suck Lions. Our Lions team was made up of former players -- including three All-Americans -- to play the internationally famous Harlem Ambassadors in a benefit basketball game. The game was played at the Hendrix College Wellness Center, a $20 million facility. We had a great time for a great cause.
For my local readers, we hope to make this an annual event, and I want to encourage everyone in our community to attend future games and get involved to help the blind and visually impaired. When I thought about that poor blind man sitting on a step begging, I was reminded of a great organization we support called World Services for the Blind. This facility is located in Little Rock, Ark., and people come to WSB from all across the United States and several foreign countries to receive training to get and hold a job. WSB also helps to place those they have trained in gainful employment.
This is God’s work as He tells us to help the blind, the widows and the orphans.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 833 THE EVILS OF CRONYISM

No. 833

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE EVILS OF CRONYISM

As I thought about what I wanted to share with you today, I felt like the mosquito that flew over a fence and unexpectedly found himself right in the middle of a nudist colony … I don’t know where to begin. This is because the topic is so broad and expansive that it would take volumes, and not just a single column, to do it justice.
For lack of a better title, I want to talk about The Evils of Cronyism. If you are not familiar with the word cronyism, it means partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. Hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy. Cronyism exists where the appointer and the beneficiary are in social contact; often, the appointer is inadequate to hold his or her own job or position of authority and for this reason the appointer appoints individuals who will not try to weaken him or her, or express views contrary to those of the appointer. Politically, “cronyism” is derogatorily used.
Now, what I have just shared came right out of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. At this point, let’s look at some examples of cronyism that are taking place as this is one of the many reasons our Congress has approval ratings that have fallen to single digits in the eyes of the American people. I might add that cronyism is not just in government circles but also takes place in the private sector. However, it is far more egregious in the public sector because most often it involves our tax money. The economic and social costs of cronyism are paid by society, which means all of us, and that includes you and me.
Before I share some examples of cronyism from the public sector, it should be noted that this is not a partisan issue, as Democrats and Republicans alike are guilty. Going back a ways in history, here is one for the books. The Warren Harding administration has become a schoolbook case of cronyism. Harding appointed his old college friends as members of his cabinet, resulting in several scandals. The term “Harding Cabinet” has become synonymous for rotten and corrupt administration. Another example is when former U.S. President George W. Bush was accused of cronyism after the nomination of Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. Miers had no previous judicial experience and demonstrated little knowledge of constitutional law, and her selection was soundly rejected by many conservatives and liberals.
Another more recent example is a private park in New York City that the Wall Street protestors were “occupying” that is not owned by the city. Zucotti Park is owned by Brookfield Properties, which recently hired Vice President Joe Biden’s son as an attorney and Mayor Bloomberg’s live-in girlfriend sits on the board. Both are getting paid big money. Here is the link that makes it cronyism. Brookfield Properties received some of the last of the Obama Stimulus money, which is our tax money, pure and simple.
When you think about the thousands and thousands of lobbyists in our nation’s capital who become “cronies” with members of Congress, the insider deals they make, and what it is costing the American taxpayer, you can see the evil of it. To have good government, we must have transparency, often promised but seldom received. As voters, we must hold all those elected to office to a higher standard. “We The People” must take our nation back and vote people out of office when they are guilty of “cronyism,” as this will send a powerful message. It has always been true: “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 834 COOKING: A LOST ART!

No. 834

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COOKING: A LOST ART!

My friend Milton Davis is a cartoonist featured each day in our local newspaper, as well as a number of others around the state. As it relates to my topic today, which is cooking, he had a cartoon awhile back that really hit the nail on the head. He has one of his fictional characters say, “My wife and I split the duties on cooking -- she calls it in and I go and pick it up.” There will be many in the younger generation who won’t know what I am talking about, but there was a day in our country when people, mostly women, actually cooked and prepared all of their meals in the home. However, today you have to hurry to get in the take-out line at McDonalds in order to make it back to work on time.
There are still many in our country today who long for the good old days and to have good, nutritious, home-cooked meals. In this respect, I have been tremendously blessed ever since I married my wife Viola, as she is an excellent cook. This reminds me of a day when I put my foot in my mouth. Soon after we married, we were attending a family reunion with mounds of food on picnic tables. I made the comment that Viola was the best cook I have ever known. Then I looked around and there sat my grandmother and my mother, who had fed me for all those years as I was growing up. I tried to salvage the moment by saying that what I meant is that she knew how to cook “fancy” dishes. But too late! Several months ago, as her Parkinson’s began to take an even bigger toll, I found myself having to buy the groceries and do the cooking, if I didn’t go and pick something up.
It was during these past few months that I have developed an even greater appreciation for the art of cooking, and if you are a veteran cook or even a beginner, I have an excellent resource for your consideration. I have a friend of several years by the name of Janis Mack, and she and her husband Ralph formerly owned a group of specialty shops, that included a good restaurant at Pickles Gap Village. This restaurant also included a fudge factory. It was hard to get out without having a sample.
In addition to being a fabulous cook, Janis is also a talented writer and has written four cookbooks, all with great recipes. Her favorite is titled, “All Day Singin’ and Dinner on The Ground.” This book also includes many memories of yester-year. At this point I would like to separate the wheat from the chaff. You will find many cookbooks around but not many that have good recipes plus the memories, photos, quotes and poems -- and the singing was special, too.
These were the times that many have called America’s greatest days. I make this statement based on the fact that people who lived back in these times reared a high percentage of the young men and women who went to war to preserve our nation’s freedom. Manners were still in vogue, along with being married before you lived together. Faith, family and country really meant something. Apart from the nostalgia and sentimental part of the book, you will find one great recipe after another that will make your mouth water.
A few of the offerings include: Pickled Okra, “Edna’s Sausage Cheese Dip”, Cranberry Punch, Strawberry Bread, Jan’s Fresh Apple Cake, Cowboy Cookies, Melt in your Mouth Chicken Pie, Tenderloin Deer Steak, Pinto Bean Pie and Hash Brown Potato Casserole. And that’s just scratching the surface. Janis still has a few of these cookbooks on hand. If you are interested, good cook or beginner, contact Janis Mack, 8 Southshore Lane, Conway, AR 72032.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 835 A GREAT LITERACY IDEA!

chilNo. 835

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT LITERACY IDEA!
When it comes to education in America over the past several decades, in many ways, we have had the tail wagging the dog, which is to say we have put more emphasis on athletics than academics. We have some notable exceptions, but by and large this is the case, as you will find community after community able to find money to build a new athletic facility but unable to find money to make the library and the curriculum what it should be. The ironic thing about this statement is that we can all be winners both in the classroom and the various venues of athletic competition, if the focus and emphasis is placed on the right things.
I want to give you just one small example of what I am saying by telling you about Greenbrier, Arkansas, a great community about 10 miles north of where I live. This community of a little more than 4,000 people is very progressive, has good schools, and this past year had an outstanding football team. Several months ago, Marilyn Battles, president of First Service Bank, decided that Greenbrier would be well served if they had a Bookcase for Every Child project, to give quality, personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to some deserving, but needy, children in their area. With little fanfare, she began to talk with her fellow citizens, and many got on board to launch their very own bookcase project. It is patterned and developed along the lines of our copyrighted project started here in Conway back in 2005.
In a short period of time they had a great group of local leaders committed to serve on their Greenbrier Bookcase Project Committee. After a couple of meetings, and countless e-mails, they set the date for their first Bookcase Literacy Banquet. They also had Rick Whitley, former elementary principal, and his son Matt, committed to build the bookcases. The first thing the committee did was have a local book drive, and decorated boxes were placed around the community so local people could donate gently used or new pre-school children’s books to the project. They did a great job, had plenty of donated books, had a fantastic banquet and were on their way to having a very successful project.
Now, here is where they took our basic Conway ideas and improved on them to the point that I am calling it, “A Great Literacy Idea.” At this point in the season, their football team was undefeated (6-0) and one of the teachers suggested that members of the team read to the children in the lower elementary grades the day of the game. Later that evening at their tailgate party, which most schools have, they advertised free food for anyone who would bring a children’s book as their contribution for the food. That one night they received more than 2,000 books for the project, enough to last for several years as “starter sets” for the bookcases. Many children in disadvantaged homes do not have any books, but one of the greatest benefits is awareness for the project. Greenbrier does not have a local newspaper to generate the level of publicity necessary for success. Now, everyone knows about the project.
It’s true that academics and athletics can go hand in hand, but when academics is not your top priority, everyone is the loser. A student athlete or cheerleader can be all-American or all-everything, but if they never learn to read well and speak well, they will leave school or college behind and face a future that is not nearly as bright as it could have been with a town and school that has its priorities in the right order. Why not start an all-volunteer bookcase project in your community?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helpind.)

NO 836 HOW AMERICAN'S GET AHEAD!

No. 836

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW AMERICANS GET AHEAD!
Do you know how most people who start with virtually nothing get ahead financially in this country? Some time back I received an e-mail that will give you some insights. It begins, “To All My Valued Employees” and comes from a man by the name of Michael A. Crowley, PE.
I cannot verify the accuracy of this story but I can verify the truth of the principles it contains and the reason most of our nation’s wealth winds up in the hands of just a small percentage of our total population. This is the primary reason I wanted to share it with you.
He begins by saying, “Sure, you see my Mercedes outside. You’ve seen my big home at last year’s Christmas party. I’m sure all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don’t see is the back story. I started this company 12 years ago. At that time I lived in a 300-square-foot studio apartment for that years. My entire living space was converted into an office so I could put 100 percent effort into building a company, which by the way would eventually employ you.
“My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty foreign car with a defective transmission. I didn’t have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business – hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom’s for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn’t look like it was birthed in the 70s.” My comment here -- while there are other ways, this is how most Americans get ahead financially, and while we may not want to make the sacrifices, the opportunity sign is still out.
At this point, Michael A. Crowley makes some additional comments, again talking with his employees. “You, of course, only see the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations. You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I’ve made. Now the economy is falling apart and I, the guy who made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail out all the people who didn’t. I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don’t pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes and payroll taxes, plus countless others. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then, guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it now occupy most of my time. On Oct. 15, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my ‘stimulus’ check was? Zero!”
Here is what we all need to consider. Who is stimulating the economy? This company owner, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves more than 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business, or the single mother sitting at home pregnant, with her fourth child, waiting for her next welfare check? Now, I will be the first to say there are all kinds of injustices and corporate greed in our nation, but the fact remains, the people with wealth provide jobs. I have never heard of a poor person providing someone else with a job, have you?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 837 A PROGRAM OF HOPE!

NO. 837

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PROGRAM OF HOPE!
By nature, I am just naturally an optimistic person. However, I am not quite as optimistic as the old boy who went down to the courthouse to see if his marriage license had expired. There is another word in our English language that can be used interchangeably with optimism, and that word is hope. To be sure, we all need hope and in the right things -- a better job, better income, better health, better marriage, better future and a better life, just to name a few. However, in these stressful times with millions of people out of a job and most of them in debt, we all need to be constantly reminded of our self-worth as a person and the fact that learning and applying the right principles can indeed lead to a better life.
We have a unique ministry here in our community that is doing this for countless individuals and families who are down on their luck for any number of reasons. This ministry is called Bethlehem House, which, according to the director Judi Lively, encourages, equips and motivates homeless individuals and families to change their lives and their situations. Judi is quoted as saying, “I like to summarize that what we do is help people who want to change their lives, and we focus on equipping them to do so.”
Now, please allow me to pause here and make an important comment or two. If you live in another community where you read my column each week, the principles and strategy this ministry employs will help any person who may be down on their luck to achieve greater success and happiness. This is why I have titled the column “A Program of Hope.”
Please read and ponder the following information and you will see a program that has been developed over time, with trial and error, that can even be lifesaving for many people. Here are some of the reasons why their program works. First, they have the discipline built in the program that is lacking in many homeless and hurting peoples’ lives that has led to their present condition. The program requires drug and alcohol testing, and if a person fails these tests they are unable to stay. Those who do stay have to get jobs, and 50 percent of their money goes into a savings account that Bethlehem House manages and is used to pay off bills, fines, child support, or any accounts they may have in arrears. Their goal is to get residents into zero debt and for them to save money. Bethlehem House residents pay 20 percent back into the house. “That really is a discipline. We all have rent or mortgages to pay, and our residents have to do that, too. It also gives them some buy-in to the program,” states Judi.
Completion of a money management course is also a residency requirement. Habitants who may have addiction issues must attend a 12-step program, and those who have mental health issues must be stabilized. Bethlehem House has two dedicated case managers who work with the residents. “They work with their case manager to develop individual goals. These goals can be anything from reestablishing a relationship with a family member to getting back into church to getting out of debt or buying a car. The goals are their choice and their case manager holds them accountable. In fact, a case manager goes through their goals each week to check their progress,” says Judi.
That’s the end of what I wanted to share. Please note that most of this information came from a magazine called Women’s Inc., published each month by our local newspaper. Our community really supports this ministry and they have plans to build a larger facility to do more. Every community needs a program like Bethlehem House.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child!

NO. 838 PUT HER IN CHARGE!

No. 838

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PUT HER IN CHARGE!
In these days of our nation’s downturn, it is thrilling and encouraging to read about someone who really gets it, especially if they are a member of the younger generation.
Such was the case in a terrific article a friend sent me a while back that was written by a 21-year-old female and appeared in the Waco (Texas) Tribune Herald on Nov. 18, 2010. This young person was worried about her future, and the following is her opinion and how she feels about the social welfare big government that she is being forced to live in! In her opinion, the following solutions are just common sense.
She begins by saying, “PUT ME IN CHARGE of food stamps. I’d get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho’s, just money for 50 pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.
“Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I’d do is get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we’ll test recipients for drugs, alcohol and nicotine and document all tattoos and piercings. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, smoke, or get tats and piercings, then get a job. Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your ‘home’ will be subject to inspections any time and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and own your own place. In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a ‘government’ job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22-inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the common good.
“Before you write that I’ve violated someone’s rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules. Before you say this would be
‘demeaning’ and ruin their ‘self esteem,’ consider that it was not that long ago that taking someone else’s money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem. If we are expected to pay for other people’s mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices. AND -- while you are on Government subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes, that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Government welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job.”
That is the end of the article and, as I said in the beginning, it is rewarding to see someone from the younger generation who truly understands that it is their future that our government is hocking, as well as generations yet unborn. I would hope that everyone in the younger generation would come to the same conclusion. While not quite as radical, I share many of the same views but would be careful not to paint with a broad brush. There are millions of people in our country who would like to have a job and take care of their own needs and the needs of their family, but unfortunately there are millions of others who would not hit a lick at a snake if given the opportunity. One of the main problems, and the reason our nation has a $13 trillion-plus debt, is that we have set the safety net bar too high. When you can get just as much from the government, and not work, as you do working, you create dependency.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 839 EVERYONE HAS A STORY!

No. 839

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERYONE HAS A STORY!

Several years ago one of the network television stations in nearby Little Rock had a weekly feature called, “Everyone Has a Story.” The on-air reporter had a unique way of selecting those she featured in the following week’s program. The station had a large map of Arkansas affixed to one of the walls in the studio, and this female reporter would face in the opposite direction, take a dart and throw it back over her shoulder. The city or town where it landed is where she would travel to select someone to interview for the following week. It was a neat idea and a lot of interesting stories came as a result.
Since we all have a story, this begs the question: what is the story of your life up to this point in time? Are you happy with the way it has been unfolding? If not, I want to offer you a word of encouragement. It is seldom too late to improve, make amends or change direction. We only have one life to live, and it’s important to make the most of it while we are here. Every person has a story, especially those who live long enough to make choices that affect his or her environment, and there have been billions of people in this planet since time began. As I thought about this, I realized that most of us would fit into one of the following categories.
Obviously, I must be concise here because of space limitations, but I want to invite you to think about people who come to mind, in addition to the examples I give. There are people in our world and nation we could call --
1. Traitors: The most famous of all in American history is Benedict Arnold. Then there is Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, along with Aldrich Ames and several others. What other names come to your mind that could be called traitors?
2. Patriots: The number here is endless, but George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Audie Murphy, Dwight Eisenhower and General Douglas McArthur are my choices.
3. Villains: Charles Manson, Adolph Hitler, Ted Bundy, Pol Pot and Benito Mussolini come to mind.
4. Legends: Babe Ruth, Martin Luther King Jr., Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, George Washington Carver, Benjamin Franklin are names right off the top of my head. It would take volumes to include all the legends, past and present, who have made a real difference.
5. Heroes: Members of our nation’s Armed Forces (past and present), policemen and women, firefighters, all those who risk their lives to save others who are in peril.
6. Public Servants: Those who run for public office, federal, state and local, and those who are employed by various agencies of our government. (Sometimes we forget about all the good people who sacrifice to make life better for the rest of us.)
7. Your Average Joe: Of course, everything is relative, but this is the category where most of us can be found. We just have a job, pay taxes and obey the law. But as producers and consumers, we are also the backbone of our nation’s economy.
While there are exceptions, the vast majority of people can be found in one of the aforementioned categories. What is truly exciting is that God created each of us as unique, one-of-a-kind human beings, with no one on earth exactly like us. When we reach the age of accountability, we have the opportunity to write the story of our own life. Why not make it a masterpiece?
One story I forgot to mention. The greatest story of all is about the life of a Jewish carpenter, who would change the world forever. His name is Jesus.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 840 A CHALLENGE TO BECOME A ROLE MODEL!

No. 840

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CHALLENGE TO BECOME A ROLE MODEL!

The American Gen. Arthur G. Trudeau once said, “Character is the total of thousands of small daily strivings to live up to the best that is in us … the final decision to reject what is demeaning to oneself or to others and with confidence and honesty to choose the right.”
Contrary to what some would have us believe, character does still matter. In these days when it seems the whole world is going to hell in a hand basket, it is more vital than ever for those of us who understand this truth to have a speaking part in the play.
If you are a faithful reader, you know that I have never claimed to be perfect, but rather just a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace. If you will really tune me in, I have some thoughts to share that could make a real difference in the lives of countless people in the coming months and years.
I would like to issue a challenge to everyone that will read this column to become a role model, if you are not already one. This is to say an example that others can look up to and have a desire to pattern their lives after. We can begin with the simple premise that a better world begins with you and me. We should also understand that we don’t have to tear others down to build ourselves up.
In case you are not sure, or do not fully understand what I am talking about, a role model is a person others look up to. The key word here is “up,” as we are talking about winners in the game of life and not losers. It is also important to understand that, regardless of our mistakes and sins of the past, we can make a fresh start in the confidence that over time we can make a real difference. Let’s face it, we can’t do anything about the past -- it is gone forever. However, we can try to make amends to those we may have wronged in some way. If you owe them money, pay it back. If you have offended someone, say, “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?”
At this point I would like to list a few qualities that a role model should have at the very core of their lives. What I am talking about applies to both men and women. It’s a proven fact that the people who have had the most influence on our lives are our parents. I am truly amazed at the vast numbers of parents who cannot figure out why their children later get in trouble and do not turn out to be productive and successful human beings. The fruit does not fall far from the tree.
To be a good role model, consider these qualities.1. Honesty: to be honest with others we must first be honest with ourselves. Are you basically an honest person? 2. Truthful: When we don’t tell the truth, we are building our lives on sand, and it will not stand. 3. Responsible: What we should understand is there is no free lunch. Someone must pick up the check and winners and role models pick it up more than their share. 4. Kindness: Every good role model has a spirit of kindness as they are grateful for what others have done for them. 5. Compassion: We should have compassion for others when they are hurting, and this includes animals. We may need to give some people a hand-out before we can give them a hand-up. 6. Consistent: Without fanfare, be fair and consistent in our dealings with others. Most of us dislike a wishy-washy person who cannot make up their mind. 7. Be a Hard Worker: It is easier for most of us to out-work people that to out-smart them. 8. High Moral and Ethical Standards: It is our dealings and what others see in our lives that help them decide if we are a role model they can look up to and follow.
I believe you’ll agree that good role models possess these qualities. How do you stack up?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 841 THE REAL WORLD KEEPS SCORE!

No. 841

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE REAL WORLD KEEPS SCORE

Literacy is perhaps our most critical skill. It can mean the difference between a life well lived and a life of hardship. Unfortunately, more than 93 million Americans read at or below a basic level -- with 30,000 in Central Arkansas alone struggling with the burden of illiteracy every day.
These words were taken from a brochure I picked up recently when Kelly Bullington, local representative for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, spoke to our Lions Club. Kelly, a graduate of the University of Kansas, was articulate and very knowledgeable, but the thing that stood out the most for me was the obvious passion she had for her work and helping illiterate adults learn to read. That’s what I like to see. If a person is not passionate about what they do, how can they expect others to help or support them, which was the primary reason she was there.
As founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project, it was only natural that I would have a sincere interest in the work she is doing. We chatted after the meeting and both agreed it would be great if our bookcase project could put them out of business. We both know this will never happen. There were a couple of items in her handout literature that I consider as crucial to a child’s future success, and I would like to pass along that information.
First, a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors such as neighborhood and family income (U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, 2010). Second, children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score 10 points higher on standardized tests (National Center for Family Literacy, 2006).
Over the past several weeks, I have been thinking about writing a column with the theme, ‘The real world keeps score.” Kelly’s talk really reinforced just how true this is. While there are many reasons why we have 93 million adults in America today who read below a basic level, this number would be much lower had literacy been a top priority in the homes of these adults back when they were children. We have millions of children in America today who don’t like to read and, as a result, don’t read well. Sadly, many will wind up as a statistic, and someone who missed out on most of the great opportunities that come their way.
What I am going to say next is not meant to be a panacea, but there is a question that millions of children never ask themselves when they are involved in countless activities they are passionate about. I have two beautiful granddaughters. One is a beauty queen, having been in the Miss Arkansas Pageant this past year, and the other is very popular and a fantastic dancer, and it would seem that she has a bright future. Because they are still both very young, only time will reveal how successful they become in the real world where it really counts because, if they live to the normal life expectancy, they still have more than 50 years before them.
Here is that question: can I make a living at this? The real world keeps score and many young people never think about this until they find themselves on a dead-end street. After school and college they have no real goals, no direction and, in many cases, no job or career path. While money is certainly not everything, it is important in today’s society. In many cases these young people will take any job just to get by, but they miss the joy of personal success. The question “Can I Make a Living At It” should be at least a part of our thinking when we are having fun and spending time doing things we love to do.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project Visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 842 THE LEGACY OF MILTON HERSHEY!

No. 842

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LEGACY OF MILTON HERSHEY

If you have ever eaten and enjoyed a delicious Hershey milk chocolate bar, you may not know, as the late Paul Harvey used to say, “The Rest of The Story.” Over the years I certainly haven eaten my share of these delicious chocolate bars, including the Hershey Kiss, but I did not know the amazing story of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of these products.
Thanks to my good friends Dr. Bill and Jonnie Bounds, who made a stop on a recent tour in the community where the factory is located and brought me some literature, I know more now than I did, and I am honored to pass it along.
Before I share a small portion of his story, I would like to offer this observation. If you will do some research on the truly successful people in our nation, past and present, you will find they failed many times before they succeeded. Such was the case for Milton S. Hershey (1857-1945). He made his fortune through dogged persistence and the courage to pursue a dream. Though he was modest and unassuming in appearance — not the sort you would pick out of a crowd -- he was a shrewd and determined businessman. He had a genius for timing and an instinctive ability to choose loyal and able people to help him. This is crucial.
Mr. Hershey was born shortly before the American Civil War on a farm in central Pennsylvania. He had little formal schooling. He attended several schools, as his family moved from their original home in Lancaster County, but his mother did not seem to emphasize learning. This was because she felt books were her husband’s downfall, and she did not want books to ruin her son. Although Hershey became successful without the benefit of a good education, the fact is that later on he insisted the boys in the school he founded would have a “sound” education. This left the impression that he felt the lack of it himself.
At first it seemed that Milton had no more talent for business than his father. He failed in numerous ventures before he finally succeed in making caramel candy. By then he was almost 40 years old. Later he would learn that the secret to making really good candy was a source of good milk, and the Pennsylvania countryside provided dairy products that would fill the bill. The success of his caramel business enabled Mr. Hershey, for the first time in his life, to spend money for his own pleasure. In 1898, Milton Hershey, now over 40, astounded everyone by marrying Catherine Sweeney, a beautiful Irish Catholic girl from New York State. They made a great team and she brought culture into their marriage that would bring much happiness to him.
Caramels gave Mr. Hershey his first million, but chocolate would later give him his fortune. His first taste of it came on a visit to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he became fascinated by a set of German chocolate-making machinery. He bought the equipment and had it installed in Lancaster, where he began producing his own chocolate –114 varieties in all. The rest is history. He would later purchase a large block of Central Pennsylvania countryside, where he founded the town of Hershey, and would provide everything he needed for a factory: a plentiful water supply, fresh milk, and hard workers.
What I have just shared is how the Hershey name became synonymous with the best chocolate on the planet but that is only part of the story. He also founded the Milton Hershey School, where today more than 1,800 boys and girls K-12 who qualify, receive a free quality education. For more information, call 1-800-322-3248.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 843 THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

No. 843

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

The other day I asked a lady I know about her mother that I had not seen in some time, and she replied, “She passed.” What she was saying is that her mother had died. The term, “she passed” or “he passed” is an expression used by a good number of people, but most of us would add the word “away” to this term to say he or she “passed away.”
You may wonder where I am going with this line of thinking, but one of the things that I feel very strongly about is doing my best to provide good information and reliable benefits to each person who invests their time to read what I have to say. I realize that I don’t hit the nail on the head every time but I honestly do my best to keep your needs in mind when I sit down to write.
With regards to what I have been saying, it is just a fact of life that we are all going to die, regardless of the term that is used. Obviously, the only chance and choice we have to make a difference in the lives of people, including our own, is while we are living. My comments to this point are used as a way of introducing a term that my wife, Viola, and I have used over the years. If I can place it in the proper context, I believe the term I am going to share will help you, too. When we have sharp disagreements over something, which usually are trivial, or find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation, we say, “This too shall pass.” Regardless of the situation and whatever it may be, it’s comforting to know that, in the vast majority of cases, in time our circumstances will change and we will have smooth sailing again.
Now, please ask yourself this question: What am I facing now, short of a terminal disease or illness, that cannot be made much better by intelligent action? A few examples of what I am saying could include working under the supervision of a taskmaster who has no compassion or love for others; sitting on the bench waiting for your chance because you know you are better than those who are playing; a child who is sitting in jail facing drug charges or is charged with a serious crime; a spouse who is cheating on you; more bills sitting on the kitchen table than you have money to cover and you have maxed out all your credit cards; tires on your car that are slick and winter is coming with no resources to buy new or better ones; and on and on.
Here is something we should all remember and think about from time to time. We can not be defeated when we take the long-range view. If we can see down the road far enough and not get caught up in the emotion of the moment, we will have peace and a settled mind that will buy us time to work out a solution. Most people do not take the long-range view. I have a good friend who is hurting because his son went through a divorce. Maybe he thinks it’s his fault, which it is not, but he needs to understand that divorce is not the end of the world. People go though divorce every day and many are justified. It is not God’s plan to divorce, but He does forgive those who ask for forgiveness -- I John 1: 9.
Going back to a point I made earlier, the vast majority of our challenges and problems can be made better by intelligent action. We all have problems. We can choose to defeat or overcome them, or we can let them overcome us. Please sit down and take a piece of paper and a pencil and list the most pressing problems or challenges you face. Now, give each one some thought and list what you think are possible solutions. When you are finished, put the paper away and go to work on solving your problems. When we say “This too shall pass” we are simply buying time.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 844 ONE KID AT A TIME!

No. 844

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ONE KID AT A TIME!

Someone once said that children are natural mimics -- they act like their parents in spite of every attempt to teach them good manners. Children, sometimes called kids, are the centerpiece of millions of homes in our nation. In America, the value we place on children, and life, is far greater than the rest of the world’s population. In fact, the sanctity of life is at the very heart of who we are as a people. Most parents would do anything to help their children succeed, but often fail to help them develop a love for the most basic skill of all, and that is to teach them to read – to read well and to develop the joy of reading. In view of our ranking in the world’s educational standing, there is plenty of work to be done.
The most vulnerable of all of our nation’s children are those being reared in low-income homes, as most do not have any books for them to read, even if they had a desire to read. This is the basis and purpose of our Bookcase for Every Child project that we started here in Conway back in 2005. At our next awards ceremony, we will present 50 more bookcases and a starter set of books, and this will bring the total to 400 children who will have their very own personalized bookcase and some books. Our story was told in a front-page feature article in the American Profile magazine in August 2011. Since this publication has a readership of more than 10 million, we got wide national exposure. The front cover contained a photo of a child standing beside her bookcase with the words A Bookcase for Every Child: Arkansas town promotes literacy one kid at a time.
As a result of this article, I am pleased to tell you that our bookcase family is growing. After all the local organization for the project is done, we provide seed money and a set of bookcase plans to help them get started. We now have projects either up and running or getting organized to start in Conway, Wynne, Greenbrier, Mayflower and El Dorado in Arkansas; Cleveland and Delaware County (Jay) in Oklahoma; DeKalb, Ill.; and Ashland, Ohio. My point is simply this: As these new projects get going, it will also be “One Kid at a Time.” It is hard for some people to understand why we don’t use any grant money. If money would solve the problem of illiteracy, we would not be where we are in the world standings because we have spent billions of dollars on education. Of course you can never get an education if you can’t read.
While money is necessary to fund our schools and colleges, we don’t need much money because our project is all about giving back. We just need enough money to buy the wood and supplies to build the bookcases. That’s it. We need parents to read to their children, and buy them good books. We need communities who will place a high priority on academics.
Let me show you how God works. We have a wonderful lady over in Oklahoma who is doing a great job getting a project organized. She told me she was having a hard time getting a particular school superintendent on board. She said she had been to see him several times but without success. She said her next move was to attend a school board meeting and make her case there. Then, this superintendent saw a feature on a Tulsa television station about a project that was taking place in another community. He later said to her, “Is this the project you have been trying to tell me about?” She said, “Yes, it is.” He went on to say, “I am going to get all the superintendents in the county here in my office and I want you to come and tell us about it.”
You may say this was luck or providence, but I say, this is how God works.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO 845 WHY AMERICA'S CREDIT RATING WAS DOWNGRADED!

No. 845

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY AMERICA’S CREDIT RATING WAS DOWNGRADED

For more than 70 years, the United States has enjoyed the highest credit rating given by Standard and Poor’s, the world’s most highly esteemed credit rating agency. But this is no longer the case. In August 2011, this changed when our nation was downgraded from an “AAA” rating to the next lowest level “AA+.” Most Americans will give this very little thought, but it has serious implications for anyone looking to borrow money. The downgrade in rating means that we are a greater risk for defaulting on our loans and this means higher interest rates, which over time filters down to every level of our society.
According to David Beers, head of S&P’s government rating unit, “It’s possible the rating will come back, but we don’t think it’s coming back any time soon.” Now, let me pause here and say just for the record, I am not an economist and there are thousands of people in our nation who know a lot more about it than I do. The reason I wanted to share this is because a friend sent me something the other day that makes it very easy to understand for the average layman like me. Of course when you talk about finances and debt, you are always taking a “snapshot” in time, as it’s very fluid and always changing. Think about this in terms of your own personal finances and it will be much easier to see and understand. And to be sure, it does affect you whether you realize it or not.
Here we go, and try to not get dizzy because of the zeroes. The title is simply, “Why the US was downgraded.”

U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000.
Federal Budget: $3,820,000,000,000.
New Debt: $1,650,000,000,000.
National Debt: $14,271,000,000,000. (It’s over 15 trillion now)
Recent budget cut: $38,500,000,000

Now, let’s remove 8 zeroes and pretend it’s a household budget:

Annual family income: $21,700.
Money the family spent: $38,200.
New debt on credit card: $16,500.
Outstanding balance on credit card: $142,710.
Total budget cuts: $385.

To my way of thinking, this is a pretty good way to visualize the sad state of our nation’s finances and why we were downgraded by Standard & Poor’s. This is also the battle that is taking place in the U.S. Congress each and every day. Most members of Congress don’t have any backbone and do not want to cut anything, but rather spend even more if they think it will help get them reelected. The big question is simply this, will we get a handle on our nation’s debt or will it destroy us?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 846 DON'T ARGUE WITH AN IDIOT!

No. 846

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T ARGUE WITH AN IDIOT!

One thing I never like to hear is someone calling another person an idiot. According to the dictionary, the word “idiot” means “A person exhibiting mental deficiency in the most severe form.” I am just not comfortable with this word because it has a way of demeaning others, and I never want to put anyone else down because we are all created in God’s image. Besides, what is one man’s trash is another’s treasure. I used the word idiot in the title of this column because a friend sent me something that had an unusual twist, and it seemed to be the perfect way to introduce you to a new word, at least for me, that was most interesting. The word is Paraprosdokian.
While you may be ahead of me here, I believe most people would say, “What is a Paraprosdokian?” In simple language, it is a sentence that consists of two parts. The first part is a figure of speech, and the second is an intriguing variation of the first. Paraprosdokians are little known by the general public, but well understood by satirists. These are used typically for humorous or dramatic effect. What follows is a list of some of the most common or widely used Paraprosdokians. It has been reported that Winston Churchill loved them. Here is one of his favorites. “Where there is a will, I want to be in it.” Of course the traditional saying would be “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Now that you have the gist of the idea, let me continue with a number of others: First, here is the title line, “Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.” “The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it is still on my list.” “Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.” “If I agreed with you, we would both be wrong.” “We never really grow up - we only learn how to act in public.” “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit and wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”
I might pause here a moment and say that I hope this is expanding your mind a bit, I know it is mine. Here are several others and some you might be able to use in conversation or in your writing. Of course the key to success is knowing when and how to use them.
“Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good Evening’ and then proceed to tell you why it isn’t.” “To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.” “A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a work station.”
“I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.” “Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, ‘In case of emergency, notify’ I put a DOCTOR.” “I did not say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.” “Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a big gut, and still think they are sexy.” “Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind the fall of every successful man is usually another woman.” “A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.” “You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.”
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it makes misery easier to live with.” “There is a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can’t get away.” “You’re never too old to learn something stupid.” “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.”
Here is some straight talk. Have a great day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 847 IS IT TIME TO RETHINK POVERTY?

No. 847

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS IT TIME TO RETHINK POVERTY?

One of the saddest stories I hear these days is about the large number of people who are falling out of the middle class. Most of these people have lost their jobs, and as a result their home, and are struggling just to survive. This is a story we hear on the national news every day, and I don’t think for a moment that I have all the answers, but I could venture some possible reasons.
Rather than a rehash, I believe a better use of our time - yours and mine - may be to rethink poverty itself. We might begin with this question: What causes poverty and why are so many people in our nation and all across the world living in poverty? Since poverty in our society is determined by income levels, which is to say the amount of spendable income a person receives, from all sources, to meet their needs, this is where it might be profitable to invest a little of our time.
Here is a trick question for you to ponder for a moment. Since poverty is determined by income, would having more money solve the problem of poverty? Well, not according to David Boaz, executive vice president of the Cato Institute. The Cato Institute is a think tank based in Washington, DC, and is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. This organization accepts no government funds and more than 80 percent of its budget comes from contributions from individuals and foundations.
In an article titled “Time for New Thinking about Poverty,” Mr. Boaz takes journalists to task for continuing to advocate more money to poor people and poor countries as a way to solve their domestic and global poverty. He says, “It’s remarkable that so many smart people in our society are unaffected by the evidence that such transfer programs just don’t work.” In another article two reporters talked about the destitute people who fled Hurricane Katrina and wondered if America would finally face the problem of poverty. They suggested that only a renewed “War on Poverty” is the real way to help the poor.
That aside, let’s look at the facts. The United States has spent $9 trillion (in current dollars) on welfare programs since President Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1965. (This article was written in 2005 and you know what has happened since then). Critics have challenged this figure, saying it includes more than welfare alone. They go on to list some of these programs: Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, food stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children and a wide variety of other programs. Clearly, those are all entitlements for the poor.
The article continues, “There are more than 80 poverty-related programs, which in 2003 cost $522 billion.” The next line reads, “Yet despite these programs, 37 million Americans continue to live in poverty.” Mr. Boaz goes on to say, “It’s time for new thinking about poor people and poor countries. Transfer programs don’t work; they trap both people and countries in a state of dependence instead of self-reliance. Markets work. People who get a job — any job — and stick with it until they find a better one will stay out of the welfare and poverty trap. But welfare is a powerful lure away from the world of work.”
He concludes by saying, “And reporters need new glasses, to let them see the evidence in front of them rather than relying on their outmoded assumptions.” Get any job may be the key to future success.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 848 CANNED SOUP OR CHEMICAL STEW?

No. 848

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CANNED SOUP OR CHEMICAL STEW?

While it won’t make the canned soup people happy, here is some information I ran across that has caused me to reconsider my soup eating habits.
In an article by Leah Zerbe, titled “The Truth About Canned Soup,” she outlines several reasons why eating soup out of a can is, at best, risky business. Ms. Zerbe is well qualified, as she is the online editor for Rodale Inc., the world’s largest multimedia publisher of advice and information about health, wellness and the environment, and the largest independent book publisher in the United States.
In her article she talks about BPA, something I had never heard of, but is a chemical used in cash-register receipts and some plastics, but also in the epoxy resin liner of most metal cans. The bummer? It’s most likely leaching into your favorite soup, exposing you to the synthetic estrogen-like substance that has been linked to obesity, breast and prostate cancers, and aggression and other behavioral problems in young girls. The amounts of BPA used in cans varies drastically, but an alarming new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association suggests we are ingesting dangerous levels in the hormone-mimicking chemical when we eat soup even once a day.
The study’s authors asked some participants to eat Progresso soup for lunch five days a week, while others ate homemade soup. All of the canned soup eaters had detectable levels of BPA in their urine at the end of the experiment. What’s even more striking is the amount of the chemical detected after downing a can of soup once a day for five days. Compared to those eating fresh soup, the group eating canned soup saw BPA levels jump more than 1,000 percent. Dr. Laura Vandenberg, a postdoctoral fellow of biology at the Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology at Tufts University in Massachusetts, added that the huge spike in BPA seen after eating canned soup is “unlike anything we have ever seen.” The levels are shocking.
While there is more that I don’t have space to share with you, here is something of a more general nature that we should all know. As our food system becomes more industrialized, more and more farm chemicals are winding up not just on our food but also in the food we eat. Within the last 20 years, chemical farmers have overwhelmingly adopted genetically modified seeds, or GMOs, for crops like corn and soy, two common ingredients in canned soup. These seeds have been genetically engineered to withstand heavy sprayings of Roundup, and when that happens, the pesticide is absorbed by the plant and winds up in your food.
Roundup is used so heavily, in fact, that scientists recently detected it in rain. Constant low-level exposure to the pesticide can cause obesity, heart problems, circulation problems and diabetes, says Dr. Warren Porter, professor of environmental toxicity and zoology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The article concludes with some healthy soup tips, namely how to make good homemade soup, which is by far the safest kind. When you do make homemade soup, start with homemade stock. Like soup, it’s a lot easier to make than you realize.
“Many stores sell chicken backs and necks for pennies a pound and, if not, a few pounds of whole chicken wings makes a particularly rich stock.” The bottom line is simply this: Soup is a great food and it’s really a matter of whether you prepare it yourself or get it from a can.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 849 BEYOND THE RIVER!

No. 849

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BEYOND THE RIVER!

The people who know me personally will tell you that I am a man of very modest means. Granted, I could have had a lot more money and material possessions if that was my goal, but money has never been something I was obsessed with having. I need money to pay our bills like everyone else, and a little extra for a rainy day, but that’s about it. So, for me to pay $110 for a coffee-table book, not once but twice, is a little out of the norm for me. The reason is because the author of both books is Bill Ward, a friend of mine, and should he write another one, he can put me down for that one as well.
Bill’s latest book is titled “Beyond the River,” and it is one fabulous piece of work, from a content standpoint and also the beautiful photography. But first a little background since you probably don’t know Bill Ward personally. Bill is the son of a Baptist minister. He and his seven siblings moved around quite a bit, but they spent most of their time in the Conway area, mostly in Morrilton, Greenbrier and Bee Branch. Singing and musical instruments were part of their upbringing, and their talents were honed over the years until later when the family got together to form the Ward Family Singers. They were not only in demand, they were good. In the mid-1950s, Bill started to Arkansas State Teachers College, which later became the University of Central Arkansas. Needing to supplement his income, he took a job as photographer of the Log Cabin Democrat, the local daily newspaper. This was well before modern technology and back in the days of hot-metal and linotype to prepare the copy for publishing. As the paper’s first photographer, Bill would spend part of his time helping to get the paper out, but any time there was a story he was on the scene to visually capture the images for the following day’s paper. If he had extra film he did not use, he would just snap a wide variety of shots that would later help to create his archives that now contain more than a half million photographs.
He has been a photographer for more than 50 years, so this includes the transition into today’s high-tech digital world and more beautiful color photographs than you can imagine. Now, to the topic at hand, “Beyond the River” features the Arkansas River, which flows about five to six miles west of Conway. However, the headwaters of the Arkansas begin near Leadville, Colo., as a small stream you can step across. It later snakes its way through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas to the mighty river it becomes before it enters the Mississippi in extreme Southeast Arkansas near Arkansas Post. What Bill has done with this book is travel to the headwaters for some beautiful pictures and then uses beautiful prose to tell stories of life near the Arkansas.
While it is impossible to do justice to this book in just one column, here are a few of the offerings: Developing a Great River, Mark Twain at Napoleon, Quapaw: Life and Death of a Great Tribe, Age of Awakening of Food and Music, Gospel Music and Watermelons, Indian Artifact Collector, Jimmy Driftwood: A different Sort of Fellow, Two Brothers Cover J.F.K., Grim Reminder of Cold War, Arkansas’ Greatest Success Story: William Jefferson Clinton, Winthrop Paul Rockefeller: A Lot Like His Father, and So Much More.
All of this narrative has the backdrop of beautiful photographs. Just the research is worth many times over the cost of the book. If you would like a copy, visit Bill’s website: www.billwardphotography.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 850 DO YOUR KID'S MISBEHAVE?

No. 850

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOUR KIDS MISBEHAVE?

Do you have any idea what it costs to rear a child in today’s society? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a middle-income family with a child born in 2007 will pay a tidy sum of $204,060 to care for that child until his or her 18th birthday. Since we have had mostly low inflation since that time, I am confident that figure today would still be pretty accurate. For a middle-income, two-parent, two-child family, expenses for one child ranged from $10, 930 to $12,030 per year, depending on the age of the child, with expenditures on teenagers being the highest.
From my own perspective, every child is precious in God’s eyes and there is no way we could ever put a dollar figure on the worth and value of any one of them. However, as parents we want to rear our children in a way they turn out to be happy, well adjusted, successful and productive human beings. One way to measure whether or not we have succeeded is how they behave in private and in the public square, the latter being where others can see how they conduct themselves. Again, this does not determine their worth or value, but it does let others see if we have done a good job, at least in this area of life.
Along these lines, sometime back I discovered a neat program that is designed to help parents enhance their relationship with their children. Since children will be taught behavior values in school, this program is designed to help parents to be consistent at home with many of the same techniques used in the school setting. This program is for children, ages 3-10, and is called Behavior-onics, a rewards-based program that provides parents with positive disciplinary tools for the home that are the same as those used in school. With this unique program you will be able to create a consistent discipline system throughout your child’s day.
Further, Behavior-onics is designed to enhance your relationship with your child and to better prepare them for school and life. One of the essential elements of Behavior-onics is its basis in authoritative-discipline style. Recent studies have shown that children who grow up in a predominately authoritative-discipline environment have a greater chance of scoring higher on achievement tests, have better vocabulary skills, and have fewer discipline problems. Additional benefits include opportunities to engage in expressive language, higher confidence levels, foster logical thought, elaboration of concept, and higher-level thinking skills.
One of the reasons Behavior-onics is so effective is that it was developed by educators who are also parents. Here is what Jenny Carpenter, kindergarten teacher and a user of the program, has to say about it: “Often times parents ask pre-school, head-start and kindergarten teachers like myself, ‘What we can do to help our child succeed in school?’ Now, I have a tool that actually has resources that parents can physically use at home with their children. Behavior-onics is not just a pamphlet but a program with tangible, professionally developed materials that parents will use with their children each day.”
The cost of Behavior-onics is $28 and includes a DVD, We Track Together Board with dry erase marker, We Play Together Book and We Talk Together Calendar. Going back to what I said earlier, if you have young children, when you consider the cost of rearing a child in today’s times, this could be a great investment in your child’s future. It can be ordered from their web site: www.behavior-onics.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 851 A TRIBUTE TO COACH DALE BROWN!

No. 851

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO COACH DALE BROWN!

One morning several days ago, the phone rang at our house and there was a familiar voice on the other end of the line. It belonged to Coach Dale Brown, former head men’s basketball coach at Louisiana State University. Dale was calling in response to an e-mail I had sent him a few days before about our Bookcase for Every Child project. The e-mail contained an article I had written titled “One Kid At A Time” that not only gives an overview of the project but what we are doing, now in 10 communities, to provide children in low-income families with a personalized bookcase and some quality children’s books.
It was obvious from the beginning of our conversation that my article had hit a nerve with him, because he asked for permission to share it with others. He pointed out that none of our nation’s political candidates are talking about illiteracy and how it is impacting our country. He went on to tell me about the work he has done in the past at Angola Prison in Louisiana. Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States and one of the toughest prisons in America in terms of the level of offenders they house. He said, “Do you know what the average grade level of inmates in this prison happens to be?” My answer was the 8th grade, which is the case in most other prisons I have read about. He said, “How about the 5th grade.”
Dale then told me about some of the work he has done with inmates in this maximum-security prison, a fact I already knew from viewing a film clip and reading some of his literature. The true-life example I have just shared is what really characterizes Coach Dale Brown after he retired from active coaching. After getting to know him over the past several months, he sends me several e-mails each week. The thing I most admire about him is that, after retirement, he did not quit serving and giving of himself to help others. His basketball legacy at LSU, head coach from 1972 to 1997, is assured as he has more wins (448) in the SEC than anyone else except Adolph Rupp of Kentucky.
However, this is not the reason I want to pay tribute to this man who has helped and inspired thousands of people over the years. I want to pay tribute to THE MAN, Dale Brown, who is known as “The Master Motivator” and who is also a true patriot. Just recently I received a copy of his new book “Getting Over the Four Hurdles of Life.” He signed it as follows: “Dear Jim: Please never let up on your quest to see all of our children educated and successful. I admire your efforts and wish you the very best.” Your Friend, Dale Brown.
Here are Dale’s four hurdles: “The First Hurdle: I can’t/You can’t”. “The Second Hurdle: Past Failures/ Fear of Failure”. “The Third Hurdle: Handicaps”. “The Fourth Hurdle: Lack of Self Knowledge.” If you can appreciate the fact there are literally hundreds of successful people in our country today who were told by someone in their life, “give up, change course, you will never amount to anything” but each case they were proven wrong. You will recognize most of the following names: Shaquille O’Neal, who wrote the introduction, Oprah Winfrey, Rudy Ruettiger, Albert Einstein, Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling, Paul Anderson and Steven Spielberg are just some of those Dale tells about in his latest book. The book is a great read with lots of practical, useful ideas that will help any person to use more of their latent God-given talents and abilities.
I am honored to pay tribute to THE MAN, Dale Brown. His book can be ordered through www.acadianhouse.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 183 - THE DAY "THEY" WAS BURIED

No. 183
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DAY "THEY" WAS BURIED

Over the past several months I have received literally hundreds of comments, phone calls and letters from our readers, but a 'first' came in the mail a few weeks ago. I got a talking letter on cassette from Major Robert Cook, (U.S. Marines, Ret.), who lives in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. He had just read my column "The Why Don't They Syndrome" in the Sunday Edition of the Hot Springs Sentinel Record.

This column reminded him of a real life experience that happened back in 1960 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He began by swearing on a stack of Bibles that it was a true story and when I listened to it, it was hilarious and it also contained a worthwhile message that will benefit all of us .

At the time, then Captain Cook has just been assigned Company Commander of an H & S company of an H & S Battalion. When he reported for duty he learned that one of the platoons in his company was a utility platoon and he said these people were more or less engineers, as they maintained and operated dump trucks, road graders, cranes, bull-dozers and other heavy equipment. The platoon commander was a Warrant Officer by the name of George Herman and Captain Cook called him up and said that he would like to come out and see what he had.

They agreed to meet the next morning at 9:00 O'clock and as they sitting there drinking coffee, Robert looked out the window and saw a fresh grave. This grave was complete with fresh flowers and a hand carved wooden headmarker that said "THEY." Robert said he knew that back in 1941 when Camp Lejeune was built they had uprooted several family cemeteries and had moved them to a central location down near Jacksonville, North Carolina. When he first saw this grave he thought they had missed one. At this point he asked George Herman, "What's this all about?" George said, "Come outside and I will show you." When they arrived at the grave site, he went on to say, "Captain, when I first got here, every____ time something went wrong and I would ask some PFC., Corporal or Sergeant what happened, they would respond by saying, "Well, "They" told me to do it this way or "They" did this or "They" did that. Well, I finally got tired of it and decided "THEY" was going to be buried.
So, I got the carpenter shop to build a coffin. We also secured a mannequin (he obviously didn't want to tell me where he got it), and one of the Marines carved the wooden headmarker. I also got a local florist to provide the flowers, and we "big timed" the Second Division Marine Band to provide a bugler. Then I had a detail of men to dig a regulation grave, 6 ft. long, 2 ft. wide and 6 ft. deep.
As he continued to speak he pointed to a nearby shed and said, "We assembled at that shed over there and I had the Base Chaplain say a few appropriate words and when the service was over, the six Marines who served as pall bearers carried the coffin and laid it in the grave. As another detail of men covered the grave, the bugler played Taps and it was a very touching and moving service. He said, "I guess the hardest part was keeping a straight face."
After it was over, George Herman told all of his men, "I don't ever want any of you to say "They" did this or "They" did that because "They" is dead and is buried right here in this grave." I would just like to say a word of thanks to Major Robert Cook for putting it "ON THERE" and sharing this true story. It does contain a valuable lesson for each of us. We can all be a little more definitive and the next time you are tempted to say "They" just remember "They" is dead and is buried over in Camp Lejune, North Carolina. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 184 - "HELLO, LITTLE PREACHER'S KID!"

No. 184

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

"HELLO, LITTLE PREACHER'S KID!"

"Hello, Little P.K. You got born today, and you look awful little and squirmy. You look awful skinny and kind of red and wrinkled too. Since you are little and your daddy is a preacher, I think you are going to have a hard time getting along. So I'm going to start right now to write down some things to help you since I'm about a teenager and you are my little brother. You have three sisters older than you. They are kind of different. They pick at their food, comb their hair, wash a lot and don't want to wait till I'm through with the funny papers before they read it. When they do read the paper they cut out people for paper dolls and then nobody can read it. When Dad has to go someplace Sunday afternoon, they cut up the paper before he reads it and then there is real trouble. I knew you were coming because Mama had been getting fatter. Somebody told me you could tell before babies were born cause their mother got fat. I've checked this out a few times and it's true. You watch and see for yourself when you get a little bigger."

And so begins a wonderful and hilarious little book titled, "Remember The Good Times." A few weeks ago I received a personally signed copy of this book from the author David H. Smith. He said it was only fair, if he was going to read my column that I should read some of his work. I'm so glad he sent it to me because I've never laughed so hard in my life while at the same time receiving some real insights into the lives of preacher's kids, who are also known as P.K.s.

David Smith is the son of a Baptist preacher who served as the Clear Creek Association's Missionary and held pastorates in small towns in Southern Illinois. Many of my readers in this part of the country will recognize names like Cobden, Vienna, Tamms and Anna. While most pastors today earn a good salary, back in the days when David Smith was growing up, times were really lean, especially for those who served very small churches. In most cases they only received what was put in the collection plate each week and many a time David's father would be told, "I'm sorry Brother Smith, there isn't anything in the treasury this week."

That's the economic side of the story, but this family, like most Midwestern families in those days, had real love for each other and they made do. When I was growing up we were not destitute, but reading David's book gave me some real insights into what you can do to get by if you have to. In case you don't know, preacher's kids are held to a higher standard than other kids in the community. Because their father is a preacher, they are expected to be "little saints" which is far from reality and the truth.

While the church's influence helps most of them turn out to be productive citizens, they are no different than other kids when it comes to being mischievous and in need of discipline and guidance. Unfortunately many preachers are so busy taking care of others they neglect their own children and they become rebellious. But as the Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The rough years are the in between years.

Believe me, David Smith, who did not turn out to be a preacher, was all boy. Reading his story kinda reminded me of Opie Taylor on the Andy Griffith Show. Some of the titles of the chapters in the book will give you some insights...Pigeon-toed Thief...Dad Got Arrested...We Moved Again...It Takes Two To Fight...The Catholic Social and The Broken-plate Sermon. Hopefully these comments have brought back some memories for you. Just remember, P.K.s are no different. They don't need to be judged, but they do need love, guidance and discipline just like the rest of us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 185 - THE LAW OF SELF-PITY

No. 185

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF SELF-PITY

The old Roman philosopher and playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca once said, "Pity is a mental illness induced by the spectacle of other people's misery." Who among us in this prosperous land we call America has not felt pity on the hordes of humanity who have been driven from their homes, raped and pillaged by thugs and villains who were stronger and more powerful? This is a spectacle we have seen far too often in the past several years and my heart always goes out to these people, especially the innocent who are simply caught in the middle. While there is little I can do about it, save pray for them and give my blessings for a portion of my tax money to be used in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. In short, I have pity on these people. I have often said, "There but for the Grace Of God, go I."

It's a natural human emotion to have pity for others who are downcast, but it can be a very destructive emotion if and when that pity is directed toward ourselves. This is known as self-pity and we all know people who live there every day of their lives. It's been said that an honest confession is good for the soul and I want to say up front that there have been times when I have also had myself a little pity party. These times came along when I had worked hard and didn't get the promotion or breaks that I thought I deserved and things were not going my way. Along about here I began to feel sorry for myself. Have you been there too?

To be sure, none of us likes to be around a constant complainer or whiner and fortunately my few excursions into the pit of self-pity have not been too deep or lasted too long. I might add, this was years ago because I have since matured and learned to take full responsibility for my actions. If I want things to be better in my life, with God's help, it's up to me to make it better.

Over the past several months I have discussed a number of "Natural Laws" in my column and remember, a natural law is a series of events in nature that have been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity. In other words, given the same exact circumstances, the outcome or result will always be the same. A "Success Law" on the other hand is a positive application of a natural law, so as to use it to our advantage. That is, to help us become happier and more successful.

When and if self-pity strikes you, here is what I hope you will remember. The feeling of self-pity is often born out of paying too much attention to what we don't have, rather than being grateful for what we do have. If the legendary blind Helen Keller could say, "self-pity is our worst enemy", who are we to give it the time of day? In the course of our daily activities here is what we should always keep in mind. First, we should always be aware of the destructive emotion of self-pity. It's an internal sore by which the human personality is immobilized, but it can be cured by right thoughts and working constantly to achieve something worthwhile. The only way we can overcome self-pity is to take our thoughts off ourselves and our problems and begin to think about others and how we can help or serve them in some way.

It's true, self-pity is a very expensive emotion and one that we can certainly do without. This may be a trite and overworked story but it still makes a very valid point. There was a man who felt sorry for himself because he had no shoes and then he saw a man who had no feet. If by chance along about now you are having a pity-party about something, lace up your boots, put a smile on your face and start looking for something you can do for someone else. You will find that your self-pity will evaporate like the dew on a spring morning. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 186 - TURNING BURDENS INTO STEPPING STONES

No. 186

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TURNING BURDENS INTO STEPPING STONES

I'm always grateful when someone thinks enough of me to share information that I can use in one of my columns. As I've said many times, I don't have all the answers and if I can find or be given something that I think will be helpful to you, I'm all ears. When I sit down to write these columns, my primary consideration is you and your needs. While I may miss you in some cases, I am sincerely trying to do the best I can to be a source of hope, encouragement and reliable information. If you are a regular reader you know that I tackle negative topics once in a while but I try to do it in a positive way. My prayer is that reading my column will be one of the high points of your week.

My good friend Roy Chatham put something in my mail box at Church the other day titled, "Never Trouble Trouble" that contained a very profound and thought provoking message. It was written by Richard Hopper, a retired pastor who now lives in Norman, Oklahoma. It begins, "A Seminary professor once said to his students, "Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you." Good advice, for no person in his right mind will deliberately create trouble for himself.

But trouble is inevitable, unavoidable. Sooner or later, everyone experiences an hour of adversity. The question is what to do with it and how to use it. A scientist once observed an ant carrying a small piece of straw. The ant was struggling under the burden, for the straw was much bigger than she was. The ant came to a crack in its path which was too wide for it to cross.

It stood for a time, as though pondering its next move. Then, placing the straw across the crack, it walked across to the other side, picked up the straw again, and went on its way. Using one's burden as a stepping stone is the way of progress. Every moment of difficulty can be a lesson, teaching one to face life with greater courage and hope. Turn your trouble into a stepping stone, a step to a more useful life.

At this point, may I ask you a very personal question? Do you have burdens or things that are troubling you that are weighing you down? It could be finances, marriage problems, addiction to one form of drug or another, a dysfunctional family or disappointments relating to a job or career. If left unresolved, these burdens can become so heavy that it seems like life is no longer worthwhile. It is at this point that many people give up and begin a downward slide that ends up in the hospital or the grave.

From my perspective, here is the good news. There are few things in this life we can't handle if we have the right mental attitude and view our burdens, not as trouble or problems, but opportunities to learn and to grow as a human being. Solving problems is what a successful life is all about. The one exception that comes to mind is a terminal illness or disease. If this is your case, you need to make sure your relationship is right with God. Of course, like most things, this is your own personal decision.

But apart from this, just renew your faith that there is a possible solution to your troubles or burdens. In your mind see that small ant place the straw over the crack and then proceed on her way. In most cases we can do the same thing if we too will just back up and plan our next move. If you can't do it on your own, get some professional help. We all have needs of various kinds and many of our needs are Spiritual. If you have this need, I want to invite you to read I John 1:9 in the Bible. I've been there with my burdens and troubles and it's done wonders for me. Until next time I want to leave you with this quote by Henry Ward Beecher, "Trouble is the tools by which God fashions us for better things." (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 BentleyDrive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 187 - HAS "BINGE DRINKING" BECOME EPIDEMIC?

No. 187

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAS "BINGE DRINKING" BECOME EPIDEMIC?

Several weeks ago I was sitting on an airplane approaching the Detroit International Airport and due to heavy traffic our plane had to circle a number of times. While maneuvering to get into position to land, the plane made a number of banks and sharp turns that make it a little uncomfortable for me. In fact when I fly on an airplane I never do put all my weight down on it. As I sat there I was reminded of the story of this man and his wife who were at a small air strip watching this stunt pilot perform all types of flying routines, dives, flips, loops, upside down and stalls. All in all it was quite a show.

When the stunt pilot landed the plane, this fella went over to him and said, "you know, that must be fun. I've always wondered what it would be like to fly because I have never flown in a plane in my life." The pilot said, "I tell you what. I'll take you and your wife up and furthermore if you can ride with me for 30 minutes without screaming, hollering or saying anything, I'll give you $5.00." This fella said, "you're on." Well, they took off and as they say, this stunt pilot let it "all hang out" in an attempt to make this fella say something. He performed every routine he knew and then some. After 30 minutes the pilot landed the plane and after they got out, he said to this fella, "You are the best I have ever seen. Here is your $5.00." This fella said, "you know, that was the hardest $5.00 I ever earned in my life. I almost said something...when my wife fell out."

In relation to flying I have a number of friends who own small planes and love to fly but I never became interested in flying for a very good reason. Earlier in my life, before I married my wife, I used to take trips in my car and would often be running on fumes before I would stop for gas. In fact, I have run out a few times and had to hitch a ride or walk to a gas station. Using this logic, I knew that I didn't want to run out of gas in an airplane in the middle of nowhere. As I said, this was back in the old days before my wife changed some of my habits. Now, when we get below half a tank, she says, "we had better get some gas." After hearing this a hundred times, I finally found out that this was the best way, even when she was not along. The point I'm making is that changing our habits is not easy but it can be done. The joy for me is that my wonderful wife has not only helped me in this way but in other areas of my life as well.

Now, this question please. Do you have people in your life that are helping you change some of your unproductive habits? While I'm not judging people who do things like drinking, gambling, smoking, lying, cheating and stealing, one or more of these habits can become very destructive. For example, drinking can start off as an occasional one or two, and escalate to three or four and then to "binge drinking." Can the state of being an alcoholic be far behind? A while back we had Dr. John White, Chancellor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, speak to our local Lions Club. He was really a fine speaker and one of the things he talked about was the subject of "binge drinking" at many of our nation's colleges and universities. He stated that a number of college presidents had told him that this was one of the most serious problems they faced at their school.

As a non-drinker, it's hard for me to relate to this, but as it relates to the American people, here is a question we should ask ourselves. Has "binge drinking" become epidemic? What's the answer? If you have the need, why not find someone like my wife to help you break the habit. Of course it's not that simple but it's tragic when you think of all the lives that are destroyed. If this is your problem, get some help. Your life is far too prescious to waste and every human being has great value. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 BentleyDrive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 188 - HOW TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE DAY

No. 188

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO HAVE A PRODUCTIVE DAY

One Sunday afternoon a man and his wife were taking a drive in the country and after about an hour she said, "You know, I think we're lost." He said, "Yeah, but aren't we making good time?" While on the surface it may not be obvious, but this simple story contains a principle that has the potential to help any of us achieve greater success in our lives. This principle can be summed up with these words: If you don't know where you are going any road will take you there.

While you may or may not have thought about this, every day in our nation, as well as throughout the world, there are millions of people who have no destination, no direction and no purpose in life. What this really boils down to is "Wasted Time-Wasted Lives." The really sad thing, at least for a good percentage of these people, is that it does not have to be this way. Now, please allow me to digress for just a moment. What I have said up to this point can only become a reality if we are free and have the opportunity to use the time and talents that God has given us. This is why I thank God every day for America where we have more opportunity than anywhere else on earth.

Here is the bottom line. If we are to use our time and talents in the most productive way, there are certain things we need to know. I believe one of the key things we need to know and understand is the difference between activity and productivity. Have you ever thought about this? Have you ever wondered why some people can stay 'busy' all the time and yet never seem to accomplish anything really worthwhile? While on the other hand, we see people around us who accomplish so much but yet never seem to break a sweat. The other day I asked Willie Oates, who is a world beater in this respect, how she accomplished so much. She replied, "I'm organized. Each day I make a list of things I need to do and then I check them off one at a time as I do them." To be sure, this is a big part of making the wisest possible use of our time.

But back to the subject at hand. A thorough understanding of the difference between activity and productivity can make all the difference in the world. The dictionary defines activity as "brisk or vigorous movement or action." In other words, activity simply means staying busy. For example, a person could take a rag and wipe the same table a hundred times and they would certainly be busy but they would not be productive.

You are getting the picture if you can think of a number of people who spend their days in this way. Now, let's look at the word productive for a moment. The dictionary defines productive as, "producing or tending to produce profits or increase in quantity, quality or value." The word 'productive' is an economic term but it can also be applied to any other area of our lives. This is true for people who are retired, still working or just starting out in life.

Here is the criteria. If we are to be productive, most of our actions or activity must be directed toward the attainment of a predetermined goal or objective. In other words, we must be working toward something specific that we have determined that we need to do. Do you see what I am saying? You can puddle, piddle or muddle around in all types of activity and never accomplish anything. On the other hand, if you are working, individually or as part of a group, towards a predetermined goal or objective and your actions are focused and directed to this end, YOU ARE PRODUCTIVE. May I suggest that you think about what I have said here and each day, try to evaluate each act your perform. Ask yourself, "Is this the most productive use of my time or am I just staying busy?" The end result may surprise you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 189 - "JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM"

No. 189

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

"JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM"

As I begin this day I feel so blessed. When I came to the office this morning I had a fax from Dreyers Grand Ice Cream, located in Oakland, California. A representative from the company was inviting me to do an interview with John Harrison, Dreyer's Official Taster, whose tastebuds are insured for a cool one million dollars. Mr. Harrison has tasted more than 183 million gallons of ice cream during his lifetime and he has invented a few himself such as Cookies N' Cream, French Silk and Chocolate Fudge Mousse.

This fax is one of several I am now getting each week because someone placed my name on a mailing list as a General Columnist. I don't know who or where but the range of topics pretty well covers the water front. Some are very interesting and I think very worthy and a few are a little humorous. For example, a while back I got a fax inviting me to attend a conference in Bainbridge, Georgia to save the Red Cockaded Woodpecker. Not to say that this is not worthwhile but it's a little out of my league.

In this same vein I got a fax recently from Martha Kiley, a publicist for The World Almanac and Book Of Facts, located in East Hampton, New York. Because this seemed to be something I could use, I gave Ms. Kiley a call and she agreed to send me a preview copy. I can tell you truthfully that this book is wonderful and every home, organization and business in America should have a copy. To quote the American Library Association, "For the most information in one source, The World Almanac remains the champion." There are over one thousand pages of small type in this one volume and it contains facts and other information we can use in some way almost every day of our lives.

When I saw the title of this work, it reminded me of the old television series, now reruns, called "Dragnet." I can still see and hear Jack Webb, as Sergeant Joe Friday saying, "Just the facts Ma'am, just the facts." To continue, we have all heard someone say, "you need to get your facts straight or it helps to have the facts." Better still is the line, "Don't confuse me with the facts, I've already made up my mind."

Whether your motive is to dazzle your friends or to make sure what you say or write is accurate, The World Almanac and Book Of Facts could be a very valuable resource. Since I'm a basketball fan, one of the ways I was able to use it during "March Madness" was to look up some of the lesser known teams who were invited to the "Big Dance." I had no idea where many of the smaller schools like Iona, Gonzaga, Coppin State and Saint Mary's were located.

The latter was not in this particular tournament but it was interesting to note that their are two Saint Mary's Colleges. One is located in Los Angeles, California and the other in Newburgh, New York. The only difference is the spelling of the word Saint. The Los Angeles school uses the abreviated "St." In addition to the location of each college and university you will find the year it was founded, the enrollment, number of faculty members, tuition and fees and the cost of room and board is also given.

What I've given you is just a small sample. Regardless of the topic, whether it's mountains, seas, flags, politics, sports, population, health, education, environment, geography, the Internet and multitudes of other topics, you will find it here. The paperback cost is only $10.95 and is distributed by St. Martin's Press. Your local bookstore should have it or they can get it for you. I would like to leave you with this quote from Carl Ackerman, "Facts, when combined with ideas, constitute the greatest force in the world." (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 190 - HOW TO CLEAN UP YOUR LANGUAGE

No. 190

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO CLEAN UP YOUR LANGUAGE

There is a well known principle that says, "If you wish to achieve success, all you have to do is find a need and fill it." However, other than basic needs, most of our opportunities will be based on our degree and level of people skills. Believe it or not, how we use our language can go a long way in helping us achieve success. It is with these thoughts in mind that I would like to invest a little time and suggest a few ways to clean up your language.

Of course I realize that your language may already been as "clean as a hound's tooth" and if it is, you are my kind of people. On the other hand you may be one of those people who have a foul mouth and this can run the gamut of a four letter word here and there, to being crude and even to being just plain vulgar. Here understand that I'm not trying to be a moral policeman but if people with a foul mouth understood what it was costing them, many would jump at the chance to do something about it.

In my business, as well as my outlook on life, one of the things I love is a good clean joke. To me, this is the kind of joke that is not suggestive, does not put some person or group down because of race, class or creed and in general does not harm other people in any way. Many of the good jokes I run across do not meet this criteria to the letter but they can often be cleaned up and as a result be in good taste and be helpful in a number of ways.

Here is a good example. One time I heard the famous humorist Bob Murphy tell the story about "Cousin Slim" from Texas who went to England to visit some of his distant relatives. When he had settled in, a few days later they took him Fox hunting. After the hunt was over one of his relatives said, "Cousin Slim, over here in our country our customs and the manner in which we express ourselves is just a wee bit different. For instance, when the dogs begin the chase and the fox is spotted we say, "tallyho-o-o-o, the fox. We don't say, HEAD THAT RED SON OF A GUN." As you can tell, this is a great story and Bob has cleaned it up just a little.

At this point, I would like to give you several reasons why people use profanity. The vast majority of people do so out of habit. When they are around people every day, in their home or work environment, who use profanity, they soon pick it up and many times don't even know they are doing it. Another reason many people use profanity is because of low self-esteem. Especially in their own peer group, these people use profanity because they think it makes them appear tougher, stronger and a part of the "in" crowd. Many times young people use profanity for the same reasons but they also think it makes them come across as "cool" to talk like adults. Who can blame them after years of gutter language on television, radio and much of the music they listen to? And finally, many people use profanity because they have a very limited vocabulary.

Here is something we should all think about. Except by silence, the one thing we cannot hide is the use of our language. When we open our mouth and begin to speak, we proclaim to the world where we are on the cultural and social pyramid. To do something about our use of foul language we must feel the need. A person with "real class" never uses profanity. He or she knows who they are and they know that it's not necessary to try to impress others with a foul mouth. In relation to what I have been saying, here is a final question. How many jobs, sales, raises, promotions or speakers who have never been invited back because of just one four letter word? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 191 - THE "NOT" RAISING HOG BUSINESS

No. 191

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE "NOT" RAISING HOGS BUSINESS

The Scottish Essayist, Historian and Philosopher Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) once said, "Government is the exact symbol of its people, with their wisdom and unwisdom." Personally I am grateful for our nation's forefathers who had the wisdom to establish a Republic with its built-in checks and balances. What they envisioned and developed has served us well as we have chartered a course and made our way through choppy seas to become the most powerful nation on earth.

To be sure, our nation faces challenges today that our forefathers never dreamed we would have and I'm not absolutely sure our modern day politicians are equal to the task. When a Nation's economy becomes as large as ours, there is plenty of 'wiggle' room and that's a big part of the problem. Many politicians do what's best for them and not what's best for America.

Along these lines I got something in the mail the other day that would have been funny if it had not been so close to the truth. It was a letter addressed to the Honorable Secretary Of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. It begins: "Dear Sir, My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the not raising hogs business next year.

What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all government policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks (Ouch!!), but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs. As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.

My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for 20 years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422.00 in 1987, until this year when he got a check for $1,000 for not raising hogs. If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.

Now another thing. These hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise? I want to get started as soon as possible as this seems to be a good time of the year not to raise hogs and grain. Also, I am considering the not milking cow business, so send me any information on that too.

In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps. Be assured that you will have my vote in the coming election. Patriotically Yours, Freddie Freeloader P.S. would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese?"

I'm back. In all seriousness, I know that it may be necessary to subsidize certain products to enable producers to compete in a world economy. What really gets us out of whack is when our national leaders use what we produce for political purposes, as in "be nice" and we will give you a billion dollars. The real losers here are the American consumers because that billion dollars is passed along to all of us in the form of higher prices. At the very least, this story should give all of us something to think about. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 73032.)

No. 193 - THE JELLY BEAN LADY

No. 193

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE JELLY BEAN LADY

A famous person once said that "Love is the most terrible, and also the most generous of all the passions; it is the only one which includes in its dreams the happiness of someone else." Several months ago I was visiting with my good friend and mentor the late Win Pendleton down in Winderemere, Florida. During our conversation he told me a true story that almost brought tears to my eyes. With his blessing, I want to share it with you.

It seems a friend by the name of Marilyn, who lives a couple of streets away, was given a jar of jelly beans. At the time she had no idea how much happiness this gift would bring to her. She was not particularly fond of candy, especially jelly beans, but she would eat one or two every now and then just because they were there. At any rate her supply was due to last for a year or more.

Then things changed. One afternoon she was working with her flowers in the front yard when little five year old Wendy from next door wandered over. After the usual "hello", Marilyn remembered the jar of jelly beans. "Do you like jelly beans?" Marilyn asked Wendy. "Yes, Ma'am." "Well, go ask your mother if you can have some." A few minutes later, Wendy returned. In the background, her mother called from the kitchen window, "it's all right for her to have a few jelly beans, but don't let her make a nuisance of herself. If she gets in your way send her home."

That's how it started about a year ago. Marilyn took Wendy into the kitchen and gave her some jelly beans. How many? You certainly can't give a child one jelly bean so she worked it out this way. "How old are you?" she asked Wendy. Wendy held up five fingers and said, "Five", so Marilyn gave her five jelly beans.

At this point human nature took over. As you know, when it comes to free food and handouts, little children are like squirrels, birds and cats. They always come back for more. They develop that habit very quickly. And so, every afternoon for the next two or three weeks, Wendy showed up at Marilyn's kitchen and said, "Hello." Then one day when Marilyn answered the door, two little children stood there, Wendy and a little boy. "He's Bobby," Wendy said, "He's four." Five jelly beans for Wendy, four for Bobby.

Over the past year the congregation had grown and the last he heard, it was up to six. The drain on the jelly bean jar now totals twenty-eight each day. The original contents disappeared long ago and Marilyn has become the local stores best jelly bean customer. Can you imagine the amount of love that pours out each day when the jelly beans are so carefully counted out and the little smiles as they say "Thank You."

Win went on to say the punch line to the story came from Marilyn's husband at a recent dinner party with friends. He put his hand to his forehead in "mock agony" and said, "Do you have any idea what it's like to be married to a neighborhood celebrity?" Marilyn is known among the tricycle set as the "jelly bean lady." I'm sure you know Marilyn is teaching these youngsters something they can use for the rest of their lives. It's called "sharing."

I hope you have enjoyed this true story. I would like to conclude with this quotation by former President Woodrow Wilson when he was speaking to a group of students at Princeton University: "No thoughtful man ever came to the end of his life and had time and a little space of calm from which to look back upon it, who did not know and acknowledge that it was what he had done unselfishly and for others, and nothing else, that satisfied him in the retrospect, and made him feel that he had played the man." (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 194 - PROFILE OF A DREAM TEAM

No. 194

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PROFILE OF A DREAM TEAM

It's a wonderful feeling to wake up each day and to be thankful to God that you have so many friends. Two of my friends, Dave and Pat Engle are faithful readers of my column and they have written to me a good number of times over the years. Dave calls himself an old retired contractor from "Philly," meaning Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Each time they write they also send along some food for thought and it's always good.

Up till now, I've not been able to find a spot for any of it in my column but today is the exception. In Dave's last letter he sent me something titled "Profile Of A Dream Team." It is by an unknown author and is circa 1970-1971. It's fantastic and regardless of where you are in life or what you do, I think you'll find some ideas here that you can use. You may have to ponder it a bit, but at least that's my heart's desire.

When I first saw the title, "Profile Of A Dream Team," it reminded me of the 1992 Olympics. This was the first year the U.S. Olympic Committee decided to use professional basketball players in the games. After all, this was certainly in order, because most of the other countries have been using them for years. Because of the level of talent the committee assembled, names like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Reggie Miller and Hakeem Olajuwon, they became known as the "Dream Team." This was very fitting because they were never challenged and as expected, they won the Olympic Gold and lived up to the label they were given as the "Dream Team", the best in the world.

But back to that "Profile" that David Engle sent me. The key word here is 'team' which means two or more and this concept can be applied to any team, whether it's a family, a civic club, an agency of government, a sports team, a racing team and especially a business team where employees must work together for the business to succeed. If you have ever worked for a business that went under, you'll appreciate even more what I am saying. What I hope you will do is focus on what I'm about to give you, and even type it up, put it on the wall or the refrigerator and even make copies and disseminate them to your employees.

Without further comment, here is "The Profile Of A Dream Team": Works toward a common goal, Develops its members skills, Efficiently uses its time and talents, Embraces the diversity of its members, Is committed to continuous improvement, Builds morale internally, Performs effectively and produces results, Accepts praise and criticism, Cooperates rather than competes, Maintains a positive attitude toward everyone's ideas, Stays on task, Uses resources wisely, Communicates openly, Teaches and learns from one another, Resolves conflicts effectively, Welcomes challenges, Shares pride in its accomplishments and Celebrates successes!!

Now granted, that's a lot of words, but I will guarantee that if you will go back to the beginning, read it again, think it through and go logically from one point to the next, you will have an agenda that can't miss. Believe me, success and achievement is no accident. It comes from setting goals, developing short and long range plans and the constant up-grade and improvement of all the individual members of the team. A word of caution here. Don't ever overlook the janitor, bus driver, receptionist, clerk, waitress and others in lower paying positions. These people are some of the most important people in the organization and they should be treated this way. What do you think would happen in your neighborhood if the garbage collector didn't come by for a few weeks? Thanks David, I appreciate your sharing "Profile Of A Dream Team" and hope our readers do, too. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR , AR 72034.)

No. 195 - AGE IS A FUNNY THING

No. 195

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AGE IS A FUNNY THING

There is an old Hebrew Proverb that goes, "When a man is young he writes songs, grown up, he speaks in Proverbs, in old age he peaches pessimism." To me, this seems to suggest that the older we get, the more disillusioned we become. I'm sure this is true for many people, especially those who have no real purpose in life or financial goals, and wind up after forty years of hard work with nothing to show for it.

Here it might be in order to ask you this somewhat personal question. Are you a pessimist or an optimist? To say it another way, is your glass half-full or half-empty? This is really something to think about, especially in light of what I just said about goals. It's up to us to first decide where we are going, if we are to have any real hope of getting there. As I thought about this, it made me think of something that happened just recently. One of the unexpected blessings I have received in writing this column is getting old friends back together.

A while back I got a letter from Ken Drummond who lives in Durant, Oklahoma and he wanted to know how to get in touch with Bob Spencer, a man I had highlighted in a previous column. It seems the two has worked together in a basketball camp twenty years ago and he had lost track of him. After putting them in touch, Bob Spencer wrote to thank me and he also passed along an article titled, "Age Is A Funny Thing" that had been sent to him by a friend in Texas. It's just a biological fact that we are going to age. It's what we do with our lives while we are here that counts. We can choose to live our lives sitting on the sideline or we can choose to get into the game and really make a difference.

But back to that article, "Age Is A Funny Thing." The author is unknown and it begins: "Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we are kids? If you are less than ten years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' I'm four and a half. you're never 36 and a half--you're four going on five. That is the key.

You get into your teens and now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number. How old are you? I'm gonna be 16. You could be 12, but you're gonna be 16. Then the greatest day of your life; you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. You BECOME 21...YES! Then you TURN 30. What happened here? Makes you sound like bad milk. "He turned; we had to throw him out. 'What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21; You TURN 30.

Then you're PUSHING 40..stay over there. You BECOME 21; you TURN 30; you're PUSHING 40. You REACH 50. Then you MAKE it to 60. By now, you've built up so much speed, you HIT 70. After that, it is a day-by-day thing. You HIT Wednesday. As you get into your 80s, you HIT 4:30. In your 90s, you start going backwards. I was JUST 92. Then a strange thing happens, if you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. I'm 100 and a half.

While reading this article I'm sure you picked up some of the terms we all use when discussing our age such as 'gonna be,' 'turn,' 'pushing,' 'reach,' 'make it,' 'hit,' and 'just.' As I leave you I'm going to share something that applies just to us fellows. It's been said that if we live long enough we all go through four stages. No. 1 When we believe in Santa Claus. No. 2 When we don't believe in Santa Claus. No. 3 When we are Santa Claus and No. 4 When we look like Santa Claus. Take care. After a dose or two of Geritol, I'll be ready to go. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 196 - A CLARION CALL TO ALL AMERICANS

No. 196

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CLARION CALL TO ALL AMERICANS

The English Poet William Blake (1757-1827) once said, Inspiration is to see a world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wildflower; hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour. If you have ever truly been inspired by something, you will more fully comprehend what I am going to share here. On June 29th of this past year I completed my term as President of the Conway Noon Lions Club. I have been privileged to serve with some of the finest men and women I have ever known and they have been a great inspiration to me. From the standpoint of community service, this has been the most rewarding year of my entire life. At the conclusion of our Installation Banquet, the club presented me with a plaque as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionism. I shall forever be grateful to them for honoring me in this way.

My greatest inspiration came a few months earlier however, when I viewed a video titled, The Future Is Ours...So Now What that was produced by Lions International as a way to get more young people involved in volunteerism. The setting for this video was in the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Baltimore and Chicago. Because of all the negative things we hear about inner city youth, it was such a thrill to see young men and young women performing various acts of love and kindness. From meals on wheels to hospital visits, interaction with senior citizens and even a project to clean up the environment.

One young man truly inspired me when he said, During our lives we have the choice to perform positive acts or negative acts and I want to perform as many positive acts as I can. When I heard this I said to myself, Thats it. Thats the key to solving many of our massive social and economic problems. If the vast majority of our citizens would consistently perform positive acts most of our problems, over time would be solved. The reason this is possible is because the human mind cannot exist in a vaccum.

Now permit me to to digress for just a moment. In my mind I can see an army of volunteers all across our great country who are committed to performing positive acts for their own benefit as well as others. While we all have the power to change for the better, what we need is people who have excellent character, high moral standards and a genuine love and concern for their fellow human beings. Please understand these positive acts can be carried out in any forum. I have a deep respect for all civic and humanitarian organizations who are involved in projects to help the less fortunate and those who really need our help.

If you agree with what Im saying I want to ask you to drop me a note and let me know that you are committed to being a part of this great volunteer army that can make a real difference in the future of our nation. Certainly your note will encourage me but it will also crystallize your thinking and be a reminder in the months and years to come. If you will take time and do this I will promise you three things. First, I will never ask you for money. Next, I will never try to sell you anything and lastly. I will never (I repeat never) give your name to someone for a mailing list.

My only motive is to leave behind a better country in the future for my kids and grandkids and for those you love as well. In the future when you see someone who is a living example of what Im saying, send me their story and Ill share some of these in a future column. In the final analysis, We The People still have the power, and if enough of us are committed, we can make a difference. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 197 - THE KEYS TO A WINNING PERSONALITY

No. 197

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE KEYS TO A WINNING PERSONALITY

There are many qualities that an individual needs to achieve personal success. High on the list would be hard work, integrity, organizational skills and a burning desire to achieve a worthy goal or ideal. Ranking somewhere near the top would also be something we call a winning personality. This is the ability to use grace, charm, humor and other people skills to make friends quickly and easily and to enlist the help and encouragement of others to accomplish our objectives.

What I have shared here with regards to personality can be summed up with these words by the American poet Walt Whitman. He said, Personality is that alone that allows a man to stand before presidents and generals, or in any distinguished collection with aplomb. Since the word aplomb was not in my vocabulary, I had to turn to the dictionary. It means assurance; self-confidence. A winning personality simple means we have the assurance or self-confidence to win other people over to our way of thinking.

To do this, we must be genuine and real and have the knack of making others feel comfortable in our presence. Over the years I have known many fine people who had all kinds of ability but yet they were cold and I was never able to feel comfortable around them. While I have known many others who were warm, caring, sensitive and had the ability to make me feel comfortable, almost from the first moment that I came into their presence. This question please, do you really understand what I am saying here? I hope so because this could mean the difference between failing, achieving mediocre success or being an outstanding success in your chosen field of endeavor.

We can be letter perfect in every other area of our lives, but if we lack people skills, we are going to suffer in some way as a result. Of course, as in most things of this nature, the decision or choice is our own to make. Quite often however, we were just never taught or took the time to learn the little simple things that can make a difference. The word here is tweaking which means a slight adjustment to enhance the performance.

By way of summary, here are some keys to a winning personality that may be of some value to you. Key No. 1-You were created in the image of God and you have incredible worth and value as a human being. No person is any better or any worse than any other person and because of this we never need to be intimidated by the status or possessions others. Key No. 2-Regardless of mistakes, discouragements or failures in the past, begin to conduct yourself as someone who has real value. If you dont already, in your mind see yourself as a real winner. Key No. 3-Respect other people as unique human beings even though you may disagree with their behavior, values or positions they may take. In some ways what this is really saying is Hate the sin but love the sinner..

Key No. 4-Never talk down to other people who are in your charge but always seek to build them up and encourage them to be better than they are. Consistent criticism of others is a one way road to failure. Key No. 5-Smile naturally when you are in the presence of others and put a smile in your voice when you speak. Look into the eyes of others when you talk with them and express a genuine concern for their well being. Key No. 6-Forgive others who have hurt or wronged you. Those who conduct themselves in this manner still have to live with themselves and if it causes you to be bitter, THEY have really won. No person who is bitter can have a winning personality. Whats transpiring on the inside, usually shows up on the outside. In conclusion, I would just like to say from my heart to yours, I want the very best for you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 198 - A FORMULA FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS

No. 198

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FORMULA FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS

There is not a day that goes by that I do not hear or read about some person who is having serious financial problems. The reasons are many but the end result is usually debt created by the unwise use of credit cards. We all know that its easier to hand someone a piece of plastic, and the power that goes with it, than to hand someone a one hundred dollar bill, especially one that we have just earned. At this point, I realize that what I am saying may not apply to you but if you, family members or some close friends are deep in debt, I want to encourage you to share this column with them.

Its by no means original but I have a formula for financial success that I can guarantee will work and its so simple that anyone can take advantage of it. Here Im not talking about earning money, but rather what we do with it after we earn it. This is the formula; tithe 10% of your income to the Lord, save and invest 10% and live on the other 80%. The first part of the formula, tithe 10% of your income is a commandment of God that is recorded in the Bible in several places but most notably in Malachi 3:10 where it says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and test Me in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need.

There is much more here than meets the eye. When we obey this commandment we are placing our priorities in the proper order. In a very real sense, this is the reason this formula works. When we honor God by giving Him our first fruits, He will bless beyond all measure. I might add here, for most of my life I did not believe this and did not do it. However, a few years ago I started tithing and God has blessed me and my family beyond all measure. From a point where I didnt think I could afford to tithe, now I know that I cant afford not to. The more we give with a pure heart the more He will bless us.

I will be quick to add here, this is not the prosperity gospel that many people believe which says, give $10,000 and God will give you a return of $100,000. No, what Im talking about is giving to God because He is God and we love Him and because this is what He commands us to do. Once we get our priorities right, it is time to implement the next part of the formula, to save and invest 10% of our income on a regular basis. Talk with someone you know who is financially successful and they can help you with this. Over time, financial success will come to you and be a source of real satisfaction.

Now lets turn to the part of the formula where the real rub comes, living on the other 80%. This is really a psychological battle for most people who are in debt. Granted the people who are living below the poverty line have a real tough time but the formual will still work. But there are millions of people in our prosperous nation who earn in excess of $100,000 per year who are still deep in debt. Just drive through the most affluent neighborhoods in your area and notice how many of the homes are for sale. Many are for sale for valid reasons but many others are for sale because the occupants cant afford to make the payments.

In reality, there are so many things we dont need or have to have and most of us can get by quite easily on 80% of our income. If you struggle financially, I hope you will think seriously about the formula for financial success that Ive shared; tithe 10% of your income to the Lord, save and invest 10% and live on the other 80%. As you know, nothing worthwhile is ever easy but this could be the solution you have been looking for. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 199 - METAL DETECTORS FOR OUR SCHOOLS

No. 199

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

METAL DETECTORS FOR OUR SCHOOLS?

When I was in the seventh grade in school we had a young, attractive English teacher by the name of Merlie Fenner. One day in class I mocked her and she promptly sent me to the principals office. The principal was swift in his assessment and without fanfare gave me twenty seven licks with a long paddle across my you-know-where. Needless to say, I never mocked her again. When it was all said and done and my parents learned of it, they didnt threaten to sue the school district or call the ACLU. They said, Give him another one if he needs it. Now the reason I have shared this with you is because in all the years I was in school, not one time did we have a student bring a gun to school or make a bomb threat. This type of activity was out of the question because we all knew what the consequences would have been.

To say that today we live in a different world would probably be the understatement of the century. With regard to respect for authority, discipline and being held accountable for our actions, I have known, as Im sure you have, that we have been going downhill for the past several decades. Millions of Americans have been willing to discredit what I am saying until the tragic shootings in several of our nations public schools. These tragic incidents have served to let the whole world know where we are as a society. To be sure I know that most kids are good kids and they are victims as well. But in the wake of these unthinkable events, our national conscience has been pricked and people are now actually looking for solutions.

A few weeks ago I learned about one school district that has taken extreme measures to make their schools safe. In a recent conversation with Cecelia Spear, Director of the Office Of Student Affairs for the Fort Worth Independent School District (Texas), I learned the history and background of the various measures they have taken to insure student safety. Going all the way back to 1968, this district had entered into a partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department in a school-police liaison program. Many positive steps followed this action. In 1993 metal detectors were installed and used in random locations during the school day as well as at the entrance of all after school programs and athletic events. A couple of years later the Fort Worth City Council passed a half-cent sales tax to fund more officers in the schools along with surveillance cameras in all school busses, middle schools and high schools, a total of over 800 cameras.

Now granted, this is a large inner city school district and extreme measures had to be taken but all in all its been a great success. But as you know, what happens in large city school districts has a way of filtering down to smaller cities and then to small rural schools as well. In the wake of these tragic shootings many people are now clamoring for metal detectors in all schools.

In closing, I would like to say that I detest those products and services that have become necessary because of fear. Not necessarily the people who are the vendors but the irresponsible people in the media and other areas of our society who make it possible for them to thrive. I think we can use our tax money in a much more productive way than hiring extra policemen, installing metal detectors, surveillance cameras, sniffing dogs and all the rest. Our children however, are our greatest resource and we must do what is necessary to protect them and create a safe learning environment. Really and truly the choice is up the American people. We can either take steps to change our culture or spend the money on nonproductive safety measures. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 200 - THE LAW OF SELF-CONTROL

No. 200

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF SELF-CONTROL

Have you ever been discombobulated? I have, many times. This word means to be confused or upset. For some reason this word came to mind when I began to think about the Law Of Self-control, which is what I want to invite you to think with me about for a little while. If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that in the past Ive discussed various natural laws that can become success laws if understood and applied in the right way. Success is desired by almost everyone but unfortunately millions of people never take the time to learn the laws or principles that govern or determine success.

The truth is, we live by the grace of God but while we are here on this earth there are things we can do and acts we can perform on a routine basis that will make us more successful and in most cases, happier as well. Of course, whether its success or happiness or both, a lot depends on our priorities, but thats another column. But back to the word discombobulated for a moment. I am always inspired and even amazed at the amount of control that some people have over their body. Ill never forget Gold Metal Winner Mary Lou Retton who hit two perfect 10s in a row during the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Obviously, space will not permit too many examples but think of the high wire walker or flying trapeze artists in the circus or the fantastic ice skaters that have been around for years. My point is that you cant have this kind of control over your body if you are discombobulated. To be successful in most any endeavor we must have the mind and the body working in perfect harmony to achieve maximum results. However, there is still another aspect to consider here and that is to have a high degree of control over our lives. At this point, it should be rather obvious why our personal success depends to a large degree on our knowledge, development and proper use of the Law Of Self-control.

To elaborate a little more and to make it clear, we know by the process of experimentation that we have control over various parts of our body. A simple command will tell us to move our hands, fingers, legs, feet and even our eyes. But have you ever thought about the fact that a simple command will not cause your heart to stop beating? Its between these two extremes that lie all the rest of our self-control. While we have great control over our limbs, we have less control over our tongue, and in diminishing order our ideas, feelings, emotions and our instincts.

At this point I believe you can see that its here that our greatest potential lies. According to the dictionary, self-control means to exercise direction, restraint, motivation and government over our organs, our faculties, our emotions, as well as our personalities. At this point what Im going to say may be so simple that you may have a tendency to pass it off without a second thought. Hopefully, you wont do that because a little time spent each day in this area could pay great dividends. Please consider these final thoughts and what they could mean to you.

The key to achieving greater self-control is training and the greatest accomplishment is to train the mind to extend and increase its authority over the body. The first step toward self-control is planning. We must know what we wish to accomplish and also what our resources and shortcomings are. Then once a day we should sit down, plan, think, analyze and reason. If you will discipline yourself to do this on a consistent and regular basis, your self-control is bound to increase. Then to a larger degree, we will be masters of our own fate, and will be able to do more with our God given talents and abilities. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 201 - THE LADDER OF SUCCESS

No. 201

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LADDER OF SUCCESS

This past Tuesday evening I got a phone call from a young man who lives in Littleton, Colorado. He had been out in Glenwood Springs recently and had read one of my columns in the Glenwood Post where I had discussed the importance of setting goals. He called to see if this particular column was part of a series, and if so, how he might obtain some additional information. He was very forthright and told me that he was thirty one years of age and had never gotten on track or achieved anything worthwhile during his lifetime.

The reason I have decided to share his anonymous but true story is because it is representative of many, many people (men & women) all across this great country. This young man began by saying that he had an idea that he thought had some potential. He was working the early morning shift for UPS, the parcel delivery service, and was earning enough money to get by but his idea was to develop a sports trivia periodical and distribute it to sports bars in the Denver area. In his mind he could see men and women who had come to the sports bar to have conversation and drinks discussing his trivia offerings and having a great time doing it.

On the surface this sounded like a great idea but I began to question him about how his product would be printed and distributed and if people in a dimly lit environment would have sports on their mind and if they would actually read it. He admitted that this was something that he had not given a lot of thought to. As a sidebar, Im sure a lot of people who frequent bars have fun but Ive always thought a bar was a place where many people go to forget their troubles and drown their sorrows.

At this point I began to share some positive thoughts with him that hopefully will make a difference in his future and his life. I talked with him about his personal success and then shared the story of the man who spent his life climbing the Ladder Of Success and when he got to the top he found that the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. You see, we can spend our entire life pursuing things that in the end do not really matter because they do not last and produce real, deep satisfaction. Even after all the money and material success there is still a hole or void there.

Now keep in mind that he called me and because I cared about him I asked him about his faith because that is the foundation for a happy, joyous life that will endure forever and ever. He said he had planned to visit some churches in the area and I hope he does. Its my prayer that he will find a church home and a loving church family that will nurture him. Once he begins to search for truth and look within himself, he will find a source of strength and courage that he never knew existed. As he discovers who he really is and then begins to think of ways to be of service to others, all kinds of career opportunities will open up for him.

Granted, he may need to go back to school or get more training but he will have a purpose and a reason to get our of bed each day. He will also understand the forces of this world that will beat him down and keep him discouraged if he gives in or gives up. While I may never know the final outcome, I just wanted this young man to know that I cared enough to share the best information I had. To me, anything worth doing is worth doing right and if we are going to spend our lives climbing the Ladder Of Success, we need to make sure when we get to the top that it is leaning against the right wall. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 202 - THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

No. 202

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

My former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway used to tell a story about Alexander the Jumping Flea. It seems this man had trained a flea to sit on his arm and on command, the flea would jump over a pencil or some small object and land safely on the other side. After a while this flea got so good at the routine that this man named him Alexander and he would show him off to everyone who came along. One day he was telling a gentleman about this trained flea and the gentleman said, Lets see him do it. The man then placed this flea on his arm, got his pencil in place and said, Jump Alexander, The flea just sat there. Again he said, Jump Alexander. Again no response. At this point the gentleman said, I think your flea is deaf.

Naturally this man was distraught and he said, I want to try one more time; Jump Alexander. Again, nothing. At this point this man looked at his flea a little closer and proudly said, No wonder, this is not even Alexander. Regardless of whether it was hearing, training or a case of mistaken identity, this is my way of introducing you to the very important topic of hearing health that has some potential benefits for vast majority of people in our great nation.

A few weeks ago I received a fax from the National Campaign for Hearing Health based in Washington, D.C., and they asked me to help make the general public more aware of the dangers of toxic noise and the resulting hearing loss. This is a very serious problem for over twenty eight million Americans who have complete or serious hearing loss. With noise levels in some areas and sectors of American life, the problem may only get worse. If you or someone you love is exposed to excessive toxic noise, here are some things you may need to consider.

Monitoring and testing hearing regularly is as important as checking your teeth, blood pressure and vision. Without testing, hearing loss symptoms can go unrecognized, leading to serious long-term damage, including tinnitus (a chronic buzzing and ringing in the ears) and potentially, deafness. Prevention and rehabilitation are possible through early detection and appropriate treatment programs. The National Campaign for Hearing Health reminds you to see your doctor regularly to test and monitor your hearing.

In the meantime, there are simple steps that you can take to ensure your hearing health every day of the year. No. 1-EAR AIDS..Wear ear plugs or other protection when you know youll be exposed to loud noises, fireworks, lawn mowers, power boats, airplanes and motorcycles. No. 2-VOLUME DISCIPLINE..Care for your hearing on a daily basis by turning down your car and home stereos, headphones and television. Louder isnt better. No.3-RAPID RESPONSE..When ambushed by toxic noises, including sirens, airplane engines and jack hammers, etc., plug your ears with your fingers. No. 4-FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY..Prepare yourself for the fireworks show by sitting a comfortable distance from the display or by using ear plugs. Firecrackers produce a noise that ranks between 130 and 190 decibels, which is approximately 110 decibels above a safe noise level and where irreversible ear damage can occur.

In conclusion, I realize this is something most of us dont give the time of day unless the noise level is so high that it hurts our ears and then we may plug our ears with our fingers. True!! For a copy of the Hearing Checklist and a free set of earplugs, call 1-800-829-5934 or visit their website at www.hearinghealth.net (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 203 - WHY IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE

No. 203

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN IDEA FOR HAND GUN SAFETY

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No. 204 - THE SAGA OF IRVING LOSER

No. 204

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SAGA OF IRVING LOSER

One of the greatest challenges a public speaker faces, after being introduced, is to gain the undivided attention of the people in the audience and to get them to concentrate and focus on what he or she is saying. I love to see and hear a master communicator who can do this. In addition to being well qualified, many times a speaker must also be very creative, especially if he does not have a commanding presence or a distinctive voice quality.

As an introduction to what I want to share with you, please permit me to tell you about a sales manager who was a master when it came to being creative. One day he stood before his sales force of a thousand men and women and he yelled, Who was the first president of our country? They all yelled back, George Washington. Then he yelled, Who was the first man to fly an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean? They all yelled back, Charles Lindbergh. Then he yelled, Who was Irving Loser?

After a long pause, one man finally yelled back, Irving Loser, we never heard of him. At this point the sales manager stuck out his chest and said, The reason you have never heard of Irving Loser is because that blankety-blankety quit. Now, I believe you will agree this story contains is a real message for many of us. Here I would like to ask you an important question that is worth thinking about for a little while. How many people do you suppose could have been highly successful, even world famous, if they had just stuck with what they started out to do.

I was talking with a friend the other day and he was telling me about a young man we both know who has worked for several different companies the past six months. And believe me, he was not moving up the ladder, he was going sideways or even going down. Granted, he was at the bottom of the pay scale but he was not willing to pay the price and stick it out until a better opportunity with his first employer opened up for him. You see, each time he quit, his subconscious mind registered failure and it was also a black mark on his employment record for all future potential employers to see.

The sad part of this story is that he is living out the Saga Of Irving Loser that has been passed on from his father and unless he changes, he will also pass it on to his children. You see, this young man comes from a family of low achievers. In essence, this is what the word saga means. Its the story of the history of a family and when the family tree consists mostly of losers, this trait is just passed on from one generation to the next. The great news is that every healthy individual in our nation has the opportunity and the potential to become successful and in a sense to set new standards.

For example, many highly successful executives know and understand this principle and their kids start at the bottom. This is to say, driving a truck, working in the warehouse and doing other menial jobs. Not that these jobs dont have value, they just dont pay as much and usually the work is harder. If you will do some research, I believe you will find that most successful people started at the bottom and worked their way up.

In closing, I would just like to say that sometimes life is hard and in the long run we would be better off to tell our children the truth, then work to encourage them to do great things. Its called rising above our circumstances and in this country we certainly have the opportunity to make the most of our talents and abilities. In my own life, I have found that when things get rough, if I dont quit, the sky will clear and all kinds of good things have come as a result. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 205 - ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM LIGHT STARVATION?

No. 205

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM LIGHT STARVATION?

The other day I read something that gave me a chuckle, and while I had never thought about it before, it was the gospel truth. Its been said there are two classes of people in the world; the righteous and the unrighteous. The classifying is done by the righteous. Now I will let you think about that for a little while because you can go at it from several different angles. Before I get to the meat of what I want to share with you during this visit, I would simply remind each of us of these verses of the Bible found in Matthew 7: 1-2, Judge not lest ye be judged yourselves. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it shall be measured to you.

In addition to working on my attitude each day, I also remind myself to never be judgmental because to do so is to violate this very important Biblical admonition. My objective in writing these columns is to help each of us to become better human beings, to love a little more, to hate a little less and to leave this world a better place than we found it. One of the opportunities that we all have is the wonderful gift of communication. To be clearly understood a large percentage of the time is a great asset and will make us more successful in anything we attempt to do. While many young children learn to speak very clearly early in life, successful communication involves much more than just the spoken word.

For example, have you ever heard this comment: my parents, my husband or wife or someone else just doesnt understand me? As I said earlier, being understood a high percentage of the time is one of the keys to a happy, successful life. One thing for sure, if we are serious about success and have some definite goals and plans, what Im sharing here will help you, especially what Im going to share with you next.

While you may not agree, being from the South Ive always felt that people down this way are much friendlier, as a general rule, than people from other parts of the country. It involves a lot more than being friendly and we call it Southern hospitality. A friend of mine from Boston shared something with me a while back that has helped me to understand this and consequently I relate much better to people all over the country.

He shared an article that appeared in a magazine called Psychology Today that stated that many of the changes that occur in an individuals personality has to do with light starvation. In the fall of the year, the sun slowly reduces the amount of light, and this affects the temperature of the soil, as well as the amount of light on the leaves, grass and animals. This subtly drives plants into dormancy, just as it affects the bears who hibernate in the winter.

This is one reason for the suicide and depression rate being higher in the North. Just think, the people who live in Florida and Southern California during the winter months get 70% more sunlight, because of the angle of the sun at this time of the year. While we are all different, and there are many reasons why we develop a certain personality, here is my message loud and clear. When you run into someone who acts like they have been weaned on a dill pickle, there may be a good reason. They may be suffering from light starvation. To me, there is never an excuse for any of us to be rude all the time but just remember, when someone is curt, short or thoughtless, pause a moment and remember what Ive said here; try to understand why a person would act this way, and you wont be upset and you may also be able to help them. Its been said that we should treat every person as though their heart were breaking because it very well could be. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 206 - YOU'VE LIFTED MY SPIRITS

No. 206

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUVE LIFTED MY SPIRITS

Several years ago I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale quote a man by the name of P.G. Hammerton and he said, A strong life is like a ship of war. It has its place in the fleet and can share in its strength and discipline, but it can also go forth alone to the solitude of the infinite sea. Back then I made a note of this quotation and after reading it again, I made a cursory review of my resources but could not learn anything about P.G. Hammerton. What he said however, makes a world of sense when it comes to the challenges we face at various times during our lives.

There is a lot to be said for the strong disciplined person who can cope with life and rise above his or her circumstances to become a great success in their chosen field of endeavor. The question that keeps coming to my mind is how does a person become a strong disciplined person? Is this a quality they are born with or does he or she become that way over time because of the challenges and trials they face along the pathway of life? To my way of thinking it has to be the latter. I know many highly successful people whose children never amounted to much, at least by the worlds standards, and Ive also known many others who have far outdistanced their parents.

When it comes to a strong disciplined life, one quality you will always find is healthy self-esteem. As a real life example of this fact, here is a story that inspired me several years ago and it inspires me all over again each time I read it. It is a true story of a young lady by the name of Elaine Zayak. Elaine hails from the state of New Jersey and she represented the United States in the 1984 Winter Olympics in the former Yugoslavia. It came to light during the course of events that she was performing almost flawlessly as an Olympic ice skater, without the benefit of three toes on one foot.

Elaine Zayak slipped and fell under a running lawn mover when she was only two and half years of age, and the whirling blade severed three of her toes on one foot. She grew up with this handicap, but the thing that struck me, as one who tries to help people see their real potential, is what this unfortunate mishap did to her self-image.

She lived with the constant fear that she was less than a whole person. She was ashamed and embarrassed and went to great lengths to keep people from learning that she had this handicap. Im not sure how she got into ice skating but she struggled against all odds to become a success. During an interview, she said the turning point in her career and her life came when her boy friend learned that she had lost her toes and she found out that it didnt matter at all to him! He said, I love Elaine as a person and for what she is. The fact that she doesnt have all of one foot is not at all important to me.

When it was all said and done, Elaine Zayak finished sixth in the 1984 Winter Olympics, and she competed against the best skaters in the world. The thing that really came home to me is when she said, Im not a quitter!! Thanks Elaine, youve lifted my spirits; youve shown me and perhaps millions of others, that success is possible, regardless of the odds, if youre willing to hang in there when everything in you tells you to give up.

Now back to what I was saying earlier about a strong disciplined life. To be a truly successful person we need to be able to relate to other people, to be part of a group and make a real contribution. However, we also need to be able to persevere during those times when we are discouraged, lonely and feel that the whole world is against us. It takes a person with healthy self-esteem to do that. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 207 - SOME "NEVERS" OF MARRIAGE

No. 207

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME NEVERS OF MARRIAGE

When I was growing up there was a word that we used to hear quite often in relation to children that we dont hear much these days. The word Im referring to is illegitimate and means one born out of wedlock. In relation to this, the other day I heard an alarming statistic that should concern every responsible American citizen. The marriage rate in our country is down to 43%, the lowest in the history of our nation. This means that more people are waiting till later in life to marry or in millions of cases couples living together out of wedlock.

While Im not a preacher and certainly dont ever intend to judge someone else, I will say that it is not Gods plan for couples to live together outside of marriage. In the book of Genesis we find these words in Chapter 2: Verse 24 For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. By definition, when a child is born out of wedlock, he or she is an illegitimate child. I realize this is a very sensitive subject and in some quarters Im going to be criticized but I would just like to ask unmarried couples who are living together to think about the best interests of the children and what it will mean to them for their rest of their lives. We never really win at anything until we are willing to make a commitment.

The truth is, we may escape the judgement of man for a while but we can never escape judgement when we stand before a Holy and Righteous God. For those of us who are happily married or working on it, here is something I have found worthwhile that was tucked away in my files. Its titled, Some Nevers Of Marriage. Quoting now from this article: The very nearest approach to domestic happiness on earth is the cultivation on both sides of absolute unselfishness. Let each one strive to yield most often to the wishes of the other. Let self-denial be the daily aim and practice of each. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

At this point there were 14 Nevers and here they are: 1-Never both be angry at once. 2-Never talk at one another, in company or alone. 3-Never speak loudly to one another unless the house is on fire. 4-Never find fault unless it is perfectly certain that a fault has been committed, and then always speak lovingly. 5-Never taunt with a past mistake. 6-Never allow a request to be repeated. 7-Never make a remark at the expense of each other-it is meanness. 8-Never part for a day without loving words to think about during the absence. 9-Never meet without a loving welcome.

10-Never let the sun go down on any anger or grievance. 11-Never let any fault you have committed go by until you have frankly confessed it, and in sincere repentance, asked forgiveness. 12-Never forget the happy hours of early love. 13-Never sigh over what might have been but just make the best of what is. 14-Never forget that marriage is ordained of God, and that His blessing alone can make it what it should be.

In conclusion, as I said earlier, if you are a happily married person or working on it, I hope you have picked up an idea or two from this list of 14 nevers that you can use. As Benjamin Franklin once said, Marriage is the most natural state of man, and..the state in which you will find solid happiness. I have found that my own marriage to a wonderful woman is something I have to work at day by day and its definitely getting better. A great wife is to be treasured. Men, you have heard that old saying, A wife is someone who sits up with us when we are sick and puts up with us when we are not. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 208 - I PLEASED MY DADDY, TOO!

No. 208

The next password is fred

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I PLEASED MY DADDY, TOO!

One of the greatest tragedies in our society, at least for me, is when a man or woman is convicted of a crime and sent to prison. Unfortunately, it is necessary and even vital that thousands and thousands of our citizens are locked up for the common good. Ive always believed that if we took 5% of the right people off the streets, we would have a much safer society. Im sure you know there are many people who are in that should be out and thousands more that are out and should be in. The tragedy is what a prison inmate could have been, and the loss of their potential contribution to humanity, if they had not gone down the wrong road that led to a prison sentence.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I want to share something with you that could make a difference for a few people who even now may be headed down the wrong road. As you look back over your own life, have you ever thought about why you do many of the things you do? In your heart, if you believe you have made the right choices most of the time, then what Im going to say may not be that important for you.

On the other hand, if there are signs all around you that point to potential trouble with the law for yourself, your children, grandchildren or other loved ones, then you may want to seriously consider this true story a reader sent to me. A few years ago, a minister went into a Texas State Prison to hold a series a meetings with the inmates and he took along a friend to give his testimony about his life and why he had become a success. This friend, it turns out, was a famous major league baseball player and as he spoke to the inmates he told them of the great influence his daddy had been in his life.

He said when he was young, his daddy constantly worked with him and often told him son, someday youll be famous. Youll be a major league baseball player. And his fathers prophecy came true; he not only became a great player, but one of the greatest of all time. As he was concluding his talk he said, you know, as I look back, I realize now more and more the reason for my success is that I wanted to please my daddy and to justify all the confidence he had in me. In a very real sense I did it for him.

Then he went on to talk about the fact that if our earthly father cares for us, our Heavenly Father cares for us so much more. In fact, He cared for us so much that he sent His Son to die for us. As he finished, a very large man (one of the inmates) stood up and said, May I say something? and they handed him the microphone. He said, When I was growing up in the ghetto in Chicago, my daddy told me, Johnny, youre no good. Johnny, youre going to drop out of school. Johnny, you are going to get in trouble. Johnny, youre going to kill someone, and you know, my daddy was right. I killed two people. I pleased my daddy, too!! He was now serving time in prison for the crimes he had committed.

To me this is a very touching story and it contains some valuable information that can help many people. More often than not, our lives are self-fulfilling prophesies. What we see, what we believe, what we feel, that is acted out in that big picture show in our minds, all too often becomes a reality.

How many times do you suppose that people have gotten into trouble because the person(s) they idolized led them down the wrong road? Its been said that every life is an example. This is why we need more good role models in our society today. Parents need to be good role models, as well as ministers, teachers, business and civic leaders, elected officials and all of us who want the best for our children. What we do will have more impact than what we say. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Fred

No. 192 - A MATTER OF CHARACTER

No. 192

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MATTER OF CHARACTER

Former President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Character is like a tree and reputation like it's shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." To be sure, when Abraham Lincoln, who I think was our nation's greatest president, spoke these words about character, it was back in the days before what has come to be known as "situational ethics." In other words, just do what do what you think is right, based on the situation at the time.

Now, before I share some thoughts with you that are very personal, I want to confess that I am from the old school. I came from a generation when a man's word was his bond. So consequently I don't think too highly of a person who tells you something in a business deal and then goes back on his word. A few months ago my wife and I decided it was time for her to have a new vehicle. Because she hates to climb up out of a car, she wanted a truck. At this point I began to look around and finally found a late model, low mileage truck at a dealership not far from our home that seemed to be just what we had in mind. When I talked with a young salesman, he gave me the price they would sell it for. A few days later I took my wife's van by this dealership to see what they would give us on a trade.

The amount was so small that we decided to try to sell it ourselves and we did. In the meantime this young salesman told me they had an offer on the truck we were interested in, but there was a chance the potential buyer's credit application may not be approved. This turned out to be true and in a day or so he called to see if we were still interested. Since this would be a cash sale, I told him exactly what I would give for his truck and he said that he needed to talk with the sales manager and he would call me back.

In a few minutes the phone rang and he stated that they would accept my offer and for us to come on down. Now, here is the rest of the story and the purpose of my column. When we walked up to the front door the young salesman met us with these words, "I hope you are not going to be mad at me." The sales manager was standing there with him and he proceeded to tell us they were losing money and there was no way they could sell us the truck for the amount they had agreed to over the phone.

Since we were already emotionally involved at this point, I asked, "what will it take to buy it?" He then gave me a price of $200 more than they said they would take. I countered with a $100 more and the sales manager said, "sell him the truck!" My point is this: all of that for a measly $100! I would have given what they had originally asked, if they had told me the truth over the phone before we went there.

While we have no way of knowing if the young salesman was in on the deal, the sad thing for him is that he was standing there and heard what transpired and he knows what kind of people he is working for. His subconscious mind recorded every word and over time, this will have a tremendous impact on his self-esteem. Let me hasten to add, this is not a put down or indictment of all automobile dealerships. Most do have a good reputation that is based on character and integrity.

In summary, our deal will just be a very small speck on the radar screen and certainly will not cause this dealership to fail, but here is what they lost. The well-wishes of a satisfied customer, referrals, the opportunity for repeat business and future service and maintenance on the truck. All for a $100. Please understand, I'm not mad or bitter because I still have the same positive attitude I had before this transpired. There are consequences for our actions and behavior and we should not reward people who have little or no character. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

NO. 884 PLEASE DON'T BLAME UNBELIEVERS!

No. 884

The next Password is Fish

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PLEASE DON’T BLAME UNBELIEVERS!

According to the dictionary, the word “hypothesis” means, “An unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc.” Now please keep this definition in mind, because I would like to offer an hypothesis that I believe will explain why we have such a crisis of leadership in our nation, not just in government but in every area of society.
When I was growing up in the late 1940s and early 1950s, we had regular revivals in most of the churches in our part of the country. They may have had them in yours as well. Back in those days, the preachers were so bold to say that if a person did not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they were going to hell and would spend eternity in a burning lake of fire.
However, somewhere along the line because of “political correctness,” most pastors began to refine the word “hell” out of their vocabulary because it was not a popular topic on which to preach. In American churches today you seldom, if ever, hear the word “hell” mentioned in a sermon. I have never heard Pastor Joel Osteen talk about or preach about “hell,” have you?
Noe let’s be honest. No one likes to think about spending eternity in torment, and the vast majority of people today do not think that a loving God would ever do that to them. As a result, we have lost an important element that keeps many people from doing things that are bad, this being the element of “fear,” which is one of the greatest deterrents to sin and doing bad things.
Again, what I am saying is just a hypothesis or theory, and you don’t have to agree with me. Regardless of the reasons, we do know that more than 54 million innocent babies have been aborted in the womb since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. Thousands of our citizens are trying to change the traditional definition of marriage from one man to one woman and make it legal to have marriage between same-sex couples. Our media outlets daily report graft, greed and corruption that have become the practice of the day, and millions of our citizens are addicted to harmful substances they take into their bodies, along with gambling and pornography which can destroy the opportunity and ability to live a productive life. And we also have murder, rape, lying, cheating and stealing – all things the Bible talks about.
At this point allow me to pause and make a very clear distinction. It is a well-established view to say that “believers” are those who have accepted and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and “unbelievers” do not have a personal relationship with Him. At least this is the way it was when I was growing up. Today, millions of people do believe in God but lack a Biblical understanding of what it says about sin and separation from God, and what it means to be sentenced to hell when they die. Hear these words of Jesus in Luke 12:5 -- “But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, fear Him.”
Here is the point of this column and why I have shared this today -- we have smart people at every turn trying to find solutions to our massive social and economic problems. But I have never heard any of them mention what I have talked about as even a possibility. Wouldn’t it be great if we could stop the senseless murders taking place on the streets of major cities, and elsewhere? The people doing this have no fear of eternal consequences and do not understand what the Bible says about going to hell. Who really dropped the ball here? Please don’t blame unbelievers!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next Password is Fish

No. 859 A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH!

No. 859

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH!

Several years ago, I had the honor of being the principal speaker for the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. This small community has the distinction of being the home of the only diamond producing mine in the United States, and the only one in the world that is open to the public. The diamond mine is located in the Crater of Diamonds State Park, and each year hundreds, if not thousands, of people travel to this location in search of diamonds. Quite often a diamond is found that has very high value. This mine is just a plowed field, and people use a bucket and other soil-separating devices in an attempt to uncover one or more of these rare and precious jewels. When a diamond is found it is just a “diamond in the rough,” as it still has to be cut, polished and often mounted to achieve its maximum value.
Now, I see a perfect analogy here between an un-cut, un-polished and un-mounted diamond, and our copyrighted Bookcase for Every Child project that is also a “diamond in the rough” that has tremendous value. This is especially true when you consider the fact that we can help thousands, perhaps millions, of pre-school children who are being reared in low-income homes in this country learn to read and develop a passion for reading. These are the children who truly need help because many are destined to become school drop-outs who could later wind up in prison or dead. This past April, our Conway Bookcase Project Committee hosted our eighth annual awards ceremony and presented 50 more personalized bookcases, and a starter set of books to these precious children. This brought the number to 400 since we started back in 2005
We had two very special guests at our ceremony. Nija Graves, who received a bookcase back in 2009, and her mother Sherry came at our invitation to share what the bookcase and books had meant to Nija since she received them. Nija is in the first grade and reads at the fourth-grade level. Sherry says she reads 20 minutes every night. In addition to this success story, Nija was featured on the front cover of the American Profile magazine when they did a feature article about our project in August 2011. As a result of this article, our project has now spread to five states and signs point to many, many more in the near future.
Here is why our bookcase project is truly a “diamond in the rough.” We are all volunteer and do not use any tax money or grants of any kind. It is all about giving back. As I said earlier, this project has tremendous value because we attack illiteracy at the root of the problem, this being the home environment of the child. The parents and the community must take ownership of the illiteracy issue, which is killing our country, if we are to improve in the weeks, months and years to come. The reason our project is expanding is because American Profile made millions of people in America aware of the project that did not know about it before.
In the coming months, I will be available on a national basis for television, radio and newspaper interviews to make Americans aware of this great resource that can make a difference in their own community, and it does not cost taxpayers a penny. We get great support from local politicians, but not so much on the state and national level because we don’t use tax money. As you know, in most cases tax money is tied to votes. We don’t care about votes, because literacy is a non-partisan issue. We just want to help these special children develop the skills to help them succeed. Go to our website to learn more: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 860 OUR VALUES ARE OUT OF WHACK!

No. 860

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR VALUES ARE OUT OF WHACK!

In 1960, I gave 40 hours of my time, energy and attention each week to the stockroom of Arkansas Printing and Litho Co. in Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition to keeping the shelves stocked with paper, my job was primarily to take various sizes, colors and weights of paper to the cutting machine and printing presses to begin the process of turning out a completed commercial printing job. I did this for a tidy sum of $1.35 per hour. And so I began my working career after dropping out of Arkansas A & M College in Monticello.
Soon I was promoted into the plant and given a raise to begin an apprenticeship to learn the various skills of the bindery process to become a good employee. One of the machines I had to learn to operate was called a Diddy Glazier. This was before the days of carbonless paper. We have all used those 2- to 5-part forms and had to press hard to make sure you could read the copies that were near the back. In those days we had large sheets of carbon paper, with a one-inch strip down the side with a raw edge, meaning no carbon. Using a ream of 500 sheets of carbon paper, you took it to the cutting machine to be cut to size the form was going to be.
Now, here is where the fun started. The Diddy Glazier was a machine about 30 feet long with a series of seven stations where stacks of paper were placed to be separated by air jets and deposited on a conveyor belt for the journey to the end of the machine. Each station had a cylinder that rotated with a row of glue tips timed to arrive at the spot to coincide with the arrival of the paper. If you had a four-part form, you also had three pieces of carbon, with the raw edges to receive the glue, so they would all stick together to produce the finished form.
You had to get this machine set up with all the adjustments in perfect timing so it would run and pick up each from along the journey to turn out a finished product. If just one part, or station, was out of adjustment (or out of whack) you had a paper jam or some other problem that caused the machine to stop. This was particularly critical when the parts were numbered, which was the case on most of the forms. Well, believe it or not, it took a little while but I got to where I could operate this machine with a great deal of efficiency. This is also the kind of efficiency that I would like to see on the part of our Congress and federal government.
I see a parallel here between the machine I have described getting out of whack, and many of the values we have in America also getting out of whack. Let’s explore this a little more, and I believe what I am saying will be more clear. It’s a simple concept. If you don’t first see the problem, there is no way to fix it. As a starting point, let’s use the group of people that we call “The Greatest Generation.” These are the people who helped us win World War II, which was really the turning point in our nation’s history. In those days, a man’s word was his bond. We had respect for our fellow man, children were taught manners and there was a price to pay when they got out of line. Families were also the center piece of our society.
To be sure, in those days we did not see the scandals, the crime, bulging welfare rolls and an entitlement society. What happened? It started with the free-love, if it feels good do it, generation of the Vietnam War. Aided by several decisions of the Supreme Court, and with an all-out attempt to remove God from our culture, it’s just like making copies of copies, and each succeeding generation moving us further to the left, and now chaos reigns. We all pay a price when our values are out of whack.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 861 THAT DOG WON'T HUNT!

No. 861

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THAT DOG WON’T HUNT!

Have you ever been amused and annoyed at the same time? These are two distinct emotions I had a while back while watching a newscast on a nearby Little Rock television station. The on-air reporter was interviewing a very attractive and charming lady who was there promoting, would you believe, the Jack Daniel’s Drinking School. After listening to her for a few minutes you would have thought that drinking Jack Daniel’s whiskey was the best thing since we started slicing bread. I was amused because of her vivacious personality and the way she was enthusiastically presenting her product. Of course, there was money involved (if not directly, indirectly), so the television station was more than willing to have her on and give her some time.
I was annoyed because the purpose of the interview, and all her comments, were aimed at increasing the sales of Jack Daniel’s. As a promotion, this company has teamed up with the Zac Brown Band to inform consumers about responsible consumption. You see, after a concert, Jack Daniel’s wants to help concert goers get home safely, especially if they have been drinking whiskey. Now here is the clincher. As part of a recently formed partnership with the band and the Jack Daniel’s Drinking School, the company will offer concertgoers the opportunity to register for free designated driver rides to and from select Zac Brown Band concerts in cities across the U.S. through BeMyDD. You can figure out what the letters stand for.
Give me a break. How many people do you suspect will register, in advance, for a free designated driver before the concert? We have a saying here in my neck of the woods that pretty well sums up this charming lady’s presentation, and why she was on our television station -- “That Dog Won’t Hunt.”
We all know that thousands and thousands of people drink and drive every day. Personally, I don’t want to be in the same car, or on the same highway, with someone drinking beer much less a graduate of the Jack Daniel’s Drinking School. From my perspective, this whole affair is just an attempt to take us further down the slippery slope that kills thousands of people in our country each year through alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Recently I read an article printed in The Huffington Post titled, “Alcohol-Related Deaths Kill More Than AIDS, TB or Violence,” according to the World Health Organization. Because we now live in a global society, please allow me to give you some statistics from this highly respected organization. Approximately 2.5 million people die each year from alcohol-related causes. You know, that’s about the population of my home state of Arkansas. In my mind I could see myself driving more than 300 miles from one end of our state to the other without seeing another human being. In some way, they had all been killed because of alcohol consumption. The harmful use of alcohol is especially fatal for younger age groups, and alcohol is the world’s leading risk factor for death among males aged 15-59, the report found.
We live in a free country and we can make our own choices. The thing that annoyed me is that interviews of this type only give one side of the issue and seldom, if ever, give the other side, and certainly not the consequences. Helping people live a successful and fulfilled life is what I’m all about and this means making good and wise choices, even if pointing things out like my topic today may be misconstrued. There are times in each of our lives when we just need to say, “That Dog Won’t Hunt.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 862 THE GREAT VALUE OF TIME!

No. 862

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREAT VALUE OF TIME!

The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) once said of time, “It is the shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock … these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of Time, but not Time itself. Time is the Life of the Soul.” There is one thing we can all agree on. Time is one of the most precious commodities we have, and one day the shadow will stand still and the clock will cease to report, because our time will run out.
It has been said that time is the great equalizer because the bum and the billionaire have exactly the same amount -- 24 hours each day, no more and no less. However, we don’t all have the same number of days to live as mortals on this planet. Each day in our daily newspaper there is an obituary section that reports recent deaths in our community, both local residents and those with ties to our city. I always read these, at least scan each one, to see if it’s someone I know personally, and follow up with a sympathy note or card to let members of the family know that I am thinking about them and I care.
These thoughts came to mind as I read something a friend sent me a few days ago. It was a relatively short piece that really put the value of time into perspective. As you know, in our society one person’s time is more valuable than another’s. For example, a brain surgeon will earn more in an hour than most hourly workers will earn in a month. This is not to say that one person is any better or more important than any other. It just says they spent more time in preparation to earn more, based on the values we have arrived at as a society. This is the economic perspective, but there are others that we all need to ponder from time to time.
As I share these, think about your life and where you are at this point in time. My 90-year-old mother in a nursing does not have much time left while, barring accident, illness or disease, the school-aged children who live next door have their whole lives in front of them. As I mentioned a moment ago, please ponder each of these thoughts as I share them. To realize the value of 10 years: ask a newly divorced couple. To realize the value of four years: ask a graduate. To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam. To realize the value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize the value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of one minute: Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or plane. To realize the value of one second: Ask a person who has survived an accident. Here I am reminded of the U.S. Airways flight that crash-landed in the Hudson River in New York City. When Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made those split-second decisions, there was precious little time to waste.
Yes, the time we have left is precious. As humans, when each of us is born we do not know how much time we will have to live on this small planet. If we live to a normal life expectancy, the training we have had, and the choices we make, will determine whether our life is a success or a failure, based on our relationship to God and the service we provide to our fellowman. You see, time waits for no one. We should treasure every moment we have, and we will treasure it even more when we can share it with someone special. And just remember, to realize the value of a friend, or family member: LOSE ONE. My prayer is that this will be a red-letter day for you and those you serve and care about.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 863 KATIE'S KROPS!

No. 863

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

KATIE’S KROPS!

If you are a strong believer in the “Power of One,” you will really appreciate, and may even benefit from, a true story that I want to share with you today. A while back a friend sent me an e-mail about a unique project called “Katie’s Krops” started by a remarkable young lady in South Carolina. After reading about this project, I went to the Internet and checked it out. As I began to read more about this project, I could not believe the story that was unfolding for all to see. After you learn more, I believe you will be as impressed as I was.
The idea for Katie’s Krops began with a 9-year-old girl and a 40-pound cabbage. In 2008, Katie brought a tiny cabbage seedling home from school as part of the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage program. She tended to her cabbage and cared for it until it grew to an amazing 40 pounds. With the knowledge that her cabbage was special, she donated it to a soup kitchen where it helped to feed more than 275 people. Moved by the experience of seeing how many people could benefit from the donation of fresh produce to soup kitchens, Katie decided to start vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to help feed people in need.
Now, please fast-forward with me to meet this soon-to-be national role model. Her name is Katie Stagliano and she is now 13 years of age. Her mission has become to start and maintain vegetable gardens of all sizes and donate the harvest to help feed people in need, as well as to assist and inspire others to do the same. When I wrote to her to ask permission to write this column, I loved the way she signed her e-mail: Katie Stagliano, Chief Executive Gardener and Founder. From time to time she is also able to offer grants to kids ages 9 to 16 to start vegetable gardens where the bounty is donated to individuals in need.
Here is the part of the program that I really like. Katie’s Krops gardens provide a sustainable solution to hunger while teaching kids an understanding of agriculture and the environment, nutrition, responsibility and compassion. Wouldn’t it be great if more inner-city kids could have this same experience? There is much more I could say, but none more effective than this child’s own words: “My dream was born when I brought my cabbage to Tri-County Family Ministries. When I walked in I saw a huge line of people waiting for what might be the only meal they would have for that day. The people who worked there and the people who were eating there were so friendly and nice.
“As I served my cabbage to the guests and they thanked me for helping to feed them, I knew I could and I should do more to help. That day at Tri-County Family Ministries my dream was born. My dream is that there are no hungry people. I found help with my dream, first from Amazing-Kids.org. They held a Launch-My-Dream T-Shirt contest. I entered and out of hundreds of entries I won. But I did not stop there. I asked my school to help and they donated a huge plot of land for a garden.
“The whole school -- kindergarten to 12th grade -- is helping and the harvest is donated to feed hungry people. But I did not stop there either. I contacted Fields to Families and asked them if they could help. The board of directors said ‘yes’ and I now have a Master Gardener, Ms. Lisa, to work with. But I am not stopping there and on she goes.”
To learn more visit her website: www.katiesKrops.com. You will be impressed just like I am. The “Power of One” spirit lives on.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 864 THE SCOURGE OF PORNOGRAPHY!

No. 864

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SCOURGE OF PORNOGRAPHY!

One of the great things about freedom that produces opportunity is the chance for all of us to do better. An area that I have been concerned about for a long time, perhaps you have as well, is the scourge of pornography. Of course it’s not just here in the United States of America, its world wide.
Pornography is like a disease that eats a person from the inside. You can’t see it until it manifests itself in some negative way, and then it appears in the light of day for others to see. To make sure we are speaking the same language, please allow me to give you the definition of two crucial words. The word “scourge” means, “Any means of inflicting severe punishment; suffering or vengeance.” The word “pornography” means, “Originally a description of prostitutes and their trade; hence writing, pictures and intentions to arouse sexual desire.”
The pornographic industry is so big and pervasive that it is difficult to get a handle on just how much money is spent each year on the various forms of pornography, but here is one to try on for size. In 2006, and I am sure it has not gotten any better in the past several years, the revenue from pornography was more than Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple and Netflix combined. In just one category it is estimated that 12 percent of all websites on the Internet are pornographic. Now, that is tragic, and you can see why I am calling it a “scourge.”
When you fry out all the fat, it really comes down to each individual person and the values that are important to us. If what I have heard over the years through the grapevine is true, there are millions of men (it’s basically a male problem) who are highly respected in their communities who are secretly involved in viewing pornography. And I am sad to say, a lot of these men claim to be Christians and faithfully attend church each week.
For me, here is the bottom line. There is nothing good that can come from being involved, at any level, in pornography. If this happens to be your problem, I have just one word for you. STOP! We are selling our souls and the hope for future generations of Americans to this wicked practice. There are many good reasons why this is true. First, pornography degrades women. As a man, if we have a good woman and we are involved in this activity, she deserves better. She should be honored and put on a pedestal because she is one of God’s special creations.
Another good reason to use every means possible to rid society of pornography is that it destroys the family. How many homes have been broken up because the man or husband was spending time viewing this trash? Nothing good can come from it. All it does is siphon off our time that we could be using to accomplish something really worthwhile and would glorify God. While I have many failings, I have never rented a pornographic film or watched it on the Internet. In fact, I am so narrow minded in this area that I stopped doing business with a grocery story where the owner refused to remove Playboy from his magazine rack where young children could see them.
While I have no way of knowing if what I am saying will make a difference to anyone, to stop the practice could mean the difference between life and death. I almost forgot, many daytime TV programs are just as bad. We should guard our minds with more care.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit

No. 865 THE TURN AROUND OF NEW ORLEANS SCHOOLS!

No. 865

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TURN AROUND OF NEW ORLEANS SCHOOLS!

Over the past few years, there is a story that has been unfolding down on the Gulf Coast that all Americans need to hear or read about. It is the story of the turnaround of the New Orleans Schools. This major city school system has gone from being one of the worst in the nation to one of the best. It is important to understand that we are talking major city schools here, not all schools, and there is a huge difference. Traditionally, smaller schools across the country have performed much better than schools in major metropolitan cities.
As a starting point, let’s remember the sad state of affairs in the New Orleans Schools back in 2003 before Hurricane Katrina came along. The dropout rate hovered around 70 percent by one count, 64 percent of public schools were deemed “academically unacceptable” (compared to just 8 percent for the rest of the state) and buildings were crumbling. Gross mismanagement (missing resources, deceased people on the payroll) led to the state starting to take control of a handful of the city’s schools, folding the management of these schools into its existing Louisiana Recovery School District.
Then a week after school started in 2005, Katrina came. Five of the city’s roughly 105 schools were in the recovery district before Katrina, and nine were separately run charters. Today, the recovery district, led by Superintendent Paul Vallas, has 70 schools, with 47 of those being charters.
Here it might be good, if you are a layman like me, to define Charter Schools. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Charter Schools are “primary or secondary schools that receive public money (and like other schools, may also receive private donations) but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results which are set forth in each school’s charter.”
Here is the key, and part of the reason for their success, Charter Schools are opened and attended by choice. But let’s return to New Orleans. While the city shares some similarities for reform with schools nationwide, there are many more differences between New Orleans schools and those elsewhere in the country. Not only do charters dominate the education landscape, but also nearly every attendance zone has been eliminated, making school choice almost universal. None of the schools, from charters to regular public schools, are bound by a collective bargaining agreement. In other words, they have no unions they have to deal with.
With the fifth anniversary of the flood in August 2010, there has been renewed national focus on New Orleans schools and its students’ progress. The school system has slowly ramped up the number of students served. In 2005, just before Katrina, it had 65,000 students; the next year it was down to 25,600. Enrollment has now climbed to 38,000. The demographics are still daunting: 95 percent of students are minorities and 83 percent are eligible for free or reduced lunches. Last year, 61 percent went to charter schools (a number that will increase this school year), by far the largest percentage of children in an urban area attending charters in the county.
And the students have made progress. In 2002, only 31 percent of fourth graders were deemed at or above basic in English/language arts. By 2009, that number had swelled to 59 percent. Eighth graders have more than doubled the percentage at or above basic in the same time frame, in both English and math. Sounds like there is reason for optimism for the future.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 866 A RETURN TO SANITY!

No. 866

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A RETURN TO SANITY!

There is an old joke about this woman who tells her husband, “I must have been crazy when I married you.” He said, “You were dear, but I married you anyway.” When you get right down to it, being crazy is a relative thing. I am crazy about my wife Viola, but so far no one has come by my house and tried to haul me away.
Back in the days before political correctness, every state had one or more mental hospitals, using a variety of different names. These were institutions where the mentally insane were treated or just kept separated from the general public. Before I get to my topic today, “A Return to Sanity,” permit me to digress one last time.
Several years ago I heard about a fellow speaker who was invited to speak to the patients at a state mental institution in another state. Soon after he arrived, the patients were all seated in this large auditorium. My speaker friend was introduced and began his talk. After about 15 minutes, a patient stood up and yelled, “He’s the worst speaker I have ever heard.” After a minute or so he sat back down. About 10 minutes later this same man stood up and said the same thing, again, with the same result. When he had done this a couple more times, the speaker stopped and went over to the host and said, “Can’t you do something about this fellow?” His host said, “Well, I suppose I could but this man has been here for 20 years and this is the first sensible thing he has said since he has been here.”
Now, before I continue, let me say that mental illness or mental disease is a very serious matter, and I would never make light or make fun of anyone who suffers from this terrible condition. When I say “A Return to Sanity” I am not talking about these people but rather those individuals who are part of the consuming public who have very poor judgment regarding what they purchase and put on their credit card. The word sanity means “The state of being sane; soundness of mind.” This statement applies both individually and collectively. Believe me, they are among us. We see individuals all the time who don’t exhibit any common sense when it comes to their best interests and welfare, and many wind up filing for bankruptcy.
When we see a line of people five blocks long at 3 o’clock in the morning, waiting for the store to open to buy some new electronic product, it is just plain crazy. In all likelihood, it could be kids using their parents’ credit card. Down in Florida they had a near riot awhile back by young people who were trying to get a Nike Foamposite Galaxy shoe and it took 100 policemen to disperse them. I later learned they could make a huge profit by selling the sneakers to others who did not get there before the store ran out. Again, this is just plain crazy when you think about the value that some people place on things that are here today and gone tomorrow.
Recently I read that Apple had made $100 billion profit and really did not know what to do with the money. They finally decided to pay a dividend to their stockholders. But that is not the issue. The real issue is that vast numbers of the American public lack common sense or good judgment when it comes to going further in debt on their credit cards, while making the tech companies billions of dollars. While high-tech is here to stay, and there are some great products on the market, old-fashioned values like buying what we really need and not having to always have the latest gadget, especially on credit, can save many American consumers a lot of stress and heartache down the road. While this is a free country and we can spend our money the way we choose, this would be “A Return to Sanity.” Think!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 867 MAKING SENSE OF THE NEWS!

No. 867

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAKING SENSE OF THE NEWS!

One of the greatest challenges I face each day, as I try to stay reasonably well informed is making sense of the news. “News,” according to the dictionary, is “New information about anything; information regarding unknown and recent happenings, especially those broadcast over the electronic and technical media, and those printed in newspapers.”
The battle here for me is that I see things happening more and more that make absolutely no sense whatsoever. I am appalled as I watch the local and national news each day and see the tragic events that are taking place that make it painfully obvious there is little or no love for others in our society. People who have love for their fellow human beings do not do the things to others that are now commonplace in the news every day.
As I have thought about this a great deal, I have come up with what I believe is a good part of the answer. First, the “news” can be broken down into three broad categories. First, there is reporting on natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires started by lightning strikes. Then there is a great part of the news devoted to covering accidents of various kinds, and most of these can be attributed to human error. However, most of the news is made by one or more persons who made a conscious choice to steal, rob, rape, murder or cause mental or physical harm to other human beings. Of course, a good part of the news is also to report on those individuals who made good choices, resulting in receiving recognition or winning some contest or event.
Now back to my earlier comment about making sense of the news. While I may be considered old-fashioned, I believe the only way you can make sense of the news is to relate and compare what is happening today to the Word of God. In the book of Matthew 22:37- 40, a lawyer asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Jesus went on to say, “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love thy neighbor as thyself.” What Jesus was actually doing was quoting two verses from the Old Testament -- Leviticus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 6:5 -- two verses that are part of Jewish Law written by Moses.
Now, it’s easy to see that the focus of both commandments is love. My friend, that is the key to understanding what is happening in the news today. When you have people with love for their fellow human beings in their heart, you will not have the total lack of respect and the kind of crude language, inhumane treatment, bloodshed and carnage that is reported in the news every single day. While it used to be that this was happening to someone else who lived somewhere else, it is now happening right here in our hometown, to us or someone we know. When I was growing up, we did not have the kind of things happening that have become commonplace, so much so that we have become desensitized.
Now, please understand. I did not say that I had the answer. But what I have just shared does help me understand more of what is happening in the news and the more understanding that God gives me, the more I may be able to help bring about change that will provide a better nation for our children and grandchildren. America is still the best place on earth but we must return to God and obey His laws if we want Him to bless us again. A good place to start is to call Sin what it is … Sin, and let the chips fall where they may.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 868 ARE YOU A WORD-MERCHANT?

No. 868

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A WORD-MERCHANT?

Have you ever been accused of being a word-merchant? You can believe me when I say there are far worse things in this old world, but generally speaking a word-merchant is someone who possesses a huge vocabulary and uses many words in their writing and speaking that are not in the working vocabulary of most people.
We have a great writer here in our community who works for our local newspaper and is semi-retired. His name is Fred Petrucelli, and Fred is definitely a word-merchant. You better have a dictionary handy when you read his articles or you will miss much of what he has to say. Fred is a long-time friend and I say what I have said to his credit.
The title for this column came to mind when a friend sent me something the other day titled “Humor for Lexophiles,” which means a lover of words. You will have to be on your toes to catch some of the following phrases, but I believe they are worth sharing and may also expand your mind a just a bit. Here goes:
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me. -- Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He’s all right now. – The roundest Knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. – The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work. – To write with a broken pencil is pointless. – When fish are in schools they sometimes take up debate.
The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. – A thief who stole a calendar got 12 months. – A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal. – Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking. – We’ll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply. – When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A. – The math teacher went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it. – The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground. – The dead batteries were given out free of charge. – If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.
A bicycle can’t stand alone; it is two tired. – A will is a dead giveaway. – Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. – A backward poet writes inverse. – In a democracy it’s your vote that counts; in feudalism, it’s your Count that votes. – A chicken crossing the road; poultry in motion. If you don’t pay your exorcist you will get repossessed. – With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. – Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I’ll show you A-flat miner. – When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds. – The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered. – A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blown apart.
You are stuck with your debt if you can’t budget. – Local Area Network in Australia; The LAN down under. – He broke into song because he couldn’t find the key. – A calendar’s days are numbered. – A lot of money is tainted; ’Taint yours, and ’taint mine. – A boiled egg is hard to beat. – He had a photographic memory that was never developed. – A plateau is a high form of flattery. – Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end. – When you’ve seen one shopping center you’ve seen a mall. – When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she’d die. – Life is like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your rectum tomorrow. (As you can probably guess, I have amended the last line.)
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy

No. 869 BAD CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES!

No. 869

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BAD CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES!

Can you wrap your arms, and also your mind, around the figure of $1,995,000? Written out like you would on a check, that is one million, nine hundred ninety five thousand and 00/100 dollars. This was the amount of the initial asking price for Coach Bobby Petrino’s six-bedroom, seven-and-a-half bath, 8,741-square-foot house in Fayetteville, Arkansas, after he had been fired as coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Now, based on when you read this, it may be old news, but what I am going to say from the point forward may surprise you. If you are not a sports fan you won’t feel as passionate about this as those of us who are. However, the real principle involved works just the same, regardless of what area of life you apply it.
I have never been one to kick someone else when they are down. Coach Petrino has enough problems already dealing with the bad choices he has made, but the saddest thing of all, at least for me, is the lives of others he has affected, and the list is long. I don’t wish to rehash them here. We all make bad choices to one degree or another, but in most cases they don’t make the national or international news.
If you want other examples just talk with Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints, who tried to cover up bounty money for his players to hurt some on opposing teams; or Tiger Woods and his sexual problems; or former presidential candidate John Edwards, who went from a $500 haircut to one that cost $12.95; or the Secret Service agents involved in a sex scandal who resigned or were fired. In the case of Tiger Woods he may come back, but he will always live with the bad choices he has made.
In each case, when we hear of people’s lives being disrupted because of bad choices, the question that always comes to mind is why? Why would someone throw a whole lifetime of making good choices away for a few destructive choices that would change their lives forever? This is the area where I believe we can spend some productive time by examining the reasons why in the hopes that it will help others avoid the same fate.
First, let’s realize that each of us is different. We bring our values to the table based on a great number of factors: parents, teachers, pastors, the media, role models and others who influence us all along the road of life. On balance, if most of these influences have been positive, our chances are good that we will become a well-adjusted and responsible person. Let’s understand right here that a person can develop a great skill and talent and have bad or poor character and still fail as a human being.
This last point holds the key as to why some people make bad choices. They succeeded in some areas but failed in others. Sometimes fame causes a person to lose touch with reality, as they don’t think the rules apply to them. This is crucial when they learned what is truly right from wrong. Here I am going to make a statement that you may not agree with. I believe the Holy Bible contains the road map to success because it is the basis for truth and for understanding what is right and what is wrong. This is quite possibly where some of the people in my earlier example may have gone wrong. They never studied or don’t really know the Bible.
While I have made a lot of bad choices in my life, about 26 years ago I made the decision to read the Bible all the way through each year. I did this for 25 straight years. Now, every decision or choice I make has a filter it must pass through. I know what is right and what is wrong, according to the Word of God. Regardless of our station in life, skin color, status, or fame, BAD CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 870 A TRIBUTE TO ANNIE GLENN!

No. 870

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO ANNIE GLENN!

We have all heard the saying, “Behind every successful man there is a good woman.” This is certainly the case for John Glenn one of America’s most revered and respected heroes. He is a highly decorated veteran in both World War II and the Korean War, and on Feb. 20, 1962, he piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” spacecraft on the first orbital mission of the United States. He would later become a U.S. senator from the state of Ohio. To be sure, almost all Americans with any education, and not still wet behind the ears, know the name John Glenn.
However, I dare say that outside of her native Ohio, not too many of us know the name of Annie Glenn, John’s wife of 68 years at the time of this writing. He is 90 and she just turned 92 years of age. John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when literally they shared a playpen. In Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the families got together, their children played. In school, John was a three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town, Mr. Everything. His later-to-be mate, Annie Castor, was bright, caring, talented and generous of spirit.
What most people may not know is that Annie had a stuttering problem that was so severe that it was categorized as an 85 percent disability – 85 percent of the time she could not make words come out. When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend. But John Glenn loved her. Even as a boy, he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful gift.
They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful. She has written: “I can remember some very painful experiences – especially the ridicule.” She was a fine musician, and in every community where they moved she would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends.
Here is something special and unique about this couple: John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving were: “I’m just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum.” And with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply: “Don’t be long.” On that special day in 1962, when the world held its collective breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him into space, those were their words once again. Then later on another mission, when he went back into space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if something happened to end their life together?
She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did – and this time he gave her a present to hold onto: a pack of gum. She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home.
Over the years she tried various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked. But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program and John hoped it would help her. It did. At age 53, John heard her speak to him with confidence and clarity. At this point he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude. And now you know some of the rest of the story, as I pay tribute to Annie Glenn.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 871 SOMETIMES NEGATIVE IS POSITIVE!

No. 871

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOMETIMES NEGATIVE IS POSITIVE!

Over the past several months I have noticed a new trend in my writing. If you are a faithful reader of this column, perhaps you have noticed it, too. Lately the basic theme of more of my columns has been negative. I just want you to know that I am aware of this and it is not totally without purpose. When I see vast numbers of my fellow Americans hurting, this affects me deeply and I hurt, too. When I hear on the news that more than half of the graduates coming out of college can’t find a job and are saddled with massive debt for student loans, I know that a lot of these young people are hurting. As a result, most of them have to take a low-paying job, and there is no money left to pay off their loans.
Another sad statistic I hear is that 53 percent of all Americans are on some form of government assistance, and we all know that this cannot be sustained over time. In terms of being negative, I am reminded of what a former secretary told me one time. She went to the doctor and, after a few minutes, told him, “Look, doctor, I don’t want you to pat me on the knee and say, honey everything’s rosy. I have a mother. I want you to tell me the truth about my health and that way I can deal with it.” This is what I think most Americans want in terms of what is happening in our country and what we can do to correct it for a better life for ourselves and future generations.
In terms of our nation’s future, every once in a while I catch myself saying, “Thank God for the Heartland.” This is the central part of our nation, with mostly an agricultural economy. This area is sometimes called “America’s Bread Basket” because these states produce a large portion of our food. While there are a number of “fringe” states, we usually think of states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota as being the heartland. This column has run in all these states and I have had speaking engagements in all but one of them. So, I have been there in person and have a good feel for what I am saying. I can tell you this for sure: most of the people from these states are good, honest, hard-working people, and they have a set of values that we would all do well to emulate.
I have thought about this a good deal and I believe the reason this is true is because of the agricultural make-up of their economy. This is farming country and farmers face an element of risk each year that most others do not face. Unlike any other vocation, they must depend on the weather in terms of whether it’s a good year or a bad year. You see, they must rely on God for their very existence. It’s not only the crops but also the production of milk, beef, hogs, poultry, eggs and other foodstuffs that help one develop an appreciation for nature and what God can supply.
Again, you may disagree, but I believe this is the reason American’s Heartland produces people with outstanding character who are honest, work hard, treat others with respect and have a real understanding of what is right and what is wrong.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule here but generally speaking this is true. The reason I am sharing this is because going forward we are going to need heartland values in our leaders at every level of government in our nation. In the final analysis, it all comes down to each individual person and what we believe and what we put into practice. Are you this type of person? I hope so. We have the greatest country in the world, but we must right the ship if we are to survive. If we tell the truth, sometimes negative is positive!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 872 THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE

No. 872

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE!
Has there ever been a time in your life when you could honestly say, “These were the best days of my life?” Well, I can. Without a doubt, these were the days following Thanksgiving 2011, and up until the Lord calls my precious wife Viola home.
As I write these words it is now Sept. 5, 2012, and she is still here. Some of her friends told me they did not think she would make it until Christmas. Up until THAT time she had battled Parkinson’s for 18 years and I watched her slowly go downhill, which is the nature of this terrible disease. She went from falling more and more at home, to a power chair, then a wheel chair and finally to a few weeks’ stay in a local nursing home for some physical therapy.
After a few weeks of therapy, it was determined that she would not make any more progress, and she made the decision that she wanted to return home. Some of her well-meaning family members and friends wanted her to remain in the nursing home because they did not think I could take care of her. They could not have been more wrong.
While I had never had to be a caregiver before and my domestic skills were suspect at best, I am a fast learner and I was committed to make any sacrifice to take care of her and give her the very best care I could give her. Fortunately, I found a wonderful lady by the name of Cynthia Tillman to be here eight hours each day, Monday through Friday, and I would fill in the gap for the remainder of the time.
We started giving her medications in a timely manner, fed her well and I gave her lots of love. She is a strong woman anyway, but she rallied and the past several months have truly been a blessing. Soon after returning home she became a total invalid, spending all her time in bed or a Geri chair, and it has become a continual process of getting her out of bed, feeding her, leaving her up for a period of time and then putting her back in bed. The thing I am so grateful for is that she has never lost the ability to use her sharp mind and can recall names, events and other details very vividly. She has even walked me through the recipe to make a pan of corn bread.
Another blessing is that she continues to have her sharp wit and sense of humor. Picture this in your mind. When I get her out of bed I have to take hold of both of her legs, lift her up and turn her 90 degrees in bed to where I can get my hand under her head and lean her forward until her feet touch the floor. At this point I place my left foot in front of hers to keep her from sliding and then take both of her arms, lift her up and place her in the Geri chair. One morning after doing this I was bragging on her and she said, “Well, I like to make an old man happy.”
Another example of her sharp wit was one morning while she was in bed and I said to her, “I am giving you a lot of my love.” She replied, “I want it all.” While I can’t say that we have had this kind of relationship for the entire time we were married, these final days are, without reservation, the best days of my life.
In sharing this personal story with you, I realize that not everyone is given the same opportunity to care for a loved one or family member. I am so grateful that God has given me good health, a strong body for a 74-year-old man, and a time in my life when I could be home and take care of her.
The thing that is most important for me, and for you as well should that time ever come, is that I want to look back and have fond memories of the time we spent together, and know in my heart that I did the very best I could to take care of her.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 873 IT ALL BEGINS WITH LITERACY!

No. 873

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT ALL BEGINS WITH LITERACY!

Have you ever heard of some person being spoon fed? Well, most of us have because this is how we feed a baby, and we often spoon feed invalids who can no longer feed themselves. Of course, for adults, the extreme of this example eventually is through a feeding tube.
Did you know that a whole community can be spoon fed? This is to say, the people living and working there can be spoon fed economically. Today I want to use this example to talk with you about the importance of literacy. When you get right down to it, economic or financial success begins with literacy. Here is the real question: When a community is spoon fed, what happens when you remove the spoon? The answer is they suffer the loss of jobs and income.
This is what happened to Blytheville, Arkansas, back in 1992 when the federal government closed Eaker Air Force Base, which was a big part of the economic lifeline for this Northeast Arkansas community. A friend who once lived there told me that every two weeks the checks came and everyone was happy. As a result of the air base closing, over time this community lost about half of its commerce and also half of its population. I can remember a time along about 1970 when Blytheville and Jonesboro, neighboring communities, were about the same size. Now Jonesboro has a population of more than 68,000 and Blytheville has a population of a little more than 16,000. These are general statistics, but you get the point.
There were two main factors at work here. First, Jonesboro is the home of Arkansas State University, and the number of literate, educated graduates they turn out year after year enables this community to develop a wide and diverse economy. They did not have all their eggs in one basket, as did Blytheville. When a plant closed in Jonesboro, or a downturn in the economy came along, they did not suffer the same fate. This is why every community should strive for diversity and a wide range of business and industry employers that provide good jobs.
Here is the reason I am sharing this with you, because it may have a bearing on the future of your own community. In addition to the closing of the air base, there are a number of other factors involved. In doing some research I learned that the literacy rate in Mississippi County, where Blytheville is located, is 27 percent. In other words, one out of every four adults in this county is functionally illiterate. The simple truth is that you cannot have a diverse economy unless you have a labor pool of highly educated and literate workers to work in the jobs that follow. Please hear me loud and clear -- it really does begin with literacy.
While it is certainly a long-term proposition, every community needs a Bookcase for Every Child project to focus on reading and literacy. Our goal is to reach children being reared in low-income families who have few, if any, books in the home for their children to read. We had our eighth annual Awards Ceremony back in April, and I want to share some comments from a prominent citizen who was there. Debbie says, “A young daughter of a family that I have known for many years was one of those receiving a bookcase and a starter set of books. Ruth, the mother, did not have a car and asked if I would take her to the ceremony.
“After the ceremony, on the way home, as Sarah went through the starter set books that came with the personalized oak bookcase, she had shouts of excitement and kissed two of the books as she recognized the titles. I have since learned that Ruth is now reading to Sarah on a regular basis. I know you don’t hear this often enough but you are making a difference.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 874 HOW TO IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

No. 874

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

Are you your brother’s keeper? This question was first asked in the account of Cain and Abel recorded in the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis in the Bible. After Cain had killed his brother Abel, we read these words in verse 9, “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’” Here Cain committed two egregious sins -- he committed murder and then he lied about it.
But back to my earlier question as it relates to you. Are you your brother’s keeper? Only you can answer this question for yourself. I can tell you without reservation that I am. As a member of the human race, created by an all-powerful, all-wise and ever-present God, I know that I have been created in His image.
Because I choose to believe this and want to be held accountable, I know that in the broadest sense of the word I am to foster love and brotherhood among every member of the human race. The one thing I see in the world today that is destroying far too many of us is hatred. Millions of people have hatred for one another for a multitude of reasons. I can tell you from the depths of my heart that I do not hate anyone. However, I have a Texas-size dislike for many, many people because of their attitudes and their behavior.
One of the reasons for a lot of this hatred is something we call prejudice, which means, “A judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known.” Much of our prejudice is dragged forward from our childhood. It is what we observed and were taught while we were growing up. For a time I was there, too, but I can tell you, today there is no room for prejudice in an enlightened society. The one arena where prejudice is most pronounced is in race relations -- the divide between blacks and whites, and other races to some degree.
I was motivated to share these words by something I received recently from my friend Coach Dale Brown, former head men’s basketball coach of the LSU Tigers. Dale is a strong believer in the worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of the color of their skin or station of life. And he has practiced what he preaches. He was one of the first SEC coaches to recruit and play African-American players and the very first to have an African-American assistant coach on his staff. In fact, early on, he had two on his staff at the same time.
Here are a couple of thoughts Dale has penned that pretty well sum up his beliefs. “Man has never advanced a centimeter by hating or showing prejudice towards each other. The only notable advancement we have ever made in the history of the world is when we have been brothers and sisters at labor towards a common goal.” To live by relying on one another implies a risk, but without some trust in humanity, life would be unlivable. One of our greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln said, “If you trust, you will be disappointed occasionally, but if you mistrust, you will be miserable all the time.”
I have a good number of African-American friends who I love dearly. Most of you will not recognize these names, but among them are Marvin Delph, Shelia Whitmore, Dr. Charlotte Green and Lawson Pilgrim. These are not only good friends, but also fantastic human beings. The way to improve race relations is summed up in the Bible in I Samuel 16: 7b, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” The next time you are tempted to be prejudiced toward someone different than you are, I hope you will remember what I have said here.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 875 THE SPOTLIGHT ON MARILYN REED!

No. 875

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SPOTLIGHT ON MARILYN REED!

On March 14, 1981, the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, was filled to capacity when the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team took on the defending national champion Louisville Cardinals in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Most of the people in attendance thought that Louisville would have a fairly easy time of disposing of the pesky Hogs and advance to the next round. However, with only five seconds to go and Louisville leading by one point, the Hogs had possession, and the ball was inbounded to Razorback player U.S. Reed. He heaved the ball from beyond the center line and it went in, and Louisville’s dreams of another national championship came crashing down.
This 49-foot prayer became known as “The Shot,” and U.S. Reed’s name would forever be etched in the annuals of NCAA college basketball history. While I was watching the game that night on television, I had never met U.S. Reed personally. A few months ago he came to our community to address the Arkansas Sports Club at one of our monthly meetings. I was most impressed with his speaking ability, his articulate use of the language and his ability to express himself in a most effective way.
U.S. Reed is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and still lives there. Since I have had a strong desire to begin a Bookcase for Every Child project in his hometown, I felt he might be willing to help us organize a Pine Bluff Bookcase Project Committee. In the course of visiting with him, by telephone and e-mail over the coming weeks, I also got to know his wife Marilyn. She is an ordained minister and truly a gifted speaker and writer. Marilyn is truly “anointed,” and that is really what this column is about. While U.S. Reed achieved fame as a basketball player, it did not take long for me to realize that Marilyn is really the gifted one in the Reed home today.
She has written a book titled “Heaven’s Oil: Enemies of The Anointing.” Reading it has blessed me tremendously. If you are not familiar with the word “anointing”, in the spiritual context, let me quote Marilyn from her first chapter: “The anointing can be defined in a myriad of ways. The one most pertinent to this book is that it is supernatural or heavenly enablement. It is the manifested power and presence of the Holy Spirit operating in the life of a person to bring to pass the works of Jesus Christ. It is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit enabling a person to perform a task or function he or she is called and appointed to do.”
After telling Marilyn about my wife Viola’s Parkinson’s and the fact she is in Hospice, she asked me to let her pray for Viola over the phone. While I don’t consider myself to be anointed, and know very few people who truly are, her prayer was one of the most touching and uplifting that I have ever heard. It was one of those, as they say, that got past the ceiling. With no reservations, I am honored to recommend her book to anyone who would like a very special blessing. Marilyn has the rare ability to take deep theological concepts and spiritual principles and express them in a clear, concise and understandable way.
Here are the four enemies of the anointing that she discusses in her book: 1. Pride. 2. Cold Love. 3. Grieving the Holy Spirit. 4. A Religious Spirit. The cost is $17, including postage, and can be purchased from Amazon.com or if you would like a personally signed copy drop her a note at P.O. Box 6422, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611. I know U.S. would be pleased for me to say that today the spotlight is on Marilyn.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 876 ARE WE AN UNGRATEFUL NATION?

No. 876

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE WE AN UNGRATEFUL NATION?

A few days ago a friend sent me an article that has tremendous merit and needs to be shared with everyone. This article has to do with the miniscule number of our citizens who serve, or have served, in the military.
The article begins, “I remember the day I found out I got into West Point. My mom actually showed up in the hallway of my high school and wanted to get me out of class. She was bawling her eyes out and apologizing that she had opened up my admission letter. She was not crying because it had been my dream to go there. She was crying because she knew how hard I had worked to get in, how much I wanted to attend, and how much I wanted to be an infantry officer. I was going to get that opportunity.
“That same day, two of my teachers took me aside and essentially told me the following: ‘Nick, you’re a smart guy. You don’t have to join the military. You should go to college instead’. Here is Nick’s response: I could easily write a tome defending West Point and the military as I did that day, explaining that USMA is an elite institution, and that statistically it is much harder to enlist in the military than to get admitted to college, that serving the nation is a challenge that all able-bodied men should consider for a host of reasons, but I won’t.
“What I will say is that when a 16-year-old-kid is being told that attending West Point is going to be bad for his future, then there is a dangerous disconnect in America, and entirely too many Americans have no idea what kind of burdens our military is bearing. Here are some important statistics to keep in mind: In World War II, 11.2 percent of our nation served four years, the length of time our nation was at war. In Vietnam, 4.3 percent served in 12 years. Since 2001, only 0.45 percent of our population has served in the Global War on Terror.
“These are unbelievable statistics. Over time, fewer and fewer people have shouldered more and more of the burden, and it is only getting worse. Our troops were sent to war in Iraq by a Congress consisting of 10 percent veterans and only one person having a child in the military. Taxes did not increase to pay for the war. War bonds were not sold. Gas was not regulated. In fact, the average citizen was asked to sacrifice nothing, and has sacrificed nothing unless they have chosen to out of the goodness of their hearts. The only people who have sacrificed are veterans and their families; the volunteers who swore an oath to defend this nation.
“You stand there, deployment after deployment, and fight on. You’ve lost relationships, spent years of your lives in extreme conditions, years apart from kids you’ll never get back, and beaten your body in a way that even professional athletes don’t understand. Then you come home to a nation that doesn’t understand. They don’t understand suffering. They don’t understand sacrifice. They don’t understand why we fight for them. They don’t understand that bad people exist. They look at you like you are a machine – like something is wrong with you. You are the misguided one – not them.
“When you get out, you sit in the college classrooms with political science teachers that discount your opinions because YOU WERE THERE and can’t understand the macro issues they gathered from books, because of your bias. But you do it anyway. You do what the greatest men and women have done since 1775 – YOU SERVED. Just that decision alone makes you part of an elite group.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 877 LIFE IN A 70-SQUARE-FOOT CONDO!

No. 877

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIFE IN A 70-SQUARE-FOOT CONDO!

Here is a switch. A while back I got a letter from a young man incarcerated in a California prison, saying he is praying for me and my wife every day. Usually, it’s the other way around. Over the past several years, I have received a great number of letters from inmates in various prisons all across the nation. Unfortunately, most contain the same self-serving words from misguided thinking that landed them in prison in the first place. However, the letter I just referred to was different. This young man gave me permission to use his name but I won’t because it may incriminate some people who had nothing to do with his being there.
This man -- I will call him Matt -- is in the Wasco State Prison located in Wasco, California, but he has an aunt who reads my column in the Sturgis Journal, published in Sturgis, Michigan. She clips it out every week and sends it to him. For any person, young or old, who is traveling down the wrong road, what he has to say may make a real difference. Rather than just generalizing, I want to share some of his own words that are direct from the horse’s mouth.
He says, “I am incarcerated after a long history of drug addiction and a vast amount of stupid decisions. I read in a recent column about your project on literacy. I think you are doing great things because I see what you are talking about first hand on a daily basis.
“I have recently started writing a memoir about trying to get sober and putting my life back together, piece by piece, in a maximum security prison. It’s one thing to get sober and get help when you have a maximum amount of resources and support out on the streets, but it is a completely different story doing it on your own in a 70-square-foot condo. I have written several short essays that I am trying to get published in order to help kids realize how serious drug addiction is, even just marijuana. I hope one day to be able to inspire kids to stay away from drugs and get their educations.
“Your columns are a non-stop source of motivation and reassurance that there are still people out there who believe people can change. I am enclosing a bit of my writing that my aunt types up for me (God bless her) and I was wondering if you could give me your honest opinion.”
After reading his article titled, “To the teenager who knows it all,” I decided to send him a personally signed copy of the first edition of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” This book has 49 of my columns selected by a panel of journalists and they contain a lot of life-changing principles. As a result of the book, Matt wrote me another three-and-a-half-page letter.
He says, “It took me a week to finish your book because almost every chapter made me stop and write a letter to someone in my family who was either struggling with that topic or could use a little bit of extra encouragement in their life.” He went on to say that he likes my style of writing because, as a Christian, you do not mention God every other word and use Him as a crutch. “The way you foreshadow your beliefs on all of the every day examples and sayings is very clear and unique. It’s almost like the reader is constantly learning Christian beliefs and values without even knowing it.”
I can only say, “To God Be the Glory,” and it made me very humble to read what he had to say. It very much sounds like Matt is on the right road in his 70-square-foot condo. Thanks to an aunt who loves him and shares my columns, I pray that all of us, mostly his family, can help him stay on the right road.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 878 SPIRITUALITY AT SUNRISE!

No. 878

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SPIRITUALITY AT SUNRISE!

It is my hope that today’s column will be a source of hope and encouragement for you, that you will view things differently in the future, and never take your blessings for granted.
Sometime back I received a note from Jean Leffler, who is the director of religious education at St. Joseph Catholic Church here in our community. In her note, among other things, she said, “Being an avid reader of your column in the Log Cabin and an anonymous supporter of your bookcase project, I am gifting you with a copy of my first book. I wrote this ‘Spirituality at Sunrise’ while sitting on our dock on the edge of Lake Conway.” Well, Jean, I have now read your book, all 116 pages, and it’s one of those that I hated to put down.
If you are not familiar with this lake, please allow Jean to tell you about Lake Conway: “It is a large, scruffy body of fresh water that lies in southeastern Faulkner County, Arkansas. At 6,700 acres, Lake Conway is the largest manmade lake in the country paid for by any state-funded agency, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. It began as a creek running through a cypress forest. After a dam was built and closed in 1951, the cypress forest was flooded naturally by the spring-fed creek. In June of 2011, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission renamed the expansive lake, the Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, to honor Mr. Campbell, a long time commissioner.”
As a further point of reference, if you have ever traveled Interstate 40, the section that runs between Oklahoma City and Little Rock, you have traveled for several miles beside this lake as it lies just a few miles south of Conway. After reading Jean’s book and being inspired by it, the thing that struck me was the fact that thousands of people pass this lake each day on the interstate and never see the true beauty of it. Perhaps her story will give a little creditability to my last statement. It began in the fall of 2005 when she and her husband Dave bought a neglected old fishing cabin directly on Lake Conway.
Their goal was to renovate this old cabin, put it on the market, sell it and use the profit to help finance their retirement. By this time they were veterans, as they had done this six times in the past. However, after getting it renovated, they found themselves spending more and more time there, especially on weekends, even though they had a home in town. Their proverbial sow’s ear had become a silk purse. Dave had also built a dock behind the cabin and it extended for several feet out in the lake. Jean says, “My favorite way to start the day at the cabin is to watch the sunrise over the lake and experience God’s handiwork. Ordinarily, I hate mornings but it is not unusual to find me on the dock at 5:30 in the morning taking photos, drawing pictures and journaling.”
Lake Conway is filled with structures that produce character. Many of the cypress trees have fallen in the lake leaving stumps above and below the water line, with greenery growing out of them; others still stand to produce a silhouette against the coming dawn. The fish breaking water, all the many species of birds that live there and an occasional fisherman that drifts by, all make this an enchanting place. The book is truly inspiring, and Jean has a special gift of being able to share thoughts that produce true spirituality, along with many of life’s lessons that make you glad to be alive. Buy it and read it, you will be blessed. The cost is $11.99 plus S&H and can be purchased at www.tatepublishing.com or jeanleffler@catholic.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 879 A WINNING FORMULA FOR LITERACY!

No. 879

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A WINNING FORMULA FOR LITERACY!

Some time back I received a terrific article by e-mail from one of my readers, written by Justin Minkel, who teaches second and third grades at Jones Elementary School in northwest Arkansas. Justin is an award-winning teacher, as he was named the 2007 Arkansas Teacher of The Year. In his article, he talked about a highly successful literacy project that he has developed in conjunction with Scholastic Books. It is called “The 1,000 Book Project,” where he provides 25 students with 40 books each during the time they are in his second- and third-grade classes.
Here are his words, “The project was simple to launch. Scholastic donated 20 books per child, and I purchased the other 20 through a combination of my own funds and help from others in the community. The kids received three types of books each month: copies of class read-alouds, guided reading books, and individual choices from Scholastic’s website. Working with family members, each child chose a space to become a home library, ranging from a cardboard box decorated with stickers to a wooden bookcase. Through class discussions and our class blog, the students talked about everything from how they organized their libraries to their favorite reading buddy at home.
“These 25 students made more progress in their reading than I have experienced with any other class. By the end of the project’s second year, they had exceeded the district expectation for growth by an average of nine levels on the DRA and five points on the computerized Measures of Academic Progress reading test. The home libraries have also had a tremendous impact on each child’s love of reading, which has ignited that same love of books in their parents, siblings, cousins and friends. I watched child after child become a different kind of writer, thinker and human being because of his or her growth as a reader.” It is obvious that the home library has had much to do with the project’s success.
As I read this article, I realized that here was a winning formula for literacy. The formula contains three major factors that insure success.
These are: No. 1, THE AVAILABILITY OF BOOKS. This is why a home library is crucial to each student’s success, and this is especially true for children in low-income families.
No. 2, THE BOOKS WERE SCHEDULED, TO ARRIVE AT REGULAR INTERVALS. These books started with a low reading level and advanced to a higher level as time went by. This way his students had time to read the books over and over again to grasp the story or concept without feeling swamped.
No. 3, THE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP, which is a big deal for children who have few, if any, books in their home. I heard about an elementary student who cried when she had to return books to the school library.
This is the same formula our copyrighted Bookcase for Every Child project is based on. However, we work with pre-school students to provide them with a personalized, oak bookcase. We also have an annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet to raise funds and an annual Awards Ceremony. We also generate lots of community involvement to include an ever-increasing number of our local citizens in the war against illiteracy. Our goal is to encourage parents, grandparents and others to give these disadvantaged children good books at special times during the year to build their very own library.
In praise of Justin’s good work, we should never minimize the power of a wise and gifted teacher. We need more great teachers like him, all across our nation.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 880 A RACE THAT IS UNWINNABLE!

No. 880

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A RACE THAT IS UNWINNABLE!

The Indy 500 auto race, the Boston Marathon and the Iditarod sled dog race all have at least two things in common. First, they each take a relatively short period of time to run or finish, and secondly, at the end of each race we know the winner’s name and other details about them.
Unlike these three world famous races where a winner is always declared, there is another race that is unwinnable. You may have guessed it already -- it is the rat race. Millions of Americans are in it. Since this race is unwinnable, the only hope for a better life in the future is to get out of it.
This is what I want to direct my thoughts to during our visit today. A while back my good friend, Dr. Jim Weedman, gave me a book titled “The Man in the Mirror” with the subtitle “Solving the 24 Problems Men Face,” written by Patrick Morley. Ironically the title for the very first chapter was “The Rat Race,” which is a pretty good indication of the importance the author placed on this topic. Mr. Morley gives us this definition for the rat race: “A beautiful wrinkle-free life.” In laymen’s terms, I would say that a person in the rat race wants to have the world by the tail on a down-hill drag and will go to great lengths to have it.
In reading this most revealing book, the thing that really struck me was that I could see myself all through its pages. As individuals, we are each different and have our own story to tell, but I grew up in very meager circumstances. When I was still in high school, a local community leader had some disparaging things to say about me, mostly about my basketball playing skills. When this got back to my mother (maybe I told her) she marched right up to him and challenged him about what he had said. He more or less repeated his earlier comments.
From that point on, I was challenged and determined to make something of my life and was driven to succeed. Later, I dropped out of college after only a year and a half, but was fortunate to secure a job as a salesman. Sales is a career where you can succeed by proving that you can sell, and the ledger sheet grades you at the end of each month. Back in those days, having a new car was a status symbol and I can’t tell you how many new cars I had over a short period of time. I know now that this was only part of the rat race I was falling into. Today, many men are worn out and may lose their families in the process of chasing their dreams.
I will spare you the sordid details, but looking back I was a miserable failure for the first half of my life. As I said, the rat race is unwinnable. There were two main things that turned my life around. First, I quit “playing” church and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. He changed my priorities. And next, I married my wife Viola. She taught me the meaning of true love and is a great role model.
What I have learned is that success is not just about earning money but, more importantly, about having enough. True success is really about relationships and the good things we do for others. This is really the only thing we can leave behind that will endure. We are not going to take any of our money with us when we die.
We all want to be fulfilled and feel like we are doing something worthwhile. That is just human nature and many of us will go to great lengths to have it. This is something women also have to be concerned with as many seek to balance marriage, home and family. In the final analysis, we each have to make our own choices and live with the consequences. Let’s do our best to learn from OPE -- that’s other people’s experiences.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 881 HOW OUR TAX SYSTEM WORKS!

No. 881

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW OUR TAX SYSTEM WORKS!

Did you hear about the man who tossed and turned and did not sleep a wink all night? It finally dawned on him.
This is what I am hoping will happen for some people who will read this column. A friend sent me an article recently that is most revealing. It has been around for some time but contains information that every American should know and understand. It is about “How Our Tax System Works.”
It begins, “Suppose that every day 10 men go out for a beer and the bill for all 10 comes to $100. If they pay the bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this.
“The first four (the poorest) would pay nothing. The fifth would pay $1.00. The sixth would pay $3.00. The seventh would pay $7.00. The eighth would pay $12.00. The ninth would pay $18.00. The 10th man (the richest) would pay $59.00. So that is what they decided to do. The men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with this arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since all of you are such good customers’, he said, ‘I am going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.00’. Drinks for the men now cost just $80.00.
“The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes, so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men, the paying customers? How could they divide the $20.00 windfall so that everyone would get their share?” They realized that $20.00 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each wind up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay!
“The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100 percent savings). The sixth now paid $2.00 instead of $3.00 (33 percent savings). The seventh now paid $5.00 instead of $7.00 (28 percent savings). The eighth now paid $9.00 instead of $12.00 (25 percent savings). The ninth now paid $14.00 instead of $18.00 (22 percent savings). The 10th now paid $49.00 instead of $59.00 (16 percent savings).
“This way each of the six was better off than before, and the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. ‘I only got a dollar out of the $20.00,’ declared the sixth man. He pointed to the 10th man, ‘but he got $10.00.’ ‘Yeah that’s right,’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10.00 back when I got only $2.00? The wealthy get all the breaks!’ ‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four in unison. ‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor.’ The nine men surrounded the 10th and beat him up.
“The next night the 10th man did not show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They did not have enough money between all of them to pay for even half of the bill. And that boys and girls, journalists and college professors is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just might not show up anymore.”
For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible. You know, it’s good to have this in print so we can go back and study it from time to time.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 882 OLE-FASHIONED AMERICAN INGENUITY!

No. 882

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OLE-FASHIONED AMERICAN INGENUITY!

You have heard the old story about what happens when life hands you a lemon. You make lemonade, right? A good example is a very successful business here in our community. Linn’s Auto has bought and sold more than 4,000 vehicles per year for the past several years. The business is owned by Danny and Linda Linn and their two daughters, Susan McCoy and Christy Priester, and employs 20 people. Both managers have been with Linn’s for more than 26 years and there are several other long-term employees. Linda has served as a charter member of our Conway Bookcase Project Committee, and is still serving.
For the past 47 years, they have been involved in various automotive-related businesses. However here is what happens when you have all or most of your eggs in one basket. For the past 34 years, their company has had a contract with a major insurance company to purchase all the automobiles that were totaled in accidents over the state. Some of the vehicles were sold to salvage businesses for parts, some were sold to rebuilders and some were exported. Due to the size of the contract and the size of land available, their business was built around this one company. But lo, as they always do, things changed within this insurance company and they lost their contract.
With these developments, the Linns were faced with a dilemma. Sometimes what is needed, in addition to faith and courage, is some “old-fashioned American ingenuity.” They had an opportunity to rent the building, close their doors and just walk away. They offered to help their employees find another job, but God had other plans.
Both Susie and Christy -- as well as Roger Riggs and Pete Deden -- had pretty well grown up in the business and in that building, and wanted an opportunity to start a new business. They all knew that the one thing they were good at was customer service, so with the help of their banker, Johnny Adams of First Security, Oak Street Auto Sales.com was formed. Within a few weeks, the company was up and running and has more than 50 certified pre-owned vehicles. It is located next to Linn’s on Oak Street on Highway 64 in east Conway. A service center is being remodeled in the Linn’s building and a new building is being planned. Additionally, two other businesses will open in late September or early October. They are U-Pull-It of Conway, where customers can pull their own automotive parts at a substantial savings, and a metal recycling business. Most of the jobs that were at Linn’s have been moved to other businesses and they hope that there will be other jobs added
There are some things that have made this transition possible. First is the fact that we have a progressive, fast-growing community; a robust economy with an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent; and a highly literate, well-trained work force. They will be adding more employees over time, in addition to providing secure jobs for their long-time employees.
Next, which may be the most important of all, Danny and Linda and their children are great corporate citizens who have been “giving back” for most of the time they have been in business. I met Linda one night about 15 years ago at a local real estate office. The occasion was to make calls to residents to ask them to vote for a local initiative supported by our chamber of commerce that would be beneficial to our community.
Honesty and integrity is always the best policy and doing good always comes back, especially when you combine it with some good “ole-fashioned American ingenuity.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 883 READING: THE REST OF THE STORY!

No. 883

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

READING: THE REST OF THE STORY!

While I did not know it at the time, there was a stretch of several years in my life when I was much younger that would make all the difference in the world. This was back in the early 1970s when I was selling attitude motivation programs written and produced by the late Earl Nightingale. Earl was known as the Dean of Personal Motivation, and his daily radio program “Our Changing World” was carried by more than 1,000 radio stations. These programs were produced on cassette tape and, because I was calling on schools across the state and spending a lot of time in my car, I had a cassette player installed where I could listen on a repetitive basis as I traveled from school to school, and usually back home the same day.
To be honest, I was as green-as-a-gourd and had not yet learned about the importance of repetition in the learning process. Because I listened so many times to the same messages, I still recall many, including “The Magic Word,” “Greener Pastures,” “Man on the White Horse” and the all-time best seller, “The Strangest Secret.” I must have listened to each message several hundred times over the period of several years. Little did I know that I was seeding my mind with success principles that have been around for centuries, and every one can be traced back to the Bible. Later, I would read the Bible all the way through 25 times, so I had a pretty good foundation.
The truths and principles I learned would serve me well as I stood up to speak, write 1,400 daily radio programs, 900 weekly newspaper columns and four books. Please don’t misunderstand this last thought, as I can only say, “To God be The Glory.” To be sure, I have shared these things for a reason. As individuals we learn in different ways. Some people learn better and faster by listening, others by reading. But when we listen and read at the same time we have what is called a dual sensory input, or using two of our senses at the same time. Now that I am older and spend very little time in my car, I have learned the value of reading to supply me with a good mental diet.
While reading takes more effort than listening to a cassette, it has several advantages, being able to read during “scrap” time being among them. Because I am older and not as high-tech as the younger generation, I have not taken advantage of audio books, Kindle and all the other devices that aid in the transfer of information. Some say that “hard copy” books will someday be a thing of the past, but I don’t think it will be during my lifetime.
I just love the feel of having a book or a newspaper in my hands, as this is what I grew up with. I have said all this to make one valid point that I hope you will seriously consider: while it is vital in today’s times to be able to read, and read well, there is sadly another part of the equation that is missing in the lives of far too many people, and that is being selective in what we read and permit to enter our marvelous human mind.
From my perspective, putting trash and junk into our mind is the best way on earth to fail, or at least not amount to much. The government gives us a safety net if that is all we want. In my latest book I have a list of books that I recommend for anyone who is serious about achieving true success. If you would like to have the list, send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope and I will be happy to send it to you. As the late Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know the rest of the story.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 885 PEOPLE IN THE RANKS!

No. 885

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PEOPLE IN THE RANKS!

It is an amazing, wonderful and yet powerful thing how the human mind can take us back in time to recall small details of meetings or events that happened years ago. When I thought about my topic today, I recalled an incident that happened more than 40 years ago. I could see this almost as vividly as if it happened just yesterday.
One day my family and I were camping at a Corps of Engineers camp ground on the Arkansas River. This was during the time I was enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course in Little Rock. I was standing on the river bank fishing when a truck approached that contained two men. One was my former Dale Carnegie instructor, the late Bob Gannaway. When Bob saw me he said, “I know people in the ranks … and then stopped.” I then finished the famous quote by Dale Carnegie that goes, “Who will stay in the ranks. Why? I will tell you why: Simply because they don’t have the ability to get things done.” I might add that a quote is just a well-stated truth that has stood the test of time.
When you think about what I have just shared, the real question becomes: Why do some people have the ability to get things done while others don’t? Well, I can give you the answer in a nutshell. The small percentage of people who can get things done have the ability to look other people in the eye and ask them to buy, whether it’s a product, a service or an idea. The vast majority of people can’t, or better still won’t, do this because they are afraid they will get turned down or make a mistake. If you happen to be one of these people, I have some great news for you. We all make mistakes regardless of how successful we are or how much we can get done. The key is to learn from our mistakes and not make the same ones over and over again.
What I have just shared should not be confused with the vast number of people who are successful or even world class as performers, such as actors, musicians, singers, athletes and many others who are good enough at what they do that we will pay to see them perform. Of course this list not only includes individuals but teams as well. These people are simply on a stage, field, court or other arena that someone else provided for them to use. If you will go back far enough, you can bet that at some point the people who had the original idea looked someone else in the eye and asked them to help, provide the money or other means of support. In other words, they asked them to buy. This is how stadiums, ball parks, theaters and other venues are built. Here is something not well known. While Andrew Carnegie had a lot of money, it was a young conductor who sold him on the idea of building Carnegie Hall.
Now please don’t misconstrue what I am going to say next as being vain, because I certainly don’t mean it that way. In 1974, the Purchasing Management Association named me “Salesman of the Year” in Arkansas. God has gifted me with the ability to look others in the eye and ask them to buy, which translates into getting things done. I have thought about this and I believe the reason is because I would never consider selling a service, a product or an idea that I did not believe in. This is really the essence of getting things done.
In my semi-retirement years I see the things I am involved in as service to the Lord. This includes my church, column, Lions Club and the Bookcase for Every Child project. When I get serious about raising funds to help any of these causes, I put on my suit and tie, and take some supporting material and call on decision makers in person, look them in the eye and ask them to buy. Many do.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 886 I PRAY YOU ENOUGH!

No. 886

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I PRAY YOU ENOUGH!

One of my good friends whom I deeply respect is former Hendrix College basketball coach Cliff Garrison, who lives here in Conway, Arkansas. Over the years we have exchanged many excellent e-mails that have served to lift our spirits. In these days of “hard times” for millions of Americans, we all need to be reminded on a regular basis of just how blessed we truly are. Some time ago, Cliff sent me an e-mail titled “I pray you enough” that is excellent and I wanted to share it with you. Hope it blesses you as it has me.
The story by an unknown author begins, “Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, ‘I love you and I pray you enough.’ The daughter replied, ‘Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.’ They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, ‘Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?’
“Yes, I have, I replied. ‘Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?’ ‘Well, I am not as young as I once was. She lives so far away and has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,’ she said. ‘When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, ‘I pray you enough.’ May I ask what that means?’ She began to smile. ‘That is a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.’ She paused for a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. ‘When we said, ‘I pray you enough,’ we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.’
“Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory. ‘I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright, no matter how gray the day may appear. I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I pray you enough gain to satisfy all your wanting. I pray you enough loss of appetite to appreciate all that you possess. I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.’ Then she began to cry and walked away.”
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them. Now, here is a choice that you and you alone will have to make. If you pray, share this with many of the people you will never forget, and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don’t send it to anyone, it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends. Take time to live, because I pray you enough.
When I finished this piece that Cliff sent me, what came to mind was the young man in a California prison that I have told you about. While I don’t know him at all in a personal way, I care and “I pray him enough” faith to depend on God and His Holy Spirit to see him through the long days ahead and that he will truly make something of his life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 887 I LOVE DOING THIS!

No. 887

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I LOVE DOING THIS!

Have you ever said to yourself, “What a difference a new coat of paint makes.” Well I have, many times. I have said this in relation to our home after it had just had a fresh coat of paint sealer, especially after the second time; various pieces of furniture; our kitchen table; the metal ornamental chairs out in the yard; and many other things. These thoughts came to mind when I read a true story featured in a recent issue of American Profile magazine. The title of the article was “Coats of Confidence,” in case you would like to read it from their archives.
From the beginning, let me be very clear. The purpose of my sharing this with you is not to repeat the article but to draw some principles and parallels that we can apply to our own lives, to make them more rewarding and interesting. Here is the story.
When Jim Cotter’s wife Marjorie passed away this past year, he sought to take his mind off his grief and focus on a positive pursuit. Jim, 81, was living in Kettering, Ohio, but was originally from Glouster, Ohio (pop. 1,791). He returned to his hometown, where he and his sister Judy Moore, 83, began sprucing up this dilapidated coal mining community.
As he said, “I have been thinking about doing something like this for a long time, and this seemed to be just the right time to do it.” He was a retired sign painter and advertising agency owner. He started by painting the town’s fire hydrants, and as they washed windows, picked up trash and scraped peeling paint from vacant buildings, passersby who saw them working joined in. Before long, they had help of more than 40 volunteers, and a steady stream of donated money and painting supplies.
Since their work began in spring, 2012, the Glouster Volunteers, as Cotter’s crew calls itself, have painted 45 homes and businesses and have also installed fencing, cleared weeds, leveled and seeded vacant lots, and painted and installed windows in the Trimble High School stadium. “It’s amazing to see the buildings looking so nice now,” says volunteer June Bingman, 78, a Glouster resident. “It gives people a sense of pride in their community.”
Here is one of the important points I wanted to make. “I have been waiting for a mission in my life, and Mr. Cotter came in and jumpstarted all of us,” says volunteer Eric Faires, 42, a stay-at-home-dad and Glouster native. “A lot of folks in town wanted to do something but did not know where to start.”
The article concludes with these thoughts from Jack Nagucki, 61, a retired teacher, as he stands high on a ladder prepping the eves with a paint scraper he brought from home. “I knew if I brought it, they would put me to work scraping,” he says, “But I don’t mind, I love doing this.”
Now to those principles and parallels I mentioned earlier. The one I just stated by Eric Faires should be obvious. Many people will follow the person, man or woman, who has a real mission, if the cause is just, they begin on their own, lead by example, and not try to organize and get someone else to do it. Then there is the matter of age. Jim Cotter was 81 when he started and his sister Judy Moore was 83. This just says that age really does not matter if the task is something we can physically do and we are still in relatively good health. It’s true. We are only as old as we feel. Another truth is that often a project like this, where we give back, can often extend our life several months or even years. Exercise is good for the body and our emotions, giving a feeling of well being that is often good for the soul.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 888 THE WORLD'S LARGEST ARMY!

No. 888

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE WORLD’S LARGEST ARMY!

Back in my younger days, I used to live from one deer season to the next. This is back when my home state only had two one-week seasons, plus a special “Thanksgiving” hunt when students were out of school and could participate. Not only did I love to hunt but I also enjoyed having venison as table fare. In later years when I would kill a deer or someone would give us one, we would have it all ground into hamburger, or deer burger, and Viola would make excellent chili, and also use it for spaghetti and tacos. She had that special touch for seasoning that made it delicious.
Harry Allard, a faithful reader from the great state of Illinois, sent me something the other day that I had never thought about before. The article pointed out that America’s deer hunters constitute the largest army in the world. Of course this is allegorically speaking, as deer hunters are not an army at all, but most do possess firearms. But here is the reality of what I am saying. While bow hunting has made real progress in terms of numbers in recent years, the vast percentage of deer hunters, plus all the other hunters, use modern firearms (rifles or shotguns).
Before I received this article, I had never thought about the actual numbers involved, but the numbers of hunting licenses sold, state-by-state as given on the Internet, is staggering. I might add that most deer hunters I know have several weapons or guns and the same is true for those who hunt ducks, small game and other species. The Game & Fish Commission in my home state of Arkansas reports that more than 490,000 licenses, tags, permits and stamps are sold each year. For Texas it’s more than 1,500,000, and when you add up all the states it is a staggering 31,000,000.
But back to the article Mr. Allard sent to me. In just one state, the state of Wisconsin, the 600,000 hunters with firearms constitutes the eighth largest army in the world. More men and women are armed than in Iran and more than France and Germany combined. And as the article pointed out, these hunters (mostly men) deployed to the woods of a single American state to hunt with firearms, and no one was killed. I might add here that young hunters who are granted a hunting license are required to first take a hunter safety and education course.
The point is that America will forever be safe from foreign invasion with that kind of homegrown firepower. Now, I am well aware of the tremendous firepower and bombs, including nuclear, that other nations possess but it still comes down to boots-on-the ground in any military conflict. There are those in our country, and also the United Nations, who would like to have strict gun control, but I stand with those who believe our forefathers had it right when they added the Second Amendment to our Constitution: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
I am deeply concerned about crime in America and guns of various kinds that are used to commit crimes to kill other human beings, but I would be willing to wager you my last dollar that hunters are among the most law-abiding citizens in our country. Sure we have a few bad eggs, but most are good, decent, honest and hard-working men and women. I would never use a firearm to commit a crime or injure or kill another human being but I would defend myself if someone broke into my home to do me harm.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 889 THE LION'S PATRIOT PROJECT!

No. 889

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LIONS PATRIOT PROJECT!

In 1994 I joined the Conway Noon Lions Club. Looking back, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it has given me the opportunity to be of service in our community.
As you may know, Lions International is the largest service organization in the world, thanks to the 1.3 million members in 44,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Our motto is “We Serve” and our primary mission is the help the blind and visually impaired. Locally, we provide more than 100 pairs of eyeglasses to needy children and adults in our community. We also support a number of other local projects, like giving a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from each of our three area high schools and the Bookcase for Every Child project.
We are an all-volunteer organization, and to raise the funds to support these and other projects, we have three major fundraisers each year. We have an annual Golf Tournament, a basketball show that features the Harlem Ambassadors and our own Toad Suck Lions, and also a fundraiser that I want to tell you about called The Patriot Project. Over the past several years, our members have secured business sponsors who will allow us to place a very attractive base on their building with a bracket to hold a large three-foot by five-foot U.S. flag, and we fly these flags 10 times each year. We fly about 145 flags on various businesses all across our community.
We fly the flags on Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, 9/11 Remembrance Day and, in even-numbered years, on Election Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day. The cost of this service, which is arranged by subscription, is $50 each year. You can’t even buy the flag, mounting bracket and the pole for that, so the first year we don’t earn anything, but do in following years. I am here to tell you that it is impressive to drive downtown and see all those American flags fluttering in the breeze.
To me, there are few things that are more beautiful than the American flag, not so much because of the stars and stripes but what our flag represents. The flag represents “freedom” that was bought and paid for by the lives and blood of countless Americans over the years since we gained our independence. It disturbs me when I see someone not respect our flag, or worse still to burn or mutilate it in some way. However, that is their right, and as I heard the late Earl Nightingale say one time, “We live in America, where a person has a right to be just as wrong as he wants to be.”
It has been my privilege since we started this project to be a Lion who puts the flags out and takes them down on the holidays and observances that I mentioned earlier. Some days we put them out and take them down the same day and occasionally, if the times are scheduled close together, we leave them out for several days. I have shared this with you for a couple of reasons, in addition to the fact that I am patriotic. If you live here in my community, own a business, and would like to be a part of this project, we would love to be of service. You may contact me or go to our website: www.conwaynoonlions.org.
Here is the other reason. I suspect that almost every city and town where my column runs also has a Lions Club or other service club that may have an interest. If so, let us know. We would be honored to help.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 890 BECOME A "SEIZE-THE-MOMENT" PERSON!

No. 890

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BECOME A “SEIZE-THE-MOMENT” PERSON!

It has been said that the American people only have two speeds -- panic and apathy. Most of us are either going at break-neck speed or wasting time on activities that don’t amount to a hill of beans.
A good analogy is the man or women who passes you on the highway, breaking the speed limit, and you see them an hour later sitting around doing absolutely nothing. It is in this context that I would like to share a few thoughts that could help you use your time in a more productive and satisfying way. If you are not already, I would like to suggest that you become a seize-the-moment person.
In the past I have certainly been guilty, but I suspect that most of us are so set in our routines that we develop blinders. As a result, we miss many opportunities that could enhance the quality of our lives and certainly the quality of those who are important to us. Over the past several years I can think of many times when a friend or family member has said, “Let’s go camping this weekend, go fishing, play golf, or go to a ball game,” things I enjoy doing. In most cases, while it was spur of the moment, I said “yes” and had a great time. While planning and having a schedule is important, we need to be flexible enough to take advantage of these kinds of opportunities when they come along.
I have a good friend here in Conway by the name of Leo Treat, and we share e-mails on a regular basis. Most are really good, positive and often funny, and we have a special bond that brings me a great deal of happiness. Recently he sent me an e-mail that contained this well-known saying, “Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.” This saying ties in with what I have been sharing with you. Regardless of where you live in this great country and read my column, I hope you have one or more Leo Treats in your life.
See if any of the following thoughts apply to you and then give them a little reflection. Some of these may cause you to change your priorities. “Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they are too rigid to depart from their routine. How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched ‘Jeopardy’ on television? I cannot count the times I have called my sister and said, ‘How about going to lunch in a half hour?’ She would gas up and stammer, ‘I can’t. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast. It looks like rain. And my personal favorite: It’s Monday.’ She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.”
Because most people cram so much into their lives, they tend to schedule their headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves, when all the conditions are perfect. We’ll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Tommy toilet-trained. We’ll entertain when we replace the living room carpet. We’ll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college. And here are a couple of thoughts that capture the essence of what this article is really about, and something we would each be better off for doing.
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, “We’ll do it tomorrow,” and in your haste, not see her sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say hi? If any of these things apply to you, here is what I encourage you to do, and don’t put it off. Share this with everyone you consider to be a friend and become more of a seize-the-moment person.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 892 SALT OF THE EARTH PEOPLE!

No. 892

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SALT OF THE EARTH PEOPLE!

If we expect less than the best in anything, that is exactly what we will get a high percentage of the time. Within this simple concept lies the key to greatness for an individual, a family, a team or even a nation. To say it one more time, as simply as I know how, we get what we expect most of the time.
A good example of this happened during the 2012 college football season. The Ohio State Buckeyes were on NCAA probation and were not eligible to compete for a bowl game. They persuaded former Florida Coach Urban Meyer to come out of retirement and coach the team. The following season all he and his team did was to finish with a perfect 12–0 record, only the sixth time in school history.
By their own admission, he inherited a bunch of mostly mediocre players with no truly outstanding players on the team. Personally, I don’t care much for Coach Meyer and his coaching style, especially some of his language, but I will give him his dues. He knows how to motivate young men to perform at their highest level and mold them into a championship team. He had won two national championships at the University of Florida before retiring. The word was that he was burned out and suffering health problems. This begs the question, how does he do it? The answer, while hard to achieve, is that he gets every player and member of his coaching staff to buy into the concept that they are much better than they think they are.
We see this story played out in various ways in every area of our society: people who are under performing and not using all of their potential. When we think like a winner, we perform like a winner. Right here I am going to change gears and share another concept that applies to every single person in our nation. What we need in America are more “salt of the earth” people. You, no doubt, have heard some person or group of persons referred to as “salt of the earth,” but do you know where this saying came from and what it means?
The origin of this saying can be found in the Bible in Matthew 5:13 when Jesus was speaking to the multitudes. He said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” Salt provides two elements that are essential for life and good health – sodium and chloride ions. They are both elements that the body cannot manufacture itself, so it must be supplied by food. One of salt’s major functions is to regulate blood volume and pressure, including the flexibility of the blood vessels. When the heart contracts, it forces blood through the arteries of the circulatory system.
I have shared this to demonstrate very clearly the value of salt in our daily lives. After doing some research on this topic, I better understood why I would often see “salt licks” in the woods when I was deer hunting. Animals need salt, too. Over time this awareness and value of salt was transferred to human beings, who were also of great value. The dictionary has this to say about ‘salt of the earth’ -- any person or persons regarded as the finest, noblest, etc.
And the key to understanding what I have been saying about the importance of high expectations is the definition of noble; having or showing high moral qualities or ideals; characterized or characteristic of greatness of character, lofty.
If you did not already know, when you hear someone referred to as “salt of the earth” you will see, as Urban Meyer teaches, that we can all be better than we think we are.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 893 COULD HE BE RIGHT?

No. 893

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COULD HE BE RIGHT?

Here is a question that I would like for you to think with me about for a few minutes today. I might add that this question has far reaching consequences for our nation in the years to come.
Here is the question – “Could he be right?” In this case, the “he” is Albert Einstein, the German-born physicist who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921. Dr. Einstein developed the theory of relativity and is considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century. He became a United States citizen in 1940 and died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, N.J. He is quoted as saying, which meant it had to be before 1955, and we had limited technology, “I fear the day that technology overlaps with our humanity. The world will have a generation of idiots.”
Again my question, “Could he be right?” If Albert Einstein were alive today, I wonder if he would say that day has come. If he could see the massive advertising, and billions of dollars spent, for all the high-tech products that have been developed in recent years, and the complete lunacy that takes place on Black Friday, I believe he would say that day has come. From a personal standpoint, I never like to refer to other human beings as idiots, but I believe a high percentage of Americans are not using their minds in this regard in a positive way. Further, and you can write this down somewhere, there is going to be a backlash when the American people finally wake up to what the tech companies and retailers are doing to them.
Now, please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I don’t blame the tech companies and the retailers for flooding the market with irresistible products, because they are in business to earn a profit. It really comes down to the individual consumer, who is free to make his or her own choices in the marketplace. It is a slippery slope, and when the consumer crosses the line they are not only doing themselves a disservice but our nation as well. It’s really a matter of whether we are using high-tech products for our own benefit or allowing the tech companies and retailers to use us. The real question is, how much is enough?
Here are just a few of the things we are losing and giving up. 1. Quality conversation and family time. Families, especially young children, suffer when everyone is sitting around texting someone else who will not be there for them when there is a crisis. A recent survey revealed that most people would give up most anything before being willing to give up their cell phone. 2. The use of our language. We are losing the ability to write, to spell, to think critically, and to learn important information that will help us become successful and productive. Reading skills and comprehension are also causalities in this area. Make no mistake, our children will suffer in the years to come because they are consumed by things that are high tech.
3. Another important consideration is the financial costs of having to always have the latest in an industry that makes the latest happen two or three times a year. It is hard to go in debt and save for the future at the same time. Fortunately, I still have my money because I have not fallen victim to the technology revolution. All I have, in addition to a computer, fax and telephone, is a plain cell-phone so I can stay in touch with my wife when I am away from home.
While it’s an individual choice that quote by Albert Einstein should give all of us something to think about: “I fear the day that technology overlaps with our humanity. The world will have a generation of idiots.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 894 WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

No. 894

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

The word legacy is an interesting one on the English language. It means, according to the dictionary, “1: Money or property left to you by a will; bequeath. 2. Something handed down from, or as from, an ancestor to a descendent.”
I might add this “something” can include a wide range of things in addition to money or property. The list could include our accomplishments, honors, a foundation, trust or other means to carry on our good name to be celebrated by family and future generations. We all remember names like Christopher Columbus, Abraham Lincoln, Babe Ruth, Neil Armstrong, Dr. Martin Luther King, Elvis Presley, and Mother Teresa. To be sure these people left a mark on history, and this is part of their legacy.
I can tell you truthfully that I am not concerned at all about my legacy but I am concerned about my reputation because this really says who I am as a person. Our reputation is something that can take years, or even a lifetime, to build and only one thoughtless, selfish or corrupt deed to completely destroy. For me personally, I care deeply what others think of me. Could I ask you this somewhat personal question; do you care what others think of you? The vast majority of people I know also care. However, I am sure there are some people who really don’t care.
As it relates to what I am saying, a while back a friend sent me an article by Michael Josephson titled, “Live a Life that Matters.” This article helps me evaluate how well I am doing, and it’s in first person.
It begins: “For each of us, whether we are ready or not, life will come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no more minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrink to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
“So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the track you lived on in the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. So, what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought but what you built. Not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your successes, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
“What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live on in those who love you. What will matter is how long will you be remembered, by whom, and for what. Living a life that matters does not happen by accident. It is not a matter of Circumstances but of Choice.”
I might add this is one of the most penetrating articles that I have read in a long time, and Mr. Josephson is to be higly commended. But back to my earlier question: “What will your legacy be?” To my way of thinking, the people who really have a legacy are those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation’s freedom, in all the branches of our Armed Services, past, present and future. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 895 MOST OF US ARE SLOW LEARNERS!

No. 895

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOST OF US ARE SLOW LEARNERS!
There is an old joke that most educators have heard about Johnny bringing home a lot of homework. One evening after school, a neighbor girl was over visiting one of his siblings and she observed all the papers that he was reading. When she learned that it was homework she said, “Why don’t they put him in the slow group?”
Well, to be honest I have been in the slow group for most of my life and, after reading something my friend J.L. Abbott sent me a while back, I could better understand why. After you read what I am going to share today, perhaps you will have a better understanding of which group you are in.
I might add that I had never heard or seen this information before. To really grasp its meaning you will have to apply the process of visualization and see it in your minds-eye. The article begins, “It’s been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish, all before making a human. He made and provided what we need before we were born. The following vegetables are best and more powerful when eaten raw.” And here is the reason for my title. We are such slow learners.
Again, see these vegetables in your minds-eye as I describe each one and the medical benefits they each contain. “No. 1: A sliced carrot looks like a human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye, and yes science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes. No. 2: A tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure hearted blood food. No. 3: Grapes hang in a cluster and have the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
“No. 4: A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function. No. 5: Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like human kidneys. No. 6: Celery, Bok, Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23 percent sodium and these foods are 23 percent sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. (I didn’t know that, did you?) These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
“No. 7: Avocados, eggplant and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female – they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them.) No. 8: Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility. No. 9: Sweet potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.”
Well, how did you do? Are you slow or fast? Welcome to the club.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 896 WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

No. 896

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

If there is one thing I dislike it is controversy, especially when it involves being negative toward some person or group of persons. However, there are times when it’s necessary to set the record straight and then, if changes need to be made and are made, the outlook for the future is much better, A good example for those of us who are parents is when we had to discipline our child when they did something wrong. It was painful for a while for everyone involved, but after the fact things improved greatly from that point forward. I certainly hope this is the case here for what I am going to share with you.
A few weeks ago a friend sent me a story posted on Facebook by Tom Selkis, owner/dealer of Latham Ford in Latham, N.Y. This was posted on Oct. 23, 2012, and various Internet articles say it’s true. Tom begins, “I’ll try to make this as short and to the point as I can. One of my salesmen here had a woman in his office yesterday wanting to lease a brand new Focus. As he was reviewing her credit application with her, he noticed that she was on Social Security Disability. He said to her, “You don’t look like you are disabled and unable to work.” She said, “Well, I’m really not. I could work if I wanted to, but I make more now than when I was working and got hurt”(a non-disabling injury).
She said the government sends her $1,500 a month in one check. And she gets $700 a month on an EBT card (food stamps), and $800 a month for rent. Oh yeah, and 250 minutes free on her phone. That is just south of $3,500 a month. When she was working she was taking home about $330 per week. Do the math and then ask yourself why in the heck would she go back to work? If you multiply that by millions of people, you start to realize the scope of the problem we face as a country. Once those who are responsible for massive give-away programs have 51 percent of the population in that same scenario, we are finished.
Again, quoting Ford dealer Tom Selkis, “the question is when do we cross that threshold if we haven’t already, and there are not enough people working to pay enough taxes to support the non-working people? Riots? Be prepared to protect your homes. She didn’t lease the Focus here because the dealer down the road beat our deal by $10 a month. Glad to know she is so frugal with her hard-earned money.” In conclusion, Tom encourages everyone to pass this article along to everyone we know. The question that came to my mind after reading this true article is – “What is wrong with this picture?”
Of course the answer is obvious. This woman has no character and no integrity, and she is by no means alone. There are thousands, perhaps millions, of people in our nation who are more than willing to scam the government. This is a given but the real culprit here is the person or persons who approved her disability payment. These people are an affront to every honest, hard-working American taxpayer. We all lose when we allow this to continue, and even increase in the years to come. As a nation, let us shine the spotlight on these people and explain to them that what they are doing is wrong. As I have said many times, let’s don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater because there a lots of good public servants who are doing the right thing.
Here is a thought we would all do well to ponder: Why is the “new normal” always worse than the “old normal”? We can change things if we refuse to accept less than the best.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 897 A TRAGIC MIX-UP IN PRIORITIES!

No. 897

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRAGIC MIX-UP IN PRIORITIES!

Did you hear about the new game we have here in America? It’s the old game we used to call football but it has now become “Fill the stands on Saturday.”
While they still play the game, filling the stands is what it’s all about. The logical question then becomes: “How do you fill the stands on Saturday?” The answer, while complicated, is still very simple. The team has to win all or most of its games, be a conference or national champion and go to a bowl game.
To be sure the stands are half empty when the team’s record is 2 and 8 or some other similar won and loss record. Winning is what it’s all about as this is what produces the revenue to pay big-time coaches the kind of salaries they are now receiving, as well as paying for huge building programs that so many major universities are now doing.
The net result of this all-out attempt to win has produced a bidding war for college coaches with a winning record. In November 2012, USA Today Sports ran an article titled “College football coaches continue to see salary explosion.” The highest salary for any college coach, at the time of this writing, was Nick Saban, coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. The amount of his total package was $5.5 million. The article also stated that six years ago, 42 major college football coaches make at least $1 million. Today, 42 make at least $2 million. Now that is pretty good money if you can get it.
Here is the line that rubbed me the wrong way and perhaps will you as well. The pay for football coaches has escalated even as schools face cuts in instructional spending. What we have here is a tragic mix-up in priorities and it has to change for the sake of America’s standing in the world and also our national security. When responsible citizens in our country can step back from all the hype, here is what we all need to understand. When a major university is looking for a new coach, finally Mr. Right is located, hired and moves to town, with his family, if he has one.
This coach is new to the community and had nothing to do with building the stadium and all the other athletic facilities. For public universities, this was done by taxpayers, along with students and their parents who paid tuition all the way back to when the university was founded or at least started their football program. We should never forget the purpose of colleges and universities in the first place, and that is to educate people to be able to work in a job or career and become responsible, productive, tax-paying citizens. That’s it. Everything else is window dressing. Athletics does provide some wonderful benefits to players and I am not opposed to athletics at all. I am just opposed to paying football coaches 10 times what they are worth as it relates to salary.
From my perspective, no football coach is worth more than a million dollars. Here is a suggestion that I hope decision makers, especially with the NCAA, might consider. Universities negotiate with a coaching candidate for the best possible salary. The coach then gets up to a million dollars, plus a bonus of $100,000 for every game his team wins. The rest will be split between the athletic department for future building programs and the other to the academic side of the university. This would foster a great relationship between athletics and academics and certainly the coach would still have plenty to live on. His assistants should also be paid an adequate salary while they are waiting their turn.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 891 IN THE FIRE OF ADVERSITY!

No. 891

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IN THE FIRE OF ADVERSITY!

Have you ever faced any real adversity in your life? If you have, then I invite you to come along with me as I share some thoughts that may help you in some way, and may even help you gain perspective.
First, let’s make sure we are speaking the same language. The dictionary says that adversity is “A condition of hardship or affliction.” At this point it might help if I rephrase that first question. Have you ever, or are you now, facing some type of hardship? We also need to understand that hardship is really a condition that is brought about because of circumstances, while affliction has more to do with a condition that affects the body or the mind. For example, a person is afflicted with a disease or handicap of some kind, and it usually is brought about through no fault of his or her own.
Now, allow me to give you some examples of hardship. Some time back we had a once-in-a-century hurricane named Sandy that hit the entire Northeastern part of our country, involving about 20 states. Most of us in other parts of the country, including yours truly, were deeply saddened by the plight of millions of our fellow citizens who were without power, food, water, heat and other bare essentials for weeks on end. Worse still were thousands of others who had the complete loss of their homes and other possessions that took them a lifetime to accumulate. These people were suffering a severe hardship through no fault of their own. It was created by a natural disaster.
One thing this hurricane did that will impact future generations is that it exposed the lack of preparation and planning of local power companies and other government agencies that were ill equipped to deal with the problems the storm created. History is replete with other examples of natural disasters that caused widespread hardship for people who were simply victims who had nothing to do with the hardships they faced.
Apart from this are other hardships that we bring on ourselves. This is where I want to spend the remainder of our space, because these are hardships that we can do something about. It is not that we have hardships, because we all have those, it is how we deal with them that makes the difference. There is a sad ending for many people in our nation today who can’t deal with their own created hardships. Here is an example of what I am saying. A friend called me the other day to tell me about a 29-year-old man who had just committed suicide. His mounting debts and drug addiction had brought him to a place in his mind where he could see no way out. Sadly, this happens far too often in our country, as more than 33,000 people in America each year choose to end their life in this way.
If any of you, dear readers, are going through the fire of adversity because of choices and actions you have made, just realize that you are not alone. We all have adversity in our lives. Next, we can never be defeated if we take the long-range view. We should look to the future with hope and optimism and associate with positive people who will encourage us. We should also read positive books that serve to build us up and encourage us, along with offering a plan to turn our lives around and head in the right direction.
And here is what works best for me when I face a hardship. My deep faith in God and just knowing that He loves me puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face that gives me to courage to fight another day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 898 HOW TO START A FIGHT!

No. 898

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO START A FIGHT!

The Bible says there will always be wars and rumors of wars. This means that at some time, in some way, someone had to start a fight, often with devastating consequences. To be sure, as human beings we are each unique with our own distinct personalities. Some individuals like to fight while others don’t. Personally, I detest controversy and I hate violence, but there comes a time in most of our lives when we have to take a stand, and this might even include being involved in a fight -- if not actual fisticuffs, at least a verbal fight.
The other day a friend e-mailed me an article titled “How to Start A Fight” that was very humorous. I believe and I hope you will agree, in today’s times most of us are so stressed out, just tying to keep our heads above water, that we welcome a little comic relief from time to time.
Some of the following short-stories are a little off-color and I have cleaned them up a bit, while others I have just discarded. Hopefully as I share these you will smile a little, if not crack-up laughing. Here we go and most will end with the words, “And that’s how the fight started.”
No. 1: One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year I did not buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied. “Well, you still have not used the gift I bought you last year.” And that’s when the fight started.
No. 2: When our lawnmower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the shed, the boat, making homemade wine … always something more important to me. Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.” The doctors say I will walk again but will always have a limp.
No. 3: My wife said down next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, “What’s on TV?” I said, “Dust.” And then the fight started.
No. 4: My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, “I want something that goes from 0 to 150 in about three seconds.” I bought her a bathroom scale. And then the fight started.
No. 5: (And this may hit close to home) My wife and I were sitting at a table at her school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table. I asked her, “Do you know him?” “Yes,” she sighed. “He’s my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn’t been sober since.” “My gosh!” I said, ‘Who would think, a person could go on celebrating that long?” And then the fight started.
No. 6: My wife was standing with no clothes on, looking in the bathroom mirror. She was not happy with what she saw and said to me, “I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.” I replied, “Look on the bright side, your eyesight is almost perfect.” And then the fight started.
That’s all folks. Hope you have cracked a smile or two. This column reminded me of a fight that broke out in a nearby school a few weeks ago between parents at a basketball game. When I read about this, the following question came to me, “What did they learn when they were in school?”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 899 LET'S VOTE ON IT!

No. 899

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LET’S VOTE ON IT!

Almost from the time I started writing this column back in 1995, I have made it known that I am a Christian. I am not a minister and I certainly don’t preach, and my faithful readers know that I am always careful to respect the rights, opinions and values of others. However, I don’t mind taking a stand for something I believe in. Here is a deep concern that I want to share with you during our visit today. Over the past decade we have seen an assault on Christianity from the secular media, atheists and others who seek to remove Christianity and God from every area of our society. They hide behind the term “the public square” (meaning anything where tax money is used) and cite the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Well, I have read that First Amendment and it says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or the press or the right to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” I did not see anything in there where it says freedom “from” religion but rather it says freedom “of” religion. I also did not see anything about “the public square.” In fact, if you will go to our nation’s capital and visit the original buildings, you will find verses of scripture from the Holy Bible chiseled in stone in most of them.
I might also add the first three words to the Preamble of our Constitution say, “We The People.” We have a system of government here in the United States where the power is invested in the people. However, we have let that concept slip away and now the power is invested in the hands of a few. When we have a religious observance, symbol or any other religious activity (especially if it’s Christian) that is deemed to be in the public square, all it takes is three people to remove it, or cease to exist, even if it’s gone on for decades and supported by more than 90 percent of the American people.
All it takes is one atheist, an ACLU lawyer and a liberal judge to stop or remove it. While this is just my thinking and I have not done a lot of research on it, here is what I believe could be a possible solution. In the spirit of American Democracy, let’s vote on it. When we have a religious tradition -- all religions and not just Christian -- that can be documented as having been a part of our culture for a decade or more, and some person or some group wants to remove it, let them begin a petition drive and secure eight percent of qualified voters in the state (and yes I believe it’s a state issue), and then place it on the ballot to be voted on by the people in the next general election.
This is something I can support and I believe most Americans will as well. This is the way we amend our constitution here in my state and perhaps yours as well. By law we can only have three proposed amendments each year and we vote them up or down. Why not add religious observances or symbols to this list. We vote on the lottery, marijuana, alcohol, abortion, casinos, tax proposals, and many other issues that impact the lives of our citizens, so why not something as important as preserving our religious and Christian heritage?
When this process takes place, then I can live with the decision of the majority of our qualified voters. But I see no justice in having a very small percentage of our citizens seek to have their will imposed on the vast majority of those who wish for our Judea-Christian heritage to remain strong. God has blessed this nation as no other in the history of mankind.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 900 THE BAILOUT THAT REALLY HURTS!

No. 900

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BAILOUT THAT REALLY HURTS!

Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green is an educator who lives here in our community and works for our local school system. She is a friend of mine and is a clear voice for common sense and reason when it comes to presenting an important issue that is impacting all of our society, not only here but across the United States of America.
She chronicles this issue in her new book titled “Parent Bailout: The Bailout That is Really Crippling America.” Unlike bailouts that have been in the news in recent months that have cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, this one flies beneath the radar and is seldom talked about or addressed in a critical or analytical way.
In a very real sense, the bailout she addresses is costing our society much more than those that have been in the news, because they are more or less “one time” bailouts. The parent bailout, however, is so pervasive that it goes on year after year. Dr. Green begins her discussion by dedicating her book to her parents, Carl and Icy Rainey, and then tells the reader why they were so special. She is one of 15 children and they are all productive citizens in our society. Her parents understood that although they had many responsibilities in life, none were greater than the responsibility of parenting.
Here are some qualities that are missing in many homes today. Her parents were able to instruct because they were at home, listening, feeding, teaching and giving their children what they needed emotionally so they did not need to get their physical and emotional needs met elsewhere. Many parents are feeding and clothing but not instructing. In addition to a hot breakfast, her parents made sure their children had what they needed before they went to school every morning. “My siblings and I were blessed; I was taught that your actions follow your beliefs.”
Then she makes a statement that I wish every parent in America could make: “Thank you Mom and Dad for not just talking about what you believe. Thank you for living what you believe and honoring your responsibilities as parents. Your life serves as a model to your children and others, and the term ‘parent bailout’ would not exist if all parents were like you.”
From this point forward, in the following 57 pages she really “cuts to the chase” and lays out the massive problem of too many parents depending on our schools to provide for the needs of their children rather than meeting their own responsibilities.
Today’s school systems are required to implement various family programs to address issues that were once the responsibility of the family. Schools assist with children’s personal care, meals, emotional support and supplies necessary for school. Here is the real rub. School systems are not designed to handle the responsibilities for family support systems for an extended period, as it stretches their resources. Family structures become weaker as the dependency increases on school systems to provide various family services.
Here is why this problem must be addressed in coming years. Parent bailout exhausts government and school resources and lessens the responsibility on families. Public school systems were created with the goal of educating individuals to be productive citizens and contribute to society. They can’t do that if they have to do the job of parenting, too. By all means, get Dr. Green’s book and read it. We may be able to improve our public school system.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 901 AN EVENING OF CLEAN, FAMILY FUN!

No. 901

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN EVENING OF CLEAN, FAMILY FUN!

In a day and time when most movies, video games and television programs are filled with violence, crude language and other less than family-friendly content, I want to tell you about an exciting event we had here in our community this past February. While you may not live here, any organization can host an event like the one I want to share with you.
The event was our second annual Conway Noon Lions Club fundraiser held at the new Hendrix College gym. This was a charity basketball game between the traveling Harlem Ambassadors and our hometown Toad Suck Lions. We had twice as many people in attendance this year as last year, and what a great time we had for a worthy cause -- to help the blind and visually impaired.
In my almost 75 years, I have never attended any event for any reason where everyone who came had as much good, clean fun. We had an abundance of children, from elementary through high school, along with their parents, who found themselves caught up in the moment and having the time of their life. If there was ever a win-win situation this was it, but it took a lot of work on the part of a lot of people to make it happen. First were the Harlem Ambassadors, made up of only five college-educated players who have traveled to 23 countries and islands in the South Pacific. They perform against local talent for a worthy cause. They bring fast-paced superior basketball and showman skills that make it a challenge for any local team to compete. I might add: the local team will lose.
Our Toad Suck Lions were coached by three basketball legends that live here in our community. Coach Cliff Garrison spent 31 years as Hendrix College’s men’s basketball coach and athletic director; Coach Don Dyer coached at the University of Central Arkansas and Henderson State University and is probably best known as Scottie Pippen’s coach; and Marvin Delph, one of the famous “Triplets” who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks team that went to the Final Four. They all understand the importance of giving back.
The Toad Suck Lions are a collection of former college and high school players. Probably best known is Lawson Pilgrim, two-time All American when he played for Hendrix College. He flew in from Dallas, and then took an early flight home to attend a meeting the next day. Also notable was Jordan Neal, offensive coordinator for the new Hendrix College football team. The half-time performance was a group of small children from Woodrow Cummins Elementary School known as the “Little Dribblers.” They possessed basketball skills beyond their years.
As already stated, everyone had a great time, but this would have been just another fun event were it not for our sponsors who gave more than $10,000 to make it a success. We thank and honor them. They are Hendrix College, First Service Bank, Oak Street Auto Sales.Com, Central Baptist College, Nabholz Construction, Smith Ford, Abundant Health Chiropractic, Conway Corp., Super 8 Motel, Heritage Living Center, US Compounding, Walmart Supercenters, Summit Bank, First Security Bank, U-Pull-It of Conway, Regions Bank, Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Copies, Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic, Golden Corral, Conway Regional Health System, McDowell Properties, Zellner’s Appliance & TV, Just Scrap It – Metal Recycling, Simmons First National Bank, St. Andrews Place Nursing Home and many other friends. This kind of support is what makes our community such a great place to live.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 902 A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS!

No. 902

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS!

Back in 2006 I wrote a column titled, “We Can’t Pick Our Kinfolks,” in which I told the story of Dr. Ben Carson, the famous Johns Hopkins Medical Center neurosurgeon who led a team of doctors to perform the first surgery to separate Siamese twins who were joined at the head where both lived. At the time I had never heard of Dr. Ben Carson, but a wonderful reader, the late Eva Easley of Bluefield, W.Va., told me about him and suggested I read his book, “Gifted Hands.” I did.
Now, please fast forward to Feb. 7, 2013, and the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where he was a featured speaker. His remarks, with President Obama a scant five feet away, has the Washington establishment buzzing and millions more Americans now know about this truly gifted and caring American.
In next week’s column I want to elaborate on a basic concept he presented but I felt it would be helpful if you had some background information that would place what he had to say into context. Please read his story, which follows, and then join me next week, as I will talk about the simple concept of “Skin In The Game.” His presentation will make all the difference in the world in how we view things. Now, on to his story:
“Ben Carson grew up in a ghetto in Detroit, Mich. When he was 8 years of age, his mother learned that his father had ‘another’ family. After the divorce, things were really hard for Ben, his older brother and his mother, who had only a third-grade education but worked two or three jobs to provide for them. The school Ben attended in his early years was made up of mostly white students, and Ben was black. Because he was not doing well, some of the other students called him ‘dummy.’ Ben’s mother was a strong believer in the value of education, and when she learned of this she laid the law down to him.
“She said, ‘from now on, you can watch only two or three television programs a week and you must read two books. While he grumbled for a time, he followed his mother’s instructions. One of the things that motivated him was a television program called ‘College Quiz Bowl.’ Ben wanted to be on that program, but he knew he would have to have a well-rounded education to compete successfully. Soon he began to listen to classical music, go to art galleries, and attend plays and other cultural events. He also read books on everything he could find that would broaden his range of knowledge.
“While he never made it to the College Quiz Bowl, here was the payoff. In high school, many of the same students who used to call him ‘dummy’ were now coming to Ben asking him to help them with their studies. He also became involved in the ROTC program at his school and made it all the way to the rank of colonel before he graduated. As a result, Ben was offered a full scholarship to West Point, but turned it down because he had decided that he wanted to become a doctor. He was offered a full scholarship to Yale University, where he graduated and would then go on to the Michigan School of Medicine.” What a great foundation for success.
Today, Dr. Ben Carson is soon to retire as head of the pediatric neurosurgery department of Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Md. It was back in 1987 when he led a team of surgeons who performed successful surgery to separate Siamese twins who were joined at the head. Telling his story is always emotional for me. Next week I believe you will see why.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 903 SKIN IN THE GAME!

No. 903

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SKIN IN THE GAME!
If you read last week’s column you know that today is the second in a two-part series about Dr. Ben Carson, famous pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Md. The reason for last week’s column was to provide background information for what I want to share today.
Dr. Carson grew up in a single-parent home in the ghetto of Detroit and his life and his future was transformed because of a mother who knew the value of getting a good education. I won’t attempt to repeat the column -- if you want to know more, get a copy of last week’s column or read Dr. Carson’s terrific book “Gifted Hands.”
In a day and time when we are all looking for answers and solutions to our nation’s social and economic problems, Dr. Carson may just be God’s answer in the form of what the doctor ordered, pardon the pun. He shared some of these answers in a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., on Feb. 7, 2013. If you would like to see and hear his speech, go to www.carsonscholars.org or you can find him on www.google.com and just type in his name.
To be sure, Dr. Carson has the microphone and the reason I wanted to present some of his ideas is that we share almost the exact same values. The only obvious difference is that Dr. Carson is black and I am white, which does not matter one whit to me. Here are some things we share in common.
No.1. We are both Christians, which means we both serve the Lord. No. 2. Know the value of education. Dr. Carson and his wife started Carson Scholars 16 years ago by funding 25 students for continuing their education beyond high school. Today that number is more than 5,000 in all 50 states. Further, the grade point went up in every single classroom where a Carson Scholar is part of the class. Here is a statement Dr. Carson made that I believe is certainly worth passing along, “When you educate a person, you liberate a person.”
No. 3. Keep education and sports in a proper perspective. While I don’t know all the details, they are holding banquets around the country where they give trophies and the same recognition for academic success as those for athletic success. No. 4. We both love America and are “Independent” with no partisan political affiliation. If we are to ever regain the ground we have lost, we must stop the political bickering and work at solving our nation’s economic and social problems (The latter are my comments, not his.)
At the National Prayer Breakfast, he said he does not believe in Political Correctness. In very clear language, without beating around the bush, he then stated what he believes would make a difference. One of these things would be to establish a “Health Savings Account” when a child is born. First, give a child a birth certificate and a Social Security card. Set up an account where money can be deposited tax free and with regular deposits where it can grow and can also be passed on to others. In this way, individuals take care of their own health care. As a result, many people will not go to a hospital for expensive procedures, but go to a less expensive clinic for non-life-threatening treatment. In short, they have a vested interest in saving money.
And the best one of all is what he called “Skin in the Game,” based on a tithe from the Bible. When every American pays some taxes based on a proportion of their income, they won’t be interested in free give-away programs because it will be their own money they will be giving away. Free stuff: safety net, yes, entitlement, no.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 904 SYMPTOMS OF A SICK SOCIETY!

No. 904

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SYMPTOMS OF A SICK SOCIETY!

On Dec. 14, 2012, the unspeakable happened once again in our country. On this date, a young man who was armed to the teeth entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and opened fire on everything that moved. When it was over, 20 precious children and six faculty members were dead, and the gunman turned a gun on himself ending the rampage. These events have been documented thousands of times and the constant news coverage for the next several weeks left more questions than answers.
Like most Americans, I watched the following news accounts intently and with deep sadness like any parent or grandparent who was grateful that this did not happen to our own children. In our culture today, we realize that it could have been us. What I would like to invite you to think about today is the 24-hour comments and discussions that followed by those in the media, political leaders and all the pundits who attempted to explain why it happened, and to point fingers on those who were deemed guilty. For the gun-control advocates, this event was like throwing gas on an open fire. Others blamed Hollywood and the producers of violent video games, movies and television programs. And then there were those who pointed to mental health issues. I would add the breakdown of the family and sexual perversion, which are also a part of the problem.
From my perspective, most of those in authority missed the real reason for this tragic event and most of the other tragedies that have taken place in the past 20 to 30 years. Some nibbled around the edges but none I heard said these were only “symptoms” of a sick society, and the much deeper root problem -- the breakdown of our culture because we have removed God from the mainstream of American life. While I have said this before, I still believe it’s still true. We did not have this when I was growing up in the 1950s, when parents were still in control of their children and most took them to church and Sunday school on a regular basis.
A couple of days after the shootings, leaders in the community of Newtown held an interdenominational prayer meeting at the Newtown High School. I might add that this is a public school. To his credit, during the prayer service President Obama quoted the words of Jesus, and others read scripture from the Bible. However, this was in interdenominational prayer service and religious leaders from all faiths were part of the program, which is the way it should be.
Here is the point of my column, and you certainly have the right to disagree – Until we, as a nation, put God back on the throne in our homes and in our lives, we will continue down the same path that has brought us to this point in time. Our children deserve more.
Here is my recommendation. We took the Ten Commandments down from the walls of courthouses, schools and other public places. We took prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance from classrooms, sporting events and important meetings. We took them down -- and we can put them back. After all, WE THE PEOPLE have the power. The politicians work for us, we don’t work for them. A full 85 percent of the American people believe in God. While we should always respect the rights of other religions in our country, we must not allow them to dictate what is important to us and our values.
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 905 GREAT TRUTHS TO CONTEMPLATE!

No. 905

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GREAT TRUTHS TO CONTEMPLATE!

Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket, trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Now, I believe you will agree that would be a pretty hard thing to do. Yet, there is a mindset present in our nation today held by people who continually seek to find new and creative ways to collect more money from taxpayers, regardless of the approach – front door or back door or whatever they choose to call it. A logical question would follow: Can we not learn from history and profit from the mistakes that those before us have made?
Every so often while watching television I see one of those “on-the-street” interviews where people are asked even the most basic questions -- about our economy, taxes, major players in our nation’s government past and present, and other things that as citizens and taxpayers they should know. I can’t believe some of the answers they give, which is one reason our nation’s economy is in such sad shape. An uninformed electorate is not going to make the best choices, in most cases, when it comes to electing people who have America’s best interests at heart and are qualified to be a leader.
While it may not be completely accurate, I have great faith in the people who read my column as being well informed and committed to preserving our way of life. In this sense I would hope that each of us would do our best to inform others about issues or problems that beg for a solution. It has been said that those who cannot learn from the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them.
A while back, a friend sent me something titled “Great Truths” that contains a good number of quotes from famous people, and concludes with the Five Best Sentences. For fear I will run out of space, let me begin with the latter.
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. 2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. 3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. 4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it. And 5 (which really deserves our full attention): When half the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and then the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end for any nation!
Here are a few more quotes. Former President John Adams said, “In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress.” Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.” P.J. O’Rourke, American journalist, has said, “If you think health care is expensive now, just wait until you see what it costs when it’s free.” Our nation’s third president Thomas Jefferson, said, “A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
For me, the real question becomes, as I said earlier, can we learn from history? When we don’t care enough to be or get informed, we dishonor those who died to win and preserve our freedom, which is the most precious thing we have.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 906 THE POWER OF LOVE!

No. 906

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF LOVE!

No 906
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE POWER OF LOVE!
At our home, I have just witnessed an amazing transformation. We have moved from a point where my wife Viola wanted to die, to a point where she now cherishes and looks forward to each new day of life. Before I proceed, a little background please, and for those of you who read my column on a regular basis, this will be an update for you. For the past 19 years my wife Viola has had Parkinson’s Disease. As you may know, there is no cure for this terrible disease and in the final stages all anyone can do for a patient, is manage the pain. However, I am told that some patients have pain while others don’t. Viola does and at times it has been horrific.
In the fall of 2011 we went to a local nursing home for some therapy, hoping this would extend the time when she could still perform basic functions. After a few weeks it was determined that she had reached the point where she was no longer making progress and we were sent home. This was the next day after Thanksgiving, and most people, including myself, did not think she would last much longer than a few weeks. When we got home it was determined by the Hospice people that she was over medicated, so we cut back on her medication and began to feed her nutritious meals, and I gave her lots of love.
It took a little while before we reached the point where we knew how to give her the right amount of medication where she slept most of the time but was alert enough to carry on short conversations and not be in pain. Too much medication (morphine) she was a zombie, not enough and she was constantly hurting. Here is the transformation that began to take place and what I hope you will seriously ponder as I share this deeply personal story. Naturally she was scared, so I continued to tell her how much I loved her and also reassure her of her great value and worth and that I would always be there for her. I did this many times each day. Often when I would leave the room and tell her, I will be right back, she would say, “You promise.”
After a few weeks we developed a routine where I would physically take her out of bed, place her in a Geri Chair and leave her for most of the day, before putting her back in bed at an early hour. Thankfully I have a wonderful lady here by the name of Cynthia Tillman who takes care of her Monday thru Friday for eight hours each day. I have her by myself for the rest of the time. When a patient stays in a Geri Chair for several hours, even with a lot of extra padding, they frequently develop “bed sores” because it’s impossible to turn them in a chair of this type.
One sore on her hip became so large that we had to keep her in bed, so we could turn her every hour, and change her large bandage on a regular basis. She had now reached a point where she is a total invalid, being able to only move her mouth for us to feed her. Of course she can still see, smell, hear and has her sense of humor, and the use of her marvelous mind. In a column several weeks ago titled “The Best Days of My Life” I shared a good deal of this information.
However, right here the focus changes. What you have just read is a column I had prepared to run here in our local newspaper on Friday, May 17, 2013 but the Lord had other plans for her. He called her home about 7:15 a.m. on the morning of May 13th and she is now safely in the arms of Jesus. This sad event will hit me hard in the days, weeks and months to come but I am extremely grateful for the 35 years we had together. She was a marvelous lady and blessed the lives of countless people across the nation. It can be truthfully said, she fought the good fight and she finished well. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com You won’t go wrong when you help a needy child.)

NO. 907 YOU DESERVE TO KNOW!

No. 907

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU DESERVE TO KNOW!

Assuming it was necessary to save your life, how would you like to have brain surgery performed by a physician who had just lost $100,000 in the stock market? Well, believe it or not, I have a true story to tell you today that is far more serious than a single brain surgery, as serious as that is, because my true story impacts every single person in our nation. What I want to share has to do with what is taking place in and around our nation’s capital. As a taxpayer or a citizen of this great nation, you deserve to know this.
To begin, in his New York Times Bestseller, “Throw Them All Out” Peter Schweizer asks these revealing questions on the back cover, “How is it that politicians enter office with relatively modest assets, but then, as investors, regularly beat the stock market and sometimes beat the most rapacious hedge funds? How did some members of Congress know to dump their stock holdings just in time to escape the effects of the 2009 financial meltdown? And how is it that billionaires and hedge fund managers often make well-timed investment decisions that anticipate events in Washington?”
In his powerfully argued book, the author blows the lid off Washington’s epidemic of “honest graft.” He exposes a secret world where members of Congress insert earmarks into bills to improve their real estate holdings, and campaign contributions receive billions in federal grants. For this, nobody goes to jail. Why? Because members of Congress do not have to play by the same rules as those in the private sector.
Peter Schweizer is the William J. Casey Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. He is also president of the Government Accountability Institute, an organization he launched to research and investigate crony capitalism.
This activity, which is completely legal by their standards, is bi-partisan because members of both political parties have been doing this for many years. The end result is something he calls the Permanent Political Class. There was a day when those who ran for and were elected to Congress went to Washington, served, and then returned home to take up the career they left behind. No more. When they go to Washington now, they stay, because living off of taxpayer money has become a full-time career. This has resulted in the three richest counties in the country, and seven of the top 10, being in the Washington, D.C., area.
Most of those who live in these counties are well-connected, live a lavish lifestyle, drive the most expensive cars and have corporate jets. In short, Washington has become a boom town, and is different from other boom towns in our nation’s history. All the others had a product associated with their great prosperity. For example, San Francisco had gold, Amarillo had cattle and Detroit had automobiles. On the other hand, Washington is awash with money. While there are more than 300,000 federal employees at an average annual salary of $120,000, this is peanuts when compared to taxpayer money, and even money we are borrowing from others that these people are able to get their hands on through crony capitalism.
As I said in the beginning, this is something everyone deserves to know. If you would like the full story, read “Throw Them All Out” by Peter Schweizer. I was able to buy a copy through www.amazon.com for less than $10 and I was incensed by what I learned.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 908 ARE YOU A REDNECK?

No. 908

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A REDNECK?

As I am sure you know, life is full of surprises. Some of these surprises are good and some are bad, depending on how they affect us. Here is a surprise I had just recently. If someone had asked me the question, “Are you a redneck?” I would have said, “No way.” I am much too cultured for that. I have always thought a redneck was someone who went through life with more brawn than brains. I realize here that I have to be careful because I may be getting close to offending some of my friends. However, after reading something I received by e-mail the other day, I may be a redneck after all. Please read the following and see how you feel about this question.
The article begins with an interesting observation: “If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I would choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit ... that’s what rednecks are made of. Then the author admonishes me to pass this along to my redneck friends. Then he makes a statement that may not be true: Y’all know who you are. You may not know, so that is why I made the decision to write this column.
As you read the following statements, see if your opinion changes as has mine.
“You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, ‘One nation, under God.’
You still say Christmas instead of ‘winter festival.’
You bow your head when someone prays.
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have
You’ve never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You know what you believe and you aren’t afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same. Some of you are so old you don’t have elders to respect.
You’d give your last dollar to a friend.
You believe in God and Jesus, and believe that others have the right to believe in whichever God they believe in as long as their God does not tell them to kill anyone that does not believe the same as they do.”
Well, that’s the end of it but as I said earlier, after reading this article I have changed my mind about being a redneck, at least the redneck presented in this article, because I believe in each of the things it talked about. While I have no way of knowing, I suspect you believe in these things as well. The reason I can make this statement is simple, at least to me, because they are mainstream American values.
At this point I would like to share a few ideas that I hope you will think about. When I write each of my columns, while I don’t always say it, my whole philosophy is based on respect for others, their opinions, values and beliefs. I may not always agree, but I respect each person’s right to hold them and to express them, so long as they do not take away someone else’s rights. A great man once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 909 WHY I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT LITERACY!

No. 909

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT LITERACY!

What are you passionate about? As you think about this question a moment, I can tell you that I am passionate about literacy. The reason I know that I am passionate about literacy is that I get mad when I read about someone who is intentionally keeping their child from learning to read for their own selfish gain.
Not to keep you in the dark, here is what I am talking about. A while back a friend sent me a Dec. 7, 2012, article written by Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times, titled “Profiting from a Child’s Illiteracy.” In this article Mr. Kristof told a true story about parents in rural, very poor Appalachian hill country who receive Supplemental Security Income (S.S.I.) checks for having an intellectual disability, and they intentionally pull their children out of literacy classes. Moms and dads fear if their kids learn to read, they may lose their monthly check. Many people who live in hillside homes in this part of the nation are poor and desperate. A $698 monthly check from the S.S.I. program goes a long way, and the checks continue until the child turns 18.
Since literacy is the foundation for success in our nation, you think about that for a moment. As the old saying goes, “You think education is expensive, just try ignorance for a while.” Apparently Mr. Kristof is a kind of roving writer or reporter, similar to Charles Kuralt, who does much of his research face-to-face, rather than taking it from second-hand sources. For this article he traveled to Breathitt County, a poor part of Kentucky, and interviewed those he has written about. To read his article was heartbreaking to say the least.
In one case he told about Anastasia McCormick, who said her $500 car had just broken down and she had to walk two miles each day to her job at a pizza restaurant. He did not say whether or not she was a single mom but left the impression that she was. At any rate, it’s going to get harder because she’s pregnant with twins, due in April. At some point, she won’t be able to hold that job anymore, and then she will have trouble paying the bills. She has rented a washer and dryer, but she’s behind in payments and they may soon be hauled back. “I got a ‘discontinue’ notice on the electric,” she added, “but you get a month to pay up.” Life is like that for her, a roller coaster partly of her own making.
And here is the real tragedy: About four decades ago, most of the children S.S.I. covered had severe physical or mental retardation that made it difficult for parents to hold jobs -- about one percent of all poor children. But now 55 percent of the disabilities it covers are fuzzier intellectual disabilities short of mental retardation, where the diagnosis is less clear-cut. More than 1.2 million children across America – a full 8 percent of all low-income children – are now enrolled in S.S.I. as disabled, at an annual cost of more than $9 billion.
As I thought about this sad set of circumstances, I realized that, like most problems, there is a solution. At least what I am going to say is worth thinking about. Just reverse the qualifications for mentally disabled parents to receive a check. Why not make a small reduction in the monthly check unless the child learns to read. In other words, change the incentive or motivation to encourage success for the child, rather than to continue to insure that he or she fails. I have contended for a long time that most people are a lot smarter than we give them credit for being. But keeping a child from learning to read is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 910 A GREAT ONE-PERSON BREAKFAST!

No. 910

The Next Password in Grape

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT ONE-PERSON BREAKFAST!

If you live alone and have ever said, “It’s hard to cook for just one,” I have discovered a great one-person breakfast that may be of interest. I might add that this breakfast would be good for any person, any time during the day.
When it comes to eating good, nutritious food, for the past 30 plus years I have been the most blessed person on earth. That is because my wife Viola was a fantastic cook and had that special touch of knowing how to season food that made it so delicious. But lo, all good things must come to an end, and when her Parkinson’s reached the point that she could no longer perform in the kitchen, I had some choices to make.
She passed away back on May 13, 2013 and is now with the Lord, but for the past 18 months I have been all alone at breakfast time. As I have said before, I am a pretty fast learner, so I set about the task of improving my cooking skills. The first thing I did was make a list of all the foods I like to eat. Since I am type II diabetic, I watch my sugar, fat, cholesterol and salt intake like a hawk. My breakfast items included ham, sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits, toast, bagels, gravy, oatmeal, cereal, and fruit of various kinds, especially grapefruit. Obviously these are prepared in various combinations to make a well-balanced meal, and a number of different beverages are always on the menu.
A few years ago I used to travel with a group of guys to play golf at a course north of Greenbrier, and we would stop at the Sonic Drive-in and buy a Super-Sonic Breakfast Burrito to eat on the way to the course. They were so good. Since I already had tortillas in the house for making fajitas, I got to thinking about making a breakfast burrito. After a little trial and error, I hit on a combination that I can recommend to anyone who would enjoy this kind of food. If you are interested, I would like to give you the step-by-step procedures that I use. I could eat one every day but I rotate some of the items I mentioned earlier to provide balance.
First, you will need two skillets -- one non-stick for shredded potatoes and the other for one sausage patty. Turn on the stove to medium heat under the non-stick skillet, put in four tablespoons of canola oil and allow it to get hot. Then put in one and a half handfuls of potatoes and allow them to cook until they are golden brown. As you begin, turn the heat on under the other skillet and begin to cook the sausage patty. At this point, take a large burrito-size tortilla and spread it on a full-size plate. When the potatoes are done, take them out of the skillet and place them on a folded paper towel for the extra oil to drain.
Now, take one egg and scramble it in the same skillet as the potatoes. You can do this on the side of the skillet and allow the egg to get hard. Take the potatoes from the paper towel and mound them up across the center of the tortilla. Then take the one scrambled egg and spread it out along the top of the potatoes. At this point your sausage patty will be done so take it out and place it on the paper towel for the excess oil to drain. Your breakfast burrito is beginning to shape up. Either cut or tear the sausage into small pieces and spread along the top of the egg.
The following ingredients can be varied depending on your taste, but I take about five slices of Trappey’s Jalapeno and spread them along the top, followed by some shredded cheese and then about three to four spoonfuls of Pace picante sauce. When you fold it over tight and close one end to keep it from dripping, you have a meal. Add drink, pills, fruit or anything else you care or need to, and I hope you enjoy.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The Next Password is Grape

No. 212 - A GREAT FISHING TRIP TO THE NORTH COUNTRY

No. 212

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT FISHING TRIP TO THE NORTH COUNTRY

Have you ever been “hooked” on something by watching it on television but were never able to do it in real life? The word hooked in this case has special significance because I was able to take a once in a lifetime fishing trip a few months ago. Before I tell you about it, I would just like to say that in each of my columns I try to place you in the picture because it would be an out and out bore if all I did was talk about me and all the exciting things that are happening in my life.

Hopefully, for this reason there are some goals or things of interest in your life that you would really like to do but have just never found the time or the money to do them. For the baseball fan it might be to attend the “World Series”; the basketball fan, “The Final Four”; the horse racing fan, “The Kentucky Derby”; the Nascar fan, “The Brickyard 400”; the football fan, “The Super Bowl”; the golf fan, “The Masters” and of course, the list is endless.

But back to that fishing trip. There have been many Saturday mornings over the past few years when I have watched fishing shows on television. The fish and the scenery is spectacular. One of my favorite shows is “In-Fisherman” that is based up in the North country of Minnesota. I’ve always wanted to catch some of those Northern species of fish like the Walleye, Muskie and Northern Pike but have just never taken the time or had the money to go after them.

Then my fortunes changed. Some new friends, Dale & Sue Wynkoop go to the “boundary waters” north of Ely, Minnesota each year and this past September they invited me to go along. I said to myself, “If you are ever going to do it, this is your chance and I worked hard for the next several weeks to get things in order here at the office.

It was a long, but wonderful 1000 mile trip by SUV through the states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota and we stopped at “Cabela’s” in Owatonna, Minnesota, which is the world’s foremost outfitter. We arrived in Ely on a Thursday afternoon and made our way to a resort on Fall Lake, where we were met by some of their friends from Missouri: Verne, Jay and Betty Myers, Troy & Nancy Calvin, Richard Cunningham and Pat Patterson. These people were wonderful, had been there many times, and I felt at home from the very first moment.

During the next 6 days we caught lots of fish and I caught my first Walleye, hooked a Muskie and I will never forget the swirl that 6 lb. Northern Pike made when it attacked my lure. He’s in the freezer now. One thing I was warned about before I went was not to put my hands in the mouth of these fish because they have big teeth. In fact, you have to use a steel leader as they will go through nylon line in nothing flat.

I also learned the meaning of the term “Portage” as we would motor by boat a few miles, get out and put the boat on a set of wheels, with gear still in, and portage over a trail through the woods and put in another lake and do this as many times as you wanted to do it. When you get to the end of the road and hit the “Boundary Waters” on the Canadian line, you can go for miles and never see another human being. As Nancy Calvin said, “This is awesome.”

As I said, this was a once in a lifetime trip. I may never go back but I am truly glad I went and in closing I would just like to say, whatever your dreams, I hope they come true and if the opportunity comes along....GO FOR IT!! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 213 - A PRACTICAL JOKE CAN GO TOO FAR!

No. 213

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PRACTICAL JOKE CAN GO TOO FAR !

Have you ever been guilty of pulling a practical joke on someone and it turned out differently than you intended? If you have, then you should appreciate what I want to share with you during our visit today. Most of my experience with practical jokes came when I was called into active reserve duty during the Berlin Wall crisis and was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana. Fortunately for me I was assigned to the medics and for some reason those big tough guys in our unit never picked on me. I figured out later that these big guys were afraid of a little bitty needle.

While the practical jokers in our unit never intended to hurt anyone, here are a few of their favorites. They would catch some soldier asleep with his arm hanging off the bunk and fill his hand with shaving cream. The next step was to tickle his nose with a feather. A slightly different version is when they would put his hand in a pan of warm water. We are in trouble if I have to explain this to you. Of course the old favorite was short-sheeting a bed. This is when your feet get to the end of the bed way too quick.

When it comes to practical jokes however, one of the best I’ve ever heard, while not true, was told by Grant Teaff, former coach at Baylor University. I was in the audience when he told it and several years later we corresponded about another matter. It seems Coach Teaff and his defensive coordinator big Bill Young had decided to go deer hunting. One morning before daylight they left Waco, Texas (home of Baylor University) and drove out in the country.

About 30 miles from town in good deer country, they came to this ranchers house and Coach Teaff volunteered to go and ask this rancher if they could hunt on his property. Grant said that when he knocked on the door he could hear this man’s feet hitting the floor as he walked, “plomp, plomb, plomb.” When he opened the door, Grant said, “Sir, my name is Grant Teaff and my friend Bill Young and I were wondering if we might have permission to deer hunt on your property.”

This fellow responded, “Coach Teaff, I’m a staunch Baylor fan, never miss a home game, and I would be honored to have you and Coach Young hunt on my property.” However, there is one thing I would like to ask you to do for me. Do you see that old mule down by the barn?” Coach Teaff said, “Yes, I see him.” The rancher went on, “Well, that old mule has been special but he has reached the end of his days and I can’t stand the thought of putting him out of his misery. Would you shoot my mule for me?”

Coach Teaff said, “That’s not my specialty, but I’ll do it for you.” When he returned to the car and got in, he sat there a moment, sulked and acted dejected. Big Bill Young said, “What’s the matter?” Coach Teaff said, “That old man ain’t going to let us hunt. Just for that I think I will shoot his mule.” At this point, the coach raised his gun and fired. No sooner than the shot had rang out, he heard, “Bang, Bang.” Big Bill Young said, “let’s get out of here, I got two of his cows!”

As I said, this is not a true story but it does serve to illustrate what can happen when a practical joke goes bad. There is only one word here that fits with regard to practical jokes. That word is don’t because once we do it, the results or consequences are beyond our control. Believe me, it’s not the humanitarian thing to do and it could do irreparable harm. Even if it just hurts someone’s feelings, it is definitely not worth the risk. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 214 - THE VALUE OF THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

No. 214

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE VALUE OF THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

The famous American humorist Will Rogers once said, “All I know is what I read in the newspaper.” While I’m sure there was more truth than fiction in his statement, have you ever thought about where we, as American citizens, would be were it not for the 7000 plus newspapers across this nation? While I have never worked for a newspaper and don’t have a degree in journalism I am deeply grateful to have over 200 newspapers in 35 states who carry this column. Many of these papers have sent me a sample copy or a complimentary subscription, so I’ve had a chance to examine the content and the quality of a wide variety of papers from every area of the country.

While you may or may not have thought about the many personal benefits that come from your local newspaper, it’s something that is definitely worth a few minutes of our time. The “Newspaper In Education” program in hundreds of communities provide teachers a teaching tool for students to gain practical, useful knowledge in a wide variety of subjects. Since the newspaper cuts across all areas of society, it serves to help prepare young people for what they will face in a highly competitive adult world.

The idea for this column came to me a few weeks ago as I was reading our local newspaper, The Log Cabin Democrat (a great paper I might add.) When I picked up this particular issue the first article I saw was about one of our state senators who had pled “No Contest” to a drunk driving charge and had been fined, sentenced to community service and had his driver’s licensee suspended for 6 months. Then too, like most fast growing communities we are constantly faced with tax issues that affect our wallets. It’s good to have the pros and cons of each issue so we can be better informed.

Another valuable part of our paper is the “Letters to the editor” where local citizens are given the opportunity to share their views, complaints, appreciation and a whole hosts of other topics. The thing I really appreciate about the Community Newspaper is that they are much more responsible than other segments of the media. This is because they have a real interest in helping to make their community a better place to live. To be sure some newspapers, like most other things are better than others, but even the worst newspaper in the country is making a valuable contribution whether you realize it or not.

The people who work for newspapers are your eyes and ears and can be places where decisions are made or things are discussed that you can’t possibly be. While we have more graft and corruption in government than we need, just think of how much worse it could be were it not for the “spotlight” that newspaper reporters shine on them. Newspapers get accused of running too much negative news, but we can be grateful that what they print is still news. When murder, rape, burglary, scandals, fraud and tragic automobile accidents is so commonplace that it is no longer news, then we will be much worse off as a society than we are now.

As I said, by and large newspaper people provide a valuable service to communities all across this land. With the exception of when the state press associations hands out awards to its members, you won’t find these people tooting their own horn. For this reason I just wanted to invite you to think about what your newspaper means to the people in your community. When you have the opportunity, why not let them know you appreciate the good job they do. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 215 - DON'T PUSH THE RIVER

No. 215

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DONT PUSH THE RIVER

The United States Of America is blessed to have some great rivers and they provide our people with so many benefits that it would be impossible to list them all. In the early days of our nations history these natural streams of water provided the pioneers with means to move people and supplies to remote areas which, by and large, were inaccessible by other modes of transportation. Its little wonder that today many of our major cities are located alongside these majestic ribbons of water.

Just as the ox, horse, mule and other beasts of burden were harnessed to give us leverage, we also learned to harness the rivers to provide hydroelectric energy and the resulting impoundments, more or less, created the recreation and sport fishing industries. To say it another way, when you harness a deep flowing stream by building a dam you have created the potential for power and this power has been one of the major factors in our nations massive economy.

But just as any auto mechanic knows, when you have a plus you must also have a minus. What happens when a major river floods and overflows its banks? A while back I was talking with a friend from Saint Joseph, Missouri and he was telling me about the dry flood they had a few years ago. He said, it never rained a drop but half our town was under water.

Of course my friend was talking about the major flood of 1993 that impacted the entire Midwestern part of our country when the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and many of their tributaries overflowed their banks. In many cases these rivers were 10 - 15 miles wide and covered everything except a few high hills here and there. People and livestock lost their lives and many people lost all their possessions. This was and still is a sad situation, but my point is that when a river overflows its banks, it loses much of its power. In this case, it was the heavy rains upstream that pushed the rivers and created a terrible situation for thousands and thousands of people downstream.

At this point I want to change gears and use this natural disaster as an analogy to demonstrate what happens when a human being tries to push the river. We see people around us each day who seem to be in a big hurry, going at breakneck speed, but in reality are going nowhere. Without a clear focus and direction in our lives, we just wind up being frustrated and this mental state can result in stress and even a heart attack.

Hopefully, you see the point I am making. With this in mind here is a question that you may want to think about for a little while. Do you feel extreme pressure to succeed and are you burning the candle at both ends? If this is your case, why not think about my example of the river. It has tremendous power and potential if its channeled and focused but it loses much of its power for good if it is pushed to the point of overflowing its banks.

The highways and byways of life are littered with people who were in too big of a hurry. The good news is that most of us can truly succeed over the long haul and get better with age. Many of our nations greatest thinkers and achievers did not do their best work until later in life and its good to be reminded of this from time to time. We should also keep in mind that age, wisdom and success are not synonymous but rather its the wise person who develops a worthwhile plan and then works steady toward achieving it. If you feel stress in your life, slow down a bit and remember what I have said here, dont push the river. A flood of tears and heartache may be the end result. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 216 - DO YOU HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE?

No. 216

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE?

This past week I got a letter from a gentleman who was very distraught about his circumstances in life. He told me that he hated his job and the only times he looked forward to were the weekends when he was off work. He was in his early forties and in the past few years had taken up the game of golf. He said he had more or less mastered the game and wanted to begin a new career, either as an instructor or somewhere else in the industry. His wife however, was dead set against it.

Im sure you can see his problem. His wife wanted the security that a good job provided and apparently he had not saved enough money for her to be supportive. I believe his story is representative of thousands, if not millions of people all across our nation who are also unhappy on their jobs. In his case, the root problem really goes back several years to when he made the decision to go to work for his employer or in his particular industry. At the time he probably gave very little thought about whether or not he would be happy down the road. In the beginning, all most people want is a job. This is especially true for those who do not have a college degree and have decided on a career.

The first consideration for this gentleman is his wife, because if he cant sell her on making a change he will never be happy, even if he goes against her wishes and does it anyway. My advice to him was to save some money over the next three to five years and then reevaluate his situation. At this point he may or may not have changed his mind about making a job or career change, but at least from a financial standpoint, he would be able to seriously consider it. With these developments his wife may have also become supportive.

But back to my reason for sharing this with you. In terms of gainful employment, the vast majority of people in America have a job, millions more have a career and a lesser number have a calling. Here, Im referring to those people who are called by God to go into full or part time ministry. There is also another term along these lines that means a lot to me and maybe to you as well. Im referring to a purpose and the dictionary defines purpose as an idea or ideal kept before the mind as an end of effect or action. Few are the individuals, even among career people, who find a real purpose in life and the satisfaction and happiness that goes along with it. Is it possible that you have a purpose in life? Do you have something to do or accomplish that is larger than yourself that you cant wait to get started on each day?

Helping people succeed has been my life for over thirty years, and just recently I discovered my purpose in life. Hundreds of readers have written or called me and they are such a blessing. Mrs. Theola Knox of Milton, Kentucky wrote and said, your column is my reason for subscribing to the Trimble - Banner. In response to my column, A Clarion Call To All Americans, Shirley & Dean Goff wrote to say, Count us in to be part of your volunteer army. If only each human being would perform one selfless act each day, to help a neighbor, this world would soon change for the better. This is so true!!

When I started writing this column I had no idea how much satisfaction and happiness it would bring to so many people. The pinnacle came a few weeks ago when Mrs. Hope McKay Rice of Enfield, Connecticut wrote a letter to our local editor. She said, My 90+ year old mother Molly Russell McKay looks forward to your paper each day and Jim Davidson is her favorite columnist. Thank you, Molly, and God bless you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 217 - WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TEENAGERS TODAY?

No. 217

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TEENAGERS TODAY?

A few weeks ago I got a letter from a young lady who lives in Mill Shoals, Illinois. After stating her name she said, I would like to ask a question about teenagers. I am writing a book about teenagers. I also think that this past year will make teenagers much more aware of our constitution and our government. My question to you is, What do you think of teenagers today? I am almost thirteen and this is my project for the summer. Please answer if you can. It would mean a lot to me. She then signs A future politician, followed by a P.S. A retired teacher sent me an article you wrote on How To Raise A Crook and I want you to know that I read it and it was so true. All teenagers should read it.

Well, how about that for a question that you could spend the next month answering and still not do it justice. Because young people are so important to loving parents and to our nations future, I try to share some positive thoughts from time to time on this important subject in the hope of making a difference. Before I move on, if you are an adult, permit me to pose that same question to you, What do you think of teenagers today?

While I didnt spend a great deal of time in drafting an answer to her question, here is what I said: First of all let me say that I love teenagers and some of them are my best friends. For over 25 years I worked with our nations schools as a businessman motivational consultant and have had lots of experience working with young people. Here is what I have learned from first hand experience. There are millions of teenagers in our nation who have wonderful values and will make a great contribution to the future of our nation and we should never forget that.

On the other hand, in a general sense I have seen the decline of morality and lack of respect by the majority of teenagers that must be reversed if our nation is to survive the next century and beyond. What happened at the end of Woodstock 99 is a good example of what I am saying. It was only a few short years ago that most of these people were also teenagers.

Chelsea, it really comes down to the individual and how he or she was reared. While there are many influences in a young persons life, ministers, teachers, friends, peers and many others, its the parents who make the most difference and will have the greatest long term influence on a persons life. (I forgot to tell her about my two teenage grandsons Matt & David Runyan who are simply the best. Their parents get most of the credit.)

As a Christian, I believe the Bible is the greatest source of truth and inspiration to help any person become all that he or she can be. In the book of Proverbs we find these words in Chapter 22: 6, Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it.

I was pleased to learn that you are a future politician. We need good people in public service at all levels of government. As you grow older, I would like to keep up with you and share in your success. I want to wish you the very best with your book and your future goals in life. Who knows, someday you may make a real difference in the lives of millions of people. God bless you and feel free to contact me anytime. UntiI our next visit I would like to leave you with something that an old bread man sportscaster by the name of Benny Craig said one time. No man ever stood as straight as the one who stoops to help a child. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 218 - A TOUGH WAY TO SPEND THE FIRST HALF

No. 218

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TOUGH WAY TO SPEND THE FIRST HALF

The American author James Thurber once said, Humor is the other side of tragedy...one of our greatest and earliest national resources which must be preserved at all costs. With this in mind, please permit me to share this true story that a friend told me the other day. You may not get a charge out of it, but it was one of the funniest things Ive heard in a long time. Since this story was about his wife, youll understand why I dont plan to give you his name. If I did, he would probably be looking for a new place to stay. Im just kidding. Shes as laid back as anyone Ive ever known.

To bring you up to speed mentally so you will know where Im coming from, please permit me to give you a little background information. Back in the days before running water and indoor plumbing the general custom was to have a galvanized washtub out on the back porch for taking a bath. This made it convenient to carry water from the well to fill it. Because there was usually a good deal of water sloshing involved, the floor of the back porch was usually slanted so the water would run off.

Now fast forward about forty years and see this particular old house after it has been renovated and it now has running water, indoor plumbing and one of those big old cast iron bathtubs with bear claw feet that my wife and many others has always wanted. However, in this case they just enclosed a section of the back porch for a bathroom and you had to go outside the house and then go through a separate door to enter.

At this point, hopefully you have the picture. One Saturday afternoon in November about 2 Oclock my friends wife decided to take a bath while he was watching a football game. Soon he gets totally engrossed in the game and time passes, but in his subconscious mind, once in a while he thinks he hears something. Before long the first quarter is over and it is an exciting game. Then its half-time and he begins to feel like he needs a snack from the refrigerator, but he still cant escape the feeling that he has been hearing something.

As he gets to the kitchen the voice is a little louder and he realizes at this point that it is coming from the bathroom on the back porch. When he goes outside and opens the bathroom door, here is the scene that confronts him. The weight of that big old cast iron tub filled with water with a human being in it has fallen through the floor. Since the floor was weakest next to the wall where it had soaked for years, only the two outside feet had gone totally through which made the tub tilt up on its side.

Now, here is a scene you dont ever want to see. The plumbing has broken loose and water is squirting everywhere and my friends wife was in that tub, naked as a jay bird, and couldnt get out! When he told me this true story I quickly arrived at the conclusion that this was a tough way to spend the first half. She had been in that tub hollering for over an hour before he finally heard her and was able to get her out. And just think, all those guys playing football had no idea this was going on.

The reason I have decided to share this with you is because its real life and something that most of us can relate to. A good clean story (pun intended) like this one with no serious consequences only serves to make life interesting. To be sure I want to keep up with whats going on in the world, but I also want to have a little good natured fun. Until next time, I trust that your life is good and I sincerely hope you have a great day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 219 - A LESSON FROM A WISE FATHER

No. 219

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LESSON FROM A WISE FATHER

How would you like to have a nest egg of $100,000, free and clear, the day you retire? As you read, and hopefully think about this question, I realize that you may already be retired and there is also the possibility that $100,000 is just pocket change for you. What Im saying, of course, is that this may not apply to you but you may know someone, family or friend, that you can share it with. It could make a real difference in their life and be the difference between a happy, care-free retirement and living the kind of life experienced by millions of Americans who are trying to get by on Social Security.

As it relates to what I am saying, a few months ago I wrote a column titled Acres Of Diamonds that was about the man who sold his farm for almost nothing so he could look for diamonds in a far away land. After twenty years, broke and despondent, he threw himself into a river and drowned. However, the man who bought his farm found acres of diamonds on this same property. The moral or the message here is that quite often we dont stick with what we are doing long enough to become a great success.

If you read this column on a regular basis, you know that many of my best topics and ideas come from my readers. Soon after this column ran in THE GAZETTE in Galax, Virginia I got a letter from Fred Saal who lives in nearby Fries. He stated that he agreed with the premise of Acres Of Diamonds but he then went on to share a concept that has changed the dynamics to make it apply to a much larger group of people. It also down plays the idea of Get Rich Quick which is a trap that many people fall into.

His concept is contained in the following personal experience: Several years ago one of my sons had gotten into a financial problem through the use of credit cards. I agreed to help him out of his predicament if he and his wife would spend some time with me and listen attentively to a lecture from me on financial aspects of life, with emphasis on credit accounts. After the lecture, I announced that I would also give him $100,000.00. Now, think carefully because here is the part that makes him a wise father.

This gift consisted of the information that he should save $1.00 a day and invest it in the stock market index fund. This fund should earn 10% per year, which is the long term average return of the stock market for the last seventy-five years. If he did this, his savings would be worth in excess of $100,000 when he was sixty-five years old, which was about 35 years in the future.

The message here is that anyone can become rich if they establish and consistently adhere to a savings plan for a long period of time. This message should be applicable to all except those who have put things off so long that their only hope is to win the lottery. Fred closed with this P.S. It worked!!

Im grateful for Fred Saal taking time to share this with me and here is a final thought until next time. What this concept really does is include those people who dont think they can afford to save money. The truth is, there are very few people in our country who cannot put aside $1.00 per day and all they need to do is learn how to sign up and where to send it. Using this principle as the foundation, the key to financial success is compounding money over time and to start now. Young people, like Michael and Casi Hovey who just got married over in Tulsa, Oklahoma, please listen to what I am saying. Put aside and invest at least $1.00 a day in the stock market. You can afford it. But first, give the Lord the first 10%, because when you put him first, He will take care of you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 220 - OUR SOCIETY'S "FAST FOOD" MENTALITY

No. 220

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR SOCIETYS FAST FOOD MENTALITY

A while back I stopped for a bite to eat at a McDonalds Restaurant in Clear Lake, Iowa and was soon standing beside a gentleman who had also placed an order. After about three minutes he turned to me in disgust and said, And they call this fast food. You see, he wanted to place his order one moment and have his food the next. This is a scene that is repeated millions of times all over the world. People who are in a hurry, but in most cases are not going anywhere special.

In reality, because we have so many things in our society today that are instant we have lost much of the joy of life when it comes to slowing down, appreciating those things of lasting quality that take time to produce and even to go out of our way to visit with an old friend. Because this attitude is so pervasive and affects so much of our daily lives, I have dubbed it a fast food mentality. In short, we dont have time because we are in a hurry. But in a hurry for what? A stroke or a heart attack?

These thoughts came to me as a result of a conversation I had with a man a few days ago who owns a restaurant where my wife and I eat from time to time. I might add, this is not a fast food restaurant. He was lamenting the fact that he was having a terrible time getting and keeping good help. He said, In todays highly competitive restaurant business, you have to have good help or you are not going to survive.

At this point he laid something on me that was hard to believe. He said, A few years ago I would have to go through about ten applicants before I could find one that was even worth interviewing, but today that number is up to twenty-five. Can you believe that? This man would have to go through twenty-five applicants (mostly young people) before he could find one that had the potential to even interview. In this case, I know this man and he was telling the truth.

He went on to say that he had just hired a 16 year old young man as a dishwasher who was so good that he gave him a dollar an hour raise after only week on the job. Now, you may not think that dollar an hour raise was any big deal, but you would if you were making minimum wage, which is where most restaurant employees begin.

The reason Im sharing this with you is because all of us who spend our money expect quality and service from those where we spend it. Thats why that man in Clear Lake, Iowa was disgruntled. For the most part we can handle the minor inconveniences we encounter each day, but the problem goes much deeper and its something we should all think about.

The restaurant owner Ive been talking about also said, Isnt it the parents responsibility to teach their children the importance of work and that they must stick with a job long enough to go up the ladder to a higher salary, management opportunity and other long term benefits? The answer to that question is yes.

Here is something else to think about. We have several generations of young people who have never had to work and those who have done poorly or dropped out of school are the ones who are left to apply for those minimum wage jobs. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but most of these young people were not going to do any better on the job than they did in school. It truly does come back to the parents and like most things of this nature, its really a matter of the individual person. If you have young people in your family, what are you teaching them about character and work? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 221 - THE LAW OF HYPOCHONDRIA

No. 221

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF HYPOCHONDRIA

One time I heard about a lady who constantly complained about ailments of various kinds and someone asked her, Have you ever been real sick? She said, No, Ive just never been real well. This lady could have very well been suffering from a condition that has come to be known as hypochondria. This word means, The persistent neurotic conviction that one is or is likely to get sick or become ill. In other words, the person who suffers from hypochondria is a person subject to imaginary ailments.

In our society this type of person is known as a hypochondriac and in most cases he or she is not a very pleasant person to be around. The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer has left us with this insight: hypochondria is a species of torment which not only makes us unreasonably cross with the things of the present, but also leads to unmerited self-reproach for what we have done in the past.

To be sure, most of us do not like to be around someone who is a constant complainer and this is especially true when it comes to his or her health. In my case however, I learned a valuable lesson several years ago. I knew a lady in the community where we used to live and every time I was around her she complained about not feeling well. I came to the conclusion that she was just a hypochondriac, but about two weeks later she died. She really was in pain and while I dont know this for sure, if she had been properly diagnosed earlier she may still be living today.

Now this question please. Have you ever known someone whom you knew for sure or even suspected to be a hypochondriac? If you have then you know that its awfully hard to deal with this type of person. For the most part they do not think, reason or rationalize in logical terms. Rather, its their emotions that more or less controls how they see things. Please understand that Im not a doctor or a psychiatrist and Im not qualified to delve too deeply into the problems of human personality.

However, as it relates to the Law Of Hypochondria, which is part of a series of success laws that Ive been doing for some time now, in general terms I can make you aware of its application as it relates to ones personal success. The person who is a hypochondriac for whatever reason, is emotionally unstable and this fact alone would make it very difficult to achieve any lasting success, regardless of the field or career.

But here is the good news: the person who is suffering from hypochondria acquired the condition because of such personality characteristics as inertia, hatred, conflict, jealousy, feelings of inferiority, and the lack of one dominating single interest. This goes back to the old business of What we sow is what we also reap. When we allow our mind to constantly feed on harmful, negative information, it then increases the chances of our mind playing all kinds of tricks on us. This is in keeping with the definition I talked about earlier: One who is subject to imaginary ailments.

Here is the bottom line of what Ive been saying: lifes Law Of Hypochondria tells us that human beings have a great tendency to imaginary ailments that we must be on guard against. These must constantly be controlled, regulated and disciplined, if we are to have any real chance for success. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, here is the most positive suggestion I could ever give you. Unless you are talking with your doctor or a select few friends, dont tell others about your ailments. In most cases, they cant help you and it will just make them think less of you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 222 - THE MEAT OF THE COCONUT

No. 222

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MEAT OF THE COCONUT

Back in 1965, when I first started my sales career, I made a call on a very prominent businessman in our states capital city. After a few moments of small talk on my part he leaned over and tapped me on the knee and said, Son, get to the meat of the coconut. Being as perceptive as I am, it did not take me long to figure out what he had in mind. He was very busy making money and did not want me to waste any of his time. This man is dead now but before he died his large company went bankrupt, at least that is what a friend told me. In view of this personal story I want to share something with you that a reader sent me the other day. Its titled, God wont ask and I hope you will really ponder what it says. It has to do with what is important in life and and what is not and it really and truly gets to the meat of the coconut. At least it did for me.

The article contains 20 points and it begins: 1. God wont ask what social class you were in. He will ask what kind of class you displayed. 2. God wont ask the square footage of your house. He will ask how many people you helped who didnt have a house. 3. God wont ask what kind of fancy car you drove. He will ask how many people you took to church who didnt have transportation. 4. God wont ask how many fancy clothes you had in your closet. He will ask how many of those clothes you gave away to the Salvation Army. 5. God wont ask how many material possessions you had. He will ask whether those material possessions dictated your life.

6. God wont ask what your highest salary was. He will ask if you trampled over any people to obtain that salary. 7. God wont ask how much overtime you worked. He will ask did you work overtime for your family. 8. God wont ask how many promotions you received. He will ask what you did to promote others. 9. God wont ask what your job title was. He will ask did you perform your job to the best of your ability. 10. God wont ask how many promotions you took to chase a dollar bill. He will ask how many promotions you refused to advance your familys quality of life.

11. God wont ask how many times you didnt run around on your spouse. He will ask how many times you did. 12. God wont ask how many degrees you had. He will ask how many people you thanked for helping you get those degrees. 13. God wont ask what your parents did to help you. He will ask what you did to help your parents. 14. God wont ask what you did to help yourself. He will ask what you did to help others. 15. God wont ask how many friends you had. He will ask how many people you were a friend to.

16. God wont ask what you did to protect your rights. He will ask what you did to protect the rights of others. 17. God wont ask what neighborhood you lived in. He will ask what other neighborhoods you visited. 18. God wont ask how many times you told the truth. He will ask how many times you told a lie. 19. God wont ask about the color of your skin. He will ask about the color of your heart. 20. God wont ask how many times your deeds matched your words. He will ask how many times they didnt.

My friend, you could say it in many different ways but what you have just read is really and truly the meat of the coconut. You know, all of us will stand before God someday..and everything we did, said, and thought will come to light. While its a very personal thing, in my case I have changed my priorities a lot in terms of what is important to me and what is not. In the final sweep of time for each of us I believe we should have the right answers. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 223 - WHAT THE "EXPERTS" SAY ABOUT HIRING EMPLOYEES

No. 223

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT HIRING EMPLOYEES

Someone once said that an expert is, One who can take something you already know and make it sound confusing. Regardless of the label, over the years I have found that one of the keys to success is to listen to people who have something to say. This truism came to light in a fresh way after reading a letter a friend sent me the other day. My friend is Mickey Cox, recently retired from Entergy Corporation but before his retirement he was head of the coal generating power plants in our state and more recently as a consultant with an Entergy subsidiary in the far east. He had an office in Hong Kong and a while back he handed me one of his business cards printed in Chinese. Of course, I couldnt read it.

Since his letter contained some thoughts and ideas about a topic that affect all of us, I decided to share parts of it with you. He began his letter by saying, Your articles in the Log Cabin cause me to pause and reflect on a lot of things, in particular how to succeed and serve others. For most of my career I have had the opportunity to hire and observe employees and their traits. At this point he then went on to share the results of a recent Dayton, Ohio survey conducted with 400 businessmen who were responsible for hiring and training new employees. The survey revealed that the greatest attribute sought was honesty, followed by willingness to cooperate, ability/willingness to follow directions, a positive attitude and punctuality.

Mickey believes, and I agree, that most parents and educators today have their priorities in the wrong order. He says, My generations parents focused more, I believe, on the character values desired by the employers than the values of higher math and science skills. Perhaps this became so vivid to me because of the continual stress from both of my parents on how to be a good citizen and to be responsible in talking and acting within my community. My father believed his father gave him a good name and he was determined that his sons would be able to pass it (name) on to our children.

Not that academic achievement and skills were not necessary, or unimportant but character traits defined a familys values which were first in importance with education second. I personally believe if we learn character values then the other skills we need to keep up and excel in will be a natural progression because of the desire that God has placed in each of our hearts. Honorable character traits must be taught to our children by word and deed, reinforced by positive feedback. A sought after employee then is one who has a balance of honorable character traits mixed in with academic achievements.

He then left me with this question, Did our generation with character values learned at home and school commit less crime and evil than todays generation? Our country needs employees with strong character values to meet the competitive countries in the world. In my travels to other countries I have observed that strong countries adhere to the values mentioned earlier and then proceed to excellence in education. He then closes with this question, Could any foreign nation surpass our nation in gross national product if employers had access to employees with a balanced skill of both?

Here is my comment in light of what my friend Mickey Cox has said in a very constructive way. Fellow parents and educators, its time to rethink our priorities. Ive been saying this for a long time but I believe with all my heart when we teach character values first and education second, things will change for the better in the United States Of America. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 224 - WHAT HAS CHANGED IN AMERICA?

No. 224

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN AMERICA?

My friend Nancy Ballard sent me a terrific article the other day and I would like to share it with you. It begins, I grew up in rural America in the 50s and 60s. On any given day, you could walk through the high school parking lot and observe that half the vehicles parked there were trucks with windows rolled down and doors unlocked. Most of them carried, as standard equipment, an FFA sticker and a gun rack with at least one gun, usually loaded. You could make the same observation at any of the four high school campuses in our county. Amazingly, I do not ever recall reading or hearing about mass shootings in any of those high schools. What has changed in America is not the accessibility of guns, but the character of man.

On the wall in my parents home is a plaque awarded to my father in recognition of service for 27 years on the local school board. He told me that for years, a standard requirement on every teachers contract was membership in a local church. I remember starting every school day with the pledge and a prayer.

I remember when girls who got pregnant in high school were ashamed, when abortions were illegal, when the divorce rate was not 50% because couples stayed together for the kids sake, when there were no X rated movies, when milk cartons didnt have missing kids faces on them and I didnt know anyone personally who used drugs. I remember when kids were taught respect for authority and accountability to God.

Last night I attended a high school football game that was covered by local and national news. The news coverage was not about the football teams, but about the defiance of a court order by one brave little Texas town to preserve the right to pray before a football game. The more this country struggles to free itself from religion, the more we become entangled in the consequences. It is an observable truth that the best time you will ever make on any American city freeway is on Sunday morning because there are no traffic jams getting to church.

For those who believe that separation of church and state is not enough, that the world would be better off without religion, ask yourself this question. How many hospitals, universities, orphanages, homeless and abuse shelters have been founded by the ACLU or the American Atheist Society? It is the inclusion of the word Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, etc., in the name of so many of these institutions that proves by actions, not just words, who really cares for the suffering of mankind and desires to make the world better. The question that people should be asking is not Why does God allow tragedies? but When will we realize that no nation in the history of the world, has ever separated itself from God and evolved to a better society. Well, how about that? The credit line on this article was given to a young lady in Alabama but when I asked her for permission to use it, she said she was not the author and did not know who was. If you know, drop me a note and I will give credit in a future column.

I would like to ask you one simple question: What has changed in America? The real problem that is facing our nation is not guns in the hands of our citizens but the decline of ethical and moral character by millions of people in this country. If the gun control people would spend the same amount of time, energy and money removing violence from television programs and video games, over time, our nation would be far better off. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 225 - DON'T LET GO OF THE ROPE !!

No. 225

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DONT LET GO OF THE ROPE!!

Over the years Ive known a good number of people who were accident prone. You have probably known these kind of people as well. Several years ago I had a friend who was this type of person. One of his brothers told me that when he was much younger he caused and 18 car pileup on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Later, when I knew him, the home heating system he had installed in his basement caught on fire, not once but twice, and their home burned to the ground. The tragic end to this story is when he helped to build a ultra light airplane and it crashed killing him and a member of his extended family.

We know that millions of accidents happen everyday but something the French author and philosopher Voltaire said may help us to see accidents in a much clearer perspective. He said, There is no such thing as an accident. What we call by that name is the effect of some cause which we do not see. What made me think of this was something a man by the name of Dean Dufur handed me in an envelope following a speaking engagement one evening a few weeks ago.

It was a letter written by a bricklayer to his insurance company which clearly describes the consequences of not thinking before you act. His letter begins: In response to your request for additional information in block number 3 of the accident reporting form, I put poor planning as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully and I trust the following details will be sufficient. I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident I was working alone on the roof of a new six story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 lbs. of bricks left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which fortunately was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at ground level, I went up on the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the brick into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 500 lbs. of brick. You will note in block number 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh 135 lbs. Due to my surprise at being jerked from the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.

Fortunately, by that time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed approximately 50 lbs. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the 2 fractured ankles and the lacerations of my legs and lower body.

The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks, in some pain, unable to stand and watching the empty barrel six stories above me, I again lost my presence of mind. I LET GO OF THE ROPE!! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 226 - WHAT MAKES "FELTNER'S" SO SPECIAL?

No. 226

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT MAKES FELTNERS SO SPECIAL

About thirteen hundred miles Southwest of Wall Street there is a little hamburger restaurant that has made a lasting impression on me. The name of this restaurant is Feltners Whatta Burger and its located just off I-40 in Russellville, Arkansas. While its still true today, but even more so when I used to travel more extensively, I would drive an extra 50 to 100 miles out of the way just so I could eat at this little restaurant. I know for a fact that many other people do this as well.

The main draw was the quality of the food and while its a matter of taste, I dont know of many things better than a delicious hamburger. When you take pure ground chuck, fresh lettuce, big slices of onion, pickles and home grown(in season) tomatoes and build one on an extra large steamed bun, you have a Feltners Whatta Burger. I might add, that Feltners should not be confused with the Whatta Burger chain that is found in Texas. Their attorney worked it out where they could have the rights to their name in Arkansas but not in other areas of the country.

Feltners Whatta Burger is really a David & Goliath story. A small restaurant surrounded by the major chains, both fast food and slow food, and thriving right there in the midst of them. But even more than that, the founder Bob Feltner, who passed away back in 1997, developed a unique system of getting customers in and out in a timely fashion with low overhead. If you have an interest in the restaurant business, you may want to think seriously about what I am saying.

In all my travels I have never seen a system like they have. Here is how it works. When a customer comes in the front door, they move forward to get in a single line and the narrow railing insures that customers are served in the order they came in. While standing there looking at the large menu selection board a waitress approaches to take your order. The order is written on a white paper bag and then passed along to the assembly line where individual employees select the various ingredients to fill customer orders. They have many items on the menu besides hamburgers but its the system thats unique.

While going through the line, you pass face to face with several employees performing their tasks until you get to the drink fountain and the cashier. He or she takes your drink order, fills it, takes your money, gives you your order in the white paper bag, places a bottle of catsup on the tray and you are on your way. At this point you just walk back to a booth, split the sack open, have the blessing and enjoy. When you are finished, take the tray to the trash can, empty it, and walk out the door.

If you have ever had a Feltners Whatta Burger you might like to know that this restaurant has been honored to have the best hamburger in N.W. Arkansas by the Arkansas Times Readers Choice Awards for 15 straight years. Another unique factor that is an assett is that the restaurant is located across the street from Arkansas Tech University and all the employees wear uniforms of Kelly Green and Gold, the schools colors.

Since 1997 when Bob Feltner passed away, his daughter Missy and Son-In-Law Randy Ellis have run the business. In a recent interview Missy said something every business person needs to keep in mind. She said, Dad always taught us to use good products, to put out good food and be fair to your customers and employees. In a day of corporate takeovers, we need more of these kinds of stories. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 227 - DO YOU HAVE GOOD JUDGMENT?

No. 227

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE GOOD JUDGMENT?

In relation to judgment, the Quaker, William Penn once said, Knowledge is the treasure, but judgment the treasurer of the wise man. He that has more knowledge than judgment is made for another mans use more than his own. If you will reread what you have just read and ponder it, I think you will find the basis for a lot of self-improvement. In todays times, we all need that more than ever. With technology moving at the present rate, I shudder to think about what its going to be like ten years from now.

On the front end, we need to understand that I am not talking about judging another individuals soul,(only God can do that) or judging his reputation or judging his value as a person. No, Im talking about the judgment we as individuals exercise in conducting our day to day affairs which ultimately determine our success or failure as a person. I see people in deep trouble everyday, and you do too, who are there because they failed to exercise good judgment.

At this point, I would like to ask you a somewhat personal question. Do you have good judgment? In other words, do you use your wisdom, experience, education and your basic senses, to make wise choices and decisions most of the time? You will have to be your own judge in this case but if you would like to have an accurate barometer of how well you have been doing, just look at where you are. If you are married, do you have a happy home? If you work, are you one of the most valued employees of your company or organization? Are you a trusted and valued member of your community? Do other people depend on you as someone who can get the job done?

You could extend this to many different areas of your life but as a general rule if you have things under control and have a bright future, I can promise you this was brought about because you have good judgment. In my column I do my best to offer encouragement to anyone who needs it and to present time tested principles that will help any of us to achieve personal success. Success is a relative term, but for whatever it means to each individual, we should have a goal to be a happy productive member of society.

When it comes to good judgment, many people, for various reasons, do not seem to be able to get on track and as a result go through many painful experiences. I got a letter from a young man a few days ago who fit this category. He said, Im writing to you because of an article that I read in the local paper. It had to do with Natural Laws and without going into too much detail about my personal life, Im trying to do as much research and obtain as much counseling as I can to put my life back on track. Ive had two failed marriages and my professional career has not turned out like I would have wanted it to. What keeps me going some days are my faith in God and a belief of something more fulfilling in my life.

Im thirty five years old and I feel like the time has come to gain as much knowledge and counsel as possible to make sound decisions. I know there is no one piece of information that can make me a better person, but after wandering around for the past few years I think the more questions I ask and the more information I can gain will help me.

My friend, here is a classic case where a young man has not exercised good judgment. He is searching for answers and since he is now looking, the chances are good that he will find them. My prayer is that he will. We all need help in some area of our life. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 228 - MOM & DAD...I'M COMING HOME

No. 228

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOM & DAD...IM COMING HOME

A friend sent me something the other day in the mail that brought back a lot of memories. It was a story about a young man who had just returned home after having fought in Vietnam. When I read this story it brought tears to my eyes and made me realize once more that my priorities and values were wrong for so many years. As a sidebar, in light of the story that I want to share with you in a moment, you may want to stop and consider where you are in terms of giving unconditional love to members of your own family.

Back in the early 1970s I had just started my speaking career and an official with the Veterans Administration asked me to speak at a Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day Program to be held at the outdoor convention plaza in Little Rock, Arkansas. I accepted, not knowing what I was getting myself into, because like most Americans I was glad the war was over and our men and women in the Armed Services had come home.

The day dawned bright and clear and I was to follow then Governor and now former Senator Dale Bumpers on the program. Naturally, after he spoke the audience scattered like a covey of quail and instead of having the rapt attention of a large audience, I had a few veterans here and there, walking around, talking to each other, and most showed very little interest in what I had to say. As a result, I did a very poor job because I could not relate to them. In my opinion, one of the great tragedies in our nation is how we treated many of our Vietnam Veterans when they came home from this terrible war.

Now, here is that story I mentioned earlier. It happened several years ago when this Vietnam Veteran called his parents from San Francisco and said, Mom & Dad, Im coming home but I have a favor to ask. I have a friend I would like to bring with me. Sure, they replied, Wed love to meet him. There is something you should know, the son continued, He was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go and I want him to come live with us.

Im sorry to hear that son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live. No, Mom & Dad, I want him to live with us. Son, said the father, you dont know what you are asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we cant let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He will find a way to live on his own.

At this point the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told, the police believed it was suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didnt know. Their son had only one arm and one leg.

The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun to be around, but we dont like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who arent as healthy, beautiful or smart as we are. Thankfully there is someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are. Tonight, before you tuck yourself in...say a little prayer. God is a God of the second chance. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 229 - IS THE INTERNET A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

No. 229

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS THE INTERNET A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

The verdict is in. The Internet, and its many implications is going to impact our daily lives more than any other single invention in the history of mankind. The limits of the Internets capability is governed only by our single and collective imaginations. But like anything else of this magnitude, the consequences or results are not always positive and if we do not exercise good judgment, the outcome can be disastrous.

From my perspective, here is a question that each of us would do well to keep uppermost in our mind. Is the Internet a curse or a blessing? The answer to this question is yes because it can be either one, depending on how we use it. To illustrate what I mean, please allow me to share this story that I heard several years ago. In this small town an elderly gentleman had won the respect and admiration of the whole community as one of the wisest men to ever have lived there. Whenever a problem or dispute arose, people would come from miles around to seek his counsel and advice.

One day a young lad who knew of the reputation of the wise old sage approached him with a small bird in his hand. He said, Old man, is the bird I have in my hand alive or dead? The young mans plan was simple. If he said it was dead, he would open his hand and the bird would fly away. If he said alive, then he would crush the bird and hand it to him dead. However, the answer the wise old sage gave to this young lad displayed the wisdom that he had acquired over the years. He said, As you will my son.

In a very real sense this is the story of the Internet for each of us. Its a matter of how we use it that will determine whether or not its a blessing or a curse. Here at our small business, we have only been on the Internet for just a few months. I would have gotten on much sooner but my wife has been dead set against it. She is a very wise person and I always listen to her. Her reasons for not wanting to get on the Internet were because of all the forces of evil that can be found there, along with not wanting to give out any personal and sensitive information that can be used by unscrupulous people.

She finally relented when almost all of our nations newspapers got online and we can e-mail our columns to them so much quicker, easier and less expensive. Its been a God send as I can now go to my new computer and e-mail columns to papers anywhere in the country in a matter of minutes. I also use it when I need some information or there is a particular site I want to check out. As to the smutty side of the Internet, Ive never been there and dont ever plan to go. I want to use this great tool and not let it use me.

Another feature or site of the Internet that we have never visited is the chat room. First of all, we dont have time and we also believe the better part of wisdom is to not open yourself up to total strangers that you know nothing about. A friend told me about a former female employee who was recently divorced and because she was either desperate or lonely or both, she began to meet men in a chat room. She wound up traveling several hundred miles to meet two different men in other states and they both turned out to be a dead end street.

This could have been disastrous in terms of losing her money or even her life. I know it works out for some people but like I said, I just wouldnt want to open myself up for something like that. While I cant tell her, the funny thing about this whole scenario is that my wife now uses the Internet more than I do. Is it a curse or a blessing. Its up to you!! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 230 - THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

No. 230

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

There is a path that many people take through life, while appearing attractive at the time, ultimately leads to nowhere. Im talking about the Path Of Least Resistance. Since making wise choices is what success is all about, it might be worth investing a little time to determine if you are on this path. In a general sense, the person who is on the Path Of Least Resistance usually looks for the easy way and if there is a short cut, they will take it. From a psychological standpoint, there is a vast difference between looking for a better way and looking for an easy way. The person who looks for a better way is constantly moving forward in his or her development and will soon be regarded as a thinker and a person of great efficiency. On the other hand, the person who is always looking for an easy way will soon be labeled as lazy and also a person of compromise.

What appears on the surface to be only a minor thing can literally mean the difference between success and failure as a person. While Ive been somewhat general here, what Im really talking about is using our sixth sense as a way to determine the best course of action in any set of circumstances. In education for example, the person who has an aptitude for math or science should not pursue a degree in psychology, social science or physical education. While this may make a person happy for the short term, in time when they come to realize what they gave up in terms of satisfaction, position and income, they will be very unhappy. Looking back, the decision to take the Path Of Least Resistance is what made the difference.

Whats even more tragic are those people who took the Path Of Least Resistance and they compromised still further by cheating. Ive heard college students say they were forced to cheat, but dont believe that for a moment. These people were influenced by someone around them or they simply made the choice to spend their time pursuing other interests until test time came and they were unprepared. Rather than taking the grade they had earned, they chose to cheat and then had to live with that knowledge for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, you are reading what I am saying here loud and clear, these people are where they are today because they chose the Path Of Least Resistance. The reason I began with education is because this is the foundation for a successful life.

Now, if I could bring what I am saying a little closer to home, just think about where you are at this time in your life. If you are a student in school or college, realize that for the most part, you will get out what you put in. In addition to their studies, even great athletes with tons of natural ability still have to pay the price in terms of time and preparation. The same is true for academics and the time and study it requires to prepare for a great career. If you are beyond this point in your life and you have a job or career, your rewards in terms of promotions, income and personal satisfaction will be in direct proportion to your commitment to be the best you can be. I can promise you that you wont get there by taking the Path Of Least Resistance.

For those of you who are retired, the principle is exactly the same. Your satisfaction and your rewards for all your activities will be determined by your contribution - your service. Here is a final word and I hope you will lodge it firmly in your subconscious mind. When it comes to making personal choices, dont always take the Path Of Least Resistance. Think about it and then do it the best way, even if it requires a little more time and work. The rewards are worth it. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 231 - THE LAW OF OBJECTIVES

No. 231

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF OBJECTIVES

Someone once said that It is better to shoot for a star and miss it than it is to shoot for a skunk and hit it. If you have ever really wanted something that seemed to be just beyond your reach, I have some thoughts to share that I believe will be of interest to you. Allow me to use this true example that will bring what I want to say into sharp focus. Prior to the year 1926, no woman had ever swam the English Channel. Then an automobile company offered a red Buick convertible and $2500.00 in cash to the woman who could accomplish this feat.

A nineteen year old American girl by the name of Gertrude Ederle wanted that automobile, so she decided to swim the English Channel in order to get it. Part way across, her strength began to give out and she felt she couldnt swim one more stroke, but as she lay there waiting to be taken out of the water, she closed her eyes and before her imagination passed that red Buick convertible. This firing of her imagination gave her a new surge of strength and she didnt stop again until she felt her feet touch the sand of the opposite shore.

Purely and simply, this visualization of the objective made her the first woman to swim the English Channel and without this tightly held objective, success would have been impossible. This true story is a good example of the old saying we have all heard, You must have a dream before you can have a dream come true. It is also the basis for a natural law called The Law Of Objectives. If you recall, a natural law is a series of events in nature that has been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity. In other words, if the events and circumstances are exactly the same in all respects, the results or outcome will always be the same.

It should go without saying that the proper understanding and application of this natural law would help you become more successful. This is why as a Success Law it must be applied and used in the right way. It should be noted that the word objective is often used interchangeably with the more modern word Goal. In view of the magic motive power within ourselves, it seems unbelievable that millions of people should spend their lives trying to achieve success and yet not have definite, clear cut, written goals. Sadly, of all the working people in America, only five of every hundred actually do this.

For a goal or objective to be valid, it must be 1.realistic 2. specific 3. written 4. attainable 5. have a time limit. With this in mind, it should be obvious that we all need both short and long term goals to strive for. In most cases we only become unhappy after we get the things we want and for this reason we always need a goal before us that will fire our imagination each day and cause us to want to get out of bed. How many people do you know who died less than six months after they retired?

Generally speaking, the person who has a goal is successful and happy and also makes a better citizen and neighbor. Now Id like to go back to that true story about Gertrude Ederle. Im sure she did a lot of training in preparation to swim the English Channel but she also had a purpose - she wanted that red Buick convertible! Its amazing what achieving something like this, and the notoriety that goes with it, will do for our self-esteem. This will bring us to a point where we realize that nothing is impossible if we will get prepared, set a goal and then stay with it and good luck! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 232 - LEST WE SHOULD EVER FORGET

No. 232

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LEST WE SHOULD EVER FORGET

The German reformer Martin Luther once said, War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity; it destroys religion, states, families. Any scourge is preferable to it. If Martin Luther had been around between 1918 and 1945 we could have shown him what a real war looked like. However, I dont guess the casualties were any more dead during our two world wars than they were back in his day. While I was in the Army Reserve during peace time and never had to fight for my country, I know that war is hell and I pray to God that we will never have to go to war again.

Because the majority of our nations population was not around during the big wars and even during the Korean and Vietnam wars, they must not only be reminded of what it was like, but to also honor our nations veterans who fought in these wars and preserved the freedom that we all cherish. Lest we should ever forget, I want to tell you about a very fine history teacher at the Dodge City High School in Dodge City, Kansas who is doing more than his share and I want to challenge all other history teachers in America to do the same.

This history teachers name is Bob George and he wrote to me a few years ago and this past October I had the opportunity to meet him in person and also to speak briefly to one of his classes. I was in Dodge City at the invitation of the Dodge City Daily Globe to speak at a community wide prayer breakfast (many wonderful people in this historic community) and during the time prior to the meeting I asked my host Eric Rathke if he would take me by the school. During our visit I learned that Bob George is a veteran of the Vietnam War and because of his own personal experience he feels a deep need to make sure his students understand the sacrifices our nations veterans have made for them.

Here is whats so unique and what I hope other teachers will think about doing. During the year Bob has each of his students interview a Veteran and then write a report about what they learned. Some of his students comments were printed in the Globe and I wanted to give you a brief overview of what they said. Kari A. Alexander, to all W.W.II Veterans, Before I studied W.W.II, I never really appreciated you. I thought so what, another stupid war. Now that I have studied it and interviewed a Veteran, I appreciate you much more. I appreciate the fact that you were willing to risk your lives so that everyone in this room, in this world, can be alive today.

Tiffany Williams wrote, Dear Veterans, I never really knew what you guys did when I was little. I just knew it was another holiday (Veterans Day) that my family celebrated. Even before I took American History, I knew very little about W.W.I & W.W.II. I would like to thank you for all the things you have done for our country. In my eyes, you are good role models and heroes. It just seems very sad that some people do not appreciate what has been done because they simply do not know.

And lastly, Nicole Eckert writes, After all that I have learned and studied in American History over this short time on wars and battles, I have been amazed at all the brutalities. I give a big thanks to all Veterans. I cannot imagine the hardships they have all endured. They must have great strength and an amazing capacity to keep their sanity under all conditions. I do not know how anyone got through times like that. I am writing this letter to let all Veterans know that their efforts are not unrecognized but commended.

Thanks Bob, for a job well done. I just hope many fine teachers across this land will follow suit LEST WE SHOULD EVER FORGET. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 233 - PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING IS BAD FOR AMERICA

No. 233

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING IS BAD FOR AMERICA

Here is a question you may want to think with me about for a little while. If we dont begin to curb the excessive and unnecessary violence in this country, what kind of society are we going to have ten, twenty or thirty years down the road? If you agree that something needs to be done, then I believe you will appreciate what I have to say. First, lets look at why there is so much Violence in America. You dont have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that several decades and millions of hours of violence in movies, television programs and video games has taken its toll. As a result, we have a violent culture.

The media has a tremendous impact on our society and if you will stop and think about it, I bet there arent 5% of our nations population who are directly involved in the media. Thats a whole lot of power for such a small number of people. While Ive said this before, I believe with all my heart that the lifestyles and personal behavior of those in the media and their products does not represent the majority of Americans. You go to the smaller cities and towns across this country, as I have, and you will see a much different story than what you see on television.

But back to the excessive violence in this country. While they dont have an exclusive when it comes to legal violence, professional wrestlers are acting out in real life what we see as many violent characters on television programs, video games and in the movies. The rapid rise in popularity of professional wrestling is due to a number of factors, but more than anything this industry has tapped into the deep seated anger of so many of our citizens who feel disenfranchised and left out of the American dream. Please understand, I am not mad at these people. I would like to help them and help our country at the same time.

While I know some people will disagree with me, and it is a personal choice, I think professional wrestling is a violent, Godless spectacle and I would not be caught dead watching it in person or on television. I might also add that its not my nature to be critical but when I see something that I think is bad for America, its time to speak out. These people, like every other business, are in it for the money, but in this case they are fanning the flames of a lot of angry people and leading them further down the road that leads to a place called violence.

Personally, I think more people need to have the courage to speak out against violence and call a spade a spade, not only against professional wrestling, but also other sports where violence is the order of the day. This includes roller derby, hockey, and in some cases baseball, football and basketball. Whats the answer? For the long haul we must start in the lowest grades in our schools and make sportsmanship and fair play the only acceptable behavior. School boards and administrators must make it clear that violent behavior on the part of coaches and athletes will not be tolerated.

Then we need to insist that our government, which is all of us, clean up the violence in professional sports. Whistles and fines will go a long way in doing this. Just let the coaches and players know that violence is unacceptable. But back to professional wrestlers and their fans. Many of these people didnt make the grade in class or in sports and consequently in life. Like I said, many are angry and seeing another human being pulverized is like putting salve on their wound and it somehow makes them feel better. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 234 - COULD THIS BE YOUR CLUB?

No. 234

The next password is grace

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COULD THIS BE YOUR CLUB?

Do you belong to a civic or service club of some kind? Maybe you are a member of the Rotary, the Lions, the Kiwanis, the Optimist or some other club or organization with similar objectives. If you are, may I have your ear for a few minutes? One of the greatest blessings Ive ever had is my participation in our local Lions Club. I have been honored to serve as President of our club and have been named Lion Of The Year, a Melvin Jones Fellow and was recently selected by my fellow Lions to receive the prestigious Dalstrom Award.

I can promise you however, the Lions organization has done far more for me than I have ever done for them and thats really the nature of these volunteer organizations. Its the age old principle: the more we do the more we get back. If you could count up the good these organizations have done for people in the various communities across the nation and put a dollar figure on it, you would literally be amazed. This dollar figure would only be a small part as it relates to the benefits of the individual members. We have great fellowship at our meetings, outstanding educational and entertaining programs and develop a spirit of camaraderie with fellow members that makes the total experience very special.

As you may know, its only been in the past thirty years or so that women have been invited to join and participate in most civic organizations. From my perspective, this was long overdue. We have a good number of quality ladies in our club and they do a fantastic job and I would never want to be without them. They are great workers and they add a spark to our meetings that you would not believe unless you were there.

However, a while back I heard about a club that is still in the dark ages and in this particular club the male members are crude and this is very unprofessional and should not be tolerated. While what Im going to say may be unpopular, here is the reason I decided to address this issue. We had a wonderful young lady leave our community to accept a top management position with her company in another state. Since she was a member of our club, it was more or less understood that she would join another club in the community where she was moving. In a telephone conversation with her a few weeks ago, I asked about her status with a club in her new community.

She said he had joined a club, attended a few meetings, but had just recently written a letter of resignation. When I asked her why, she told me the following story. One of the projects of this club was to pick up litter along a stretch of highway just outside of town. The Saturday before her last meeting, the club was picking up litter and one of the male members found an unmentionable item (you could probably guess what it was) and at the next club meeting prior to introducing a lady speaker, this member went into great detail to describe the item and made other crude remarks about it which were out of order.

This young lady wgo was a formerly a member of our club said she just sat there and didnt look up, and the male president, who was presiding never said a word. The following week she wrote a letter of resignation and she told them why. To this day, she has not heard a word from any one in the club. As another friend told me later, this was a male dominated club and apparently what they do not realize is that they are missing a great blessing. In any worthwhile organization you must have quality leadership to be successful. Here is a final question from me. While the details and the story may be different, could this be your club? If it is, there needs to be some changes made. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Grace

No. 209 - A MONKEY IN THE COCKPIT

No. 209

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MONKEY IN THE COCKPIT

In 1981, before moving here to Conway, my wife and I built a new home near the Little Rock Air Force Base. Our home was situated on top of a high hill and all the planes taking off to the West would come right over the top of it. For us, one of the highlights each year was when the base would hold an open house. During this special event, in most cases they would have the Thunderbirds (the Air Force precision flying team), perform and they were simply spectacular. We would sit out on the deck and watch them and they were so good and so precise, it appeared that you could step from one plane to the next as they zipped along at 500 to 600 miles per hour.

Each pilot had to be very, very good to be part of this prestigious unit. Because the focus was always on these fantastic jet airplanes and all the various routines and stunts they were performing, I never thought much about the individual pilots and how they were selected to represent the United States Air Force all over the world. However, this all changed for me a few days ago when I heard the following story.

It seems a new base commander had received an appointment at the Marine Corps Air Station located at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Soon after he arrived, the people under his command held a big reception for him. As people were making their way down the receiving line, this new base commander greeted a gray haired First Lieutenant. When he saw his gray hair, he said, Fellow, you look to be up in years, why havent you moved up in rank? The First Lieutenant said, Well Sir, its a long story. Im fifty-one and I served as a fighter pilot during W.W.II in the South Pacific. Almost every night we would have an alert and all the pilots would have to go to the flight line and warm up our planes and be ready to go at a moments notice. However, in most cases the alert was called off and we had to stand down, which means the alert was called off the threat of danger had passed.

After several weeks of this I was losing a lot of sleep, but it just so happened that our unit had a pet monkey. It really took some doing but I trained this monkey to respond to an alert by going to the flight line and warming up my plane. When the alert was over the the stand down was given, he would shut her down and come back to our sleeping quarters. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, one night the alert was not called off and when all the planes took off, the monkey took off with them. There is however, one redeeming aspect of this story. While I have just now made it back to First Lieutenant, that monkey is now a full Bird Colonel.

I guess the moral of this story is that even in the worst of times, there are still those rare people who never lose their sense of humor. Im proud to say that my father was this type of person. He was over forty years of age when I was born and he served in W.W.I and was in Brest, France when the war ended. While its funny to me now, this is a true story. He said they wanted to make him a PFC (Private First Class) but he told them that he did not want all that responsibility. You would just have to have a military background to appreciate this.

Until our next visit I would just like to say that the human mind is a wonderful and powerful tool that God has given us. I consider myself a true patriot and I have a deep respect for our nations armed forces. Youll understand when I say that I have no disrespect when I think of that monkey in the cockpit. I can never again watch the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels perform without wondering if one of the pilots is a particulary hairy Bird Colonel. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 210 - A LETTER FROM PRISON

No. 210

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LETTER FROM PRISON

If you have never been in prison, and I pray God that you haven’t, have you ever wondered what it is really like for those who are locked away from society and have very little contact with the outside world? Of course the television news magazines give us some idea and then occasionally we learn about a ‘celebrity’ prisoner who is granted interviews and other special privileges. But most of the inmates are just there and while they do get to watch television, receive mail and have visits from family and friends, it is still a very lonely life.

What reminded me of this is a letter I received from a prison inmate the other day. Over the past several months I have received several letters from inmates in Arkansas, Mississippi and Michigan. This particular letter however, gave me some real insights of what prison life is really like.

The letter begins, “Mr. Davidson,... Someone sent me one of your columns and I read it for the first time. It was about being around negative people. I am in one of the worst places for negative people. I am in prison. Most of the people in here are going nowhere and are happy that way. But don’t get me wrong. There are some very good people mixed in here. Some have improved their education with the support of their families even though the only free education is college for those under 25 years of age and vo-tech for those with less than 3 1/2 years of prison time left to do.”

He goes on to say, “along with all the others I have put myself in a bad position with many strikes against me. I am guilty of my charges and deserve the time I have. I’m not eligible for parole until 2016 and finish my sentence 2024. I have alienated most of my family and friends but still have strong support from a few. Even with the negative aspects of our situation here, there are still many things we can do besides just “doing time.” With financial support from my parents I am working on my bachelors degree by correspondence. Although it isn’t as impressive as a traditional degree, I hope it will help.” He goes on to talk about other skills he is acquiring and even personal Bible study. His final thoughts are telling. “Unfortunately, many of the negative traits are influencing my thinking. I must struggle to keep my love for my fellowman and control my anger. Even the guards here get cynical. I liked what you wrote and try to keep in mind, “life is too short to be unhappy.”

This letter from a man in prison reminded me of a phone call I got one evening a while back. A wonderful lady by the name of Madeleine Bulbulian who reads my column in the Cherokee Scout in Murphy, North Carolina called and said, “I wrote to you several months ago but today’s column was so good that I just had to call you.” After visiting a few moments about this particular column, she went on to tell me that she had been clipping out my columns and sending them to a young man in the Armed Services. Madeleine said that he was back home a few weeks ago and she could tell a tremendous difference in his attitude. He told her that he really appreciated her sending the columns.

As a suggestion, why not clip out and save some of the better columns that will be encouraging and send them to an inmate in prison. This could be a wonderful ministry and all it would cost is a little time and postage. Many inmates will be out soon and some of these ideas and concepts could make a difference in their life. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 211 - WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

No. 211

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

When it comes to the subject of learning, the English statesman Lord Chesterfield (1694-1773) has left us with this observation, “Learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men and studying all the various editions of them.” While the “Lord” may have meant this statement in a generic context, if he were around today he would have included women, because they too will have their place in history.

At this point I would like to ask you a somewhat personal question. Of course, whether you choose to answer it or not is entirely up to you. What have you learned? To expand this question a bit, please understand that I am not talking about how long you attended school or how many college degrees you have. Rather, I’m talking about all the various influences that have come into your life and how the sum total of all your experiences, good and bad, have enabled you to become a productive member of society.

While education and learning are not always synonymous, we can be an educated fool, our nation’s collective educational effort spends billions of dollars each year in an attempt to bring very small children all the way through kindergarten, to high school and beyond to learn and acquire the necessary skills to provide for themselves, their dependents and for future generations.

Well, enough generalizations. I’m talking about people who not only have an education but also some common sense and the character values that will enable them to be good citizens and responsible stewards of the greatest nation to ever appear on the face of the earth.

At this point I would like to say that I have made lots of mistakes. Many of these were due to ignorance, while others were because I made the choice to go against laws and principles that I had been taught by my parents and while I was in school and college. With respect to what you have learned, you will have to be your own best or worst critic, but I would like to share a few of the more important things I have learned or think I have learned.

I have learned to be grateful for what I have and among these things are the blessings of life, liberty and the opportunity to pursue happiness. I have learned that even though I may not personally like an individual or group, to respect the worth and dignity of every living person. I have learned that a fine person can be inside a black skin, a red skin, a yellow skin and a brown skin, just like they can be in a white skin. I have learned that truth and honesty is indeed the best policy and not just something to talk about.

I have learned that the only real satisfaction in life comes from hard work and doing my very best a whatever I choose to do. I have learned that there are consequences for sin and that one cannot flaunt the laws of God forever and get away with it. I have also learned that you cannot out give God, because the more you give of yourself, your time, talents and resources, the more He will bless you. I have learned to feel sadness for those in leadership positions and those who hold public office who violate the sacred trust, because there will be an accounting and quite often when they least expect it. In closing, we are blessed to have our state’s educational television network (AETN) here in our community and their motto is “Where Learning Never Ends.” What a great thought for each day of our lives. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 244 - A STRANGER MOVED IN WITH US!

No. 244

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A STRANGER MOVED IN WITH US!

The other day a lady sent me something in the mail that had such a deep and profound message that I want to share it with you. She begins by saying, A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. Mom taught me to love the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our entire family spellbound for hours each evening. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars.

The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didnt seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up--while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places--go to her room, read her prayer book and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But the stranger never felt the obligation to honor them.

Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house--not from us, not from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My Dad was a teetotaler who didnt permit alcohol in his home, not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often.

He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (too much, too often) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man/woman relationship were influenced by the stranger. As I look back, I believe it was by the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more.

Time after time he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. But if I were to walk into my parents den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His Name?____ We always just called him T.V.!!.

In my own life, I can still remember when we first got a T.V. as well. Shows like Father Knows Best, Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, Ozzie & Harriet and even Roy Rogers and Gene Autry movies were good wholesome entertainment. Along the way, since those days, something happened and our whole culture changed. Dont misunderstand, Im not saying that all T.V. is bad because that would be wrong, but I am saying that we should be very selective in what we watch and what we permit our children to watch. It may be a cheap babysitter in the beginning but in the end the cost may be more than we are willing to pay. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 245 - A GRAND LADY FROM THE TREASURE STATE

No. 245

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GRAND LADY FROM THE TREASURE STATE

Have you ever heard of the Fly Proof privy program? Just in case you havent, it was an important part of American history, at least to the people who were involved in building them and especially those who used them, back in the late 1930s and forward. This was part of President Franklin Roosevelts WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION, also called the WPA that was known for building bridges, dams and even National Parks. But outhouses?

Its true! Our government built nearly 1100 of the outdoor toilets in Nevada and countless more in other states to help improve the lot of Americas poor during the Great Depression. The Fly Proof model was so much better than the others because they had a deeper pit and superior ventilation and you didnt have so much smell and flies, says Clarence Godecke, whose childhood outhouse still stands on the Milky Way Farm near Minden, Nevada.

This information was part of a newspaper article that was sent to me by Marion Hanson who reads my column in the Fallon County Times, published in Baker, Montana. a few weeks before I received this article from Marion she had sent me a four page hand written letter in response to my column The Good Old Days. Apparently what I had shared in this column had set her mind in orbit because she went back and recalled many things from her past that was not only very informative but also thrilling to read.

Here are just a few of the highlights. My father and mother came to Montana to Homestead in 1909. They were neighbors five miles apart in Minnesota but they didnt know each other. Dad went back and loaded an immigrant car with necessary things to build a shack and plant a shelter belt. Mother worked at a restaurant and later at a half way place south of Baker where wagon trains spent the night only a mile from her homestead. The folks were married in 1914. By then dad had a two room house built on his homestead and a root cellar and barn.

I remember field work all done with horses, water carried to the house, big garden put in and lots of canning, both fruit, beef and chicken. Oh yes, we ate good. I was born in 1917 and folks had a car by then with side curtains until 1924 when car with glass windows came along. She continues, Following High School and married in 1937 my husband was making $50.00 a month. In 1949 we purchased the Willard store and I became the Postmaster. There were 30 active years at Willard, my husband, a mechanic was also the Mayor and Fire Department Chief. We took first aid and home nursing and one time I almost became a midwife. There was no electricity until 1950s.

In 1979 she and her husband moved to Baker and he passed away in 1982. Since then she has been very active and has been doing things on her own. She is involved in the museum, RSVP, Council On Aging, Church and quilting for missions, Senior Citizens, Homemakers, guest at school lower grades telling of rail trains coming to Baker in 1908. In 1998 she was named Montana Mother Of The Year and traveled to Atlantic City for National Convention.

Well how about that? I have called her A grand lady from the Treasure State. For me, here is what she said that capped it all off: Im working now in Baker for Community Development. We dont want our town of 1800 people to fall apart. Mrs. Hanson, if there are many people like you there ...it wont!! EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 246 - DON'T LET YOUR MIND GO THERE...

No. 246

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DONT LET YOUR MIND GO THERE.....

A few weeks ago I got a very unusual letter from a reader in another state. This reader, a man, began by telling me that he enjoyed reading my column in their local newspaper and he was responding to a previous column titled, How is your judgement? He stated that I had set forth a set of criteria whether a persons judgement has been good or is deceptively poor.

He went on to tell me that he had met all the criteria: Happily married 50 years, 4 good and successful children, 5 outstanding grandchildren, retired from teaching at a major university and had numerous commendations from community organizations. This all sounded good as I was reading along but then I got the shock of my life. He then stated that he had a Dr. Jekle/Mr. Hyde personality. He said he was a Recovering sexaholic and then went into language that I would never put in my column. He was honestly trying to make a case that since he was living a good and decent life for others to see and that since his escapades have been private, that he was exercising good judgement. As he said, I trust my judgement has produced positive results from age 6 through 70, despite living a dilemma, contradiction?

Now, theres a case for you to think about and unfortunately there are thousands of others across the country who are also living a double standard life. Of course Im not talking about those who live an open, blatant lifestyle like he described in the deleted part, thats a different story. When I responded to his letter the one thing I made clear is that I was not judging him. As Ive said many times, only God can do that. He did say that he was Recovering and had not been actively involved with another male since 1980 and he was trying to get his life on solid footing.

Since this man professed to be a Christian, I shared some things with him from my heart that I wanted him to think about. First, the wrongs he had committed against God, his family and those he had been involved with. He wrote me back to say that he had tried to right the wrongs he had committed wherever possible. At this point I wrote another short letter to thank him for trying to do the right thing and to encourage him to continue with the progress he had made in his life.

Not to belabor the point but this was not the end of the story. He wrote yet another letter but this time he shared some graphic details of his escapades. I wrote him a final letter back to tell him that I was not comfortable thinking about or talking about the kinds of things he was telling me and that I had many more important things to do with my time.

Here is my sole purpose for sharing this with you. When we have sexual problems or sin in our life, it all begins in the mind. When we read pornographic literature, watch movies or television programs with this kind of content, it begins to take root and our mind begins to fanaticize what it would be like if acted out in real life. This kind of thinking leads to a fatal and dead end street.

If you, or someone you love, is involved in this kind of culture, DONT LET YOUR MIND GO THERE. You can believe me, it is a tool of Satan and nothing good will come from it. Because we are human, we all have sinful thoughts but here is something to keep in mind: we may not be able to keep a bird from lighting in our hair, but we sure can keep it from building a nest. The thought we should keep in mind is that God loves us and that He was willing to give us His best. EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 247 - YOU CAN'T BEAT GOD'S TIMETABLE

No. 247

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU CANT BEAT GODS TIMETABLE

The Roman, North African born, St. Augustine (354-430) once said that Patience is the companion of wisdom. This truth has certainly hit the nail on the head with me because one of the hardest lessons a person with a type A personality has to learn is patience. In past years, with me, its always been, Lord, give me patience, but dont drag your feet, because I want it right NOW. Is it possible that this could also be a problem for you? Are there things in your life that you would like to accomplish or like to have that has taken much longer to achieve than you had planned? If so, take heart, because I have learned something over the past few years that may be an inspiration to you.

For most of my adult life I have been a strong believer in goal setting. I strongly believe that goals should be written down on paper so they can be driven deeper and deeper into the subconscious mind by the process of visualization, which occurs each time we read or look at them. In fact, there is no way to succeed without first having a goal, because there is no way to know when we arrive if we dont first decide where we are going.

The problem that developed for me over the past several months was setting a time limit on my goals. I might add, this is something the experts tell you that you MUST do if you are going to be successful. However, in my case, I would set a definite date when I wanted to have my goal achieved, and the date would come and go with my goal still unrealized. Needless to say, this was frustrating, because, as I said earlier, I am a type A personality.

Then one day during my daily Bible study and prayer time, I asked the Lord to help me achieve my goals, but this time it was different. I said, Lord, help me achieve my goals by YOUR timetable. Give it to me when YOU want me to have it. Now, let me be quick to point out that this is not to be confused with the person who simply prays for something, and then sits down and waits for it to happen. The Bible says that Faith without works is dead. NO, Im talking about asking the Lord to help you and then working as hard as you can to bring it about--and then leaving the results to God, that is, by HIS timetable.

Some people feel that goal setting and living by faith are conflicting ideas. The truth is that faith is an essential ingredient in reaching any goal. This principle can be found in I Corinthians 3:6 where the Apostle Paul says, I planted, Apollos watered but God caused the increase. Granted, in this context Paul was referring to establishing churches and converting pagans to Christians but the principle that comes into play for goal setting is exactly the same. We ask for Gods help, set the goal that is consistent with His purpose and then leave the growth or results to Him.

What Ive learned from this experience is that you cant beat Gods timetable! This past year we have experienced more positive growth than anytime in the history of our company. More good things, more newspapers, and more speaking engagements have come about than I ever dreamed possible. Whats exciting is that this simple concept will work for every area of our lives: our personal, family, work or career and social lives.

A life without goals lacks excitement and direction and results in a life that is generally disappointing. In contrast, the goal oriented life is energetic, enthusiastic, excited, expectant. It is a life that is going somewhere and has a plan for getting there. If you are one who has never been willing to use this source of Unlimited Power, why not ask God to help you... by HIS timetable. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 248 - ARE YOUR CHILDREN TELLING ON YOU?

No. 248

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOUR CHILDREN TELLING ON YOU?

Someone once said that, A child is that which tells in the street what its parents say at home. A few months ago I got a letter from Mrs. Marjorie Wiessing, a teacher at the Teutopolis Grade School in Teutopolis, Illinois. She began by saying, I read your column titled, Its time for some ol fashioned manners in the Effingham Daily News last week. I definitely agree with all the points you made. As a teacher of sixth grade students, I can always tell who has been taught manners by their parents. Certainly, as a teacher I can teach more effectively if the students practice proper etiquette.

In my classes, I stress responsibility, respect, and using proper manners. When I saw your article, I almost shouted Yes. Because my classes had just begun a unit on writing business letters, I immediately decided they would write to you as one of their projects. Also, I gave each student a copy of your article. They were quite amazed to read the same ideas that they hear from me on an almost daily basis. Thank you for publicly reaffirming teachers and parents efforts.

In the same packet with her letter were 65 hand written letters from her students. As I read each one I was so very impressed with their neat handwriting and even more importantly what they had to say. This just reaffirmed for me that young people can be taught, and taught well, the really important things in life that will enable them to be successful and productive human beings.

In my mind, there is no better way to communicate what Im trying to say than to give you a few excerpts from some of the students letters. Ill confess that one of the hardest jobs Ive ever had to do was pick out a few because they were all so very good. These students are all winners. Ryan Vogt wrote: I obviously agree with you that people should use manners and respect. Manners are great because when people use them other people think that they are well-behaved. At this moment, I am in my English classroom. I also agree that manners and respect are better than any other kind of education. How extremely wonderful your article about manners was.

Here are some thoughts from Kyle Heuerman: Kids and adults should be taught manners. If everyone used proper manners, we wouldnt have arguments. In that case, there would not be any divorces. And Jeff Wessel wrote: I totally agree with you. If somebody does answer yes sir, no sir, please, thank you, and your welcome, I can understand how it makes them look more sophisticated than some country hick. If you sound more professional, people take you more for what you are, which in turn makes you look smarter, and most important of all that you have manners. Thank you for writing the article because I think it reached out to other people besides me.

And finally, here is one thats my favorite from Katie Crawford. I agree 100% on your concept. I cant tell you how many times Ive been told to say please and thank you. But dont get me wrong. I definitely received enough discipline from my parents and teachers so Im not really as disabled in proper etiquette as it may sound. I do know a couple of people who are though. The article definitely made sense and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you very much for listening to my opinion. As I bring this visit to a close I would just like to say, parents and teachers, this is so very important and I hope Mrs. Wiessings students have inspired you as much as they have me. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 249 - WE "AIN'T" ON SPEAKING TERMS

No. 249

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE AINT ON SPEAKING TERMS

If you or some member of your family have ever made the statement, Ill never speak to that person again as long as I live, then I have some thoughts to share with you during our visit today that could be very helpful. There are many reasons why people get cross-ways with others but more often than not the bottom line is greed. This is to say they perceive, whether justified or not, that someone has taken advantage of them or they have been wronged in some way. This happens in every area of society but it is most painful when it happens to members within our own family.

What brought these thoughts to mind was a true story a reader sent me in the mail a few days ago. This reader, who lives in a state up North, has written me several times and he began by saying, One day last week a small boy stopped by my fence to chat, while his mom was at the neighbors. In our chat I asked him what his mothers maiden name was. When he told me I asked, Then Francis so-and-so is your uncle? This little ten year old boy replied, Oh, we aint on speaking terms with Uncle Fran; him and mom had a big fight when Gramps died.

This reader, who had told me earlier that he was a member of the Catholic Church, went on to say, There is so much of this nonsense in our society. Ive seen brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, neighbors approaching the Lord to receive Holy Communion at the same Sunday service and they boast, We aint on speaking terms.

For me, and maybe for you too, there are few things as uncomfortable as being around people who are not speaking to each other. As they say, The air is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Its easy enough to avoid those people we dont get along with in most cases but the exception is a funeral. When families come together out of respect for a loved one and some of the family members are on the outs its not a pleasant thing.

This brings me to the real sticking point. The key phrase in that true story I passed along a moment ago was when this little ten year old boy said, Him and mom had a big falling out when Gramps died. While this reader did not go into detail, its obvious that these two siblings had a disagreement over what Gramps left behind. Im sure you know, there is not anything in all of society that divides family members as does the division of assets after the death of a prominent, or not so prominent, relative.

Regardless of the setting or the circumstances, when one person covets what another

desires there is bound to be conflict. You may have heard this old Arabian Proverb, Covetousness has for its mother unlawful desire, for its daughter injustice, and for its friend violence. While the answer is simple its not easy. One of the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible says, Thou shall not covet. We should never let covetousness or greed take over our emotions to desire what is not legally or rightfully ours.

If you have members of your family who have this problem, just take comfort that in the end they will receive their just rewards. Always do whats right because you have to live with yourself. The person who has greed in his or her heart will always be unhappy and in the end there is no material possession in the world that is worth that. We can just agree to disagree and be kind to this person because unless they change they are the real loser. Before I leave you I want to ask you this question, do you need to make things right with someone? My prayer is that no one will ever make the statement about you: We aint on speaking terms. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 250 - WHEN LIFE DEALS YOU A BAD HAND

No. 250

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN LIFE DEALS YOU A BAD HAND

Many years ago someone invented a poker game called Seven Card Draw. One of the primary features of this game was that if you got some cards you didnt like, you could discard up to three of them and draw some more. This made the game more interesting because you had the opportunity to get a better hand, thereby increasing your chances of winning.

In view of something that has happened in our home over the past several months, I wish life were like that game but unfortunately its not. You see, when life deals you a bad hand, you just have to play it and make the most of it. As they say, thats life.

Several months ago I wrote a column titled, The Happy Loser where I talked about my wife going to the liquor store to buy some Gin to mix with white raisins. This mixture, according to Paul Harvey and others, is supposed to help cure arthritis. Well, what we thought was arthritis turned out to be Parkinsons Disease. Over this period of time it has gotten progressively worse but still a mild case, especially in relation to the ordeal that many others with this disease are coping with day after day.

It took months before we finally accepted the diagnosis and in the meantime we tried everything to get her some relief from the pain or to find out for sure what it was. I can remember many trips to the hospital, several Doctors, specialists, physical therapy, and early on we even tried a Chiropractor. All to no avail. One of the reasons that made it hard to accept for us is that most people with Parkinsons do not experience physical pain. At least to the degree that she was experiencing it.

The thing that is hardest for me is to see her suffer and not be able to do anything about it. I would take this terrible disease for her if I could, but of course I cant. All I can do is be supportive, help her as much as I can and be there for her. Here I would like to say that I dont share this to elicit sympathy because there are millions of people who have a terminal illness, handicaps and various maladies that are far worse than what we are experiencing.

These thoughts rather are more about how you play that bad hand you are dealt more than anything else. It is still true that it is far more important how you react to the things that happen to you than what happens to you. My wife Viola has always been a loving, caring and beautiful person who does more for others than anyone I know and I only learn the tip of the iceberg because someone is always telling me what she has done for them.

Even though she moves a little slower and gets tired a little quicker, she is still very active. She loves to cook, work in the garden and flower beds, keeps a spotless house, does all the grocery shopping and helps me some in the office. She spends time reading the Bible and in prayer and is a blessing to me in so many ways. The other day I asked her the question, Do you ever blame God for your condition? She said, Of course not.

Im sure you know that many people do not know or understand Gods nature. He loves us and wants the best for us. We are all going to die from something whether its an accident, a disease, a heart attack or simply wear out from old age. In reality, how we handle adversity is the true measure of our faith. Yes, when life deals us a bad hand, we just have to play it, but how we play it is what makes the difference. As the late Pearl Bailey once said, People see God everyday. They just dont recognize Him. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 251 - REFLECTIONS OF AN OZARK EDITOR

No. 251

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

REFLECTIONS OF AN OZARK EDITOR

There is no way I can tell you the joy that comes to me from hearing from you readers all across the country. The other day I counted up and have heard from readers in 32 different states. Thank you so very much! Keep em coming and also take a moment to let your publisher and editor know that you read and enjoy my column. They wont know unless you tell them.

And speaking of editors, Ive gotten to know some really fine men and women in this position over the past several years and during our visit today I would like to tell you about one of them. Jim Hamilton is the Publisher/Editor of The Buffalo Reflex, a 130 year old weekly newspaper in Dallas County, Missouri. Jim is truly a gifted writer and he has published a number of his columns in a book titled, River Of Used To Be.

After several phone calls I finally convinced him to send me a copy and it was a pure delight to read. As you may know, Buffalo is in the Ozark Mountains in Southern Missouri and many of his columns deal with a time when life was much simpler and people took time to visit each other, take walks in the fields and woods and do those things that many people still do in the smaller communities all across America. The Ozark Mountain people also have a special spirit of independence and a rich and diverse culture.

Each chapter in the book was one of Jims columns and it was so moving and interesting that I could hardly put it down. It was interesting not only because of what he had to say, but he also has that unique gift of expressing his thoughts that is really a God given talent. When I finished the book and looked at the somewhat drab two-color cover, I had the thought; if ever there was a case of diamonds in a paper bag -- this was it.

At this point I want to focus on one chapter titled, Sidewalks and Porches because it truly epitomizes the River Of Used To Be. In the early days before everybody had a car, in most communities, you would find sidewalks and practically every house had a front porch. The residents would sit out in the swing and chat with friends and neighbors as they walked by. They all knew each other and they connected in a way that is seldom seen today. They knew the needs, problems and what was going on in their life. But more importantly they cared and when a child got sick or in trouble, a neighbor was there to help them.

As I was walking the other morning in the older part of our community I got to thinking about Jims book and began looking for sidewalks and front porches. I found many of both but one sidewalk in particular had a giant oak tree growing right through the middle of it, which told me it had been there a long, long time. Then later as I drove out to the newer, more upscale part of town there were no sidewalks, only driveways and garage doors. The front porches, for the most part, were gone too.

These days when a man or his wife approaches the house they activate the garage door opener, go inside and the door closes behind them. If they go outside, its usually to a back yard with a privacy fence. Like I say, we dont connect like we use to. Here is an idea that may be worth thinking about. Why not build sidewalks in the new subdivisions and call them WALKING TRAILS. If you would like to have a copy of River Of Used To Be contact Jim Hamilton at P.O. Box 770, Buffalo, MO 65622. The cost is very reasonable and as always, I have no financial interest in endorsing this book. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 252 - A REPORT CARD ON THE NURSING CARE INDUSTRY

No. 252

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A REPORT CARD ON THE NURSING CARE INDUSTRY

In the event you do not already know, here is some sad news that should be of interest to you. A recent General Accounting Office report shows that one-fourth of the nations approximate 17,000 nursing facilities housing approximately 400,000 residents have deficiencies causing actual harm to residents or placing them at risk of death or serious injury.

This information was sent to me recently by Jackie Shifflet who lives in Springfield, Missouri and is a member of the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform and the Missouri Coalition for Quality Care. This memo titled, To All Concerned was five and one-half pages of documented abuses and deficiencies by some members of the nursing home industry.

At this point I want to be crystal clear. I learned a long time ago not to paint with a broad brush and condemn everyone in any given industry because that would be dead wrong. In this case, there are thousands of nursing home owners, managers and employees who are doing an outstanding job and they are not part of what I am going to pass along.

This reason I am willing to get involved is because its something that affects all of us in one way or another, whether we are a relative, friend, or we, ourselves become dependent upon others for our care. I might add, since this memo is five and one-half pages, if you would like a copy, drop me a note and I will be happy to send it to you.

The major problem stems from those who have the philosophy to Take everything you can get and give as little in return as possible. When you have the CEOs of several major nursing home corporations getting a salary of over a half million dollars, thousands, and millions in some cases in bonuses, plus stock options or retirement perks and most of their employees being over worked, under appreciated and paid minimum wage, something is wrong. Whats wrong is greed and they wont change unless they are forced to.

Its also a matter of public record that many nursing homes have been cited for Medicare fraud and in some cases billing up to $600 per hour for therapy services because of weaknesses in Medicares payment rules and lack of guidelines. This is costing taxpayers millions and millions of dollars. State averages for physical, occupational and speech therapists salaries range from about $12 to $25 per hour.

There have been many initiatives for reform in both Congress and state legislatures. But for the most part they have been very unsuccessful. You may ask why? The industry has a number of political action committees that make regular donations to friendly legislators and statewide officials and as a result, no significant reforms have come to pass. The lawmakers could make a real difference in health care if they really wanted to.

The answers to many of the problems in the nursing home industry are not easy but they are attainable. As Ms. Shifflet says and I agree, perhaps more publicity about nursing home noncompliance might shame offenders in the industry into correcting some problems. Over the years I have found that good, decent, kind hearted people will do whats right simply because they know its the right thing to do. Others will not. The only way these people will make changes to do what is right is if they are forced to.

While Im not an authority on this subject, I do care about the thousands of older Americans who are in need of better care. Lets hope and pray that some reforms will be forthcoming that will make a difference.(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 253 - SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

No. 253

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

Its been said there are only two things for certain in this life: death and taxes. While death is a certainty of each of us, in many cases it is a traumatic experience for those who are separated from their loved ones. Because of this, it is vital that we find comfort in these times of our greatest need.

Each week in our Sunday Log Cabin Democrat, there is a section featuring couples celebrating wedding anniversaries commemorating lengthy terms of marriage, some as many as sixty years and even more. Now it goes without saying, for a couple to celebrate sixty years of marriage they either had to get married very young or they had to live to be very old. With the current divorce rate in our country around fifty percent, these people are fast becoming an endangered species.

There is something beautiful about a couple who has been able to stay together through thick and thin for many years. In the vast majority of cases, one marriage partner lives longer than the other and this leaves one partner alone, save for family and friends, but sometimes they are all alone. Some time ago I ran across a beautiful poem written by Rosey Roswell titled Should You Go First and I believe it will bring comfort to you or someone you love.

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

Should you go first, and I remain, to walk the road alone; Ill live in memorys garden dear, with happy days we have known. In spring Ill wait for roses red, when fades the lilac blue. In early fall when brown leaves call, Ill catch a glimpse of you. Should you go first and I remain, to finish with the scroll; No lengthening shadows shall creep in,to make this life seem droll.

Weve known so much happiness dear, weve known our cup of joy; and memory is one gift of God, that death cannot destroy. Should you go first, and I remain, for battles to be fought; Each thing you have touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot. Ill hear your voice, Ill see your smile, though blindly I may grope. The memory of your helping hand, will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain, one thing Id have to do. Walk slowly down the path of death, for one day, Ill follow you. Ill want to know each step you take, that I may walk the same. For someday down that lonely road, youll hear me call your name.

One day recently the phone rang and it was a lady who wanted to know if I could help her find one of my columns that ran about three years ago. She told me that it had come at a time soon after her husband passed away and that it was so comforting to her. In searching through her keepsakes she couldnt find it and she wanted to send it to a friend in another state who had recently lost her husband.

While Im not sure I found the right one, it made me realize that many, many people across our nation also need the comfort that words like these can bring. If you are a young person you may not be able to relate to this poem unless you have just lost someone close to you. Whats important to know is that God loves us and that someone cares.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 254 - THE STORY OF A LIVE-IN PREACHER!

No. 254

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE STORY OF A LIVE-IN PREACHER

While I dont know how it is in your neck of the woods or part of the country, our jails and prisons here are always overcrowded. The words Early-Release are used with increasing frequency because the authorities have to let some non-violent inmates out early to make room for still others. It seems like we cant build jails fast enough to meet the need. To be sure, its a revolving door situation and the inmates as well as society are the real losers because of nonproductive lives and millions of dollars spent on incarceration.

If you have ever personally known someone who came from a fine home or was raised by Christian parents and later went to prison, and have wondered where they went wrong, I received an insight from a very fine gentleman the other day that may be at least part of the answer. A few weeks ago some friends invited my wife and me out to dinner and to meet an overnight guest in their home. This guest was Dan Johnson from Greenville, South Carolina who was on his way to Branson, Missouri for a live television interview.

Dan Johnson is the author of a little book titled, Those Who Wait on the Lord and he gave me a personally signed copy. After reading it, a few days later I called and asked him for permission to share a true story it contained that illuminates the thoughts that I shared earlier. He was so gracious and gave me permission to share it with you.

He began by saying, Several years ago, I was invited to stay with a family for a couple days before making my way further North on a short vacation. While in the home both the husband and the wife, on separate occasions, confided in me their grievous concerns for their teenage daughter. The father was rigorously faithful to his family devotions each evening and holds the children to Godly standards; but the eldest daughter would sit there with a surly look on her face registering her disgust with every sigh.

As the days had passed, the fathers frustration fluctuated between grief and anger. As I listened, it seemed to me that this dear father was making the same mistake many others had made. He was giving his daughter his standards without giving her himself. Children need and want much more than just A LIVE-IN PREACHER. They need a dad. This man had almost lost his daughters heart because the only point of meaningful contact between them was a rather cold and formal setting for family devotions.

Was he spending time with his daughter? Technically, yes, but only in the sense that they happened to occupy the same room at the same time. He was losing the battle for his daughters mind because he had all but lost the battle for her heart. So I urged him to start courting his daughter the way he had his wife. Take her to play tennis. Listen to her. Let her do the talking. No preaching. Take her out for lunch. Give yourself to her. To my great joy about six months later, this father wrote me and gave me the good news that his daughter had become a totally NEW person. Truth can bind the mind but it is love that binds the heart.

In our conversation, Dan went on to tell me that he has seen hundreds of parents who had reared their children so strict they couldnt wait to get away. When they did they literally went wild and did most of the things their parents had forbidden them to do. So many times we make the same mistakes and dont wake up until its too late. This may be the answer to that dilemma I posed earlier, Why does a person who is reared in a Christian home wind up in prison? The answer may be they had A LIVE-IN PREACHER when what they really needed was a loving and caring dad. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 255 - A VOTE FOR AMERICA'S SPIRITUAL SONG

No. 255

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VOTE FOR AMERICAS SPIRITUAL SONG

To my knowledge the United States Of America does not have an official spiritual song but today I would like to cast my vote for one that I believe is worthy. The song, Amazing Grace has no doubt brought peace, comfort and healing to millions of people through the years, especially in times of great tragedy. I shall never forget the touching memorial service in Oklahoma City soon after the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building by a sick, deranged man. This song was sung because it brought hope and assurance to the survivors that they would someday see their loved ones again.

When I began to think about writing this column I wished that I had taken a moment to jot down all the times through the years that I had heard this song sung at memorial services. The small and great alike are touched by the message contained in its words and to me this song is almost a national treasure. It cuts across all barriers and makes us aware of just how precious life really is. What songs would we sing if we didnt have it?

Because of the impact this song has had on my life, along with millions of others, I thought you might like to read or be reminded of the words it contains: Verse 1. Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. Verse 2. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

Verse 3. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. Verse 4. When weve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, Weve no less days to sing Gods praise Than when we first begun.

While these words may be familiar to millions of Americans, Im convinced that far less know the name of the one who penned these words and the story behind them. The writer of this song was an Englishman by the name of John Newton (1725-1807), the son of a sea captain who was engaged in the Mediterranean trade. His mother died when he was six, and after only two years of formal schooling he joined his fathers ship at the age of eleven.

His early life was one of immorality, debauchery and failure. He was rejected by his father, in trouble with all of his employers, and finally jailed and degraded. In later years he served on slave ships, where he so incurred the hatred of his employers Negro wife that he became virtually a slave of slaves.

This miserable seaman was brought to his senses by reading Thomas A. Kempiss book, Imitation Of Christ. His actual conversion was the result of a violent storm in which he almost lost his life. At the age of thirty nine, John Newton became a minister and gave the rest of his life to serving God in the church, but he never forgot the sea. Late in life, when he was pastor of St. Mary, Woolnoth in London, Newton entered the pulpit in the uniform of a sailor, with a Bible in one hand and a hymnbook in the other.

It should be noted that John Newton did not write the fourth verse of Amazing Grace but it could well serve as the epithet on his tombstone which can be found in a cemetery in Olney, England. The next time you hear or sing the song Amazing Grace I hope you will remember that fateful day when John Newton almost lost his life. During memorial services across the land in times of tragedy, there is a reason why we sing this wonderful song. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 256 - WHEN BAD WORDS TASTED LIKE SOAP

No. 256

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN BAD WORDS TASTED LIKE SOAP

The other day a friend sent me something titled Dirt Roads that was written by the late Paul Harvey. Ive always had a deep respect for Paul Harvey and think he was a great American. I know he wont mind if I share a portion of Dirt Roads with you as a means to introduce a subject that I believe is vital to our individual as well as our national interests.

He begins by saying, Whats mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved. Theres not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency, that wouldnt be remedied if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character. People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride. That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but its worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse or companion, happy kids and a dog.

There was less crime in our streets before they were paved. Criminals didnt walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they would be welcomed by five barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no drive by shootings. Our values were better when our roads were worse because Dirt Roads taught patience.

At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap. Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole. At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didnt some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.

At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, when city dudes would get stuck and youd have to hitch up a team and pull them out. Usually you got a dollar...always you got a new friend...at the end of a Dirt Road.

Thanks, Paul, for sharing something a lot of us in this nation still believe in. While each thought is meaningful, I want to focus on one thing you said that I truly believe is vital to our individual and national interests. Its the part about bad words tasting like soap. Are you old enough to remember hearing some mother or grandmother say to her child after a curse word had slipped, Im going to wash your mouth out with soap. Well, I can and I know a few mothers and grandmothers who did. At least they made the point.

I am appalled today at the gutter language that I hear coming from young people and others in every area of society. While you may disagree, I can tell you exactly where this is leading us as a nation. A while back I saw a news report of what is happening in Great Britain, our mother country. First, church attendance is at an all time low while crime is at an all time high. And believe it or not there is a connection.

Every major category of crime was up but none more so than assault, this is to say people physically attacking other people to rob, rape or just because they disagreed with some stand or position they took. None more obvious than the riots before, during and after soccer matches, usually by drunken Brits who never lived at the end of a Dirt Road. Now, my sincere question to you is this: Is this where we want our country to go in the decades to come or do we want to teach respect for others, good manners and proper language?

The problem for them is the same problem we face. For a leader to lead he or she must have moral authority. One quick look at the Royals is all you need to understand why this nation has no moral authority and the United States is not far behind. The answer may be as simple as setting the example and teaching our children to respect themselves and others by not using gutter language. (EDITORS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 257 - THE GREATEST PROFESSION OF THEM ALL

No. 257

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREATEST PROFESSION OF THEM ALL

The American editor & craftsman Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) once said, The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without the teacher. After many years of being out in the real world, I have come to the conclusion that Teaching is the greatest profession of them all. You cannot name one single individual in all of history who achieved greatness that does not owe a debt of gratitude, whether large or small, to one or more of his or her teachers.

Over the past several weeks something thrilling has happened in my life that I believe will not only be of interest but will give you a resource that could change your views and your outlook on life. This is especially true if you fail to see the validity of my earlier statement that Teaching is the greatest profession of them all.

Back when I was in High School in the mid 1950s I discovered a book titled, The Thread That Runs So True. This book was written by Jesse Stuart, a Kentucky rural mountain school teacher, about his life and experiences in the days of education before we had modern conveniences. For me, it had a magnetism about it that made it difficult to lay aside. I might add, one of the few books that did.

As I read page after page about the hard times and the struggles his rural mountain students faced each day in an attempt to better themselves, I was grateful for what we had, even though it would pale in comparison with the advantages that students have today. After reading The Thread That Runs So True, and being touched by it, I laid it aside and hadnt thought about it again for almost fifty years.

Then almost by chance I was talking with a Kentucky newspaper publisher and he told me that I could purchase a copy from the Joseph-Beth Book Store in Lexington. This is a unique book store and they have a Website www.josephbeth.com. I got the phone number, called and ordered a copy and it arrived a few days later. As I read it again my mind was flooded with memories of my first encounter with this classic book.

Here are a few thoughts from the preface that will give you some insights: No one can tell me that education, rightly directed without propaganda, cannot change the individual, community, county, state and the world for the better. It can. There must be health, science, technology, the arts, and conservation of all worthwhile things that aid humanity upon this earth. And there must, above all, be character education.

As a teacher in a one-room school, where I taught all eight grades, and then high school, as a principal of rural and city high schools and superintendent of city and county school systems, I learned by experience that teaching is the greatest profession there is, and that the classroom can be made one of the most exciting places on earth for young, middle-aged, and older people to improve themselves for more useful and richer living.

While this is personal and will not interest you, my joy overflows because my column runs in many Kentucky newspapers and I have no doubt that some of Jesse Stuarts relatives or ancestors have read my column. I was also inspired when I talked with Dorothy Griffith, the head librarian in Greenup, Kentucky who was one of his students. If you are an educator and have never run across this book and would like to have a deeper appreciation for your profession, I sure can recommend it. While I dont have the power, I believe this book should be required reading for every teacher in America. As I said earlier, Teaching is the greatest profession of them all. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 258 - WRITE IT DOWN "DOC"

No. 258

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WRITE IT DOWN DOC

As a way to introduce a success principle that I believe will be of value to you, I would like to take you back to the early 1970s soon after the end of the Vietnam War. I was attending a conference in Chicago and heard the famous Texas humorist Dr. Charles Jarvis tell a story about this young man who was being drafted into the Army. Soon after he arrived at the military base, an Army Doctor gave him a routine examination to see if he was ready for basic training prior to being shipped to the front lines.

This Doctor said, Young man, are you ready to go to war and fight the enemy? This young man replied in a highly enthusiastic manner, Doc, I cant wait to get this basic training behind me. I want to go hand to hand, face to face with the Viet Cong. I want to throw my rifle, hand grenades and anything I can find at them and take out whole units at the same time. Just let me at Charlie and they will wish they had never seen me. We are going to need some little fellows like me to crawl in those underground tunnels they have dug to root them out. Just give me some gloves with wires sticking out of the fingers so I can claw their eyes out when I find them.

At this point the Doctor said, M-a-a-a-n...youre crazy! This old boy said, Write it down, Doc! We all laughed but there is a principle here that could make a real difference in your success. It has been proven over and over again that human beings are creatures of habit. For example, to achieve success, we must form success habits. If we have enough bad habits, we are just not going to make it. Its as simple as that. What really brought this principle home to me is the fact that Ive gotten more serious about my golf game. I dont gamble but I would like to play better for my own satisfaction and to keep from being embarrassed when I play with others who are much better than I am.

I have a good friend by the name of Doyle Cook who lives here now, but he used to live on the West Coast. Several years ago he shot a 78 at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course in California, so he is a pretty fair golfer. Lately, he has been giving me tips after watching the things Ive been doing wrong. Of course, when you dont play very often you forget from one round to the next, so I have written his tips down in a little book to be able to review them before each round. Now, by striking the ball properly I can expect to improve and shoot a lower score.

In a moment I want to share a few of these tips but the principle I want you to see is that the only way to get better at anything is to practice the proper way. We can continue to revert back to old habits and never get better or we can learn the proper way, practice it, and improve over time. As I say, this principle will work in any area of life. For the benefit of recreational golfers like me, I wish I had space to give them all, but if you want the rest just send me a self-addressed stamped envelope and they will soon be on their way.

Tip # 1. Approach each round with a positive attitude that I will improve if I am patient in mastering the basic fundamentals of the game. # 2. Play each shot independently and take time to concentrate. Dont try to look the ball into the hole. Make the right shot and it will hit the target. # 3. Take one or more practice swings and remember to follow through on each shot. # 4. Mentally concentrate on keeping my head down. Dont look up until the ball is on its way. Im going to have to break it off here but I have about 17 of these tips so far. Again, the point is clear. If you want to improve at anything, learn the proper technique and WRITE IT DOWN! (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 259 - A TERRIFIC SALES IDEA

No. 259

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TERRIFIC SALES IDEA

Have you ever stopped to think about why the United States Of America has become the greatest economic success story in the history of the human race? While there are many facets of this question, the underlying reason is something we call the American Free-Enterprise System. In other words, the incentive that emanates from doing business for a profit. When we do business it is called commerce and here is what the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson had to say about this subject, Commerce is the principle of liberty...it settled America, and destroyed feudalism, and made peace and keeps peace.

It is important to have an emotional as well as an intellectual understanding of what Ive just said but it is vital that we also understand that nothing happens until somebody makes a sale. Sales is the gas and oil that keeps our economic system running smoothly. When sales fall off, everything else comes to a screeching halt. The reason I have shared this is because we should never demean or look down on someone who has chosen a sales career because it is one of the greatest professions in all of society.

I dont know about you but I am always looking for ideas that will help me improve what I do and if you are in sales I have a terrific idea for you. Even if you are not in direct sales this idea will help you in other ways. A few weeks ago I got a letter from Floyd G. Jovenitti, C.L.U. who lives in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. He is a retired life insurance salesman and here is what he had to say.

Dear Jim, Your excellent article on negative attitudes brought back beautiful memories of my early selling career. My manager and mentor, Mac trained me well. (So well that I was able to retire fifteen years ago at age 60 in good health and with a good income.) Mac stressed ATTITUDE!! ATTITUDE!! ATTITUDE!! We reported to our district office every Friday and it was customary for the gang to go to the coffee shop before the regular meeting began. Macs words still ring in my ear, Stay away from that coffee shop; all you will hear is whats wrong with the company, your clients, and this business. He added, Always associate with those who are outselling you; youll learn from them.

When I complained to Mac, my mentor, that my old friends were rather cool towards me. Mac said, Jovenitti, if at first you dont succeed, youll have lots of friends! This became one of my favorite quotes, but get this: my 15 year old daughter heard me say these words and she said, Dad, actually, if at first you dont succeed, blame somebody!

Now here is that terrific idea I mentioned earlier. Floyd said, My favorite ice-breaker was simple but very effective and beneficial. I merely approached a salesman and asked for a dollar, while holding a dollar in my hand. I then gave him my dollar, took his saying, Wow! Now we each have a dollar, but we are no richer than before. Then I would add, Now give me your best sales idea, and Ill give you my best sales idea and we will both be richer than when we came to this meeting!!! By the time I left, I had enough ideas to keep me going for months!!!

Since that first letter, Floyd has written me several times and I always find his ideas and comments positive and refreshing. If you are starting a sales career I hope you are fortunate enough to find a great mentor to teach you the right way and then as you go along be willing to share your best ideas with others. As they say, Cast your bread upon the waters and it will come back fruit cake. EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 260 - A FINE "ROTARIAN" WHO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

No. 260

The next password is helen

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FINE ROTARIAN WHO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The vast majority of the people in this country are so busy trying to make a living, pay their bills and taxes, rear their children and enjoy the fruits of their labor that they dont have time to worry about our nations massive social and economic problems. The only time they really get concerned or involved is when it affects them personally. For example, Rachel Scotts father who tragically lost his daughter in the school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, would not have gone on a personal crusade against school violence had he not suffered the loss of a beloved member of his family.

Every responsible, freedom loving citizen of this great nation should be outraged at what is happening to our moral fabric and be committed to making a difference in the future. In this regard, a very successful South Dakota newspaper publisher shared a quote with me that I had never heard before. He didnt identify who said it but here it is, The hottest spot in hell is reserved for those people who are not willing to take a stand for their convictions. This is really something to think about in the event you are not willing to get involved.

On a more positive note, I want to tell you about a very fine Rotarian who is willing to get involved. A few months after I spoke to the Fairfield Bay Rotary Club in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas I got a letter from Larry Mozer who was in attendance that day. He was responding to my column titled, A National Call To Righteousness by telling me about a project their club has with one of the area schools.

This school has a required course for ninth grade students that uses the PEACE curriculum supplemented with other materials and activities. This course or program is called Quest and it teaches students how to control anger, handle peer pressure and other relationship issues. The course was started three years ago by a former juvenile judge who decided she could be more effective in teaching students in alternative education before they got into trouble. If you would like to know more about the Quest Course, contact Vicki Sandage, Shirley High School, Shirley, Arkansas 72153.

In his letter, Larry Mozer also told me about another new interactive movie (game) on CD designed to teach teenagers about making hard decisions and to develop strong character traits. He said, I have reviewed the game and found it to be of very high quality. In fact, Emerson Electric of St. Louis was so taken by this game that they are supplying six copies (at $40 per copy) to every school in the state of Oklahoma.

This game is called Central High. You can find more information on the Internet at: www.centralhighmovie.com The description of the game is as follows: A superintellegent alien life-force threatens Earths extinction due to corruption, greed and violence of the people. Really !!! But the alien life-force has granted one chance to prove that humans have the strengths and virtues of positive character worthy of continued existence.

Larry ends his letter by saying, You might find the game as a good starting point for your National Call To Righteousness beginning with our young people. I feel this would be of value in schools all over the nation. He was also kind enough to write my friend Bob George at the Dodge City High School in Kansas and share some great information with him. Bob is a history teacher, a Vietnam veteran and is interested in reducing violence in his school. Thanks Larry Mozer, you are a fine Rotarian who is proving that one person can truly making a difference. Hopefully, other Rotary Clubs and individual Rotarians, across the nation will also get involved. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Helen

No. 235 - THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

No. 235

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

There is an often read and quoted chapter in the Bible that is known as the Love chapter. The last verse of I Corinthians chapter 13 says, But now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Without trying to sound Preachy I want to share some things from my heart that I believe would be a real blessing to millions of people across our nation if they only knew the power of love and how it could change their lives completely.

You may already be aware that there are several different kinds of love. Among these are Agape love, which is the love that God has for his creation and every human being, including you and me. There is also Erotic love, which is sexual desire and, for the sake of brevity, lastly Philia love, which is also known as brotherly love. This is how the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania got its name.

Its been said that enthusiasm is the most contagious human emotion but love is the strongest. When we have a deep seated love or attachment for a person, place or thing we will go to great lengths to defend and preserve them. I believe it is within this simple concept that our very best hope for America and all human kind lies. So we will be speaking the same language, it is mainly the Philia kind of love that I want to share with you here.

Since Americans are world champion consumers we all love our things. We love our homes, automobiles, campers, clothes, bank and investment accounts and a myriad of other things, based on individual preference. At this point, Im going to make a statement that you may or may not agree with. If you love things more than you love people, you have real problems. Things can be replaced but people cant. Once a person passes from this life, humanly speaking, they are gone forever.

From my perspective, the main problem comes from those we choose to love. Its natural to love our own flesh and blood more than others. This is why we always hear, blood is thicker than water. However, this concept is not universally true. How can someone murder or abuse a parent, child or member of their own family whom they love. Of course anger plays a part, but again the answer is fairly simple. These people do not have love in their heart and thats the problem. In most cases these individuals have never felt love or experienced it. You cant give or express something to others that you dont have.

Almost every day of my life for the past several years I have been saddened by what I see and read in the daily news. When a human being can murder one or more people in cold blood, rape a helpless victim, rob or steal, (whether armed or white collar) and all the other senseless crimes, it makes me very sad. I just wish that someone earlier in these peoples lives could have shown them love that led them to love and respect the rights and property of others and they could have become a happy, responsible and productive member of society.

What I have shared is keeping us from being the kind of people that God wants us to be but the most serious problem of all is greed. Individuals who want more than they have earned and are willing to take advantage, (legally or Illegally) to get it. I hope I have at least given you something to think about. To love and be loved is one of the greatest blessings in this life. This is why the word of God says, Faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. EDITORS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 236 - SHOW HIM YOUR CARD!

No. 236

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHOW HIM YOUR CARD!

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution is known as the Bill Of Rights. One of these rights that we all cherish is the right to private ownership. It was the genius of our forefathers to permit every citizen to hold ownership in a home, a farm, a business or other forms of tangible wealth. Article five states in part, Nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation. The term private property is what I want to focus on for our visit today.

I was visiting with one of our neighbors the other day and he told me that he was down on the backside of his property the day before and someone had built a fence right across the corner of his property. Since he owned it and was paying taxes on it, naturally it did not sit well with him. It turned out that a man had bought a piece of property adjacent to his and without having it surveyed, he just put up a fence where he thought his line was.

It took a little doing to get it straightened out and for this man to move his fence but here was a clear case where a property owners rights had been violated. Sadly enough, the disputes over property lines have caused a lot of conflicts and hurt feelings and sometimes with tragic consequences. When it comes to our rights, especially our property, it does not take most of us long to swing into action.

As I was thinking about this I was reminded of a story my friend Bob Murphy told several years ago. It seems a government agent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture came by to see this farmer one day. He walked up on the porch and knocked on the front door and the farmer came out. The government agent said, Ive come by to inspect your grain program, your livestock, to check to see if you have any soil erosion and to make sure you are complying with mandate No. 428 with regards to building a pond on your land.

The farmer, being a little miffed, said, I dont have time to do all these things so get off my property. At this point the government agent pulled out his card and said, I represent the United States Government and I have a right to check on your grain program, I have a right to check on your livestock, I have a right to see if you have any soil erosion and I have a right to see if your are complying with mandate No. 428 with regards to the construction of your pond. The farmer said, Well, do all those things you have a right to do then get off my property.

After this exchange, the government agent walked out to a little trap, which is a holding pen for loading cattle to ship to the sale barn, and crawled over the fence. What he didnt see around the corner was a very big bull. When the bull saw this man, he taken to him and the closest thing to him was a small tree with some low hanging branches. This government agent barely made it to this tree and grabbed on a bottom limb and pulled himself up just barely out of reach of the bull that, by now, was hooking the air just below the seat of his pants. After a bit he started to slip, as Bob said, he had been with the government for some time and then he started to holler, Come get this bull!

He kept on hollering until finally he roused the farmer from inside the house and he came out on the porch. It didnt take him long to size up the situation and the government agent kept hollering, Come get this bull! At this point the farmer cupped his hands so he would be sure and hear him and he hollered, Show him your card. My friend Bob Murphy just has a way of telling a story but there is a real message here. While most of us respect the rights of others, some people and most bulls dont. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 237 - THE THREE STAGES OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE

No. 237

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE THREE STAGES OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE

Someone once said that success is The degree to which other people envy you. When I look at some people Im Green and its not because they are famous, live in a big house or have a lot of money. The other day I got to thinking about the word Success, which is something most people desire and more could achieve if they went about it in the right way. I believe you will agree that it takes a long time to achieve anything truly worthwhile and how LONG we live plays a major role in it. Its common knowledge however that some people achieve far more success in 20 years than others do in 80 years, but what makes the difference? Have you ever thought about this? If you would like to achieve greater success during your lifetime, I have some thoughts to share with you that may be of value.

If you read my column on a regular basis you know that I try to be very down-to-earth and practical and quite often I just remind you of the Common Sense type things that could make a difference in your life. We need to be inspired, to be informed, to keep our perspective and most of all to keep our priorities in the right order. It doesnt make a lot of sense to work hard to achieve success in one area of our life and then fail in other areas that are far more important.

What I want to present for your consideration is what I call the Three stages of a successful life, which is not original with me. You may know the average life expectancy in the U.S. in 1900 was less than 50 years and today its around 75 years, give or take a few years depending on whether you are male or female. For the sake of simplicity, if we could take the average successful life and divide it into thirds, it would be along these lines: the first third is for learning, the next third is for earning and the last third is for giving.

If I were talking with you in person you would probably say that, We do some of each regardless of our age. This is true because we should still be learning at age 60 just like we should be giving at age 40 and so forth. But our main focus and thrust to achieve maximum satisfaction and happiness (which is a good definition of success) should be along the lines of learning, earning and giving because one builds on the other. In other words, the person who gets better qualified from an educational standpoint will usually earn more and the person who earns more will be better prepared to give more.

I am simply presenting these thoughts and ideas to you and I have no idea where you are in terms of age, educational level and whether or not you have a giving spirit. As my business partner, the late Bob Gannaway used to say, You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. One thing I know for sure, in my earlier years I was more selfish than I am now and as a result I missed some of the greatest blessings any person could ever have. Again, this is just something for you to think about.

If you are a young person, learn as much as you can and later during your job or career earn as much income as you can. Do you remember a previous column when I talked about giving 10% to the Lord, save and invest 10% and use the other 80% to live on. Its important to give but its also important in your earning years to save and invest so you will be able to give more and receive more rewards in the golden years of your life. What I have shared with you (regardless of where you are) is not hard and fast, but a pretty good way of looking at a successful life---learning, earning and giving. It is true, it is indeed More blessed to give than to receive. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 238 - IS YOUR CHILD OUT OF CONTROL?

No. 238

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS YOUR CHILD OUT OF CONTROL?

The German educator Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), a famous proponent of the kindergarten once said, A child is an ever bubbling fountain in the world of humanity. Of all the gifts that God has given us humans, a child is by far the most precious for a multitude of reasons. We see in our children an image of ourselves and during our lifetime they can bring us great joy and satisfaction or they can bring us disappointment, despair and sadness.

While child rearing is not an exact science, there are certain parenting skills that if learned and applied properly can make a childs future so much brighter. In the news almost every day we see and hear tragic stories of child abuse, neglect and even death that is brought about by one or both parents who never learned the love, discipline and skills necessary to rear a happy, responsible and well adjusted child. Many times those responsible for such callous and cruel acts were themselves a product of homes where they were allowed to be totally out of control.

Do you know children who fit this description? If you do, then Im sure you are as sad as I am when we both think of what unpleasant events could be in this childs future. My prayer as I share the following true story about a young two year old child who is totally out of control is that parents throughout the land will take a serious look as to whether or not they are actually contributing to a future juvenile, and God forbid, an even more tragic life as an adult. The good news for the very young, and many others as well, is that there is still time to take corrective action because as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.

A young mother who has a precious young son who gets love, care and discipline was telling me about another couples son in the toddler department who is not only out of control but he is destructive. One day, Larry (not his real name) came up behind her son and hit him in the back of the head so hard that it caused great pain and it disrupted the whole department. Another young girl in this class has beautiful long hair and Larry came up behind her and pulled her hair so hard that it yanked her all the way to the floor. When his mother was told about it, she remarked, Well, he has always been fascinated by long hair.

If you have ever been in a setting where 10-15 children were in a daycare, birthday party or childrens department at church and they were all playing and getting along great and along comes one child who is totally out of control and ruins the whole experience, then you are getting the picture. At this point, its time to set the record straight. The problem is not the child, its the childs parents. Almost from the time a child is born, he begins to look for boundaries to be set for his behavior. If those boundaries are not firmly established, the child will just keep expanding those boundaries until he is like Larry.

I was telling this story to a man a few days ago and he said when he was growing up his daddy gave him a spanking and later a whipping when he needed it, but with a slightly different wrinkle. He said he could get in trouble on Monday and his daddy would say, Son, Thursday afternoon at 3 Oclock Im going to give you a whipping. This way he got to think about it for a few days. Here is the clincher. His daddy never forgot. Now, I know that many people disagree with the Biblical admonition of spare the rod and spoil the child but regardless of what method Larrys parents are using, it Aint working. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 239 - A "COVER LETTER" FOR A FRIEND

No. 239

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A COVER LETTER FOR A FRIEND

A couple of weeks ago a friend came by to see me and told me that he was thinking seriously about changing jobs. He had a resume prepared but he asked me if I would be willing to write a Cover Letter for him. He knew what he wanted to say but he just couldnt come up with the wording that would get it across in the right way. I said, Because you are my friend I will be happy to do what I can. After preparing it, both he and his wife seemed to be so pleased that it caused me to do a little thinking.

There are millions of people across this land, and many who read this column, who are in the process of changing jobs. In fact, since doing this, I have discovered another friend who is also looking for a job. In many cases a good Cover Letter could be very helpful. A Cover letter is just an introduction that more or less sets the stage for a potential employer or his or her agent to consider the resume to see if it meets the criteria for an interview. It is with these thoughts in mind that I wanted to share the Cover Letter that I have written for my friend. If you or someone you know is looking for a job, this may be helpful.

Before sharing it, let me point out that it was written for a man who is looking for employment in the private sector, which is to say in business and industry where the primary motivation is to earn a profit. Parts of it will be applicable to an individual seeking employment in the public sector or some job that is funded by taxpayers. In any case, you will probably have to modify it to fit your needs but I believe you will agree that this Cover Letter contains most of the qualities an employer would be looking for in an employee.

Head it up with your name, address, e-mail, phone number, and the words Cover Letter centered at the top in larger type. Here it is: Any successful business executive knows that his or her most valuable asset is the employees who work for the company. In good times and bad, the fortunes of the company will rise or fall based on the dedication, training and effectiveness of the people who produce and sell its goods and services. A motivated, well trained work force will literally mean the difference between success or failure.

It is with this knowledge and view in mind that I am seeking employment with an organization where I can contribute to the profit picture and have an opportunity to advance both in responsibility and compensation with the passing of time. My years of experience in various areas of the economy have been very rewarding as I have learned many valuable lessons.

One of these lessons is that my education, interest, training and work experience in the field of (whatever) is where I can be of the greatest value for an employer. I also have the personal qualities necessary to make a real contribution to a companys overall success.

Here are some of my attributes: honest, dependable, hard worker, conscientious, can adapt to change, follow instructions and work well with other people. If you are looking for a solid employee who will be there on time, give you an honest days work, treat your customers and employees with dignity and respect and who will add to your profitability, I would welcome an interview and the opportunity to get to know you. I would like to leave you with this thought; whether you are looking for your first job, or if you are a seasoned veteran, just remember the key to success is to promise a lot but deliver even more. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 240 - ARE YOU BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION?

No. 240

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION?

The other day I ran across a statement written by the English novelist James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937) that really gave me something to think about. He said, The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.

In my earlier years I spent a good deal of time as a businessman working with students in our nations public schools. It was my privilege to be an invited guest who attempted to share with them what life would be like when they left the structured environment of school and a classroom.

This turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of countless young people. With few exceptions, I saw in the eyes and faces of these young people the hopes and expectations of a great life and a great career. As you may know however, in the past couple of decades many things have changed in our schools because of drugs, guns, violence, the decline in morality and the lack of respect for authority. Please dont misunderstand me, as Ive said before, I dont believe in throwing the baby out with the bath water because there are still, as I call them, Islands of Hope where schools and teachers are doing an outstanding job.

In fact, I just received a whole package of letters from 6th grade students in the mail yesterday and if I can secure the teachers permission, Im going to do a column about what they said in the near future. As I think about James Barries statement, I feel that what he said was true for most people but it does not have to be for those of us who are willing to build our life on a solid foundation. You may be familiar with the story in the Bible about two men who built a house. One man built his house on a solid foundation and when the rains and the flood came, and the wind blew, afterwards it was still standing. The other man built his house on sand and when the rains and the flood came, and the wind blew..and as the Bible says, great was the fall of it.

As a Christian, I am not ashamed to say that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For most of my life I was building on Sand and was like a reed blowing in the wind, but when I began to build on truth, honesty, decency, respect for others and hard work, things got much better for me. I still have problems but I am now better equipped to deal with them.

What I have just shared is very personal and its something that we must each decide for ourselves. I will never attempt to tell you what to think or what to believe because those are your decisions to make in life. However, I feel honored to be able to share with you what has worked best for me. One thing for sure: it is important what kind of foundation we build our life on. Will it be the solid rock of truth or will it be sand?

On an unrelated matter, if you will indulge me, I would like to take a moment to tie up a couple of loose ends before I leave you. First, I would like to apologize to the reader who was upset with me about a previous column where I referred to a former pastor as an accident waiting to happen. I meant no disrespect and was simply using his tragedy as a way to introduce a story. In retrospect, I should not have done it, I was wrong and Im truly sorry. Next, an apology to Shirley Goff for getting her name wrong in a previous column. She and her husband Dean are faithful readers of the Hot Springs Sentinel Record. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 241 - A PLACE CALLED HAVEN

No. 241

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PLACE CALLED HAVEN

Several weeks ago we had an outstanding presentation at our Lions Club given by a wonderful lady by the name of Lou Strain. She spoke with deep passion, without notes, for almost thirty minutes about a program called HAVEN. Haven stands of Help for Abused Victims in Emergency Need and it is a program licensed by our state Department Of Human Services as a residential shelter for female children. Lou was the programs first director and she has been the guiding force behind its success.

While most area residents know about HAVEN, I felt it would be of interest to my readers in other communities across the nation. Obviously, the needs of abused and neglected girls are being met by the state or some other organization but what the good people of Conway have done is above and beyond the call of duty. Whats really important is that some precious young people are the benefactors. If what Im going to share with you could inspire just one similar effort, it would make me very, very happy.

Here is the story. As a resident shelter, HAVEN is licensed to provide long-term residential services on a twenty-four hour basis to abused and neglected female children and adolescents ages six through eighteen. The purpose of the program is to provide these services to victimized children where the childs family cannot or should not stay together and group care is chosen as the primary program of care for the child because foster homes or more appropriate placements are not available.

HAVEN opened its doors as an emergency shelter in August 1986 and almost 400 children have been served since this time. It was begun by the Conway Junior Auxiliary after an investigation determined an overwhelming need for a shelter for abused children in the area. The Junior Auxiliary bought a home located at 612 Center Street and it was redecorated by volunteers. A Board Of Directors made up of leaders in the community was formed and Counseling Associates, Inc. was given administrative responsibility for the HAVEN program.

Because of the need for more space, in 1994 our local hospitals Board Of Directors invited HAVEN to move into a vacant mansion that it owned next door called Frauenthal Estate. This home was built in 1913 for Jo Frauenthal, a citizen who contributed in many ways for fifty-four years of his life to the building of Conway.(Your community has people like this too.) The Frauenthal Estate now, thanks to many individuals, businesses and local groups, will have a special place in the hearts of children who found themselves bruised, battered and alone.

Here was a wonderful example of the power of an idea as the Junior Auxiliary swung into action, mobilized the entire community, and developed a plan to take the new residence and the grounds and turn it into a place of pure elegance. The Frauenthal Estate has now become the HAVEN DESIGNER HOUSE and is located 631 Western Avenue in Conway.

The people of Conway cared enough to give their very best but something Lou Strain said really caught my attention. She said her big fear was that the residents would trash the place but nothing was further from the truth. These girls, most of whom came from terrible backgrounds, took great pride in their luxurious new home and have kept it as immaculate as the day it was finished. Something special happens in the hearts of others when we care enough to give the very best. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 242 - A DIFFERENT VIEW OF MT. EVEREST

No. 242

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF MT. EVEREST

Its been said that Behind every successful man is a surprised mother-in-law. Most people like Surprises, especially if they turn out to be good, like a surprise birthday party, an unexpected vacation trip given by an organization or another person, an investment that turns out to be a windfall and other things of this nature. As a kid I always loved to get a box of Cracker Jacks because I wanted to see the surprise that was also in the box.

Several weeks ago I attended our state Press Associations annual convention and we had a great luncheon speaker. His name is Larry Kryske, President of Homeport Training & Development based in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Larry was a wonderful speaker and his presentation contained a number of Surprises that captured not only the attention, but also the imaginations of those in the audience. In a moment I want to share one of those Surprises that contains a very profound concept but first this admonition.

Because this is the way Larry Kryske earns his living, his brochure contains this statement. He says, PLEASE NOTE: There were several visual surprises in the Rediscover The Masterpiece In You presentation. Please keep the secret. Dont ruin the effect for future audiences. Thank You. While the odds are not good that you will be in attendance at any of his future presentations, if you are, please dont share the Surprises with others as it will ruin the experience and the thrill of a surprise for them. Again, Thank You.

What made Larrys presentation Rediscover The Masterpiece In You so effective is that he is also an artist. He had a large blank canvas set up on an easel and as he began to speak, from time to time he would go over to the canvas and brush a few strokes of various colors. We didnt know where he was going but I tell you, he almost wore that brush out for about 40 minutes. It was not until the tail end of his presentation that the picture became clear, and thus his message, became obvious to all of us.

Before I share it with you, let me say that Larry Kryske has become somewhat of an authority on Winston Churchill that famous British statesman who may have saved the free world with his courage, leadership and superior oratory skills. Who can forget his famous speech when he said, We will never, never, never give up that came during the darkest hours of the war. Larrys real talent as a speaker came through when he was able to weave various aspects of Churchills life and career in a way that created suspense and left you hanging on the edge of your seat. Some of his comments were: Do it now and dont look back, Courage...the more you use it, the stronger youll be, perfection will paralyze your performance, changing perspective means changing your viewpoint. Just some nuggets of truth that you may want to think about.

The focal point of Larrys painting was Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world and it was painted to loom in the distance as an imposing figure. Then he changed the color of his paint to a skin tone and painted just the bottom part of a persons legs to give the perception of a human being 10 times as large as the mountain. What we didnt know is that all the rest of the time he had been painting the shoes. It was easy to visualize that this person could step over this great mountain with a single step.

The real message was to help us realize that as human beings we can accomplish almost anything if we keep perspective. We have been endowed by a living God with talents and abilities unlike any other creature on earth. In the vast majority of cases, to become a great success, all we have to do is use them. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 243 - DO YOU EVER GET IRRITATED?

No. 243

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU EVER GET IRRITATED?

One day a few weeks ago I was running late for a meeting downtown and turned down a street I normally take, only to find it blocked off due to construction. I then retraced my path and took another route that crossed the railroad track South of town, only to find that it was also blocked by crews who were replacing cross ties. Needless to say, I was a little irritated. Didnt they know I was running late and had a meeting to get to?

At this point my only alternative was to turn around and take one of two alternate routes which were much further in distance, which meant I was going to be late for my meeting. I know, I know...it was my fault. I should have left earlier but what I said a moment ago was tongue-in-cheek and I now had a choice to make. I could continue to be irritated and let it ruin at least part of my day or I could realize the situation couldnt be helped, readjust my attitude, and take this minor inconvenience in stride. I chose the latter.

This true life experience is just one small example of the type of things that can cause us to be or become irritated. When I was thinking about writing this column I asked my wife what irritated her the most? She said, Huh?, which is a private joke at our house. She says Im hard of hearing, and whether this is true or not I have formed the habit of saying Huh, even if I hear what she says. She does have a very soft, but sweet voice and I try to explain to her that its hard for me to hear her and the television at the same time, especially if she is in another room.

Now, this question please. Do you ever get irritated? For the vast majority of people this would be like asking, Is the Pope Catholic? because we all get irritated to some degree. The real question then becomes, how do we handle the things or people that irritate us? The answer lies in our attitude, that internal thermometer that determines whether we are cool, irritated, angry or furious to the boiling point. The key here is degree because that determines how we react in different situations that requires a conscious or subconscious choice.

As a quick sidebar before I move on, Id like to note that not all irritations are bad. Did you know that a pearl is formed when a grain of sand gets inside an oyster and begins to irritate its soft lining? When it comes to us humans, there are many irritations that can turn into a positive experience. For example, when our wife says to take out the trash enough times that we become irritated, to keep from hearing it one more time, we just get up and take it out. The same is true for mowing the lawn, fixing the sink that drips, changing light bulbs and so forth.

On the other hand many irritations can become very destructive, like rude and thoughtless drivers on the roads and highways. We all know about Road rage and its consequences. What started out as an irritation became anger and then escalated to an uncontrolled rage. As the American Orator Robert G. Ingersoll once said, Anger is a wind that blows out the lamp of the mind.

To be sure, anger is a very destructive and costly emotion. We see the evidence and consequence of it each day in the lives of many people. I want to leave you with this thought: the answer for us as well as other people who have become irritated is complete and total forgiveness. If we deal with our irritations first, anger will never become a problem. EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

NO. 916 THE DEATH OF DANIEL!

No. 916

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DEATH OF DANIEL!

Here is a true statement that I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a little while today. All the people who believe in abortion have already been born. The subject or issue of abortion is one of the most emotionally charged in the history of our nation. It still rages today but there may be a better way, and while you may already know what it is, I will confirm it before I am done.
If you read my column on a regular basis you know that many of the topics or ideas that I share each week come from my readers. This truly confirms my own belief that I don’t claim to have all the answers. I am more concerned with speaking the truth, and as an enlightened person I have to believe you feel the same way.
Some time back I got a letter from one of my South Mississippi readers, not sure of the gender, but the name given was E. Martin from Silver Creek, Miss. I would like to share this letter, as it is very sobering and should give any loving, thoughtful and caring person something really worthwhile to think about.
It begins, “It’s January 22nd of 2013 and I have just returned from Daniel Pavon’s funeral at the state capital in Jackson, Miss. His funeral took place at 11 a.m. and ended around 1 p.m. There were maybe 75 to 100 people who attended, even though there were many more who were asked to come.
“There was a lot of media there but very little coverage on the evening news. Daniel was a fine person from all accounts, and to my knowledge had never harmed or bothered anyone. His death was a tragedy and was seriously mourned by those who attended the funeral. There were impressive speakers who took part in his funeral and it was odd they were from different denominations. They each spoke highly of him. I have never attended a funeral of anyone that I had no close personal relationship with that troubled me like this event. I think one thing that troubled me so is that there were no family members present.
“That alone created a sad, lonely and heart-breaking atmosphere. He was, I’m certain, an outcast of his own family but all those who attended cherished him. You couldn’t help loving him when you saw him lying in the casket, and I think I saw the same in every face that looked on him. I guess the strangest thing of all about the funeral was that Daniel spoke. He spoke very loud in a pleading, desperate kind of way, pleading for you and me to do all in our power to bring an end to abortion in America. I have never heard it spoken so loud and have never been gutted to the core like that by any other speech I have ever heard.
“Daniel was 15 weeks old when his life was taken from him. His little body was black from bruising by his mother’s abdomen that was created to support and protect him. It was her induced contractions that suffocated and bruised his tiny body to the point of death. I learned that he was named by one of the ministers that took part in his funeral and that the meaning of Daniel is ‘God is My Judge’. A priest who took part in the eulogy gave his last name. I can’t get Daniel off my mind and am wondering what he would have become if he had been allowed to live.”
There is more but you certainly have the gist of what this letter is all about. In the beginning, I mentioned there is a better way. In our nation we have to remove the stigma against a girl or woman who has an unintended pregnancy and carries the baby to full term and gives him or her up for adoption. There are literally thousands of couples in America who wish to adopt a child and would give the child a loving home. What a bright hope and promise for the future.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 917 EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A BOOKCASE PROJECT!

No. 917

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A BOOKCASE PROJECT!

It’s been said, “a new idea is fragile, as it can be killed by a sneer, a yawn or a raised eyebrow on the right person’s forehead.”
Personally, I know this is true as I have seen it many times in my more than 40 years as a writer, columnist, speaker and educational consultant. In reality, good ideas only thrive and succeed, first, if they are worthy and, second, if the person who has the idea is so committed they will not take “No” for an answer. They just keep coming back and coming back until others listen and take action, and then it takes off and flies.
Such was the case for an idea we had here in Conway back in 2005 that came to be known as the Conway Bookcase Project. It was my idea, and with the help of our former Police Chief Randall Aragon, we convinced a number of our leading citizens (at least those who knew the value of literacy) to support the idea of building quality, personalized oak bookcases for children being reared in low-income families. What is truly unique is that our project is community wide and we use no tax money or grants of any kind.
The project was based on the old concept of giving back -- when someone had a need, this need was met by others who had no thoughts of personal gain. The need here was real, because 61 percent of low-income families in our nation have no books in the home for their children to read. If you have children or grandchildren you know how critical this is. Without having a good vocabulary and some basic literacy skills when they enter kindergarten, children will fall behind very quickly, which can lead to dropping out of school, dependency, crime, illegal drug use, unwanted pregnancy and severely limited long-term success.
Our Conway project is made up of all volunteers, and we provide 50 bookcases each year. We hold an annual Awards Ceremony to present the bookcases to the children and their parents. This past April we had our ninth annual Awards Ceremony and this brought the total to 450 of these bookcases, along with a starter set of pre-school children’s books for each child. We have also branched out, as there are now projects in other Arkansas cities and four other states that are building and presenting bookcases to needy children in their community.
There are countless other literacy projects across the nation and we applaud every one of them. Improving literacy is everyone’s job, as illiteracy impacts every person in our country, either positively or negatively. The cost of illiteracy each year runs into billions of dollars, from an economic standpoint, but the human loss of self-esteem, lost opportunity and issues like domestic violence is even greater. Here is what I hope you will consider and be a part of doing something about. While other literacy projects help, there is only one Bookcase for Every Child project, and if you would like to confirm this, go to google.com or bing.com and type in Conway Bookcase Project or Bookcase for Every Child and you will see what I am saying is true.
Here is the bottom line: Every community in America needs a bookcase project, because our approach is not just giving bookcases and books, or even reading to children. Rather, our approach is to bring the whole community together to focus on the problem of illiteracy. We have an annual Fundraiser Banquet to raise the funds to buy the wood and supplies, and the annual Awards Ceremony when we give the bookcases to our children. These events reach even more of our citizens. I think the last awards ceremony was our best and if you would like to have a free DVD to have an even greater understanding, contact me, Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Dive, Conway, AR 72034 or e-mail jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net. Together we are making a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 918 A POSITIVE NOTE ON BEING THANKFUL!

No. 918

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A POSITIVE NOTE ON BEING THANKFUL!

Every so often I have some person ask me this question: “Is your glass half empty or half full?” This is just another way of asking if you are basically a positive person or a negative person.
I always answer half full, because in the vast majority of cases I try to see the positive or the good in people, or the various circumstances where I have to make choices. These thoughts came to mind when I read a very thought-provoking article a reader sent me a while back. This article clearly demonstrated the positive attitude and choices “half full” people make on a regular basis. I might add, it’s a great way to live. Please allow me to share these with you, and as we move along try to place yourself in the picture. Some won’t apply but many will.
Each set of circumstances begins with the words, “I AM THANKFUL.” The article begins, “I am thankful for the wife who says it will be hot dogs tonight because she is at home with me and not out with someone else.” This really hit home with me because I lost my wife of 35 years several weeks ago, and what I would not give to have a hot dog with her tonight.
To continue, and remember each circumstance begins with: “I AM THANKFUL … for the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato because he is home with me and not out at the bar. For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home and not on the streets. For the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.
“For the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat. For my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine. For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.
“For my huge heating bill because it means I am warm. For the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear. For the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive. And finally, for too many e-mails (you know who you are) because it means I have friends who are thinking of me. And here is one that is very important that I just carried out. Share this with someone you care about. I just did.”
That was the end of the article and, if I may, I would like to add one more that is very important to me. Each year our Conway Lions Club has an annual golf tournament to raise money to help the blind and visually impaired. We have had 15 in all, and I have played in every one of them. However, for the past few years I have not had the opportunity to play much at all, in fact the last time was during our tournament last year.
This year you can bet I was very rusty. Going to the driving range a few times before the tournament helped a little, and the main reason I went was to keep from being embarrassed. Soon after we started our round I hit one of those shots that barely got off the tee box. It was not pretty. Here is the point of my sharing this with you. With God’s help I have learned to control my tongue. I am thankful that all during the round, I did not use profanity or say anything that would indicate that I am anything less than one whose glass is half full. I am thankful for a multitude of things.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 919 RESPONDING TO A READER'S REQUEST ON FLOCABULARY!

No. 919

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

RESPONDING TO A READER’S REQUEST ON FLOCABULARY!

What I am going to share in this column can best be described as “the big city has come to the country, and at least some in the country don’t like it.” And I might say up front, that I am one of them.
A few weeks ago I got an e-mail from Jason Gilmore, senior auditor of the Defense Contract Audit Agency branch office in Fort Walton Beach. This is a branch of the federal government, and I am sure what he had to say was troubling. It is also the reason I have done something I seldom do, and that is to revisit a topic I have covered in the past. I will also say here in the beginning that Jason has given me permission to quote him.
First, please allow me to share his e-mail so you will know what I am talking about, and then I will make what I believe will be some appropriate comments. It begins, “Mr. Davidson, I came across an article you wrote on July 30, 2011, titled, ‘Have you heard of Flocabulary?’ I am writing to you in hopes you will revisit the issue and provide an update for all your readers. It recently came to my attention that this garbage is being used in my son’s elementary school (relatively rural conservative county, in Northwest Florida.) The parents and kids were provided with a general username and password to access the site. When I began reading the lyrics to many of the rap songs I was shocked and appalled!
“I contacted my son’s teacher, reading coach and principal and they reacted to the lyrics with shock and dismay (which may have been just for show.) They have since removed access to the website with the general username and password. They informed me they were in contact with Flocabulary’s administrator to attempt to block some of the content. Blocking some of the content is unacceptable, as this garbage has NO place in our school system at any level for any reason. I have tried to search the Internet for outrage over Flocabulary and, to my dismay, all the search engines are relatively silent on the issue. I am certain that the search engines have the same agenda as Flocabulary, but I digress. I came across your column on page 2 of the search engine Ask.com.
“According to Flocabulary’s website, ‘Flocabulary is now used in more than 15,000 schools and reaches a weekly audience of 5 million students’. This is a VERY troubling statistic! Once again, I am writing to you in hopes you will revisit the subject and provide additional insights to your readers. If you have any questions please contact me.”
After reading and rereading his message I went to Flocabulary’s website to verify what he was telling me. I also went to www.wikipedia.com, the free encyclopedia, to study the origin of this movement. In short, it came from a culture that began in the 1970s in New York City and found expression in hip-hop music.
In its infancy, hip-hop music was described as an outlet and a “voice” for the disenfranchised youth of low economic areas, as the culture reflected the social, economic and political realities of their lives. The real question for me becomes, do we really want this to be taught, through rap music, to the children of America in our public schools? If you want changes to be made, talk with your school board members, as they are elected to represent taxpayers and patrons. One thing is for sure, our children deserve the best.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 920 A PLETHORA OF GREAT TIPS!

No. 920

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A PLETHORA OF GREAT TIPS!

About 20 years ago, my late wife Viola and I moved from Mayflower to Conway and built a new home. It is a most unusual home because we built it using landscape timbers. A part of the move involved building me a home office, where I could record my daily radio program and where I later began this newspaper column. A part of the design was building the office above the garage, and this meant having outside steps because Viola made it clear that she did not want the office in the house. Not being too smart back in those day (I’m still not), we did not cover the steps that we have to use going back and forth several times a day. They look good and they work well during fair weather, but during those few times when we have snow and ice, well, that is another story.
If you have ever felt like you were taking your life in your own hands, you can picture me going up and coming down those steps, hanging on to the rail, trying to keep from breaking my neck and wishing I had bought some salt pellets to put on the steps before the ice came. This past year I tried to find some salt at Walmart to put on the steps in the event ice came, but they had sold out. These past events flooded my mind when a friend sent me a whole plethora of great tips that can come in handy in all sorts of ways.
Here is the very first tip and you will see why I have taken the long way around. “For Icy Door Steps in Freezing Temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.” I do take some comfort here because I am not the only one who didn’t know this tip. The person who offered this tip said, “Wish I had known this for the past 40 years.”
Without further comment here are some of these tips:
Crayon Marks on Walls: Take a damp rag dipped in baking soda and they will come off with little effort. Blood Stains on Clothes: Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a sweet-smelling scent when the light is turned on. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least three hours prior to burning.
To easily remove burnt-on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and bring to a boil on the stovetop. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting it in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. To get rid of the itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief. When you get a splinter, reach for the cellophane tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the tape over the splinter and then pull it off. Cellophane tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill it with water and drop in two effervescent cold tablets. To polish jewelry, drop two cold tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
To clean a Thermos bottle: Fill the bottle with water, drop in four tablets and let soak for an hour, or longer if necessary. To unclog a drain, clear the sink drain by dropping three tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then turn on the hot water. And here is the author’s final thought: Makes you wonder about ingesting those effervescent cold tablets, doesn’t it?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 921 THE LITTLE "FREE" LIBRARY!

No. 921

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LITTLE “FREE” LIBRARY!

Many years ago I heard the late Earl Nightingale make a statement about reading that I have never forgotten. He said we should read for pleasure and we should also read for profit. More about this further down in the column.
Those of us who try to be well informed know that literacy is one of the major factors in a nation’s success and an individual’s success. In short, we can’t accomplish much of anything in our society if we can’t read. Given this fact, it is tragic to know that more than 40 million Americans can’t read or do not have minimum literacy skills. There is a movement taking place in our country that may change this picture a little, and I would like to help spread the word.
For me it first began several months ago when my friend J.L. Abbott of Mountain Home, Ark., sent me a newspaper article about a little “free” library that was established by the Methodist Church in nearby Norfork. The concept is relatively simple. A local woodworking craftsman had built a neat little wooden box, with ornate decorations, large enough to hold 30 to 40 books. He had also crafted a professional looking sign that said, “Little Free Library.” It was then stocked with good books, I assume from the church library or donated by individuals, and placed in an accessible location on church property.
At this point, individuals in the community were invited to stop by, peruse the offerings, select the books they wanted to read, and return them when they were finished. They could then take more and repeat the process as often as they wanted, as new books were constantly being added to the titles offered. I could see how this could be very helpful, especially for those who lived in areas where a large library was not close by, and for those who liked to read and maybe could not afford to buy books on a regular basis.
After reading this article I thought to myself, what a neat thing and a great ministry for this church to do. Then lo and behold in the March issue of American Profile magazine there was a front-page story about the “Little Free Library,” and featured numerous stories of individuals in areas all across the country that had done the same thing. The library designs ranged from simple to very elaborate and from just a few books to a large number. Still, each project had the same simple goal in mine: to help provide people with good, free reading material.
Later I learned that this idea was started in Hudson, Wis., when Todd Bol mounted a wooden container designed to look like a schoolhouse on a post in his yard as a tribute to his mother, who was a book lover and schoolteacher. As of February 2013, all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide have been involved in the literacy program. There are currently 5,000 registered Little Free Libraries in the world with an estimated 1,000 unregistered.
Now back to what I said earlier about reading for pleasure and for profit. First one must learn to read, and read and read some more. We get proficient at most anything we love to do. Most important of all, you must be very selective as to what you put into that marvelous mind of yours. I read to stay informed (profit) but I also read self-help and inspirational books that help me maintain a positive attitude and a balanced mental diet. I also read the Bible, as this provides a source of truth that nothing else can. If we don’t live and tell the truth, we are building on sand and it will not stand.
Is it possible you could develop a Little Free Library? For more information visit www.littlefreelibrary.org. This site also contains a number of building plans for the libraries.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 922 A MOST UNUSUAL FOOTBALL GAME!

No. 922

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A MOST UNUSUAL FOOTBALL GAME!

Did I ever tell you about my football-playing days when I was in high school? We did well until the last game of the season when the decision was made to let the coach go. He had a 5-5 record. He lost five at home and he lost five on the road. In all seriousness, I would like to tell you about the most unusual football game I have ever heard about in my life. The most significant thing that came from this was not so much about the game itself, but the inescapable messages it sent to everyone who has ever heard about it. This experience came to me in an e-mail from Ned Wilford. The game was played in 2008 and was reported by Rick Reilly of ESPN Television.
The game took place in Grapevine, Texas, and was between Grapevine Faith Academy and Gainesville State School. Faith is a Christian school and Gainesville State School is located within a maximum correction facility. Gainesville State School had 14 players. They played every game on the road. Their record was 0-8 (I know the feeling.) Up to this point they had only scored twice. Their 14 players were teenagers who had been convicted of crimes ranging from drugs to assault to robbery. Most had families who had disowned them. They wore outdated, used shoulder pads and helmets. Faith Academy was 7-2. They had 70 players, 11 coaches and the latest equipment.
Kris Hogan, the head coach of Faith Academy, knew the Gainesville team would have no fans and it would be no contest, so he thought, “What if half our fans and half our cheerleaders, for one night only, cheered for the other team?” He sent out an e-mail to the faithful asking them to do just that.
“Here is the message I want you to send,” Hogan wrote, “You are just as valuable as any other person on the planet.” Some folks were confused and thought he was nuts. One player said, “Coach why are we doing this?” Hogan said, “Imagine you don’t have a home life, no one to love you, no one pulling for you; imagine that everyone pretty much had given up on you. Now imagine what it would feel like and mean to you for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you.”
The idea took root. On the night of the game, imagine the surprise of those 14 players when they took the field and there was a banner the cheerleaders had made for them to crash through. The visitor’s stands were full. The cheerleaders were leading cheers for them. The fans were calling them by their names. Isaiah, the quarterback/middle linebacker, said, “I never in my life thought I would hear parents cheering to tackle and hit their kid. Most of the time when we come out, people are afraid of us. You can see it in their eyes, but these people are yelling for us. They knew our names.”
Faith won the game, and after the game the teams gathered at the 50-yard line to pray. That’s when Isaiah, the teenage convict-quarterback, surprised everybody and asked if he could pray. He said, “Lord, I don’t know what just happened so I don’t know how or who to say thank you to, but I never knew there were so many people in the world that cared about us.” On the way back to the bus, under guard, each one of the players was handed a burger, fries, candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from one of the players from Faith Academy.
To be sure, there is a lot I could add here, space permitting, but if you were not touched by these acts of Godly kindness, nothing I could say would make a difference. I just wonder how many of these young men would be in prison if they had received this kind of love when they were in their formative years. When possible, let’s give it to them. Always remember, God is love.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 923 IS YOUR DAY GOING TO BE SUNNY, RAINY OR STORMY?

No. 923

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IS YOUR DAY GOING TO BE SUNNY, RAINY OR STORMY?

If you are old enough to remember the days when you were driving down the road and would come to a car or truck pulled over to the side, the hood up, and steam bellowing from the radiator, you will certainly relate to what I want to share with you today.
Before the days of modern technology, cars and trucks had a radiator to hold water to keep them cool and a radiator cap with a thermostat to monitor the temperature. If the radiator got too hot and boiled dry, drastic action had to be taken, like putting some more water in the radiator.
Now, believe it or not, this is what happens to people who also get too hot. If they are not cooled down, they will explode and the consequences can be devastating for anyone around them. While in varying degrees, this is what happens in a large percentage of domestic violence cases. Sadly, some of these are deadly. In a high percentage of domestic violence cases, the real victims are children who often wind up being scarred for life. For most of my readers who, like me, have never been involved in this sort of thing, we need to know more so we can help those who are suffering every day of their lives.
Several weeks ago we had a terrific speaker at our Lions Club who has a passion for children who are the victims of custody cases. His name is H.G. Foster, circuit judge for the First Division of the 20th Judicial District Circuit Court. Judge Foster told us about many of the cases that come to his court where a young child is present and he has to rule on which parent gets the child. Because there was no better place, quite often the child had to sit out in the hall where they could hear the proceedings taking place in the courtroom. In most cases what the child was hearing was not pretty, and I am sure you get the picture.
Our community is in the process of building a new Criminal Justice Building. The old courthouse, where offices are now housed, has a top floor that was formerly the jail, and it was not being used. Without using any tax money, Judge Foster got some paint and children’s furniture donated, used inmate labor, and created a place for the children,. He found volunteer college students to work with these children while court was in session. The kids felt safe, so much so that one said she had rather stay with them than to go with either parent.
What I have just shared is not what I set out to tell you about, but the bottom line is that we have the ability to control the environment where we find ourselves, unless we happen to be a young child in a custody dispute. I might add that this is an issue that our nation’s teachers deal with every day. While there may not be violence, they have children that come from dysfunctional homes where there is little structure, discipline and love, which is the most important of all. We all have good days and bad days, but teachers in most cases can create the environment and determine if his or her students will have a sunny day, a rainy day or a stormy day. Since our daily moods make the weather, teachers and parents alike should try to shield children from the thunder and lightning of our frustrations and anger.
As I thought about what I wanted to share with you today, I was reminded of a verse in the Bible that will go a long way in resolving the issues that confront us on a regular basis. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” If you have a problem with anger, or want to pop off, like that radiator cap, just remember what I have said, think before you speak and then let your words be soft.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 924 A VERY GRATEFUL AMERICAN!

No. 924

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VERY GRATEFUL AMERICAN!

Early one morning a few weeks after my wife passed away, I was all alone sitting in my easy chair and got to thinking about the future and the days that lie ahead. All of a sudden the emotion came over me of being so grateful for all the good things I had going for me. First, I was grateful for the extra months the Lord gave me with Viola before He called her home and the joy of taking care of her, as I am sure she would have done for me. In case you may not know, she had Parkinson’s for almost 20 years and passed away May 13, 2013.
Then I was, and still am, grateful for so many personal friends, my children, church family, members of my Lions Club that I have served with for so many years, my great friends who read my column and listen to my daily radio program, and relatively speaking for good health. I am also grateful that I am a positive person and have a real vision and hope for the future. In spite of our nation’s many challenges, I just believe our best days are ahead and there are millions of Americans who feel the same way. Our freedom was not won by cowards, but by millions of our citizens whose blood, sweat and tears made us the land of the free and the home of the brave.
For the past several years my passion has been literacy, and specifically the Bookcase for Every Child project I was privileged to be a part of that was started here in Conway in 2005. I don’t know of a cause where there is a greater need, where I could spend the rest of my life, than trying to help children being reared in low-income families have a brighter future. My wife Viola was also a big part of this, as she supported and inspired me in so many ways that it would be impossible to list them all. One thing most of my readers have never heard is that she recorded radio commercials for more than a hundred of our “How to Plan Your Life” radio sponsors.
Sometime back I saw the results of a survey that revealed that woman mature at a much earlier age than men. The age for most women is around 32 years of age, while for most men it’s around 43 years of age. I personally know this is true. While only a few months separated our chronological age, in the early days of our marriage she was much more mature than I was. She also possessed outstanding character, and there were many times when she pulled my bacon out of the fire by providing insights and counsel that money could not buy.
The more I thought about this, the more I came to realize what a fitting tribute it would be to dedicate to her memory the bookcase project that I founded. When I die, my daily radio program and syndicated column will basically be over, but this is not the case with the Bookcase for Every Child project. Literacy is a generational thing, and to teach a young child to read who would not otherwise achieve fluent literacy may impact his own family and even generations yet unborn. Therefore, I am appealing to every American to help spread this literacy project to every hamlet, city and town that we can possibly reach.
With God’s help, your help, and the help of thousands of others, I would like to see at least one Bookcase for Every Child project developed in every state in the nation. Thanks to a wonderful feature article in the American Profile magazine back in August 2011, we are now in five states. Except for in the case of local efforts, Viola’s condition created a delay in spreading the project. Taking care of her was my number one priority and I know you understand this. However, I am excited about the future and I hope you are as well. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 925 THE ONE THING WE CANNOT HIDE!

No. 925

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ONE THING WE CANNOT HIDE!

The famous Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle once had this to say about language, “Language is called the Garment of Thought: however, it should rather be, Language is the Flesh-Garment, the Body, of Thought.”
It is often said there is one thing we cannot hide except by silence, and that is the use of our language. When we open our mouths and begin to speak, we proclaim to the world where we are on the pyramid of economic and social success. When we have the ability to use our native tongue with grace, ease and distinction, we have a superior advantage over those who are not so capable.
There is one word that is most often used to describe those people who possess superior skills in this most important acquired ability, and that word is articulate. According to the dictionary this word means, “Spoken in distinct syllables or words, to express oneself, able to speak, well formulated, clearly presented; as, an articulate argument.”
Please forgive this personal reference, but one of the best and most meaningful compliments I ever received came several years ago from former Arkansas Gov. Sid McMath. A few weeks before, I had been the banquet speaker for a military function in Little Rock and found myself seated next to Gov. McMath. I felt my talk was well received. One day sometime later, Gov. McMath introduced me to his law partner, Judge Henry Wood with these words, “Jim is one of the most eloquent speakers in Arkansas.” I was flattered, of course, and felt unworthy, but I know his words were sincere. While it was not important the governor did not know that I never finished college, I hope you won’t miss this important point. It’s not so much the amount of formal education we have, but the fact we never stop learning.
Most people have no desire to be a public speaker, but to succeed in most any job or career in today’s society we must be able to express ourselves by the proper use of our language. Of course, there is no substitute for practice, but I believe the best and fastest way to become a good communicator is to improve our vocabulary. This is to say, increase the number of words we know and can use in the proper way.
The late Earl Nightingale, whom I worked for and knew personally, conducted a study of college graduates by tracking them over a 20-year period to see if there was any link between their word power and their earning power.
The link he found was so significant that he said, “Without a single exception, in every case those who had scored highest on the vocabulary test given in college were in the top income group, while those who scored the lowest were in the bottom income group.” What is important here is to understand that we are never too old or too young to learn new and interesting words and ideas. All it takes is a commitment to begin and stay with it.
I heard about a man in prison who decided not to waste his life while he was locked up, so he began to copy all the words on a page in the dictionary day after day. After he was released, his newly acquired vocabulary and attitude carried him to great success. If you would like to check it out, here is a vocabulary building website that may be of value to you, www.improvingvocabulary.org. Here is one word of caution, especially to parents -- too much social media is doing great harm to the ability of many children to write, spell, think and listen, skills they will need later in life. Technology can replace some things, but other critical skills it cannot and will not.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 926 U.S. MARSHALS MUSEUM!

No. 926

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

U.S. MARSHALS MUSEUM!

The city of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is now the second largest city in our state and is unique for many reasons. Back in the early days of our nation’s history, this scrappy border town grew up around the area’s first frontier fort established in 1817 to promote peace between the warring Indian tribes of the Osage and Cherokee.
Remains of the first fort lie within the Fort Smith National Historic Site perched on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River. At this site you can stop and learn about the history of the Trail of Tears and find out about the Civil War in Arkansas. On the grounds nearby is a replica of the famed Fort Smith gallows where 80 men were ordered hanged by Judge Parker, who came to be known as the famous Hanging Judge.
We can add to this rich history the soon-to-be U.S. Marshals Museum. Several months ago, Jessica Hayes, vice president of museum operations, drove the 100-plus miles to our community to speak to our Lions Club about the museum. Jessica made a most interesting and informative presentation, and she really got my attention when she said the total cost would be in excess of $50 million. I knew then she was not talking about renovating a vacant warehouse. After she spoke, I was ready to go see the museum the next day, but it won’t be open until 2016. I am definitely planning to go see it when it does open.
When I saw the architect’s rendering, with its forward looking design on a point overlooking the river, the building reminded me of the famous Opera House in Sydney, Australia, while certainly not as elaborate. Here are some of the highlights of what the museum is designed to accomplish: Honor the past and future service of the U.S. Marshals; celebrate George Washington’s vision of the U.S. Marshals Service; create a national museum where visitors explore our nation’s history through the lens of the U.S. Marshals Service; engage visitors with interactive experiences throughout the three galleries; serve as a springboard for conversations relevant to our nation today; inspire visitors to live their lives with justice, integrity and service; recognize the more than 225 Marshals killed in the line of duty; and form educational partnerships with local, regional and national institutions.
As previously stated, the museum will consist of three main galleries: a Changing Nation Gallery, a Frontier Marshals Gallery, and a Marshals Today Gallery. The Changing Nation Gallery will show how and why the U.S. Marshals are intricately linked to the Constitution. Here visitors will learn there are often two sides to every issue. It will highlight four critical areas of American history – Slavery and the legacy of inequality, 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, labor strikes, and the enforcement of court orders in the Civil Rights era.
The Frontier Marshals Gallery will show the U.S. Marshals and Deputies as the lawmen of our country’s frontiers. Here it will show New Frontiers 1789, the American West, Alaska Territory, and New Frontiers and Beyond.
The Marshals Today Gallery depicts the era where we are today – Fugitive apprehension, protection of the Federal Courts, witness security program, transportation of federal prisoners and assets forfeiture.
In summary, the mission of the U.S. Marshals Museum is to form a national center of heritage and legacy, disseminate knowledge and inspire appreciation for the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals Service. Should you travel Interstate 40, the third longest East to West highway in America, why not stop in Fort Smith and see this great attraction when it opens.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 927 A PATRIOT SHARES HIS HEART!

No. 927

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PATRIOT SHARES HIS HEART!

There is a man who lives down on the bayou in South Louisiana whom I have come to really appreciate, admire and respect. He is someone who has the courage of his convictions and tells it like it is, and someone I believe is a true patriot.
This man is someone I have told you about before -- Dale Brown, former coach of the men’s basketball team at Louisiana State University. Dale sends me things he has written quite often and I have his blanket approval to share anything he writes with you, my greatly treasured reader. I want to pass along something today that I hope you will really think about, and if you are a praying person, to also pray about. I am just going to share his comments with you and then I have some comments to make before we end our visit together.
Dale begins, “I know that some of you that receive this might be saying, ‘Oh no, another complaint from Dale’. Well, get used to it, because I love this country with every fiber of my body and will not stand on the sideline and watch it be destroyed by incompetency or apathy on Capitol Hill. Abraham Lincoln described what is happening to us now when he said, ‘America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedom, it will be because we destroyed ourselves’.
“We are destroying ourselves by partisan politics, greed, apathy, hypocrisy, selfishness and lack of common sense, taking God out of the picture, and not putting the good of all our citizens as the primary goal for being in office. We have a right to demand a candidate who will lead with strength and commitment but at the same time listen to us. We are entitled to someone who wants to do what we want but isn’t afraid to propose ideas and suggestions of his own. I think most politicians want to get into public service for the right reasons, but then it goes haywire with the money, perks, crooked lobbyists, advisers, spinners, power, and now we have pseudo leaders. A true leader is interested in finding the best way to keep our country strong, fair, and free and not have his own selfish way.
“We don’t need any of our leaders building monuments to themselves or pompous self-serving attitudes that weaken the fiber of our country. Most politicians who receive this correspondence will not answer, answer with a form letter, or not act in any manner -- and these are the ones we need to vote out of office. Now, the biggest problem is citizen apathy by saying there is nothing or little I can do. Edmund Burke, an 18th century English statesman, said, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little’.
“Will your decision be to ignore what I am saying and do nothing or will you do your very best to save the greatest country in the history of the world? I am hoping you will be motivated, mad enough, and love this country enough to stand up and be counted. Remember, once you choose apathy, you now have turned all the power over to government and once you abolish God, the government becomes god.”
Well, that’s the end of it and, as the old saying goes, “I wish Dale would have told us what he really thinks.” We need more people like Dale Brown.
My final comments are these. I took note that Dale did not talk about any particular office holder or party but rather he talked about the character of individuals who put the best interests of our nation far above politics or personal gain.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 928 WHY CIVIC CLUBS ARE DECLINING!

No. 928

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY CIVIC CLUBS ARE DECLINING!

In a June 2013 article in the Wall Street Journal, Niall Ferguson addresses the decline of American associational life. He quotes from a 1995 essay by Robert Pittman titled “Bowling Alone,” which documents the exodus of Americans from bowling leagues, Rotary Clubs and the like.
Since then, the downward trend in “social capital” has only continued. According to the 2006 World Values Survey, active membership even in religious associations has declined from just over half the population to a little more than a third. Here is what he gives as the major reason: Instead of joining together to get things done, Americans have increasingly become more dependent upon Washington. Ferguson states in another article that this decline is due mainly to the strangling of private initiative by the ever-encroaching state.
With your permission, I would like to leave this national perspective and address this issue from my own personal experience here in my community as a member of our local Lions Club. Since I joined our club in 1994, I have gone through all the chairs, served a year as president and received every award and honor that is given to our members at our annual Installation Banquet. And this grew from a point that I told my sponsor, the late Paul Anthes, that I would attend the meetings but would not serve in any leadership positions.
Before I share what I believe to be the major reasons why civic clubs are declining, I would like to say that the Lions Club has done far more for me than I have ever done for them. You should also know that my perspective comes from serving as our Membership Chair for the past several years. Now, why are civic clubs declining? First, let me say there are always exceptions to the rule. While I may say they are declining, you may show me the many clubs, such as our own Kiwanis Club here in Conway, who are growing and doing a great job to meet many needs in their community.
Like most organizations, the key to success for a civic club is leadership. When you have great leaders, you will most likely have a great club. Civic clubs change leadership at the top year after year. This is both good and bad. When you have a great president or leader, unless they are asked to stay on they move to ‘has been’ after a year and a new leader takes his or her place. This is also good, because when you have a poor leader it only lasts for a year. The tragedy comes when you have two, three or four poor leaders in a row. Then there is also the challenge of finding a good location to hold meetings, in terms of food, cost and accessible location, with plenty of parking. We are creatures of habit, and sometimes bi-weekly or monthly meetings have poor attendance because a lot of members have a short-term memory.
A successful civic club will also have a clearly defined purpose or cause that motivates members to stay involved. Our motto is “We Serve” and we help the blind and visually impaired. Today, people are busier than ever before and civic clubs are competing for the ever-shrinking amount of time that potential members can devote to being a member. Because of inflation and the economy, cost can also be a legitimate reason why some people will not join a civic club. While it may be hard because many in the younger generation don’t share the values of older adults, we must sign up young people to serve. If you go to a church or civic club and all you see are “old people” they are headed for trouble and decline. My advice: Join and you will be blessed.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 929 A NATION AWASH IN ALCOHOL!

No. 929

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A NATION AWASH IN ALCOHOL!

You no doubt have heard the saying, “Give him an inch and he will take a mile,” or as Conway High School football coach Clint Ashcraft has famously said, “What you will settle for is what you will have.”
Based on a news report I saw a while back I can tell you what we have. We have a nation awash in alcohol. The sad thing about it is that, based on the laws in our country, I don’t know what anyone can do about it even if they wanted to. While state and local police do all they can to slow down or keep drunks off the road, we are sure not going to get any help from the government because they love the tax revenue from alcohol sales.
Here is the news report that prompted this column, and it involved something regarding alcohol that I had never thought about before. Would you believe that a pedestrian is killed in this country every two and a half hours. That’s more than 4,000 each year, and almost 50 percent of these deaths involve alcohol. In case you don’t know, a pedestrian is someone out walking on the street or road or crossing the same. To be sure, a person walking is no match for an automobile, especially if it is traveling at a high rate of speed. A government study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that alcohol is linked to 75,000 deaths each year in our country.
Here is how it breaks down. About 35,000 people die from cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and other diseases linked to drinking too much beer, wine and spirits. Another 40,000 people die from auto crashes and other mishaps. Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of preventable death in our nation, after tobacco use and poor eating and exercise habits.
Here is the rub and it’s really a catch 22: They say that moderate drinking can benefit a person’s health, but heavy drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disorders, certain cancer and liver disease. You see the problem. What’s moderate for one is heavy for another and so forth.
Here is a question that may be in order. How did we get to this point in our nation, where we are awash in alcohol? To be sure, we have had alcohol in the world for thousands of years. In ancient times a lot of this was caused by not having a purification system to prevent disease, thus alcohol was the safest thing to drink. Here in our country we went through the days of prohibition where we tried, for a while, to ban the sale and use of alcohol. That did not last till the water got hot, from 1920 to 1933. From my perspective, it seems that the use of alcohol has increased at an alarming rate, thus the statistics I quoted earlier.
Again, why? Here are some possibilities. Alcohol is sold at all major sporting events. Binge drinking on college campuses is out of control. Our airways are saturated with commercials for beer, wine and other forms of alcohol and the banter on most all television shows makes it plain the people involved can’t wait to get off work and go have a beer, even a beer summit no less. There is even a debate about whether alcoholism is an addiction or a disease.
Here is my response. There is no record of any person, like me, who has ever been diagnosed as having either one. This is because I have never taken a drink of any kind of alcohol in my whole life. This is not to brag, but rather I just praise God for that.
What’s the answer? The only thing I would offer is that as individuals we must take the responsibility for our own choices and actions. We should stop killing ourselves and others because of poor choices. There is a time for me, and maybe for you, when we should say “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 930 MAKING A CASE FOR LITERACY!

No. 930

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAKING A CASE FOR LITERACY!

There is a verse in the Bible that I have come to appreciate more and more as time goes by. In Proverbs 3:27 it says, “Withhold not good to them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it.”
With this in mind I would like to tell you about one of the greatest needs we have in our nation today, and that is fighting the battle of illiteracy. In our modern technological society, a person does not have a prayer if he or she cannot read. Yet we have more than 42 million adults who cannot read at the fifth-grade level, and the loss of productivity and providing a safety net for most of these people is costing us billions of dollars each and every year. I dare say most of us who can read do not get too concerned for those who can’t, which is just human nature. People in high-crime areas are really paying a price for illiteracy.
With this in mind, today I would like to invite you to join me as I do my best to make a case for literacy, and I realize in many cases I am preaching to the choir. Every year here in our community and several other communities, we build 50 quality, personalized, oak bookcases and give them to pre-school children who are being reared in low-income families. After a team of volunteer craftsmen builds the bookcases, we have an awards ceremony and present the bookcases to the children and their parents. This past April we had our ninth annual Awards Ceremony, and this brought the total to 450 bookcases with an accompanying starter set of books since we started in 2005.
During this ceremony we have many community leaders come to help us celebrate this special time. This year A.J. Gary, Conway Chief of Police, gave our “welcome.” Here is what he told us: “Researchers estimate that every dollar invested in early education provides up to $16 in economic benefits, primarily from reduced crime and welfare expenditures. One long-term study of Michigan’s Perry Preschool followed two groups of at-risk, low-income 3- and 4-year olds. By age 40, the kids who did not attend Perry Preschool were four times more likely to be arrested for drug felonies, and twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes when compared to those who participated.” Chief Gary had many other facts and statistics that space does not permit me to share with you, but you see where he was coming from.
Another important participant that day was our keynote speaker, Kathy Powers. Kathy was our 2011 Arkansas Teacher of the Year and she did an outstanding job relating to the children. She has been flown all over the nation to help implement the Common Core Standards now being used in our public schools. Here is just some of what she shared with us: Out-of-school reading habits of students has shown that even 15 minutes a day of independent reading can expose students to more than a million words of text in a year. (Anderson, Wilson & Fielding, 1988) Children who read well do better in all aspects of school and beyond.
Reading skills correspond directly to one’s ability to be an informed citizen, communicate effectively, earn a higher salary, succeed in one’s chosen career, and achieve personal fulfillment. Later in life they also participate more in the community in terms of service and giving back. It is estimated that the cost of illiteracy to business and the taxpayer is $20 billion per year.
If you see the urgency of what I have been saying, I want to invite you to help get a “Bookcase for Every Child” project started in your community. Just go to our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com and it will give you all the information you will need.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 931 REAL WINNERS ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS!

No. 931

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

REAL WINNERS ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS!

In today’s culture there is a tremendous emphasis placed on winning, regardless of whether it’s in the boardroom, on the football field or betting at the racetrack. It has been my observation that this emphasis in recent years has been getting stronger primarily because of one word – money.
A good example is the evolving nature of high school sports. Regardless of the sport, the players are getting bigger, stronger and faster -- and even meaner in some cases. Again, the primary motivation for these athletes is money, first a college scholarship and then a chance to make it in professional sports. Plus, it’s not just the boys anymore.
As one who loved to play sports in high school but never was good enough to make the college team much less have a chance to play professionally, I believe we have lost a lot of what sports was originally meant to accomplish -- the thrill of competition and a love for the game. Be that as it may, I just want to say that a real winner is someone who plays by the rules and does not cheat. We have cheaters today who are tarnishing the image of sports for anyone who chooses to enter the arena. I want to say it again, and feel free to quote me: a winner does not cheat, either by not playing by the rules or by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
I am sure you know that being a real winner is not limited to athletic competition. A real winner is a person who has a winning attitude and strives to do his or her best, day in and day out, no matter the job or activity. As someone who has spent more than 40 years in a career of helping others succeed and use more of their God-given potential, it’s my observation that real winners are problem solvers. That is our challenge each and every day of our lives.
I recently came across an item from a reader that reinforces this important point. A story has been told that in ancient times a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove this huge rock. Now, is that not just like a king? Ha. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse laying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand -- every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
If you will think about it for a moment, I believe you will agree that there are many lessons for success in life that can be drawn from this simple story. One of the most obvious is from the action or inaction of the wealthy merchants and courtiers (a member of a sovereign’s court) that simply went around the boulder. The problem was still there. Real winners are problem solvers.
As Helen Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 932 OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES!

No. 932

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

OK, Bill, here it is. Today I am going to do something that I can’t ever remember doing before – that is to repeat a column. The following column ran about 10-12 years and a faithful reader asked me to repeat it. Hope you enjoy it as much as my friend Bill Wright does.
It begins, “The other day I heard a cute story that gave me a good chuckle. Perhaps it will you, as well. It seems a Sunday school teacher was talking with his young pupils about how to get to Heaven. He asked the question, “If I sold my home and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven?” “No!”, the children all answered. Then he said, “If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?” Again the answer was “No!” “Well then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into Heaven?” Again, they all answered, “No!” “Well, then how can I get into Heaven?” A 5-year old boy shouted out, “YOU GOTTA BE DEAD.”
Make no mistake, kids have a way of cutting to the chase. If we will just take the time to observe and listen, kids can teach us a lot. Here is a wonderful true-to-life illustration of what I am saying. It seems a frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and his 4-year-old grandson. He trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his steps faltered. The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon and onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about Grandfather,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The 4-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The 4-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Here is a clear-cut case where “out of the mouth of a babe” came words that made a difference in this family’s life.
My friend, regardless of your age, if that does not touch you, you are pretty insensitive. I am grateful to David Hankins, my 86-year-old friend who shared this with me. Fortunately, he has a wonderful family to take care of him, along with his wife Hazel. As I write this, Hazel is in the hospital suffering from a broken neck she suffered from a fall in their apartment and David must have dialysis three times each week to prolong his life.
In these days when people in our country are living much longer, it would be wise for each of us to access our situation with regards to our parents, grandparents and other loved ones and do our best to assist them in meeting their needs. In the case of the grandfather in the story, his physical needs were being met, but what he also needed was understanding, love and compassion. If we live long enough, we will all be there.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 933 THE END OF AN ERA!

No. 933

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE END OF AN ERA!

Sometimes the end of an era can be a very sad thing, especially if it marked the end of a very special time in your life. Such was the case for me when I learned that back on Dec. 12, 2009, the Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, Mo., closed its doors for good.
If you are less than 50 years of age you probably won’t remember, or relate, to what I am going to say, but I hope you take a stroll with me down memory lane. For most of us in the older generation, the names of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans bring back memories when life and values were much simpler in our country. However, the mighty Mississippi keeps rolling along. This is another way of saying that we can’t hold back the clock and while memories help us to relive the past, the present is the only time we have.
Roy Rogers’ real name was Leonard Franklin Slye, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 5, 1911. He worked on his family’s farm until 1929, when he packed up a guitar he bought for $20 and headed for Hollywood. As he says, “You couldn’t beg, borrow or steal a job in 1931. It was really tough.” But he survived and thrived. He worked as a truck driver, peach picker and country singer, forming a band called Sons of the Pioneers. He enjoyed moderate success, appearing on Los Angeles radio. His big break came in 1937 when he snuck onto the lot of Republic Pictures and landed a $75 a week contract.
It was while making the 1944 film “The Cowboy and the Senorita” that he met Dale Evans. They married three years later, 14 months after Roy’s first wife, Arlene, died. Through the 1940s and into the 1950s his career rode the crest of an incredible wave. For 12 straight years he was the No. 1 Western star at the box office in a magazine poll of theatre operators. In films and TV, Roy Rogers’ style of entertainment followed his theme song “Happy Trails.” He played the good guy who would shoot the gun out of the villain’s hand, rather than shooting and wounding the villain.
And then there was his horse Trigger, who reached heights of popularity paralleling that of his famous rider. Billed as the “smartest horse in the movies,” Trigger often received billing over Dale Evans. Trigger appeared in all the 100-plus films and TV shows in which Rogers starred. When the horse died in 1964 at age 33, he was stuffed and remained a fixture at Roy and Dale’s museum in Apple Valley, Calif. The couple spent their later years greeting fans at the museum and enjoying life with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 1993 they were honored for their humanitarian efforts. At the end of his life, the Rogers’ estate was valued at more than $100 million. He died July 6, 1998, at 86 years of age.
The museum would later be moved to Branson to be operated by their son. Rogers left instructions that if the museum ever lost money to close it and sell the contents, which included most of the memorabilia from all those years of acting and singing. Because of his widespread notoriety and popularity, many of the items brought large sums of money. Roy’s 1964 Bonneville sold for $254,000; a collection of signed baseball bats sold for $2,750; many of his shirts for $16,250; and one of his cowboy hats sold for $13,750.
If you are not impressed, you will be when I tell you that Trigger’s saddle and bridle sold for $386,500. Not bad for just horsing around. Many of the other items brought big money as well. Happy Trails to all of you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 934 THE POWER OF THE UNSEEN GOVERNMENT!

No. 934

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF THE UNSEEN GOVERNMENT!

Can you remember your first real job and how much you were paid for doing it? Well, I can, almost as though it was yesterday. It was chopping cotton for 10 hours a day in a little community called Olyphant, Jackson County, Arkansas, which is just north of Possum Grape, where my folks lived at the time. The going rate was $4 per day. I lasted four days. When I got paid and had those 16 brand new one dollar bills I thought I was rich, which sounds better than died and gone to Heaven. At the time, 1947, I was 9 years of age and I can still remember how long those days were and how hot I got before quitting time.
I share this simply to make a point. When you work hard for your money and get paid for doing a job, you know the value of that money. In between the time when I write these columns, I do a great deal of reading and research, and when you see large numbers on paper that represents money, you don’t have the same perspective as when you earn it by the sweat of your brow. When you think about our national debt being over $17 trillion, it is almost impossible to comprehend or calculate that figure, yet it is easy to read and easy to say. I just wonder how many 10-hour days at $4 a day it would take to reach that number?
If you will allow me to use this personal example to place things in context, I want to talk with you about something that affects our lives each and every day, this being the power of the unseen government. There is another word or term we use frequently to describe the unseen government, and that word is bureaucracy. It’s been said that office holders come and go, but the bureaucracy goes on forever. When you consider that there are almost three million federal employees who earn an average of $76,000 a year, you begin to get the picture.
These people and their programs have to be paid from taxes, borrowed money from other governments or from fiat money (fiat money is generated by the printing press). I want to give you some numbers from a fantastic book I am reading for the third time titled, “A Time for Truth” by William E. Simon, secretary of the United States Treasury from 1974 to 1977. If you think the numbers were staggering back then in terms of the costs of running the government, just think about what they are today. Now, believe it or not, it is not the cost of running the government that is doing the most harm but rather the massive costs of government regulations that is doing us in. Of course, these costs are always passed on to the consumer, which makes us uncompetitive in the world marketplace.
In 1975, the interest on the federal debt was $38 billion. Interest on the debt had nearly tripled in just one decade and had become the third largest item in the federal budget after transfer payments -- redistribution of wealth programs -- and defense. A good example of the cost of government regulations can be seen in the construction of a nuclear power plant. Because of excessive regulations, construction in the United States has been slowed to 11 years as compared to four and a half years in Europe and Japan.
Now, fast forward to 2011 when regulatory rules cover 169,000 pages and more than 10 new ones are added every day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. This year, Congress passed 81 new laws while government agencies issued 3,807 new regulations.
The Competitive Enterprise Institute, a Washington think-tank made this statement: If there ever was an example of government without the consent of ANYONE -- this is it. We all need to get better informed, don’t you think?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 935 THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME!

No. 935

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME!

For those in my generation (and perhaps yours as well), I believe I can safely say that mothers are pretty special people. I know mine is. She is almost 91 years of age and is in a local nursing home here in Conway.
A while back a friend sent me something titled, “I Owe My Mother,” that contained a lot of wisdom and was pretty humorous at the same time. As I share these thoughts please think about your own mother and see if any of them bring back some memories.
1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. “If you are going to kill each other, do it outside… I just finished cleaning.” 2. My mother taught me religion. “You had better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about time travel. “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.” 4. My mother taught me logic. “Because I said so, that’s why.” 5. My mother taught me more logic. “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.” 6. My mother taught me foresight. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me irony. “Keep crying and I will give you something to cry about.” 8. My mother taught me about the science of osmosis. “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.” 9. My mother taught me about contortion-ism. “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?” 10. My mother taught me about stamina. “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.” 11. My mother taught me about weather. “This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about hypocrisy. “If I have told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate.” 13. My mother taught me the circle of life. “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.” 14. My mother taught me about behavior modification. “Stop acting like your father.” 15. My mother taught me about envy. “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about anticipation. “Just wait till we get home.” 17. My mother taught me about receiving. “You are going to get it when you get home.” 18. My mother taught me about medical science. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.” 19. My mother taught me about ESP. “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?” 20. My mother taught me about humor. “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.” 21. My mother taught me about how to become an adult. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me about genetics. “You’re just like your father.” 23. My mother taught me about my roots. “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?” 24. My mother taught me wisdom. “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.” (And here is my favorite): 24. My mother taught me about justice. “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.” Then the author makes this observation, and I don’t know how old she was: “Only you folks my age will understand these profound statements!”
But there is one missing that everyone, regardless of age, can relate to. “Do you want me to stop this car?” And here is a final thought from me. The Bible says the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Certainly we should have a healthy fear of the Lord but also understand that He loves us. Many of these sayings handed down from one generation to the next can teach us a lot.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 936 LIVING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

No. 936

The Next Password is Ham

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD!

For the past several months, before I get out of bed in the morning usually around 4 a.m., it has become my custom to say out loud, “Lord, you are so good to me.” This attitude of gratitude helps me start my day on a positive note. I also find something else that helps: when someone asks me how I am doing is to respond by saying, “Fantastic.” So far no one has asked me to explain what I mean. To be honest, most people except for family members and a few close friends really don’t want to know how we are doing, because they don’t want to hear our problems. They have more of their own than they can handle.
When I began to think about my topic today, “Living Positive in a Negative World,” these thoughts came to mind. I believe you will agree that with so much negative news in today’s world, it is very difficult to stay positive even most of the time. If you keep up with the news at all you know the terrible carnage that is taking place in the Middle East day after day; the ongoing scandals in Washington by those elected to represent us; the national debt that boggles the mind; the massive fires, floods and tornadoes that cost countless human lives and untold millions of dollars in damage.
Locally there are reports of murders, robberies, graft and corruption by elected officials, and from my perspective it seems to be getting worse and not better. Unless you completely tune these things out, and many do, you know that our world and our nation are in a mess. I can say with complete certainty that being uninformed is not the answer. We must stay informed, especially when it comes to those who we elect to represent us, because with the right leadership there can be a better day for our children and grandchildren. I am old enough to have lived during a time when we did not have many of these problems, at least on the same scale. During these times a man’s word was his bond.
While I have no way of knowing who you are or how you are doing, and I do care, I want to share a few suggestions that may help you cope with living in a negative world. The first thing is to realize that, as a unique individual, we are either a part of the solution or we are a part of the problem. We should do our very best at what we do, as this attitude will bring us real personal satisfaction. We should slow down and appreciate the beautiful world that God has created for us to enjoy. We should seek out positive people to be around and spend our time with them. If we work with negative people and have to be around them, be pleasant and do not engage in gossip or negative banter, as this will only serve to pull us down to their level.
We should count our blessings and realize that we are truly unique, as there is no other person in the world exactly like us. We should look for the good in other people and make them genuinely feel special, as this is the best way to make new friends. We should take steps to relieve stress in our lives by getting our finances in order (debt causes stress), getting plenty of exercise (as this adds to longevity), and eating nutritious, well-balanced meals in the proper amounts (as this, along with exercise, will help to maintain our proper weight).
And, finally, here is something that helps me a great deal and it may help you as well. Just realize there are some things you can do something about and there are some things you can’t. Resolve to spend your time on those opportunities you can do something about. It’s the only way to be productive. Be an active person and give back to others. When we waste our time we are wasting our lives.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The Next Password is Ham

NO. 911 IT'S A MAN THING!

No. 911

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S A MAN THING!

A lot of people these days are interested in genealogy and spend a lot of time doing research on the family tree. Not me. When I learned many years ago that my father left Kentucky in 1919, running from the Grand Jury for shooting craps on Sunday, I lost all interest in doing a lot of research to find out where my ancestors came from. I am just happy to be who I am, and have no problem letting the past stay buried.
However I have wondered over the years if I might be part Scottish because I love to hear bagpipe music, especially when the bagpipers play “Amazing Grace.” These thoughts came to mind a few days ago when a reader sent me an article about a man who was an excellent bagpipe player. The article turned out to be quite humorous and also contained a sidebar about the nature of many men.
First the sidebar -- it will set the stage for the article and will make it come alive in your mind. For many years as an outside salesman, I would visit a strange town or city and have the address of a prospect and thought I would have no problem finding his or her place of business. Keep in mind this was back before the days of technology and a sweet female voice who would say, “Turn right here.” Quite often I would drive around for 10 to 15 minutes and finally realize that I was lost. At this point I would stop and ask someone for directions, which is what I should have done in the first place. If you have ever done this or been with some man who has done this, you will relate to what I am saying.
Now, to the article: “As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper’s cemetery in the back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn’t stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.
I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault was already in place. I didn’t know what else to do so I started to play. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for the man who had no family and friends. I played like I have never played before for this homeless man. And as I played “Amazing Grace,” the workers began to weep. They wept. I wept. We all wept together.
When I finished I picked up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, ‘I never seen nothing like that before and I have been putting in septic tanks for over 20 years’. Apparently, I’m still lost…it’s a man thing.”
While I am not sure what his name is, I am indebted to this man who has such a wonderful sense of humor. We would all do well, men and women, to not take ourselves too seriously.
While I don’t know about you, I am grateful for the many blessings and opportunities we have in this great country. We need to focus on the enduring values and the “can-do” work ethic that has given us the greatest standard of living in the history of the world. It took me many years to realize this, but the only way to truly live is to give to others. We should always strive to do the right thing. Trust me, this is the only thing that has a bright future.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 912 RACISM IS JUST PLAIN WRONG!

No. 912

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

RACISM IS JUST PLAIN WRONG!

One of the things that unnecessarily rips at the very fabric of our society is something we call racism. This word simply means that some people think they are superior to others because of the color of their skin. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you now feel, or have ever felt this way, I believe what I am going to share in this column will be helpful. The roots of racism go far back in our nation’s history, but a few weeks ago I was reminded of the era when attitudes began to change. While we still have a ways to go, dignity has been restored, or made real, to the downtrodden, and that’s a good thing. One thing I can tell you for sure is that racism is just plain wrong -- it always has been and always will be.
One morning when I could not sleep, I flipped the channel to our state’s educational television network. They were airing a documentary titled, “Unearthing the Dream,” written and produced by filmmaker Pam Uzzell. It chronicled the events leading up to and including the integration of the Malvern, Arkansas, schools. As I watched, my early childhood flashed before me because I came from an era where the same conditions were present in the small town in Southeast Arkansas where I grew up. Up until the time when they integrated, children of the colored people in this town attended the all-black A.A. Wilson School. Using very inferior supplies and buildings, they had developed a model school with a solid academic program, an award-winning band and a championship football team. They had pride that ran deep.
These people had their own business community, along with good-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector, and life was good for most of them. However, this changed in 1968 when the order was given to integrate. You can imagine the fear and trepidation for the first black children to attend the formerly all-white schools. There was one scene in the film that I remembered when a young black boy was in the local drugstore that had a policy of selling to blacks but they could not be served at the soda fountain. This young boy did not know the rules, and he learned that an ice cream cone was only 5 cents. He was in luck, or so he thought, because he had 12 cents.
He had seen a white child order a particular flavor and he decided that was what he wanted. When he ordered his cone, the druggist said, “We don’t serve your kind.” The black boy said, “Yes you do, see it’s right there” and pointed to the flavor he wanted. Again the druggist said, “We don’t serve your kind.” You see, the boy was talking about the flavor but the druggist was talking about the color of his skin. While very simple, that is one of the best examples of racism that I have run across in a long time.
Now, back to what I said earlier about my childhood. I grew up in one of thousands of small communities in the South that had similar policies. I graduated from high school in 1956, several years before school integration was in full swing. My parents operated a small restaurant and we had one side for “Whites” and another side for “Colored.” We had separate, but equal, schools, which was really a joke.
Some of the very finest people I know are African-American. These people have sterling character and they are my friends. Racism is based on one or more of these three things in varying degrees: ignorance, prejudice and hatred. When you find someone who is a racist, you will find the reason in my last statement. We should always use common sense when going into areas where ignorance, prejudice and hatred abound, because we can sure get in trouble or even lose our life. On the other hand, this has nothing to do with the color of a person’s skin but more by those who taught them, loved them or provided hope for a better life. I repeat, racism is just plain wrong.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 913 JUST COLOR ME SQUARE!

No. 913

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JUST COLOR ME SQUARE!

When I was growing up, we had a label for kids who would not go along with some of the habits and antics other kids practiced on a regular basis. We called them square. You remember those days? While I was never an angel, I was not a square either. I was definitely part of the “in” crowd, but in those days the worst of it was some of the kids going to a nearby community that was in a wet county and having a beer. In addition to having a beer now and then, many of these same kids, plus others, smoked and used vulgar language. We also had several girls who had a reputation for being promiscuous. Sadly, boys were given a pass. I never drank and didn’t smoke, so you can see what’s left.
It’s right here that I would like to make another valid point. These days I never hear of anyone being called a square. Do you? Maybe they do and I just don’t hear it. I believe the reason you seldom hear this is because nowadays everything goes. It is called the “new normal” -- the vast majority of kids do it, whatever the habit or behavior happens to be, and you could add a number of other things to my earlier list. Back then we did not have drugs (other than alcohol) to deal with. I have never taken drugs of any kind in my whole life, other than those prescribed by a doctor or sold over the counter. In one way kids have not changed, they still want to be in. I shudder when I think of the choices they are faced with today.
Here is the reason for my sharing this with you, and upfront I am going to confess to being a square. Looking back, I have worked with kids in one way or another for more than 40 years, and I believe most kids today want more authority, discipline and structure in their lives. A case in point is our local Junior ROTC program at our public high school. For the past several years, the cadets in this program have presented the “colors” for our annual Bookcase Awards Ceremony. They do a great job. There is a waiting list of more than 300 students who would like to get in the program but cannot because of the lack of resources to hire additional personnel.
In case you don’t know, this program definitely features authority, discipline and structure. This leads to me to say that most kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for being. What I would like to present now is something a reader sent me titled, “The Old Paths” that comes from my generation. See if you don’t agree that our country would be far better off if more of us practiced these things. It begins, “I liked the old paths when moms were at home. Dads were at work. Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married BEFORE having children. Crime did not pay; hard work did; and people knew the difference.
“Moms could cook; Dads would work; children would behave. Husbands loved; wives were supportive; and children were polite. Women wore the jewelry; and men wore the pants. Women looked like ladies; men looked like gentlemen; and children looked decent. People loved the truth, and hated a lie. They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT. Hymns sounded Godly; sermons sounded helpful; rejoicing sounded normal; and crying sounded sincere. Cursing was wicked; drugs were for illness. The flag was honored; America was beautiful; and God was welcome. We read the Bible in public; prayed in school; and preached from house to house. To be called an American was worth dying for; to be called an American was worth living for; to be called a traitor was a shame! I still like the old paths best.”
To this I can only say, “Just color me square.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 914 ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMPS!

No. 914

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMPS!

One morning a few weeks ago, the phone rang here in my office and it was Debbie Young, children’s pastor for the Pottsville Assembly of God church. This is in Pottsville, Ark., about 40 miles north of Conway on Interstate 40.
Debbie called to ask if I might be interested in speaking at the annual banquet for the Royal Family Kids Camps, the nation’s largest camp network for foster children. Debbie spearheaded this most important ministry here in our area several years ago. They were interested in me being their speaker because I have a good number of loyal readers in the nearby Russellville Courier newspaper, and she felt at least a couple of them might want to come hear me.
I had never heard of this organization, but when she told me more about it and the purpose, I knew it was something of which I wanted to be a part. A few days later some literature arrived in the mail and I read every bit of it. To put it mildly, I was impressed. Based in Santa Ana, Calif., and founded in 1985 by Wayne and Diane Tesch, these camps are literally coast to coast and in almost every state. Some states have multiple camps that dot the landscape. If you love children and have empathy for those who are abused, abandoned and neglected, you may find an opportunity for service that you have never even thought about until today when you read this column.
The Pottsville ministry is called “Royal Family Kids” and the campground is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of North Arkansas. The 40 foster children who are invited each year are referred to them by the Department of Human Services, the Division of Children and Family Services. The camp is a resident camp that lasts a full five days and is packed with more fun than they could ever imagine. Here is the part that impresses me. Royal Family Kids Camp is made possible each year by the generous donations from individuals and churches in the surrounding area. Of course Russellville, being a much larger community, contributes more than their share of the support. This past year they had 16 different churches involved, not only supporting the camp financially but also supplying many of the staff members and counselors, who are all volunteers.
One of their supporters, Circuit Judge Ken Coker Jr., really puts it in perspective. He said, “Royal Family Kids Camp is a small taste of heaven for children who have known nothing but heartache, pain and loneliness. This camp gives these children an all-too-brief glimpse of the marvelous possibilities that can await them in life in this world and lets them know they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and will always be there for them.” Because I truly believe in the purpose and what they are doing for these children, God blessed me that evening, and my remarks were well received at the banquet.
One of the things I had not thought about before this evening is that many of these foster children quite often have a bonding with one of the leaders, who later winds up going through the adoption process. Needless to say, a staff member or camp leader (someone who is paying their own way and is there because they love children and want to give back to make our society a better place) is going to provide a much better home environment than someone who takes foster children for the money than can earn.
I made these comments at the end of my talk, and following the program, a young lady brought two beautiful girls up to meet me. She said, “This is what you were talking about. We adopted both of these girls.” I could tell they were happy.
If you have an interest in knowing more about this program, contact Debbie Young, Camp Director, P.O. Box 118, Pottsville, Arkansas, or call 479-967-2715.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 915 THE EVOLUTION OF TEACHING MATH!

No. 915

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE EVOLUTION OF TEACHING MATH!

We have all heard the saying that everything is relative. This is true, as the development of the concept of “relativity” is what American physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) is best known for. Here is what he had to say about mathematics, something we all deal with every day of our lives. “Mathematics deals exclusively with the relations of concepts to each other without consideration of their relation to experience.” This leads logically to another saying, “The best teacher is experience.”
The concept of mathematics or simply “math” goes from the basic addition, subtraction, division and multiplication that we all learned in school, to the more advanced subjects of algebra, calculus and trigonometry.
When I was in school, I learned the basics but was as lost as a ball in the high weeds when it came to the more advanced courses. If I had algebra I don’t remember it, and if I passed that would have been a miracle. Of course, in smaller schools back then they did not offer advanced courses like calculus and trigonometry. What I did learn back then has served me well over the years because I became very proficient in addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Even now I use the multiplication tables to great advantage, and can also handle fractions.
However, when it comes to math, let’s face it: some people are good at handling numbers while others struggle because of personal interest and how our mind works. This is why some people become accountants and others become salesmen or saleswomen. One thing we can all agree on: it’s important to know the basics to be able to function in today’s society.
Here is an important question we should all consider: do you think a good percentage of today’s high school graduates have mastered the basics, when it comes to using math in their everyday life, other than being able to scan a credit card?
In relation to this I want to pass along something a friend sent me recently titled, “Years of Math 1950 – 2013.” This would be humorous if not so serious as it relates to real life. It begins. “Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there holding the nickel and three pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.
“Why are things like this happening every day across America? The answer will come as we look at the evolution of teaching math since the 1950s. #1.1950s - A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit? #2. 1960s – A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit? #3. 1970s – A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit? # 4. 1980s – A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: underline the number 20. # 5. 1990s – A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing about the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of his way of making a living? #6. 2009 – Sorry it’s in Spanish and I can’t read it. #7. 2013 – Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor because he needs to share with you.” As I said earlier, this may be humorous but it’s still sad. Here is the good news. We CAN do better.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 948 THE NATIONAL DEBT IN PERSPECTIVE!

No. 948

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE NATIONAL DEBT IN PERSPECTIVE!

My good friend Joe Heird, who retired after 40-plus years with the federal government, gave me something recently that really helped to place our national debt in perspective. Anyone in our country who is halfway informed knows that our national debt is now more than $17 trillion. Almost from the time I started writing this column back in 1995, I began to inform, or even warn, my readers that one of the major problems facing our nation was the ever-increasing debt we were incurring. I don’t have a degree in economics, or anything else for that matter, but I just know that the same principles for managing money on a personal level apply to our local, state and national governments as well. It’s very simple. If you spend more than you take in, you are going in debt that sooner or later must be paid.
When we begin to talk about debt, we know that all we have to do is add zeros to go from million to billion to trillion. When we say those words it’s not much difference in the amount of effort it takes to say them. Please repeat after me, “million, billion and trillion.” See how easy that is? But, what a difference each of these words means when we talk about being in debt to someone, some other country or another creditor. Here is what Joe said that really got me to thinking and is the best way I have ever seen to help the American people realize what we are leaving for our children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, for generations to come. I am not sure of Joe’s source, but knowing him, he has checked it out and it’s reliable. What someone has done is take these three terms and translated them into seconds.
Here is how it shakes out. A million seconds is 12 days, a billion seconds is 31 years and a trillion seconds is 31,688 years. Now, you think about what I have just said, and realize our nation is now more than $17 trillion in debt. I might add, the interest each year on our debt is more than $500 billion. That is money we are giving to someone else (our major lender is China) and we could be using that money to provide services to our own people and to rebuild our economy. What I am going to say from this point forward is personal, but it is offered without partisan politics or any other motive involved, and only meant to enable our nation to get back on a solid financial footing.
It all begins with truly understanding the problem. Once the majority of our citizens can do that, we can begin to take steps to correct it. It is just human nature to want something for nothing, especially if we think what we are getting is not hurting anyone else. But what many people fail to realize is that we can and will always take care of those who have a real need, but those people who cheat, lie and abuse our system must be cut off or eliminated. Instead of giving people in the latter group “something for nothing,” we must devise a system of built-in incentives that encourage success through hard work, honesty, integrity, self-reliance and being of service to others.
There is no doubt that we live in uncertain times, but I still believe America is the greatest nation in the history of mankind, and that our people will overcome the adversity that seeks to list us among the also-rans. Abraham Lincoln probably said it best, “America will never be defeated from the outside. If we fall and lose our freedom, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 949 A THREAT TO U.S. PROSPERITY!

No. 949

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A THREAT TO U.S. PROSPERITY!

Over the past several months and years, our nation’s leaders have been grappling with major issues such as a nuclear threat from Iran, the death of four Americans in Benghazi, the war in Syria, radical Islam, and Operation Fast and Furious. On the domestic front, issues such as Obamacare, the national debt, illegal immigration, entitlement programs and gun control dominate the headlines of our major newspapers, television newscasts and talk shows. However, flying below the radar is another issue that, over time, may be even more devastating than those I have mentioned. It is an issue that is eating away at our nation’s economic security.
In a recent article in Bloomberg News titled, “Lack of literacy threatens U.S. prosperity,” writer Clive Crook chronicles our demise in skills that are critical to be able to compete in the world marketplace. All of us know we no longer have a national economy. We have a world economy and we are competing for markets where we buy and sell our products and services. Hopefully you will consider what I am going to share to be of interest, because it does affect you and your family. Here is what Clive Crook has discovered and reported:
“The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has just published the first results from an exhaustive international survey of skills. It’s the most authoritative project of its kind — a huge undertaking, comparing adults’ proficiency in literacy, numeracy (anything to do with numbers) and problem solving across the organization’s member countries. The survey measures the quality of human capital, one of the critical drivers for long-term economic success. The U.S. performance in these rankings is pitiful. The average literacy score for Americans ages 16 to 65 places the United States 18th out of 22 participating countries. In numeracy, the U.S. ranks 20th out of 22. In “problem solving in technology rich environments” – a measure of the capacity to interact productively with computers—the U.S. comes in 14th out of 19.
“These results are quite good when compared with adults ages 16 to 24. In literacy, young Americans rank 20th out of 22, and in problem solving 19th out of 19. Young Americans have slid to the bottom of the rankings mainly because young adults in other countries are doing much better than their predecessors did, whereas their American counterparts aren’t. The fact remains that the capacities of the U.S. labor force are consistently well below average, and those of the young segment rank dead last.
“One striking result in the study is that skill, or lack of skill, in numeracy, literacy and problem solving tend to go together. A disturbingly high proportion of young Americans therefore lack the ability to break out of a vicious circle of incapacity. If you struggle to read, do simple arithmetic and interact with the Internet, your possibilities for meaningful self-improvement are minimal and could condemn you to economic insecurity, long-term unemployment and low wages.”
Mr. Crook’s final comment should be worth serious consideration. “This is what a grave economic problem — a clear and present danger to U.S. prosperity and social cohesion —looks like. Perhaps when Washington tires of dealing with crises entirely of its own devising, it might give the real thing a moment’s thought.”
Now, I ask you, is the “Bookcase for Every Child” project important to our nation’s future?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 950 GEMS FROM THE LATE ANDY ROONEY

No. 950

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GEMS FROM THE LATE ANDY ROONEY!

One of my all-time favorite TV personalities was the late Andy Rooney, who was a fixture on the CBS Television news program “60 Minutes” from 1978 until a few months before his death in 2011. He was 92 when he died. This brushy eye-browed old man who often came across as a curmudgeon, but was really not, could say more in four or five minutes than most people can say in an hour. Like most people of his stature, he left behind some great gems or truisms in the form of “Things I have learned,” and I would like to share a few of them with you today. Even if you have never heard of him, see if you don’t agree.
I have learned, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” I have learned “That when you are in love, it shows.” I have learned “That just one person saying to me, ‘you have made my day!’ makes my day. I have learned “That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.” I have learned “That being kind is more important than being right.” I have learned “That you should never say no to a gift from a child.” I have learned “That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.”
I have learned “That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.” I have learned “That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.” I have learned “That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights, when I was a child, did wonders for me as an adult.” I have learned “That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” I have learned “That we should be glad when God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.” I have learned “That money doesn’t buy class.”
I have learned “That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.” I have learned “That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.” I have learned “That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.” I have learned “That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.” I have learned “That love, not time, heals all wounds.” I have learned “That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.” I have learned “That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.” I have learned “That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.” I have learned “That life is tough, but I’m tougher.” I have learned “That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.”
I have learned “That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.” I have learned “That I wish I could have told my mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.” I have learned “That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.” I have learned “That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.” I have learned “That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” I have learned “That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.”
Well, that’s it. I believe you will agree that Andy Rooney was quite a man. More than anything he made those of us who were his fans think, and that is a very good thing.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 951- THE COMMUNITY AT WORK

No. 951

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE COMMUNITY AT WORK!

In addition to being solid spiritual food, the Bible is replete with concepts and principles that, when properly understood, can mean the difference between success and failure, wealth and poverty, happiness and misery and a more hopeful and optimistic future.
One of these principles can be found in Acts 20:35, when the Apostle Paul had this to say, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.” I dare say that millions of people in the world do not truly understand this principle and what it means.
Most people, by human nature, want all they can get for themselves and do not understand that to have, we must first give. As founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project, one of the greatest blessings I have ever had took place back on Feb. 9, 2014. On this date, more than 450 people assembled at the First United Methodist Church here in my community to celebrate “World Thinking Day.” This is an international program of Girl Scouts, and the theme for this year was “education opens doors for all girls and boys.”
Several weeks before this event I was contacted by Susan Eggert, a volunteer with the Faulkner County Girl Scouts. Susan wanted to know if our bookcase project may have an interest in the local Girl Scout troops collecting pre-school children’s books for our project. I told her we would be honored to have them. She then asked if we could have a representative to be present at this event to receive the books. As I understand it, they have 42 troops in the county and they offered cash prizes for the troops who collected the most books. Would you believe that when the books were counted at the event, these girls had collected 2,305 books? The winners were Troop #6711 - 36 books per scout and a $100 prize; #6254 - 34 books and a $75 prize; #6615 - 24 books and a $50 prize; #6717 - 20 books and a $25 prize.
I share this not only to praise and honor these Girl Scouts for their good work but also to demonstrate that this was truly the community at work. This is just one of many reasons our community is a fantastic place to live, because countless other groups and individuals also understand the principle that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. Should you live in another community where this column runs each week, I bet you have a lot of this type of activity going on there as well. If you don’t, why not be the catalyst to start projects that will benefit the less fortunate in your midst.
The 2,305 books these Girl Scouts collected will meet our needs for several years and we will also be able to share with other Bookcase for Every Child projects in our county. Our goal is to begin the Vilonia Bookcase Project this year and this will make every town of any size having their own bookcase project. This is a simple concept -- people giving back to help those in need, and it can be duplicated county by county (or parishes in Louisiana) throughout the United States of America.
Should you have a problem with illiteracy in your county or community, why not give this some thought. Over time, this can make a tremendous difference to the people in need, and to the long-range good where you live, work and play. This is what I mean by “The Community at Work.” From my perspective, it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 952 - THE BEAUTY OF DISTILLED WISDOM

No. 952

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEAUTY OF DISTILLED WISDOM!

There is a wonderful verse in the Bible found in Proverbs 9:10 that says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One, is understanding.” The person who truly understands and applies this verse to life’s challenges is indeed wise, and this knowledge can serve as the foundation for a truly happy and successful life. One of the qualities that most often distinguish the person who is wise is the way he uses his native tongue or simply (now moving from the singular to plural) the way we speak. We all know people who can say more in five minutes than others can say in an hour.
A classic example of this took place back on Nov. 19, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. You know the one that begins, “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers ….” On that day, the famed orator Edward Everett had been selected as the principal speaker for the occasion to dedicate the battlefield at Gettysburg. After rising to his feet, he gave a two-hour speech prior to President Lincoln’s remarks. Following Everett’s address, the president’s text was a scant three paragraphs and took less than 10 minutes to deliver. When he finished he thought he was a failure. It was only later, after his remarks had been examined, that it was proclaimed to be one of the world’s great masterpieces, as literature and as a statement of democracy.
When this happens, and we see it often in our society today, the result is distilled wisdom -- or simply speaking the truth, saying a lot, and doing so in a relatively short period of time. Recently, a friend sent me a short document that contains 10 practical sayings that we can all use in our daily lives. Please allow me to share them and see if you don’t agree that they qualify as distilled wisdom.
No. 1 - Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a “steering wheel” that directs the right path throughout.
No. 2 - So why is a car’s windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small? It is because our past is not as important as our future. So, look ahead and move on.
No. 3 - Friendship is like a book. It takes only a few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
No. 4 - All things in life are temporary. If it is going well, enjoy it, that won’t last long. If it’s going badly, don’t worry, that won’t last long either.
No. 5 - Old friends are gold! New friends are diamond! If you get a diamond, don’t forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!
No. 6 - Often when we have lost hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, “Relax, sweetheart, it’s just a bend, not the end!
No. 7 – When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn’t solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.
No. 8 – A blind person once asked St. Anthony, “Can there be anything worse than losing one’s eye sight? He replied, “Yes, losing your vision!”
No. 9 – When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; sometimes when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
No. 10 – Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.
As we end our time today, I believe you will agree that these 10 practical and helpful sayings contain some distilled wisdom. A good habit to develop would be to always think before we speak or write, and express our thoughts in a more concise and meaningful way.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 953 - I HEAR A TRAIN A'COMIN!

No. 953

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I HEAR A TRAIN A’COMIN!

The late Johnny Cash (1932-2003) was born in my home state of Arkansas, and during his musical career he had many great hits, including one of my favorites titled “Folsom Prison Blues.”
This song begins with these words, “I hear a train a comin’, it’s rolling round the bend, and I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know when. I’m stuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin’ on … down to San Antone.” To be sure, trains and railroad tracks have played an important role in our nation’s history. Awhile back I ran across some very interesting information about railroad tracks (and you can’t have trains running around the country if you don’t have tracks) that is not common knowledge. Some of it may be of interest to you.
For starters, did you know that the U.S. Standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches? That is an odd number but why was that gauge used? Well, to answer that question and many more, if you will come I want to take you all the way back to the Roman Empire and show you how the ancient Romans influenced the way railroad tracks are built in our nation today. To begin, the reason for this gauge is because that is the way they built them in England, and English expatriates designed the U.S. railroads.
You may ask, why did the English build them like that? It is because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that is the gauge they used. Again, you may ask, why did they use that gauge then? It is because the same jigs and tools were used for the building wagons, which used that wheel spacing. Again, you may ask, why did the wagons have that particular odd wheel spacing? The answer for the English was very simple. If they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England, because that is the spacing for the wheel ruts.
And this begs another question. Who built those old rutted roads? Now, stick with me because we are almost there. Imperial Rome built the first long distance roads in Europe (including England) for their legions. Those roads have been used ever since. And who made the ruts in the roads? Roman war chariots formed the initial ruts, which everyone else has to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing.
Therefore, the United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is derived from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot. And here is the interesting part – it seems bureaucracies live forever. So the next time you are handed a specification procedure, or process, and wonder, “What horse’s ____ came up with this?” you may be exactly right. Imperial Roman army chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the rear ends of two war horses.
Now, here is an unusual twist to the story: When you see a space shuttle sitting on the launch pad, you will notice there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. The boosters are made by Thiokol at their factory in Utah. Engineers who designed the solid rocket boosters would have preferred them to be a bit larger, but they had to come by train. The tracks run through a tunnel in the mountains and the SRBs had to fit through that tunnel. The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the track is about as wide as two horse’s behinds. So today, the design of a major shuttle was determined more than 2,000 years ago by the width of two horse’s behinds. So now you know.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 954 - THE SAGA OF THE REDNECK FARM KID!

No. 954

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SAGA OF THE REDNECK FARM KID!

It is not just by chance that some of my columns that get the most response are those that are just plain funny or at least humorous. Especially in today’s times, we all need a good laugh once in a while -- in fact I could use one several times each day. A friend sent me a story awhile back about the Redneck Farm Kid in the Marines. I truly enjoyed it and felt you might as well. It begins:
“Dear Ma & Pa, I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all the places are filled. I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer that all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. Men got to shave but it’s not so bad, there’s warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer that you can always sit by city slickers who live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again.
“It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much. We go on ‘route marches’ which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A ‘route march’ is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.
“This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting metals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges, they come in boxes. Then we have what they call ‘hand-to-hand combat training’. You get to wrestle them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home.
“I am about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6’ and 130 pounds and he’s 6’8’ and near 300 pounds dry. Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in. Your loving daughter, Alice.”
Well, I hope you at least cracked a smile when it was revealed that this Redneck was a girl. At this point I don’t want to be politically correct but there are some girls, or ladies, around that can sure hold their own with the guys.
You are no doubt aware that in recent years women, or ladies, have made a strong case for being able to serve in combat roles in the military. While I have not done a lot of research on this, I believe this is permissible in most branches of the service if they can pass the same tests and requirements as the men. Personally I would not want to hold a woman back if this was her heart’s desire and if she could pull her own weight, in the case of Alice, 130 pounds of body weight not heart weight.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 955 - PRECIOUS LORD; HOLD MY HAND!

No. 955

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PRECIOUS LORD; HOLD MY HAND!

If you have ever heard and appreciated the song “Precious Lord” reported to have been written and sung by Tommy Dorsey, the big band leader, you will enjoy a story I read about it some time ago. There is an unusual twist to this story and I will tell it to you at the end of the column.
The story begins, “Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie, and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago’s south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was the featured solo at a large revival meeting.
“I did not want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie goodbye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. When I got there and picked up my case, I had an uneasy feeling, but put it out of my mind.
“The next night in the St. Louis heat, the crowd called me back to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a small boy came up to me with a Western Union Telegram. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words, YOUR WIFE JUST DIED. When I finally got home, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy, yet that same night the baby had also died. For the next several days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice and I beat myself up unmercifully with words like, ‘If I had paid more attention to Him that day, I could have stayed and been with Nettie when she died’.
“The following Saturday evening a friend took me to Maloney’s Poro College, a neighborhood music school. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody. Once in my head the words just seemed to fall into place. ‘Precious Lord; take my hand, lead me on, let me stand. I am tired. I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home’. This was the birth of the song, ‘Precious Lord.’
“Without a doubt, the Lord gave me these words and melody. He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to his restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day when He will take me and gently lead me home.”
Now, here is the unusual twist that I promised to share regarding this song. While many people attribute the song “Precious Lord” to Tommy Dorsey, the big band leader, this is not true. From that era what many people do not know is that there were two Tommy Dorseys. Tommy Dorsey, the big band leader, was born Nov. 19, 1905, and was the brother of another big band leader, Jimmy Dorsey. Tommy, heavily sedated by sleeping pills following a big meal, choked to death on Nov. 26, 1956. On the other hand, Thomas Andrew Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Ga., on July 1, 1899, and there was a very easy way to tell them apart -- Tommy Dorsey, the big band leader was white, while Thomas “Tommy” Andrew Dorsey was black. They both made a real contribution to the music world.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 956 - A DAY LATE & DOLLAR SHORT!

No. 956

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DAY LATE & DOLLAR SHORT!

The famous American Poet Robert Frost (1875-1963) once said that education is “Hanging around until you have caught on.” This is certainly a true statement, but was probably more true back in his day than it is today. This is because far too many students all across our nation are truant. This is to say, far too many students are enrolled but not physically present, during the school day.
This has resulted in a controversy in at least one state, the Wolverine State of Michigan. Fuel was added to the fire when Rep. Andy Schor (D-Lansing) introduced a bill in the Michigan Legislature to take away the driver’s license of students who miss a certain number of school days.
As you can imagine, reaction came pouring in from educators, parents, business and civic leaders and others who are interested in students getting a quality education, not only in Michigan but in other states as well. While I don’t have any current information on how the legislation fared, because it is fluid, I would like to present my views on the idea of punishment for truancy, in this case taking away a student’s right to drive a motor vehicle. When I first heard of Rep. Schor’s bill, my first thought was, he is “a day late and a dollar short.” This is to say that it is a little bit late to try to force a student to be in school when they are old enough to legally be able to drive a truck or car.
It seems to me the logical way to approach this problem is to learn why so many students are truant these days. It just follows that when a particular student is absent a great number of days that he or she does not like school. In most cases the reason students do not like school is because they are failing, and of course there are a good number of other reasons as well. To continue this line of thinking, why are so many students failing? Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but the basic problem stems from lack of preparation in the early years of a student’s life. It always comes back to the home, and it is the responsibility of parents to nurture and prepare them for getting a good education.
As I have said countless times, reading quality material is the key to getting a good education, and parents can definitely help here. If students are not reading at grade level by the third grade, it is highly likely they will become a statistic. It is important here to note that we are talking about a relatively small number of students when it comes to total enrollment of any given school. While I have not done any research on this topic, I can almost guarantee you that the students who are most guilty of truancy are those who later get in trouble with the law. The students who fail in school are the ones we most often read about in the news be it illegal drugs, teen pregnancy, crime – categories too numerous to mention individually, and the ever-increasing prison population, that we all pay for through increased taxes.
It should be noted that Rep. Schor’s bill, introduced in Michigan, may be better than not doing anything because many students may attend more school days if they are faced with the prospect of losing their driver’s license. For me, here is the real question that should be the focus of every parent, every school, and every teacher: how do we make school so important, so interesting and so vital that all students will want to be there, for fear they will miss something? This is especially true for very young children, who are establishing study habits that will last them a lifetime. Parents read to them, from the cradle until they walk into school for the very first time.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 957 - THE TRUE PRICE OF FREEDOM!

No. 957

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TRUE PRICE OF FREEDOM!
If you were asked to define, in one word, the most precious possession we have in our nation, something we call freedom, what would it be? To be sure there are many words in the English language that come to mind, at least to my mind, like sacrifice, courage, valor and liberty. Of course there are many more.
However, on reflecting on this question at a deeper level, the one word that I believe best describes freedom is blood. It is the shed blood of all those who fought and died to preserve the very freedom that we enjoy today. And from my perspective, if we are to maintain the very freedom that was won and preserved for both the present and for our posterity, we must be ever vigilante.
If recent surveys and reports are true that up to 40 percent of the younger generation do not have a clue about how our nation’s freedom was won and preserved, we, who are in the older generation, need to get busy. While I have stated this many times in the past, I am reminded of that famous quote by President John F. Kennedy, “The great danger is not that the present generation will destroy our system, but that we won’t transmit it.” Something a friend sent me the other day reminded me of this. It was a whole series of photographs of a great number of cemeteries all across Europe showing the grave markers (yes, with crosses), and the number of brave American soldiers who were buried there.
If you have children and grandchildren, when you have a few minutes of quality time, why not sit down together and read the following names and numbers to them. You can also explain that these brave men and women, fighting to preserve our nation’s, shed their blood and died so they could be free. In alphabetical order, here are the names of the European cemeteries and the number of Americans who are buried there. I might add, in each case the American Flag proudly waves for all to see.
The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium – a total of 5,329. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France – a total of 4,410. The American Cemetery at Brookwood, England - a total of 468. The American Cemetery at Cambridge, England – a total of 3,812. The American Cemetery at Epinal, France – a total of 5,525. The American Cemetery at Florence, Italy – a total of 4,402. The American Cemetery at Henri-Chapelle, Belgium – a total of 7,992. The American Cemetery at Lorraine, France – A total of 10,489. The American Cemetery at Luxembourg – a total of 5,076. The American Cemetery in The Netherlands – a total of 8,301.
The American Cemetery at Normandy, France – a total of 9,387. The American Cemetery at Rhone, France – a total of 867. The American Cemetery at Sicily, Italy – a total of 7,861. The American Cemetery at Somme, France – a total of 1,844. The American Cemetery at St. Mihiel, France – a total of 4,153. The American Cemetery at Suresnes, France – a total of 1,541. These cemeteries plus others brings the count to 104,366 who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
While America is far from perfect, you can just ask yourself, how many French, Dutch, Italian, Belgian and British soldiers are buried on our soil? Of course the answer is none. Our nation has always been the protector of freedom, and this has often required the shedding of blood for a cause the vast majority of us believe in. We must teach this to our children if we are to remain free. Hope you are willing to go the extra mile.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 959 - HITTING THE TARGET FOR LITERACY!

No. 959

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HITTING THE TARGET FOR LITERACY!
A recently released Survey of Adult Skills by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows that adults in the United States, despite having higher than average levels of educational attainment have below average basic literacy and numeracy skills. The U.S. ranked 16th out of 23 countries in literacy proficiency, 21st in numeracy proficiency and 14th in problem solving in technology-rich environments. It is no secret that our nation has fallen terribly behind in motivating and teaching our citizens how to read, which is the most basic fundamental skill of all in terms of achieving success.
As the founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project, I am always looking for ideas and concepts that will help get this message across to more of our citizens and enlist the help of others who share my conviction. What I want to share in this column is a basic concept that I am calling “Hitting the Target for Literacy.” One of my basic convictions is that we must reach children at a very early age to get them hooked on reading, as opposed to other things they may get hooked on later. While we have a lot of gadgets on the market today, it is also my conviction that most of these can be counterproductive because they often distract young people from the most important task of learning to read.
Suffice it to say that an individual must learn to read regardless of the form in which the information is presented. The basic foundation for our project is that we “target” those who have the greatest need. Without a doubt, the children reared in low-income families are at the greatest risk of later dropping out of school or life, because they have few (if any) books in the home while growing up. A lady who owns a nursery school where she works with 4- and 5-year-olds told me that many children did not even know how to hold a book.
Here in our community we just presented our 500th personalized bookcase and a starter set of books to Head Start children, and we know that we are making a difference. Another foundational concept of our project is that we strongly believe that a community should hold an annual bookcase banquet fundraiser. We don’t need much money to conduct a local bookcase project, only enough to purchase the wood and supplies to build the bookcases. Everything else is “giving back” and this includes people donating quality, pre-school children’s books.
We will have our 7th annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet later this year. Others in our community, in addition to our great local committee, will help decorate the banquet room, work in the kitchen, contribute homemade desserts and provide the entertainment. On a rotating basis, students from three local high schools serve the meal. Since we started the project in 2005 and the banquets in 2007, we have had between 4,000 and 5,000 of our local people involved in one way or another. This concept creates an awareness of the project and gives everyone, and I do mean everyone, an opportunity to get involved.
While preparing our precious young people to enter our public schools involves so much more than simply giving them a bookcase and some books, this method does create a community awareness that, over time, begins to pay huge dividends. We now have more really good children’s books donated than we can use, because we only give a “starter set” of 10 to 12 books, and the idea is to have parents and grandparents give these children a book for special occasions as they begin to develop their very own personalized library. This is when it really begins to mean something. Again the idea is “Hitting the Target for Literacy.” Hope you will get involved.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 961 - ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?

No. 961

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?

The grand old man of General Motors, Charles F. Kettering (1876-1958), once said, “Change is the only thing that has brought progress.” I have no doubts that this is true, but change can also be very painful. It is however, the only constant in the universe, apart from the love of God, and we can choose to embrace it or resist it and be swept away by the rising tide.
As we look to an uncertain future, the experts have been so bold as to publish lists of various changes that loom on the horizon. I would like to share one such list with you today and see if you agree or disagree. There is one thing for sure, if these changes take place as predicted, they are going to disrupt the lives of millions of people, not only here in America but all across the world. There is no certain order but here are some of the changes that are predicted to come true.
No. 1: The Post Office. The US Postal System is so deeply mired in financial troubles there is probably no way to sustain it over the long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive.
No. 2: The Check. Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with the checks by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.
No. 3: The Newspaper. (Ouch) The younger generation simply doesn’t read the newspaper, especially the printed edition. As for reading the newspaper online, get ready to pay for it. There is much more to follow on this.
No. 4: The Book. I have said many times that I will never give up on the physical book that I can hold in my hands and turn the literal pages. However, when you consider that the cost of an online book is about half that of a real book and you think of the convenience, you can see this coming true, especially when you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book. Soon we will forget that we are holding a gadget instead of a book. P.S. My head librarian friend, Tina, says not in our lifetime. Is she right?
No. 5: The Land Line Telephone. We see this already happening, especially when you try to find someone listed in the telephone directory. Most people keep the old “land line” simply because they have always had it and even here change is coming, especially when you can call the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.
No. 6: Music. Now I am not into music, as many are, but the music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading, it’s the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem (they say).
No. 7: Television. That is hard to imagine but revenues to the networks are down dramatically, and not just because of the economy. Millions of people are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers.
No. 8: The “Things That You Own.” They say we will still have most of the things we have had in our lives but will not own them. You just pay a monthly fee and “bingo” there it is.
No. 9: Joined Handwriting. How many schools do you know that still teach cursive? This is because nearly everything is done on the computer or keyboard of some type.
No. 10: Privacy. That’s gone. There are cameras on the street, in buildings and built into your computer and cell phone. But don’t worry, because they will still try to get you to buy something else. Welcome to the real world.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 962 A MID-WEEK PICKER-UPPER!

No. 962

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS IRIS

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MID-WEEK PICKER-UPPER!

A few years ago my good friend Cliff Garrison invited me to attend a weekly prayer breakfast at his church. It took a while to get me there, but I have been going ever since. This prayer breakfast meets each Wednesday morning and Cliff calls it a good “Mid-Week Picker-Upper.” It is all of that and more. This is what I thought of when another friend sent me a great poem that was written back in 1927 and did not become widely popular until long after the author’s death. The author is American writer Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) and the poem titled “Desiderata” is now in the public domain.
In addition to the poem, I felt you might like to have a little background information. In 1956, the Rev. Frederick Kates, rector of St Paul’s Church in Baltimore, Md., included “Desiderata” in a compilation of devotional materials for his congregation. Later, when U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Adlai Stevenson died in 1965, a guest in his home found “Desiderata” near his bedside and discovered that Stevenson had planned to use it in his Christmas cards. This contributed further to the poem becoming widely known. On Aug. 26, 2010, a bronze statue of Ehrmann sitting on a park bench was unveiled in Terre Haute, Ind., his hometown, with the sculpture done by Bill Wolfe.
This poem is so good and it lifts my spirits each time I read it. It could become a regular part of my mental diet. Hope it blesses you and, by keeping this column, you will have it to read as often as you care to. It begins:
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
“Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs: for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
“Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
As I said earlier, hope this wonderful poem blessed you today, and will each time you read it. Sometimes our life does get to going so fast that it is hard to slow down and see the real beauty that is all around us. Thanks for taking time each week to read my column.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS IRIS

NO. 960 - THE SECRET OF THE LEMON

No. 960

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SECRET OF THE LEMON!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word lemon? Is it something that is sour, or perhaps a car that broke down on the way out of the dealer’s parking lot? I believe I am safe in saying that these are mental images many people have when they hear the word lemon.
It is not often that I begin a column with a disclaimer, but such is the case here. All I am saying is that you need to check this information out for your own satisfaction. With the help of Carolyn, a good friend down in the great state of Mississippi, I would like to pass along some great news about the lemon that could place this fruit in a very different light. Carolyn shared the following:
“Many professionals in restaurants and eateries are using or consuming the entire lemon and nothing is wasted. You may ask, how can we use the entire lemon without waste? It’s very simple … place the washed lemon in the freezer section of your refrigerator. Once the lemon is frozen, get your grater and shred the whole lemon (no need to peel) and sprinkle it on top of your foods. Sprinkle it on your vegetable salad, ice cream, soup, cereals, noodles, spaghetti sauce, rice, sushi, fish dishes, the list is endless. All of the foods will unexpectedly have a wonderful taste, something that you may have never tasted before. Most likely, you only think of lemon juice and vitamin C. Not any more. Now that you’ve learned this lemon secret, you can use lemon even in instant cup noodles.
“What’s the major advantage of using the whole lemon other than preventing waste and adding new taste to your dishes? Well, you see lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself. And yes, that’s what you have been wasting. The lemon peels are health rejuvenators in eradicating toxic elements in the body. Here is another surprising benefit. Lemon (citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy. Why do we not know about that? It is because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.
“You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types. As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can use the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc. It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. It is considered also as an anti-microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms.
“Another benefit of the lemon is that it helps to regulate blood pressure which is too high, and as an antidepressant combats stress and nervous disorders. The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world and says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that it destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas. And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.”
In conclusion the article says, “So, give those lemons a good wash, freeze them and grate them. Your whole body will love you for it.”
After reading this article and deciding to share it with you, I went to the Internet (and Snopes) and checked it out and I plan to use much of this information. However, the claims made here are a mixture of true and false. Citrus fruits contain many healing properties but the jury is still out on what they can and cannot do in terms of fighting and healing cancers.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 958 - SHELTER BOX: A TRULY GREAT IDEA!

No. 958

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHELTER BOX: A TRULY GREAT IDEA!

To say that we live in perilous times would be the understatement of the century. Of course this century is not very old. I thought of this when I decided to write a column about a fantastic concept that more of us, not just in these United States but all across the world, need to consider. The concept involves being prepared for a natural or man-made disaster.
Because of climate change, wars, national and local disasters and, God-forbid, a nuclear attack at some time in the future, we need to make plans now and not after the event has taken place. Some forward-thinking people in the United Kingdom have an organization called “Shelter Box.” The Web site is www.shelterbox.org
They have organizations in 20 countries and you can see each one on their Web site by clicking on the nation’s flag. ShelterBoxes are provided by service clubs, Rotary Clubs, school and church groups, businesses and individuals throughout the USA and around the world. Materials are ordered from a range of suppliers selected for general use, long life, quality and price. ShelterBoxes are prepared and packed using all new materials as delivered from manufacturers, at the ShelterBox international warehouse based in Helston, Cornwall, UK.
The standard ShelterBox weighs 120 pounds and has approximate dimensions of 33 inches by 24 inches by 22 inches. They are sealed and banded for transit and security. Box contents vary depending on the nature of the disaster requiring their use. When I saw the literature on the ShelterBox, I could not believe they could pack the variety and amount of material in a box this size. I won’t have the space to describe it in a lot of detail but you will have the picture when I finish, plus the fact, depending on where you live, this can also be assembled by an individual or family for emergencies that may arise.
As suspected, first comes the shelter in the form of a disaster relief tent for an extended family. It is custom made by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit. For warmth and protection, there are thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets. Where malaria is prevalent, mosquito nets are supplied, as well as life-saving means of water purification that can provide a typical family up to three years’ worth of clean and safe water.
There is also equipment for self-sufficiency that includes a basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. This will definitely come in handy when victims are forced to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave. Of course, the ShelterBox itself is lightweight, waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past -- from water and food storage to a cot for a newborn baby. Also includes is either a wood burning or multi-level stove. The multi-level stove can burn anything from diesel to old paint.
Some boxes have the specially designed wood burning Frontier Stove. This provides the heat of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers. There is also a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and other supplies. The ShelterBox people also keep a broad range of equipment in stock so they can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster.
Following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from buildings, the overwhelming need was for water and shelter so they just sent tents, packing two in each box. What a great organization. Please check it out as God only knows when we might need them.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 937 BE STILL & kNOW

No. 937

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE STILL & KNOW!

In the Bible we find these words recorded in Psalms 46:10 -- “Be Still and Know That I Am God.” Today, if you will really tune me in, I would like to share a most unusual application of this verse that has the potential to teach any of us a very important lesson.
A few weeks ago, my good friend Cliff Garrison brought a “living legend” to attend a weekly prayer breakfast at one of our local churches. If you are a basketball fan, you no doubt have heard the name Coach Don Meyer, who at the time of his retirement in 2010 had won 923 games, more than any coach in NCAA history.
Over the years, Don Meyer coached at Hamline University, David Lipscomb University (where he won a national championship in 1986), and Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. He was definitely old school, and learned his conservative values while growing up on a farm in the place of his birth, near Wayne, Neb. But one thing about his drive to succeed that was unmistakable -- he had a passion for basketball and, in time, all of his players took on his work ethic, character and the will to win. He would finish his career with an incredible record of 923 wins against only 324 losses. But more importantly, of all the young men who played for him, only one failed to graduate with a degree. In 2009, Coach Don Meyer received word that he would be honored at the ESPYs as the winner of the Jimmy V. Award for perseverance. All the celebrities were there that night in Los Angeles, and everyone else was watching the event on television.
Now that is the record, but what I wanted to share is far more important, from my perspective, than all of Don’s accomplishments in sports. Don, like most coaches who have a passion for sports, let his home life suffer, being away much of the time. When he was home, his mind was occupied on the next game, the next player he could recruit, and the next season. This all changed for Don Meyer on April 5, 2008, when the day came to take his Northern State University team on an annual retreat at a hunting lodge some 40 miles away. He was driving the lead car and apparently dozed off, drifted into the path of an oncoming semi-truck and had a tragic accident.
He was the only one hurt, suffering a badly mangled leg and serious internal injuries. After what seemed like hours, a Careflight helicopter finally arrived to take him first to St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, and then on to Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, some 200 miles away. For the next several days it was touch and go as to whether or not he would live. He did live, but his left leg was amputated and he spent the next 55 days at the hospital. It was in these days, when he could only “Be Still and Know” that he truly came to realize how much his wife Carmen and his children Brittney, Brooke and Jerry truly loved him, as well as the entire community of Aberdeen and all of his former and current players and coaches across the country. No question about it, his life was changed forever. We should all be still and know.
You will be truly blessed if you will get this fantastic book “How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer” by ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney. When I read it, I cried, several times. I can’t begin to tell you how good it is. It is one of the best books I have ever read that reminded me of what is truly important in life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 938 A HUSBAND'S WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR!

No. 938

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HUSBAND’S WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR!

If you have ever had someone make the comment, “you have a weird sense of humor,” you will really appreciate what I want to tell you about in this column. One reason what I want to share is especially meaningful to me is that it fell my lot to do all the grocery shopping during my late wife’s battle with Parkinson’s. For several years we had been shopping at our local Walmart, so I just continued there because of my time limitations and the fact that I knew where everything was located in the store.
This is the backdrop for a very humorous story a friend sent me a while back about a letter sent to this man and his wife, telling them they were no longer welcome in the store. As you read along you will see why.
The title of the story is, “I laughed so hard I could barely breathe” and it begins this way. “Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Walmart. ‘Dear Mrs. Woolf, for the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate his behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from our store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Woolf, are listed below and are documented by our video-surveillance cameras. July 2: He set all alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at five-minute intervals. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women’s restroom.
‘July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, ‘Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.’ This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her supervisor that in turn resulted in management getting involved causing management to lose time and costing the company money. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to reserve a bag of chips. August 14: Moved a ‘CAUTION – WET FLOOR’ sign to a carpeted area. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers they could come in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department – to which 20 children obliged.
‘August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed ‘Why can’t you people just leave me alone?’ Emergency medics were called. September 4: looked right into the security camera while he picked his nose. September 10: While handling guns in the sports department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were. October 3: Darting around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the ‘Mission Impossible’ theme. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his ‘Madonna look’ by using different sizes of funnels.
October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled ‘PICK ME! PICK ME!’ October 22: When a voice came over the loudspeaker, he assumed the fetal position and screamed ‘OH NO! IT’S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!’ And last but not least, October 23: Went into the fitting room, shut the door, waited a while and then yelled very loudly, ‘Hey! There’s no toilet paper in here’ One staff member passed out’.”
I might say there were a couple of other instances that I have omitted because this is a family-friendly column, and I am very sensitive to that. While I have no way of knowing which Walmart this was, I will say that we have a few likely candidates here in my hometown. And I believe you will agree that this man does have a “weird sense of humor,” which is better than no humor at all. Hope you at least cracked a smile. Have a wonderful day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 939 A PROJECT EVERYONE CAN SUPPORT!

No. 939

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PROJECT EVERYONE CAN SUPPORT!

Every so often someone makes a comment to me that really makes an impression, and I dwell on it for a while. Such was the case a while back when I was talking with my friend Archie Musselman, director of the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) and a member of the Conway Bookcase Project Committee here in our community. We were getting ready to have our sixth annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet to raise funds to build 50 more quality, personalized bookcases to give to pre-school children in low-income families. The success we had at our banquet will enable us to build the 500th bookcase since we started in 2005. These children are in the Head Start program, which is under the umbrella of CAPCA. Archie was telling me the various things they could do to help with the banquet, and I remarked that they were going above and beyond the call of duty.
He then made the comment, which is the basis for this column: “This is a project everyone can support.” He was so right, but not everyone knows why this is true and the reason I wanted to present this to you, especially if you live in a community that does not have a “Bookcase for Every Child” project. First, let me say that literacy is the foundation for all personal and economic success. If you want proof of this, just look at the cities and towns that are doing really well and have a high quality of life, and you will see high rates of literacy.
On the other hand, show me a community with very low literacy rates and I will show you one where crime and insurance rates are high, good paying hi-tech jobs are in short supply or non-existent and the community is dying on the vine. Due to this condition, the tax base is very small and vital services (such as street repair, police and fire protection, schools, parks and recreation) are greatly diminished. If you live in a community like the one I am describing, you know this is true. Now this question please: In any given community, who does illiteracy impact? The correct answer is everyone.
This is why a “Bookcase for Every Child” project can make a difference, not overnight, but over time because it requires a different mindset than continuing to do the same things you have been doing. You simply have to move literacy, reading, academics and education to the front burner and focus on them until everyone in the community buys into what you are doing. This is why my friend Archie Musselman said, “This is a project everyone can support.”
At the present time we have bookcase projects in four states and they range in size from 2,000 people to more than 60,000 people involved. While available resources vary greatly, all it takes is one or two leaders who have a passion for children, especially less-fortunate children. To learn more, go to our project website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com, click on the ‘project’ link and read the article “Bookcases Save Lives” to gain a good understanding of how to organize and carry out a project.
Several years ago, the United States of America led the world in test scores related to reading, math and science, but now we have slipped far below many other countries. I don’t have the space to list them but just read up on it and you will see what I am saying is true. To have a brighter future, for our children and grandchildren, we must do better in terms of literacy. What better way than providing bookcases and books to those at the greatest risk -- pre-school children being reared in low-income families?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 940 THE GREAT FOOD-STAMP BINGE!

No. 940

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREAT FOOD-STAMP BINGE!

Several years ago I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale tell a story about the Punch Island seagulls. It seems that a fishing fleet made its center of operations at a small village on the coastline. Each day when the fleet came in with its catch, the fishermen would clean the fish and throw the entrails to the hundreds of seagulls that were waiting for the feast they were sure would come. This went on for weeks, until one day the fleet decided to move to another village further down the coast.
By this time the seagulls had given up fishing for themselves and just depended on the leftovers from the fishermen’s catch each day. What happened over the next few weeks was really a tragedy, as many of the seagulls literally starved to death, as they had become so dependent on the generosity of the fisherman they could no longer fish for themselves and take care of their own needs.
While this story was told to illustrate a point, and I am not sure if it’s true, I am sure you see a parallel here between the seagulls and what is taking place in our nation with regards to the food stamp program that I am calling “The Great Food-Stamp Binge.” The food stamp program is part of the farm bill, which is another column, and is the second most means-tested aid program, increasing from $19.8 billion in 2000 to $84.6 billion in 2011, a 327 percent increase. I believe this is part of the reason our national debt is more than $17 trillion … that is with a capital “T”. This debt will be left to our children and grandchildren, and theirs, for decades to come.
To be sure, a part of the increase in the food stamp program is due to the recession. We have millions of Americans out of work and real suffering is taking place all across our land, but it’s more than that, as it has become a tool for many politicians to get re-elected. It has been demonstrated in innumerable ways that Americans are the most compassionate people on earth, and I would never suggest putting to a stop helping those who are truly at risk, especially those who are there because of no fault of their own. But I do resent past and present administrations using food stamps, like the Paunch Island seagulls, to make our citizens dependent on them for the sake of getting their votes.
If you keep up with the news at all, you know that the government is not only sending teams of government workers to the streets to get people to sign up for food stamps, but has also changed the name from food stamps to the SNAP program, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This was intended to remove the stigma of being on welfare, as the users now use plastic debit cards to make them appear to be just like everyone else. You may have seen the incident recently when there was a computer glitch and every user was given unlimited purchasing power, and they literally cleaned out several stores.
It is important to note that food stamp benefits were cut in November 2013 -- for a family of four it was cut from $668 per month to $632 per month. Our whole economic system is based on hard work, self-reliance and each able-bodied person pulling his or her own weight. What we have now, that we must change, is to not have more people riding in the wagon with fewer people pulling it.
Here is a thought that I hope you will ponder: We all have a stake in our nation’s future. Older Americans are living longer while young couples are having fewer children. We are still the greatest nation in the world and I want that to continue for future generations.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 941 SOME GREAT THOUGHTS TO PONDER!

No. 941

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME GREAT THOUGHTS TO PONDER!

It has been a long-established maxim that one of the keys to success and happiness as a unique human being during our short time on this earth is to live a balanced life. We are emotional beings, which is good, as we can experience both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. However, this can also be bad if we stay in one mode, either high or low, for too long and become severely depressed or live in a constant state of euphoria. When we tighten the guitar strings too tight, we know what happens. While it’s not a pleasant thought, we burst a gut. Our marvelous human mind that God has given to each of us is what controls our thoughts, which in turn affects our emotions.
It is for this reason that I try to present thoughts, ideas, concepts and other information in this column that have a balance, being strong on the positive side to create hope and optimism, while at the same time doing my best to stay in touch with reality. A while back a friend sent me some thoughts by an unknown author that may be just what you needed to read today. It begins with the author giving this admonition: “Try to understand the deep meaning of these thoughts, as they are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time!
No. 1: Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, it is a “steering wheel” that directs the right path throughout the journey. No. 2: So why is a car’s WINDSHIELD so large and the REAR VIEW MIRROR so small? It is because our past is not as important as our FUTURE. So look ahead and move on. No. 3: Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write. No. 4: All things in life, are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, do not worry, they can’t last long either. (This is so true) No. 5: Old friends are GOLD! New friends are DIAMONDS! If you get a Diamond, don’t forget the Gold, because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold.
No. 6: Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, “Relax, sweetheart, it’s just a bend, not the end! No. 7: When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn’t solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities. No. 8: One day a blind person asked St. Anthony: “Can there be anything worse than losing eyesight?” He replied, “Yes, losing your vision.” No. 9” When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. No. 10: WORRYING does not take away tomorrow’s TROUBLES, it takes away today’s PEACE.”
Well, that’s 10, and the end of the unknown author’s thoughts. To my mind they are very good and certainly worth pondering. Again, his or her admonition is, if you really enjoy these thoughts, please pass along to others, as it may just brighten someone’s day. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Along these lines I would like to add another thought that I heard some time ago. For those of us who profess to be Christians, we should preach Christ, and when necessary, use words. Would this not be a much better nation and world if we would simply live the way we say we believe? Sadly, we have millions of children and young people all across America today who do not have Godly parents, and we are all paying a high price.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 942 A CURE FOR THE SUNDAY BLUES!

No. 942

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CURE FOR THE SUNDAY BLUES!

When I am talking with people and the conversation turns to church or religion, I usually say, “I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace.” I am a Christian and I am not ashamed of it. This was important for me to get out of the way here in the beginning because of what I want to share with you in this column.
Several weeks ago I was watching a television talk show and a topic came up that I had never thought about before -- how to cure the Sunday blues. Based on what I heard that day, apparently a lot of people are “blue” on Sunday, and by this I think they mean they are sad, depressed, down in the dumps or, as we used to say when I was a kid, this person just had a bad case of the mully-grubs.
This begs another question: Why are some people blue on Sunday? The talk show host was interviewing a lady who supposedly was an authority in this field. She offered a number of reasons why some people are blue on Sunday and then offered a number of reasons to cure this malady. Most of her answers were typical, like getting out more, being involved in activities with others, reading good books and otherwise occupying their time in something productive. All of her answers sounded good, and I am sure they did help some people. However, I must say that none of her answers resonated with me.
To be sure, there are millions of people in our nation and world today who are lonely. This includes those who have lost a mate, suffered the loss of a child or other family member or gone through a divorce, and sometimes the loneliest place to be in the entire world is to be lost in a big crowd. However, this is most pronounced when everything slows down on the weekend, and most especially on Sunday -- thus, the Sunday blues. The most tragic case of all is when a person loses hope and takes his or her own life.
I certainly do not ever want to come across as an authority in this field, because I am not, but if someone were to ask me, “How do you cure the Sunday blues?” I can honestly say that I don’t recall ever having the Sunday blues. This is because I am always looking forward for Sunday to get here, because it means I am going to Bible school and church, to be fed some solid spiritual food, and have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Anyone who has studied or knows anything at all about the Bible knows that one of the Ten Commandments says, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy.”
While it has been a long time ago, I can remember growing up in a small town in southeast Arkansas, and almost every business in town was closed on Sunday. Maybe a restaurant and a gas station was all that was open. And, I might add, we made it fine. I was born and grew up in the Bible belt, and I am aware that customs and attitudes are different in other parts of the country. If you ever find yourself in a rut and have the Sunday blues on a prolonged basis, you might want to consider what I have said here,
My church family means the world to me. They were there during my late wife’s extended illness and death and the support they gave me was unbelievable. When it comes to looking for a church home, please understand there are three types -- good, better and best. Just make sure the Bible is taught, God is exalted, and the love of Christ is evidenced in the lives of everyone. To be honest, and you can certainly disagree, I don’t know of any other way to have a permanent cure for the Sunday blues.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 943 THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

No. 943

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

You may have heard the song made popular by Mickey Gilley titled, “I Overlooked an Orchid (While Searching for a Rose).” This is exactly what happened to me just before I started to write this column. When something comes across my desk that relates to education, it usually gets my attention. Sometime back I had some correspondence from Leslie Graves, founder and president of the Lucy Burns Institute, regarding the importance of school board elections. Based on what she had to say, I decided to share it with you. What I learned while doing some research was truly amazing.
In 2006, Leslie founded the Lucy Burns Institute, which covers all 507,000 elected offices in the United States. This is accomplished through two different websites, www.Ballotpedia.org and www.Judgepedia.org. I noted there are more than 60 full-time employees in this organization, which tells you they are very comprehensive. Ballotpedia is an interactive almanac of politics (non-partisan), with the goal to cultivate a strong democracy and thriving citizenship by building up and providing information about elections and candidates at all levels of government. Judgepedia has the same basic objectives that are related to judges and courts in our nation.
Their latest initiative is titled, “School Board Election Project,” and this is what I started out in the beginning to share with you. This organization’s coverage is vast, and their researchers often uncover information gaps in political news coverage and areas of elections and policy information. One such gap is a significant lack of information on local school board elections. Currently, it is difficult to find even the most basic information about school boards, such as the names of board members; when and where school board elections are held; the process to get on the ballot; and who is running and what do they think about the issues facing their districts.
There are more than 13,000 school districts nationwide. Collectively they spend more than $700 billion annually. That’s a significant number, and the goal of this organization is to provide voters accessible information on who runs local school boards and how they can participate in these elections that play an important role in educating our nation’s children. I believe you will agree that the best voter is an informed voter. This organization seeks to fill the information gap and expand their coverage to include school boards across the country.
After learning more about this fantastic organization, I began to click around on their website. Quite naturally, like looking for our own face in a group photo, I went to our local community of Conway, Arkansas, to see what information was here. You can do the same thing in your community.
This was easily accomplished by clicking the link to my home state on the large national map on the Ballotpedia home page, and then navigating the links to all the areas I wanted to see. Conway is the eighth largest school district in the state, with 9,432 students, a budget of $190.2 million and Susan McNabb is president of the school board. Also listed are names of the other school board members, when their terms end and the dates for future school board elections, plus tons of other information. Information for the top 1,000 districts in the nation, in terms of enrollment, can all be found here. It’s a great resource, and I hope you will visit it soon.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 944 HAVE NO-ALCOHOL TAILGATE PARTIES!

No. 944

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE NO-ALCOHOL TAILGATE PARTIES!

Have you ever made a suggestion that you felt would be about as welcome as a skunk at a family picnic? Well, that is my chosen task today, and because I feel it is so important to the lives and well-being of many people, I am willing to endure the slings and arrows that will surely come my way.
For all the people across our nation who are involved in planning and carrying out “tailgate” parties, I am going to suggest they not include alcohol in their plans. While I am sure many are already doing this, who knows, this could start a movement that will spread all across this great land of ours.
Please understand, most decisions of this type are very personal and from my perspective, I would never endorse drinking alcohol at any time, but especially at tailgate parties where the behavior and actions of a small number of people can ruin the experience for everyone else. Over the past several weeks I have done considerable research on this topic, and what I found was very sobering, pardon the pun.
In a 2011 Internet article titled, “Pass Complete: Tailgating Can Spawn Drinking Habits,” writer Tom Jacobs makes a strong case for why parents getting inebriated during pre-game parking lot picnics sends a powerful message to their college student offspring. The sight of Mom and Dad drunk in this school- and sports-related context seems to send a uniquely powerful message. “By perceiving their parents to be drunk at tailgates, students may learn to associate social or sporting events with heavy drinking.”
The researchers studied a random sample of 290 freshmen at Penn State, where they note more than 100,000 people attend football games and a large portion tailgate before and after the game. The students were asked to estimate how often in the past year their father and mother had five or more drinks in a two-hour period. They were then asked whether their parents attend tailgating parties, whether they drink at these gatherings, and whether they get drunk on such occasions. The students were then asked about their own drinking habits, including the number of drinks they have on a typical weekend (the average was 9.14) and the number of times they had gotten drunk the past month (1.86 on average). I am sure you get the picture.
A more recent article from September 2013 details how Kevin Hughes fell to his death at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. After having a “few” beers at a tailgate party and later in the stadium, he put out his hand thinking the rail was going to be there, but instead he slipped, tried to grab the rail but went over the side. In short, he was drunk and was dead before he ever reached the hospital. Still another report detailed violence being blamed on tailgate parties that took place on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, most caused by those who were not students of the university, and this included underage high school students.
Please understand that my only motivation here is to bring out the best in others. There are millions of people in our nation who are not responsible, we know that, but those of us who are should do our best to take care of them. It is never a comfort to me for others to suffer, even though they are in this condition because of their own choices. I am just appealing to those who plan and organize tailgate parties at sporting events to not include alcohol, because everyone can do without it for a few hours and probably still have a great time as well.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 945 HIGH-TECH SEMPER FI

No. 945

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HIGH-TECH SEMPER FI

If you have ever been caught speeding by a police radar unit, you will love this story a friend sent to me a while back. I am not sure whether or not it’s true, but I suspect that it is. It has been many a moon since I have had a speeding ticket, and the cost of the tickets has increased exponentially. The image I have in my mind for getting a ticket of any kind is taking a hundred dollar bill and setting it on fire, plus an increase in my auto insurance coverage rates that will last at least three years. But back to the story … there is a saying that I have heard many times that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and I have found this generally to be true. I have a lot of good friends in the Lone Star State.
Before the end of the column, I will share with you an interesting observation regarding high technology. But first, a story:
“Two Texas Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on Highway 77, just south of Kingsville, Texas. One of the officers was using a hand-held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching this South Texas community. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour and climbing. The officer attempted to reset the radar gun but it would not reset, and then it suddenly turned off. Just then a deafening roar over the Mesquite treetops on Highway 77 revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet engaged in a low-flying exercise near its Naval Air home base location in Kingsville.
Back at the Texas Highway Patrol Headquarters in Corpus Christi, the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the US Naval Base Commander in Kingsville for shutting down his equipment. The reply came back in true USMC style: “Thank you for your letter, you might be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of, and subsequently locked on to, your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it, which is why it shut down. Furthermore, an Air-to-Ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked on to your equipment location.
“Fortunately, the Marine pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status, and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched to destroy the hostile radar position, on the side of Highway 77 South of Kerrville. The pilot suggests that you cover your mouths when cussing at them, since the video systems on these jets are very high-tech. Sergeant Johnson, the officer holding the radar gun, should get his dentist to check his left rear molar. It appears the filling is loose … also the strap is broken on his holster. Semper Fi”
Now, that’s high-tech, but we should not be surprised when we consider what is happening with regards to our military all across the world. The use of drones, without a pilot, and taking out targets with pinpoint accuracy is a good example. Having been born long before most of our technology was developed and not being in a related field, I fall woefully short to what many people in our society consider run-of-the-mill knowledge and information. Anyway, I found this illustration to be very interesting and hope you did too.
Another thing I did not know was the meaning of the term Semper Fi. This is the motto of the United States Marine Corps, and Semper Fi is short for Semper Fidelis and means “Always Faithful.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 946 WHAT TIME IS IT?

No. 946

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT TIME IS IT?

Every so often I run across a bit of information just by chance that, in one way or another, has touched every life in our country. Such was the case today when I got an e-mail from my friend Cliff Garrison, who had forwarded something sent to him by another friend, Rodney Todd. The Lord only knows where he got it. This is another case where e-mail can serve a very useful purpose in our lives. I have a large number of friends who send me things on a regular basis that have been both informative and entertaining. This serves to make life interesting, because I believe we should learn something useful every day of our lives.
Today I learned about watches and how they spread all across our country starting back in 1880. This true story has a most unusual twist about a major corporation in our nation today and how it got started. The story begins with these words, “If you were in the market for a watch in 1880, would you know where to get one? You would go to a store, right? Well, of course you could do that, but if you wanted one that was cheaper and a bit better than most of the store watches, you went to a train station! Sound a bit funny? Well, for about 500 towns across the northern United States, that’s where the best watches were found.
“Why were the best watches found at the train station? The railroad company wasn’t selling the watches, not at all. The telegraph operator was. Most of the time the telegraph operator was located in the railroad station because the telegraph lines followed the railroad tracks from town to town. It was usually the shortest distance and the rights-of-way had already been secured for the rail line. Most of the station agents were also skilled telegraph operators, and that was the primary way they communicated with the railroad. They would know when trains left the previous station and when they were due at the next station.
“And it was the telegraph operator who had the watches. As a matter of fact, they sold more of them than almost all the stores combined for a period of about nine years. This was all arranged by “Richard,” who was a telegraph operator himself. He was on duty in the North Redwood, Minn., train station one day when a load of watches arrived from the East. It was a huge crate of pocket watches. No one ever came to claim them. So Richard sent a telegram to the manufacturer and asked them what they wanted to do with the watches. The manufacturer didn’t want to pay the freight back, so they asked Richard if he could sell them. And so he did.
“He sent a wire to every agent in the system asking if they wanted a cheap, but good, pocket watch. He sold the entire case in less than two days, and at a handsome profit. That started it all. He ordered more watches from the watch company and encouraged the telegraph operators to offer high quality watches for a cheap price to all the travelers. It worked. It did not take long for the word to spread and, before long, people other than travelers came to the train station to buy watches. Richard became so busy that he had to hire a professional watch maker to help him with the orders. That was Alvah, and now, the rest is history.
“Richard Sears and Alvah Roebuck left the train station and moved their company to Chicago – and it’s still there. You may recognize the name of their company. It’s called ‘Sears & Roebuck’ and today simply “Sears.”
I can still remember getting those Sears & Roebuck catalogs. By the way, what time is it? Probably later than we think!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 947 HAS U.S. TREASURY BECOME A PIGGY BANK?

No. 947

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAS U.S. TREASURY BECOME A PIGGY BANK?

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said, “The problem with socialism is that pretty soon you run out of other people’s money.” Apparently what Margaret Thatcher failed to consider is that “pretty soon” becomes decades, when you can borrow or print it.
Here in our country the lion’s share of our federal budget goes for the entitlement programs of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. When it comes to the balance or the rest of our budget (we call this discretionary spending), it has been my observation that our Federal Treasury has become little more than a piggy bank to be used at the “discretion” of those in positions of power, with little or no accountability.
Furthermore, after months or even years have passed and it comes to light that these individuals have misused or abused their power, no one is held accountable. Sure, a few people have been transferred to other positions in the government and a few others have resigned or retired with full retirement benefits, but I cannot think of anyone who has been “fired” and held accountable for abusing the system, can you? For me it would be much easier, and safer, to talk in my column about achieving personal success, setting goals, developing a winning attitude and being of service to our fellow man -- all very important topics -- but there comes a time when we must speak up or be run out of town.
Our government, like every other successful enterprise, comes down to leadership, and when you don’t have it, the whole organization suffers. In the case of our federal government, which is all of us, we all suffer. Margaret Thatcher was right. In our case we ran out of other people’s money a long time ago; this is why we have a national debt of more than $17 trillion. When we see our public servants wasting our money and not being held accountable, every tax-paying American should speak up. If we don’t, some day it will be too late.
Certainly I could call names here and give many personal examples, but it would accomplish virtually nothing, because most of it is being reported in the news every day, every week and every month. It should also be noted that those on the receiving end of lavish spending don’t care, because the cash register is ringing up sales for them. When a high-ranking government official books a conference or seminar at a swanky resort, do you think the manager objects to getting the business? Of course the answer is “no,” and it’s the same for the vendors and suppliers who also get a piece of the pie.
This is the same principle for those on the dole for other government handouts. Do not misunderstand what I am saying here. No one I know objects to taking care of the truly needy -- that is the American way -- but those who are scamming or abusing the system must also be held accountable. I have always believed if we make the penalties strong enough, and then enforce the law, we can cut down on a lot of that.
Here are a couple of questions that I would invite you to ponder with me for the next several days. Has our U.S. Treasury become a piggy bank for those in power? Is it too much to ask for the rest of the American taxpayers to hold them accountable? Henry Clay once said, “Government is a trust, and the offices of the government are trustees and both the trust and trustees are created for the benefit of the people.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 277 - QUIT CIGARETTES AND BECOME A MILLIONAIRE

No. 277
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
QUIT CIGARETTES AND BECOME A MILLIONAIRE

Someone once said that a lit cigarette is a “fire at one end, a fool at the other, and a bit of tobacco in between.” Before you get the wrong impression, here in the beginning I want you to know that I am not going to attack people who smoke. Quite to the contrary is true. I am going to offer hope and encouragement to smokers and a practical reason to not only quit smoking but to become a millionaire at the same time. This is especially true for a young person who smokes and is willing to take what they spend on cigarettes each month and invest that same amount of money in the stock market or a mutual fund.
With these thoughts in mind here is what I want to ask you to consider. In the larger context of things, you may know that the income gap is widening between the rich and the poor. To state it very clearly, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. As a result of this, many elderly people who are living below the poverty line are having to continue to work beyond retirement age because they must have additional income to survive. It’s one thing to continue to work because a person wants to, but it’s something else to have to continue to work just to meet his or her basic needs.
What brought these thoughts to mind is a sad situation that I have been seeing several times a week for the past two or three years. On my way to a printer I use here in our community I pass a couple of temporary employment agencies. Invariably, as I drive by there are from 10 to 20 young people standing outside the building smoking. My heart goes out to these young people who day by day are becoming addicted to a drug that will cause some of them a painful premature death but also keep the vast majority from financial success in the important years ahead.
To me, this makes no sense at all. A young person looking for or working on a temporary job, spending a good portion of his or her income on cigarettes and running the risk of getting lung cancer. Now before you over react, I know this is a free country and a person of legal age can spend their money where they choose, and I accept that but it does not stop me from caring, apart from the larger health related issues in society, .
Keep in mind that what I’m talking about here is not a moral issue but rather one of logic and common sense. All that I’m suggesting is that “smokers” think about the practical aspects of quitting smoking, having a healthier life and more money to spend on other things. If a person who smokes, regardless of their age, will add up everything they spend for cigarettes and other vices and if it comes to $150 a month or more, here is what could be earned in the future. The stock market has averaged around 15% return on investment since it began but let’s use 10% to be on the conservative side and see what $150 per month reinvested earns over a period of years. After five years the amount is $11,615.56, 10 years $30,726.74, 15 years $62,170.55, 20 years $113,905.32, 25 years $199,025.01, 30 years 339,072.19, 35 years $569, 495.71 and 40 years $948, 611.94. Please let me call your attention to the difference in earnings in the first 5 years and the last 5 years. It goes from $11,615.56 to $379,116.23...the difference between $569,495.71 and $948,611.94.
This is the miracle of compound interest and the way most people become millionaires. What I’ve been talking about is an issue that confronts all of society. If you are not a smoker, why not clip this out and give it someone who is. Some level headed young person may just be wise enough to use these suggestions to kick the habit and even become a millionaire. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 278 - WHO ARE YOU CALLING A COUNTRY HICK?

No. 278
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO ARE YOU CALLING A COUNTRY HICK?

With the coming of advanced technology a new day dawned in America. This is true in all areas of our society but none more so than the enterprise of farming. Today’s farmers are more sophisticated than ever before in the history of the human race. They are business people with high-tech equipment who handle thousands of dollars each year. Most young farmers now have a college degree and are skilled not only in equipment operation but in business management, personnel management, animal health, computers and much, much more. They no longer get up in the morning and go slop the hogs, milk the cows or feed the chickens. Most farmers are specialized in two or three enterprises such as beef cattle, small grains or dairy production.
Now in light of this you can understand why a farmer wrote to me a few weeks ago and he had a slight irritation. A letter from Warren Wing begins, “I am a farmer in North Central Oklahoma. I have been a full time farmer for forty years and still live on and farm the place where I was reared. I read your column weekly as published in the Arkansas City Traveler, Arkansas City, Kansas. A few weeks ago I read your column, “It’s Time For Some O’l Fashioned Manners” and I couldn’t agree with you more.”
At this point let me break in and tell you why Warren Wing wrote to me and tell you why he was irritated. He had just read one of my columns where I featured a class of elementary students who had written me letters about the importance of good manners. He picked up on one of the students comments that contained the words “country hick.” Based on what I said earlier no one who lives in the country and spends his or her days in a $100,000 air conditioned tractor or combine wants to be called a country hick.
After getting his letter I wrote him back to assure him that this young elementary student did not have him or people of his status in mind when he used the offensive term. Now to be honest, we all know some “country hicks” because values, customs and methods vary in other parts of the country. However there is a lesson to be learned here. First, it’s so easy to paint with a broad brush and when I explained this to Warren Wing he agreed that maybe he had over reacted a bit. However, there is also a deeper lesson to be learned that applies to the majority of the people in this nation.
In our politically correct society there is no way to keep from offending some people. We just have to accept that as a part of life. There is however, a need for all of us to be more careful when it comes to labels, slang and terms that are offensive to many, people, especially those who are in the minority. Here I could give you any number of words that are offensive but I think you know what I am talking about. A good rule of thumb to always keep in mind is “If it hurts or demeans another human being, don’t say it.” There are many complimentary words we can use when referring to others and making these a part of our vocabulary will do wonders for our own self-esteem.
We all have our pet peeves and one that set Warren Wing off was the term ‘country hick.’ For me, it’s the fact that I am too good at reading lips. I really get discouraged when I watch a sporting event on television and the camera is on the coach right after a disputed call. While I can’t hear them, I can tell exactly what many of them are saying and it’s not nice. I’m so simple minded that I think to myself, if this is the kind of language they use when the television cameras are on them, I can only imagine what they say during practice. We all need to set a good example, don’t you agree? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 279 - THE STRANGEST SECRET

No. 279
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE STRANGEST SECRET

A few weeks ago I got a call from a reader who wanted to know how he could get a copy of an inspirational recording titled, “The Strangest Secret.” This man knew that for several years I was in the motivational business and was associated with the late Earl Nightingale. Even though I did not have a copy on hand I was able to give him a phone number and I found out later that he was able to secure it. He told me that he was a rehabilitation counselor and that he used it to help a number of his clients. This was a story that I heard repeated many, many times over the years.
If you don’t already know I hope by this time you are beginning to wonder, what is the strangest secret? I will be happy to share this with you a bit later but first I want to give you a little background information that hopefully will add some creditability. Several years ago, in fact I don’t remember exactly when, many newspapers across America ran the story of Earl Nightingale as a man who was able to retire with a guaranteed lifetime income of $50,000 when he was only thirty five years of age.
He had made his money in the insurance business and he was also on the battleship Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Because he was an avid reader and was blessed with a deep golden voice he became a radio announcer with WGN in Chicago. Some of you may remember that he was also the voice of Sky King, the radio series that ran more than forty years ago. Later he started his own radio program titled, “Our Changing World” that was ultimately carried by over 1000 stations and at the time was the most widely syndicated radio program in the history of broadcasting.
As his representative in our state I got to know Earl Nightingale personally and had the privilege of inviting him to our capital city to speak to the Sales & Marketing Executive Association of Little Rock. That’s been a long time ago but I still remember that night at the Pleasant Valley Country Club as though it were only yesterday. Here is the way the inspirational recording “The Strangest Secret” came about. As a writer, radio personality and speaker Earl Nightingale became obsessed with the idea of why one person became a success while another failed.
It would be too simplistic to simply say that one person was handsome, better educated, had more drive, better connections and came from a family of successful people. Along with Earl Nightingale we all know people who defy this logic every day and become highly successful with none of these things. He started searching for the answer soon after World War II but didn’t discover it until New Years day 1950. The strangest secret is so simple that it is not a secret at all because it had been revealed by countless others throughout history. The strangest secret is that “we become what we think about.”
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “ A man becomes what he thinks about all day long.” The Bible clearly states “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” What made Earl Nightingale’s recording so successful is that he had the ability to explain it in laymen’s terms and make the application so personal that anyone could understand and use it to achieve success in his or her own life. That recording was the first, and maybe only, inspirational message to ever sell a million copies. This was aided by the invention of the cassette player, the same tool that I used for several years to gain many of the insights that I share in my column. The strangest secret is that a person becomes what he or she thinks about all day long. What are you thinking about? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 280 - A WORD OF "ENCOURAGEMENT" TO LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA

No. 280
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A WORD OF “ENCOURAGEMENT” TO LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA

When I was in elementary school down in the small community of Gould, Arkansas we used to heat our school with coal. Out behind the school was a big coal pile and one of the favorite activities for some of the boys was to throw lumps of coal back and forth over the pile to hit someone. It was called a coal fight. One day I didn’t even know there was a fight going on and I walked up on top of the pile and Frankie Flynn let a piece fly that hit me squarely in the nose and blood flew everywhere. Frankie said he didn’t mean to do it and that it was just a lucky shot. Should you look closely you can still see a black speck under the skin and that is where it came from.
What made me recall this incident is something I learned just recently about the community of Logan, West Virginia. More about this in a moment but when I was growing up I never gave a second thought to where the coal that heated our school came from or that thousands and thousands of people in various areas of the country earned their living by mining coal. Since those days I have learned that a good percentage of the coal that was used in home heating and by business and industry came from an area known as Appalachia. The Appalachian Mountain System covers most of the Eastern part of the United States and has made a tremendous contribution to our nation’s economy.
The region contains many types of rock formations of different geologic ages but in the early years of our nation’s history none were more important than coal. The principal coal mining areas were located in Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The reason I am sharing this with you is because the areas economy was more or less tied to this important resource. To say it very simply, coal mining meant jobs and as long as most people had a job life was at least bearable in this mountainous and rugged terrain.
Now fast forward to today when the Environmental Protection Agency has restricted the burning of coal and a Mountain Top Removal Law has been enacted and you will begin to get the picture. When the jobs are gone the people in the region have to make a decision. They can move to another part of the country or they can stay where they grew up, have family and friends and compete for the fewer number of jobs in the area. Just think of what it would be like in your home if the bread winner did not have a job and the prospects were slim for ever getting one. I’m sure you agree that times would be very lean.
There are many communities across our prosperous nation who have a similar story because of high unemployment. Regardless of the reasons, these people are hurting. What’s that old saying, “A recession is when you lose your job but a depression is when I lose mine.” I learned the plight of Logan, West Virginia from some new friends at the Logan Banner newspaper when my column began to run there. This is one of those communities that has been hardest hit and I want you to know that I care about you.
While your unemployment rate is very, very high, plans are underway to bring new jobs to your area. A convention center at Chief Logan State Park is taking shape, the Hatfield-McCoy tourism project holds a good deal of promise and a new medium security prison that may be built in the area is a strong possibility. All of these projects have the potential for new jobs. The real solution however is permanent jobs that are created by private investment capital. These “free enterprise” jobs, where profit is the incentive, do not have to be funded by tax revenue because they are in competition to meet basic needs. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 281 - A PARENT'S WORST NIGHTMARE

No. 281
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE

It’s been said that a parent is someone who spends half their time wondering how their children will turn out and half the time wondering when they will turn in. For most parents there is no greater thrill than seeing their children grow up to become happy, successful and responsible members of society. Later in life when this happens everything is put into context and all those sleepless nights, attending countless athletic events, preparing thousands of meals, the extra housework and the physical and emotional bruises that come along, are all worthwhile.
The scenario I have just described is in the process of happening millions of times each year because of the opportunities here in America, but there is sadly another group of parents who suffer their worst nightmare. This is when they suffer the loss of a child and the heartache and grief that never really goes away. A parent hurts when his or her child dies whether they are seventy years of age or stillborn. There are many reasons for premature death and they are reported each day, at least in the community newspapers.
If you have this hurt in your heart I want to tell you that this column is dedicated to you and the millions of other people who share your pain. The pain eases with the passing of time but only the support of family, friends and the grace, promises and love of God can give you real peace and assurance. It’s been my good fortune to know some special people who have walked this road and Bill & Johnnie Bounds are two of these. Back on June 29, 1999 they lost their adopted son, Joseph, in a drowning accident.
Like so many others, Joseph was special to me as I knew him as a student in the youth department in our former church. I was also in attendance at his funeral when the church will filled to capacity. Many people knew and loved Joseph. Sometime ago Bill handed me a letter that Joseph had written to his teacher and I wanted to share it with you. The reason I do so is because these “keepsakes” are also memories of the good times they shared together.
This was written on November 2, 1995 and remember, Joseph was adopted and in my book that’s another reason that Bill and Johnnie are very special people. He begins, “I am thankful for my mom and dad. I am thankful for my mom because she washes my clothes, makes my bed, makes dinner for me. And a lot of other things. I am thankful for my dad because he takes me fishing, plays ball with me, and helps me with my home work. The most important reason that I am thankful is because they adopted me.
I am thankful for my birth mom. I don’t know her but I do thank her because she let me live and not aborting me. I am also thankful for my dog. She keeps me cheered up when I am down in the dumps. And my house because it warms me. Some people do not have a home and I forgot I am thankful for my bed so I can sleep. Some people don’t have a bed. And I am thankful for school and a nice teacher and one who understands me.
And I am thankful for my free country that does not have soldiers all over the street. I am also thankful for friends that are so nice to me and for people that fought in the war to set us free. And the stores that we go and buy food. That’s what I am thankful for.” By God’s grace I have never lost a child, but I know that Joseph is in heaven and someday there will be a great reunion. As I said earlier, if you have also walked this lonely road my prayer is that you have been comforted by these thoughts and the memories you have will last until there is a better day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 282 - A TRIBUTE TO A COURAGEOUS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

No. 282
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A TRIBUTE TO A COURAGEOUS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

In the vestibule of our church we have a beautiful painting of George Washington kneeling in prayer. From all accounts our nation’s first president was a Godly man, but like me he was also a sinner. If we did not sin we would not need God to give us strength, courage, grace, forgiveness and hope to meet and overcome the challenges that regularly come into our lives. While I respect the beliefs and rights of every human being, prayer is something that is very special and important to me.
It is with these thoughts in mind that I would like to PAY TRIBUTE to a courageous high school principal. For years it has been the custom of thousands of schools across our nation to have a prayer before athletic contests. This prayer, usually over the public address system, was not meant to evangelize but to ask God’s blessings for good sportsmanship and safety and protection for the players. Apparently this custom is coming to an end as a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling that said it was unconstitutional.
In view of this ruling a high school principal in Eastern Tennessee chose not to pray over the PA system, but instead used the opportunity to remind the football fans that night why we should pray. Back on September 1, 2000 Mr. Jody McLoud, principal of the Roane County High School in Kingston, Tennessee stepped to the microphone and spoke these words. “It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.
As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it ‘an alternate lifestyle’ and if someone is offended, that’s ok. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it ‘safe sex.’ If someone is offended, that’s ok. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem. I can designate a school day as ‘earth day’ and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, mother earth, and call it ‘ecology.’
I can use literature, videos, and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional, Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it ‘enlightenment.’ However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be at best, inconsistent, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except God and His commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.
For this reason, I shall ‘render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s’ and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise, and thank God, and ask Him to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that’s not against the law...yet.” These remarks were also read by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp on the House floor and became a part of the Congressional Record. My fellow Americans, to me this is a sad state of affairs and I never advocate breaking the law, but I just wonder what George Washington would think and say if he were here. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 283 - THE STORY OF TAPS

No. 283
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE STORY OF TAPS

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No. 284 - HOW IS YOUR REPARTEE THESE DAYS?

No. 284
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HOW IS YOUR REPARTEE THESE DAYS?

There is an interactive social skill called “repartee” that has been mastered by many people. In case you are not familiar with this word it means, “ conversation marked by quick and witty replies.” Our use of the word here in America comes from the French “repartie” meaning the same thing but this word comes from the French verb “repartir” meaning “to retort.” There is no question, when used in good taste the skill of “repartee” in conversation gives the user a marked advantage. The person who has a quick and witty reply is usually thought of as someone with a sharp mind and one who can ‘hold their own’ in an intelligent conversation. I might add there is a vast difference between someone being perceived to be a “smart aleck” and one who is skilled in “repartee.”
In view of what I have just shared, permit me to pose this question to you. How is your “repartee” these days? Do you have a quick and witty reply when someone begins to verbally spar with you? Granted, this is not something most people stay up nights worrying about but it does come in handy at times. I believe you will agree that how we are perceived by others is very important in today’s society. This can be summed up by the contrast of two words, “dull or interesting.” As Mark Twain one said, “repartee” is something we think of twenty four hours too late.
At this point permit me to give you a few examples of what I am talking about. One of my favorite U.S. Presidents is Calvin Coolidge and if you know much about this quiet New Englander you know that he was never the life of the party. He was known to be shy and reserved, however, he was great when it came to “repartee.” One evening a dinner guest approached him and told him that she had bet someone that she could get him to say more than two words, he replied, “you lose.”
Before becoming our 29th president he practiced law in Northhampton, Massachusetts and he used to walk a few short blocks each day to his law office. On his way he always passed a man sitting on his front porch who would say, “morning Cal” and Cal would reply, “morning Ben.” After serving as president Calvin Coolidge returned to Northhampton and resumed his law practice and other activities. As he walked down the street his first day back Ben said, “Morning Cal, I hadn’t seen you around lately.” President Coolidge replied, “Yes, I’ve been away for a while” and that was the end of the conversation.
The reason I have shared this true story is to point out that we do not have to talk non stop to have good repartee.
If you will pardon the personal reference, my wife is great when it comes to having a quick but tasteful retort. I call her the “queen of the comeback” as few people ever get the best of her in a good natured conversation. Ever once in a while I run across something that helps me understand her better. The other day I saw one of those little witty sayings on our refrigerator and it had a woman talking to a man and she said, “What? Save it for a rainy day? What if there ain’t one and we are stuck with all that money?” We have good “repartee” and laugh a lot. I believe that’s healthy.
I would like to thank all of you who have written to express concern about her Parkinson’s Disease. I’m happy to report that she is holding her own and still doing most of the things she loves to do. She still has some pain, the tremor in her left hand and slightly restricted use when it comes to lifting and other motor skills. But we praise God that she is still able to go and do and I deeply appreciate your thinking about her. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 285 - THE VALUABLE MISSION OF LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL

No. 285
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE VALUABLE MISSION OF LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL

The Roman statesman, orator and author Cicero (106-43 BC) had it right when he said, “Sight is keenest of all our senses.” If you accept this as being true then it must also follow that it’s the one we would miss the most if we lost it. I’ve been blessed with good eyesight all my life but now rely on glasses to read when the print is small. My participation in our local Lions Club has given me a greater awareness and appreciation for the value of sight because helping the blind and visually impaired is our mission. If you have good vision, you are truly blessed and making a trip to the Lions World Services For The Blind is something that would touch your heart. When you see dozens of blind people who are being trained for a useful and productive life, it is a good feeling to be a small part of it.
The reason I am sharing this with you is because the vast majority of people in America with vision problems are not totally blind but often suffer because they do not know where to get help, apart from a visit to the eye doctor. A national survey on vision loss clearly indicates that self-reported functional vision impairment among middle-aged and older Americans is far greater than previously estimated. One in six American adults, 45 years of age or older, representing 13.5 million people report some form of vision impairment even when wearing glasses or contact lenses.
If this is your condition or that of someone in your family, I have some good news for you. The statistics I just reported were compiled by Lighthouse International, formerly the Lighthouse For The Blind. Sometime back I got a phone call from Daniel Horton who told me about the mission of Lighthouse International and the valuable services they are providing to people with vision problems. It was founded in 1905, headquartered in New York City and is a not-for-profit organization and depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations.
The important work they do includes: Helping people overcome vision impairment. Training the professionals who serve people with vision loss. Increasing the knowledge base on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Providing the tools to help professionals practice and make life easier for those with impaired vision. Championing inclusion in mainstream society for people who are visually impaired worldwide.
Here is also a source for all those products that visually impaired persons need but may not know where to get them. A few of the items include, “talking watch, alarm clock, blood pressure monitor, heart rate monitor, cordless phone with big button keypad, king size wooden chess table and pieces, no-hands magnifier & lamp, high visibility red luggage set, easy-to-read holiday greeting cards and many, many more products to help people with vision problems.
Lighthouse International has created a nationally distributed catalog containing easy-to-see and easy-to-use lifestyle-related products to help people in their day-to-day activities. These products can be ordered anytime by calling 1-800-829-0500, or by visiting their online catalog at www.lighthouse.org. There are also three Lighthouse Store locations in the greater New York area, including a flagship store in Manhattan.
I try to be very careful when endorsing an organization or a product in my column. First, I want to make sure that it is legitimate and also that a great number of my readers can be helped by it. I sincerely believe this organization meets this criteria and I hope if this is your need that you will take advantage of the services they provide. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 286 - THE LAW OF REASON

No. 286

The next password is imlah

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LAW OF REASON

The American editor and craftsman Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) was a very wise and successful man. One of his editorials that appeared in his magazine “The Philistine” titled, “A message to Garcia” sold over 40 millions copies. Based on the population back then, this would have been more like 100 million today. One day last week while doing research on the word “reason” I ran across another one of his quotations that really fired my imagination. He said, “Reason is the arithmetic of the emotions.” In other words when we are confronted with making a decision, the facts are weighed, our emotions are taken into account, and the decision is based on those aspects that are considered to be the most reasonable.
For example how many times have we heard someone say, “be reasonable” or “that does not make a lick of sense.” It is within this context that the natural “law of reason” has a great impact on our daily lives. If you recall from previous columns, a natural law is “a series of events in nature that have been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity.” To say it more simply, given the exact same circumstances the results or outcome will always be the same. What makes us successful as human beings is that we understand the various “natural laws” and apply and use them to our advantage.
From a practical and common sense standpoint, I believe you will agree that life is made up of good days and bad days. When the game of life deals us a bad hand, instead of sitting down and feeling sorry for ourselves, we should take stock of what we do have, then set about in an orderly fashion to make the most of it. A good example would be a baby boy that is born with only one leg. He may not have the same prospects for being a champion football quarterback as another born with two legs, yet that handicap may be special for him in some other direction.
Now, may I pose this question to you? Do you feel that what I have just shared is reasonable? If you do then you have some insight into the “law of reason.” When life hands us a lemon or deals us a bad hand, we should avoid becoming bitter, but rather make the most of our situation. A successful person sees his or her opportunities in spite of their problems, but a failure only sees their problems. Either way, we do not become a success or failure overnight, rather it is the slow input of positive or negative thoughts over an extended period of time that will make it become a reality.
This is why one person who suffers a severe loss or setback is able to get back up, while another person may be completely defeated. Here is the central idea that I hope to make clear to you. The definition of the word reason means “that quality of sense and understanding which is the guiding and directing faculty of the mind.” When reason is used properly it results in something we call judgment. Having good judgment literally means the difference between success and failure.
When God created each of us He placed within us the unique abilities to think, to reason, to plan and to make choices. When we do not develop and use these unique abilities, we must by necessity rely on our instincts, our emotions and our hunches. If you know people who are more or less controlled by omens, signs and superstitions, then you know they are usually very unstable in their day-by-day lives. The good news is that God has given us the capacity to understand the “law of reason” and as a result of developing this unique ability we can make sound judgments. Apart from life itself, what could be more important? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Imlah

No. 261 - HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR CALLING?

No. 261

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR CALLING?

We have an award winning little restaurant here in our community by the name of Stobys that is just down the street from the University Of Central Arkansas. One day a few weeks ago before meeting a friend for an early morning round of golf, I stopped by Stobys to have breakfast. After taking a seat in a booth, the waitress came over with the coffee pot and took my order.

Over the next several minutes I began to observe this waitress, whose name is Betty, as she was the only one there. Im here to tell you, this lady was good! The place was almost packed and she warmly greeted new people who came in the door while refilling coffee cups, taking orders and delivering food to others, seemingly all at the same time. The thing that impressed me was the fact that she had no wasted motion. We have all seen waitresses who make a dozen trips back and forth and while they get the job done, you could tell it was a struggle just to keep up. Not so with Betty. It was almost like she could do the job in her sleep.

When she returned a few minutes later with my check I asked her Did anyone ever tell you that you are a natural? Before she could answer I went on to say, I believe you have found your calling. At this point she said, Well, Ive been doing this for 23 years. When I was back a few days later and she had a little more time, we visited a few minutes and she told me that with her salary and tips, she made very good money.

Over the next few weeks as I thought about Betty and her career choice, it reminded me of a decision that I had made several years ago that eventually led to my becoming a syndicated columnist. When I became associated with the late Earl Nightingale back in 1970 to market his attitude motivational materials, many of my peers around the country made the decision to call on major corporations and large companies to sell their products and services. Of course the need to train and motivate business people was certainly there, however in most cases these other Nightingale distributors made the decision based on how much money they could earn.

Landing and working with large corporate accounts was certainly more profitable than what I was led to do. Not long after I got into the business I began to call on the schools around our state and later schools in other states as well. It was not too long before I began to work with administrators, teachers and students and while the schools were able to pay me for materials and doing workshops and seminars, it was no where near what others were earning who had chosen a different direction. In short, I loved working with educators and students so much that the money was secondary.

As a result I have never earned a lot of money but it has always been more than enough to meet our needs. While I didnt realize it at the time, like Betty, I had found my calling. Now, this brings me to the real reason for sharing this with you. If you are gainfully employed in some career or job, have you found your calling? Im sure you know that millions of people in this country hate their job and hate to go to work each day. Could it be that most of these people made the decision to do what they do for the wrong reason?

If I have hit too close to home, it might be well to remind you that money cannot be sought directly but must come as a result of providing a valuable product or service. Really and truly, being happy with ourselves and what we do is more important than the money. If we can have both, thats awfully hard to beat. Remember to save and invest some. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 262 - THE "BEAVER CLEAVER" HOUSE

No. 262

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEAVER CLEAVER HOUSE

The other day I got a phone call from John Garris who is the womens softball coach at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He began by telling me that as part of his program, he is providing his student athletes with a positive thought for the day and has been using information in some of my columns. However, he was having a problem making high quality copies of the newsprint from his hometown newspaper The South Alabamian in Jackson, Alabama. I told him my column was also carried by the Huntsville Item but one way to insure a quality copy was to pull it down from the Internet at www.thecabin.net, the web address for our local paper here in Conway.

During our conversation he also told me something that might inspire others who work with young people that could make a difference in their lives. He said a while back his team was on a long road trip and to pass the time, one of his players had brought along a movie for the team to watch. He said, As I sat there and watched this movie I was appalled at the filthy language and the plot unfolding. He went on to say, I got up and turned it off and said to my team, girls if you want to watch this kind of stuff at home thats up to you, but you are not going to watch it on trips that we take where we are representing our school. To this I say, Amen and praise the Lord. Sometimes it takes courage to stand up for decency and to point the way to a better lifestyle that is far superior in the long run.

A few days later I was in another city to speak to a civic club and was greeted by a man whose name is Don Crow. It turned out that Don has been a long time faithful reader of my column and I shared with him what John Garris had told me. At this point he said, We dont allow profanity in our home. He went on to say, when our kids were growing up our house was the place where they all congregated. It was not until several years later that I found out the kids called our house, the Beaver Cleaver house. In case you dont know, these were homes in the life of every community where kids loved to come, where they felt safe and where there was discipline. Believe it or not, kids do want discipline.

Then Don Crow shared another true story with me that really makes a point. He said, One day a group of kids were sitting in our living room and one young man began to use some off color language. After a few minutes of this, Don called him down and told him they did not allow that kind of language in their home. In response this young man said, What are you going to do about it? At this point Don told him, The first thing Im going to do is turn you over my lap and give you a spanking. Then this kid said, You and who else, old man?

Well, there just happened to be another young man sitting there and he stood up and when he got all the way up he was 6 foot, 6 inches tall. Then he said, Ill help you, Mr. Crow. With this, the young man who had been using profanity saw the writing on the wall and he began to back track and apologize for what he said and the way he had been acting. He could not have been more of a gentleman from then on.

My new friend Don Crow concluded his story by saying, A few days later this young man came by our house and apologized again and told me that no one had ever stood up to him and challenged the way he used his language. Im sure this was an experience this young man will never forget and while I dont know the rest of the story, Im sure it made a difference in his life. Before this encounter with Don Crow, Id never thought much about it but you know, we need more Beaver Cleaver homes in todays society. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 263 - THE AMAZING ONE-DOLLAR BILL

No. 263

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE AMAZING ONE-DOLLAR BILL

Have you ever read or heard the story of the amazing one-dollar bill? A reader sent this to me a few days ago and while the author is unknown, it is information that definitely needs to be made available to the American people. The one dollar bill first came off the presses in 1957 in its present design. This so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red and blue minute fibers running through it. It is actually material. Weve all washed it without it falling apart. A special blend of ink is used, the contents we will never know. It is overprinted with symbols and then it is starched to make it water resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look. If you look on the front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal.

On the top you will see the scales for the balance, to symbolize a balanced budget. In the center you have a carpenters T-square, a tool used for an even cut. Underneath is the key to the United States Treasury. Thats all pretty easy to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we should all know. As you turn the bill over, you will see two circles. Both circles, together, comprise the Great Seal of the United States. The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with the seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved. If you look at the left hand circle, you will see a Pyramid. Notice the face is lighted and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning and the vast Western part of our nation was still relatively unsettled. The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished.

Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, the ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklins belief that one man couldnt do it alone, but a group of men with the help of God could do anything. IN GOD WE TRUST is on this currency. The Latin above the Pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means God has favored our undertaking. The Latin below the Pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means a new order has begun. At the base of the Pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776. If you look at the right hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet no one knows what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: first, he is not afraid of a storm and secondly, he wears no material crown. In the Eagles beak you will read, E PLURIBUS UNUM, meaning one nation from many people. Above the Eagle you have thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Notice that the Eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in his talons. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace.

They say the number 13 is an unlucky number, but think about this: 13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 stripes on our flag, 13 steps on the Pyramid, 13 letters in the Latin above, 13 letters in E Pluribus Unum, 13 stars above the Eagle, 13 plumes of feathers on each span of the Eagles wing, 13 bars on the shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 fruits, and if you look closely 13 arrows. And for minorities: the 13th Amendment. This is the end of the article and it has really given me something to think about. I hope you have learned some things as well. We should never forget what our forefathers and our veterans have done for us so that we could remain a free nation. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 264 - EXPERIENCE IS A "GREAT" TEACHER

No. 264

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EXPERIENCE IS A GREAT TEACHER

A while back I received something in the mail from an educator that was really the voice of experience. It also reminded me once again of just how important education really is and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who spend their lives educating our children. What I received was an article titled,"Everything I know I learned as a high school principal" that was written by Dr. Ivan Kershner, principal of the Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum, Colorado.

When I requested his permission to use it, he wrote me back and had this to say: "Yes, you certainly have my permission to use it in one of your columns. Yes, kids are our greatest resource. I've been in this unique business of public education for 31 years, and I've seen the pendulum swing many times, but I get energized each school year when I see the faces of my students. Funny, though, I have a gray beard and hair, but the kids are always the same age."

And then he says something that we would all do well to ponder or even pray about. "Finally, I agree with you that the more people we can help the better our world will be. It really isn't about money, power, position, or prestige. It is about what positive legacy we leave with our children..."

Now get your thinking cap on because you are going to be surprised at what Dr. Kershner has learned as a high school principal. He begins, "Plugged toilets will overflow if you keep flushing* Truly great teachers are also great human beings* Kids need second chances* Parents make the worst sports fans* Some kids succeed in spite of all we do for them* Some kids fail for the same reason* No matter what decision you make, it upsets somebody. Make it any way* You never get all the spray paint off brick* The buck really does stop at your desk*

Everyday at least one person will do something dumb and you will have to deal with it* Frequently, groups of people do dumb things* Every school has successes* Every school has failures* Sleep on a problem. Tomorrow usually brings a better decision* Horizontal: It's a pile. Vertical: It's filed* Write it down. Otherwise, you'll forget* Sometimes if you ignore a problem it will go away* Sometimes it won't* Nobody really expects you to have all the answers* Call the parents before the kid gets home* Having the police on speed dial is a good thing* Be nice to secretaries* "Building security" is an oxymoron*

Experience, though boring, is often valuable* The pendulum always swings back* Deep breathing* A good janitor is worth their weight in gold* Make the coffee* Talk to the media. With or without you the story gets written* Parking lots have trash. Get over it* Don't try to establish a student dress code unless you have a lot of time on your hands* Windows get left open at night* Anything can happen. Anywhere. Any time* Having good intentions is no excuse* Leave your office door open most of the time* When somebody asks if you are busy, say, "Yes but I have time for you."* Do it now!* Find a mentor* Roofs leak* Being a high school principal is a very important job."

It is an honor for me to hear from fine people like Dr. Kershner, along with other readers all across our country. Working together, those of us who care about our country, our children and our future can make a positive difference. There is nothing more important than your children and the people that you entrust to educate them. If they are doing a good job, tell them so. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 265 - GONE TO COUNTRY FOR WEEKEND

No. 265

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GONE TO COUNTRY FOR WEEKEND

Several times a year I get invited to another state or part of the country to make a speech and Im always proud to tell those in my audience that I am from Conway, Arkansas. Not to brag, but we have one of the finest and fastest growing communities in our state. The population has more than doubled in the past ten to fifteen years. When my wife and I moved to this area, the population was less than twenty thousand and now its approaching fifty thousand.

Before I share something humorous that happened a while back I want you to know that what Ive just said may be very sensitive to you. I know for a fact that my column runs in a number of communities who have suffered a decline in population. There are many reasons for this but the major cause is all the eggs in one basket. When 80% of an areas economy is tied to one large plant, industry or company and they cut back, close or move to another location, the consequences are devastating. If this hits close to home, please know that I care and wish there was something I could do to help your people.

As a quick aside to what I am saying about wanting to be of service, Ive always tried to be honest, but sometimes life is more than interesting when you are committed to old fashioned values. Its like this fella who said he got home late one evening, from driving back from a speaking engagement, and there was a note on his pillow that his wife had written. The note said, Regardless of what time you get in, please call 227-9603. So he dialed the number and a rather sleepy voice on the other end of the line said, Hello. It was obvious that he had woken the poor guy up so he said, Is this 227-9603? This fella said, It is not. He said his wife didnt usually make mistakes, so he asked again, Are you sure this is not 227-9603? The voice on the other end of the line then said, Friend, have I ever lied to you before? From me to thee, may it always be so.

The humorous story I mentioned is based on the fact that population, for the sake of numbers, is just a relative thing. We can always think of people who live in a smaller town a few miles away as those who live in the country. I remember one time we were having a jury trial and at the last minute, one of the lawyers discovered he did not have a key witness. Since this witness lived a good distance from the court house, the lawyer drew a map of where he lived and sent one of his assistants out to bring him in.

This assistant had a late model car and he left the court house and soon found himself on the highway east of town. After about ten miles he turned onto a gravel road and followed it for four more miles. When the gravel road played out there was a set of ruts going out across a pasture. Confident he was following the right directions, this assistant stayed in the ruts until they came to a creek where they ended.

At this point he got out of his car and looked around and then he saw a rope hanging over the creek where people had been swinging across to the other side. When he swung over there he could see a small house sitting way back in the pine trees. Being a little leery he began to holler, Hello, the house and no one appeared. After hollering a few more times he approached the house and could see a little piece of notebook paper pinned to the screen door.

He first thought it might be a warning of some contagious disease. He finally decided to remove it and here is what it said, Gone to the country for the weekend. The moral of this story is simply this, DONT BRAG ABOUT POPULATION BECAUSE ITS JUST A RELATIVE THING! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 266 - THE WISDOM OF KING SOLOMON

No. 266
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE WISDOM OF KING SOLOMON

We have a fine, good natured gentleman in our Lions Club by the name of Ronnie Jones. He is in the insurance business now, but for many years he was a teacher in the public schools. Sometime back when our club honored the “Outstanding Teachers” in our district and the superintendent was making a few remarks, he had this to say about Ronnie Jones, his friend and former co-worker. He said, “Most people drink from the fountain of knowledge but Ronnie only gargles.” It was a light hearted moment, but all of us are serious when it comes to the value of educating our children.
It is with this last thought in mind that I would like to share something that could be of great value to you. It’s common knowledge that education is very important if we are going to be successful in today’s technological society. People who cannot read, for example, are always going to be found at the bottom of the social and economic pyramid. However, there is another ingredient that is vital when it comes to achieving true and lasting success. This ingredient is something we call “Wisdom” and the dictionary defines wisdom as “The power of true and right discernment; also conformity to the course of action dictated by such discernment.” In other words, knowledge is what we know, but wisdom is knowing how to apply it in the right way.
Now I don’t want to be judgmental, but anyone with common sense would agree that the vast majority of Americans have knowledge but the number shrinks dramatically when it comes to those who have wisdom. People who are head over heels in debt and those in jail or prison are good examples of what I’m saying. You can probably think of countless other people who lack wisdom when it comes to making wise decisions for their life.
If you feel you have been short changed in the area of wisdom, I have a suggestion that could be worth its weight in gold. As you may know, King Solomon of Israel, son of King David and Bathsheba, is reported to be the wisest man that ever lived. He built the temple in Jerusalem and had 700 wives and 300 concubines, which was really a measure of his great wealth. During his lifetime he wrote 3000 proverbs. A proverb being “a pithy saying, especially one condensing the wisdom of experience.”
A good example of King Solomon’s wisdom is the story about two harlots who lived together and they each had a son about the same time. Soon after they were born, one of the mothers lay on her son in bed and smothered him to death. She then got up and switched her dead son for the one who was alive. You can just imagine the argument that followed over which child belonged to which mother. To settle the matter, they were brought before King Solomon. After a bit he said, “Take a sword and divide the living son in half and give half to each mother. At this point the living child’s mother said, “No, give him to the other mother.” Solomon then said, “This is the child’s real mother, give the son to her.”
One of the books of the Bible is called the book of “Proverbs.” There are 31 chapters in this book. Over the years I have had many people tell me they had formed the habit of reading one chapter of Proverbs each day for the entire month. Since repetition is the key to learning I believe you can visualize what would happen if you made a commitment to take the wisdom of this great King into your mind on a regular basis. Do it for a full year and you will see the rewards. I can promise you this, if you want to learn or review the principles and rules for right living, which is the real measure of wisdom, just form the habit of reading the book of Proverbs on a regular basis. Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72032.)

No. 267 - THE "TAX AND SPEND" MENTALITY

No. 267
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE “TAX AND SPEND” MENTALITY

When it comes to the subject of taxes, the French statesman Jean Colbert had it right. He said, “taxes consists of so plucking the goose as to get the most feathers with the least hissing.” I also like former President Ronald Reagan’s definition of a taxpayer: “Someone who works for the federal government but who doesn’t have to take a civil service examination.” Taxes have a great impact on our lives and during our visit today I would like to share some thoughts that I am calling the “tax & spend” mentality. While we all pay taxes in one form or another, to a large degree our attitude toward taxes will be determined by whether or not we are paying taxes or spending them.
When it comes to my own philosophy, I shall never forget what a very fine reporter for a Midwestern newspaper wrote about me and this column when it began to run in her paper. She said, “Mr. Davidson is not a preacher and he has no political axes to grind.” That was several years ago and I have done my best to keep it that way. I can honestly say that I do not mind paying legitimate taxes for the benefits and services I receive like good roads, schools, police and fire protection, sanitation services, parks and many others.
Like you I do resent the massive tax burden, especially at the federal level, and the graft and corruption and the pork barrel projects that politicians have used as a tool to stay in office. This has led to what I call the ‘tax & spend’ mentality. This is when politicians tax us, they spend it, and then some, and then tax us some more. The buildings they build and the programs they create have to be staffed and maintained and they have to be funded year after year. This is why they can cry, “We need a tax increase”, when in reality they did not spend revenue from the previous increase wisely.
The really sad thing about what the federal government, and state governments to a lesser degree, have done to taxpayers is they have left little potential revenue for local governments to provide necessary and legitimate services in the local community. When it comes to passing local tax issues, it has almost come down to class warfare. For the people who earn large incomes and have considerable resources, an extra penny sales tax or 5 mills for the schools is no big deal. It is a very big deal however, for those people who are on ‘fixed’ incomes and it takes about all they have each month to pay a house payment or rent, utilities, transportation, groceries and unreimbursed prescription drugs. These people view another proposal to raise taxes not only as the “straw that broke the camel’s back” but as their very survival.
You may say, what’s the answer? While it’s very complex, vote for congressional candidates who will be continue to hold down spending and pay off the national debt and reduce federal tax rates. At the local level, put all the cards on top of the table and bring those people in the ‘fixed’ income group into the process and consider their needs as well. We need to remember that these people are not dumb and when they don’t vote for a tax increase they are not uncaring or unprogressive. Rather, we should see it for what it really is: threatening their very survival.
You may or may not have agreed with what I have said because we do tend to view things from our own perspective. It is my heart’s desire to ‘unite’ all of our people and never to divide us. There are more than enough resources in this country for all of us, but it’s vital that we involve everyone in the process. These people with low or fixed incomes are important and in most communities you can’t pass a local tax issue without them. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72032.)

ople actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chan .

No. 268 - THE POWER OF THE PRESS

No. 268
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE POWER OF THE PRESS

The American poet & journalist William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) once said, “The press is the servant of human intellect and it’s ministry is for good or evil, according to the character of those who direct it.” If you will think about that for a moment I believe you will agree that this quotation sums up the newspaper industry pretty well. In essence, the content, especially the editorial content, comes down to the character of those who direct it.
Over the past several weeks I’ve been thinking about something that may be of value to those of you who read this column. First, I consider it a real privilege to share these thoughts and ideas with you each week. If you are a regular reader you know that I try as best as I can to bring you positive stories, examples and concepts that will benefit and help you in some way. However, in the overall scheme of things I am just a very small fish in a very big pond.
As you know, in today’s times most of the news is bad or negative, but that’s the nature of news. It’s no longer news when something happens with such frequency that the paper couldn’t print all the stories if each issue contained a hundred pages. For what it’s worth, from my little corner of the world here in this publication, I want to renew a commitment that I made when I first began to write this column.
It has to do with that part of William Cullen Bryant’s quotation about “good & evil.” No doubt, you are fully aware that this is a battle that goes on day after day and regardless of the front, it’s one that is not hard to spot. We see the negative influences of evil all around us and what a sad story it really is, as human lives are littered in the backwash of Satan’s evil schemes.
The point I want to make loud and clear is simply this: while newspapers must print negative or evil things that happen to people, it is not the only thing they print. I want to do my best to help counter balance all the negatives in our society with good and positive information that will bring hope and encouragement to you who take the time to read what I share. This is not to say that I will not “tell it like it is”, but I will always have the best interests of my readers at heart.
When you hear the term, “THE POWER OF THE PRESS” it’s true. Newspapers bring us the news of what is happening in our communities and they have a great impact on our daily lives. However, this power can also be directed for the inspiration and betterment of those who are lonely, discouraged and those who lack purpose and direction in their lives.
As more and more papers across the nation are running this column and I am hearing from more and more readers, I realize that if each of us do our ‘best’ in our families, our careers and jobs, our churches, civic clubs and our communities, we can become a powerful force for good. In the coming weeks and months I will be bringing you a wide variety of topics and each one will have the underlying theme for “good” and my very best wishes for your success and happiness.
From time to time we all need to stop and count our blessings and realize that we still live in the greatest nation on earth. We can all make a difference if we will take a few minutes each day to help others. Just remember that “If you give a person a fish you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for life.” The “POWER OF THE PRESS” can be used for good so do something special for someone today. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 269 - THE UNDESERVING VICTIMS OF CRIME

No. 269
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE UNDESERVING VICTIMS OF CRIME

One day last week while driving down the highway, a car passed me that had one of those “partitions” between the front seat and the back seat. In addition to the driver, a quick glance revealed a lone passenger in the back seat and I knew instantly that this person was a prisoner being transported from one location to another. This is a scene that takes place in our country thousands and thousands of times each year. Inmates are moved back and forth from one jail or prison to another, along with trips to court or other destinations that are deemed necessary.
I don’t have to tell you that the Criminal Justice System in this country is big business. By the grace of God it’s one that I have never been a part of and I pray that it will continue to be that way. I never want to do anything against an individual or society that would even cause a court appearance, much less land me behind bars. There are times however, when innocent people get caught up in the system and they never thought they would be there either.
These thoughts came to mind when I began to dwell on what I wanted to share with you during this visit. At the very core of human nature is something we call “justice.” When we are physically attacked, defrauded or hurt in some other way, we want the guilty party or parties to pay for it. The major corporations of Ford & Firestone know all about the cry for justice and rightfully so. While this is just an aside as a principle, it’s better to take your medicine and suffer a loss in the beginning than to try to cover it up until it becomes an out and out catastrophe.
This reminds me of something that was said by the English author Daniel Defoe, “Justice is always violent to the offending party, for every man is innocent in his own eyes.” Let me say here that I believe in total forgiveness by the person who has been wronged, because of the healing effects of body, mind and spirit. I also believe in “justice” because it is a “deterrent” to others who think they can act totally irresponsibly and get away with it.
The real reason for bringing you to this point is that I want to talk about the “undeserving” victims of a crime. These are the people who are not guilty and have done nothing wrong, but yet they are made guilty by association. Like all communities across the country, from time to time we have ‘high profile’ cases in our court system. When we do, the television news cameras are always there, and rightfully so, because this is their job. But one of the saddest things for me is to see a man charged with a crime, like the sex scandal case we had recently, and the television cameras are rolling as he walks down the street and walking beside him is his dutiful wife who had absolutely nothing to do with it.
You see, she can’t go anywhere without people she knows thinking, “that poor soul” who is married to that man. While it’s not a physical torment, it’s a mental and emotional torment that will be there for a long time to come. While no one has a gun on me to make me say this, that is why Jesus came. To offer forgiveness to those who will confess their sin, repent and go the other way.
In the vast majority of cases, every inmate in our Criminal Justice System has a father & mother, some brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. In many cases the parents are responsible to some degree for what they did or did not do in rearing a child who became a criminal. But the others are innocent, but while undeserving, they are made guilty by association. This should motivate all of us to be better people. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 270 - THE "COMMON DENOMINATOR" OF SUCCESS

No. 270
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE “COMMON DENOMINATOR” OF SUCCESS

Several years ago a successful insurance executive named Albert E. N. Gray conducted a study to determine the “common denominator” of success. It was finally determined that people who are successful all share the habit of doing things that failures do not like to do. For example, it is a fact that successful people form the habit of talking to others about things they do not want to talk about, even about things they regard as unpleasant, if discussing them would help them achieve their goals.
Habits are very personal for each of us. In your own case they must be based on what you personally want out of life. However, there are some general habits common to most successful people. I’m going to share some of these, but remember that the principles required for success are a two-edged sword. The same principle that will lead one person to success and happiness will also lead another person into the gutter. It is all in how the habit is used, for good or for bad.
As I share these with you, just remember that a habit is “caught more than it is taught.” You might want to clip these out and pass them along to a friend. CHARACTER HABITS..Attitude: Develop an attitude of service and love toward others. You will get back from others what you first give to them. Self-Respect: You must respect yourself before you can respect the rights and property of others. Respect must be earned. Good Speech: Your words reflect what is inside you. Profanity is often the sign of a weak mind and a poor vocabulary. People who matter can tell a lot about others from the words they use to express themselves.
WORK HABITS...Punctuality: Be on time or early for work, appointments, and other engagements. Hard Work: Be worth more than you are paid. Hard and valuable work provides the profit from which your salary and raises are paid. Persistence: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Study: Education is the foundation for your life. FINANCIAL HABITS...Save money: Building up a reserve of savings is a must if you are to achieve financial security. Pay yourself first by saving regularly and persistently. Invest Money: Look carefully for good opportunities. The money you invest should always yield a greater return than the annual rate of inflation.
SOCIAL HABITS...Responsibility: Be a constructive and contributing member of society. Lawfulness: Obey the laws of the land. Build: Do not destroy. Do your part to guarantee our nation’s future and the opportunities of future generations. Charity: Help those that are less fortunate than you in ways that promote their success.
PERSONAL HYGIENE HABITS...Cleanliness: At home and at work, cleanliness will improve your attitude and your self-image, as well as the impression others have of you. Good Appearance: Hair, nails, dress, shoes, and so on should always be in top condition. Like it or not, appearance is important for first impressions people will develop of you. Regular Checkups: It’s important to make sure you are in the best physical shape possible. Let your Doctor help you stay conditioned for success.
Good habits are formed by thinking, acting and repeating the desired activity over and over again. It is difficult in the beginning to get started, but is worth the effort. Remember, the “common denominator” of success is forming the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do. This is especially true when it comes to talking with others about things they don’t want to talk about, if it will help you reach your goals. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 271 - WHAT ARE YOU "THANKFUL" FOR?

No. 271
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHAT ARE YOU “THANKFUL” FOR?

Have you ever taken the time to think about the things you are really thankful for? As you know, we have a national holiday here in America called, “Thanksgiving Day”, a day set aside to be with family and friends and to reflect on the untold blessings we have in this country. Unfortunately, many people just see this holiday as a day off from work, with pay, and they don’t really think about what it means, especially in relation to that first thanksgiving when our forefathers came to these shores seeking a better life.
In addition to the natural things we think about, in this respect, like family, friends, freedom and food, I’m thankful for some very special people who have come into my life. One individual is Mike Hengel, publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat here in Conway who gave my column a chance back in 1995, because without him I may have never even thought about writing. After all, I had been doing other things for about 60 years.
Another individual that came along that I am really ‘Thankful” for is a fine Christian gentleman by the name of Max Heath. Max is the Vice-President and Executive Editor of the Landmark Community Newspapers based in Shelbyville, Kentucky. His main notoriety however, is that he serves on the board of the National Newspaper Association as their postal guru. No one in the country knows as much about postal rates, with regards to newspapers, as does Max Heath. Postal rates are often the difference between staying in business and folding up shop for many newspapers, especially weekly papers who don’t have home delivery.
I first talked with Max Heath on the phone several years ago and he previewed my column, liked it, and sent information to all of the editors in the company’s 44 newspapers. Since that time we have a majority of Landmark’s papers running my column and I got to spend some quality time with him when he came to present a postal seminar at our State Press Association Convention.
These thoughts came to mind recently when he sent me an article titled, “ I AM THANKFUL.” Read it with me and see if you don’t agree that what appears to be a burden is actually a blessing. I AM THANKFUL...“for the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV, because it means he is home and not on the streets. For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed. For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means that I have enough to eat. For my shadow that watches me work, because it means that I am out in the sunshine. For a lawn that needs mowing and windows that need cleaning, because it means that I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means that I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill, because it means that I am warm. For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear. For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means that I have clothes to wear. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I am capable of working hard. And finally, for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.” Thanks, Max, for reminding us to keep things in perspective. How we view our circumstances does make a difference. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 273 - HOW TO DEAL WITH CONCEITED AND ARROGANT PEOPLE

No. 273
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HOW TO DEAL WITH CONCEITED AND ARROGANT PEOPLE

Have you ever been around someone who was conceited or arrogant? Before I proceed it might be beneficial to pause and ask if you are this type of person. If you are, I hope you will not tune me out, but will read what I have to say because it could make you a much happier person. To be honest, I don’t know many conceited or arrogant people, because my nature is to give people the benefit of a doubt and I try to look for good and positive qualities, and every person has some of these. Its no fun to have to be around someone who is conceited or arrogant but, unfortunately, many people have to deal with it on a regular basis. This is to say they are on the receiving, not the giving end.
A conversation I had the other day with a good friend has prompted me to write this particular column. We were discussing another man we both know and he made the comment, “He seems arrogant to me.” Because I had known this man much longer, I assured him this was not the case. At this point I don’t feel it’s necessary to define the words “conceited” or “arrogant” because you know what I am saying. When we are around someone who has these personality flaws, we usually do our best to avoid them if we can. There are times however, when this is impossible, because we work with them and our job requires us to interact with them on a daily basis. If this is your case, you know it can be quite frustrating because a constant diet of this type behavior has a way of beating you down, it demeans you and it makes you feel inferior.
The reason this type of person makes us feel this way is because in their mind they think they are superior or better than we are. This is certainly not true and I can dispel that myth in a New York minute. If you have to be around this type of person, here is how I suggest that you deal with them. First, give this person the benefit of a doubt. Many people have what I call a “funny turn” and because of this they are just different. In most cases when we get to know them, they are really fine people.
Next, try to understand why this person is behaving in this way. In many cases this type of person is really “insecure” and their “conceited or arrogant” demeanor is only a way to cover it up. If we can go far enough back in a person’s life and look at the people, events and circumstances that influenced them, we can begin to understand why they behave in this manner. Understanding another person is quite often the best thing we can do for them and for ourselves.
Here is another suggestion that may be of value. Have you ever tried to catch a butterfly? Short of using a net it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do. They seem to flit along just out of reach but if we will sit down and be quiet, often the butterfly will come along and light on us. That is a pretty good formula for dealing with a conceited or arrogant person. Just be warm and friendly and give the relationship some time.
There is yet another dimension in dealing with a “conceited” or “arrogant” person that is the most important of all. It has to do with our own feeling of self-worth. We must know who we are and be happy with ourselves. Unless we are on ‘solid ground” a conceited or arrogant person will always have a tendency to destroy our self-confidence and our feeling of self-worth. What I’m about to say is personal but here is what works for me. When I became a Christian, I became the child of the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. You just would not believe the difference this has made in my life. My feeling of self-worth is inside and as the child of a King, I don’t have to be intimidated by any person...ever again. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 272 - THE SILENT KILLER

No. 272
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SILENT KILLER

Have you ever given any serious thought as to how and when you will die? If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, let me be quick to extend my sincere apologies, because I don’t mean for this question to be painful. In reality, we live in a very dangerous world. Millions of people die each year from accidents, homicides, violence induced heart attacks and a whole host of other reasons.
Over the past few years I have attended more funerals than all the other years of my life combined. This is normal because people my age are dying. Other than the sorrow we feel for members of the family, especially if it’s our own family, if it’s a natural or non- violent death, we just hope and pray the deceased person is in a better place.
Here is my reason for sharing these thoughts with you. When I know, or know about, some person who dies a violent, tragic or premature death because of neglect or carelessness, it really grieves me. This means that a life has been cut short and this individual will never have the opportunity to develop their God given potential, to be a blessing to his or her family and to live a full and complete life.
A few days ago I received a very attractive press release kit from the public relations firm of Wheatley & Timmons, located in Chicago, Illinois. The key phrase in the release was “The Silent Killer.” Do you know or can you guess what they are referring to as “The Silent Killer?” If you said, carbon monoxide poisoning you would be right. As I read this release I was convicted that this is something that every person in America needs to know about and what steps they can take to avoid becoming a statistic. Believe me this is not hard if we are even a little bit careless.
Here are a couple of great examples that will illustrate what I am saying. “An elderly couple unwittingly leave their car running in their attached garage, then settle in on the sofa to watch their favorite Sunday evening TV show. Within a matter of minutes, they are unconscious...never to wake again.” “A mother kisses her children goodnight and tucks them in, unaware that a SILENT KILLER is quietly invading their bedrooms through the heating vents from a faulty water heater in the basement. She goes in to check on them sometime later and finds them not breathing...”
Here is the bottom line. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for more than 20,000 health related injuries and from 2100 to 6000 deaths each year. For this reason the Centers for Disease Control and the Journal of the American Medical Association list it as the number one cause of accidental poisoning death in the United States. Most of these deaths can be avoided with the use of a UL listed carbon monoxide alarm. However, they are currently installed in only 26% of U.S. households and the need for public education to prevent deaths continues.
FIRST ALERT, a leading manufacturer of safety devices for the home has introduced the first “Hands-Off” remote test carbon monoxide alarm. This unit is AC powered, has a digital display and can be operated using most household infrared remote control devices such as the remote control for the TV or VCR. The alarm will function if the power goes out, with a 9-volt backup feature; and the unit warns the battery is low with an audible chirp.
The product is available at a suggested retail price of $45 and is available in stores nationwide. While this is a little different topic than usual, if this information saves just one precious human life, it will be a good investment of our time. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 274 - THE NIGHT GRANDMA "SET THE TONE"

No. 274
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE NIGHT GRANDMA “SET THE TONE”

If you have ever heard someone say, “I don’t like your tone of voice” or “you need to tone it down a little”, then you will have some insight into an issue that is becoming more important with the passing of time. These days more and more people seem to have less respect, less civility, less courtesy and less compassion for the rights and feelings of other people. I will just say it up front, this is not good and it’s not the way human beings should treat each other. The good news is that YOU have the power to do something about the sad state of human relations in our nation and the word “tone” has a lot to do with it.
At this point I would like to give you a couple of examples of what I’m talking about and then offer some suggestions that could make a difference for the people who cross your path each day and also for future generations of Americans. The first example happened over fifty years ago and the second just recently. Let me begin by telling you about Dr. Bill Humphrey, a retired college professor and a favorite uncle who lives here in Conway. We are the same age and when we were just kids we spent the night with Great Grandma McAdams who lived near the small community of Pleasant Plains.
With all the company in the house that night, there were more people than beds and Bill and I wound up on a pallet on the living room floor. Soon after the lights were out, we got to talking, giggling and cutting up and the next thing we knew “Granny Mac”, as we called her, got up and got a baseball bat and threatened us with it if we didn’t get quiet. From that moment on you could have heard a pin drop because she made a believer out of us. As I’ve thought about this incident over the years I have come to the conclusion that this was the night that “Grandma” set the tone.
The second example is when a gentleman called me on the telephone from out of state a few weeks ago. He was applying for a top position with our local government and had read one of my columns on the internet. He said he was impressed with it. We visited a few minutes and a week or so later he was coming for a job interview and he called again and wanted to take me to dinner. It was my privilege to accept but before we began our meal I asked if we could have a word of prayer. I did this for two reasons. First, it is my custom to always say a table grace at meal time and also because I wanted to set the tone for the time we spent together. We had a wonderful evening and he wrote me back a few days later and thanked me for the quality time we had.
While there is a great contrast in these two examples I believe you can clearly see how the “tone” was set that was fitting and appropriate for the circumstances. Actually, Bill and I didn’t figure out until much later that “Granny Mac” would not have used the baseball bat on us. In a much larger sense, the “tone” is set by the leader. The president of our country sets the tone. The chief executive of a corporation sets the tone. The coach of a team sets the tone. The minister of a church sets the tone. The head of a family sets the tone.
Here is the point of what I am saying. We can all be leaders when it comes to setting the “tone” as we interact with others and this can make a real difference in our future. First, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to say a prayer or threaten to use a baseball bat. Just let other people know that you stand for truth, honesty, integrity, fairness, justice and always doing the right thing and our country will be headed in the right direction. Incidentally, there were over fifty applicants and he got the job. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 275 - BILL GATES TALKS CANDIDLY TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

No. 275
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BILL GATES TALKS CANDIDLY TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

One of the greatest success stories in the annals of American business is a man by the name of Bill Gates. We know him as the founder and CEO of the Microsoft Corporation and one of, if not the richest man in the world, depending on whether the stock market is up or down. I could stop right there but it would be a great injustice if I did not go on to say that by all accounts he is also a fine human being. He has great family values and his charitable giving to many worthwhile causes is well documented.
A recent newsletter from our state press association contained an article about a speech Bill Gates made to an assembly of high school students. During this speech he talked candidly about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a full generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world. For anyone with kids of any age, what he had to say cuts to the very heart of what reality and true success is all about.
His advice came in the form of 11 rules, but before I share them with you I would just like to say that no one I know likes criticism. My former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway, used to criticize something I did or said once in a while. It hurt at the time but I always knew why he did it. It was because he loved me and wanted the best for me. Certainly I don’t know Bill Gates personally but I would bet my last nickel that he had the student’s best interests at heart when he said these things.
He begins: “Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it. Rule 2: The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. Rule 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn’t have tenure. Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it opportunity. Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parent’s fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closets in your own room. Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off, and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time. Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.”
As I read this it reminded me of the lady who got sea sick during a cruise. As the ship was tossing up and down she said, “I am nauseous” to which a man standing nearby replied, “Madam, you have finally uttered a great truth.” And so it goes. While Bill Gates may not have made any new friends the day he delivered these comments, at least he told the truth. So why not save and perhaps even laminate this column. The message here can make a wonderful difference for many young people. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 276 - TAKING A STAND AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY

No. 276
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
TAKING A STAND AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY

Several weeks ago I received a four page letter from a reader in Ukiah, California strongly urging me to take a stand against the sinful practice of homosexuality. Ironically John began his letter by saying, “When I first ran across your column in our paper I rejected, ignored and dismissed (passed over) your comments as being too preachy, too dogmatic and moralistic, strait laced, and you being a dedicated prude. Now I’ve gotten to where I read your every article and appreciate and agree with the messages you put forth.”
After a few comments about a previous column titled “Do you have a purpose in life” he continues, “Jim, I’d like to hit on a sinister subject that undoubtedly requires attention and some kind of remedial action. I’m talking about the “icky-sticky” subject of homosexuality. Everyone’s seen in a relatively few years, from rare, mostly unnoticed beginnings, to a growing insidious movement, then more lately in decisive surges until it now pervades our society in a way never thought possible before.” He continues with some more explicit comments, including quoting a number of passages from the Bible, but I think you get the picture.
Well, John, I heard you loud and clear and here are my feelings on the subject of homosexuality. In the past I have been very careful to stay away from this controversial topic because I respect the rights of every human being to conduct their own personal affairs in the manner they choose. After all, as individuals we must ultimately live with the consequences of the decisions we make in life. I do my best not to meddle beyond telling a person traveling down the road of life that there is a bridge out up ahead but I can’t keep them from continuing on down the road, if that’s what they choose to do..
The reason I am willing to make an exception here is because of something I saw just recently on television. In one of those “Hollywood Minute” features a television producer was bragging about the shows they had produced in the past that had a gay lifestyle theme. He then said, “We have come out of the closet and now we are going to promote our lifestyle with a number of other programs.” For me, this is where he crossed the line. It’s one thing for a person or group of persons to have a different sexual orientation in their private lives but it’s something else when they begin to promote it as a natural and normal lifestyle.
Here is where I am coming from. Regardless of what textbooks and other people say about homosexuality being an alternate lifestyle, God calls it sin. In Leviticus 18:22 we find these words, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” At this point I want to be very clear. I am not attacking the worth and value of any person who is a homosexual. It is not the person but the behavior that God does not approve of. I love all people and this includes those who have a different sexual orientation than I have.
While addressing this subject I just thought of something humorous. In the Bible there is an account of where God destroyed the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. After instructing righteous Lot to flee with his family, as they were doing so his wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. One day, when they told this story in Sunday School one little boy said, “That’s nothing, my mama looked back and turned into a telephone pole.”
Suffice it to say, I don’t know the answer to the long standing question about whether the gay and lesbian lifestyle is a genetic disposition or a personal choice. You must decide this important issue for yourself. I just know that God calls it sin and I had rather be on His side than some movie producer who is advocating it to make a lot of money. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 308 - A STREET CAR NAMED DESIRE

No. 308
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A STREET CAR NAMED DESIRE

Here is a question you may wish to ponder with me for a few minutes today. I might add, this question will be appropriate regardless of your age, station in life and especially if you have achieved great success. Here is the question. How much of your life up to this point has been influenced by other people? Hopefully you will give some serious thought to this question, because there may be a whole lot more here than meets the eye.
In reality we are each influenced by other people, some more than others and some for good and others for evil. In this context two of the most influential people in our society are the superlative manager and the superlative mother. I say this for a very simple reason. Apart from the important role of modeling and teaching character values these people have the ability to get us on A Street Car Named Desire. Several years ago there was a movie by this name written by Tennessee Williams and starring Marlin Brando and Vivien Leigh. I didn’t care for the movie but the concept the title embodies is tremendous.
To be successful or to use the term “superlative” as a mother or a manager he or she must be able to get those who are under their influence on A Street Car Named Desire. This is true because for any person to succeed they must have the desire to achieve or even excel or in this country they will just wind up fat and lazy. Do you know people like this? I believe you can see that the people who influenced them the most, had a lot to do with it.
Many years ago I heard a great speaker by the name of Mike Vance, who at the time was President and CEO of the Creative Thinking Center in Los Angeles, California. During his speech Mike talked about the principle of influence and how it was the primary motivation for the superlative manager and superlative mother. While other family members are also powerful when it comes to molding the values of a young person’s life, Mike said that one of those that really influenced him was his grandfather.
Mike said that when he was five years old his grandfather took him fly fishing at the creek in Greenville, Ohio. He observed that his grandfather was so good with the fly rod that his wrist action was almost imperceptible as he avoided the willow trees and made the fly land in the just the right spot with each cast. Mike was fascinated. After a while his grandfather said, “You would like one of these fly rods, wouldn’t you Mike?” Mike said, “yes sir, I would.” At this point his grandfather had him on A Street Car Named Desire. His grandfather then said, “Let me TEACH you how to get one.”
Here is the key and the point I know you won’t miss. When you create the desire in someone for something, don’t GIVE it to them...but TEACH them how to get it.” As a result of this conversation, Mike’s grandfather said, “the way to get one of these fly rods is to come to work at my grocery store all day every Saturday for six months and you will have earned enough to get one of these.” His job was sprouting potatoes in the cellar of a small country grocery store. Mike said he had company as there were also rats down there in this cellar. This motivated him to realize that he wanted to do something better with his life, and he did.
He went on to say that this lesson, “create the desire in someone, then don’t give it to them...but TEACH them how to get it” was one of the most valuable he ever learned, including his college years at Ohio State University. If you are a parent or manager and not already there, using and applying this concept could move you into the superlative category. Hopefully, “A Street Car Named Desire” will help you to remember it. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 309 - THE PRECIOUS VALUE OF SILENCE, TIME AND SIMPLICITY

No. 309
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PRECIOUS VALUE OF SILENCE, TIME AND SIMPLICITY

There is an old saying that goes, “The squeaking wheel gets the most grease.” In today’s culture, loosely translated this means, the one who hollers the loudest and most often usually gets the fastest, but not necessarily the best service. There are many examples that I could give to illustrate this point but one that leaps readily to mind is the carpenter or handyman who gets a job started and has you tied up so to speak, then takes off and does the same thing to several other people. In many cases we must make several calls before we can get them to come back and finish the job. This is the basis for the saying, “The squeaking wheel gets the most grease”, elbow grease that is.
While it may be a stretch, I want you to see something else with the same thought in mind that can affect us much more dramatically. The human body is a marvelous creation of God and when all the parts are working in harmony together we have something we call “good health.” But let one part of our body quit working properly, especially if its a vital part, and we have cause for great concern. This is the primary reason hospitals are full and it’s hard to find a seat in the Doctor’s waiting room.
Our body is sensitive and if we will listen it will usually tell us when something is wrong. It may be a poor analogy but this is yet another way to say, “The squeaking wheel gets the most grease.” It’s right here that I would like to share something that is much deeper in relation to our good health and well being. To be sure we need a good diet and exercise to maintain our physical health, but we also need a regimen that will contribute to our emotional and psychological health.
The other morning the phone rang about 7 O’clock and it was a reader in Galax, Virginia who said he had been thinking about calling me for some time. He gave me a good deal of his background which included playing in a number of big name bands like Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and several others. He has returned from city life to the countryside near Galax to be near his elderly mother who had recently passed away. Now he was all alone.
This man then made the comment, “I have really come to appreciate the precious value of silence, time and simplicity.” What he had actually discovered was a prescription for emotional and psychological health. With regard to SILENCE, if we want to be alone ALL the time we become a hermit, but we all need a certain amount of silence in our lives, when we can reflect on the past, present and future and to really get in touch with our feelings and who we are. It’s sad that many people can’t stand to be alone because they don’t want to be alone with themselves.
Then we come to TIME, the universal common denominator which the bum and the millionaire have the exact amount of each day; 24 hours, no more and no less. How we use our time and our priorities determines our rewards in life. Here is what I mean, “He hadn’t time to pen a note, He hadn’t time to cast a vote, He hadn’t time to sing a song, He hadn’t time to right a wrong, He hadn’t time to love or give, He hadn’t time to really live, From now on, he’ll have time on end, He died today, my “busy” friend.
And lastly, SIMPLICITY, the yearning that many people have in our technological society to keep things simple. While I love many of our modern conveniences, I have learned to get along without a battery operated paper weight. We should look for ways to simplify our lives. Hope you will take a few minutes to expound on the things I’ve been sharing in your mind: the precious value of silence, time and simplicity. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 310 - WE SHOULD AVOID "POSITIVE THINKING" LIKE A PLAGUE

No. 310
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE SHOULD AVOID “POSITIVE THINKING” LIKE A PLAGUE

One day last week I got a letter from a reader who said, “Dear Jim, I have always enjoyed your articles in the paper and have yet to disagree with any of them because they are all logical and try to be fair.” After what I have to say today I hope this good man can still make that statement, because I feel a great number of readers will disagree with me. I am willing to wade into the subject of “positive thinking” and go against the grain, because I believe that many people have been misled and it’s costing them dearly, especially in dealing with some of life’s most difficult issues.
Have you ever thought about where the term “positive thinking” came from? Before I share what I believe to be the answer, let me point out how the emergence of some words in our culture have greatly impacted our lives. A good example is the word attitude. Back in the late forties and early fifties when I was in high school we never heard this word used at all. Then by the early seventies, in education, attitude had become a ‘buzz’ word. Here I am speaking from first hand experience.
In 1970 when I started working with the late Earl Nightingale in the motivation business, he had recorded a message on cassette tape titled “The Magic Word.” The magic word was “attitude” and it was by far the most popular message in what was called the “Lead The Field” series. Back then I listened to this message so often that today I can still quote it almost word for word. The word attitude means, “the position or bearing as indicating action, feeling or mood” and it is our attitude toward others that will determine their attitude toward us. I still remember Earl saying, “If we let someone with a poor, negative attitude affects us, then we are admitting they are the stronger person.”
But back to the term “positive thinking” and why I believe we should avoid it like a plague. This term also evolved in our culture for a very simple reason. It was not and is not a desired thing for a person to be considered to be a negative person. Since the opposite of being negative is to be a positive person and since thinking was also something to be greatly desired, we just put the two together, hence “positive thinking.”
Should you talk with a hundred people in our society and ask the question, “Do you believe in positive thinking?” I dare say “yes” would be the answer for the vast majority. In reality, positive thinking is just a substitute for real thinking. It’s like dropping little “bromides” into the head that say, “If I can just see it or have the right positive thought, it will happen.” A good example is the sales manager who stands before his troops and says, “you can do it, you can double your sales and go over the top” and then it doesn’t happen.
The next month or quarter he goes through the same routine again and still it does not happen. This is why I believe the world’s pessimists were once positive thinkers. The truth is simply this. The reason that things did not work out or happen is because we did not do something. This is why when our backs are to the wall we need some real thinking and not just drop those little ‘bromides’ in our head. Due to positive thinking do you have any idea how many people are in hospitals today with ailments they said did not exist. Sometimes, often too late they have to be told they do exist.
On the other hand, a “positive attitude” is tremendous and is to be greatly desired. We get a positive attitude by successfully dealing with the exigencies of life. When we have worked hard, paid the price and have been successful, then we look forward to the next challenge with great expectations. This is what having a positive attitude is all about. In the meantime we should avoid ‘positive thinking’ like a plague. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 311 - WHEN THE LIGHTNING STRUCK THE "COON CREEK" PARTY LINE

No. 311
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHEN THE LIGHTNING STRUCK THE “COON CREEK” PARTY LINE

If you are old enough to remember the days when we had telephone “party lines” in this country, then I believe you will get a kick out of something I ran across a few weeks ago. My memory is not too vivid here, but I can still remember when we had telephones that were 2-party, 4-party and even 8-party lines. In case you don’t know, this is how many homes or families were on that same line. I know it was bad news if you had an 8-party line and had a couple of people on the line who loved to talk. You could never use it, unless of course, you said it was an emergency but that only worked a couple of times because they were still listening in. On the other hand, the party line system did provide a lot of good gossip and entertainment in those days.
I was invited to be the keynote speaker for the Hot Springs Village Morning Lions Club at their annual Recognition and Officer Installation Banquet. This club is the largest Morning Lions Club in a four state area and they do some great work. They were sponsored by the Hot Springs Village Evening Lions Club, which is the 17th largest in the world, and this past year they teamed up to build a “Habitat For Humanity” house in Hot Springs.
The reason I am sharing this is because both clubs are made up mostly of retirees who have moved here from practically every state in the nation. So, you can appreciate the fact that I had a widely diverse audience, but all with the common bond of a desire “To Serve” and to help the less fortunate. All during the year the members work hard doing the various fund raising projects, but at this once a year banquet they try to have some fun.
In addition to my presentation they had secured the services of a Barber Shop Harmony group called “The Chanticleers.” This group was made up of from 15 to 20 men, all dressed in matching red coats, and they were very good. They sang a number of selections and then they came out with “When The Lightning Struck The Coon Creek Party Line.” I have been told the words were original, but the way they did it was a riot. Later I asked for a copy of the words and while they are copyrighted, I was given permission to share them with you.
Here we go, 1, 2, 3 “Oh the poles and splinters flew, and the wires snapped in two..And wound around the wild cucumber vine..It sure was an awful thing, not a single phone would ring..When the lightning struck the Coon Creek party line. T’was a summers day in May, we were busy makin’ hay (hey-hey)..As we drove into town for binder twine (binder twine)..As we started down the lane it began to look like rain..When the lighting struck the Coon Creek party line.
Aunty Min was on the phone, tongues were waggin’ at each home..All about the gossip goin’ on in town..There was talk of bathtub gin they were servin’ at the inn..And that Thelma Jones was chasin’ Parson Brown. Then there came a great white flash, followed by a fearful crash..All the telephones went dead at ten to nine..All those tales went untold, they were left out in the cold..When the lightning struck the Coon Creek party line. Oh the poles and splinters flew, and the wire snapped in two..And wound around the wild cucumber vine..It sure was an awful thing, not a single phone would ring..When the lightning struck the Coon Creek party line.”
Well, that’s the end of it but suffice it to say just reading the words does not do it justice. You would have had to have been present to really appreciate this performance. A special word of thanks to Past President Al Becker and all the members and spouses of the Hot Springs Village Morning Lions Club for a delightful evening and especially for the great work you do. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 312 - THE OBITUARY FOR COMMON SENSE

No. 312

The next password is jacob

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE OBITUARY FOR COMMON SENSE

Does it make you sad when you lose an old friend? It sure does me. Several years ago I lost an old friend who was also one of my best friends. His name was Bob Gannaway. Bob was my Dale Carnegie instructor, later my business partner, hunting and fishing buddy, someone I could always count on and one who could keep a confidence. Good friends like this do not come along very often and I sure do miss him.
What brought this remembrance of Bob to mind was something a reader sent me a few days ago. It was titled simply, “Obituary Notice” and it begins: “Today we mourn the passing of an old friend. His name is Common Sense. Common Sense lived a long life, but died of heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.
For decades petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, “Don’t spend more than you earn”; reliable parenting strategies, “The adults are in charge, not the kids”, and “It’s okay to come in second.”
A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and “new math.” But his health declined when he became infected with the “If-it-only-helps-one-person-it’s-worth-it” virus. In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal regulation. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors.
His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies, reports of six year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, to when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but cannot inform the parent when the female student is pregnant and wants an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife Discretion; his daughter Responsibility; and his son Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; Rights, Tolerance and Whiner. Not many attended his funeral evidently because so few realized he was gone.” Well, that’s the end of it but what a message for all of us to ponder. This should cause every logical, rational and sound thinking American to step back, take a second look and think about where our nation is going.
There is one thing for sure. There are millions of people in this country who do not have a college degree but who have plenty of common sense. In today’s times this is something we could all stand a lot more of. While it may be bad theology, what we really need is an early “resurrection” of this old friend who has stood by us all those years. My Special thanks to Bob & Nadine Mong and Dick & Val Widen for sharing this with us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Jacob

No. 287 - THERE ARE NO WINNERS IN A SCHOOL SHOOTING

No. 287
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THERE ARE NO WINNERS IN A SCHOOL SHOOTING

The American clergyman and editor Lyman Abbott once said, “A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal, with possibilities of virtue and vice, but as yet unstained.” As a parent with grown children and school age grandchildren this is only one of many reasons I get very despondent and sad each time there is yet another shooting at one of our nation’s schools. In the wake of each one we have the so called experts give us a multitude of reasons why it occurred. The list always includes deeply troubled students who are picked on by other students, children from dysfunctional homes, lack of parental involvement, easy access to guns, bloodshed and violence in the electronic media and a whole litany of others.
While all of these reasons may be valid I believe they are only symptoms of a much deeper root problem that will take years to remedy, if ever. The real problem is that we, the American people, have allowed the influence of the Hollywood and Madison Avenue element to completely change the culture of our society. While there are many reasons for this, if you think that I am missing the target I would remind you that we did not have these shootings in our nations schools before the days of television. From my perspective it’s not the bloodshed and violence that is doing the most harm but rather the sexual perversion and innuendoes, almost nude women, bedroom scenes, deep passionate kissing and crude language that is doing the greatest harm to our culture and our young people.
The reason this is true is simple. When acted out in real life there are swift and immediate consequences for violence and bloodshed but not so with most of the activity I just described. I believe the people who are producing these programs and commercials have an agenda that is anti-God and anti-family. They are far removed from the local communities they are impacting and here is where I believe many of us who would like to do something about it are wasting our time. When we call, write or e-mail our congressman we are contacting the wrong people. Congress has proven over and over again that they are not going to do anything about mind pollution. There is far too much money there.
The people who really matter are the presidents and CEO’s of the major corporations who are spending their advertising budgets to sponsor these programs and produce sexually suggestive commercials. The vast majority of our nations business leaders do not have an agenda. They just want to sell more of their products and services. In our society everybody wants to be a winner but there are no winners in a school shooting. We can all take sides on this important issue but I’m here to tell you that I am for the children who are the real victims in this sad state of affairs.
As you know I try not to discuss a problem without at least offering what I think are some possible solutions. As a starting point we need to call, write or e-mail these presidents and CEOs and let them know how we feel about what is happening in our society and the role they may unwittingly play in it.
To the glory of God we are blessed to have almost 250 newspapers and over a million people who read my column each week. I may be wrong but I really believe if these business and industry leaders got from 5,000 to 10,000 letters on this issue we would get their attention. In most cases the address is printed on their products. If enough of us are willing to get involved, we just might be able to make a difference. In my mind this issue has become too paramount to ignore because like I said, there are no winners in a school shooting. Please let me have some feedback from you.(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 288 - WHO PACKS YOUR PARACHUTE?

No. 288
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO PACKS YOUR PARACHUTE?

A few weeks ago my friend Dennis Card sent me something that brought back some very fond memories. It was an article about Lt. Charles Plumb, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, who was a fighter pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands where he was captured and spent six long years in a Communist Vietnamese prison. He survived that ordeal and today travels around and lectures about lessons learned from that experience.
Dennis was surprised when I told him that I had met Charlie Plumb when we appeared on the same program at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas shortly after he was released by his Vietnamese captors. That same year he has named the Outstanding Young Man in Kansas by the Kansas Jaycees. You will understand why I recalled the experience so fondly as you read the following true story that contains a valuable and important lesson for each us.
The article begins by saying, “One day Charles Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant and a man came up and said, “You’re Lt. Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!” “How in the world did you know that?” he asked? “I packed your parachute”, the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, “I guess the chute worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform..a dixie cup hat, a bib in the back, and bell bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.”
Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know. Today as he travels the country and makes public appearances he asks his audience, “Who’s packing your parachute?” The lesson here is simple but yet profound. Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day.
Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute and his spiritual parachute. You see, he called on all these supports before reaching safety. His experience should remind all of us to prepare ourselves to weather whatever storms lie ahead. Because of his own personal experiences, he admonishes every person he has an opportunity to impact to be aware as they go through life to recognize those people who pack their parachute. A friendly hello, to say please, or thank you, or something else nice may often make their day.
As I have had time now to read and reflect on this article several times I am grateful that my friend Dennis Card passed it along to me. Like most people I need to be reminded on a regular basis to do those things that are really important, to acknowledge and appreciate those people who help me along the way. As the old saying goes, “Attitude is really gratitude” and while often I forget to tell them, I am grateful for so many good people who have come into my life. “Thanks and God speed, Charlie.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 289 - DO YOU NEED A HELPING HAND?

No. 289
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU NEED A HELPING HAND?

Over the past several months I have rediscovered a very basic truth that has made a tremendous difference in my life. The truth is this, “You will never feel as good as you do after you have helped someone who really needs help.” Because of an experience I had several months ago I have been instrumental in organizing a ministry in our church that we call “The God Squad.” In fact, I will be so bold to say that every church and volunteer service organization needs an outreach like this and I believe you will agree after I tell you more about it.
You all may be way ahead of me on this, but here is how it came about for us. Every so often a member or some member of their family is either moving in or out of town and quite often I’ve been invited to help them. One day I was asked to help a lady and her daughter load a U-Haul truck as they were moving all the way up to Minot, North Dakota. When I arrived at her address, the packing and loading process was already underway as the family and a few other people were already there. The thing I still remember very vividly is that they had lots of furniture and some of it was very heavy.
After a couple of hours of loading and packing it was discovered the U-haul truck they had rented was too small and there was no way everything would go in it. At this point the only alternative was to rent a larger truck, take everything back out of the small one, repack it in the larger truck and then finish the job. Here is the lesson we all learned that motivated me to action. Because the job was monumental and we didn’t have enough help, at the end everyone was worn to a frazzle.
At this point I said, “never again” if I have anything to do with it. One thing I have learned from experience is that you can do anything, and make it enjoyable, if you have enough help. You do feel good after you have helped someone who really needs help and the key word here is “need” as many people have plenty of money to hire it done or their company is moving them and it’s no problem. Other people have really nice furniture and don’t want a bunch of amateurs like us loading it in a truck.
We also do other things that requires a strong back and willing heart like hauling large things to the city dump, cutting down and trimming dead trees and other things of this nature. Another group has been organized that we call “The Handyman Task Force” which is made up of men who are skilled in some trade who can help the elderly people and single mothers who have a need. We don’t do things for people who can and should do for themselves, we just get involved when someone really and truly needs a helping hand.
This concept goes back to earlier times in our nation when neighbors helped each other. Many a time neighbors showed up for a barn raising, hog killing or to help get the crop out of the field. In a sense we are doing the same thing, only we are helping others as a ministry of our church. We are actually doing what many others only talk about and like I said in the very beginning, “Unless you have a medical condition that would prevent it, you will never feel as good as you do after you have helped someone who really needs help.”
Should you have a desire to do this on an organized basis, which is the only way, you will have more success if you simply present the need and ask for volunteers. Personally I had rather have 10 people who are committed than to have 50 names on a list and most of them never become active. Thanks to e-mail, you can put them all on a group file and call them into action at a moments notice. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 290 - THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART

No. 290
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART

If you are a sensitive person, sensitive to the world around you and especially to other people, then I believe your life will be blessed by a little story I ran across a few days ago. I might add, it matters not whether your station in life is high or low, whether you are the janitor or the president of the company, the star of the team or one who seldom gets in the game, a nobody or the most renown person on planet earth.
In the Bible there is a very important half verse found in I Samuel 16: 7b that says, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This is something I believe we all need to think about from time to time because this simple truth can definitely make a difference in our relationships with other people. In our society today we have come to almost deify beauty. If a person is outwardly handsome or beautiful they are given a ‘bye’ to the next level. However, I’m here to tell you when we do this on a consistent basis we are going to miss some great opportunities as we travel the road of life.
The story I mentioned begins when a lady is visiting a friend who owns a greenhouse. She says, “As my friend showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, “If this were my plant I would put it in the loveliest container I had.” My friend changed my mind. “I ran short of pots,” she explained, “and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn’t mind starting out in this old pail. It’s just for a little while till I can put it out in the garden.”
She must have wondered why I laughed out loud because it reminded me of an old gentleman who came to our boarding house so many times. Our boarding house was just across the street from a large hospital with an outpatient clinic. We lived downstairs and rented upstairs rooms to patients who came to the clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man, “Why, he’s hardly taller than my eight-year-old.” I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face; lopsided from swelling, red and raw.
Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, “Good evening. I’ve come to see if you’ve a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from my home on the coast and there’s no bus ‘till morning.” He told me he had been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. “I guess it’s my face...I know it looks terrible, but my Doctor says with a few more treatments...” For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: “I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.”
And so began a beautiful relationship that would last for many years. I found out about his occupation as a fisherman that he used to support his daughter and her 5 children along with her husband who had been hopelessly crippled from a back injury. Each time he would come back for treatments he would always bring fresh fish, oysters and produce from his garden. Later, after his treatments had ended, he continued to send special things to me and my family by mail, even though he had so little money and that he had to walk three miles to mail them. “I’m grateful for the lesson God taught me because of this kind man.”
Hopefully you will think about this story and let it be the basis for how you deal with others, if you don’t already . Just remember, man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. I’m really grateful for that. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 291 - ARE YOU WAVING AN UNLIT LANTERN?

No. 291
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU WAVING AN UNLIT LANTERN?

Someone once said that, “Enthusiasm is that kindling spark which makes the difference between the leaders in every activity and the laggards who put in just enough to get by.” After I had thought about this quotation for a little while, I was reminded of the days when I used to go fishing with some friends and we would put out a trotline and some yo-yos and usually fish all night. While we were waiting for the fish to bite we would build up a good fire on the bank and sit around and tell stories, mostly reminisce about the big ones that got away. These were much simpler times but they were good times.
Every once in a while we would go fishing after a few days of rainy weather and our big problem then became, ‘how do you start a fire with wet wood?’ This is not the easiest thing in the world to do especially if you are limited in your fire starting materials. Here is a point that is worth noting. Once you can get the fire going real good, the heat will dry out each new log or piece of wood that is added and it then becomes self-perpetuating.
Here are a couple of insights that may bring what I’m saying a little closer to home. First, getting started or staying on the road to real success which most of us desire, is kinda like getting a fire started with wet wood. Once we get our lives and careers headed in the right direction and keep adding logs to the fire, it is much easier to keep it going. And secondly, that wet wood could be compared to all the negative people we encounter each day. They have a tendency to extinguish that little spark we need to get started.
When we get started, our success can serve as an example to help others get going. It’s good to remember that, “a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Here is a wonderful little story that will illustrate what I’m saying. Back in the days before we had electronically controlled gates at railroad crossings at night, when a train was stopped in a business district or residential area, a brakeman would be stationed at the crossing and he would wave a lantern to let oncoming cars know there was a train in their path.
One night in this small community, the train was stopped at the crossing and the brakeman was at his post. This was about midnight and it wasn’t long before he saw the headlights of an approaching car. The brakeman waved his lantern but the car kept coming and it crashed into the train. When the dust settled the car got the worst end of it and while there were some scrapes and bruises, luckily no one was seriously injured. Well, in a few days these people were contacted by a lawyer and they decided to sue the railroad and the case finally went to trial.
During the trial the brakeman testified that he saw the headlights of the approaching car and he waved his lantern. He further stated, “When I saw that the car was not going to stop I ‘ruch’ up and waved it again.” To make a long story short they didn’t get anything and after the trial was over the railroad lawyer was complimenting the brakeman about what a great job he had done as a witness for the railroad. The brakeman said, “Well, Mr. Bill, I shore am proud of one thing.” The lawyer said, “What’s that?” He said, “I shore am glad that other lawyer didn’t ask me if that lantern was lit.”
If you will think about this story I believe you will see the unmistakable point of how it relates to many of us. Too often we go through life waving an unlit lantern. This is to say no spark and no enthusiasm. As a result we miss the joy of living and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. My encouragement to you is this: decide what is really important in your life and then get excited about doing it. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 292 - IF THE HUMOR FITS...ENJOY IT!!

No. 292
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IF THE HUMOR FITS...ENJOY IT!!

Here is a question I would like to ask you to ponder for a few moments: do you ever get under a lot of stress? Well, I sure do. Every so often when my schedule becomes so hectic and I don’t know whether I’m coming or going, I get stressed out. As you may know, stress affects different people in different ways. For some of us fatigue is a good indicator along with the feeling of just being burned out. Personally, when I see and feel these indicators I try to get some relief because I have seen first hand what the consequences will be. I can usually take off a few days and go fishing or play golf and before long the old enthusiasm will return.
Something else that helps and has always been a part of my life is humor. When I don’t take myself too seriously and can laugh, relax and have fun this has a way of helping me keep things in perspective. As you can probably guess I get a lot of good humor material across my desk from readers and some of it I can’t use because its off color and I try to use a good deal of discretion in what I share with you. I also try to be very careful in this regard because I know many young people read my column.
The other day a reader sent me something with a note that said, “Thought these might bring a smile.” The subject: The Great Hymns. It’s possible one of these may apply to you. The Contractor’s Hymn...The Church’s one foundation. The Dentist’s Hymn...Crown Him with many crowns. The Electrician’s Hymn...I saw the light. The Golfer’s Hymn...There is a green hill far away. That reminds me of the story of the golfer and his caddie who went out to play a round and after a long time the golfer said to his caddie, “This is the worst course I have ever played.” The caddie said, “Sir, this is not the course. We left that over an hour ago.”
The Gossip’s Hymn...Pass it on. The IRS Agent’s Hymn...I surrender all. The Optometrist’s Hymn...Open my eyes that I may see. The Politicians Hymn...Standing on the promises. The Realtor’s Hymn...I’ve got a mansion, just over the hilltop. The Shoppers Hymn...Sweet by and by. The Tailor’s Hymn..Holy, Holy, Holy. The Weatherman’s Hymn...There shall be showers of blessing.
Now here are some more Hymns that will apply if you speed some time on the highway. If you drive 45 mph...God will take care of you. If you drive 55 mph...Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah. If you drive 65 mph...Nearer my God to thee. If you drive 75 mph...Nearer still nearer. If you drive 85 mph...This world is not my home. If you drive 95 mph...Lord, I’m coming home. If you drive over 100 mph...Precious memories.
And lastly, here are Hymns for people over 40 (you know who you are). The Old Rugged Face...Precious Lord, take my hand (and help me get up.)...It is well with my soul (but my back hurts)...Nobody knows the trouble I have seeing...Amazing Grace (considering my age) ...Just a slower walk with Thee...Count your many birthdays (name them one by one) ...Go tell it on the mountain (and speak up) ...Give me that old timer’s religion...Blessed insurance...Guide me o thou great Jehovah (I’ve forgotten where I parked.)
Well, that’s the end of the hymns and I believe you will agree that last one was a good one to end on. Thinking about these great hymns reminds me of when I was a kid and had a beautiful singing voice. Unfortunately, I was reared in the back of a restaurant and one Saturday afternoon I ruined my voice cooling chili. Now hopefully in the spirit of this column you know I am just kidding. The reason I’m not a good singer is because I am tone deaf and can’t carry a tune in a bucket. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 293 - THE DEPRESSION ERA MENTALITY

No. 293
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE DEPRESSION ERA MENTALITY

The American humorist Mark Twain (1835-1910) once said, “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.” This reminds me of something I heard the late Dr. Ken McFarland say in regard to talking to his banker about a loan. Ken said, “there was only one vote and he had it.” I guess most of us have faced this situation at one time or another.
This is not to say for one moment that bankers and banking are not important the world over because they are. We depend on them to lend us money, manage and organize our financial affairs and they also contribute to the health and welfare of every community. There was a time however in the history of our nation when most banks were powerless to do any of these things. This was during the years between 1930 and 1933 when over 9,000 banks failed, which is to say closed their doors.
Most Americans know this as the time of “The Great Depression” which was precipitated by the Stock Market Crash in October of 1929. This was a very dark period in the history of our nation. As they say, this was a time when hitchhikers were going either way. The depressed economy would last until the beginning off W.W.II and paying jobs returned to provide military armament to support our armed forces during the war. In contrast, during the year of 1945 no bank in our nation failed.
Because of space limitations I won’t go into the causes of a depression but if you want to know more, you may reference it listed under business cycles in the appropriate encyclopedia. A business cycle is defined as “the irregular alternations of business activity from peaks of prosperity to low points of depressions.” In 1933 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was founded and the renamed Board Of Governors for the Federal Reserve System was given broader powers to control the rate of cash flow by raising or lowering interest rates.
Granted, this is not my field and I couldn’t get technical even if I wanted to, but my purpose in sharing this background information was to highlight what actually happened to people during the Great Depression. I was born in 1938 which was near the end of this greatest of all the depressions in our nation’s history so as a small child my family may have done without but I didn’t know it. If you are old enough to have lived through these lean times, then you know exactly what I am saying. There was no money and no jobs and a family just had to scratch out a living anyway they could.
While I would never wish these conditions on anyone, there are millions of Americans who believe if the young people of today had to go through a great depression, their attitudes in many areas would be much different. They too would have a “Depression Era” mentality. There is a great example in my own family that will support what I have been saying. My mother is the oldest of seven children and five are still living. Most of her siblings were still very small when the depression hit and my grandparents had seven kids to raise during this terrible time.
The family didn’t have much but they got by and they ALL worked. As a result, today my grandparents are gone but the surviving siblings are all financially secure and I have never heard of a bill collector or someone garnisheeing their wages or filing for bankruptcy or being in trouble with the law in any of their lives. This is what happens when you truly know the value of a dollar. The people of America right now are swimming in a sea of credit card debt and who, but God, knows what the future holds. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 294 - GOOD PRESS...CAN PAY BIG DIVIDENDS!!

No. 294
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
GOOD PRESS...Can Pay Big Dividends!!

Back on January 20, 1925 the Wall Street Journal carried the following quotation: “A newspaper is a private enterprise, owing nothing to the public, which grants it no franchise. It is therefore affected with no public interest. It is emphatically the property of its owner, who is selling a manufactured product at his own risk.” In reality the newspaper can be your friend or it can be your enemy depending on what a news reporter catches you doing at the moment. As I’ve said many times in this column, where would we be in this country without a free press? When the light comes on, the cockroaches always scurry for cover.
Several months ago I got a letter from my friend Richard Tuttell, who is Managing Editor of the Lenoir News-Topic in Lenoir, North Carolina. In January 1998, after several phone calls he made the decision to run my column and has run it ever since. His decision has been good for both of us as I have received many positive letters from his subscribers. The purpose of his letter was to ask permission to quote something from one of my columns in a new book he was writing. Because we had visited many times and I knew he was a fine man I was happy to grant his request.
To make a long story short his book has now been published and the title is “GOOD PRESS...An insider’s guide to publicizing business and community news.” You would suspect as managing editor of a daily newspaper that he would be a good writer but I can tell you that he is better than that. His book is fantastic and as I read it I was impressed with his clear writing style and the manner in which it is organized. As the title says, he is an ‘insider’ and because of his 20 plus years experience, he really knows the newspaper business.
Here is the benefit and purpose of my sharing this with you. There are literally millions of people in this country who are either journalism teachers or students, publicity chairs for service clubs, churches, corporations and other organizations, as well as individuals who would like to know more about getting favorable business or community related articles published in the newspaper. Unfortunately, many of these individuals lack the in-depth knowledge to maximize the use of this valuable resource.
If you fit into any of these categories or positions, the author Richard Tuttell actually puts you behind the editor’s desk and shares information that will improve your chances of having an article printed or broadcast. He actually provides basic instructions on how to format and submit news items for free publication. Richard also points out where most submissions fail to come up to publication standards and answers the only two questions newspaper editors are ever asked “Why didn’t you put that in the paper?” and “Why did you put that in the paper?”
Personally, I think it would be a great training tool for new employees of any newspaper. There is more practical and useful information here than most college courses provide on the subject. Please understand, as I’ve said before when presenting a book for your consideration, I don’t earn a thing from doing this except the satisfaction of helping someone who is worthy and most importantly providing a great resource for anyone who would like to have more of their business and community submissions make it into print....FREE.
This book is published by iUniverse.com. Order at www.barnesnoble.com, www.amazon.com or by calling 1-800-843.2665. As someone has said, “there is nothing in the world that books can’t help us to do better.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 295 - SOME INSIGHTS INTO THE CRIMINAL MIND

No. 295
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SOME INSIGHTS INTO THE CRIMINAL MIND

Someone once said that “A criminal is a creature who writes crooked lines in the book of their lives.” It is my sincere hope that this thought will come into sharp focus during our brief visit today. There is no doubt that the criminal element in our society is costing every law abiding, tax paying American citizen a great deal and I want to offer some insights that may be of some value. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a syndicated columnist is that you hear from all types of people. Some time ago I got a letter from Mr. Ivan Fail who lives in Marshfield, Missouri and he is a most interesting man. During W.W.II Mr. Fail was in the Marines and fought in the now famous battle of Iwo Jima, you know the one where the Marines were raising the American Flag on that God forsaken hill that shall forever be etched in our minds. After the war he became a federal correctional officer and spent 29 years in three federal prisons including the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas. As a result of being exposed to the criminal element and seeing first hand the graft and corruption in the social and economic systems of our nation, he has become a very angry man.
In another letter he states, “One of the most troubling and shameful lessons I learned was that law abiding hypocrisy re-enforced with arrogance and double standard ethics plays a far more powerful role in generating dangerous rage in citizens in all segments of society than the experts will admit. As a father, tax payer, voter and prison officer I have received a college course in the causes of rage...and how it feels to have it.”
Before I move on I want to point out a couple of things that may help you to better understand his thinking. I also feel deeply about the corrupting influences in our nation but not as strongly as Mr. Fail. When you realize this man actually fought in a real war where our very freedom was at stake and saw many of his buddies killed in action, then you can understand why he feels as he does. Also, when you stop to realize that he was face-to-face with some of the most incorrigible people in our society for 29 years of his life then you can better understand the source of his anger, dismay and frustration. There is no way this experience could do anything but affect his thinking in a negative way. This kind of environment has a way of jading everything and everyone around us.
He has sent me volumes of information about various areas of corruption in our society including the politicians, the lawyers and the legal system, the ills of the health care industry, the homosexual agenda, and the real causes for the shootings in our nation’s schools and many others. One true example involved a man indicted for murder and the judge who sentenced him later resigned the bench to represent this same man seeking his release. Mr. Fail said the murderer was worth 2 1/2 billion dollars and that may have had something to do with it. He goes on to state that he does not advocate violence and I believe him. He, like millions of other Americans, is angry when it comes to the hypocrisy and double standards of politicians and others in our society.
While Mr. Fail may be considered extreme, his views contain the truth that many people never hear. He also says that people who have developed a criminal mind see people like me, with a Christian perspective, as a sign of weakness and someone who is an easy mark. We have had people who were corrupt, selfish and who became criminals ever since the world began but those of us who feel deeply about our freedom can work for a better America. We must elect good people who have integrity to make and abide by our nation’s laws. This means the right thing, not what is politically correct. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 296 - ARE YOU A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT?

No. 296
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT?

A few days ago I got a note from a reader in Florida who said, “I saw an article you put in the paper on guilt. Do you have any literature on companionship or married life? I need it bad for a friend.” It was obvious this reader, a lady or her friend, was suffering as a a result of some very destructive emotional or physical pain in her life. Unfortunately, guilt is a very destructive emotion and if not dealt with properly can become an albatross around her neck that will literally eat her alive. I answered her request as best I could in light of her brevity, by passing along some thoughts and printed information that hopefully will help her.
Later as I thought about this reader’s request I realized that her friend may also be a glutton for punishment and here is what I mean by this statement. The dictionary defines glutton in a couple of different ways. First, the way we normally think of a glutton is “one who eats to excess.” But there is also a much broader definition for the word glutton that applies to this saying, “one who has a great appetite or capacity for something.” Since the word punishment is also a part of the equation, if we do something to ‘excess’ that causes pain, then we become a glutton for punishment. Who among us has not had some other person make this statement to us?
In a general sense, when it comes to pain in our lives, it can usually be divided into two different groups...physical pain and emotional pain. As to what I’m saying here that relates to physical pain, I’m reminded of the man who was observed to be hitting himself in the head with a hammer. When someone asked him why he was doing it he said, “because when I stop, it feels so good.” Let me be quick to add, if you live with constant physical or emotional pain in your life for whatever reason, then you know it’s no laughing matter.
It’s a little bit different however when we think of someone being a glutton for punishment because this kind of pain is more or less self-inflicted, whether physical or emotional. Now this question please, are you a glutton for punishment? If you said no, then I believe you are indeed a very rare person. You see, I believe we are all gluttons for punishment at some time and in some area of our lives. We all make personal choices that results in excess and as a result we experience both physical and emotional pain.
Note the key word here is excess because we can’t live a day of our lives without making choices, and some of these are bound to lead to excess. So it really comes down to whether or not we make wise choices or foolish choices. In the final analysis our choices are determined by the dominant need we have at that time. For example, a person may be willing to put up with someone who is cruel to them if their need for love, acceptance and security is greater than the amount of punishment they have to endure. Another good example is the pro football quarterback who suffers pain from 10 brain concussions and continues to play even though he does not need the money. He has other needs that outweigh his need for money and the possibility of long term injury or even death.
As adults we are free to make our own choices. My friend Ramona Aragon sent me a quotation by the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson that says it best, “Man learns nothing until he discovers it for himself and/or when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Being a glutton for punishment is not really a bad thing if we determine in advance that the pain will be worth it and the cause is just. Just remember, the consequences of our choices may also affect the lives of other people as well. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 297 - WE NEED "MORE" THAN A PAYCHECK

No. 297
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE NEED MORE THAN A PAYCHECK

Several months ago I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Awards Banquet of the Arkansas Press Association. One of those honored as “Headliner Of The Year” was Joe Ford, Chairman and CEO of the Alltel Corporation. I can remember back 25 years ago when this company was known as Allied Telephone Company with a few hundred employees. Now, Alltel has over 26,000 employees and does business in over 20 states. Mr. Ford has been a big part of that company’s success and is well deserving of this top honor.
When he came forward to accept a plaque and make a few remarks he began by saying, “like when you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you know it didn’t get there by itself.” He went on to thank the people of his company, both in general and especially those who were in attendance. The reason I decided to share this with you is because I could not get the mental picture of a “turtle on a fence post” out of my mind. There is a principle here that I wish everyone knew and understood.
The principle is simply this. Every person who achieves any measure of success did not get there purely on his own. He or she has had many people along the way who have helped them. We hear a lot these days about a self-made man or woman but don’t you believe it. This person may have come from further back and had less to start with than most, but he or she also had a lot of other people help them along the way.
When any of us work hard and succeed, I’m here to tell you that we need more than a paycheck. We also need personal recognition which may come in the form of a pat on the back, a thank you note, a word of congratulations, a news story and in the case of Joe Ford, a plaque that says to all, “CONGRATULATIONS & WELL DONE.” I can say truthfully that while I have not set the world on fire, I really treasure the plaques and other mementos that hang on the wall in my office. Each time I see them they remind me of the good people that I have been privileged to serve and to work with.
If you are in a top management position with any company, school or any other organization, how long has it been since you took the time to say “thank you” and to honor someone who has helped you or your organization to achieve success? The small cost of a plaque or certificate can mean a lot to those who receive it. Now, a trophy or other award for an individual or a team’s success is something they earned in competition and while still very important it is a little bit different than what I’m talking about here.
What I’m talking about here is just simple appreciation for a job well done. A few dollars invested in a plaque or other form of recognition could be worth thousands of dollars in extra production, loyalty and a real sense of family and belonging. To be appreciated is very important because like I said, we all need more than a paycheck. After SELF-PRESERVATION which is the first LAW OF NATURE, the three things that every human being desires is 1. recognition 2. change 3. security. When we take the time to meet these other needs of those in our charge, we have tapped into a potential that many others miss. It may make the difference between success and failure.
If you are an owner, manager or someone in a leadership position here are a few guidelines. First, don’t over do it. When done too often the sentiment loses its meaning. Next, don’t do it to make you look good. Anyone can see through that and the gesture will diminish you in their eyes. Misplaced value is seldom rewarded. And lastly, make sure the recognition is deserved. If you give a plaque or honor someone who is just going through the motions it may motivate them but again, it may not. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 298 - DON'T STRAIN A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL !!

No. 298
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DON’T STRAIN A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL !!

Have you ever had someone say to you, “Don’t strain a gnat and swallow a camel”, after you had said something that indicated what they perceived to be misplaced values or wrong priorities?” This is just another one of those little clichés that many of us use to express a thought in lieu of a lengthy discussion. In reality we may have to go ahead and explain it anyway.
There are countless ways to explain what this cliche’ means but here is a good example. A while back I was watching a television program where a young lady was in court suing the owner of a Bridal Service because she did not follow to the letter all the details of her wedding that were set forth in the contract. I mean down to the nth degree from the time, food, music, seating arrangements, photographs, wedding dress, clothes for the bride maids, ring bearers and other details that were very important to her. Of course, in her mind this made sense because she wanted it to be right and perfect in every way.
The thing that made this story so ironic is that she was in the process of getting a divorce the same day she was in court. You see, the details of her wedding were apparently much more important than the wedding vows she took that said in part, “in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” Here was a clear case where someone strained a gnat and swallowed a camel.
When it comes to keeping our priorities in the proper perspective here are some thoughts that have helped me and may also be of value to you. They were sent to me by a reader and were titled, A POSITIVE NOTE, “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today life does go on and it may be better tomorrow.** I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles a rainy day and lost luggage.** I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they are gone from your life.
I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. ** I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.** I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.** I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.** I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.** I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” As you read and think about what I’ve been saying I hope you will use a lot of good ol’ common sense when it comes to making those important decisions and choices in your life.
Now I want to make a retraction of something I put in a column titled, “The Story of Taps” than ran a few weeks ago. Shortly after it ran in one of our papers I received a letter from Jack Carter who told me the origin of the story about Captain Robert Ellicombe and his dead confederate son was a myth and never happened. For years this myth has been around and other writers such as Ann Landers and Dear Abby have also passed it along as being true, only to have to make a retraction later.
I’ll have to admit, it was a beautiful story and I guess this is why all of us were taken in by it. According to a book written by Jari Villanueva from Baltimore, Maryland titled, Twenty-Four Notes That Tap Deep Emotions the actual origin of Taps is from the last strain of the 1835 tattoo call which appeared in Scott’s Infantry Tactics in that year. If you want more information check it out at www.west-point.org/taps and click on the flag. Sorry I let this get by me. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 299 - THE PROGRAM OF "UPWARD BASKETBALL"

No. 299
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PROGRAM OF “UPWARD BASKETBALL”

United States Army General Arthur G. Trudeau once said, “Character is the total of thousands of small daily strivings to live up to the best that is in us...the final decision to reject whatever is demeaning to oneself or to others and with confidence and honesty to choose the right.” When it comes to character as it relates to our nation’s young people there is a new program that is spreading like wildfire across the country called “Upward Basketball” and I learned about it in a most unusual way.
Several months ago I was the opening speaker for a statewide Lions Forum that was held here at the University Of Central Arkansas. The Lion who introduced me was our club president Mike Baldwin and he couldn’t stay for my speech because he had a commitment to make a presentation to a group of young people and their parents at an Upward Basketball session being conducted at one of our local churches. As I told the audience, he was the luckiest member of our club since he didn’t have to stay and hear me speak.
Since that time I have learned a good deal more about this program, not only from some people who are involved, but also from publicity here in our local community. The more I have learned about this program the more excited I have become because the focus, the ideals and objectives are really in tune with my own beliefs. If you are not familiar with Upward Basketball, when you hear and learn more about it you may want to get it started in your own community. This is especially true if you would like to see the young people in your area learn Christlike attitudes along with good sportsmanship and other skills and values that will last them a lifetime.
The program is a national sports outreach ministry based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In 1994 it consisted of one church with more than 700 children playing basketball. The program also stresses evangelism, character building and learning the basic skills of the game. This past year over 100,000 children along with many of their parents were participating nationwide. When the church referenced earlier got involved the first year they expected around 150 kids but over 450 signed up.
This program is for any kid and it does not matter whether or not they attend a church. Denomination is way down the list of what is important but rather this program is about teaching kids about life, character values and the skills to enjoy, and maybe even excel, at the game of basketball. My hat is off to every person regardless of race, creed or national origin who love kids and wants them to develop into happy, productive and responsible adults. We have so many people like this across our nation and this program is just a way to add the spiritual dimension that so many kids do not receive.
While destructive personal habits are hard to break, someday I hope the days are gone when you see a coach or a player on any team lose his or her temper and curse a blue streak and display poor sportsmanship. Make no mistake here, this is not to say that winning is not important because it is. It’s just that we can play hard, play fair and play to win but still be a good sport and a good role model. It is truly our performance on and off the court that will make a difference in our success later in life.
Based on what I have learned up to this point, I truly believe this program has the potential to make a difference in the quality of athletics in our great nation in the years to come. For more information contact: Upward Basketball, P.O. Box 5157, Spartanburg, S.C., 29304 (1-800-585-4721) or visit their website at www.upward.org .(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 300 - BLUEFIELD COLLEGE SAYS "THANK YOU" TO THE MEDIA

No. 300
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BLUEFIELD COLLEGE SAYS “THANK YOU” TO THE MEDIA

If you share my view that education is extremely important, here is a quotation by British educator Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) that will certainly place things in the proper perspective. He said, “Education is first, religious and moral principles; secondly, gentlemanly conduct; thirdly, intellectual ability.” This may be the reason Will Rogers once said, “It’s better to be ignorant than to learn a lot of things that ain’t so.”
One morning several weeks ago the phone rang in my office and it was Gary Adkisson, publisher of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph in Bluefield, West Virginia. He wanted to know if I might be interested in being the keynote speaker for Bluefield College, located just across the state line in Virginia, at their Second Annual Media Appreciation Day. If so, he wanted to give my name to Chris Shoemaker, Director of Public Relations who was coordinating the event.
Chris called a few days later and we were able to work out the details and I can tell you that my life will never be the same again. The total experience was just exhilarating. The mountains in this part of our country are beautiful and I met some wonderful people like Chris Shoemaker, Dennis Nesser, Dr. Bill Carrell, President Dr. Dan MacMillan and others at the college. I also had a chance to visit and get to know Gary Adkisson, Managing Editor Tom Colley and some of the staff at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. My talk went well and I was pleased the paper started my column the week I was there.
Bluefield College is a small Christian liberal arts college that was founded in 1922 and it has provided “A Lighthouse On Top Of The Appalachian Mountains.” Today the college has approximately 800 students and 300 of these live on campus. The statement of purpose says in part, “The college seeks to foster in its students excellence in character and sound ethics, sensitivity to religious, cultural and ethnic diversity, and an understanding of responsible service to God and our society.”
For me, what made this event so special is that the leaders of this outstanding small college understand the role and value the media plays in helping them achieve great success. It is for this reason they are committed to setting aside a special day each year just to say “THANK YOU.” Attending this special “Second Annual Media Appreciation Day” were representatives from a large number of area newspapers, radio and television stations along with the trustees, journalism students and other key people from the college.
Here is a portion of Chris Shoemaker’s statement as printed in the official program, “For years, Bluefield College has depended on the media to share its stories, and for years you, the area’s dedicated journalists, have responded. This is why we are committed to dedicating a day on the BC campus to recognize you and the work you have done for Bluefield College.” Just think of the hundreds of articles, stories and reports the various area newspapers, radio and television stations has given this college free of charge and you will begin to get the picture.
Needless to say I was very impressed. This college is nestled in a beautiful valley with a Southeast view of East River Mountain right across the street, with an elevation of 3800 feet. Many of its graduates have gone on to achieve national and international fame. In addition to academic excellence this college is in a safe environment and the faculty and students there really care about each other. If you would like to have more information just contact Bluefield College, 3000 College Drive, Bluefield, Virginia 24605 or visit their website at www.bluefield.edu(.) (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 301 - HE IS ABOUT A "HALF-BUBBLE" OFF CENTER

No. 301
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HE IS ABOUT A “HALF-BUBBLE” OFF CENTER

In the days when Dr. Albert Einstein developed his theory on relativity I bet he never dreamt of all the different ways it would be applied to situations in everyday life. The dictionary gives a more complete definition of the word relativity, but for my purpose here let me just say that, “everything is relative” which is a catch-all term we use in our culture. Here is how Dr. Einstein described his theory in terms we call all understand. He said, “When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute. But let him sit on a hot stove for a minute...and it’s longer than any hour, that’s relativity.”
What brought this subject to my mind, and something that may be of interest to you, is the various labels we use to describe people who appear to have reduced mental capacity. In this respect everything is ‘relative’ because some people have a much higher IQ than others, which is to say the native equipment they were given at birth is superior to what others are given. Hopefully, this will cause you to think a little because we don’t question this statement when it comes to looks, as we are all familiar with the saying, “mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
Before I proceed let me make a quick distinction here. I’m not talking about people who are severely mentally retarded. This is truly a tragedy and these people need and deserve all the help we can give them. The people I am talking about are those who have a very light case of mental retardation but who can still function in society. They can hold down a job and do most of the things any of us can do but they are just a little off mentally, especially in the area of common sense.
Now, these questions please. Do you know people like this? If you do, how do you treat them? Do you have compassion and understanding or do you ridicule them? If you will answer these questions truthfully, this will tell you a lot about yourself. Earlier, I mentioned the labels that many of us pin on these people. There must be a jillion of these, because every time I would mention this to someone they would give me several more. You probably know some that I don’t have, but here are those that I have run across and while this applies to men and women, with your permission I would like to use the male gender.
The most popular is, “He is not playing with a full deck”, and close behind is “His elevator does not go all the way to the top.” Others are, “His front porch light is out, He is not the sharpest tool in the shed, He is two French fries shy a happy meal, He is as sharp as the leading edge of a bowling ball, He is a few saddle bags shy a camel’s load, His driveway does not go all the way to the house, The lights are on at His house but no one is home, He is two deviled eggs shy a picnic, He is not the brightest light on the Christmas tree, He is one brick shy a load, His tractor does not get any traction, He is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and lastly, He is about a half-bubble off center.”
Here is the bottom line. While I try to be very careful in this regard, I am never-the-less guilty. One of the reasons we need to be careful when using a label like “he is not playing with a full deck” is because of the term, “everything is relative.” When we are talking about someone else, others may be talking about us. As I’ve thought about this I have come up with an idea that may keep us all out of trouble. Just visualize yourself in a burning building or in the water going down for the third time and you are desperate for help. When a person like this comes along, I doubt if we would say, “before you save me, are you about a half-bubble off center?” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 302 - YOU CAN BE THE BEST

No. 302
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
YOU CAN BE THE BEST

Over the past several months I have been blessed to receive hundreds of letters and phone calls from you readers and ever so often I get one that brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes I fail to realize that there are many, many people out there in my readership who are hurting and quite often words can bring sunshine, healing and comfort to an otherwise cloudy and dreary day.
Here is an example of what I’m saying. A lady writes, “I want to take a moment to thank you for columns like the latest one on having a winning personality. Sometimes, such writings are all that keep me from hitting the pit of negativity for good. You see, my mother was paranoid. All of my life, I’ve fought the (inherited?) tendency to follow in her footsteps. Now in my later years, I find myself becoming more and more like her and I don’t care for what I see. I keep plowing along and talk to myself a lot. I say, “There you go again” and think of happier things. So, thank you for inspirations.”
While I don’t know about you, this note has brought something home to me that is very real. This lady wonders out loud if she has inherited the tendency to be paranoid from her mother. It’s a legitimate question and I don’t know the answer. However, I do know that millions of children in this country grow up and are constantly fed a diet of negative information. They never, I repeat never, hear praise and encouragement from those who mean the most to them. As a result they never develop self-confidence and the belief in themselves that they can achieve anything really worthwhile.
If what I am saying applies to you or someone you love, I would like to share a simple thought with you that has the power to transform a human life into something that is really beautiful. The thought is simply this, “YOU CAN BE THE BEST.” Please understand in the context that I am using this term I am not talking about setting state, national or world records in athletics, sales or some other field of endeavor. What I am talking about is using our time, talents, energy and other resources to become the very best person we can be.
Here is the end result of this kind of thinking and action. When we put forth the effort and focus on reaching high goals, the awards and achievements and other recognition we receive along the path of life will be much more meaningful. To my way of thinking, striving to be the very best person we can be is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life. This is really an attitude and a philosophy to live by. To say it another way, being the best is not the most important thing, but STRIVING to be the best is the most important thing.
On the other hand, to live a negative, guilt ridden life that is beset with constant problems is not living the kind of life that God intended. What does it profit a man or woman to become president of a fortune 500 company, win a gold medal in the Olympics, become a movie star or professional athlete only to suffer disgrace or a tragic death later in life because of poor character, alcoholism, drug addiction or some other personal tragedy. You will find that low self-esteem is the root problem for most people who are presently failing in life.
But moving on to the good news!! To be or become the very best person we can be, we must be totally honest, truthful and have self-respect. From this solid foundation we can then work to develop other values such as kindness, consideration, courtesy and a genuine love and concern for others. You talk about being a real winner in the game of life, this is it. Just keep saying to yourself or telling those you love, “YOU CAN BE THE BEST” and really mean it. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 303 - A "COMMON SENSE" APPROACH TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

No. 303
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A “COMMON SENSE” APPROACH TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

It is often said that “A criminal is someone who gets caught.” In our nation today the problem is not in catching criminals, we can do that; the problem is what to do with them after we catch them. Over the past several years in an attempt to reduce crime and make our communities safer, we have increased the number of policemen on the street. As a result they have made more arrests, leading to great incarceration of those who are tried and convicted of breaking the law and many others who are waiting to go to trial.
As a result, our federal and state prisons and county and city jails are bulging at the seams. If your state and county is like ours, there is always the cry, “we don’t have enough space to house inmates” which is the rule and not the exception. So, what’s the answer? The only answer for some people who are part of the criminal justice system, is to build more prisons and more jails at a tremendous expense to taxpayers who are already taxed to the hilt.
While they may fall on deaf ears I want to offer some thoughts that I am calling, a “common sense” approach to criminal justice. For the past several years I have been hearing about an innovative sheriff out in Maricopa County, Arizona who has done something about the problem of incarceration without increasing the cost to taxpayers. This sheriff’s name is Joe Arpaio. You have probably seen him interviewed on television and know about his ‘tent city’ jail where he keeps nonviolent offenders and those awaiting trial. This has eased the problem of overcrowding at a tremendous savings to taxpayers.
Before you dismiss this idea, let me tell you more about it. When I decided to write this column I made a phone call to Maricopa County, which includes the city of Phoenix, and left a message on a recorder simply hoping to get some information. To my complete surprise and pure delight about five minutes later the phone rang and it was Sheriff Arpaio returning my call. We had a wonderful visit and he gave me some first hand information.
In 1993 the U.S. Army gave him 1500 used tents and he erected his ‘tent city’ jail next to the city dump because this is the only place where he could get free land. For a cost of a little over $130,000 he built the compound, guard tower, portable bathrooms, buildings for showers and administration and he said a modern jail heated and cooled that would house the same number of inmates would have cost the taxpayers over 70 million dollars.
When I asked him how he got around the courts he said, “the people of Maricopa County elected me to enforce the law. No where in the constitution does it say that I can not house inmates in tents.” He is known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff” and he does not believe in coddling criminals. Apparently the people of his county, which contains the nation’s fourth largest Sheriff’s Office, like it this way. He had an 85% public approval rating and no one ran against him when he ran for a second term.
Because Sheriff Arpaio is innovative and the size of his operation, he developed a food factory that enables him to feed inmates for less than 45 cents a day. There are two basic reasons why I have shared this “common sense” approach to criminal justice. The savings are important because taxpayers need some relief, but personally I believe if the men and women who fought for our nation’s freedom in wars and conflicts could live in tents on foreign soil in the dead of winter, those who break the law in our country today are no better. Secondly, saving millions and millions of dollars on incarceration will enable us to pay our nation’s firemen and policemen a decent salary. For more information on Sheriff Arpaio’s program, check out his website at www.mcso.org (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 304 - YOU CAN "CREATE" YOUR OWN LODGE

No. 304
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
YOU CAN “CREATE” YOUR OWN LODGE

Several weeks ago I watched a wonderful television program on the Home & Garden channel called Getaways. This program featured a number of prominent people who lived a very fast-paced and often hectic lifestyle in the inner city. After many years of this kind of existence and because they had the resources, they sought refuge in a remote area where they could just get away from it all, at least for a brief period of time.
What these highly successful and creative people did, and many others would like to do, was to find a beautiful parcel of land with a spectacular view and build the home or ‘getaway’ of their dreams. In many cases, after they were built these ‘getaways’ became a meaningful spiritual experience because the feeling of peace and solace brought them closer to nature as they saw the handiwork of God and felt His presence all around them. We all need those places and times when we can be alone to sort things out and to be reminded of just how precious in the eyes of God that we really are.
One thing the program did for me was to give me a greater appreciation for our own home. You may recall several years ago I wrote a column about our landscape timber home here in Conway. In case you don’t know, a landscape timber is just a small log, actually it’s the heart or what’s left of a log after all the boards have been sawed off. At this time I made the offer that if anyone wanted a set of basic instructions on how to build a landscape timber home along with a photograph, to send me a self-addressed stamped envelope.
My wife and I had some fun as a result of this column. When I made this offer she said I would hear from about a dozen people. Well, I quit counting soon afterwards when the number reached 500, so there was a lot more interest than either one of us thought. What makes our home special to us is because being here is almost like being in a lodge all the time. We are all different but our taste seems to run toward homes and furnishings that are rustic. I guess it’s a yearning to go back to earlier times when life was much simpler.
When I think of a lodge I visualize a large structure made out of logs, high vaulted ceilings and a big fire place with a roaring fire on a cold winter day. The setting would be somewhere in the Rocky mountains of Montana or Colorado or maybe in other beautiful parts of the country like North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee or up in New England, which is my favorite. It would be great to live in one of these areas if I could just take all my family and friends with me.
But back to what I was saying about our landscape timber home. We built this home about seven years ago and at the time could not afford financially to do all the things we wanted to do. It’s worked out better this way because we have been able, a little at a time, to create a very special feeling about it. One of the first things we did was to build a fence around a small spot for a garden. We then were able to pave the driveway along with planting some shrubs, a special tree here and there and some beautiful flowers. The word is “create” and any of us can create something that is really and truly unique.
Our latest project was to install new carpet and completely glass in our front porch to create a sun room which I use to write many of these columns. When I look out and see the beautiful trees, the birds in the bird feeder, the squirrels running everywhere and all the other creatures that come along from time to time I feel a sense of God’s presence. Really I see how small I am and how big He is. We still have the basic instructions on how to build a home of this type and have made some “new” pictures. Send me a self-addressed stamped envelope and I will be happy to send these to you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 305 - THE DAFFODIL PRINCIPLE

No. 305
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE DAFFODIL PRINCIPLE

Somewhere along the “Rim-Of-The-World” road in the San Bernardino Mountain Range in Southern California there is a spectacular event that takes place for three weeks of each year. This is when a mountainside literally comes ablaze with five acres of beautiful daffodils. This special spot of God’s green earth is known as the “Daffodil Garden” and what is more amazing is that the entire garden was planted by one person, one bulb at a time over a period of thirty five years.
Here is a very vivid description of this garden as seen through the eyes of a very talented, but unidentified writer. She says, “Before me lay the most glorious sight, unexpectedly and completely splendid. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down over the mountain peak and slopes where it had run into every crevice and over every rise. Even in the mist-filled air the mountainside was radiant, clothed in massive drifts and waterfalls of daffodils.
The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon, yellow, salmon pink, saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety, (I later learned that there were more than thirty-five varieties of daffodils in this vast display) was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowered in its own rock-lined basin, weaving through the brilliant daffodils.”
After viewing the garden for a little while the writer and her daughter continued down the path that led to the house of the lady who had planted the garden. It was a well-kept A-frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. She continues, “On the patio we saw a poster. “Answers To Questions I Know You Are Asking.” The first answer, “50,000 bulbs”, The second answer, “One at a time, by one woman, two hands, two feet and very little brain.” The third answer, “Began in 1958.”
At this point the writer, a lady, thought to herself, “There it is, THE DAFFODIL PRINCIPLE.” It was truly a life changing experience. A woman she had never met, who, more than thirty five years before had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. This principle is embodied in these simple facts. One bulb at a time. No shortcuts, simply loving the slow process of planting. Loving the work as it unfolded. Loving an achievement that grew so slowly and that bloomed for only three weeks out of each year. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, has changed the world.
As you reflect on what I have shared by this wonderful unknown writer, here is the unmistakable point that we should each consider. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find that we can accomplish magnificent things. It is pointless however, to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson: a celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, “How can I put this to use tomorrow?’
The lesson this lady has left for us that should be taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration; learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time, often just one baby step at a time, learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. This true story is really something to dwell on as we think about our own lives and what we will leave behind for future generations to enjoy. It has been summarized as the “Daffodil Principle” but in reality this is just a way to remember it. It is amazing what one person can do if they are totally committed. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 306 - THE FOUR "LEVELS" OF LEARNING

No. 306
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE FOUR “LEVELS” OF LEARNING

When it comes to the important subject of learning there is an old joke that perhaps you have heard, about the teacher who sent a note home to little Johnny’s mother. The note read, “Johnny smells.” The mother wrote right back, “Don’t smell him...learn him.” If you can understand the point of this joke, then you can also figure out why little Johnny had body odor. This is a cycle that unfortunately sets up in far too many homes across America, not only because of the hygiene, but more importantly how it impacts a child’s future. A child from a home where education is not important is at a severe disadvantage in today’s times.
There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to drop back.” This is just another way of saying, what we don’t use we lose. I’m sure you have heard the term “atrophy” which means “A wasting or failure in development of the body or any of its parts.” This also includes the brain.
As I look back over the years of my life one of my biggest regrets is that I did not stay in college and get a degree, not only for what I did not learn, but just as importantly for me, is that I did not finish something I had begun. After I was thirty-five or forty years of age and became painfully aware of what I had missed, I began a course of study on my own that hopefully has helped me to remediate, at least to some degree.
To me, and hopefully to you too, learning is exciting and it’s something we should do each day of our lives. One of the things I have learned just recently that may be of value to you as well, is that there are FOUR LEVELS of learning. This concept was developed by Dr. Abraham Maslow, a noted psychologist who passed away back in 1970, but he made a great contribution to the behavioral sciences and why we humans do many of the things we do.
The first level he called “unconscious incompetence” which means we are stupid and don’t know it. The second level he called “conscious incompetence” which means we are stupid and do know it because someone told us. The third level he called “conscious competence” which means that we know that we know how. The fourth and highest level he called “unconscious competence” which means that we know and can do the things we do so well that we can do them without even thinking about it.
Here is a major point; we move from the level of “unconscious incompetence” to “unconscious competence” very fast because as Dr. Maslow believed, most people are a lot smarter than many of us give them credit for being. Here is an example that will bring some common sense to what I have been saying. Back in the pre-velcro days when most shoes had shoe strings. Can you remember what it was like when you learned to tie your own shoe strings or to teach one of your children?
At first, a young child does not know how to tie his or her shoe strings, next they become aware that they do not know how, “here mommy tie my shoe strings.” Next, they learn how to tie their shoe strings but have to think about how to do it and finally they learn how to tie them so well that they don’t even have to think about it. To visualize this concept, just think about the last time you had to learn something new.
When it comes to the important subject of learning, here is the challenge for every parent, teacher and leader in every field of endeavor. To constantly expose those in your charge to new and worthwhile things so they are challenged to go from the bottom level to the top level and then become stupid all over again. That’s learning, that’s growing, that’s exciting! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 307 - DON'T TEAR DOWN YOUR BARNS...JUST YET!

No. 307
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DON’T TEAR DOWN YOUR BARNS -- JUST YET!

The American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie once said, “Wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.” If I didn’t know better I would say that almost sounds like, “love thy neighbor as thyself.” While he started his working career very poor, earning $1.20 per week, over his lifetime it is reported that he gave away over 300 million dollars to worthy causes.
There is an unmistakable message in this man’s life that I wish more prosperous people would heed. In the final analysis it is not how much money or wealth a person accumulates but what he or she does with it that counts. I won’t call names because this person will have to live with the consequences, but I was appalled when I heard that the tax return of a wealthy national politician revealed that he gave only $400 to charity for an entire year. This is simply a case of “Where our treasure can be found is also where our heart is.” That really says something to me and I know it does to you, too.
There are many prosperous people who read my column, but most of you like myself, are not wealthy, at least in terms of piling up money. We do all have a heart and there is a story in the Bible that may be worth thinking about in this regard. This story can be found in Luke 12: 16-21 and these are the words of Jesus. “The land of a certain rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself saying, “What shall I do since I have no place to store my crops?” And he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” “But God said to him, You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared? So is the man who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” If you read my column very often you know that I am not a minister and I certainly don’t intend to try to preach here. How you conduct your own affairs is your business but there are principles and concepts that if understood and applied can help any of us live a happier and more rewarding life. When it comes to serving God and helping other people, many wealthy people who are busy building bigger barns, don’t think they have time to get involved.
A few weeks ago I got a letter from Retired State Senator Stanley Russ who lives here in our community and he sent me an article titled, “A Pint Jar Filled With Twelve Walnuts And Rice.” It begins, “This jar contains 12 walnuts and one cup of rice. The walnuts represent things God would have us do. The rice represents things we would like to do or are pressed to do. If we pour the rice into the jar first, the walnuts will never fit. If we put the nuts in first, the rice pours over and around them just fine. The lesson, of course, is that if we put God’s things first, we will have plenty of time for the rest. If we put things we want first, we will never fit time for God in our lives.” Thanks, Stanley, for sharing. There is a powerful message here that many people may just need to read and think about.
Now I would like to say how very much I appreciate your taking the time out of your busy day to read my column. My common sense tells me that we don’t agree on everything that I present here and I also realize that not every column speaks to you in a way that meets your needs at the time. However, my hearts desire is to help you and if I can pass along anything or say something that will help you in some way, I feel honored to have the opportunity. That’s all any of us deserve. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 980 COMMUNION ON THE MOON!

No. 980

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COMMUNION ON THE MOON!

In view of the fact that today there are people in America who would like to remove all references to public religious or spiritual matters from our society, I am proud to say they have an uphill, and really impossible, battle. I say this because religious freedom is one of the main reasons our country was founded.
With these thoughts in mind, I want to tell you about “Communion on the Moon” and I checked it out with Snopes and they say it’s true. I might add there is a good chance you may not know what I am going to share. I know I did not until a friend sent the following article to me. It begins: “An incident took place over 43 years ago when two human beings changed history by walking on the surface of the moon.
“But what happened before Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong exited the Lunar Module is perhaps even more amazing, if only because so few people know about it. This is the fact that Buzz Aldrin took communion on the surface of the moon. Several months after his return, he wrote about it in Guideposts magazine. Buzz was an elder in his Presbyterian Church in Texas during this period in his life and, knowing that he would be doing something unprecedented in human history, he felt he should mark the occasion somehow. He asked his minister to help him. And so the minister consecrated a communion wafer and a small vial of communion wine
“Buzz Aldrin took these elements with him out of the Earth’s orbit and on to the surface of the moon. He and Armstrong had only been on the lunar surface for a few minutes when Aldrin made the following public statement: ‘This is the LM pilot. I’d like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way’. He then ended radio communication and there, on the silent surface of the moon, 250,000 miles from home, he read a verse from the Gospel of John and he took communion.
“Here is his own account of what happened; ‘In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the scripture: I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever abides in Me will bring forth much fruit … Apart from me you can do nothing’. He had intended to read the communion passage back to earth, but for fear of controversy, at the last minute NASA requested that he not do this.
“He reluctantly agreed but continued there in the Lunar Module, ‘I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility. It was interesting for me to think the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements. And of course it’s interesting to think that some of the first words spoken on the moon were the words of Jesus Christ, who made the Earth and the moon, and who, in the immortal words of Dante, is Himself the ‘Love that moves the Sun and the other stars’.”
As I said earlier, one of the hallmarks of our nation’s history is religious freedom. I respect the rights of every individual to believe or not to believe as they choose. However, I don’t believe that Christians should sit back and not say anything when our airwaves are filled with trash and filth that does nothing to lift the human spirit.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 982 DO YOU REMEMBER HIGH-TAX HARRY?

No. 982

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU REMEMBER HIGH-TAX HARRY?

Someone once said that we should enjoy life now, because it has an expiration date. My father passed away in 1977 and was a veteran of World War I. Back in the 1950s when I was growing up, he often referred to former President Truman as “High-Tax Harry.” I know one thing, if he had lived longer he would take that back. Compared to what is happening with our nation’s finances today, most older Americans long for the days of Harry Truman.
A while back someone sent me some information about him that I did not know and felt it would be of interest to you, especially in light of the extravagance we see on the part of most of our politicians. Even if you may not be well informed, you know what is going on and you are either a part of the solution or a part of the problem.
At this point I am just going to share this brief article and you will be able to make a comparison as it relates to our current financial condition. “Harry Truman was a different kind of president. He probably made as many, or more, important decisions regarding our nation’s history as any of the other 32 presidents that preceded him. (And I need to insert here that he was the president that authorized the use of atomic bombs that ended the Second World War.) However, the measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House. The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence, Mo. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and, other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
“When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an ‘allowance’ and later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year. After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
“When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating ‘You don’t want me. You want the office of the President, and that does not belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it’s not for sale’. Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing ‘I don’t consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any reward, Congressional or otherwise’. As president he paid for all his own travel expenses and food. Sadly, modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth.
“Today, too many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (Here I am sure you can think of many examples) Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, ‘My choices in life was either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference’.”
Well, that is the end of the article and we ought to have him cloned for telling it like it is and being frugal with our tax dollars. Depending on your age, you need to know or be reminded for the sake of future generations of Americans, that excessive spending has led to the downfall of individuals, couples, companies and governments. Someday we will all learn, the hard way, that we can’t borrow or print our way out of debt. High Tax Harry, hardly!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 983 A HOME-GROWN SURVIVAL KIT!

No. 983

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HOME-GROWN SURVIVAL KIT!

Several months ago I presented a column titled “SHELTER BOX: A Truly Great Idea,” that set forth ideas for use in the event of manmade or natural disasters where large numbers of people are displaced for an extended period of time. The organization, based in the United Kingdom, had meticulously determined the most basic and pressing needs to include in a pre-packaged box for mass distribution.
Well, one of my local readers, Delores Campbell, wrote me and wanted it even more basic for our use here in this country. I challenged her to come up with a list and she did. Following are the items she would include and it’s pretty comprehensive. It may be very helpful if it is something you wish to do on your own.
“The number one item is water. No one can survive long without it. We need water for drinking, preparing food and for washing anything. You would also need glass or plastic containers of several different sizes, with tight-fitting lids that have only been used for food. Store these in a dry place away from chemicals. Water must be from a clean tap, and should you leave home because of a natural disaster you will need water purification tablets. You should replace yearly if necessary. If clean water is not available, you will need a product called ‘Lifestraw’ that will filter out just about anything.
“You may need a well-constructed tent big enough for your family and also some thermal Mylar blankets. Large plastic tubs with tight-fitting lids are needed for storage of your items. A medical kit is also necessary, including adhesive tape, alcohol, antacid, pain remedies, antiseptics, band aids, Epsom salts, soaps and shampoos, combs, cotton balls, cough syrup, tooth brushes, toothpaste, peroxide, razors and blades, feminine products for women, Vaseline, and any prescriptions that you may have stored up. If babies are involved, diapers and baby powder, etc.
“Use a separate tub for cleaning and hygiene products like ammonia, dish and laundry soap, disinfectants, sponges, trash bags, aluminum foil, facial tissues, plastic dishes, cups, tableware, paper towels, plastic wrap, wax paper and toilet paper. Should auto maintenance be needed related to upkeep, things like air filters, antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, etc.
“For food items, many things can be kept for years if kept dry and stored properly, such as dried beans, rice, dried peas, sugar, syrup, tea, coffee, corn starch, gelatin, jars of honey, jams, molasses, soy sauce, vinegar, cooking oil, flour, salt, soda, noodles, pepper, dried fruit, dried meats and vitamins. Canned foods will last for two to three years. Pots and pans are also a must, and don’t forget matches and a camping stove of some kind if you will be living outdoors. You will also need bath towels, dish cloths, and cleaning cloths, and any clothing that is necessary including coats, caps and gloves.
“A length of rope and some wire are needed for certain situations, along with a good pair of scissors and a couple of good camping knives is a must. It would also be good to have other small tools like a hammer, screwdriver, wire pliers, hack saw and an assortment of wrenches.”
Well, that’s it, but of course you can always add more things. Delores is to be commended for her initiative, and these days who knows when we might need it. Use her ideas if they will help you. Again, who knows, this could very well save some precious lives.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 984 WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

No. 984

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

You no doubt have asked someone this question before, “Where have you been all my life?” The answer to this question could apply to many different areas, but the correct answer will always be “I’ve been right here,” because we can only physically be at one place at a time.
I thought of this when someone sent me a list of places they had been “in” that had a most unusual twist. I also thought of the country song “I’ve Been Everywhere” written by an Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959 and made popular and adapted to American cities by a number of country music singers, most notably Hank Snow and Johnny Cash.
Here is a partial list of the American states and cities where these singers say they have been, with the lead-in “I’ve been everywhere - man. I’ve been everywhere - man. Crossed the desert bare - man. I’ve breathed the mountain air - man. Of travel - I’ve had my share - man. I’ve been everywhere.”
And now for verse one. “I’ve been to: Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocapillo, Barranquilla, and Perdilla, I am killer.”
And I am proud to say that here is the first of three choruses, all I have space for, and you will get to travel to several more places. “I’ve been to: Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa (this column runs here), Tennessee, Chicopee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake.”
Earlier I told you that someone had sent me a list of places they had been “in” that had an usual twist to them. See if you don’t agree as I share them with you.
“I have been in many places but I have never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however been in Sane. They don’t have an airport. You have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, family, friends and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I am not too much on physical activity anymore.
“I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was important to stand firm. Sometimes I am in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! I may have been in Continent, and I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.”
Well, what do you think? Have you been “in” any of these places? I know I have and from my recollection, most were not very pleasant.
Now all of this may be too much sugar for a dime, but I never cease to be amazed at some of the letters I receive from readers telling me that a particular column met a real need in their life. I got a letter from a Louisiana reader recently who told me that she had just lost her husband of 60 years and her eight children had tried to cheer her up. She said nothing worked until she read my column titled, “Things my mother taught me.” She said it was so funny, especially the line, “Do you want me to stop this car” that she had a big laugh. She concluded by saying, “Thanks for a wonderful funny article.”
I believe you will agree, in today’s political and social climate, we all need to stop and laugh from time to time.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 981 HOW OUR PRIORITIES CHANGE!

No. 981

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW OUR PRIORITIES CHANGE!

Have you noticed, as I have, that over the years your priorities change? This is because one of the few constants in the universe is change. You can just count on it; stick around because things will change.
With this in mind, one of the most important questions for me, and hopefully for you, is whether or not our priorities are changing for the better. I remember many years ago when I was representing Earl Nightingale and his company, the Nightingale-Conant Corporation based in Chicago, their company slogan was “Human Beings are Improvable.”
It is in this spirit that I would like to share some thoughts and ideas with you today that will give you something positive to think about and, as a result, you will make wise choices that will improve your life in the weeks, months and years to come.
I can remember back when I was in high school my priorities were sports and girls, not necessarily in that order. Later when I married, dropped out of college and went to work for a printer in Little Rock, Ark., I had a few extra dollars in my pocket that I did not owe someone, so I bought a brand new 1960 red and white Chevrolet Impala with bucket seats.
This set a pattern that would continue for many years -- I bought many new cars, including three brand new Cadillacs, and finally got one paid for. Looking back, I realize the reason was because I came from meager circumstances and a new car was where I placed my value and self-worth as a person. I have since come to understand that when I was born, God gave me all the value and self-worth that I was ever going to have or would ever need.
In my case, I was not reared in a Godly home. As a result, I did not have solid Biblical teaching and made many poor choices earlier in my life that hurt a lot of people. I accept full responsibility, because I was always the one in the wrong.
After a divorce, I married a Godly woman and later came to know the Lord. On Feb. 26, 1984, I was baptized and began a new life as a Christian, and it has been like night and day in comparison. There are some very important verses in the Bible that really tell my story. In Luke 7:41-43 Jesus is talking to Peter and tells him about the man who loaned 500 denarii to one man and 50 denarii to another. When they could not repay him, he forgave them both. Jesus asked, “Which one loved him more?” Peter answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” This is the reason I love the Lord so much, because He has forgiven me more.
When it comes to our own choices and priorities, this is something I address in my book “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” The concept behind this title is very simple. I just break life down into three time frames -- the first 25 years could be called the “Learning Years,” the second 25 years could be called the “Earning Years,” and the final years of our life could be called the “Giving Back” years. By using this simple concept as a reference point, you can see that most of our priorities will be determined by our age. We will certainly view life differently and make different choices when we are 70 years of age, as opposed to when we are 20 years of age.
Back in the summer of this year, my pastor taught a six-session course on relationships, where he gave a list of priorities that I believe, based on my own life, will result in greater success and happiness. For what they are worth, here they are: 1. God. 2. Family. 3. Work or Career. 4. Health. 5. Everything Else. At this point, regardless of your age, if you are not happy and satisfied with where you are, I can recommend these to you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 985 A POSITIVE MOMENT WITH JIM

No. 985

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A POSITIVE MOMENT WITH JIM!

As you read and contemplate my thoughts today, here is a quote that I would like to ask you to ponder for a few minutes, “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. The day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on yesteryears.”
After you ponder these thoughts as long as you care to, answer this question: Do you know who said this? The author is Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American poet and philosopher, born in Boston in 1803 and lived until 1882.
This quote is just one of hundreds that I will be sharing with subscribers to a new service I am beginning called, “A Positive Moment with Jim.” To my way of thinking, this service has the potential to be a source of hope and encouragement for thousands of people all across our great nation. The idea came to me several months ago when I got to thinking about the vast amount of material that I had collected and researched from over four decades of making 1,700 speeches, writing four books, producing 1,400 daily radio programs and 1,000 weekly newspaper columns. Please understand, this is certainly not meant to brag; but to the Glory of God.
It has long been established that a positive attitude is one of the keys to an individual’s success in life. Since we literally become what we think about, having something positive and uplifting to begin each day could even be life-changing. This is because we live in a negative world and are bombarded each day, from all sides, with bad news from the radio, television and newspapers.
Here is the good news. About the time you think you are going down for the third time, first thing in the morning, you open your computer, click on “A Positive Moment with Jim” and read, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
Again, this is one of hundreds of daily positive thoughts, ideas, quotes, concepts or a favorite verse of scripture that is part of this new service. The reason thinking about positive, encouraging and uplifting thoughts on a regular basis, especially early in the morning, is so important is because we are creatures of habit. When we get in the habit of thinking and meditating on positive thoughts to begin our day, our lives will begin to change for the better. The cost: $12 a year, 365 days, or $1 per month. Could you handle that? Most people can, and apart from the profit motive, the reason for the small charge is a commitment from you. We don’t place much value, apart from things that are sentimental, on things that don’t cost us anything. A small percentage of the proceeds will be given to the Bookcase for Every Child project.
Our local daily newspaper -- the Log Cabin Democrat -- will host the service, take care of credit card payments and renewals and make sure it is always first class. They have the equipment, the resources and the staff to handle this, and as my flagship newspaper, where I started my column back in 1994, it is an honor to be able to work with them in this way. To subscribe, go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com. When great things happen in your life as a result of this service, I would love to hear about them.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 986 THE STORY OF GRANDPA'S HANDS!

No. 986

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE STORY OF GRANDPA’S HANDS!

Most people have heard the saying, “You don’t miss the water until the well is dry.” This simply means that we don’t really miss something of great value, until it’s gone. Here I am reminded of the ravages of war and seeing our young men, and women in rare cases, come back home with one or maybe both arms missing, and occasionally their legs as well. These thoughts were prompted by something a friend sent me the other day titled, “Grandpa’s Hands.” Have you ever really looked at your hands and thought, “How would I get along without them, either one hand or both? What would life be like for me?”
To bring some perspective to these haunting thoughts, please allow me to share this article with you because I believe it will give you, as it has me, a greater appreciation for my own hands that I take for granted most of the time. The stage is set by a conversation between a 90-year-old Grandpa, and his 20-year-old grandson. It begins with Grandpa saying: “‘Have you ever looked at your hands? I mean really looked at them?’ I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. ‘No, I guess I have never really looked at my hands,’ as I tried to figure out the point he was making.
“Grandpa smiled and related this story. ‘Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands (referring to his own trough, wrinkled, shriveled, and weak ones) have been the best tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They have been dirty, scraped, raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
“They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I have been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when He leads me home.
“And with my hands He will lift me up to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Jesus.’ And then the grandson reflects on the conversation and says, ‘I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandpa’s hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face’.”
From a practical standpoint, we know that the person who has a positive attitude, is willing to work hard, has worthy goals and learns to communicate effectively has a far greater chance to succeed in life than the person who does not have these things. But how about the things we were given, by virtue of birth, that we take for granted and seldom think about? If we are blessed by having a healthy body, attractive appearance, and born as a citizen of the greatest nation in the world, be very grateful. Attitude is really gratitude.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 987 A VOTE FOR COMMON SENSE!

No. 987

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VOTE FOR COMMON SENSE!

One of the best compliments I have received in a long time came from the publisher of a weekly newspaper that runs this column in a small town in Western Kansas. The Spearville News has run my column for about four years now, and while the rate is very modest, the publisher has paid me for six months in advance from the beginning, and he sends me a check without a statement, usually with a brief note.
When I received the last check, Bruce included a two-line statement that read, “Hope things are well with you. Thanks for your common sense.” Now, the reason I place so much value on his statement is because “common sense” seems to be in short supply these days.
While I am grateful for his vote of confidence I want to tell you about someone who we may be able to literally vote for, who has tons of common sense. My common sense could be placed in a thimble while it would take a tractor-trailer rig to carry his.
I am talking about Dr. Ben Carson, the retired head of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. While you may have heard about or know about Dr. Carson, there have been at least two other columns where I presented his books “Gifted Hands” and “America the Beautiful.” Almost a decade ago, a reader over in Bluefield, West Virginia, first told me about this special man and I bought his first book, read it, and have been a fan ever since.
Dr. Carson and his wife Candy have been involved in helping others for a long time, and their foundation called “Carson Scholars Fund” has helped more than 5,000 students in several countries across the world. They strive to place academics on the same level as sports and it is now common knowledge that when a Carson Scholar is in the class, the grades of everyone else goes up. Good for them.
However, he burst on the national scene in 2013 when he was the keynote speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Quoting from the fly leaf of his latest book “ONE NATION: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future” standing only a few feet from President Obama, he warned his fellow citizens of the dangers facing our country and called for a return to the principles that made America great.
Over the past several months I have seen him being interviewed on a number of different television networks and I am literally amazed at his ability to take a very complex issue and break it down into common everyday language, and then offer some common sense and practical solutions. To be sure, he makes sense, common sense, something many of us long for on the part of our nation’s leaders. One issue that he takes a strong stand on, and I totally agree, is Political Correctness. From my perspective, we need to quit worrying about whether or not something is politically correct and just tell the truth.
In his latest book (that I have just finished reading), he systematically takes our most pressing issues and gives clear-cut solutions that will help us get back on track to doing and being the kind of nation that our forefathers gave us. Some of the topics include: Saving our future, causes of disunity and decline, elitism, bigotry, no winners in political fighting, pushing back, becoming informed, wisdom and knowledge, my brother’s keeper, role models, the origin of morality, and take courage.
The thing I love about Dr. Carson is that he is not a politician. He is a doctor and his rise to success from a very poor background offers hope to anyone who plays by the rules.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

NO. 988 THE GREAT NEED FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION!

The next password is Jalapeno

No. 988

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREAT NEED FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION!

Over the years there have been thousands, perhaps millions, of people who have made this comment, “I had rather see a good sermon than to hear one any day.” If you live here in my community, I have a good candidate that I would like to recommend to you. Before I reveal his identity, if you don’t live here but reside in one of the many other markets where this column runs, I want to suggest that you think about the people you know personally, who would qualify as a living sermon. This is to say they are role models the rest of us would do well to emulate.
Now please do not misunderstand what I am saying. No one is perfect but they possess the attributes and qualities that our young people can look up to and learn from. We need that more than ever in our society today. If you know some, take time to thank them.
The person I want to suggest for your consideration is my friend, former state Sen. Stanley Russ. Stanley served in the Arkansas Senate for 26 years and is now past 80 years of age but is still very active in the life of our community. I might add very proudly that he is a member of our Conway Bookcase Project committee. He is the kind of man that you just admire, respect and look up to -- by the way he constantly serves and by his uncommon character and integrity. Again, do you know people in your community that you could nominate as a living sermon? Without asking him for anything, the other day he made a special trip by a meeting I was attending to give me a folder of information that he had collected over the years that had to do with character.
I was particularly impressed by one of the quotes he gave me, especially since we are in dire need for character training in our country. Here is the quote: “It won’t do any good to graduate young people from school who are brilliant, but dishonest; creative, but irresponsible; have great intellectual knowledge, but don’t care about other people. If we teach young people to do what’s right, to tell the truth, to help your neighbor, to work hard and follow your dreams, to try again when you fail, that is character education. These are the values upon which our nation was founded” -- Sandy McDonnell, Chairman of the Character Partnership on the Hour of Power.
As I thought about this quote and the importance of having sterling character as a basic requirement for true and long-lasting success, I went to the Internet to do a little research. There I found tons of information about teaching character in schools, classes and courses that have been developed, and some were very good. I am sure they help many students, especially those who do not receive character training at home – which is the basic root of the problem. At this point I would like to come back to my earlier point about seeing a good sermon, which is to say someone who lives it, rather than to hear one any day. While some people may disagree, unless we have men and women in leadership positions model character in their own lives, most other character training will fall on deaf ears.
As a starting point, one of the things that is very disconcerting for me is to hear coaches, teachers, parents, executives and countless others use profanity every other word in their instructions or just every day conversation. If there is any real benefit that can come from what I am saying it would be for these foul-mouthed people to work on their vocabulary so they can communicate effectively without using profanity. Only when we respect ourselves can we truly respect others.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is Jalapeno

No. 963 - THE LARRY PILLOW STORY!

No. 963

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LARRY PILLOW STORY!

The English statesman and orator Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This is so true and applies to much of our society today.
A good friend of mine in Conway is the Rev. Dr. Larry Pillow. Larry is originally from Monette, Ark., and grew up in a home with an alcoholic father. Despite his upbringing he succeeded in getting an education, including a doctoral degree. He began working in the campus ministry at the University of Central Arkansas, then as associate pastor at First Baptist Church and later becoming pastor at Second Baptist Church, one of the largest in our community.
However, in a span of six months (September 1999 to February 2000), he suffered three major losses -- the loss of a marriage of 30 years, the loss of a ministry at the same church of 17 years, and the death of his mother. By this time his children were grown. Four years later in September 2003, his middle son died from a drug overdose in Dallas.
Naturally he was devastated, but his pain became a catalyst and motivated him to address the terrible problem of addiction in our community. (This is true for practically every other community in America, and probably includes yours.) In just four years he has helped to start a residential recovery program that came to be known as Renewal Ranch.
James Loy, who had also become an addict but was saved from addiction through the power of Jesus Christ in a ministry at Batesville called John 3:16, has served as Executive Director since it opened in January 2011. Renewal Ranch accepts no help from the government and is supported entirely by the faith community. Typical treatment programs run by the state offer no spiritual help and only keep an addict for 30 days, not nearly enough time for addicts to get the help they need. On the other hand, Renewal Ranch will work with men for 12 months and help them find a job, at no cost to the individual.
This ministry has now been in existence for more than three years. Their motto is “Restoring Broken Lives through Christ.” The men get a steady diet of prayer and Bible study. Fifteen pastors and several laymen from churches in our area help them day by day to discover their true identity as new creatures instead of addicts. For more information visit their website: www.therenewalranch.org. These men visit a variety of churches, plus they do volunteer work in the community. The program has a 70 percent success rate, in contrast with secular (not faith based) programs that are less than 10 percent.
Earlier this year, men from Renewal Ranch conducted the evening service at our church. It was a tremendous blessing to hear the testimonies of these men who had caused so much pain, suffering and heartache for themselves and their families. It was wonderful to see 26 men from the Ranch lined up across our stage at church and our members gave them a standing ovation numerous times.
Larry Pillow is the Founder and Chaplain for this ministry. He is also a founding member of the Conway Bookcase Project Committee. He is truly giving back and I know it blesses him deeply to see what God has done through his life and ministry.
Here is the bottom line and, regardless of where you are reading this column, the reason this ministry got off the ground is because one man, the Rev. Dr. Larry Pillow, was not willing to “sit back and do nothing.” Edmund Burke would be proud. I believe you will agree that we can all do more to make our communities a better place to live. Go ahead and get started.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 964 - ARE YOU GOD'S WIFE?

No. 964

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU GOD’S WIFE?

The late Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998), also known as “Dr. Love,” was a wonderful human being. He was an American author, lecturer and professor, and for many years was employed in the Special Education department at the University of Southern California.
I once heard him speak in Chicago back in the early 1970s. On this day you could just feel the love in that meeting room. God gives us all some special gift, and He blessed Dr. Buscaglia with the rare ability to bring out the best in others, and there is no greater gift any human being can have than to love one another. Sometimes all it takes is a gently reminder.
He once talked about a contest he was asked to judge, and the purpose was to find the most caring child. There were a number of great entries, but the one that just knocked my socks off was sent in as an eyewitness account from New York City on a cold day in December. I am indebted to my friend J.L. Abbott of Mountain Home, Arkansas, for sharing this with us.
The account begins: “Some years ago, a little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the young boy and said, ‘My, but you are in such deep thought staring in that window!’
“‘I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,’ was the boy’s reply. The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could get her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
“She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet and dried them with the towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy’s feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, ‘no doubt, you will be more comfortable now.’ As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand and, looking up into her face with tears in his eyes, asked her: ‘Are you God’s wife?’”
At this point, rather than having me elaborate on this story, I felt it would be good to share a couple more entries as they each express the heart of a child who cares. As parents and grandparents there is no better lesson we can teach those we truly care about than to have compassion and love for others. Here was the winner: A 4-year-old child was the next-door neighbor of an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed into his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to this neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.”
And here is one many parents will relate to: Whenever I am disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he had set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her with pride and excitement, “Guess what Mom,” he shouted, and then said these words that will remain a lesson to me … “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer.”
This lesson says to me that our children or grandchildren may not always come in first, but we should always be proud of them just because of who they are. To God be the Glory.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 965 - THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

No. 965

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

If you have read my column for very long you know that my passion is literacy. Several years ago I came to the stark realization that without good literacy skills, a person in our modern society does not have a prayer with regards to achieving success. Being able to read and write and communicate effectively is the basis for all education. and I don’t have to tell you that our nation has lost ground over the past several decades with regards to having a highly literate population. Most adversely affected are children being reared in low-income families because most don’t have any books in the home for their children to read.
Here in our community, a group of my fellow citizens have addressed this need by providing a free, handcrafted bookcase and a starter set of books to children enrolled in our local Head Start program. For a child to be enrolled in Head Start, family income must fall below the poverty level. In communities where a Head Start program does not exist, here in Arkansas we have what is called an ABC program. These families have incomes a little higher than Head Start but still need help to improve literacy. It may be called something different in your state.
Since beginning in 2005, our Bookcase for Every Child project has proliferated and is now being used in several other communities, here in Arkansas and in four other states. I might add, no person associated with our project personally earns a penny. It is all about Giving Back.
On April 13, 2014, we reached a milestone here in Conway by giving our 500th bookcase since the project began. But this year was special for another reason, thus the title, “The Best of Both Worlds.” If you keep up with literacy programs at all, you are no doubt familiar with an international literacy initiative by Dolly Parton called The Imagination Library. Children enrolled in this program receive a different book each month through the U.S. mail until they are 5 years of age.
In our bookcase project, we don’t buy any books as they are all donated, but the Dolly Parton Imagination Library requires a $25 per year, per child, investment and this money is raised locally in a variety of ways. On our local committee we are blessed to have a wonderful lady, who also emcees our banquets, by the name of Dr. Charlotte Green. Dr. Green is employed by the Conway School District, and she is also the director of the Arkansas Preschool Plus program -- a state affiliate for the Dolly Parton program. This year, for the first time, she has enrolled all 50 of our children who received bookcases in the Dolly Parton program, and by Awards Ceremony time they had already received their first book.
Now, here is my reason for sharing this with you. I truly believe America could once again have the highest literacy rates in the world if cities and towns all across America had both our bookcase project and the Dolly Parton program. Our project would supply a free hand-crafted, personalized bookcase and a starter set of books, and then the Dolly Parton program would take over and send each child a different book each month until their 5th birthday.
If you are willing to help and get involved, please go to our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com and study it. All it takes is leadership and the right people and it can be done. We have done it here, and I know if we can do it most every other community can do it as well. I might add, the focus is on parents. Please contact me by e-mail if you have comments or questions: jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net. We are serious about making a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 966 - DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL!

No. 966

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL!

You no doubt have heard the saying, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” This is really a cliché that simply means to not waste your time doing something or working on something that has already been perfected, more or less.
The key thought here is “don’t waste your time.” While this sounds logical and even practical, I am here to tell you that if you take that saying at face value and do not move beyond it, you are going to miss some tremendous blessings and rewards.
Take the word “wheel,” for example. Where would we be today if we had taken the first wheel that some person had chiseled out of stone or wood and stopped there? To be sure, we would not have chrome wheels with rubber tires that had just come off a balancing machine to make sure they ran true, with no bounce or wobbles.
There are other examples as far as the eye can see. What I am really saying is, “don’t reinvent the wheel” if you are not willing to think creatively about ways that wheel, regardless of the form it takes, can be improved in some way. And it should be understood that the “wheel” is just an example that you can apply to anything, be it tangible or intangible. As I thought about this concept I did a little research and was richly rewarded.
I found a book written by Chris Zane, founder and president of Zane’s Cycles based in Branford, Conn., titled “Reinventing the Wheel.” What Chris did was take a simple idea, like the bicycle that had been invented years ago, and applied some simple marketing techniques that have made his name a household work in the world of cycling. Here is a portion of his story that will give you some insights into what I am saying.
“At age 46, Christopher J. Zane is already a 30-year veteran of the retail bicycle industry. He got his first sales tax ID number at age 12, buying his first bike shop at age 16, and building Zane’s Cycles into the largest bicycle shop in Connecticut by age 30. Today it is one of the largest retail bicycle stores in the nation.”
As one would suspect, his plaques, awards and achievements would fill a large room, but the key to his success, and how he reinvented the wheel, was his approach to customer service -- more about that in a moment. His marketing techniques have been used as case studies in more than a dozen college textbooks worldwide and have been the subject of several articles in such publications as the Harvard Business Review Inc., The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and many others. Today, his annual revenue exceeds $15 million and his company is growing at a brisk 23.5 percent per year.
The key to his success is customer service: he offers his customers a lifetime service guarantee. All parts and labor are covered for the life of your bike, meaning tune-ups are free. He provides flat tire insurance -- everyone knows that tires go flat, so for a small one-time fee Zane’s will fix all your bike’s flat tires free forever. He also has a free trade-in program for kids’ bikes -- yes, even 10 years (or more) later, your kids can get full credit for their bikes to purchase new ones.
But these things are just for starters. He seeks to have a lifetime relationship with all his customers, including their children and grandchildren, with each one valued at around $12,500.
Here is the icing on the cake. When new people join our church the pastor says, “It’s time for handshakes and hugs.” This is the kind of atmosphere that Chris Zane has created in his business. People will come back for that time and time again, and he provides outstanding customer service to back it up. What I hope you will see here is that he is reinventing the wheel that someone else had perfected years ago.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 967 - OUR NATION'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE!

No. 967

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE!

It has been said that our “Heritage” is made up of all the positive past values that hold a civilization together. This is so true. It is with this thought in mind that I would like to pass along some information that many people in our nation do not know or truly understand.
What I am referring to here is our nation’s Christian heritage. Our very roots came from our forefathers who made no apology for their faith in God, and the vast majority had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If we don’t teach this in the public schools, where most children attend, and the majority of American families do not attend church, where will our nation’s youth learn this important information? When the final chapter of our lives has been written and we stand before a Holy and righteous God, we will be judged as an individual for what we passed on, not as a group or a people.
It is because I deeply love America and fear that we have strayed from our roots that I share these thoughts with you. Please consider this: 52 of the 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence were orthodox, deeply committed Christians. The other three all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention. It is the same congress that formed the American Bible Society immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of scripture for the people of this nation.
Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he said: “An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not of the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”
Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded the freedom to worship here.”
Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his well-worn Bible: “I am a Christian, that is to say a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrine of Jesus also.”
Consider these words from George Washington, the father of our nation, in his farewell speech on Sept. 19, 1796: “It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
Again you may ask, was George Washington a Christian? Consider these words from his personal prayer book: “Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of thy son, Jesus Christ.” Most Americans will agree that we do have a Christian heritage.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 968 - A NATION OLF DRUG ADDICTS!

No. 968

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A NATION OF DRUG ADDICTS!

Attitude is a very powerful thing, on the part of an individual and also on the part of a nation. In this respect, we hear all the time that attitudes are changing. From my perspective, I am not sure they are changing for the better, and this is especially true when it comes to non-prescription drugs. In the past I would have said “illegal” drugs, but some drugs today that were once illegal are now legal.
As one who has never used any kind of drugs, other than those prescribed by a doctor, I am biased and will just state that up front. Another thing I will state up front is that I do not claim to be an authority on this subject. I do have an attitude about illegal drugs and that is what I want to share with you here.
There is a question that I believe deserves an answer, “Are we becoming, or have we already become, a nation of drug addicts? The best example is the number of different states that are legalizing marijuana. For any discerning person not using drugs, it is easy to see why they are making them legal. The states love the tax revenue generated from marijuana sales in their state. The state’s attitude is like the air traffic controller in a small airport down South with only one runway. There were two planes coming in to land at the same time and the controller gave one pilot instructions to land from the south and the other from the north. When confronted by both pilots the controller said, “You-all be careful, hear!!”
The so-called “war on drugs” has been going on for many years, and we have had some successes and we have had some failures. The drug warlords in Mexico, South America and other places in the world will kill you if you get in their way. Again, this is because of the vast amount of money involved. The main argument that many people use who want to legalize all drugs is that we get the tax revenue and eliminate much of the competition for territory, thereby making it safer for everyone.
The truth is this: when we take mind-altering substances into our body, whether it’s alcohol, marijuana or hard drugs, it alters and impairs judgment. This is fatal to many innocent people in our nation each year. It also hurts the addicted individual, who often exists in a living hell because of what it does to their body and often forces them to a life of crime to support the habit. It is not a pretty picture and yet we have an increasing number of Americans who want to make it legal. One thing for sure, you can sure reduce crime rates very quickly by doing that.
For hard-core users, this column will make little or no difference, but just maybe it may reach some who love their children and grandchildren and will do everything possible to make sure they never use drugs of any kind. It should be interesting to note that a recent study conducted by the Harvard Medical School revealed that prolonged marijuana use definitely impacts brain cells and IQ points among regular users.
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, asserts that there needs to be more recognition of current research especially in a political environment that is gradually growing more accepting of the drug and the movement to legalize it expands. For me, it’s a question of buy now, pay later but the price may go way up before later ever comes to pass. Again, the question we should all answer, “Are we becoming a nation of drug addicts?” I hope not. While I am only one person, because of the havoc they wreak on people's lives, I would never vote to legalize any of them, ever.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 969 - GROW THE MIDDLE CLASS - REALLY?

No. 969

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GROW THE MIDDLE CLASS –REALLY?

Whether we realize it or not, we are all affected by the news. Sadly, the past several years the news has been so bad that millions of Americans have just opted out and don’t keep up with what is going on in the world around them. Many of these people do keep up with what is going on locally, and that is good, but they would be better served if they would keep up with world and national events because they do affect our lives.
The one thing in America that we cherish more than any other is freedom. A free people can do and have more than those who are not truly free, and this includes the majority of people all across the world. For this reason the political process -- those we elect to represent us -- is vital for the future of our nation.
It is also for this reason that I would like to discuss something with you that we often hear from our elected leaders, especially our President and members of Congress. Quite often we hear some politician say that we “want to grow the middle class.” To this statement I simply say, really? As always, the devil is in the details. In each case I would like to ask the person making this statement, “What do you mean by that?” Sadly, the answer to this statement is more give-away programs and in most cases, is really just a way to buy votes. The tragedy is that when you get people on the dole, it’s awfully hard to get them off.
From my perspective, I would like to offer some suggestions as a way to grow the middle class. The “middle class” has been defined as a social class in the United States, and based on the criteria it includes the 25 percent to 66 percent of American households with income ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 per year. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, I discovered an interesting chart that clearly demonstrates that income is in direct proportion to the amount of education a person has. For persons age 25 and up: a high school dropout earns $20,321; some college $31,054; bachelor’s degree $43,143; doctoral degree $70,853; professional degree $82,473.
Here are my suggestions as to how government can help to grow the middle class. No. 1-- Allow the American worker to keep more of his/her hard-earned money. Excessive taxes that are being sent to Washington seldom stimulate the economy because much of it is being squandered. Most of our citizens do not object to paying taxes when we know our tax money is being used in a responsible way. No. 2 -- Take the feet of the federal government off the neck of business and industry to allow them to create more jobs. While we have a lot of freeloaders, the vast majority of the 10 million workers who are unemployed would much rather have a job than taking a handout.
The major reason most companies are struggling today, which means they are not hiring, is because of excessive government regulations. I have seen reports that over the past two decades, 81,883 new regulations were added to the books. When you over-regulate business and industry, they spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to comply rather than producing the products and services they were created to provide.
And something seldom talked about is to provide tax incentives to companies and individuals who have several trillions of dollars off-shore to bring that money back home and begin to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure – highways, bridges, streets, sewer and water lines and other things that are badly in need of repair. This would also create millions of jobs. I am pleased to say that American ingenuity is still alive and well.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 970 - HOW DID WE GET HERE?

No. 970

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The humor writer and lecturer Josh Billings (1818-1885) once said of debt, “Like any other trap, easy enough to get into, but hard enough to get out of.” While not a pleasant topic to discuss over dinner, when it comes to our national debt (now more than $17 trillion), have you ever asked yourself this question, “How did we get here?” The simple answer is like the frog someone placed in warm water and slowly turned up the heat until he literally boiled to death. This debt, if not checked and reversed, threatens our very existence as a nation.
For the sake of information, it will be a good investment of time to inform those of you who may not know how dire the situation really is to get a better picture of how we got here. A quick chronology of our national debt demonstrates that it goes back over several decades. Let’s begin in 1980 when President Ronald Reagan won a landslide victory over President Jimmy Carter. In just six short years under President Reagan (1980-1986) it soared a whopping 184 percent to $2 trillion. Under President Bush Sr. in 1992 it had grown to $4 trillion.
In 2002 it stood at a staggering total of $6 trillion. In 2004 it was $7 trillion, in 2005 it was $8 trillion, in 2007 it was $9 trillion and in September 2008 it topped the $10 trillion mark. Under President Obama in 2009 it went from $10.9 trillion to our current debt of more than $17 trillion. Anyone in their right mind would have to say that spending is out of control, and for the most part this is across the board. To have a snapshot, let’s look at a couple of areas where spending can be cut or reduced – welfare and retirement packages for nationally elected officials.
In 2013, the Cato Institute released an updated study (original study in 1955) showing that welfare benefits pay more than a minimum wage job in 33 states and the District of Columba. In other words, people can get more staying at home than they do working at a minimum wage job. The biggest offender is Hawaii, as welfare recipients earn $29.13 an hour or $60,590 yearly salaries, all for doing nothing. The study goes on to list the states in order in terms of the amount of welfare recipients from No. 1 - Hawaii to No. 34 - South Carolina. Here are just a few examples: Massachusetts $50,540; California $$37,160; Alaska $$26,400; Indiana $22,900; and South Carolina $21,910. Is it any wonder that some people would rather stay home than look for a job? It is time for a drastic change. America is virtually bankrupt.
Here is something that you may or may not know that is also a big part of the problem. The salary of retired U.S. Presidents is $400,000 annually for life. The salary of House/Senate members is $174,000. The salary for Speaker of the House is $223,500. The salary of Majority/Minority Leader is $193,400. Also, many of our Congressman and Senators have personal family fortunes. Compare this with the average salary of a teacher: $40,065, and the average salary of a soldier deployed in Afghanistan: $38,000.
This tells us that we know where the cuts need to be made – and quick. While this is only a small part of the debt it does point up the greed that happens when people can vote themselves a raise.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 971 - THE LAND OF THE BIBLE

No. 971

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAND OF THE BIBLE

Life is full of regrets, but I have found the best course of action is to press on and focus on the things that lie ahead and do your best to help those you encounter along the way. For many years I have wanted to travel to Israel, the land of the Bible, and walk along the same trails and visit the same places where Jesus spent His time while here on earth. This became a reality for me back on March 17, 2014, when I went with my pastor and a group, mostly from my church, to visit the Holy Land. No doubt about it, this was the trip of a lifetime for me. The only regret I have is that I did not take my late wife Viola 10 years ago, when she could still walk and would have enjoyed the trip, perhaps even more than I did.
My roommate for this trip was Dr. Denver Prince, retired university professor, who had already been eight times, so I got the benefit of having someone who could tell me things and give me insights that helped to make our trip so much more enjoyable. The first morning we were there, our hotel was in Tiberius located right on the Sea of Galilee. Denver is big in social media and he took my picture with the sun coming up, with the hills and the sea in the background, and put it on Facebook. The picture was already back in my hometown before I had my first cup of coffee in this beautiful land.
Our tour guide, Mike, spoke four languages. A Greek Christian, Mike knew the history of this land and who occupied it, going back before the days of the Roman Empire. As one who has read the Bible over the years, I can promise you there is nothing like seeing the places and hearing the history and background of the land, people and events that you have been reading about. Concerns about our safety were prevalent on the trip. While it may be different in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, we felt very safe in the northern and central parts of the country, where we spent all of our time. I saw very few police cars anywhere we traveled, even in Jerusalem, and no violence.
On our actual trip we traveled from Little Rock to Atlanta, to Paris and on to Tel Aviv, where we met Mike and were taken by tour bus to the Gai Beach Hotel. They had great food, I might add. We left the hotel each morning with an itinerary of places to visit for the next four days. The first day we visited Nazareth, Church of the Annunciation, Cana, Megiddo, Haifa and Mount Carmel. The second day we took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus Boat, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, and the Chapel of St. Peter. The next day we traveled to the Golan Heights, Caesarea Philippi, Gaderenes, and the Jordan River. The following day we packed up and headed to Jerusalem and visited Beit Shean and Jericho along the way.
For the next five days we felt like we were in Heaven, literally, because Jerusalem is such a fantastic place. Here are just a few of the places we visited: Israel Museum, Model City, Bethany, Mount of Olives, Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea, Western Wall, Emmaus, Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, Shepherd’s Field, Via Dolorosa, Church of St. Anne, Sisters of Zion and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After reading this you may be able to understand why tourism is the country’s major source of income. I counted 30 tour buses each morning from our hotel’s second story window.
The company that books many of these tours is Educational Opportunities Tours and the web address is www.eo.travel. For what it’s worth, I highly recommend it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 972 - SHOULD THE TRUTH HURT?

No. 972

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHOULD THE TRUTH HURT?

Please raise your right hand. Do you promise to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God? Congratulations, you have just become a witness in one of the most important trials in American history.
In case you have not noticed, America is on trial, and has been for the past several decades as to what kind of nation we are going to leave our children and grandchildren. This is what I thought about the other day when a reader sent me an article that has been making the rounds on the Internet but needs to be examined in the clear light of day.
The article is titled “Canada’s Top Ten List of America’s Stupidity.” It is obviously a take-off on David Letterman’s Top Ten list that he has featured on his late night CBS talk show for many years. As Americans, none of us want to be preached to by our neighbors to the North, but regardless of the author, this list contains some things that we all should think about and see how it could impact us in the years ahead.
First, I don’t like negative news or information, but sometimes it’s necessary to hear the truth, even if we don’t agree. In other words, even if the truth hurts, we still need to hear it.
See if you agree or disagree with the following 10 points:
“No. 10 - Only in America could politicians talk about the greed of the rich at a $35,000 per plate campaign fund-raising event. No. 9 – Only in America could people claim that the government still discriminates against black Americans when they have a black President, black Attorney General and roughly 20 percent of the federal workforce is black while only 14 percent of the population is black. And 40 percent of all federal entitlements goes to black Americans (three times the rate that goes to whites and five times the rate that goes to Hispanics.)
“No. 8 – Only in America could they have had the two people most responsible for the tax code, Timothy Geithner (the head of the Treasury Department) and Charles Rangel (who once ran the Ways and Means committee) both turn out to be tax cheats who are in favor of higher taxes. No. 7 – Only in America can they have terrorists kill people in the name of Allah and have the media primarily react by fretting that Muslims might be harmed by the backlash. No. 6 – Only in America would they make people who want to legally become American citizens wait for years in their home countries and pay thousands of dollars for the privilege, while they discuss letting anyone who sneaks into the country illegally just ‘magically’ become American citizens.
“No. 5 – Only in America could the people who believe in balancing the budget and sticking by the country’s Constitution be thought of as ‘extremists.’ No. 4 – Only in America could you need to present a driver’s license to cash a check or buy alcohol but not to vote. No. 3 – Only in America could people demand the government investigate whether oil companies (Marathon Oil) are gouging the public when the return on equity is less than half of a company making tennis shoes (Nike). No. 2 – Only in America could the government collect more tax dollars from the people than any nation in recorded history and still spend a trillion dollars more than it has per year and complain that it does not have enough money. No. 1 – Only in America could the rich people, who pay 86 percent of all income taxes, be accused of not paying their ‘fair share’ by people who don’t pay anything at all.”
Well that’s it but it kind of makes you wonder about the future doesn’t it?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 973 - MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

No. 973

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

We have all heard the old saying, “You must have a dream before you can have a dream come true.” While this is certainly a true statement, it is important to understand where dreams come from and why most are never realized. To be sure, dreams are created in the mind, but the major problem in achieving them is that they are never committed to paper, and a definite plan developed to make them a reality.
It is vitally important to understand that once a dream is written down, and a plan and timetable to achieve it, it then becomes a goal. The experts tell us that only 5 percent of the American people have goals. Just think, in this realm, when you write your dreams or goals down on paper, you have automatically become a part of the top 5 percent of all the people in our great country.
One of the greatest obstacles to achieving our goals is something we call distractions. You cannot set out on a trip, stop for coffee every five miles, and take a great number of side-trips if you wish to be successful and arrive at your destination in a timely manner. In short, if we allow other people and countless unproductive thoughts to dominate our thinking, we are just not going to achieve success in life, or in most anything else. I believe you will agree that the big question then becomes, “How can I stay on track to achieve my dreams and reach my goals?” I am glad you asked, because we all need something we call “positive reinforcement” that will help us stay focused and keep us moving in the right direction.
From time to time I run across something in my files that I have had tucked away for years that, when used in the right context, can really make a difference. Such was the case this past week when I discovered an article by an unknown author titled, “Achieve Your Dreams.” This article consists of a whole series of positive thoughts (you could write a book on each one) that will reinforce our good intentions and turn them into solid gold. As I share them, pick out a few that are meaningful to you and place them on your mirror or refrigerator where you can see them often.
Please take a moment and think about each one: “Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits. Believe in yourself. Consider things from every angle. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come. Family and friends are hidden treasures -- seek them and enjoy their riches. Give more than you planned to. Hang on to your dreams. Ignore those who try to discourage you. Just do it. Keep trying no matter how hard it seems – it will get easier. Love yourself first and most. Make it happen. Never lie, cheat or steal: always strike a fair deal. Open your eyes and see things as they really are. Practice makes perfect. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Read, study and learn about everything important in your life. Stop procrastinating. Take control of your destiny. Understand yourself in order to understand others. Visualize it. Want it more than anything. Accelerate your efforts. You are unique in all God’s creations -- Nothing can replace you. Zero in on your target and go for it.”
Now, that is the end of the article, but I would like to go back to something I said earlier that dreams are created in our minds. When we can control our thinking we can control our lives. It is true, we must have a dream before we can have a dream come true, but that dream must become tangible, written down on paper, with a time limit, to achieve results.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 974 - IF I WERE THE DEVIL!

No. 974

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IF I WERE THE DEVIL!

The famous baseball player Yogi Berra had many witty sayings called “Yogi-isms” and one that I love is when he said, “When you come to a fork in the road – take it.”
When we think about our nation today and the road we are traveling, from my perspective, we took the wrong fork. This fact is borne out by a media giant by the name of Paul Harvey (1918-2009) who at one time was on 1,200 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations and in 300 newspapers. With the combined coverage of this large segment of the media, it is reported that his audience reached 24 million people each day. If I had some extra money I would put it on his stock any day of the week.
One of his most famous stories first appeared in a newspaper column back in 1964. Titled “If I Were the Devil,” it poses an interesting contrast back then to the way things are in our nation today. Again, to me, it makes a pretty good case for our nation taking the wrong fork with regards to our future and our quality of life. The “back then” that I am talking about is when you could leave your door unlocked and the keys in the ignition. Sadly, our young people were not around to experience what the older generation was privileged to enjoy. Now, let me share Paul Harvey’s “If I Were the Devil” and see how you feel about it.
“If I were the Devil I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world; I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man’s effort, instead of God’s blessings; I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people instead of the other way around; I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue; I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership; I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies;
“I would make it socially acceptable to take one’s own life, and invent machines to make it convenient; I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that the life of animals is valued more than human beings; I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of his name was grounds for a lawsuit; I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young and I would get sports heroes to advertise them; I would get control of the media so that every night I could pollute the minds of every family member for my agenda; I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation. I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even fashionable. If the family crumbles, so does the nation;
“I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movie scenes and I would call it art; I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their lifestyles should be accepted and marveled; I would convince people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agendas as politically correct; I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, the Bible is for the naïve; I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional;
“If I were the Devil, I guess I would leave things pretty much the way they are.”
By way of quick summary, I have found over the years that other people pretty much believe what they want to believe and there is nothing else I could say that would make much difference. A-men!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 975 - FORTY CHANCES: A FANTASTIC BOOK!

No. 975

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FORTY CHANCES: A FANTASTIC BOOK!

Most people in America know the name Warren Buffett because he is one of the richest people in the world. The last time I checked he was listed third by Forbes Magazine with a fortune of $65 billion. What many people may not know is that he and his late wife, Susan, reared a terrific family that consisted of Howard, Susie and Peter.
While reading a fantastic book titled “Forty Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” written by his first son Howard, I acquired a deep respect for Warren Buffett because of his conservative Midwestern values. He still lives in a modest home in Omaha, Neb., where he and Susan did not give their children access to their wealth while they were growing up.
Rather, their children had to work and earn everything they received and Howard went through a series of different jobs before finding his true love, farming. Several years ago I first became acquainted with Howard through a magazine article. Howard lives and farms 1,500 acres in central Illinois near Decatur, a town of about 1,200 people. I could not believe a man whose father was worth billions of dollars was actually driving a tractor and a combine to earn a living. He had a failed marriage early in life, but later married Devon, a woman who already had four children, and what a team they have turned out to be.
In 2006 Howard embarked on a mission that still exists today to help the most vulnerable people on earth, nearly a billion people who lack basic food security and go to bed hungry every day. This came as a result of his father making an announcement that he was leaving the bulk of his fortune to philanthropy. Now this is my personal comment: It is literally amazing how God prepares us for something bigger than ourselves as He did Howard when his passion turned out to be farming and raising crops that would help to feed the starving millions all across the world.
The concept behind the Forty Chances relates to the number of crops that a farmer can realistically plant and harvest during his or her lifetime. In other words, a farmer has about 40 chances, or growing seasons, to get it right.
In his quest to use foundation money wisely and to help as many people as he possibly could, in a few short years Howard has literally become an authority, not only in farming but in all the other challenges of dealing with local and national governments, other agencies with similar goals and differences in soils that determine productivity. Over the past decade he has made up to 150 trips to Africa, Mexico, Latin America and South America to find ways to help starving people feed themselves, both now and in the future.
His wife Devon made a great contribution to him when she bought him a good camera. Now he can document many of the people, places and events he encounters as he travels to one or more of the 55 countries in Africa and other places he seeks to help others. One thing I found of interest is the difference between dirt and soil. Good soil is basic for a good crop with a high yield. In Africa, for example, the soils vary so greatly from one end of this vast continent to the other, without a good understanding of soil types and how to build them up, that precious time and resources can be wasted without solving the problem.
The book “Forty Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” consists of 40 different stories, and each one will give you insights into solving at least part of the problem of world hunger. You read this book and your life will never be the same again, I guarantee it. I bought my copy from Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 976 A TOOTHPICK IN A LUMBER YARD

No. 976

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TOOTHPICK IN A LUMBER YARD

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau report, my hometown of Conway, Arkansas, is the fastest growing big city in our state. Of course you realize that “big” is a relative term. Our city grew at a rate of 8.3 percent from 2010-2013 and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.
Our Chamber of Commerce president tells me that the population is now (2014) around 65,000. It was something more than 30,000 when we moved to this area in 1984. Local officials attribute our rapid growth to a number of factors, chief among them being a strong economy -- this includes many jobs in education, health care, manufacturing, technology, energy and local and state government.
But to me, and this is my personal opinion, the most important reason for our growth is education. When you consider the fact that we have three institutions of higher education -- the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College and Central Baptist College -- and three separate school districts -- Conway Public Schools, St. Joseph Catholic Schools and Conway Christian Schools -- you begin to get the picture.
Here is why I made my earlier statement: Some of these educational institutions go back more than 100 years, thousands and thousands of students got an education here, and a great number stayed. When you think about these facts, you can see a solid foundation for future growth.
This is why about 36 percent of the adults in our county have at least a bachelor’s degree. I did not grow up here, and I don’t have a college degree, so I did not help the cause, but suffice it to say that education has always been linked to our economy, quality of life and the outlook for a very bright future.
In relation to what I have just shared, sometime back I got to thinking about our copyrighted “Bookcase for Every Child” project that we started back in 2005 and the significance it plays in our city’s growth and future. As a result of my thinking, here is an analogy I came up with: We are about as significant as a toothpick in a lumber yard.
Now, this is not to say that we are not important, because we are. In our day and time we are devoting our efforts to helping those children who are most at-risk, those being reared in low-income homes where they have few, if any, books to read. If we can just save even a small percentage of these children from dropping out of school and living a life of marginal or complete illiteracy, we are doing a good thing. This is why I have dedicated the remaining time I have to spreading the project to other cities and towns across the nation. Of course I will spend most of my time here in my home state, as I can travel to most other communities in a one-day trip and be back in my own bed at night. Our project website will be of value to everyone: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com
Our bookcase project here in Conway is now 10 years old and we have given 500 bookcases and a starter set of books to pre-school children in our local Head Start program. Plus, there are several of our leading citizens who are willing to help spread the word to some of their friends in other communities. I am grateful for personal letters of introduction and endorsement from Dr. Greg Murry, superintendent of the Conway Public Schools; Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; and Jennifer Welter, executive director of the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA), that includes the Head Start program.
If you are interested and willing to help get projects started in other communities, e-mail me at jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net. Have a great day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 977 THE INTANGIBLE VALUE OF GOOD WILL!

No. 977

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE INTANGIBLE VALUE OF GOOD WILL!

Several years ago I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale make the statement, “We can’t be much better than we know how to be.” This is so true, but the real benefit comes from asking another question: How do we learn new things?
In real life, we learn them in basically three ways: from study, from observation and from experience. During our visit today I would like to share the benefits of truly understanding, and putting into practice, something we call good will. For some people this could literally mean the difference between success and failure. For example, we know from observation that a business is not going to be highly successful without having good will on the part of a very high percentage of their customers.
Good will is not something that is tangible, that is to say, something we can see and touch. Rather it is intangible -- we can’t see or touch it but it is there just the same. In the beginning, customers may go to one store because of convenience or lower prices, but they will stop if the attitudes of store employees is negative and they get the feeling they are not appreciated.
Let me bring this concept a little closer to home, to an individual who lives far below his or her potential because they continually turn people off. A while back a friend of mine, who is a very good person, ordered a hand-crafted product from a store that had to be ready by a certain date and was going to take several days to produce. As time approached when the product was going to be needed, he e-mailed the store asking if it was ready. Finally his e-mail was returned and his product was ready. Rather than saying “thank you” and just picking it up, my friend sent a “curt” note saying that a simple phone call would have helped.
On the surface this does not appear to be a big deal, but my friend missed a good opportunity to build good will and friendship that would have resulted in better service in the future. Once in a blue moon this kind of “curt” attitude would not make much difference, but getting into the habit of doing this could make a real difference. As I said, my friend is a very fine person, but he often comes across in the wrong way.
Now, contrast this example with a personal experience I had a few days ago. My next-door neighbor, who has a tree trimming service, painted my house using his big “boom” truck. We borrowed another neighbor’s spray gun, and I later thanked this neighbor for the use of it. He said, “You can have anything I have.” I responded with, “Same here.”
Now, that is good will. I would do anything to help him and he would do anything to help me. The secret, if there is one, is that we both know that we would never take advantage of the other. You make friends by being one, and this is not just about neighbors, it applies to everyone you do business with or have a personal relationship with.
This simple concept of “good will” can be linked to another principle that is also vital to personal success -- the slight edge. When we understand and use those little things in dealing with others, they have a way of compounding over time into a pattern of responsibility and personal behavior that is necessary for making it to the top. We all know that cream rises to the top and being the cream of the crop in dealing with others sets us apart. Success, more income, more rewards and a feeling of personal satisfaction, is sure to follow.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 978 A BOOK OF GEMS!

No. 978

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BOOK OF GEMS!

As a Christian, one of the most meaningful things in my life is prayer. This has not always been the case, but over the past several years, and especially the past several months, prayer has become increasingly more important to me.
My favorite story regarding prayer is about the lady who was visiting with her pastor about some serious challenges she was facing. After listening to her for a while, the pastor said, “What we need to do is pray about your situation.” She responded, “Oh Lord -- has it come to that?” Just my comment, but it probably would not have come to that if she had been praying all the time.
Now granted, prayer is a very private matter and is left to each of us to determine in our own lives the priority we place on this hallmark of the Christian life. It has been my experience while being in the “people” business for more than four decades that almost everyone prays at some time or another, if only at times when circumstances drive them to their knees. What prompted these thoughts was a fantastic book a friend gave me a while back titled, “PRAYER – A Holy Occupation”, by Oswald Chambers. If you have done much reading in this area you probably identify Oswald Chambers as the author of “My Utmost for His Highest.”
Oswald Chambers was born in Scotland in 1874 and died in 1917 while serving as a Chaplain in the British Commonwealth in Egypt during World War I. Now a little simple math will tell you that he only lived 43 years, about average back then, but not so much today when the average life expectancy is approaching 80 years of age. What this also tells me is that God was at work back then just as He is today.
Because this little book is so rich and powerful, I have titled this column “A Book of Gems” and you recognize the word “Gem” as something of great value. The format he uses is to take a number of important words and make very succinct statements about each one and follow that with a “Reflective” question. This works great and it will definitely make you think. Here are the words that will give you further insights into what I am saying: Boldness, Childlikeness, Communion, Concentration, Desire, Discipline, Faith, Honesty, Intimacy, Obedience, Patience, Power, Purpose, Silence, Simplicity, Wonder, Work, and Worship. It only takes about 10 minutes to read each section and my routine is to read each one three days in a row, which helps to internalize these truths.
I want to give you at least one sample that will further illuminate what I am saying. “You very earnestly and solemnly tax your resources to be a praying person; people call at your house but cannot see you because it is your time for prayer. You perhaps have not noticed before that you always take care to tell those to whom it matters how early you rise in the morning to pray, how many all nights of prayer you spend; you have great zealousness in proclaiming your protracted meetings. This is all pious play-acting. Jesus said, ‘Don’t do it’.” And here is the reflective question: “How much of my praying is dishonest in that it is done to impress other people?”
No doubt about it, God gifted Oswald Chambers with a special talent to get to the truth of the matter – in a hurry. I highly recommend his book. You can find it at www.amazon.com Hope you have been blessed today.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 979 WE CAN'T HAVE ENOUGH POLICE!

No. 979

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE CAN’T HAVE ENOUGH POLICE!

There is a verse in the Bible found in James 1:5 that says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” To my way of thinking it is not a weakness but strength and a privilege to seek wisdom from on high when confronted with making important choices and decisions. Such is the case today as I want to talk with you about an important concept that is at the very heart of why the United States of America is the greatest nation on earth.
This concept has to do with something we call the “Rule of Law,” which means that all government officers of the United States, including the President, the Justices of the Supreme Court, state judges and legislators, and all members of Congress, pledge first and foremost to uphold the Constitution. These oaths affirm that the rule of law is superior to the rule of any human leader. The development of the legal concept of the “Rule of Law” can be traced through history to many ancient civilizations, including ancient Greece, China, Mesopotamia, India and Rome.
However, as this relates to our country it goes back to England, our mother country, and the Magna Carta that King John was forced to sign by English barons at Runnymede on June 15, 1215. The Magna Carta guaranteed certain civil and political liberties to the English people. Now fast forward to 1776 when Thomas Paine wrote in his pamphlet “Common Sense” that “In America the law is King, for in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be none other.” Now you may ask, what is the foundation for our personal freedoms in America? It is none other than the Holy Bible, as it has been historically recognized as the most important book in the development of both the rule of law and democratic institutions in the Western world.
Furthermore, the modern roots of our individual rights and freedoms in the Western world are found in Christianity. The recognition by law of the intrinsic value of each human being did not exist in ancient times. For example, among the Romans law protected social institutions such as the patriarchal family but it did not safeguard the basic rights of the individual, such as personal security, freedom of conscience, of speech, of assembly, of association and so forth.
Now, please allow me to bring this closer to home, because this background history affects every single individual in our nation. In August 2014 we watched in horror as riots, violence and looting broke out following the shooting of an unarmed young man by a local police officer in Ferguson, Mo. Before it was over, the President, Attorney General, the Governor, other state and other local officials all got involved in trying to resolve and quell the disturbance. The thing they all relied on most of all was the concept to the “Rule of Law.” The one reason this concept works is because the vast majority of the American people are taught Christian values and principles at home -- to love, respect and protect the rights of others.
When we don’t teach these values to our children when they are young, we are undermining the very foundation that sustains our society. The truth is, without this, we can’t have enough police to protect you or me. You can’t have the “Rule of Law” when citizens do not respect the individual person, property and rights of others.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 313 - THE RENDERING OF TOO MANY UNEXPLAINED INJUNCTIONS

No. 313
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE RENDERING OF TOO MANY UNEXPLAINED INJUNCTIONS

If you are old enough to remember when people made lard by boiling hog fat, then you know this process is called rendering. The lard was the by-product of rendering as the hog fat was changed to a liquid state, the impurities strained out and then allowed to get cold. What this process produced was called lard. In fact, the dictionary definition of lard is “the semisolid fat of a hog after rendering.”
The reason I have shared this is because I wanted to get you to start thinking along the lines of rendering and the by-product that comes from this process. As this relates to a human being there is a very important concept that may make a difference in your life. I know it has mine. This is what happens to a human being, especially a very young child, when the rendering takes place as the result of too many unexplained injunctions. It’s going to take a little while to explain this so I hope you will be patient.
One of the most brilliant people who ever lived was Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician who passed away back in 1952. She was the first woman to receive a medical degree in Italy but her life’s work for which she is most noted was the upbringing and education of very young children. You no doubt are familiar with the Montessori Schools which are located throughout the world. Dr. Montessori believed that a child’s education should begin at birth, not in the traditional sense, but that parents and guardians should prepare a proper learning environment. She worked with hundreds of emotionally disturbed children and most could read by age three and a half and were excellent readers who could speak 3 or 4 languages by the age of five.
If you are not familiar with her work you may ask, “how could they do that?” The answer is through THE ABSORBENT MIND. Her book by the same title is the best on this subject that I have ever read. Space limitations will not permit me to go into more detail but this is a book that every parent, especially expectant parents, should read. Unless you are an educator or child psychologists this book will give you insights that could make a tremendous difference in your life and the life of your children. I know one thing for sure, I use to think that the Montessori Schools were only for the affluent, but that’s not the case at all.
Now let me return to what I was saying about the rendering of too many unexplained injunctions . When a baby is born he begins the process of learning through THE ABSORBENT MIND. Please think about this simple example. When a baby is born and up until about 10 months most things are positive in his life. We all make over a new baby, that’s just natural. It’s along about here that things in his life begins to change when he begins to crawl and later walk and he begins to get into everything. All of a sudden instead of hearing “Yes” all the time, he begins to hear “No.”
An “unexplained injunction” is a ‘yes’ without a reason. An “unexplained injunction” is also a ‘no’ without a reason. As parents, unless we continue to provide a positive environment where genuine love is fostered and cognitive reasoning is developed, the outcome or rendering could be very harmful. When a child grows up in a negative environment and all they hear is NO, NO, NO...along with a good bit of physical abuse, they begin to say to themselves, even after a few months of life, the world is no darn good. I’m here to tell you that our prisons and jails are full of people whose life force and direction was set before they were two years of age. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 314 - SHE'S BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN !

No. 314
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SHE’S BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!

While I can’t remember all the words, there is an old country and western song that goes, “I’m back in the saddle again. Out where a friend is a friend. Where the longhorn cattle roam, that’s where I belong, back in the saddle again.” It has been years since I have heard that song but that’s what I thought of the other day when Viola came home from a horseback riding session. More about this in a moment. If you have read my column on a regular basis you know that my wife Viola has Parkinson’s. I share this with you because a number of readers have asked me to give an update from time to time on her condition. It is also my prayer that the various things we are doing to cope with this disease may also help and be an encouragement to others who may be walking the same road. If not with Parkinson’s, with something else that is debilitating.
Like any progressive disease, over time the Parkinson’s is taking a toll. In her case it’s just taking a toll on her body and not her spirit. I marvel at the way she keeps going, doing for others and doing her best day by day to cope with her condition. Because she is the love of my life, it hurts me to see her suffer and be in almost constant pain. I would take the Parkinson’s for her if I could and when I tell her that she always responds, “You don’t want what I have.”
Several months ago when she began to have difficulty getting up from a seated position we took some steps that may be of interest to you. First, we bought a new rocker recliner that has wooden arms that makes it easier to rock forward and push up. Then a lady in our Sunday School class covered a four inch thick piece of foam rubber cut in the shape of a dining room chair for her to sit on. When she begins to get up the foam rubber rises and acts almost like someone taking her hand.
The one thing that we have been more excited about than anything else is her horseback riding sessions. When she was a young girl growing up she had a horse and has always loved horses. A few months ago she decided she wanted to ride a horse as therapy. We have since learned that this is called “Hippotherapy” after the Greek “Hippos” meaning horse. There is something about the touch of an animal, like pets that are now part of the treatment regimen in some children’s hospitals, that is healing to the body. The parts of the human body that move while sitting on a horse in motion is also part of the therapy.
In our community we have a wonderful young lady by the name of Miss Toby who has a good number of horses and as a business, teaches horseback riding skills to mostly young people. Miss Toby is a former state rodeo queen, along with many other honors and she has a wonderful helping spirit. Along with her cohorts Jamie and Cynthia they have done wonders for Viola. She rides three times each week and really looks forward to it. She says it has helped her physically, emotionally and psychologically. The small amount of expense has been worth it many times over. Don’t know what the long term outcome or results will be but we are grateful that Miss Toby has come into our lives.
The other evening a lady said to me, I am so sorry about Viola. My response was, “We are just grateful the way God has blessed us with so many good years and now we just take it one day at a time.” We do not feel sorry for ourselves because we see people each day that have life much more difficult than we do. The key to happiness has always been to forget our own problems and think about ways we can be of service to others. I know that Viola deeply appreciates your prayers and your concern and I’m just glad that “She’s back in the saddle again.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 315 - A TEST FOR "FIRST TIME" PARENTS

No. 315
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A TEST FOR “FIRST TIME” PARENTS

It has been said that “Children in a family are like flowers in a bouquet: there’s always one determined to face in the opposite direction from the way the arranger desires.” For the vast majority of parents, our greatest hope is for our children to grow up to be happy, healthy and successful human beings. In today’s times this is no easy feat even for those parents who are the most qualified, but it is a monumental task for “first time” parents who did not have a good role model or were never taught parenting skills but rather who were allowed to grow up like weeds in a garden.
My good friend, Max Heath, sent me something the other day that really puts what I’m saying into context. It was an article titled “How to know when you are ready to have kids” and it contained a series of tests for first time parents. If you have successfully reared one or more children you will really appreciate this but for young couples who are expecting or thinking about having a child, this will definitely give you something to think about.
Here are the tests. No. 1: Mess Test, “Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.” No. 2: Toy Test, “Obtain a 55 gallon box of legos (you may substitute roofing tacks if you wish.) Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold and take off your shoes. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.” No. 3: Grocery Store Test, “Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.
No. 4: Dressing Test, “Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into one small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside. No. 5: Feeding Test, “Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a chord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.
No. 6: Night Test, “Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00pm begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00pm. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00pm. Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these until 4:00am. Set alarm for 5:00am. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
No. 7: Ingenuity Test, “Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a Ping-Pong ball, and an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower. No. 8: Automobile Test, “Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player. Take a family-size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect!
No. 9: Final Assignment, “Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, and toilet training and child’s table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you have all the answers.” Well, that’s it. At the very least this should give all of us some food for thought and make us appreciate our parents more. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 316 - A NATIONAL "CRY" FOR CHARACTER

No. 316
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A NATIONAL “CRY” FOR CHARACTER

The famous American lawyer and statesman Henry Clay once said, “Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.” Unless you have been under a rock for the past 30 to 40 years you know that as a nation, we have suffered greatly because of the lack of character on the part of far too many of our citizens. You can not think of any area in our society, including the economy, all levels of
government, the church, the home and our most prized institutions of learning, and not find glaring examples of where more and more human beings are failing the character test. This has become so widespread and pervasive that it has almost become a national crisis.
As many of our leaders have recognized this need, the United States Department Of Education has provided over $25 million dollars in Federal Character Education grants to establish programs to provide Character Education programs for students in every state in the nation. I might add there is considerable debate as to whether this money is being spent in the right way. Many schools develop the programs at the elementary level when Dary Matera, a former reporter for the Miami News who has written ten books on this subject, says it should be focused at the high school level.
He points to Columbine and other high schools where tragedies have occurred as the basis for his thinking. Sometimes the need is seen by students themselves and they take matters into their own hands to do something about it. Such was the case at Mundelein High in Illinois. After a gross scene at an annual Homecoming football game and the crowning of the queen dissolved into a raucous cat fight, involving gallons of chocolate pudding, members of the junior class decided it was time to do something about the lack of character by other students in the school. And do something about it, they did!! They now have a far reaching story about a return to the concept of young people wanting to exhibit traits of dignity, class and personal character.
In my case, I don’t have to look far to find a wonderful example of where a whole county of people are involved in developing character in the lives of their young people. One of the best places to live in our state is the progressive, fast growing, city of Monticello, Arkansas located in the Southeast part of the state. I went to college there a couple of years, back in the mid-fifties, so I will have to give you a disclaimer on the front end. But I can tell you this for sure, these people have it together.
Several years ago when the combined schools of Monticello and Drew Central decided to implement a character education program they decided to involve the whole community. It began with a first year kick-off at the town square with bands, students, parents, school officials, business people and a liaison from the governor’s office in attendance. Later, every school campus did activities. For the first three years they instituted a “Word Of The Week” and the local newspaper provided space for people in the county to write an article about this word. The radio station taped spots, local businesses placed the word on their marquees and churches put it in their bulletins. Here are just a few of the words which will give you the idea, Responsibility, Cooperation, Politeness, Kindness, Generosity and Joy.
Two years ago they decided they wanted Character Education to become the culture of their schools and the community rather than just an event each week. Assistant Superintendent Barbara Brown spearheaded this effort and with the help of an advisory board they chose nine Character Education Guiding Principles that school personnel, parents, business people and community leaders agreed to live by. Character is caring. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 317 - ARE YOU SPENDING "THEIR" MONEY?

No. 317
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU SPENDING “THEIR” MONEY?

Every once in a while when I am out on the road I get behind a big motor home that has a bumper sticker with the words, “We are spending our kid’s inheritance.” To this I say, more power to them. For people of means however, it’s good to leave a ‘nest egg’ for their kids and grandkids, especially if they understand what it took to get that ‘nest egg’ in the first place. Just don’t over do it because it could ruin them. Personally, I hope my Mother and stepfather spend every penny they have because they earned it and deserve to spend it.
When it comes to spending other people’s money I have some thoughts to share in a different realm that may be helpful, especially for young people just starting out and who may not have learned how to manage their finances. If this does not apply to you I hope you will share it with someone who may benefit from it. A while back I was counseling a young man in the area of personal finances and he laid out all of his expenses and income so we could get a clear picture of his current situation.
When we totaled up all of his monthly obligations they came to almost exactly what he was earning each month. This meant without overtime there was no extra money for unexpected expenses, savings and more importantly, no money to contribute to his church.
In today’s economy most people are fortunate to have a job, much less having to depend on overtime for a portion of their living expenses. For people like this, here is a real pitfall that drives them into debt and a harsh sentence on their future that is most often self-imposed.
The real pitfall is getting a big weekly paycheck and the feeling of power that comes with it. The temptation is to spend part of it on non-essentials and trying to pay their bills with what is left over. This is a trap that many young people fall into when they don’t pay their house payment, utilities, insurance, car payment, principle on their credit cards and other monthly obligations. This means that when they are not paying people they “owe” first, they are spending “THEIR” money. In reality, this money belongs to someone else.
Many times people who are robbing Peter to pay Paul turn to Payday Lenders to get by another week. When I say Payday Lenders I’m talking about all those check cashing companies that are set up for short term loans at high interest rates and who drag many people deeper and deeper into debt. A newspaper friend in Illinois shared the following true story with me. One of his relatives (a lady) needed some money so she borrowed $800 with payback time of 2 weeks or pay interest and extend. She said she could not remember the exact interest but it was 25% or more.
To make a long story short, she didn’t have the money to pay it back and kept extending and actually went to another location to borrow money to pay back the first loan. This poor lady kept going from place to place and playing the float game but piling up high interest fees. When her $800 became $2400 she called for help. They threatened court action to get the money. She had no way out. My friend loaned her the money with no interest with the stipulation that they sit down together, go over her finances and work out a payment plan AND get her on a budget.
She did remarkable and paid the loan in full in 10 months on a $24,000 annual salary. During this time she was able to pay a couple of major bills (insurance, new set of tires, and some auto repair) without borrowing money. She took the money from the savings she had built up. In the end, she learned a valuable lesson but an expensive one. The good thing is that she realized that she had to change spending habits and she did. Praise the Lord!! Now, she is spending “HER” money. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 318 - A MIRACLE IN THE MOUNTAINS

No. 318
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A MIRACLE IN THE MOUNTAINS

You may have heard the old saying that goes, “There is no limit to what a person can do so long as he or she does not care who gets the credit.” This is a truism that I have seen work many times in my own life as well as in the lives of countless others. However, if we took a moment to make a slight change in this saying, our power to get things done would be increased a million fold. The change that I would suggest is simply this, “There is no limit to what a person can do if he or she made absolutely sure that God got the credit.”
The reason I have shared this with you is because of a recent letter I received from a male reader in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. This gentleman had some nice things to say about my column and he also included a recent annual report for the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic. As I began to read this report I came under strong conviction that God had performed and is still performing a “Miracle In The Mountains” through many, many volunteers who did not want their name used in any way. As this man who wrote me stated, “For anyone to claim credit for what God has surely done would be wrong.”
Because of their compassion and love for Jesus Christ, doctors, nurses and countless other volunteers have made it possible for the poor and needy in this community to receive free medical care. If you had a chance to read this annual report, you would find a story that would bring tears to your eyes as you realize that people really do care and they are willing to selflessly give of their time and resources to help others who are less fortunate. Permit me to share just a small portion of an article titled, “A Bedtime Story” that will give you a glimpse of what I am saying.
“Once upon a time near the end of the second millennium, God looked down on a beautiful city surrounded by lakes and mountains and forestland. He saw pain and suffering because many of the people He loved needed medical care for their bodies and for their souls. In the city, God found a compassionate man of medicine who loved Him. God asked this man to provide treatment and medicine and to show God’s love to people who could not afford medicine. This man did not know how to do this because there were so many who needed help.
The man looked for help. He looked among people with various knowledge, skills and abilities. All of them knew and loved God. The man called them together and they came. There was a person of business, a person of law, a person who sold medicine, a government worker, a preacher, even an old soldier and others. This man asked them if they thought this task, which the Lord has laid on his heart, could be done in the beautiful little city. He asked them for their help in ministering to the sick.
After a considerable amount of time spent in prayer, organization, identifying needs and securing a building they began to pool their resources. The story continues, “They began to organize the volunteer workers and train and practice as if preparing for battle. When they were ready they invited the sick people who could not afford treatment or
medicine and more than twice as many people came as were expected. None were turned away.”
The Charitable Christian Medical Clinic in Hot Springs, Arkansas continues to grow. When they outgrew their building God provided a bigger building. When I read the list of all the volunteers who give their time and talent free of charge, I knew without a doubt that God had truly performed and is still performing a “Miracle In The Mountains.” There is no limit to what anyone of us can do when we give God the credit. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 319 - DO YOU LIVE NEAR A VOLCANO?

No. 319
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU LIVE NEAR A VOLCANO?

Here is a question I would like for you to think with me about for a few minutes today. Do you live near a volcano? To this question I am confident most people will say “no”, save for those people who live near Mt. St. Helens in Washington state and a number of others who live near volcanoes in our newest states of Hawaii and Alaska. When I did research for this column I learned a good deal more than I already knew and that a volcano is “an opening in the crust of the earth from which steam, hot gases, ashes, etc., are expelled, forming a conical hill or mountain with a central crater.”
In this case the word “expelled” is not so foreboding, but when they “erupt” that’s a different story. We have had over 500 volcanic eruptions around the world in historic times but the one most Americans remember vividly is Mt. St. Helens back on May 14, 1980. The first blast along with subsequent blasts on May 25th and June 12th left 57 people dead. Now as bad as volcano eruptions are, I want to tell you about a different kind of eruption that is far more destructive than any volcano eruption in the history of the world.
This is when human beings “erupt” because of a violent temper. Whether it’s in a fit of rage or a deep seated anger, these people are destructive and in their wake they leave bruised and battered lives that never completely recover. Tragically in many cases this is fatal, as countless people in our country lose their lives each year in confrontations with violent and angry people. Fortunately there is help for people who have deep seated anger. Some time ago I ran across a brochure on ANGER RESOLUTION that gave the details of a character building course developed and presented by the Institute in Basic Life Principles based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Here are some symptoms of anger to consider as you think about your own life and your relationship with your family, co-workers, friends and others.
“No. 1: IRRITABILITY.. Are you hurt and offended by people or situations that should not bother you? No. 2: IMPATIENCE.. Do the weaknesses and limitations of others frustrate or exasperate you? No. 3: RAISED VOICE.. To get your point across, do you speak louder or even yell to get your point across? No. 4: GLARING EYES.. Do you stare with cold, mean eyes at someone who has offended you? No. 5 HURTFUL WORDS.. Do you show contempt or disapproval by calling people names? No. 6 EXPLOSIVE ACTIONS.. When tension builds, do you slam doors, pound your fist or break things? No. 7 ARGUMENTATION.. Do you allow yourself to get involved in heated arguments or debates?”
When it comes to controlling anger, here is one of the real pitfalls that often keeps many people from doing anything about it until it’s too late. Many people think they have no problem with anger because they only “blow-up once in a while.” Back to what I said in the beginning, “how would you like to live near a volcano that only erupted “once in a while?” You would live in continual tension wondering if today was the day it would erupt. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that this is the kind of stress that many marriages and families are experiencing.
Anger is the number-one cause of damaged marriages, abused children, and violence in the home, school and workplace. It is the common denominator among juvenile delinquents and the reason that so many youth are running away from home. To do anything about deep seated anger, we must be able to trace it to it’s roots. If you would like to know more about the ANGER RESOLUTION course, contact the Institute in Basic Life Principles, Box One, Oak Grove, Illinois 60522, 630-323-9800 or visit their Web site www.iblp.org (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 320 - BOY ! DID I HIT A NERVE

No. 320
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BOY! DID I HIT A NERVE

One of the pitfalls of probing around on a live human body, especially if it’s not our own, is that if we are not careful we will hit a nerve. And boy! did I ever hit one with my comments in a recent column titled, “We should avoid positive thinking like a plague.” When this column ran in the Benton County Daily Record in Bentonville, Arkansas I got a letter the following week from a reader who greeted me and then said, “When your fine column appears in our local paper, Mary and I sit down at breakfast, and with a second cup of coffee she reads it out loud and we discuss it.” This reader, whose name is Don, goes on to tell me how much he disagreed with me and that he could not believe these were my real views on positive thinking.
I wrote back to tell him that we were not that far apart and that we were just viewing this subject from two different perspectives. The reason I am sharing this is because I feel that many of you share his feelings and with your permission I would like to set the record straight. As you know, the three rules of communication are “be clear, be clear and be clear.” The real issue here for me is not that someone disagrees with me, or even that I may be wrong, but that I did not do a good job of expressing myself and was misunderstood.
Please be assured that I was not attacking “positive thinking” as a philosophy but rather how many people in our society use it at the operational level. This true story will illustrate what I am saying. Several years ago a seminary student had a personal ministry of going to the local Children’s Hospital to be with young terminal cancer patients in the final hours before they died. During this time he had gotten to know a young girl who was beautiful both inside and out and over the past several months she had both legs and one arm amputated.
The night before she was to have the final arm amputated her mother came into the hospital room with a copy of Norman Vincent Peal’s book, “The Power Of Positive Thinking” to read to her. When she did, the girl started to cry. Her mother said, “what are you crying about?” She said, “because Mother you don’t know how to live and you won’t let me die.” This seminary student said it was one of the most painful ordeals of his life and he spent a lot of time trying to think this through. This is something all of us should do even with our most cherished beliefs.
Because of the way God made us, we human beings can do a lot of things. There are however a lot of things I know I can’t do and all the positive thinking in the world won’t change that. Here is an example of what I am saying. A few days ago I was playing golf with two of my friends. While looking for a ball out of bounds I drove the cart into some high weeds and didn’t see a deep rut until it was too late. The cart got stuck on high center and would not move even though the wheels were still turning. I got out and with all my strength tried to push it off but to no avail. Here is my point. All the positive thinking in the world would not have changed that. It was not until my two friends came and with a mighty “heave, ho” did the cart begin to move.
While positive thinking and expecting the best is a great way to live, we must also understand our limitations and always strive to keep things in the proper perspective. If we can redefine positive thinking to mean: never evading reality, of never kidding ourselves of how bad things are, and what the requirements are to make it, and never deluding ourselves as to what truth is, and to remind ourselves that we can do anything so long as it is within the realm of truth, then it will be embraced and always have my blessings. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 321 - WHY MAKE IT EASY FOR THIEVES?

No. 321
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHY MAKE IT EASY FOR THIEVES?

The English author Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) once said, “Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it.” Are you aware that almost 5 million residential burglaries occur each year in our country? This works out to one every 15 seconds. By the time you have read this far someone’s home or apartment has been broken into and some of their most precious possessions have been stolen by thieves. The economic impact, as well as the emotional trauma, on the American people is tremendous. Each year losses experienced by burglary victims is estimated to be $3.1 billion and the average loss per residential burglary is $1441.
Several weeks ago I got a phone call from Jason Bird, an executive with the Burglary Prevention Council in Chicago, Illinois. He passed along some information about their organization which was formed back in 1995 as a national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of residential burglaries. A few days later a nice press kit arrived in the mail and after reviewing it, I decided to pass along some of the pertinent information to you in the hope that it may keep you from become a burglary victim.
The reason I decided to share this is because none of us who have a home, apartment, condominium, cabin or cottage is immune from unlawful entry by those who want to respect our property more. Because of human nature, until it happens to us we are lethargic and complacent. That’s someone else’s problem, we say. Just last night when I was at church a young single lady was very distraught because a few days earlier someone had broken into her apartment. They did not take much but she just felt violated, as any of us would.
According to the Burglary Prevention Council the good news is that nine out of 10 burglaries can be prevented. In the press kit I received there was a fantastic booklet titled “SAFE AND SECURE..A complete do-it-yourself guide to safeguarding your home against burglars.” The index contains a listing of the various topics that are in the booklet. They are: Introduction/Understanding The Burglar, Evaluating Your Home’s Security with subheadings..Your home’s current security measures, Your home’s design and Your neighborhood.
Next is Burglar Entry Points with subheadings...Doors, Locks and Windows, Your Possessions, Creating A Secure State Of Mind, If You Are Burglarized, Protecting Your Home, Vacation Checklist, Home Protection Devices, Summery and 10 tips. Because I have had the opportunity to read it, I can promise you this booklet is well done and would be a valuable resource for any person who would like to take measures to prevent a burglar from making off with their property.
The booklet “SAFE AND SECURE” is free from the Burglary Prevention Council, but they do ask that you send $1 to cover the cost of handling and a self-addressed stamped envelope to 221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois 60601. You may also download this booklet from their Web site at www.burglaryprevention.org.
I realize this kind of information is not very exciting, but as I have said before, it does not make a lot of sense to be motivated and work hard to buy some of those material things we all enjoy just to have a thief come along, break into our place of residence and help himself to whatever he wants. The good news is that with a little extra time and effort, nine of 10 burglaries can be prevented. Yes, it can happen to you. Us too!! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 322 - WE HAVE A NEW STATE FLOWER

No. 322
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE HAVE A NEW STATE FLOWER

While it’s not official, here in our state we jokingly say we have a new state flower. It is called “The Orange Barrel” and can be seen all up and down our Interstate Highway System. This is probably true in your state as well since our nation’s interstate highways are in a constant state of repair. The orange barrels serve to maintain a normal traffic flow and to provide a refuge for construction workers. Tragically, this method of protection along with reduced speed limits, is not always successful as many workers are killed each year in accidents. Most of these could have been avoided if motorists would slow down and be more careful.
One of the major problems in our community is traffic, as city planners had no idea 20 to 30 years ago that we would experience the rapid growth in population that we have. Consequently, we have street and highway construction projects going on all the time here as well. One of the best ways to control traffic is something that has come to be known as the by-pass. This may be good for improving the flow of traffic, but it is often very bad for existing businesses. Within a short period of time however, new businesses spring up along a new highway or by-pass. This is a case of build it, and they will come.
In the larger cities these by-passes soon connect and you have a complete circle around the city. In time, like the circles in a tree, they keep moving out as the city grows and new by-passes are added to keep up with the demands of traffic control. Back in the days when I used to travel more I would dread driving in a major city like Dallas or Atlanta. There are few things as dangerous as driving on an interstate highway in a large city if you do not know exactly where you are going, especially during the rush hour.
This reminds me of a story I heard one time about an ol’ country boy who came to Little Rock to visit some of his city kinfolks. Somebody had drawn him a map of how to get to their house and he got on loop I-430 that goes all the way around the city and he drove along to where he was supposed to turn off but something happened that caused him to miss his turn. He missed the exit ramp because some young men passed him in a hot rod, threw a few beer cans at him and welcomed him to Little Rock.
At this point the only thing he knew to do was go all the way around the city and pick it up when he got back to this same spot. Would you believe about the time he was ready to get off a woman in a big Cadillac car came along and made an improper lane change and he missed the exit again. Of course the only thing he could do was to go back around again. He was getting low on gas but he finally made it and “Lo and behold!” about that time they had a five alarm fire in the area and with sirens blaring, three fire trucks, the rescue squad and the fire chief came along and caused him to miss his turn for the third time.
By now he was almost completely out of gas and he was also very frustrated so he pulled off at the next exit and pulled into a service station and stopped. About this time four men came running out of the station, they put on a new set of tires, filled up his tank with gas, checked all his belts and fluids, washed his windshield and one of them stuck his head in the window and said, “get back in there boy, you are running in third place!!”
As I said, this is an old story and with a few modifications, it’s one that I heard my friend Bob Murphy from Nacogdoches, Texas tell several years ago. Hadn’t talked with Bob in a long time and I know he’s up in years. I just hope he is still alive and doing well. We have a lot of fine Texas papers that run this column and if any of you see Bob, tell him I said hello. God bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 323 - A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR HOPE

No. 323
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR HOPE

When it comes to the important subject of “hope”, the noted American Psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger once said, “Hope is an adventure, a going forward..a confident search for a rewarding life.” Have you ever thought about the importance of “hope” and what it means in your life? It has been said that a human being can live for three months without food, for three days without water, for three minutes without air, but he can’t live for three seconds without hope. While this may stretch your imagination a bit, it never-the-less makes a very important point. Hope...we can’t live without it.
As you ponder this a moment, I want to tell you about getting to know a wonderful lady by the name of Susie Vanderlip. Our chance meeting by e-mail and over the phone came about when an editor of a newspaper that runs this column asked me if I would be willing to visit with her about getting her column syndicated. I’ve had many requests like this over the years and I am willing to try to help anyone if I can. As I’ve said before, it’s the only way I can ever repay the hundreds of people who have helped me.
Susie Vanderlip lives with her clinical psychologist husband, Dr. Ken Vanderlip in Orange County, California. She is a graduate of UCLA where she minored in modern dance and now is an Associate Professor in Dance at Coastline Community College where she taught for 12 years. Susie is also a professional speaker and author and is one of less than 500 people in the world to earn the “Certified Speaking Professional”, the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association.
Her life, however, has not been without tragedy. In August of 1984 her first husband died of an unintentional drug overdose of alcohol, cocaine and the pain killer Percodan. Eight years after his death, Susie went into the dance studio to choreograph a piece about relationships. Over the next six months, writing, choreographing, rehearsing and Beta testing the material on a wide variety of audiences, something happened that would forever change her life. As she responded to audience questions, she felt as though God put a “burning bush” on her doorstep.
This led to the development of a program that she named “Legacy Of Hope.” Her focus today is speaking to young people and adults and guiding teens successfully through the landmines of adolescence, including alcohol and drugs, teen violence, sexuality, gangs, suicide and emotional distress. This is what her column is about and while at this point she only has one paper, she has a message that people need to hear. She is not only committed but she has been there and done that.
From my heart I wish Susie well and will help her any way I can, but as I thought about her program “Legacy of Hope” and exposing teens and parents to really good concepts and insights, I also thought about what would happen in their lives as they moved on and later came into contact with many negative and evil influences. This reminded me of the overweight person who loses 30 to 50 pounds only to gain it back when they got off the diet. What they need is a great maintenance program, one they can stay on for life.
You have the right to disagree, but at this point I’m going to be bold enough to say that what we all need is “A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR HOPE.” The only lasting and eternal hope that I know about is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When Jesus comes into our life, He changes us forever and our lives will never be the same again. It’s the only way to successfully deal with all those negative and evil influences that I talked about earlier. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 324 - WHY GOOD PEOPLE MAKE BAD CHOICES

No. 324
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHY GOOD PEOPLE MAKE BAD CHOICES

In my younger days growing up in a small town, once in a while I would hear someone make the statement, “His mouth ain’t no prayer book.” While very poor English, loosely translated this meant that just because a particular person said something this fact alone did not necessarily make it so. In other words they did not have to accept what they said as being the Gospel, which was the reference to the prayer book. You know that it goes without saying that this is also true for me. While I do my best to research information for this column and to make sure that it’s accurate, sometimes I fail. However, I always try and do my very best to tell the truth and to be conscientious in presenting various concepts and ideas that will help you. It is my heart’s desire to help people and I hope that comes across to you as you travel along each week with me.
While very simple, today I have a concept to share that may give you pause to consider your own life and what values are important to you. For the balance of our mental time together I want to discuss “Why good people make bad choices.” Again, it’s a matter of perspective and what our values are, but to me a “bad choice” is when we choose any behavior or course of action that impairs our judgement, slows our reaction time and cause us to act in a non-rational way. The bottom line is that doing these things places us on a path that is detrimental to our health and also the health and well being of others.
It’s here that I believe you can see that when any person makes the choice to drink alcohol, do drugs, smoke, gamble, commit adultery and any number of other sins and vices, they are making a bad choice. There is something I have been wanting to say for a long time and it’s this; the fact that a person drinks, does drugs, smokes and gambles does not make them a bad person. The only really bad people in the world are those who are bent on evil, who have no regard for the life and well being of their fellow human beings. Unfortunately, many people in this world are evil and we have to watch out for them.
Now back to point that I hope you will consider “why good people make bad choices.” There are many valid reasons, but I believe they can all be traced to these three very important life changing concepts. 1. The fallen nature of man. 2. The principle of influence. 3. Social patterns that change the culture. Now, please allow me to make some brief comments about each one. First, “The fallen nature of man.” Since Adam & Eve disobeyed God in the Garden Of Eden all of their offspring and future generations, which includes you and me, were born with a nature to sin. It’s natural and that’s why we all do it.
Next, “The principle of influence.” If you will examine the lives of every person who drinks, does drugs, smokes, gambles and has other vices, you will find one or more people in their lives who influenced them. It’s true!! We all make choices because other people have influenced us. Our choice then becomes is it for good or for evil. And lastly, “Social patterns that change the culture.” This happens slowly over an extended period of time. When the numbers are dominant and a sufficient number of people are engaged in doing a certain thing, it becomes the “norm” or accepted thing to do, thus society accepts it. The end result is that the culture is changed.
Many people are being misled today with advertising or by people who encourage others to make ‘bad choices’ because that choice is often not revealed until it’s too late. When a person drinks alcohol, becomes an alcoholic and, in a drunken state, drives a car and takes the lives of good people, it’s only then that everyone knows that they have made a very bad choice. In short, good people can often lead us astray. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 325 - THE LAW OF CHANCE

No. 325
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LAW OF CHANCE

How would you like to live in a world of chance? Many years ago someone wrote a children’s book entitled, “The Chance World.” It told of a world in which everything happened by chance. The sun may come up in the morning or it may not. But if it did come up, no one could predict if it would come up at 5 O’clock, at noon, or at midnight. If one planted a field of corn, it may come up as corn, it may come up as wheat, or it may come up as pickles, rose bushes or even apple trees. If one jumped into the air, he may come down or he may keep on going. One could not tell in advance what would happen.
So, again here is the same question: How would you like to live in a world of chance? Well, aren’t we thankful we don’t have to? We live in a world where there are absolutes. Each night on TV the weatherman tells us exactly what time the sun is coming up the next morning. We may not be able to see it for the clouds, but we know it’s there. Now, based on what I’ve just said, how many people do you suppose plan their lives and their futures on chance, circumstances or luck?
Here is some really GOOD NEWS and if you happen to be one of these people, I’m going to share some thoughts that I hope you will ponder. This could make a wonderful difference in your future. When it comes to our personal success, regardless of what our goals happen to be, there are some areas of knowledge we have to know and in a sense have this knowledge become second nature. That is, if we want to live closer to our true potential and maximize the talents and abilities that God has given us.
One of these areas of knowledge has to do with “natural laws.” Based on my personal observation, it’s my belief that many people do not truly understand natural laws and how they work, at least not fully. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge keeps these people at the bottom of the economic and social pyramid and believe me it does not have to be this way. It’s my hope and prayer that while reading this column, as well as others, that a light will come on in your mind and you or someone dear to you will say, “eureka! I’ve found it”, and you will begin to live life more fully and have more of the rewards that can be yours.
A natural law has been defined as “A series of events in nature that has been observed to occur with unvarying uniformity.” In other words, if the circumstances are exactly the same in all respects, then the outcome or result will always be the same. For example, if you step or fall off a tall building you will always go down. You will never go up. It’s the same with all other natural laws, they always work whether we understand or know about them or not. Here is the point I hope you won’t miss. If you operate or perform on the right side of all natural laws, they will always work for you. If you operate or perform on the wrong side, they will always work against you. It’s complicated but yet very simple.
The misuse or misunderstanding of the natural “LAW OF CHANCE” keeps far too many people from achieving real financial success. I might add here, being in debt for an extended period of time creates stress and other serious problems for millions of people in our country. The English biographer and philosopher Sir Leslie Stehpen said that “chance is a name for our ignorance.” This is a pretty strong statement but it is never-the-less true, as many people took a foolish chance, physically and financially and left us far too soon.
Here is the key to using this law to your advantage. When you take a chance with your hard earned money, make sure the odds are in your favor. This is not the case with the lottery, the casinos, sports gambling or the race track. The wise person understands that making an investment is far better than taking a gamble. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 326 - A CARING EDUCATOR WHO FOUND HER CALLING!

No. 326
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A CARING EDUCATOR WHO FOUND HER CALLING!

It has been said that a school is “Where parents send their very best efforts.” In the past several years the American school system has been harshly criticized because we lag behind most of the industrialized world in student performance. While scoring high on math and science tests is certainly to be desired, it is not the final criteria for a student’s success later in life. I find it difficult to criticize our schools when the United States of America is the envy of the rest of the world.
That said, all of us need to be supportive of our nation’s schools, and especially in our own community, because they are entrusted with our greatest resource; our children. What prompted these thoughts was a letter I received from a resource person in the Cookeville Tennessee Public School System. Incidentally, I have it on good authority that this school system does an excellent job of educating its students.
This person is Joy Wallace and she tells me that she has found her calling. I wish all teachers, teacher’s aids and resource people felt the same way. Let me share her letter with you, because her positive attitude is infectious. She begins, “After reading your column in our local paper, the Herald-Citizen, I was compelled to write. I ,too, have found my calling!! I recently moved to Tennessee from Florida, where I lived most of my life. I love it here and know that I have been sent here to do what I do best.
I am an in-school suspension person making barely above minimum wage. I am not in it for the money. Instead I touch the lives of students in the 5th & 6th grades. I help them to think about why they did what they did to get in trouble. I help them to find themselves during their time with me. I do not believe that they should just be punished, but also be held accountable for their actions that they chose to take and to make better choices next time.
One student recently asked me why I do what I do. My reply was easy, “I was once one of you.” I said, “I am here because if there had been someone like me around when I was your age, I would have made better choices.” Then I told him I was there to also help him become a success at whatever he chose to do in life. Needless to say, he realized that I cared and that many other teachers and adults really do care about their students. He has not been back to my room except to say hello since that day.
She concludes by saying, “Yes, I know I have found my calling!! If I can successfully help one child to choose the right path, then that makes me successful. Not the dollar amount in my paycheck. Thank you for your time.” Thank you, Joy. I was moved by your letter because I know it came from your heart. I appreciate your taking time to write and I hope your words prove to be a real inspiration to countless other teachers and resource people across the country.
Later, as I thought about her letter I was reminded again of just how important good teachers really are. As in any profession or career, some do a better job than others, but one of the most important qualities any teacher can have is to really care about his or her students. While it may be trite, it is never-the-less true. They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. They will remember that long after the As and Bs are forgotten. I ran across a wonderful little quotation by the American Poet Robert Frost that for me, pretty well sums it up. He said there are two kinds of teachers, “The kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can’t move, and the kind that just give you a little prod and you jump to the skies.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 327 - THE PRINCIPLE OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION

No. 327
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PRINCIPLE OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Have you ever heard someone say that they were just waiting on their ship to come in? The idea here is that wealth, fame or some other good fortune was going to come to this person and that it was only a matter of time before it did. Unfortunately, what many of these people don’t realize is that their ship is never going to come in, because they never sent one out. During our visit today I want to talk with you about a wonderful principle that could make a tremendous difference in your life.
However, before I dive into this subject if you will indulge me, I would like to say a word or two about this column. First, this column is not about current events. I do my best to keep up with current events and what is going on in the world, but whether it’s international, national, state or local this is covered by reporters and news gathering services. Irrespective of what is going on in the world or in your community I want to share ideas, concepts and principles that are presented in an interesting and unique way, to help each reader to become a happier and more successful person. We all have our personal challenges, opportunities and the normal ups and downs of every day living and how to successfully deal with this is the kind of information I want to share with you.
It is my heartfelt desire that a reader in Cut Bank, Montana..Crystal River, Florida..Huntsville, Texas..Lenoir, North Carolina..Bardstown, Kentucky..Dodge City, Kansas or in any of the other markets across the nation where this column runs, will be inspired, encouraged, helped and made to feel better about themselves and their future. America is a land of opportunity and our greatest blessing is freedom. When given freedom and opportunity the vast majority of Americans will and have succeeded. I just hope to be able to convince a few of the others that they can share in the blessings of America as well.
Now, back to that wonderful principle that I talked about earlier. This principle is known as “The Principle Of Deferred Compensation.” One of the things I have observed in this era of ‘fast food’ and instant gratification is that most people lack patience when it comes to achieving greater success. These people do not understand that there is a price to be paid for everything and that to achieve anything really worthwhile takes time. You can’t plant corn one day and have ‘corn on the cob’ the next. Understanding “The Principle Of Deferred Compensation” is the best way I know to keep from becoming discouraged.
If you are discouraged about something just now, I hope you will give some real thought to what I am saying. A while back a reader sent me something titled, “Life Is An Echo” that is really a great illustration. It begins, “A son and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: “AAAhhhhhhh!!!” To his surprise, he hears a voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhh!!!” Curious, he yells: “Who are you?” He receives the answer: “Who are you?” Angered by the response, he screams: “Coward!” He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?” The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.” And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you!” The voice answers: “I admire you!” Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion.” The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: “People call this echo, but really this is life. It gives you back everything you say or do.” Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. Just remember “The Principle of Deferred Compensation” means that for our ship to come in we must first send one out and to accomplish anything that is truly worthwhile takes time. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 328 - THE "LIFE SAVING" STATION

No. 328
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE “LIFE SAVING” STATION

In many ways my wife Viola and I are different. This is to be expected because I am a man and she is a woman. There are many areas where this is true, but none more so than when it comes to the outdoor activity of camping. I love to go camping, sit around a fire and drink coffee, sleep in a sleeping bag, a tent or a pop-up camper. On the other hand her idea of camping is sitting around the pool at the Holiday Inn. While I like to rough it, she likes all the comforts of home. However, she said even in her condition that she would make an exception if I would buy one of those $100,000 motor homes! That’s the end of that story.
=If you are also a person who loves all the “comforts of home” you may see a parallel in a wonderful larger-than-life story a reader sent me several years ago. It’s titled, THE LIFE SAVING STATION and it begins, “On a dangerous sea coast where ship wrecks often occur, there was once a crude little life saving station. The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea, and with no thought for themselves, went out day and night, constantly searching for the lost. Many lives were saved by this wonderful little station, so it became famous.
Some of those who were saved and various others in the surrounding area wanted to become associated with the station and give of their time and money and effort for the support of its work. New boats were bought and crews were trained. The little life saving station grew. Some of the members were unhappy that the building was so crude and poorly equipped. They felt a more comfortable place should be provided, so they replaced the emergency cots and beds and put better furniture in the enlarged building.
Now, the life saving station became a popular gathering place. It was used as sort of a “club.” Fewer members were now interested in going to sea on life saving missions, so they hired life boat crews to do this work. The life saving motifs still prevailed in the club’s decorations and there was a liturgical life boat in the room where initiations were held. About this time, a large ship was wrecked off the coast and the hired crews brought in loads of cold, wet, half-drowned people. They were dirty and sick and some of them had black skin and some of them had yellow skin. The beautiful new club was considerably messed up, so the property committee immediately had a shower house built outside the club, where the victims of ship wrecks could be cleaned up before coming inside.
At the next meeting there was a split in the saving activities as being a hindrance to the normal social life of the club. Some members insisted on life saving as their primary purpose and pointed out they were still called a life saving station, but they were finally voted down and told if they wanted to save the lives of various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own life saving station down the coast. They did!! Years went by. The new station experienced the same changes that had occurred in the old. Yes, history does have a way of repeating itself. If you visit the coast today, you will find a number of exclusive clubs. Shipwrecks are frequent in those waters, but most of the people drown.”
When I first began to share this little story I asked if you could see a parallel between having all the “comforts of home” and something far more important that is present in our society today. This story was taken from The Presbyterian Journal and in case you did not recognize it, it’s the story of the church. My church is very important to me. We have a wonderful pastor and people who love each other and who try to serve the Lord. This story has moved me deeply. God Bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 329 - BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS!

No. 329
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS!

If you will allow me, I would like to take a moment here in the beginning to see if I can evoke a chuckle from you. If you have been married to the same man or woman for any great length of time, get out those old wedding pictures. That should do it. If you don’t fit this category you might think about the man who went to a party and after a while said to a friend, “This is a lousy party, I think I will leave.” The friend said, “That will help a little.”
In these days, if there is anything the American people need to do more, it’s to laugh. The stress we are going through getting in and out of airports, the massive number of people who are losing their jobs, the thought of paying for the “War On Terrorism” and the uncertainty of the stock market makes it all the more important that we should keep things in perspective. We still have the greatest nation in the world and our people are united.
It is in this context that I believe we should keep on doing the things that made us number one in the first place. We must keep working to produce the best products and services that we possibly can. We must work to make our schools better because our young people are truly the leaders of tomorrow and we must instill and teach them the moral and ethical values of our forefathers. We must also get or stay involved in the political process, because this is the best way to insure our freedom and to have a nation free from tyranny.
When it comes to instilling moral and ethical values I want to tell you that I see some very hopeful signs. Our young people are more idealistic and involved in more volunteer service projects than any time I can ever remember. I have also observed that players in high school and college athletic contests are displaying better sportsmanship and much of this credit goes to the coaches and the parents. We still have room to improve, which will always be the case, but these people are doing a better job and we need to tell them so. Share this column with your local coaches and tell them that I appreciate them.
When it comes to improving character and moral values, here is a cliché you may have heard before, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” While it is a cliché’ this saying actually comes from the Bible as the Apostle Paul was writing encouraging words to the church at Corinth. I say this to make the point that bad company and corruption have been around for a long, long time. If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher, community leader or someone else who is concerned about the morals of your children, I would like to share an insight with you that may be helpful.
It’s just common sense to realize that if a youngster with good character and morals begins to run around with or associate with others of low morals and character, sooner or later he or she will be negatively affected. As human beings with a sin nature, we just naturally gravitate toward the base and not the righteous. It’s like a young child all dressed up and a mud puddle nearby. It’s just a matter of time.
Here is the insight I mentioned a moment ago. A young person with good morals and high self-esteem will listen to an adult they respect who is trying to inspire them to achieve personal success. The reason he will listen is because of his “frame of reference.” The information already in his mind will compute with what is being said and it will make sense to him. On the other hand this kind of positive, helpful information will not compute in the mind of a person with low morals and poor character. This kind of talk is foreign and will usually fall on deaf ears. Have you ever heard it said that “Johnny (or whoever) won’t listen to me?” Well, his computer is simply set on another program. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 330 - ARE YOU A QUICK QUITTER?

No. 330
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU A QUICK QUITTER?

Here is a question I hope you will ponder with me for about the next 20 years. Have you ever seen a car with square wheels? Of course the answer to this ridiculous question is “no.” The reason is because someone figured out centuries ago that a wheel rolls much better if it’s round. This simple truth has given rise to one of the most often used clichés in the English language, “It’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel.”
What I have just shared is almost too elementary to waste your time, but often the most obvious turns out to provide the greatest rewards. Let me say it again. In the vast majority of cases, for whatever you want in life or for whatever you wish to achieve, the odds are great that many other people have already been there and done that. In a very real sense all we need to do is take advantage of their experience. In other words, don’t try to reinvent the wheel, because you would be wasting a lot of your precious time.
I have found in a lifetime of trying to help other people achieve personal success, for whatever that means to them, the greatest deterrent is something called “The Fear Of Failure.” In the vast majority of cases when people fail, they simply quit too soon. If you happen to be a QUICK QUITTER and have missed many of the rewards that you have desired, I want to give you a new way of looking at failure that could result in far greater success than you have ever known before.
The starting point to being able to always overcome failure is to realize that failure is just a learning experience and not something that anyone should fear. Every truly successful person has failed thousands of times and they know that each failure brings them that much closer to success. Have you ever known of a football quarterback who completed every pass? That is what I mean.
The greatest example of what I am saying is embodied in a man who is world renowned but who also failed more often than any other person in history. This man’s name is Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), the American inventor who was also known as the Wizard Of Menlo Park. During his lifetime he patented 1093 inventions and accomplished this in spite of the fact that he only had six months of formal schooling.
Early in his career he invented and patented the stock ticker and printer and sold it for $40,000. He used this money to hire a staff of like minded individuals to help him and subsequently invented the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, the microphone, the movies, and the medical fluoroscope, just to mention a few. When it comes to your own personal success or failure here is something I hope you will really think about. Thomas Edison and his staff classified and tested 17,000 plants before he discovered that “latex” could be extracted from one of them.
Thomas Edison literally failed his way to success and so can we. The big problem for most people who fail is that they do not want to change. They want to rail against or change the system. The same system incidentally, where millions and millions of people have already succeeded. It may not be necessary to say this, but I am going to say it anyway and hope it soaks in for those who will read the column and may be failing in some job or project they have started. It is much easier for the individual to change than it is to change the system. Please remember what I said earlier. Failure is not something to fear because it is just a learning experience and each failure will bring us that much closer to success. It was this same Thomas Edison who said, “ Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” In short, don’t be a QUICK QUITTER, but stay the course. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 331 - IT CAN'T BE MY BOY!!

No. 331
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IT CAN’T BE MY BOY!!

A few days ago one of my friends in another state sent me something titled, “It Can’t Be My Boy” that, for many people, contains a very sobering message. Since I started writing this column I have learned that you can be “sobered up” without having ever been drunk.
Unfortunately, too many people are “sobered up” by something that happens to a loved one that has far greater consequences than simply having too much to drink.
As I have grown older, from time-to-time I look back on my own life and like all men, realize that I was once a boy. In those days we did not have the myriad social problems that young people face today but still, I wonder how many of us made it. I think it’s because God looks out for those who really need another chance. It is often said that girls are special and while I don’t want to be too emotional, I think boys are special too, especially those five grandsons we are blessed to have. This gives rise to that old saying, “It’s a miracle how imperfect parents can produce perfect grandchildren.”
For parents who have sons, along with those fine young men who read my column, here is something written by Allen Beck that you may find interesting. He said, “A boy has the appetite of a horse, the digestion of a sword swallower...the curiosity of a cat, the lungs of a dictator...the shyness of a violet, the audacity of a steel trap, the enthusiasm of a firecracker, and when he makes something he has five thumbs on each hand.”
Now I’m not sure this would describe all boys, but it does serve to illustrate how special boys really are. If you happen to be a man who was fortunate enough to grow up in a Godly home, to have loving and caring parents and have used this foundation and the opportunities it has afforded to become a great success, then you know how blessed you really are. Please contrast this scenario with the article I mentioned earlier titled, “It Can’t Be My Boy” and see if it would apply to you.
It begins, “Once there was a little boy. When he was three weeks old his parents turned him over to a baby sitter. When he was two they dressed him up like a cowboy and gave him a gun. When he was three everybody said: “How cute!” as he went lisping a beer commercial jingle. When he was six, his father dropped him off at Sunday School on his way to the golf course. When he was eight his parents gave him a BB gun to shoot sparrows. His aim was bad and he learned to shoot windshields by himself.
When he was ten he spent his afternoons squatting at the drug store newsstand reading comic books. His mother wasn’t home and his father was too busy. When he was thirteen he told his parents other boys stayed out as late as they wanted to, so they said he could too. It was easier that way. When he was fourteen they gave him a deadly two-ton machine, wangled a license for him to drive and told him to be careful. When he was fifteen and the police called his home one night and said. “We have your boy, he’s in trouble.” Screamed the father, “IT CAN’T BE MY BOY!” but it was.”
Here are a few comments about this article that will serve to place things in the proper perspective. It is never my motive in writing this column to try to make any person feel guilty. In the long run this kind of motivation will accomplish very little. I understand human nature well enough to know that we do the things we really want to do and then try to find a way to rationalize our actions later. My prayer is that each of us will be reminded of just how special our families really are and will do everything we can to help our children grow up to be good citizens and first class human beings. God bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 332 - WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

No. 332
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

Since the terrorist attack on our nation we have seen a tidal wave of patriotism all across the land. As a united people we are once again singing God bless America, praying openly, and flying the American flag in every city, town and hamlet across the country. The thing that has been most gratifying to me is the outpouring of love and support from our nation’s youth, not only for the victims of the World Trade Center, but also for the men and women in the Armed Services.
At some point in time most Americans have attended a military funeral or have seen one or more on television. One of the last duties performed by the Honor Guard is the folding of the American flag and presenting it to the next of kin. The flag is folded 13 times, but did you know that each fold has special significance? I didn’t, until someone was kind enough to send me this information a few weeks ago. If you don’t already know this, as a patriotic American you might like to know what each fold means.
The FIRST FOLD is a symbol of life. The SECOND FOLD is our belief in eternal life. The THIRD FOLD is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The FOURTH FOLD represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The FIFTH FOLD is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but is still our country, right or wrong.”
The SIXTH FOLD is for where out hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The SEVENTH FOLD is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The EIGHTH FOLD is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The NINTH FOLD is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The TENTH FOLD is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The ELEVENTH FOLD in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The TWELFTH FOLD, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
The THIRTEENTH FOLD is when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.” After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. In the coming weeks and months we will see many flags folded 13 times and now, many of us will know the reason why. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 333 - THE PERIL OF NEGATIVE OVERLOAD

No. 333
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PERIL OF NEGATIVE OVERLOAD

Someone once said that discouragement is, “Often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.” We all get discouraged from time to time and if you happen to be discouraged just now, I have some good news for you. A while back I had a personal experience that clearly demonstrated the peril of negative overload. After all, isn’t this what discouragement is all about? We get so much negative news, whether real or perceived, that we begin to buckle under the load.
Before I share this personal experience with you, let me make sure we are on the same page. A good understanding of the word “overload” is critical in relation to the investment of your time in reading this column. Several years ago when electricity became available to most American households, the electric wiring went back to something we called a fuse box. I still remember those little fuses and the lever that you pushed to make contact after a fuse had blown and had to be replaced. What made the fuse blow was an excessive demand for electricity that exceeded the capacity of the wiring. Without the fuse blowing there was a good possibility that a fire would have been the result. In this case the demand caused the “overload” and that is the gist of the idea.
Here is what happened to me that caused a negative overload and remember, by and large, I am an extremely positive person. This goes back to September 11, 2001 when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Like all freedom loving Americans I was deeply saddened by the loss of life and especially for friends and family members whose lives would be changed forever. In the aftermath of this tragedy as our leaders began to make plans to bring those responsible to justice, I began to watch more television news coverage than I had ever watched in my life.
As the war in Afghanistan began to unfold and the bombing began, I became obsessed with all the coverage the 24 hour cable news networks (four here in our market) were giving the American people. You could watch it all day long if you chose to, but because of my schedule I could only watch it four to five hours each day, and this went on for several weeks. After a while I began to feel lethargic and my enthusiasm and zest for life began slowly ebbing away. Then one day it hit me and I realized what had happened. I was suffering from negative overload. The human mind and nervous system is just not designed for that much negative news.
At this point I changed my television viewing habits and made a very important decision. From that point on I have limited my news coverage about the ‘War On Terrorism” to reading the headlines and related stories in our local newspaper and 30 minutes of national news in the evening on one of our major network stations. I also want to report to you that I did not stop here. I dug out a set of attitude motivation tapes that I had left from the days when I was in that business.
I keep a cassette player by my bed and use these tapes to help me fall off to sleep. When I wake up during the night I just flip the tape over and listen to it for a while before going back to sleep. This has made a wonderful difference in my outlook on life and now that old zest and enthusiasm has returned. Now, if you are discouraged you may or may not be suffering from negative overload, but don’t be too sure. We live in a negative world and while you may not have gotten a megadose like I did, you have gotten it a little at a time over the past several years. It’s kinda like being nibbled to death by a duck, but the end result is the same. God bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 334 - YOU CAN'T BE FRIENDS WITH A RATTLESNAKE!

No. 334
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
YOU CAN’T BE FRIENDS WITH A RATTLESNAKE!

One of my favorite events not to attend is the Annual Rattlesnake Roundup that is held in Sweetwater, Texas. I am sure there are many fine people in this West Texas community, but it’s their neighbors that slither across the surrounding hillsides that I don’t have any hankering for. If you happen to like rattlesnakes, don’t take what I am saying too personal, but I just have a strong feeling that you can’t be friends with a rattlesnake. During hunting season in the fall of the year, I am extremely careful in the woods to watch where I step because I would literally jump out of my skin if I stepped on or even near a rattlesnake. The bite of these venomous reptiles can be deadly or at best make you very, very sick. The best course of action when it comes to a rattlesnake is to “steer clear” and I have always tried to do that.
It’s here that I would like to draw a parallel between a rattlesnake and some people because they can also do you in if you are not extremely careful to steer clear of them. You may have heard someone say about another person, “He is as dangerous as a rattlesnake” and this is what I am talking about. While rattlesnakes are endowed by nature with a poisonous venom to render their victims helpless, some people, on the other hand, are just plain evil. At this point, I want to make sure we are on the same page. Do you believe there are evil people in the world? If so, what constitutes an evil person and how did he or she become evil? As you think about your response, please allow me to share my own perspective. I certainly believe there are evil people in the world. They have been around since the beginning of time and they are with us today.
The people who plotted and carried out the terrorist attack on our nation back on September 11, 2001 are or were evil. The same is true for Adolf Hitler, Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dohmer and thousands, perhaps millions of other people. Personally, I believe the truly evil people in the world are tools of Satan. If you know people or have heard about people who hold Satanic rituals, then you know what I mean. Satan worship is alive and well right here in our country. The trees, the mountains, the rivers and all the rest of God’s creation are not evil. No, Satan uses people to do his work.
Some time back a friend said to me, “Your column is really a contrast between good and evil.” He was right and I make no apologies for that. If you read my column on a regular basis you know that I always encourage my readers to do what is right, to treat other people with dignity and respect, to be honest and forthright in all their dealings with others, to be a good citizen, and to have a servant’s heart in taking care of the needy and less fortunate in our society.
To be sure, a person who has these qualities is not evil. He or she, whether professed or not, is a Godly, righteous person and they have a real purpose for living. Now, to the last part of my earlier question, how does a person become evil? A person is not born evil, but rather becomes evil when the input into his subconscious mind is so negative, so violent, so perverted they lose touch with reality. This individual then becomes a prime candidate to harbor resentment, bitterness and a feeling of real or perceived injustice that leads to a deep seated hatred of other human beings.
This person then becomes a tool of Satan and they can influence others to walk the same path. While not my favorite subject, in these times I just felt that it was important to share this with you. We always need to help others when we can, but just remember; you can’t be friends with a rattlesnake!! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 335 - DO YOU HAVE A WOUNDED SPIRIT?

No. 335
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU HAVE A WOUNDED SPIRIT?

You no doubt have heard the old saying, “Life is like an elevator. You can go up or down depending on which buttons you push.” While this is certainly true, have you ever thought about the fact that thousands and thousands of people across our nation have a wounded spirit because someone else pushed all or most of their buttons? If you or someone you love are carrying deep emotional or physical scars because of something that happened in the past, I believe you will really be interested in what I want to share with you in this edition.
This past Christmas my wife bought me a book on tape titled, “The Wounded Spirit” by Frank Peretti. Today Frank Peretti is a highly successful author and speaker and he travels all over the country speaking to thousands of people each year. What had not been revealed until recently is that he had a horrific childhood, as he had one unpleasant experience after another that made his life miserable. For Frank, the nightmare began the day he was born as he had a large tumor on the side of his neck and his tongue was so long that it stuck out of the side of his mouth and could not be retracted in a normal way. It was just hanging out there for all to see.
Soon afterwards the doctors began a series of painful operations to correct the problem with his tongue but, if I recall, this deformity lasted well into his school years. He said the scabs on his tongue and the flies were often the focus of ridicule by some of the other students. This combined with the fact that he was very small for his age made him a target of some of the larger boys, especially the jocks, who showed him very little mercy or compassion.
In spite of his unhappy childhood Frank Peretti persisted and today he is a highly successful person, but his deep emotional scars were still there below the surface. Over the years he had thought about speaking on this subject but didn’t think many people would be interested. He changed his mind when he was invited to speak at a conference in California where 1500 young people and their parents would be in attendance. The date of this conference was one month after the tragic school shootings in Littleton, Colorado.
As I listened to the tape and thought about his story, I was reminded of some unpleasant events in my own childhood. There was a boy in the town where I grew up who always wanted to fight and he used to pick on some of the kids, especially those who were younger and smaller than he was. I was one of them. This went on for several years until I was physically as large and strong as he was. Then one day playing football I hit him so hard that he never picked on me again.
At this point I would like to ask my earlier questions again. Do you have a wounded spirit? Are there things in your past that have resulted in deep emotional scars that are still painful when you think about them? Believe me, God can heal those scars if you will ask Him, but you must be willing to forgive those who have hurt you. It is the only way to have real peace.
As Frank Peretti concluded his message to those 1500 young people he told them that one day there was a jock who said, “I am going to beat up Peretti.” However, before he made a move, a young man name John stepped between them and the jock backed off. He said that he has never forgotten this young man and the courage he displayed. What a difference it made in his life. We can all make a difference for someone when we are willing to STAND ON THE WALL...BE NOBLE. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 336 - THE RETURN ON A "GOODWILL" INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

No. 336
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE RETURN ON A “GOODWILL” INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

It is common knowledge among consumers who fuel the marvelous American free-enterprise system that one of the greatest assets any business can have is something we call “Good Will.” The good will of a business simply means that the vast majority of the people who patronize it or who are connected in any way hold it in high esteem and feel good about shopping there or doing business on a regular basis. The “Good Will” of a business, over time, can literally mean the difference between success or failure because no amount of positive advertising can offset a firestorm of negative comments made by dissatisfied customers who spread the word about its products and services.
What may not be common knowledge is that for individuals to be successful we need a great deal of good will as well. We can increase our success many times over if we understand that other people have deep subconscious needs and we can help to meet these needs. Over the past several years psychologists have identified many of our subconscious needs, but here is a list of nine of these that every person has. The more of these needs that we can help to meet in the lives of other people, the more successful we will become.
No. 1: “The need or desire to feel accepted.” No. 2: “The need or desire to feel they are approved of.” No. 3: “The need or desire to be admired.” No. 4: “The need or desire to be appreciated.” No. 5: “The need or desire to feel important.” No. 6: “The need or desire for other people to agree with us.” No. 7: “The need or desire for attention.” No. 8: “The need or desire to feel needed.” No. 9: “The need or desire to have outside help, help from God and from other people.”
Now, when you read this list of subconscious needs that we all have, you may not automatically make the connection between helping to meet these needs for others and your own personal success. You will make the connection however, if you will stop to consider that almost everything we need is in the hands of others. If we need more money, other people have it. If we need a job, other people can give it to us. If we need love and approval from others, you guessed it. Same for a promotion and a thousand other things.
Here is a suggestion that I would like to make that can make a tremendous difference in your life. Clip out this column and place it in a location where you can review it often. Human beings are creatures of habit and it will work best if you can do it each day. At this point begin your own ‘Good Will” investment account. Over the coming weeks and months do your best to meet one or more of these subconscious needs for every person you meet or spend time with.
Just think of all the rewards that will come to you if you will begin to make every person feel important, appreciated, needed and to have the assurance that you admire them. When we take the time to make other people feel special, good things will be coming our way very, very soon. It’s just human nature to want to be around people who accept us and like us as a person. We will give them our support, our cooperation and if there is not a dominant reason to do business somewhere else, they will do business with us as well.
Please understand that I am not talking about being someone who goes around patting other people on the back all the time. The key word is genuine. When we are genuine in our relationship and our dealings with others we will get a return on our “Good Will” investment account that is far greater than just material things. This will give us a sense of purpose and a peace about ourselves that only comes to a person who truly cares about others. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 337 - WHO CONTROLS YOUR ECONOMIC DESTINY?

No. 337
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO CONTROLS YOUR ECONOMIC DESTINY?

A few weeks ago I got a wonderful letter from a reader who works for Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. This gentleman is an instructor in the state fire and emergency training academy and he wanted permission to use some of my columns, all or part, in his program. I was delighted to grant his request because most the ideas I share here are not original and if they will help someone do a better job, that is my heart’s desire. You would not believe the number of people who have written to me to say they clip many of my columns and save them in a file, put them on the refrigerator, bulletin board, read them in a Sunday School class or send them to friends and family all over the world.
At this point I would like to take a moment and broaden the scope. Most of my columns contain a central idea, a principle, a concept or a story that is intended to benefit you, the reader, in some way. In reality, these ideas are worthless unless they are applied in a way that will help you or those with whom you share them. Since we are all unique individuals with our own set of personal problems and opportunities, here is my offer. I will share the information and hopefully you will not only read but also feel what I am trying to say, then you make the application. Fair enough? Thanks!! I’m honored to have the opportunity to do this.
Here is the concept for this edition and I would like to begin with this question. Who controls your economic destiny? If you said, “I do” you are exactly right because ultimately our own personal choices will determine our success or failure in this important area of life. Now, the word “ultimately” refers to the long term answer, but on the short term it’s a little more complicated. Quite often our economic status is controlled by government policies, tax rates, interest rates, upturns and downturns in the economy, import-export quotas, balance of trade and a whole host of other things.
Now, allow me to get to the meat of the coconut by sharing a thought that may benefit you. Once we make a decision or commitment that we believe to be in our best interests to have financial security, it is very frustrating and often disastrous when we lose control and someone else changes the rules. Here is an example of what I am saying. I have a good friend who is in the Ag lending business. He represents a large national bank and he has spent a good deal of time and energy recruiting agents, conducting meetings and traveling across several states contacting individuals who need an Ag loan.
To make a long story short, this industry is controlled by the federal government. My friend submitted a large number of loans that should have been approved under existing policy, but after the fact, the Fed changed the rules. The loans were not approved, which meant no income for him or his agents. My friend is financially secure but here was a case of where “on the short term” the federal government was controlling his economic destiny.
Now, back to the obvious question. Who is controlling your economic destiny? The fact that my friend is financially secure means that he has made wise decisions in the past, but how about those 500 hourly wage people who worked for a large national company here in our community and were laid off a few weeks before Christmas. What is the answer? The answer for each of us is to save and invest a good portion of our income during good times that will tide us over during bad times. This way we have a greater say in who controls our economic destiny. A while back a reader wrote to me and said that I needed to do a column about “compound interest” because it’s the best way for any of us to achieve financial security. He’s right you know!! God bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 338 - THE MAGIC THREE LETTER WORD OF SUCCESS

No. 338

The next password is kurt

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE MAGIC THREE LETTER WORD OF SUCCESS

There is a little three letter word in the English language that when used properly is almost “magic” as it relates to helping us achieve success in life. Do you know or can you guess what it is? Hopefully, you will think with me for a little while about this word but before I tell you what it is, and allow me to share a personal example that will bring it into focus. Here it is important that you do not give too much credence to the example but it is the WORD that I want you to think about.
We have a wonderful young lady in our local Lions Club who has a very outgoing personality and over the past few years we have become good friends. Until recently we always greeted each other with a warm hug but something happened a few weeks ago that has added a new dimension to our friendship. One day prior to the start of our meeting I was visiting with a guest speaker and she came up and not only gave him a hug, but a kiss on the cheek as well. When I saw this I remarked, “Boy, I see how I rate” thinking that would be the end of it. It was not!! She then proceeded to give me a kiss on the cheek and made a comment that is the reason I have shared this personal experience. She said, “You have not because you ask not.”
There it is. The word is ASK!! Before I expand on this simple three letter word, I want to tell you that from that point on each week there has always been a kiss on the cheek. Sometimes I sit at a back table with several other Lions thinking I am hidden, but to no avail. Invariably she will spot me and that’s all she wrote. We have a great spirit in our club and have a lot of light hearted moments. We just love each other and enjoy each other’s company. I can promise you that working side-by-side with someone you love, conducting a service project to help the blind & visually impaired is a lot more fun than being around someone who acts like they were weaned on a dill pickle.
When it comes to using the word ASK to help us achieve greater success there are two additional words that will place what I am saying in the proper context. The first word is information. We must ask and ask in the right way for the information we need to help us reach our goals. The doctor, lawyer, accountant, salesman and many, many other professionals must ask the patient, client or prospect for information. Obviously, the skill in doing this will go a long way in determining his or her success. Remember, what my friend said, “You have not because you ask not.”
The second word is cooperation and this is really where the rubber meets the road. We must have the cooperation of others if we are going to achieve anything worthwhile. Now a doctor can probe us (literally) till the world looks level and get most or all of the information he or she desires but their attitude and their bedside manner will go a long way to determine if we go back or if we recommend them to others. Hopefully you won’t miss my point here because the word ASK is almost magic when it’s used in the proper way.
From the beginning, when we demonstrate a cooperative spirit, when we show up, offer to help and do a good job in helping others, they are going to be much more receptive when it comes to helping us. In a very real sense we must earn the right to ASK and when we do our batting average will improve. The Bible says, “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.” Don’t ever sell this short because it’s a great formula for success. The best way on earth to get and to have most of the things in life that we desire is to ASK for them. By not risking success we guarantee failure. God Bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Kurt

No. 1012 - SGT. RECKLESS: AMERICA'S WAR HORSE!

No. 1012

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SGT. RECKLESS: AMERICA’S WAR HORSE!

The British statesman and author Edmund Burke once said, “Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we know ourselves, as he loves us better too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill.”
While we know this is true of humans, can it also be true of a horse? I believe so and I think you will agree if you will join me for an exciting adventure that came to be known as “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse.”
I learned about this horse when a reader sent me a wonderful book with her story. The story of “Sgt. Reckless” is unlike any you will ever read and it is chronicled beautifully by author Robin Hutton, as she made it her mission to resurrect the memory of this little Mongolian mare that became a combat marine and saved countless lives during the Korean War. Quoting from the flyleaf, Robin says, “This once famous horse, recognized as late as 1997 by Life Magazine as one of America’s great heroes – the greatest war horse in American history, in fact – has unfortunately now been largely forgotten.”
But the author set out to change all that. She not only told the horse’s story in her book but almost singlehandedly raised the money to build and dedicate a monument at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and also at Camp Pendleton, where the horse is buried and spent her final days.
The Korean War is basically known as “The Forgotten War,” but I can promise you that it never has been and never will be for those who served there and the families of the 36,914 who died there. The war began in 1950 when Communist North Korea invaded South Korea. This war is often referred to as a “police action” rather than a war because it was fought under the auspices of the United Nations without Congress issuing a formal declaration of war. However, the vast majority of troops were American and the U.N. forces were led by Generals Douglas MacArthur and Matthew Ridgway.
Thanks to Robin Hutton, this little sorrel mare that was called “Reckless” by the Anti-Tank Company of the 5th Marines, will never be forgotten. Here is the meat of the coconut: During the heat of the conflict, the rough terrain made it very difficult for ammo carriers to carry heavy artillery shells for recoilless rifles up steep hills to supply guns that were engaged in the battle. Someone figured out they could make a special packsaddle, strap it on this little mare and she could carry the shells to the guns. They had to move their guns often before the enemy could get zeroed in on them. They found this little horse could carry eight to 10 rounds, weighing more than 192 pounds.
It took a short amount of time to get used to all the noise and the shells bursting all around her, but soon she was making the rounds by herself. Needless to say, “Reckless” saved countless lives and won her the admiration and respect of those who served with her or even heard her story. She became the only horse in history to be officially promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in the U.S. Marines. Her military decorations include two Purple Hearts; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Presidential Citation with Star; Navy Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; and many others.
It took a real effort, but she was brought to the United States, surrounded by a lot of pomp and circumstances, and retired at Camp Pendleton. There, she had three offspring. To learn more about “Reckless,” visit her website: www.SgtReckless.com.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1013 - REACH YOUTH FOR CHRIST!

No. 1013

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

REACH YOUTH FOR CHRIST!

Here is a question to get your thinking started today: What do the following men all have in common: John Hancock, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Daniel Webster, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and John Quincy Adams? They are each founding fathers or early statesmen who asserted that religious faith was the most important source of developing civil virtues.
To be sure, somewhere along the way we have lost that among far too many of our citizens. When you look at the mass shootings, riots, road rage, billing the insurance company or the government $35,000 for a $10 jar of ointment, domestic abuse, $50 million sports stars taking performance enhancing drugs -- you just know that we have serious moral and ethical problems in our nation.
There is hope, and this is what I want to share with you. As U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall affirmed, one great object of the colonial charters was avowedly the propagation of the Christian faith. We must have a renaissance of the Christian faith and turn our people, especially young people, back to a faith in Jesus Christ to again have the kind of nation that the vast majority of us desire.
There is a wonderful little book, only 20 pages, that has given me hope for a better future than anything I have read in the most recent past. This book is titled “Separation of Church & State: What the Founders Meant,” by historian David Barton. Just read this little book and you will see why I have such hope and optimism for the future.
There is a movement started here in our community called “Reach Youth for Christ” that is led entirely by lay people. Our goal is to encourage our nation’s youth to stay in church or come back to church where they can be taught Biblical values that will form the foundation for a very successful and rewarding life. Those who have their names on the line are Coach Dale Brown, former coach of the Louisiana State University Tigers; Zach Ahrens, publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat newspaper; Richard Henley, president and CEO of Conway Christian Schools; Cliff Garrison, former coach of Hendrix College; Chuck Beale, Central Arkansas director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and Jim Davidson, nationally syndicated columnist.
As you know, every great movement in the history of the world started somewhere, and what better place for this one than Conway, Arkansas? In time, our prayer is that this movement will spread all across the nation, as we believe there are millions of people who are also concerned about the direction our nation has been going and are willing to get involved. Please understand, this is not about money because no one will earn a penny, we just want to hear the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
We will need some tools to get started, and one thing we are doing is producing a booklet titled, “A Very Exciting Journey: As We Study the Bible.” The booklet gives a simple overview of the Bible in easy-to-understand language where any young person can read it and know what the Bible is all about. We have asked a number of young people to provide questions that today’s youth want to know the answers, and the questions and answers will be in the back of the book.
We also want to develop a mentoring plan where those qualified to teach the Bible can sit down and share those bedrock Biblical principles that will help our nation’s young people understand who they are, what they believe and why they believe it. To be sure, we can be a much better nation than we are now. Hope you will want to be involved.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1014 - CHANGE IS ALWAYS PAINFUL!

No. 1014

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

The Next Password is Kale

CHANGE IS ALWAYS PAINFUL!

Charles Kettering, known as the grand old man of General Motors, once said, “Change is the only thing that has brought progress.” I might add that change is always painful, at least for some people, because it means they have to move from their comfortable positions to face the unknown.
While I don’t believe in change just for change sake, I do believe if it makes life better and produces a more hopeful future, then let it begin. There is no area of our society where change is more important than education, because it impacts every single person in our nation in one way or another.
If you would like to see improvement, and even change, in the public schools where you live, I have something to share today that will definitely be of interest to you. I have just finished reading a fantastic book titled, “Lessons of Hope: How to Fix our Schools,” by Joel Klein. Early in his career, Joel Klein served as assistant attorney general in charge of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, deputy White House counsel during the Clinton administration. In 2002, New York City’s newly elected mayor Michael Bloomberg made a historic announcement: his administration had won control of the city’s school system in a first step in reversing its awful performance.
In a controversial move, Mayor Bloomberg appointed Joel Klein, an accomplished lawyer from outside the education establishment, to lead an ambitious campaign. This book is about an eight-year mission of improvement: demanding accountability, eliminating political favoritism, and battling a powerful teachers union that seemed determined to protect a status quo that didn’t work for kids. New York City has the largest urban public school system in the nation, with more than a million students, so they definitely had their work cut out for them. From 2002 to 2011, the various forces – the teachers union, the administration, politicians, many parents -- that had a vested interest fought tooth and toenail to bring about much-needed change.
The bottom line is that during this period of time New York City public schools went from the worst to one of the best in the nation, and a model for many other large city school systems to emulate. Here is what Microsoft founder Bill Gates had to say about this book: “Joel Klein delivers an eye-opening account of the challenges he faced trying to improve New York’s schools. Lessons of Hope: a bracing reminder of the need to transform America’s schools so we can deliver on the promise of a great education for everyone. The stakes have never been higher.”
While it is impossible to go into much detail in a short column like this, I felt it might be helpful to give you the titles for the various chapters: Before; Everybody Deserves a Good Education; No One Knows Anything; A System of Great Schools; Children First; Dollars and Sense; The Zombie Bureaucracy; A Deal Worth Fighting For; Making Leaders; Overcoming the Fear Factor; Relentless; Change That Endures; Choosing Hope; Postscript.
The one thing that I took away from the book is that public education works much the same as private enterprise: The consumer (in this case, students and parents) does better when they have a choice as to where students attend. People want the best -- it is just human nature. Charter schools were very instrumental in the improvement of the New York City schools. I highly recommend this book.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

The next password is Kale

No. 989 - WE MUST IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

No. 989

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE MUST IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

To begin our visit today, I would like to make a statement and then tell why I believe it is so important. Here is the statement, “We Must Improve Race Relations in America.” There is no good reason why this is not true, and what a much better nation we will have when this comes to pass. In this respect, I believe I have some ideas that can make a difference. As a basic foundation for my premise, I would like to tell you about a friend I have here in my community -- I won’t share his name for obvious reasons.
When it comes to spiritual matters, this friend and I disagree completely. He believes in God but he does not accept Jesus as the Son of God. I do. Sometime back, in a group setting, I made this comment. Calling this friend’s name, I said, “We disagree completely but it is a sign of maturity when you can disagree with someone and still be friends.” Now a more pointed question: Can you disagree with someone and still be friends? If you can, at least in this respect, you show evidence that you are a mature person.
Certainly in the area of race relations, we need more people like you. At this point I would like to tell you about four African-American friends who are very special to me. In fact, in each case when we greet each other, it is with a hug.
My four friends are Dr. Charlotte Green, Lawson Pilgrim, Dr. Karen Lasker, and Sheila Whitmore. Dr. Green is the director of the Gifted & Talented Programs for the Conway School District; Lawson is a former two-time All-American basketball player for Hendrix College and is now a top-notch motivational speaker; Dr. Lasker is the principal of the Bob Courtway Middle School; and Sheila Whitmore works for Counseling Associates and serves on the Conway City Council.
Sometime back I asked myself the question, “Why are they so special?” I concluded that there are many reasons, but there are at least two common denominators that stand out. First is the fact they were all reared in two-parent homes. Now, please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. When things are going wrong in a child’s life, I don’t fault the child. It is always adults who are failing them. Certainly many people succeed coming from a single-parent home, but it is much harder.
The second common denominator is education. In each case, these African-American friends have a great deal of quality education, and their parents thought it very important for them to have it when they were growing up.
Now, what I am going to say next may appear too simple, but if we want to improve race relations in our country we must improve education, and that starts with literacy. It is a proven fact that African-American children in our nation have fewer books in the home to read than their fellow white students.
This is exactly why more and more people are coming to realize the value of our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. Again, it is very simple -- we target the kids who don’t have books in the home to read and help them. These are the kids that we read about and hear about on the television news later in life becoming involved in illegal drugs, crime, welfare, fraud, and teen pregnancy. Sadly, some go to prison or die a premature death.
We are making progress here in our state and three other states in regards to literacy, as we have now built and given more than 1,100 bookcases and a starter set of books. If you would like to know more, visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com or contact me at jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 990 - COOKING WITH THE PILOT LIGHT

No. 990

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COOKING WITH THE PILOT LIGHT!

If by chance you have a gas cook stove, have you ever tried to prepare a meal just using the pilot light? Well, as I can tell you from experience, it is no fun and it takes a whole lot longer, like days.
In the past I have told you about a weekly men’s prayer breakfast I attend at a local church, that is not my own. There are only about 10 to 12 of us, and the fellowship we have, in addition to having intercessory prayer for people who are hurting, is tremendous. We love each other and have a lot of good times, and as you can suspect, a lot of good-natured kidding takes place.
We arrive a little before 7 o’clock for breakfast and are always out by 8 a.m. However, we rotate the cooking duties, and two or three men get there a little before 6 a.m. to prepare our food. As my friend Cliff Garrison says, “It is the best $3 breakfast in town.” We have biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, coffee and orange juice.
Well, on one particular Wednesday morning a few weeks ago, the cook crew (I was one of them), got there, opened all the packages and got the various items placed in the stove. In case you don’t know, these big old gas cook stoves have a pilot light and all you have to do is set the temperature gauge and then turn it on. When you open the oven door you can look down and see the pilot light, but you have to make sure you have actually turned the oven on. On this particular day someone forgot to turn it on (I won’t call names). After about 15 minutes the others began to arrive, expecting a delicious breakfast. When we checked the bacon and the biscuits, they were not cooking at all, because it was just the warmth of the pilot light.
At this point I wish I had a pencil to write down all the things that were said in relation to this, but needless to say, they carried us high. We finally got it done but were about 15 minutes late. As I thought about this experience later, I was reminded that this is how a lot of people go through life, just cooking with the pilot light and never using the tremendous power and potential they have in achieving success.
While we had a lot of fun that day, as I thought about an appropriate way to end this column where there would be a little “meat” and not just fluff, I recalled a couple of quotes that mean a lot to me. I hope they will to you as well. First, this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that is certainly profound: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. The day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on yesteryears.”
And then these words from Dr. Heartsill Wilson that could almost be a prayer on our lips each morning: “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. This day is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving it its place something that I have traded for it. Therefore, I want it to be good and not evil, gain and not loss, success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it.”
This next time you find yourself a little dismayed and needing a shot in the arm, I hope you will remember to turn the oven on.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 991 - WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DOWN!

No. 991

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DOWN!

One of the wonderful things about writing this column is that I get responses from so many interesting and delightful people. A while back I got an e-mail from a gentleman by the name of Glen Hobbs, who reads my column in the Bolivar Commercial published in Cleveland, Miss. In response to a column titled, “Just Color Me Square,” here is what he had to say.
“I am from the ole school at 65 years of age, (thank God.) As you pointed out our generation of too many people have lost their true American values. Our parents were not concerned about little Johnnie the way our parents educated us, went to church with us, and provided for us through hardships and struggles.
“We as a people (many) whine because we are of a certain ethnic group and use this as an excuse for not working and relying on and taking advantage of local, state, and federal assistance programs for a lifetime of support. I know it doesn’t matter, but I am a Black man, a native of Winona, Mississippi. My parents were nurturing, caring and stressed educational growth to its highest levels of achievement. My siblings (5) along with me attended stateside universities earning our B.S. degrees and beyond. We were not taught to be arrogant, we were not bullied or placed on a pedestal because of our potentials, ‘SQUARE’ that I was according to some of my schoolmates’ standards during that time period.
“Today, I am proud that I was a square, especially when I visit my hometown and am told that Joe is in prison for illegal drug manufacture/sales. Betty is dead from a drug overdose, and the list of negatives of the ‘in-crowd and hip group’ goes on and on … that makes me proud to have been a public school teacher for 25 years. I instilled in my students some of the ole school values that I was taught as a child and young adult, that I still live by today. Just Keep On – Coloring Me Square, it’s alright. May God continue to bless and use you.”
Well, Glen, I can tell you for sure, He is continuing to bless me and I shall be forever grateful. We have the same values. They are actually Godly values that have been around for many centuries. They are still here and can be learned by any literate person who will take time to read the Holy Bible. With his e-mail Glen also included a piece titled, ‘When You Are Feeling Down.” It does not say whether or not he is the author, but with your permission I would like to share this piece because there are some really good points in the article.
WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DOWN: If you want your dreams to come true, don’t oversleep. 2. The smallest good deed is better than the greatest intention. 3. Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important. 4. The best vitamin for making friends is B1. 5. The 10 commandments are not multiple choices. 6. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. 7. Minds are like parachutes … they function only when open. 8. Ideas won’t work unless YOU do. 9. One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time. 10. One who lacks the courage to start has already finished. 11. The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.
12. Don’t learn safety rules by accident. 13. We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves. 14. Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise. 15. A turtle only makes progress when he sticks his neck out. 16. One thing you can give and still keep … is your word. 17. A friend walks in when everyone else walks out. 18. The pursuit of happiness is: the chase of a lifetime!
Thanks Glen, and to you dear reader, hope you found something here you can use.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 992 - NEWS FLASH - THIS COULD SAVE A LIFE!

No. 992

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NEWS FLASH: THIS COULD SAVE A LIFE!

Much to the chagrin of the U.S. Postal Service, there is a better, faster and cheaper way to get information to a large number of people at the same time. It is called e-mail and I use it all the time. Many of my readers also use it to e-mail information to me and, while I can’t use all of it, occasionally I get something so good that I feel compelled to pass it along. As you can imagine I am very selective, and while I realize it may be old hat to many of you, if it can help save one or more precious human lives, it is worth hearing the Geico commercial that says “Everyone knows that” from a few readers.
What I received from a man by the name of Jim Duran is a fourth indicator for someone having a stroke. While you may know this, it was news to me. It begins: There is now a fourth indicator for someone having a stroke. The other three are: 1. Ask the individual to smile. 2. Ask the person to talk and speak a simple sentence (coherently). 3 Ask him or her to raise both arms.
Before I give you the fourth indicator, allow me to share the following true story that almost all of us could be confronted with at some time in the future. During a barbecue, a woman stumbled and took a little fall – she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics). She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared to be a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Jane’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital – at 6 p.m. Jane passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the barbecue. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don’t die, but rather end up in a helpless, hopeless condition.
Just as I hope you are still reading, this e-mail admonished everyone to take a couple of minutes to read this. A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he can reverse the effects of a stroke … totally. He said the trick is getting the stroke recognized and diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within three hours, which is tough. What follows is going to be somewhat repetitious but that is one of the best ways to learn.
First, learn how to recognize a stroke by using the initials STR. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions. Remember STR, mentioned a moment ago. The “S” stands for Smile. The “T” stands for Talk and Speak a Simple Sentence. The “R” stands for Raise Both Arms. If he or she has trouble with any one of these tasks, call an emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
Now here is the NEW sign of a stroke. Stick Out Your Tongue! Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his tongue. If the tongue is crooked, if it goes to one side or the other, this is also an indication of a stroke. A cardiologist says that if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
Well, as you can see, I have beat that by a mile as thousands of my readers will not only read it, I am betting that many of you will pass it on. Thanks, and God bless.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 993 - THE IMPORTANCE OF PERCEPTION!

No. 993

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE IMPORTANCE OF PERCEPTION!

You probably have heard the saying, “What is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Boy, have I got a story to tell you today that points up just how true this is. And I might add, there is an important principle here we can also learn along the way.
The bottom line of what I am saying is that “PERCEPTION” is very important. It is often how we perceive a person, a performance or an event that determines the value we place on them. If our minds are preconditioned to make a judgment based on something less than the revealed truth, we will often make mistakes and miss out on a great many things that have real value, even some things that could possibly change our lives for the better.
Here is an example that illustrates what I am saying: “In Washington, D.C., at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During this time, about 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about three minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried on to meet his schedule. About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
“At six minutes: A man leaned against the wall to listen to him, and then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 10 minutes, a 3-year-old boy stopped, his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
“At 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After one hour, he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
“Now, as Paul Harvey used to say, ‘Here is the rest of the story’. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
“This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. This experiment raised several questions: In a commonplace environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
“One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made, how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?” That concludes the article.
Personally, here is what I took away from it. The Washington Post could have saved their money. What is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The people in Boston who paid $100 knew what they were getting, and wanted, ahead of time. Don’t miss out on a treasure. Start your day with a positive perspective.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 994 - CAN YOU SMELL THE COFFEE?

No. 994

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAN YOU SMELL THE COFFEE?

Several years ago my daughter Nanci and I were talking about her brother, who was doing some things we did not feel would be in his long-term best interests, and she came out with this: “He needs to wake up and smell the coffee.” Of course this saying has been around for countless years, but it’s not one that we hear too often. It means to get a grip, accept reality, and then take action that will produce desired results. This is what I thought about after a friend sent me some photos by e-mail a few days ago.
These photos were so gruesome that, because of my sensibilities, I would not share or pass them along. Unless you have been in a cave for the past several years, you know what has been taking place in Syria, Iraq, and other Muslim countries. I am talking about the actual beheading of large numbers of people because of political, religious or ideological reasons. No doubt you are familiar with the television program “Hollywood Squares,” which features celebrities arranged in a fashion like a checkerboard and a contestant in each square. One of the photos my friend sent me had this same appearance with photos of victims in each square. Now, you can understand why I would not pass them along.
While it is something I don’t like to talk about and it is something you don’t like to read, here is the reality of things in today’s world. The Islamic terrorists in this world will go to any length to achieve their goal of total domination and the whole world being under Sharia Law. There are far in excess of a billion Muslims in the world. I know without a doubt that the vast majority are peace loving and are not terrorists, and I don’t want to ever imply anything different. However, if only 10 percent of them are terrorists, you see what kind of numbers we are talking about.
My goal here is not to be an alarmist but rather to inform every person who will read this column that we face an enemy that is more barbaric, inhumane and totally dedicated to our destruction than any we have ever faced before. At this point you may ask, “What is the answer to this dilemma?” Granted, this is just my personal opinion, and I don’t have inside information, but my plan is to go on living my life in the most normal way I can. One of the goals of the terrorist is to strike fear in the hearts of our people and disrupt our way of life. They win if we allow them to do that.
May I remind you that in our system of government that we call a Democracy where the people rule, we have a constitution that sets forth the various duties of our elected representatives as to how they go about governing. The Preamble to the United States Constitution sets forth the primary responsibilities: We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, etc. We can stop there because it is clear that it is our government’s responsibility to protect us.
My primary reason for sharing this is to remind us that in the years ahead we must have a “strong” defense, and elect people to office who understand and will support a strong military. As individuals we must be vigilant and sensitive to any activity that poses a threat to any of our citizens. We must all be committed to work together to preserve our way of life for ourselves and for our children. To be sure, we can and will defeat this enemy who poses a very real threat, but we can’t afford to take him lightly. It is time for all of us to “Wake up and smell the coffee.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 995 - THE TESTIMONY OF PISTOL "PETE" MARAVICH

No. 995

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TESTIMONY OF PISTOL “PETE” MARAVICH

During the years between 1968-1970, there was a floppy-socked basketball player at Louisiana State University by the name of Pistol “Pete” Maravich, who is among the greatest college basketball players of all time. For these three years he averaged more than 44 points per game, and this before the three-point shot came along. He was also a consensus first-team All-American player for each of these years and the Naismith Award Winner in 1970. In spite of this, after college, his life was miserable until he found peace in a relationship with God. What follows is his personal testimony.
“With all the trophies, awards, money and fame, I am not at peace with myself. I felt that money and things it could buy in this world were my tickets to pleasure and happiness. But, even with all the money, I was miserable. Deep down I knew life had to be more than parties, a Mercedes, and stocks and bonds. Nothing lasted through all the accolades and trophies. I had found nothing to hang on to that would last forever. Even my greatest records would someday be broken. The trophies were collecting dust in the attic, and one day no one would remember or care about a floppy-socked basketball player named Pistol Pete Maravich.
“The fame and fads were all temporary and fleeting! My explorations of different religions, astrology, astronomy, nutrition, UFOs and even basketball only revealed all the more emptiness that I couldn’t fill. I became a desperate man, facing the inevitable questions each person must face: ‘What do I have to live for? What value do I have? What will happen to me when I die?’ I had not found a purpose anywhere in a past filled with success, fame, and fortune. For a man that seemed to have it all, in my estimation I had no purpose, and no reason for being.
“I knew I had to make things right with God. I cried out to God, saying, ‘I’ve cursed you and I’ve spit on you. I’ve mocked you and used your name in vain. I’ve kicked, punched and laughed at you. Oh, God, can you forgive me? Please, save me, please. I have had it with all the world’s answers for happiness. All of it, the money, fame and things have left me so empty’.
“I prayed a simple prayer, as best I could, ‘God, come into my life … forgive me of my sins. Make me the person that you want me to be’. Through this simple act of surrender, the void that once loomed so large was filled. From that moment on my life was never to be the same. Trying to please others had brought me frustration, a drinking habit, and a love of material possessions. I had gone to the brink of self destruction. After my conversion that special night in Louisiana, I turned full circle. All the fame and fortune I had accumulated looked extremely pale when compared to the abundance of God in me. I was driven by a desire to please God because of a newness of life I had received from him. The fears I once possessed were wiped away. My life was now filled with the light and love of God.”
When I read this my first thought was “Wouldn’t it be great if every young person in America could read this?” What a difference this could make in our nation and our world. Please share this with as many young people as you can. P.S. This came from my friend Dale Brown, who also coached at LSU.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 997 - POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE AMUCK!

No. 997

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE AMUCK!

Here is a question that I would like to ask you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. If someone were to ask you, “What does the First Amendment to the United States Constitution say?,” could you answer this person with any degree of certainty? Whether you realize it or not, the First Amendment is a very important part of this Constitution that governs our lives and has a lot to do with the freedoms we enjoy -- freedoms that far too many of us take for granted. For the record, here is what it says, “The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting the establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.” It was adopted on Dec. 15, 1791, as one of the 10 amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.
Now, another question please: “Did you see anything in there about freedom from religion?” Well, I didn’t either and this is the name of an organization based in Madison, Wis., that is doing great harm to our national fabric. This organization, “Freedom From Religion”, has convinced millions of Americans that we cannot have prayer or any mention of Jesus or God in any building or at any event that uses tax money. There is a truism that says, “If you tell a lie long enough and to enough people, over time, many people will believe it.” This is all part of a march on the part of atheists and humanists to have a purely secular society.
The tool they use has come to be known as “Political Correctness” and it is literally destroying the America that millions of us love, fought and died for, and want to leave for our children and grandchildren. To validate what I am saying, and you probably already know that I am telling the truth, here are a few examples from an article written by Michael Snyder for infowars.com titled, “19 Shocking Examples of How Political Correctness is Destroying America.”
These are not in order and are randomly selected: 1. A student at Sonoma State University was ordered to take off a cross that she was wearing because someone “could be offended.” 2. A teacher in New Jersey was fired for giving his own Bible to a student that did not own one. 3. Volunteer chaplains for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have been banned from using the name Jesus on government property. 4. A high school track team was disqualified earlier this year because one of the runners “made a gesture thanking God” once he crossed the finish line. 5. In San Francisco, authorities have installed small plastic “privacy screens” on library computers so that perverts can continue to exercise their “right” to watch pornography at the library without children being directly exposed to it.
Well, there is much more, but you have the picture. Those of you who have read my column for very long know that I am not controversial by nature, but there comes a time when those of us who are Christian or Godly must speak up or we will lose the great nation that has been preserved for well over two centuries, that we call the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” By using the courts and the law we must “push back” and reclaim the moral high ground that those of us in the older generation can well remember. The First Amendment was placed first in the Bill of Rights for a good reason.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 998 - ARE YOU SUFFERING IN SILENCE?

No. 998

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU SUFFERING IN SILENCE?

Are you lonely or do you know someone who is? The word lonely means, “Sad from lack of companionship or sympathy; or someone who is lonesome.” I am sure that I don’t have to tell you there are millions of people in our nation today who are lonely. However, there is a vast difference between being alone and being lonely.
I have been alone since May 13, 2013, the day I lost my precious wife to Parkinson’s, but I am not lonely. First, I have a busy lifestyle where I am always involved doing something, and most happy when I am doing for others, but I also have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a very personal part of my life, and I don’t mind sharing it so long as you understand that this is a decision that only you can make for yourself. You see, Jesus is my best friend and I can talk with Him about anything, anytime, day or night. We get along fine and He also keeps me straight and out of trouble. When I do get in trouble, He shows me the best way out, and what is even more important is that He still loves me. I can certainly understand why any person who does not have this personal relationship can really be lonely.
While I don’t know the circumstances in each case, there is a group of men who come to the sports center where I work out three times each week. They would like for people to believe they are there for the exercise but they are really there for fellowship. I might add, these are all wonderful men, but when they go around the walking track, three or four in the group, they never break a sweat, but they do talk a good deal. Have you seen situations like this in your own life, especially when men and women are retired and have a good deal of free time on their hands? It has been often said but still true, we need each other.
I realize that by nature some people are “loners,” and I have observed that since we can’t live in a vacuum, unhealthy thoughts and lifestyles can often be the end result. The saddest thing for me, and the primary reason I am sharing these thoughts, is the millions of our fellow citizens who are trapped in a body where they can’t get out, and lie in bed day after day in a nursing home or long-term care facility. All too often these people have no family to visit them and they truly suffer in silence.
We have many people in our church who visit shut-ins and those in nursing homes. I praise the Lord for these people. Should you have some extra time, you would be richly rewarded if you would make it a point to go see some of these people. For me, this hits close to home, as my own mother is now 92 years of age and is in one of the fine nursing homes here in my community. While my stepdad is there all the time, I go by to see her at least three times each week. She has lost her mind and does not know me, but God knows that I am there, and this is what really matters.
When it comes to an appropriate way to end this column, I feel like the country boy who was walking through the woods with his girlfriend one Sunday afternoon. He put his arm around her and looked into her pretty blue eyes and said, “Honey, I love you more than anything in the whole world, will you marry me?” She did not hesitate a second, “Oh yes, I will marry you!”
They continued to walk through the woods and neither of them said anything. After about 15 or 20 minutes of complete silence, the young lady turned to her boyfriend and said, “Honey, why don’t you say something?” He replied, “It seems to me that I have probably said too much as it is.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 999 - THE MISSION OF F.C.A.!

No. 999

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MISSION OF F.C.A.!

There is a wonderful organization based in Kansas City, Mo., by the name of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This is an organization made up of Christian coaches, teachers and students from all across the nation. The mission statement of FCA is “to present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence with the challenge and adventure of following the Lord Jesus Christ through the fellowship of the church.” A coach or teacher sponsors a school “Huddle” and they are all led by students.
Six times each year, the parent organization publishes the FCA Magazine under the direction of FCA President/CEO Les Steckel and Editor Clay Meyer. This magazine contains some terrific stories about well-known athletes whose lives have been impacted through the ministry of FCA. One of these stories features San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who is helping to establish a new reality of hope and faith in his hometown of Pahokee, Fla. As it relates to each of us, as Christians, he asks two important questions, “How many lives did we change? How many people did we influence?”
Our Central Arkansas FCA director, Chuck Beale, sent me some information about our local level programs that will give you a good feel for what this organization is all about. There are a total of 100 high schools, middle schools and eight colleges in our area. They have 55 certified huddles that meet on a regular basis. They provide student study Bibles to all the huddles to be used for the meetings. Bibles are donated by patrons all over the area.
It was my good fortune to become familiar with this great organization because of an annual event called the “Bob Courtway FCA Memorial Breakfast.” This event, held at Hendrix College, is attended by 300 to 400 people and is sponsored by the FCA Adult Board. They sell tables of tickets to provide scholarships and a donation to the Central Arkansas FCA. The local FCA students assist in setting up and taking down the tables and make up a sizable portion of the audience. What a great time of food and fellowship as you greet people from all across the community who support this ministry!
I have been able to attend for the past several years, but the breakfast goes back almost 20 years. I was privileged to know the late Bob Courtway. The highlight of the breakfast is the featured speaker, always a well-known Christian athlete or someone with a direct tie to sports in our state. The list of previous speakers is really a Who’s Who of former athletes in our state. Should you read my column in some other state of part of the country, you may recognize at least some of the names: Keith Jackson, Don Kessinger, Paul Eels, Marvin Delph, Lawson Pilgrim, Coach Ken Hatfield and Frank Broyles, plus many others.
This past year, Bobby Tiner, former outstanding quarterback for Arkansas State Teachers College, (now the University of Central Arkansas) was our speaker. He closed his remarks with the following poem that touched all of us: It’s titled simply “Example.”
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one would walk with me, than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil, and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear. And best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds. For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done. I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too swift may run. The lectures you deliver may be very good and true, but I had rather get my lessons by observing what you do. For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there is no misunderstanding, how you act and how you live.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1000 - A FATEFUL PHONE CALL!

No. 1000

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FATEFUL PHONE CALL!

On Dec. 7 of each year, our nation celebrates a Day of Remembrance that we call Pearl Harbor Day. It was on this day in 1941 that the Japanese attacked our Naval Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with the loss of 2,403 Americans killed and another 1,178 wounded. Most of our warships were either sunk or heavily damaged. The following day, war was proclaimed.
Of course, most Americans know the rest of the story, but what follows is something that may not be common knowledge. This is a very important part of our nation’s history, because without victory in World War II, we would not be a free nation today, thus the reason we celebrate this important day.
On the evening of the attack, Admiral Chester Nimitz was attending a concert in Washington, D.C., and he was paged for a phone call from President Franklin Roosevelt, who told him he was now the commander of the Pacific Fleet. It turned out to be a very fateful phone call. He flew to Hawaii and landed at Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1941. There was such a spirit of despair, dejection and defeat you would have thought the Japanese had already won the war. On Christmas Day, Admiral Nimitz was given a boat tour of the battle scene, with big sunken battleships and naval vessels cluttering the waters everywhere he looked.
As the tour boat returned to dock, the young helmsman of the boat asked, “Well, Admiral, what do you think after seeing all this destruction?” Admiral Nimitz’s reply shocked everyone within the sound of his voice. He said “The Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes any attack force could ever make, or God was taking care of America.”
This question please: What do you think the mistakes were? The Admiral explained:
“Mistake number one: The Japanese attacked on Sunday morning. Nine out of every 10 crewman of those ships were ashore on leave. If those same ships had been lured to sea and been sunk, we would have lost 38,000 men instead of 3,800.
“Mistake number two: When the Japanese saw all those battleships lined in a row, they got so carried away sinking all those battleships, they never once bombed our dry docks opposite those ships. If they had destroyed our dry docks, we would have to tow every one of those ships to America to be repaired. As it is now, the ships are in shallow water and can be raised. One tug can pull them over to the dry docks, and we can have them repaired and at sea by the time we could have towed them to America. I already have crews ashore, anxious to man those ships.
“Mistake number three: Every drop of fuel in the Pacific theater of war is in the top of the ground storage tanks five miles over that hill. One attack plane could have strafed those tanks and destroyed our fuel supply. That’s why I say the Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could make, or God was taking care of America.” Much of this information was taken from articles on the Internet.
(Just a little personal side note here: Just think we have people in our country today who want to take God out of our military.)
When he chose Admiral Chester Nimitz to lead the Pacific Fleet, President Roosevelt had certainly chosen the right man for the job. We desperately needed a leader who could see silver linings in the midst of the clouds of dejection, despair and defeat. There is a reason our national motto is “In God We Trust.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1001 - THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT!

No. 1001

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT!

If you are old enough to remember the days before fast-food restaurants, the microwave, and instant “this or that,” you will appreciate even more what I am going to say. In those days there were lots of home-cooked meals, and people actually sat down and ate together. There were many food items that were considered staples -- beans, potatoes, corn, biscuits, turnip greens, cured ham just to mention a few. Of course, there were many more. So long as they were rotated and you did not have them every day or too often, you were good to go.
I have used this example to make a point. Just as we need wholesome food for our bodies, we also need wholesome food for our mind. This is why, if it is good, I don’t mind passing along things that have been around for a long time.
A few days ago a friend sent me something titled “The Magic Bank Account” that would certainly qualify. While the author is not known, it was found in the billfold of Alabama Coach Bear Bryant after he died in 1982. Of course, while he never coached here, we are all proud of Coach Bryant because Arkansas is his home state. To be sure, this article is not only well written but makes some tremendous points.
It begins, “Imagine that you had won the following *PRIZE* in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules. The set of Rules: 1. Everything that you did not spend during each day would be taken away from you. 2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account. 3. You may only spend it. 4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day. 5. The bank can end the game without warning -- at any time it can say ‘Game Over!’ It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.
“What would you personally do? You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself but also for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right? ACTUALLY, this GAME IS REAL. Shocked??? YES! Each of us is already a winner of this ‘PRIZE’. We just can’t seem to see it. The PRIZE IS ‘TIME’. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.
“And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us. 3. What we have not used up that day is forever lost. 4. Yesterday is forever gone. 5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account any time WITHOUT WARNING. SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think. So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life! Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start ‘spending’ and DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT GROWING OLD! SOME PEOPLE DON’T GET THE PRIVILEGE!”
Well Coach, I can understand why you kept it handy. It is good and has so many lessons for life we can all benefit from. One thing for sure, as I have gotten older, my time has become much more precious to me. I am sure you feel the same way.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 996 - THEY WALK AMONG US!

No. 996

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THEY WALK AMONG US!

“One day I felt sorry for a man who had no shoes, then I saw a man who had no feet.” Within this simple statement is a principle that we would all do well to ponder from time to time. When we get to feeling sorry for ourselves, in the vast majority of cases there are others who are much worse off than we are. This is not to say that knowing about or seeing the misfortune of others does not diminish our pain, but it does help to keep things in perspective.
This is what I thought about recently when a friend sent me something titled, “They Walk Among Us.” This was a series of actual complaints received by “Thomas Cook Vacations” from dissatisfied customers. What these complaints actually showed is a lack of common sense on the part of these customers, and I suspect is far too prevalent in a large segment of society in general. As I have said many times in this column, common sense seems to be in short supply these days. You must understand that my personal philosophy is always to try to build people up, and not to tear them down. So what follows is actually a self-inventory to see if you need to think more before you speak or write, as it will certainly serve you well in the days to come.
Here we go, and it’s OK to smile a little as you read them. “No. 1 – We booked an excursion to a water park but no one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price. No. 2 – The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room. No. 3 – We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow. No. 4 – They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.
No. 5 - No one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared. No. 6 –Although the brochure said there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers. No. 7 – We went on a holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish. No. 8 – The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun. No. 9 – It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England. It took the Americans only three hours to get home. This seems unfair.
No. 10 – I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends’ three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller. No. 11 – We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air conditioning. No. 12 – I was bitten by a mosquito. The brochure did not mention mosquitoes. No. 13 (And here is the grand finale) – My fiancé and I requested twin beds when we booked, but instead we were placed in a room with a king bed. We now hold you responsible and want to be reimbursed for the fact that I became pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room we booked. Then this piece has this final thought: Be aware … They walk among us and they vote!”
Well, for me, it is hard to believe there are people who are actually this dense, but I am sure there are. The question then becomes, why? Are they wired wrong? Did their parents or teachers fail them? Is this a condition that can be corrected by pointing out their lack of common sense, or maybe taking a course on reality training? It’s obvious that some people need help. Let’s do our best to help them.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1002 - SEEDS FOR A DECENT & MORAL SOCIETY

No. 1002

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SEEDS FOR A DECENT & MORAL SOCIETY!

Several years ago I heard the late Earl Nightingale say, “We can’t be much better than we know how to be.” This is so true. This statement also has a direct impact on the kind of society that we are living in today.
First, may I pose this question to you: Are you happy with the quality of the decency and morality that you witness in our society today? When you talk about society, that pretty well covers the waterfront, but it becomes more personal when we reduce it down to what is happening in our city or town and more especially in our own neighborhood. Believe it or not, what happens in Hollywood impacts every single one of us, whether we like it or not. You can’t dump filth into the stream of public consciousness without it pouring or seeping into each of our lives.
If you are an older person, like me, you can remember the days when we did not have 500 murders happening each year in a major city, people just driving up and shooting police officers sitting in a patrol car, looting an entire city when the jury did not return the verdict they wanted, and reports of various scams being reported in the news every single day.
My point is simply this: the younger generation who are living this nightmare cannot relate to an earlier time because they were not around to witness or experience the days when times were different and better in this regard.
From a practical standpoint, I know that I cannot do anything about the price of eggs in China, but I can offer some observations and suggestions to improve our society that will make things much better for all of us. Here is the truth. The seeds for a moral and decent society come from Godly homes where parents take their children to church, teach them the word of God and model it each day in their own lives. When a child is taught to honor and obey their parents, to respect others, to tell the truth, to be honest, to earn what they receive and obey the laws of the land, we will all win. To be sure, we still have a lot of this taking place but not nearly enough, and that is where every single one of us can make a difference.
In our culture, researchers found that the only place today’s youth can express their faith is with their parents and in their church youth ministry programs. And here is the sad truth – 70 percent of today’s youth are leaving their church after they graduate from high school and out from under parental authority, never to return. However, there is hope because we can do something about this.
It does not take a genius to understand that we cannot sustain a decent and moral society if we do not reverse this trend. As a church member, I can tell you that, for the most part, we are to blame. Parents who live one way on Sunday and live like the devil the rest of the week will not have respect from their children, who are not dumb.
Churches need to take a serious look at their youth programs. Instead of entertaining them with skits, videos and bands, we need to teach them scriptures with logic, truth and a Christian worldview. I just share these thoughts from my heart because I love this country, I love my children and grandchildren, and I would like for them to thrive and grow up in a moral and decent society where love and caring for others is the rule and not the exception.
Also, I just believe there are millions of my fellow Americans who feel the same way and are willing to get involved -- not only the church doing this, just lay people like me, and maybe you. There is more to come, so please stay tuned.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1003 SAGE ADVICE FROM WILL ROGERS!

No. 1003

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SAGE ADVICE FROM WILL ROGERS

When it comes to humor, the Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle hit the nail on the head when he said, “Its essence is love; it issues not in laughter, but in still smiles, which lie far deeper.”
This thought came to mind when I read a list of famous sayings by the famous cowboy humorist Will Rogers. While he died in a plane crash in 1935, three years before I was born, his legacy has nevertheless made an indelible mark on me. Several years ago I spoke at a banquet in Claremore, Okla., near where he was born and the home of the eight-gallery Will Rogers Memorial Museum. While there I toured his museum and was so impressed at all the various things he was good at -- syndicated newspaper columnist, author of six books, star of 71 motion pictures and America’s premier radio commentator. If you have never been there, I can highly recommend it.
As a tribute to his memory, I thought you might enjoy reading some of his wise advice: “Never squat with your spurs on -- Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco -- Never kick a cow chip on a hot day -- There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works -- Never miss a good chance to shut up -- Always drink upstream from the herd -- If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging – The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket – There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading, the few who learn by observation, the rest of them have to urinate on the electric fence and find out for themselves (I have amended his language a bit) – Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” Lastly, this bit of wisdom: “After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The MORAL of the story is: when you are full of bull, keep your mouth shut.”
He also gave a list of 10 things to know about getting older, something we all do if we live long enough. Regardless of your age, I believe you will appreciate these, especially if you have a sense of humor.
First: “Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. Second: The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Third: Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way, and some of the roads were not paved. Fourth: When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of algebra. Fifth: You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
Sixth: I don’t know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. Seventh: One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it’s such a nice change from being young. Eighth: One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. Ninth: Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. Tenth: Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it’s called golf. And finally here is a bonus: If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old.”
It has always been my personal belief that good, clean humor should be a vital part of our character. As a speaker, one of the things I am always careful about is using self-deprecating humor and making myself the butt end of my jokes. It is always a mistake to use humor that is not flattering for anyone, especially someone in the audience. There is a lot all of us can learn from Will Rogers, and those like him; namely that we should have fun and that everyone leaves having enjoyed being there.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1004 SUCCESS IS A LONELY BUSINESS!

No. 1004

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SUCCESS IS A LONELY BUSINESS!

Inspiration is a wonderful thing, and sometimes I receive mine in the most unusual places. A few weeks ago I left home early one morning to talk with some community leaders in the nearby town of Heber Springs about starting a Bookcase for Every Child project.
After talking with some wonderful people there, I headed on up the road to visit with folks in Mountain View, about 35 miles north. This is really a unique community, with historic Blanchard Springs Caverns, the Ozark Folk Center and trout fishing on the beautiful White River. Sometimes I have friends who travel with me on these trips, especially if it happens to be their hometown, but this day I happened to be all alone.
If you have ever been in this part of the world, you know that this land in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains is just beautiful. As I was driving along, and alone, this thought came out of the blue -- success is really a lonely business. As I thought more about this, I began to realize just how true this is. If you have ever been discouraged and you feel like you are not making much progress in your career or whatever you might feel is worth your time, I have some thoughts that may be helpful.
First, let’s take a look at the word “Inspiration,” because it can literally mean the difference between success and failure. According to the dictionary, the word “inspiration” means “the infusion or arousal within the mind of some idea, feeling or impulse that leads to creative action.” Now, the key words here are “creative action.” It has been my observation over the years that everyone has some good ideas, but very few actually follow through and put them into action.
Our Bookcase for Every Child project is a classic example. We started the project here in my hometown of Conway, Ark., back in 2005. A great group of our local citizens got on board and we have been very successful. We are now in our 11th year and have built and given 550 bookcases and a starter set of books to pre-school children being reared in low-income homes.
A few years ago I saw the need for this project to be taking place in every community in America. It is all volunteer driven, using no tax money or grants of any kind and purely on the concept of “Giving Back.” While I have had a good deal of help, it has basically been up to me if this unique project is to move forward. We now have projects in five states, with more than 1,500 bookcases being built during this time. In the past few months I have personally visited about 12 different communities (mostly towns that are county seats because they have resources many of the others don’t have) to talk with leaders about starting a project in their area. I am pleased to say, we are making progress.
Now, please permit me to bring this concept home to you and your own success and needs. To really become successful, you must do many things (such as thinking, planning and practice) while you are all alone. It does not matter the task -- whether you are studying for a test, starting a business, wanting to be the best in basketball, golf, or some other sport -- this same principle applies to practically everything. We must have something that we love that fires our imagination, because we won’t spend the necessary time if we don’t love it. To be sure, you will become much more successful if you are willing to be lonely, at least for a while.
As Confucius once said, “Success depends on previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1005 WE MUST ALL LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER!

No. 1005

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE MUST ALL LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER!

Dr. Martin Luther King, a man I truly respect, once said, “All people in this world are tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
In our nation today, the forces of good and evil are locked into a battle for the hearts and minds of our citizens, and who wins the battle will determine whether we remain a civilized society or deteriorate into anarchy and lawlessness.
Now that is pretty strong stuff, but from what I see from the news that comes down the pike every single day, unless we can turn it around, it does not bode well for the future. To be sure, I am an eternal optimist, and I want to declare here and now that I am on the side of good. Those of us who feel this way must recommit ourselves for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
Following is something that was shared with me by my good friend Dale Brown, former head men’s basketball coach of the Louisiana State University Tigers. He said, “Communities and nations will be transformed when mankind returns to God for guidance. If we are not capable of getting along with each other, then we are not capable of having a true relationship with God.” A paramount example of what can happen when everyone works together would be one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports, the Boston Celtics, who have won the most NBA Championships. What was their secret?
Once a year, the Boston Red Sox held a fellowship breakfast at Fenway Park. Rabbis, priests, ministers, and civic leaders gathered in ecumenical fashion to extol the virtues of brotherhood. At one such conclave some years ago, the Red Sox GM addressed the group. “You are sitting in a sports building talking about brotherhood. May I suggest that the best example is right down the street from here? There’s a team over there in the Boston Garden, made up of whites, blacks, Catholics, and Protestants, coached by a Jew, and they have been world champions for a long time now. Everyone’s running around looking for theories and searching into history for explanations. If you want a perfect example of what we have been talking about, just look at the Celtics.”
“As a matter of fact, the harmony alluded to was one of the beauties and mysteries of the Celtics empire. We are letting many of those virtues slip away from us now. We immediately need an open and honest conversation on race relations in our blessed country. This is not a black or white problem, but an American problem.”
Once again, Dr. King provides some insights, “We must never struggle with falsehood, hate and malice. We must never become bitter. There is a danger that those of us who have been forced so long to stand amid the tragic midnight of oppression – those of us who have been trampled over, those who have been kicked about — there is a danger that we will become bitter. Change can only happen through education, justice and unity. As long as the mind is enslaved the body can never be free.”
And to leave you something to think about are these powerful words of Nelson Mandela, “I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people. I have paid the price for forsaking some of life’s pleasures to give freedom to the black people of South Africa; however we must now stress discipline, education and respect to one another if we are to be truly free. Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.”
And a final thought from Dale: for the sake of our nation, we must all learn to live together.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1006 A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!

No. 1006

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!

In the days back when I was in high school, every so often another student would catch you in a moment when you had a faraway look in your eyes and they would say, “A penny for your thoughts.” This is what I thought about when I read something a friend sent me the other day. It has to do with coins and was something I had never heard before.
Have you ever been in a cemetery and seen coins lying on a tombstone? There is actually a reason behind it. I might add, since this has a military connotation, people who have served in the military probably know about this practice, at least more than people who have never served in our nation’s armed services.
That reminded me of a story about this man who visited a church one day and the service was to honor veterans who had served in the military. Since it was his first visit, he asked one of the ushers what it was all about. The usher said, “We are honoring those who were killed in the service.” This man got a serious look on his face and then said, “Was that the first service or the second service?”
But back to the subject at hand -- the practice of leaving coins on the headstones of certain graves. The meaning varies depending on the denomination of the coin. Now, here is the custom or practice that I had never heard before. The coin was left as a message to the deceased soldier’s family that someone else had visited the grave to pay respects. When you leave a penny at the grave, it means simply that you had visited. A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together, while a dime means that you served with this person in some capacity. By leaving a quarter at the grave, you were telling the family that you were with the soldier when he was killed.
According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state veteran cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or paying burial costs for indigent veterans. In the United States, this practice became common during the Vietnam War due to the political divide in the country over the war. Leaving a coin was a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war.
Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a “down payment” to buy their fallen comrades a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited. The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire. At this point, I would like to say that for many years the Vietnam veterans never received a proper homecoming they deserved and, only until recent years, have they been treated with the dignity and respect that was due them.
As I read and pondered this article, it brought back some rather painful memories for me regarding the Vietnam War. Back in the early 1970s soon after the end of the war, they were having a special ceremony on the Plaza of the Camelot Hotel in Little Rock to honor some of these veterans. The principal speaker was Dale Bumpers, a former Arkansas governor and U.S. senator. At that time I had just begun my speaking career, and the Veterans Affairs Office lined me up to speak as well. It was the toughest audience I have ever faced. Somehow I survived.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1007 ORIGINA OF SOME FAMILIAR SAYINGS!

No. 1007

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ORIGINS OF SOME FAMILIAR SAYINGS!

I only speak one language, English, and some people would say that I don’t do a real good job of using it. I am told the English language is one of the hardest to learn, and there are many reasons for this. One reason that comes to mind is the fact that we have so much “slang” in our vocabulary that natives know, but is very difficult for others to learn. A while back a friend sent me a whole list of “slang words” and their origins that was quite interesting. I would like to share them, along with the origin because this information may come in handy some time. I just gave you one --- “come in handy” -- but, sorry, it is not included.
1. THE WHOLE NINE YARDS: American fighter planes in World War II had machine guns that were fed by a belt of cartridges. The average plane held belts that were 27 feet (9 yards) long. If the pilot used up all his ammo he was said to have given it the whole nine yards.
2. BUYING THE FARM: This is synonymous with dying. During World War I, soldiers were given life insurance policies worth $5,000. This was about the price of an average farm so if you died you “bought the farm” for your survivors.
3. IRON CLAD CONTRACT: This came about from the ironclad ships of the Civil War. It meant something so strong it could not be broken.
4. PASSING THE BUCK/THE BUCK STOPS HERE: Most men in the early west carried a jack knife made by the Buck knife company. When playing poker it was common to place one of these Buck knives in front of the dealer so that everyone knew whom he was. When it was time for a new dealer, the deck of cards and the knife were given to the new dealer. If this person didn’t want to deal he would “pass the Buck” to the next player. If that player accepted then “the Buck” stopped there.”
5. COBWEB: The Old English word for “spider” was “cob.”
6. SLEEP TIGHT: Early beds were made with a wooden frame. Ropes were tied across the frame in a crisscross pattern. A straw mattress was then put on top of the ropes. Over time the ropes stretched, causing the bed to sag. The owner would then tighten the ropes to get a better night’s sleep.
7. OVER A BARRELL: In the days before cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a drowning victim would be placed face down over a barrel and the barrel would be rolled back and forth in an effort to empty the lungs of water. It was rarely effective. If you are “over a barrel,” you are in deep trouble.
8. CURFEW: The word “curfew” comes from the French phrase “couvre-feu,” which means “cover the fire.” It was used to describe the time of blowing out all lamps and candles. It was later adopted into Middle English as “curfew.” In the early American colonies, homes had no real fireplaces so a fire was built in the center of the room. In order to make sure a fire did not get out of control during the night it was required that, by an agreement upon time, all fires would be covered with a clay pot called a “Curfew.”
9. BARRELS OF OIL: When the first oil wells were drilled they had made no provision for storing the liquid, so they used water barrels. This is why, to this day, we speak of barrels of oil rather than gallons.
10. HOT OFF THE PRESS: As the paper goes through the rotary printing press, friction causes it to heat up. Therefore, if you grab the paper right off the press it’s hot. The expression means to get immediate information.
As Paul would say, “now you know.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1008 A CHALLENGE TO AMERICA'S YOUTH!

No. 1008

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CHALLENGE TO AMERICA’S YOUTH!

In the 19th century, a French nobleman by the name of Alexis de Tocqueville came to America to learn the secret of why we had risen to world prominence in such a short period of time. Here is what he determined to be the reason: “I sought the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there; in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. It was not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Now, I believe you will agree those are pretty sobering words, especially when you consider where we are today. Anyone who has any common sense at all understands our nation’s future is in the hands of our young people. It is for this reason that I would like to extend a challenge to America’s youth. While I have many young readers, I want to appeal to my adult readers to also share this with as many youth as you can.
Our churches were vitally important back in the days of Alexis de Tocqueville, and they are just as important today. However, the sad truth is that 70 percent of our young people leave the church after leaving high school, and they never return.
For the sake of our nation and for future generations, we must turn this around. It is for this reason that I am a small part of a group of laymen and laywomen who are committed to encourage our young people to come back to church, and to encourage those youth who are still there to never leave. This is not the church doing this, but rather lay people who love our nation’s youth and want them to know how important they are to our nation’s future. I truly believe there are millions of American citizens who know this and are concerned, but feel like as just one individual they can’t do anything about it.
The good news is that we can do something about it, but we must take action and do it now. The first thing we must do is spread the word all across the nation that there is a grass-roots movement to talk with our nation’s youth and explain to them how important they are to our future, their future, and for those yet to be born. We can do this and the media will help us because they know how important this is as well. If you have friends in the media (television, radio, newspaper, government and business newsletters) ask them to help us to spread the word.
There is something else that is important that we must get across to our precious young people. If they left a “dead” church where they did not feel loved and one where they were not hearing the Bible and the word of God taught and preached, they don’t have to go back to that church. There are thousands of good, Bible teaching and believing churches all across our country that will welcome them with open arms. They will accept them, love them and welcome them into the family of God and they will then have a real church home.
I can tell you this from personal experience, when you go through temptations and trials of various kinds, and we all do at some time in our lives, having a church family will be the most important thing in your life. It is time to quit playing church and get serious about America’s future.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1009 FAMOUS AMERICANS WHO SERVED!

No. 1009

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FAMOUS AMERICANS WHO SERVED!

If you will be so kind to join me, I would like to share a little bit of history that is very important yet not common knowledge. In our modern culture we are all aware of the importance of the “big screen” in our daily lives (the big screen meaning television, movies, and all different forms of home entertainment).
However, back in the early days of Hollywood and the production of movies (way before the days of television), there were many movie stars and other celebrities that we all enjoyed seeing. I remember back in the 1940s when a man and his wife came to our small town to show a movie, I think for about a dime, and they would string a tarp around some poles and you sat on wooden benches. They also had to have mosquito spray.
Certainly many in the older generation could still even today give you the names of many of those big screen stars. What many people do not know is how many of these “stars” served in the military and made it possible for us to be free. To be sure, we may be speaking another language if it wasn’t for heroes like these. A while back a reader sent me a long list of these people, and I was surprised to see many of the names on the list, many I would never have suspected. Because we all owe them a debt of gratitude, I felt it might also be of interest to you if you knew some of those who fought for our country.
Following is a list of some of these people, and I will also share the branch of service and any special honor that highlights their military career.
Sterling Hayden: Marines and OSS. Smuggled guns into Yugoslavia and parachuted into Croatia. Jimmy Stewart: Army Air Corps. Bomber pilot who rose to rank of Brigadier General. Ernest Borgnine: Navy. Gunners Mate 1c, destroyer USS Lamberton.
Ed McMahon: Marines. Fighter Pilot. Flew OE-I Bird Dogs over Korea as well. Telly Savalas, Army. Kirk Douglas: Navy. Sub-chaser in the Pacific. Wounded in action and medically discharged.
Henry Fonda: Navy. Destroyer USS Satterlee. Rod Steiger: Navy. Was aboard one of the ships that launched the Doolittle Raid. Tony Curtis: Navy. Subtender USS Proteus. In Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.
Mickey Rooney: Army under Patton. Bronze Star. Robert Stack: Navy. Gunnery Officer. James Arness: (Matt Dillon) Army. As an infantryman, he was severely wounded at Anzio, Italy.
Jack Klugman: Army. Tom Bosley: Navy. Chuck Conners: (The Rifleman) Army, Tank warfare instructor.
Don Knotts: (Barney Fife) Army, Pacific Theater. Rock Hudson: Navy. Aircraft mechanic, the Philippines. Ted Knight: Army. Combat Engineers.
Hugh O’Brian: Marines. Clark Gable: Army Air Corps. B-17 gunner over Europe. Charles Bronson: Army Air Corps. B-29 gunner, wounded in action.
Raymond Burr: (Perry Mason) Navy. Shot in the stomach on Okinawa and medically discharged. Dennis Weaver: Navy Pilot. John Wayne: Declared 4F medically unfit: due to pre-existing injuries, he nonetheless attempted to volunteer three times.
Would someone please remind us of how many of today’s Hollywood elite put their careers on hold to enlist in Iraq or Afghanistan? The only one I can recall was Pat Tillman, who turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army after 9/11/2001. He died in 2004. We are free today because of patriots like these and countless others.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1010 - ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE

No. 1010

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE!

To be sure, there is a whole lot of meanness taking place in our country today, and even more so in other parts of the world. But in spite of all of this, it is still a beautiful world and we have the opportunity to do good for people while we are here, because someday it will be too late. The truth is, we only have one life to live. We can make the most of it, or we can squander our days until they are all gone.
The other day I was riding along in my 2003 Honda Element and got to thinking (as I always do). I said to myself, “When men retire, many look forward to being able to go fishing every day, others to playing golf and still others, like me, who enjoy being involved in community service.”
I have been blessed to be able to save a little money, not much but a little, and when I go on trips to start a Bookcase for Every Child project around my state, I pay all of my own expenses. When I come to the end of my days, my only real reward will be to hear the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” America is the greatest land in the world and all of us who are truly grateful for our heritage must work to preserve this land, otherwise someday we may lose it. What brought these thoughts to the surface are the words and music to a song written by Ronnie Gaylord in 1972 titled, “I Will Never Pass This Way Again.”
A kind reader sent these to me and I would like to share them with you in the hopes that you will ponder these words, and if not already, join the army of those of us who believe it is important to serve and help others who truly need a helping hand.
The words begin, “I will pass this way but once. If there is any good I can do, let me do it now for I will never pass this way again, I will see this day but once. If there is any kindness I can show, let me show it now, for I’ll never see this day again. Tomorrow may be too late, my friend, to do all the good that you planned.
“So reach out to those who need you, and lend them a helping hand. I will know this world but once, if there is any love that I can give, let me give it now. Oh Lord, please show me how, for I will never know this world, I’ll never see this day, I’ll never pass this way again.”
This message, of course, is a familiar and timeless one: Do the good that you can do today; tomorrow may be too late to reach out to those who need you. The song has both an echo of the tempo of soft rock and the simplicity of folk music but its roots are in the old-time spiritual. This is most obvious in the “soul” refrain: “Oh Lord, please show me how.”
In life, we seek many different kinds of rewards. Obviously, we must have food, clothes, shelter, transportation and medical care and we also have psychological needs -- to love and be loved near the top of the list. I can tell you from personal experience that there is no better feeling than knowing that we are helping others who are less fortunate. There are many ways to do this, and here in my community you would not believe the number of people involved in reaching out to others and lending a helping hand.
About a dozen years ago it came to my attention, as a syndicated newspaper columnist, that illiteracy was a major problem in our nation, with more than 42 million adults not being able to read at the fifth-grade level. Most of these people had been failed early in life by one or more adults who never taught them how to read. This is why our Bookcase for Every Child project is so critical to our nation’s future. We would love to have your help.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1011 - FROM THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI!

No. 1011

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TO THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI!

From time to time on Memorial Day, our church choir is accompanied by the orchestra and sings the Military Medley, consisting of the official songs of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines. It is a very moving and stirring time as members of our congregation stand while the branch they served in is being sung and played. I served in the Army, and my only active duty was when President Eisenhower federalized the National Guard during the Little Rock School integration crisis.
I love them all, but my favorite is the U.S. Marines hymn. The first line goes, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli.” A lot of Americans today are unaware of the fact that more than 200 years ago, the United States had declared war on Islam, and Thomas Jefferson led the charge! Here is a little background just to let you know that today there is nothing new, except maybe the level of brutality, from what it was back in the 18th century.
Muslim pirates were the terror of the Mediterranean and a large area of the North Atlantic. They attacked every ship in sight and held the crews for exorbitant ransoms. Those taken hostage were subjected to barbaric treatment and wrote heart-breaking letters home, begging their government and family members to pay whatever the Mohammedan captors demanded. These extortionists of the high seas represented the Islamic nations of Tripoli, Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers – collectively referred to as the Barbary Coast – and presented a dangerous and unprovoked threat to the new American Republic.
Before the Revolutionary War, U.S. merchant ships had been under the protection of Great Britain. When the U.S. declared its independence and entered into war, the ships of the United States were protected by France. However, once the war was won, America had to protect its own fleets. Beginning in 1784, 17 years before he would become president, Thomas Jefferson became America’s minister to France. That same year, the U.S. Congress sought to appease its Muslim adversaries by following in the footsteps of European nations who paid bribes to the Barbary States rather than engaging them in war. This should help all of us to understand why they are still trying to collect ransoms today. Since those eventful days, their ideology has not changed. Here is the sad truth: the payments in ransom and tribute reportedly amounted to more than 20 percent of the United States government annual revenues in 1800.
Shortly after Thomas Jefferson was sworn in as the third president of the United States in 1801, the Pasha of Tripoli sent him a note demanding the immediate payment of $225,000 plus $25,000 a year for every year forthcoming. That changed everything. President Jefferson was disgusted and he let the Pasha know, in no uncertain terms, what he could do with his demand. The Pasha responded by cutting down the flagpole of the American consulate and declared war on the United States. Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers immediately followed suit. It was then that a strong naval force was born, and in short order our Navy turned the tables and taught the Muslim nations of the Barbary Coast a lesson they would not soon forget.
We are confronted with a much more serious threat today. The bravery of the U.S. Marine Corps in these wars led to the line, “to the shores of Tripoli” and the Marine Hymn. The Marines would forever be known as “leathernecks.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1028 - THE SACRED TRUST!

No. 1028

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SACRED TRUST!

The American journalist John Gunther once said that “America is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea.” Of course that good idea is freedom.
Read and hear these words inscribed on the Statute of Liberty, that stands at the entrance to the harbor of New York City: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” The early patriots fought and won our independence from Great Britain, and there have been several million men and women since then who have died to defend it.
There are many blessings that come to us just to be called an American, but the greatest of all is freedom, because without freedom we can no longer be who we are. There is a concept we do not often hear in debates or public dialogue these days that is very important to our way of life and that is something we call “The Sacred Trust.” Do you know what this means and where is comes from? To define it, please allow me to break it down a bit. The definition of the word “sacred” is “set apart or dedicated to religious use: hallowed.” Of course, we all know what the word “trust” means.
To break it down into laymen’s language the “Sacred Trust’ comes from a heritage where a person’s word was his bond. You could always know and believe that this person was telling the truth and you could trust him to do what he said he was going to do. To be sure, you can build a marriage, a home, a business, and a nation when you have the vast majority of people who are committed to live by this code of conduct. Now, this question please: Can we trust most people today, especially those who are elected to public office, to always tell the truth and do what they say they are going to do? And the “sacred” part means that when they don’t, they will be held accountable by God.
Our elected officials are very important because we elect them to represent us, the very bulwark of a democracy. When we elect a candidate to office, at a prescribed day and time, they are later “sworn-in” which is to say they promise to execute the duties of their office faithfully and responsibly. At this point I feel it may be of interest to have the words that the U.S. Constitution sets forth to have the President of the United States sworn into office. These can be found in Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Adding the phrase “So help me God” is optional.
What is most important to realize is that, in a democracy, we all have a stake. When we elect someone to office, regardless of where he or she happens to be in our country, if they don’t keep their word and tell the truth, we will all pay a price for it.
Here are two words that I hope you will keep in mind as they impact every single one of us. These words are “Independent” and “Interdependent.” We are independent because we get to make our own choices and decisions, but are also interdependent because the actions of others definitely affect us.
It is not my nature to be critical or judgmental, but rather I always want to be an encourager. If you hold an elected or appointed office, I hope you will give some serious thought to what I have been saying and do your best to never violate the Sacred Trust.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1029 - LETTERS THAT NEVER GOT SENT!

No. 1029

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LETTERS THAT NEVER GOT SENT!

Have you ever written a letter to someone about a very serious matter, but for some reason you never sent it? While you think about it, I would like to share a few thoughts you may find interesting, and they may even bring back some good memories.
First, I would like to tell you about a letter that did get sent and resulted in a very humorous outcome. It seems just before our nation got involved in World War II there was a young couple here in America whose names were John Atkins and Molly Brown, and they planned to be married. However, before a wedding could be planned and carried out, John got called by the U.S. Army to serve in Europe to help turn back the Germans, who were threatening to take over the whole continent.
Knowing the chances were good that John would not return, the couple decided to put the wedding off until after the war. One day, after a few months, John got a “Dear John” letter from Molly, saying she had found someone else and was sorry to have to end their relationship. She also asked him to return her picture. Quite naturally, John was heartbroken.
When some of his buddies found out about the “Dear John” letter, they decided to take matters into their own hands. The first thing they did was to collect photos of every young woman they could find -- wives, sisters and girlfriends. Then one of the men, who happened to be a gifted writer, composed the following letter. It read, “Dear Miss Brown, it was good to get your form letter. For the life of me, I can’t remember which one you are. Would you please look through the enclosed pictures, take yours out, and return the rest to me? Thanks, PFC John Atkins.”
Has anything come to your mind yet about your own letters that might never have been sent? Please allow me to tell you a true story about a friend of mine who had a very unusual experience, wrote a letter, but never mailed it. Back in 1965, the “Truth or Consequences” television program, which was hosted by Bob Barker, decided to hold a contest to find a beauty queen who would help promote the show. The prizes for the winner were a fur coat, a new car and spending two weeks in Truth or Consequences, N.M., and given the royal treatment.
This friend’s father encouraged her to enter the contest, so she found a good photo, wrote some things about herself, and sent it off. A few days later she got a phone call saying she was one of the finalists, and they would make a decision in the next 24 hours. Rather than staying home by the phone, she went on to an event in Little Rock. This made her father very unhappy because he just knew she would win. It turns out she did not win, but she told me she was better looking than the winner, and she did get a Polaroid camera. To make a long story short, she wrote a letter of thanks to Bob Barker but never mailed it. However, she still has the letter and may still mail it after all these years.
Now, back to my earlier question, have you ever written a letter to someone about a serious matter, but never mailed it? How many people have written a letter of resignation, placed it in a drawer, only to have conditions improve, and they never mailed it? How many times have we been angry with someone, written them a letter to get it off of our chest, but never put a stamp on it and put it in the mail?
I am confident there are many, many other examples where letters have been written, giving us time to mentally and emotionally adjust before we realize the folly of it. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” To be sure, this is better counsel than anything I could ever give you.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1030 - BACK TO OUR ROOTS!

No. 1030

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BACK TO OUR ROOTS!

When it comes to our nation’s economy and our role in the world, there is a group of people who are vital to our success for a number of reasons. We call these people “farmers,” and they produce the foodstuffs we eat, and also provide jobs and a way of life for a good number of people.
Because of a number of factors, over the past few decades their numbers have dwindled. There was a day when more than 95 percent of all Americans lived on a farm. Today, because of mechanization and other factors, that number is less than 1 percent.
There is a funny story that has circulated about this over the years that perhaps you have heard. The story goes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Farm Bureau have a gentlemen’s agreement that there can be no more government agents than we have farmers. One day a U.S. Department of Agriculture agent was walking down the halls of Congress, and he was weeping uncontrollably. When someone asked him why he was crying, he said, “My farmer died.” To be sure, farmers are very important people and we should each pause from time to time to realize just what they do for the rest of us.
What brought these thoughts to mind was a copy of the Wynne Progress, a weekly newspaper that has now run my column for almost 20 years. Wynne is a farming community in East Arkansas, very progressive, with a lot of pride and community spirit. This paper is kind enough to send me a copy of the paper each week so I am able to keep up with what is taking place there. They started a Bookcase for Every Child project about four years ago and it continues to this day. I am very proud of them.
Each year they produce a special edition where they honor the county “Farm Family of the Year.” Each county winner then competes in the state competition to be named the “Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.” The paper includes a special section where local businesses take out large ads of congratulations, and there are stories and photos of the family members that gives a great overview of the farm operation, what they produce, and the background and history of their operation.
After reading some of the articles, I decided to do a little research about this important project and to make many of you more aware of why farmers are important to all of us. This program started here in Arkansas in 1947 with the following objectives: first, to recognize and encourage farm families who are doing an outstanding job in farming, homemaking, and community leadership; second, to highlight the importance of agriculture to the economy of the community and the state; and third, to disseminate information on improved farm practices and effective farm and home management. This is really “back to our roots.” After the county selection process is complete, a committee then selects district winners, leading up to the selection of the overall state winner.
It should be noted that this is not meant to be a competition but rather a recognition program. Quite naturally, in a project of such major importance, state officials get involved, including our governor. The announcement is usually made the first or second Friday in December, which is Arkansas Farm Family Day. Ross Mauney, former employee of Arkansas Power and Light (now Entergy), is given credit for starting the program. Also, one of the sponsors is the Arkansas Press Association, an organization of which I am proud to be a member.
This program is now being carried out in 10 other states, as we honor those who feed us. Why not say “thank you” to some farmers you know for doing a good job.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1015 - A VALUE-LESS SOCIETY

No. 1015

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VALUE-LESS SOCIETY!

It has been said the beginning of civilization occurred when a savage hurled an insult instead of a spear. To be sure, in today’s “civilized” society I would much rather someone disagree with me or take exception to something I have said or done, than for them to do me bodily harm, rob me or, in an extreme case, shoot me and take my life. There is certainly no bright future in that.
Have you noticed, as I have, that over the past several years our society has become much more coarse and disrespectful of the rights, property and the lives of others? Personally, I don’t like what I see as the result of this lack of respect and decency. I had much rather see kindness, love, compassion, fairness and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, values that should belie a truly civilized society.
When we talk about values, the greatest of all is the value we place on human life. Ever since our nation was founded, this value has set us apart from most of the other nations in the world, especially those constantly at war. While I never want to paint with a broad brush because there is still so much goodness in our nation, in some respects we have become a value-less society. Why else would we have hundreds of murders taking place in our nation each year. Perhaps the greatest indication of all would be the 54-million-plus abortions that have taken place since Roe vs. Wade in 1973.
We have reached the point in the moral and ethical values of our country that most people will probably disagree with what I am going to say next. All I ask you to do is give it some thought. There is a way that we can right the ship and put our nation back on course that will make us a truly civilized society -- this is for our nation to experience a real spiritual awakening. This statement can be summed up with just one verse of scripture from the Bible, found in II Corinthians 5: 17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold all things are become new.”
You see, the Christian life is based on change. When a person’s heart is changed, his values are also changed. When a person harbors values, feelings and attitudes such as hate, envy, greed, and jealousy, they can certainly justify taking an innocent human life, robbing someone, being dishonest and having no character values or morals. On the other hand, contrast this with the Christian, new or old, whose life is changed by having a personal relationship with Jesus. To enable you to better understand what I am saying, consider this verse found in Galatians 5:22-23 -- “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Now, this simple question please -- does this make sense to you? Can you see the real change that would take place in our nation if all or most of us had these values? It has been said that you must have a goal before you can have a goal come true. The sad thing, and the major reason our nation is in such deep trouble, is that most people in our culture have never been taught these values. This is why it is so important that our young people be taught the Bible, the word of God, because they are the future of America.
We just have to decide what kind of nation we are going to have as we look to an uncertain future. I truly love and believe in America. I have children and grandchildren who I would love to have a bright future in the greatest nation in the history of the world.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1031 - OUR SOCIETY HAS GONE TO POT!

No. 1031

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR SOCIETY HAS GONE TO POT!

My good friend, the late Bob Murphy, used to tell a story about two men who were talking. One said, “What is this stuff they call marijuana? The other one said, “Well, it is something that grows like weed, they call it ‘pot’ and people smoke it, and they say it sends them on a trip.” This other man said, “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. We have always had a pot -- we kept it under the bed and it kept us from making a trip.”
This story came to mind some time back while talking with a local minister when I called to invite him to have lunch with me. He said, “This is a bad week for me, as I am preparing to preach two funerals this week, a man and his wife, victims of a double homicide that took place here in our community.” By the time our conversation took place, it had become known that the couple’s 14-year-old grandson was reportedly involved in the murders, along with three other 17-year-old youths, who were suspects and being detained in the county jail. After hearing the comments from my minister friend, I made the statement, “Our society has gone to pot.”
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because my comment was more about the common expression “gone to pot” that has been around since at least the 16th century, and not the use of marijuana that we think of when we hear the word used today. While doing research, I found some information that may be of interest to you. One definition for “gone to pot” is an item that is broken, defective or substandard.
Two explanations have been historically applied. The first is that in olden times when food was scarce, people would leave the bones, fat and undesirable portions behind after eating their meals. These second-rate items would be used for soup the next day, so as such, the poor-quality leftovers would “go to pot”. The second (and more plausible) explanation is that in the days of the industrial revolution and early mass-production, assembly workers would occasionally find a defective or out-of-tolerance part which was not suitable for use. This part would be sent back to the smelting room to be melted down and recast a second time. Since the smelting was done in a giant pot, these defective parts had “gone to pot”.
In either case, the phrase gained popular use by the American homeowner, who would occasionally wear out an item that would fail, often at an inconvenient time. Here is a sentence that vividly illustrates what I am saying: “Joe failed to take his car in for routine maintenance. I was not surprised that his vacation was ruined when his car went to pot last summer.”
To be sure, these examples, as they relate to the negative effect they have on our society, are far less than the devastating effect marijuana or “pot” is having on us today. After the double homicide here in our community, the following week came the news account that a Memphis police officer, Sean Bolton, had been murdered during a routine traffic stop that involved less than two ounces of marijuana. Illegal drug use is also suspected in the double homicide that took place here in our community.
For me, here is the bottom line. When we consider what marijuana and other illegal drugs are doing to the lives of thousands of Americans each year, it is time to stop trying to be politically correct, and just call a spade a spade and let the chips fall where they may. Why should we sacrifice countless human lives because our government, and those who profit from growing, manufacturing and selling drugs (both legal and illegal) want the money and tax revenue? Could there be other ways to raise revenue with far less devastating consequences? At least it is something to think about. People are far more important than money.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1016 LADIES WITH CHURCH TYPEWRITERS!

No. 1016

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LADIES WITH CHURCH TYPEWRITERS!

The Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle once said of humor, “Its essence is love, its issues not in laughter, but in still smiles, which lie far deeper.” I can tell you truthfully that humor has always been a part of my life, especially since I became an adult. As they say, if you are married and have trouble seeing the humor in things, just got out those old wedding pictures. For me, the best kind of humor is self-deprecating. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, to my way of thinking we are very poor indeed.
These are some thoughts that came to the surface when I reread something a friend sent me the other day. It is titled, “Ladies with church typewriters” and some of the things these ladies typed are quite humorous. See if you don’t agree and some cause a few of those still smiles that Thomas Carlyle talked about.
1. The Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals. 2 Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. 3. The sermon this morning, ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’
4. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. 5. Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help. 6. Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. 7. For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 8. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. 9. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church, so ends a friendship that began in their school days.
10. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. 11. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice. 12. Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. 13. Place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. 14. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
15. Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5 p.m. – prayer and medication to follow. 16. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. 17. This evening at 7 p.m. there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and be prepared to sin. 18. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. 19. Low Self-Esteem support group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.
20. The eighth graders will be presenting ‘Shakespeare and Hamlet’ at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. 21. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
Well, mercifully that is the end of the offerings. I certainly enjoyed some of them and hope you did as well. If there is one thing these rather humorous thoughts pointed up for me is that just one misplaced or wrong letter can change the whole meaning. This is true for all correspondence and communication and could serve as a reminder for each of us.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1032 - SOME OF LIFE'S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

No. 1032

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME OF LIFE’S UNCLAIMED BLESSINGS!

When it comes to being blessed or having great blessings in our lives, there are a couple of verses in the Bible that pretty well say it all. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
If you will take a few moments and reread these verses, I believe you will agree that they not only give solid counsel for living a better and happier life, but also some things we should avoid to keep from inflicting self-punishment on ourselves. It is an age-old story. Most problems we experience through our lifetime are brought about by the person who looks back at us from the mirror.
Now this question please: Who among us does not want to be blessed? According to the dictionary, the word “blessing” or “blessed” means, “That which makes happy or prosperous.” And it also means, “The bestowal of divine favor.” As a Christian, the latter definition is very special to me because it means that God is showering his blessings on the individual who seeks His favor and is grateful to have them.
Whether you agree or not, I am here to tell you that most of us miss far too many blessings because we fail to ask or, when we do ask, we ask with wrong motives. I am sure you have heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Actually, these words are more than just a saying, they are the words of Jesus, as recorded in the book of Acts 20, verse 35, in the event you would like to look them up.
What motivated me to share these words with you is something I heard a while back. There is an older lady in our church who openly says, “I am an old maid.” When another lady friend heard this she responded, “She is not an old maid, she is just an unclaimed blessing.” This led me to realize there are countless unclaimed blessings around us every day, but in most cases, we fail to claim them.
I am going to share some of these with you that came as a result of doing some brainstorming. I hope you will do some thinking and come up with others. Why not share them with me? My address is Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.
Here are just a few unclaimed blessings: CHILDREN who spend all or most of their lives growing up in an orphanage. To be sure, some become our nation’s greatest success stories, for example the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s. While many overcome, it is still much better to grow up in a two-parent home where love, structure and security abound. To be sure, we need more people like this who will adopt them.
For many people, especially those who are single: PETS in animal shelters that are desperate to be adopted. I am sure you know what happens to many of them when no one is willing to adopt them. As they say, who is still going to be happy to see you after being locked in the trunk of your car for a while, your wife or your dog?
Another unclaimed blessing that many of us miss: SMILES that we do not share with others. I know this for sure, some of my greatest blessings, and new friendships, have come when I have just looked at people and gave them a happy and cheery smile. It has been said that a smile is the light in your window that tells others you are home.
And here is one of the best: UNSPOKEN DEEDS OF KINDNESS. When you take the time to go out of your way to do something nice for someone else, especially the undeserving, it just says you are a citizen of the world.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1017 A LESSON STRESS!

No. No. 1017

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LESSON ON STRESS!

The other day a friend sent me a wonderful and helpful article (no author given) about stress. The article was so good that I wanted to share it with you. Every so often I have people chastise me when I use information that was written by others. Here is my attitude. If the information helps, blesses and enlightens me, the odds are pretty good that it will help and bless you too. As I have said many times over the past 20 years of writing this column, I don’t claim to be original and am never too proud to use the ideas of others. A good percentage of my columns are written as an extension of my own original thinking, but even here I am just using different words and thoughts to share ideas that have been expressed by thousands, perhaps millions of others over the years. In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
With that said, please allow me to share the following ideas about stress. They could be very helpful, especially if you get wound up tight as a guitar string from time to time and you feel like you are ready to pop. The article begins, “A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while leading a seminar and explaining stress management to her audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, ‘Half empty or half full?’ She fooled them all. ‘How heavy is this glass of water?’ she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.
“She replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that is not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’ She continued, ‘and that is the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.
‘As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it up again. When we are refreshed, we can carry on with the burden – holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down and don’t carry them through the evening and into the night.
‘If you must, pick them up again tomorrow and remember to: No. 1 -- Accept the fact that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you are the statue. No. 2 -- Always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them. No. 3 -- Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. No. 4 -- Drive carefully; it’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker. No. 5 -- If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. No. 6 -- If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. No. 7 -- It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
No. 8 -- Never buy a car you can’t push. No. 9 -- Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you won’t have a leg to stand on. No. 10 -- Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. No. 11 -- The second mouse gets the cheese. No. 12 -- A truly happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. No. 13 -- Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought of you today’.”
And this final thought from me -- it is something I have observed over the years from my experience. It is awfully hard to be stressed when you are having fun.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1033 - THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EVIL!

No. 1033

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EVIL!

Ever since time immemorial there has been a battle taking place in the world between the forces of good and evil. To be sure, evil gets the spotlight and the headlines from time to time, but the forces for good have overcome those of evil.
My purpose today in sharing some thoughts that I have titled, “There Will Always Be Evil,” is to give you hope in a day when it seems the world condition is on a constant spiral downward. You should be aware that what I am going to share in this column is based on “empirical” evidence, meaning “relying or based on observation and practical experience without reference to scientific principles.”
For me personally, after a heinous act of some deranged person who callously takes the lives of multiple innocent human beings, I just shake my head in amazement as to how one person could deliberately do something like that to his fellow humans. The best answer I have been able to come up with is that this person is just evil. But going a little deeper, the obvious question is, why? What made this person or persons commit this senseless act? While doing some research, I ran across an article that sheds a little light on this subject.
The word “evil” is manifested in the existence of a being called Satan or the Devil. According to Biblical scholars and theologians, Satan was created by God thousands of years ago as a perfect angel. Satan was called Lucifer and he lived in heaven. When Lucifer set out to prove that he was above Jesus, he became so proud that God banished him from Heaven. Over time one third of the angels in heaven chose to side with Lucifer and to worship him instead of Jesus, and they were also banished to earth. Today, Satan is truly alive and he and his angels are demons. For me, this helps me understand why some people are so evil and can commit such heinous acts.
Again, while doing research I found the names of some of these well-known people who Satan has used to do his work. Names like Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who took the lives of 13 in Columbine, Colo.; Seung Hui Cho, who killed 32 at Virginia Tech University; James Holmes, who killed 12 at a theater in Aurora, Colo.; Jeffrey Dahmer, who raped, murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991; and Charles Manson, who is linked to 35 killings. Of course, if we had to put a face on “evil,” I would say it would be that of Adolph Hitler, who exterminated 5.5 million Jews, and killed millions more, during World War II.
For Christians, and all people really, the Apostle Peter has some sound words of advice in I Peter 5:8-9 -- “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.” When we think about what is happening in the world today regarding ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and how they are persecuting Christians across the world, we again see the truth of God’s word.
Sometime back I saw the evidence of God’s love in a way seldom seen in today’s times. A sick, evil man, a tool of Satan, attended a prayer meeting at the Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, S.C, took out a gun, and murdered nine of the members. In the aftermath, we did not see rioting, looting and burning of the town. Rather, we saw God’s children who prayed and forgave at a time when other cities were doing exactly the opposite.
The sad reality regarding evil in our country is that it is not going to change much until we experience a real spiritual revival. It is as simple as that.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1017 A LESSON STRESS!

No. No. 1017

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LESSON ON STRESS!

The other day a friend sent me a wonderful and helpful article (no author given) about stress. The article was so good that I wanted to share it with you. Every so often I have people chastise me when I use information that was written by others. Here is my attitude. If the information helps, blesses and enlightens me, the odds are pretty good that it will help and bless you too. As I have said many times over the past 20 years of writing this column, I don’t claim to be original and am never too proud to use the ideas of others. A good percentage of my columns are written as an extension of my own original thinking, but even here I am just using different words and thoughts to share ideas that have been expressed by thousands, perhaps millions of others over the years. In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
With that said, please allow me to share the following ideas about stress. They could be very helpful, especially if you get wound up tight as a guitar string from time to time and you feel like you are ready to pop. The article begins, “A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while leading a seminar and explaining stress management to her audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, ‘Half empty or half full?’ She fooled them all. ‘How heavy is this glass of water?’ she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.
“She replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that is not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’ She continued, ‘and that is the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.
‘As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it up again. When we are refreshed, we can carry on with the burden – holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down and don’t carry them through the evening and into the night.
‘If you must, pick them up again tomorrow and remember to: No. 1 -- Accept the fact that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you are the statue. No. 2 -- Always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them. No. 3 -- Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. No. 4 -- Drive carefully; it’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker. No. 5 -- If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. No. 6 -- If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. No. 7 -- It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
No. 8 -- Never buy a car you can’t push. No. 9 -- Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you won’t have a leg to stand on. No. 10 -- Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. No. 11 -- The second mouse gets the cheese. No. 12 -- A truly happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. No. 13 -- Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought of you today’.”
And this final thought from me -- it is something I have observed over the years from my experience. It is awfully hard to be stressed when you are having fun.
---
(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1034 - WEDDING BELLS!

No. 1034

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WEDDING BELLS!

If you have ever been blessed far more than you deserve, you will be able to relate to the following thoughts that I want to share with you. Back in 2013, I lost my wonderful and talented wife, Viola, after a 19-year battle with Parkinson’s. This was indeed a very sad time, and if you have lost a mate or someone very close to you, then you know that there is a tremendous void and adjustment that takes place in your life.
My own family, and especially my church family, helped to fill this void for me, but after several months I began to be lonely. Because of running my company and the ministries that I am involved in, I also needed some help.
While people are different, I don’t believe we should spend our lives alone. As a result, I began to pray that the Lord would send me a help-mate, and just the right woman to share the remainder of my life with me. I only had three things that were very important to me. First, that she would be a Godly Spirit-filled woman, that she would love me, and that she would be excited about helping continue the Bookcase for Every Child project, and the Reach Youth for Christ ministry. The latter is a ministry I helped found, along with four other laymen, to encourage our nation’s youth to stay in church or come back to church, as 70 percent of our nation’s youth who attend church are leaving after high school graduation, never to return.
God is faithful, and after several months He sent me a Godly woman who is beautiful, talented, has great wisdom, and has a heart for children. She is the former Janis Mack, who grew up in the Shady Grove community north of Conway. Janis graduated from the Greenbrier Public Schools, where she was class Valedictorian, and later attended Central Baptist College. In 1958 she married Ralph Mack Jr., had two sons, David and Roy, and later started a real estate company. In 1985, she and Ralph bought Pickles Gap Village, a tourist attraction located on Highway 65, north of Conway. Sadly, Ralph passed away this past year after a battle with cancer.
Janis and I have known each other for several years and held each other in high esteem. Several months after losing Ralph, Janis and I began to see each other. It soon became obvious that we had so much in common and, for me, she was a dream come true. In 1974, I was named the Arkansas Salesman of the Year, but by far the best sale I have ever made was when I convinced this good woman to marry me. Janis was reared by Godly parents, Exel and Esther Howard, who were community leaders. Her mother taught piano lessons and naturally taught Janis to play, and she was the pianist/organist at her church for several years.
As previously stated, in the early days Janis started her own real estate company, had offices in Greenbrier and Conway, but later consolidated her operation to Pickles Gap Village. She was a Million Dollar Producer for 15 consecutive years back in the days when houses were selling for $30,000 to $60,000 each. Owning Pickles Gap Village gave her the opportunity to be involved in the travel industry, and she served as president of the Arkansas Travel Council, 1994-95. She also served on the board of the Conway Chamber of Commerce. Janis is the author of four successful cookbooks and has appeared on a number of cooking segments on local television stations.
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. As my friends and faithful readers over the years, I felt this information would be of interest. If you are a praying person, we would covet your prayers that we might be faithful to our calling of writing this column and the ministries in which we are involved. Just for the record, my new bride has a lot on the ball. She even has her own official back-seat driver’s license.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1017 A LESSON STRESS!

No. No. 1017

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LESSON ON STRESS!

The other day a friend sent me a wonderful and helpful article (no author given) about stress. The article was so good that I wanted to share it with you. Every so often I have people chastise me when I use information that was written by others. Here is my attitude. If the information helps, blesses and enlightens me, the odds are pretty good that it will help and bless you too. As I have said many times over the past 20 years of writing this column, I don’t claim to be original and am never too proud to use the ideas of others. A good percentage of my columns are written as an extension of my own original thinking, but even here I am just using different words and thoughts to share ideas that have been expressed by thousands, perhaps millions of others over the years. In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
With that said, please allow me to share the following ideas about stress. They could be very helpful, especially if you get wound up tight as a guitar string from time to time and you feel like you are ready to pop. The article begins, “A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while leading a seminar and explaining stress management to her audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, ‘Half empty or half full?’ She fooled them all. ‘How heavy is this glass of water?’ she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.
“She replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that is not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’ She continued, ‘and that is the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.
‘As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it up again. When we are refreshed, we can carry on with the burden – holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down and don’t carry them through the evening and into the night.
‘If you must, pick them up again tomorrow and remember to: No. 1 -- Accept the fact that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you are the statue. No. 2 -- Always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them. No. 3 -- Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. No. 4 -- Drive carefully; it’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker. No. 5 -- If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. No. 6 -- If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. No. 7 -- It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
No. 8 -- Never buy a car you can’t push. No. 9 -- Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you won’t have a leg to stand on. No. 10 -- Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. No. 11 -- The second mouse gets the cheese. No. 12 -- A truly happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. No. 13 -- Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought of you today’.”
And this final thought from me -- it is something I have observed over the years from my experience. It is awfully hard to be stressed when you are having fun.
---
(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1035 - A "CAN-DO" ATTITUDE!

No. 1035

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “CAN-DO” ATTITUDE!

Have you ever asked yourself this question, “What can history teach us?” Well, the correct answer is that it can teach us a lot if we are careful to select our sources and the people to whom we choose to listen and read about.
From my perspective, I believe a worthy candidate to teach us something worthwhile is former President James A. Garfield, our 20th president who was elected in 1881 but served only 200 days before being assassinated. He has the distinction of being the only sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives to be elected president.
President Garfield came from very meager circumstances, and he once said, “Poverty is uncomfortable as I can testify; but nine times out of 10, the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim for himself.” To be sure, the American Free Enterprise system offers tremendous opportunity for the individual who is worth more than they are being paid.
During our visit today I want to talk with you about a “Can-Do” attitude. Back in President Garfield’s day, we did not have the massive amount of entitlement programs that we have today. In reality, our politicians have showered vast numbers of our citizens with all kinds of give-away programs in an attempt to get reelected. In these programs, it is almost impossible for any person to have to sink or swim for himself.
As a result of decades of taking care of people from the womb to the tomb, we have millions of people we call the “poor” who do not want to work. I talk with employers all the time who tell me they have to go through dozens and dozens of applications just to find one person who is even worth an interview. The good ones, after being on the job for a little while, leave because of a better offer by another company, which has also experienced the same dilemma.
Now, please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am all for taking care of the truly needy, but not healthy people who simply do not want to work. Some may counter that there are few jobs to be had, but this is not true. Go to the “help wanted” section of any newspaper and you will find many, many jobs just waiting to be filled. It would be different if many people were compelled to sink or swim, as President Garfield was saying. Without the give-away programs, millions of our citizens would get serious about getting a good education or the training necessary to fill these jobs.
Who but God knows what the future holds? There may be a day coming when all of us, and also our nation, will need a “Can-Do” attitude. I am from the old school and, other than Social Security (which is really my own money), I have never taken a handout of any kind from the government. My attitude has always been, give me an opportunity and then get out of my way. To be sure, I realize because of health or other issues, many people have not enjoyed the blessings I have had, and I am truly grateful for those blessings.
When it comes to having a “Can-Do” attitude, I believe the late Paul Harvey hit the nail on the head when he said, “Get up when you fall down. We all fall down, but the biographies of those the world calls successful reveal that they get up when they fall down. Sometimes more than once when they fall down they have had to pick themselves up and dust themselves off and keep on keeping on.”
Those who share my convictions understand that there is a good feeling that comes when we know we are pulling our own weight. We must get back to the old standard of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1018 LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MENTORS!

No. 1018

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MENTORS!

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Joseph, one of 12 sons of Israel, who was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers, who opted for this course of action rather than killing him. The chain of events that followed are remarkable, as Joseph wound up second in command only to Pharaoh, saved the nation and several others from starvation, and ultimately had his family (70 in all) come to the nation of Egypt. They wound up staying more than 400 years, and became a great Hebrew nation of more than 1 ½ million people. After the dust settled, Joseph made this comment: “You (meaning his brothers) meant it for evil but God meant it for good.”
Over the past several weeks I have been telling you about a mission that several laymen are undertaking to encourage our nation’s young people to stay in church or come back to church. According to the Barna Research Group, 70 percent of our youth who are members of a church are leaving after high school graduation, never to return. The church is the only institution in our nation charged with the responsibility of teaching morals, character values and the sanctity of human life. If we think things are bad now, it does not take a genius to understand they are only going to get worse if we do not reverse this trend.
The good news, like the story of Joseph, is that we can turn it around and God will bless us. We have millions of Godly, caring, responsible young people who understand they are the leaders and producers of the future, and we can develop more of these young people. Having worked with people for more than four decades, it is my firm conviction that the only foundation that will sustain them through the good times and the hard times is having a working knowledge of the Bible, the word of God. This has certainly proven to be the case for me.
To accomplish this on a large scale, and that is our goal, we must have thousands (perhaps millions) of good mentors who know and can teach young people the Bible and the rewards that come from living for and serving God. If you are a man or woman who knows the Bible and are willing to teach young people, individually or in small groups, you can help to make a tremendous difference in our nation’s future. According to the dictionary, the word “mentor” means, “A wise and trusted teacher or guide.” We have millions of people like this in America.
Obviously this will take time. We did not get here overnight and we won’t reverse the trend overnight. We are starting here in Conway, Arkansas, and like ripples that emanate from a rock thrown in a pond, believe it will spread all across this great nation. The little booklet we developed several weeks ago, “A Very Exciting Journey,” will be helpful in identifying young people who are eager to learn and would love to spend time being mentored in God’s word. As stated previously, no one earns a penny from this initiative. We have this booklet on our local daily newspaper’s Website at www.thecabin.net, and it can be downloaded and printed in your community. This is a simple plan but one that will be very effective once the details are worked out.
If you are a Christian and wish to be involved, just be thinking about the various resources in your community that can be used to print and get the booklets to young people, and develop a way, times and places, to mentor them.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1036 - THE POWER OF RECYCLED THOUGHTS!

No. 1036

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF RECYCLED THOUGHTS!

It has been said that brains are what people who don’t have college degrees are forced to use. I plead guilty to that, not having a college degree. However, I am so grateful that God, in his wisdom, has given each of us the power to think and to use the vast mental potential that lies below the surface of what it takes to keep our lives between the ditches, in a very special area that we call the subconscious mind.
Since I became hooked on reading several years ago, I have been fascinated with the vast mental potential we each possess. Back in the days when I represented the Nightingale-Conant Corp., a leading producer of human resources materials, I recall hearing the results of a study on learning conducted by Princeton University. The researchers found that a message read or heard only one time was 66 percent forgotten within 24 hours, and was practically out of the mind within 30 days. However, a message that was read or heard several times a day for eight days was practically memorized and the memory retained 90 percent of the message 30 days later. Now, that is heady stuff and confirms what I have reported countless times over the years -- repetition is the key to learning.
It is with this backdrop that I would like to share some thoughts with you about the power of recycled thoughts. A good example to confirm this is what has happened over the years to my daily radio program titled “How to Plan Your Life.” This program was started back in 1980, and for the first few years I personally did the narration. However, tragedy struck and I developed a rare vocal condition called Spasmodic Dysphonia. This condition happens quite often to singers and speakers and is evidenced when the vocal chords actually lock up when force is applied to speak or sing. After several months I had surgery to correct the problem, but my voice was never the same. In essence, I was out of business.
Then along came Dave McCree, a friend and professional broadcaster, who did the narration (or talking) for me, like Aaron did for Moses in the Bible. Dave is very good and actually helped my radio program succeed, as we added more and more stations. At one time we had more than 300 stations coast to coast, and it was commercially sponsored. After I started my weekly newspaper column we stopped recording and I stopped marketing the show. At this point we had about 1,000 programs recorded, enough to last five days a week, for about 3 ½ years. When a station ran out of programs, we just started over.
Here is the interesting part. We have some stations recycle the pre-recorded radio shows three or four times, and the sponsors tell me that they get a better response the second, third and fourth time through than the first time it aired. We don’t have many stations and sponsors left, but there are a couple that have been with us for more than 25 years. Yes, there is power in recycled thoughts. The message I hope you will take away is that we all have countless books in our library that have been read only once, but many contain tremendous ideas that would be helpful if we would take them down and read them again.
For me, and hopefully for you as well, the real power we have is the knowledge that we should never stop learning. Life is truly exciting when we are constantly learning new and helpful things. Another reason recycled thoughts is so powerful is that, while the information on the printed or recorded format, remains the same, we change. We are not the same person we were a month ago, a year ago and certainly a decade or more ago. We should be very careful to never get in a rut, as that is just a grave with both ends kicked out.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1019 TIME FOR A TOUR!

No. 1019

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TIME FOR A TOUR!

Back in 1978, I was involved briefly in politics and was privileged to attend a National Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. While that was a long time ago, I remember meeting several members of Congress, being in several informative meetings and, along with the others involved in the conference, given a tour of the United States Capitol.
To be sure, this is truly a majestic edifice, and is recognized all over the world. As you may know, this building has a long and rich history. Truly, many diverse stories record the heritage of this building. There are stories that reflect the architectural, political and artistic heritage, but especially interesting are the stories reflecting its rich spiritual heritage. Because the spiritual heritage within this building is little known by most Americans today, a tour through the United States Capitol will highlight many of the stories and artifacts within and will confirm the deep roots of religious faith throughout American public life.
I was inspired to give you an overview after reading a tremendous book by historian David Barton titled, “A Spiritual Heritage: Tour of the United States Capitol.” If you would like to know more about our spiritual heritage, and wish to teach it to your children and grandchildren, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. The cost is less than $7 and can be purchased through amazon.com. I might add this is by far the best book I have ever read on this subject. While there are only 100 pages, and far too much content to try to cover, following are just a couple of brief examples. I would also like to give you the concept responsible for our nation becoming the greatest in the world in such a short period of time.
Most of our forefathers were devout Christians, including many of our former presidents. Our nation’s 6th president John Quincy Adams was an outspoken Christian and read the Bible, in its entirety, once every year. It is not surprising then that John Quincy wanted his children to grow up knowing the Bible and how to study it.
Here is another tidbit that is not common knowledge: John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, was founding vice president and later president of the American Bible Society. That is just the tip of the iceberg. The contents of this book will literally amaze you.
Here is the concept I mentioned earlier that enabled the United States to become the greatest nation on earth. Because most of our early forefathers, who made and enforced our laws, had such deep religious faith they relied less on public law or physical force and more on private moral restraint. As former Speaker of the House Robert Winthrop points out, “Our citizens will be controlled either by the Bible or by the bayonet – that is, either by internal self-controls applied from the Word of God or by external coercion and the threat of force.” Just think about that when riots take place in our country, and you will understand why we are where we are.
As the old saying goes, “You can’t make this stuff up.” There are many people in our country today that will dispute everything David Barton has said. Here is his response, “Would you rather believe someone who was actually there and witnessed these events or believe someone who wrote about it 200 years after the fact?” I have just given you a brief synopsis. If you want to know more, just order and read the book.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1037 - WE ALL NEED "BALCONY" PEOPLE!

No. 1037

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ALL NEED “BALCONY” PEOPLE!

There is a famous poem that has these words, or at least this sentiment, “Give me the roses while I am living and the knocking when I am dead.” While roses can come in many different forms, shapes and sizes, apart from the rose bush, one of those forms is to pay someone an honest and sincere compliment. To be sure, it is impossible to pay someone a sincere compliment after they are dead and gone. The time for us to say good, often life-changing things, to or about another person is while they are still living.
It is in this spirit that I want to share some thoughts about a fantastic book I have just finished reading titled, “Balcony People” by Joyce Landorf Heatherley. This book is only about 70 pages, but it contains many thoughts and personal examples that can be life-changing. As I share these thoughts, that would be my sincere wish for you.
Before I pass along some of those life-changing benefits, allow me to share the simple concept on which the book is based. The word “balcony” means, “A projecting gallery in a theater or public building.” For example, when you sit in the balcony of a theater, you are sitting above all those on the lower or main floor. She uses the word balcony to describe people who have personal qualities and character that enable them to rise above the normal run-of-the-mill, often negative, people we encounter every day. These people are positive and make us feel special because of what they say and how they treat us. Contrast this with negative people who are often critical of us and make us feel as though we are worthless and unimportant. She calls these people, “basement people.” A personal question, please: As a general rule, do you have more “balcony people” or “basement people” in your life?
Regardless of your answer, I believe you will agree that we all need “balcony people” in our lives and around us each and every day. I just confess to you that I need them every day of my life. The author also uses a couple of other terms that may help us to see the personal qualities of some of the people in our lives and the long-term impact they have on us. Some people are “affirmers,” in that they affirm our value and worth with the kindness and respect they show us, not because we deserve it, but just because we are another human being. The other term is “evaluators.” These people, while often well-meaning, are constantly evaluating our performance and, in many ways, often compare us with their own standards.
From Joyce’s book, here are some qualities “balcony people” have: They love from the heart. Loving each other, affirming each other, and being “balcony people” means there is no room for critical and judgmental attitudes. It seems that few, too few, of us honor one another. We are too interested in our own welfare, our own successes, and our own achievements. She also says that “balcony people” listen from the heart and, instead of tearing down, they build up. “Balcony people” also care from the heart. They are fantastic in their ability to pick up the baton of “bearing one another’s burdens,” and to run with it.
The author tells about being at a dinner meeting one night where couples were in attendance. The husbands were asked to introduce their wives. She said it was a refreshing time to hear husbands say, “This is my wife, a wonderful, patient mother to our two sons and the absolute joy of my life.” Another said, “This is my wife, my lover and my business partner. She is the greatest salesman in the world and the smartest woman I know. I love and respect her with all I have.” Without a doubt, the “balcony people” concept has saved countless marriages.
The book “Balcony People” is a best seller and can be ordered from Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1020 DON'T GIVE UP ON PEOPLE!

No. 1020

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T GIVE UP ON PEOPLE!

As long as we live, we will have other people who will disappoint us -- that is just part of living on this planet with at least one other person. If you will think about it, I believe you will agree that most of our disappointments come when those we love or have some relationship with have failed us in some way. It may be a spouse, a child, a member of our family, an employee, co-worker, a pastor, a good friend or any number of other people.
The Harvard-educated Episcopal minister Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) once said, “There are some who want to get rid of their past, who if they could would begin all over again … but you must learn, you must let God teach you, that the only way to get rid of your past is to get a future out of it.”
When we talk about people who disappoint us, we sometimes give up on them. In this regard, I have a very important concept to share with you today that could possibly change the way you see yourself and others. I might add that in my reading this is something I seldom see discussed as part of the reason we see so much “failure” in our society and in the lives of others. But when you think about it, you will discover that it really makes sense. Here it is and is so simple that most of us simply overlook it.
When a child is born, he or she has absolutely no control whatsoever over his or her parentage. Let us just pray, first of all, that this child is healthy and has a good chance of becoming a successful and productive human being. From this point we see one child born to parents who are highly educated -- both have successful careers, earn far more income than they need to meet their needs, and have many other advantages too numerous to name. On the other hand, still another child is born to a single mother – she is on welfare, has four other children, and is addicted to illegal drugs. These are the people we should never give up on. We must help them to help themselves as much as we can. In this regard, reading and literacy are so very important.
I have said these things to simply repeat this valid point: we should not give up on people. There are countless individuals living today who have become great success stories. They overcame all the odds of who their parents were or where they came from. This is one of the first things that comes to my mind when I hear about a young person who has dropped out of school, committed a crime, has a ring in their nose and tattoo drawings all over their body, is hooked on drugs, and can’t find a job. We should never make excuses for them, but this does play a role in having a great opportunity to become a real success story in today’s society.
Before I move on, let me make a comment about what I said about tattoo drawings. We are free to make our own choices and I have good friends who are fine people who have tattoo drawings. I believe you will agree that this is not a plus when it comes to looking for a job. This may be a personal opinion, but I believe the reason most people do this is because they want attention. We all need and seek the approval of others and when we don’t get positive approval, we will take any kind we can get.
If you will seriously consider everything that I have shared in this column, the one dominant thought I hope you will retain is that we should not give up on people who need help the most. We truly need people who are encouragers, who will look for the good in others and focus on giving them positive reinforcement. Sometimes even a smile or a kind word goes a lot further than we realize.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1038 - DID YOU MISS THE BOAT?

No. 1038

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DID YOU MISS THE BOAT?

Do you ever feel like you missed the boat? While this is just a figure of speech, many people feel like life, and real success, has passed them by and they simply missed the boat. Where they are now is nowhere near where they thought they would be when they were younger.
If this is your case, take heart, for I have some exciting news for you. During my prayer time this morning I got to thinking about our church services. At the end, an “invitation” is always extended to those in the congregation who wish to make a decision. The decision could be to accept Christ, move their membership, request prayer for themselves, or express other needs or concerns. Quite often we have those who come to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
In the case of those who wish to rededicate themselves, it simply means they have experienced a time in their lives when they strayed from the path, have fallen out of fellowship or into sin, and the Holy Spirit has been dealing with them. The good news is that we serve a living and loving God who is quick to forgive and restore us to a full and happy relationship with Him. All we have to do is repent and sincerely ask him to forgive us. Isn’t that great news? It means that we do not ever again have to be burdened down with the past. The sad news is that millions of people who don’t know the Lord live this way, day after day, and they feel like the weight of the world is riding on their shoulders.
I am convinced this is one reason so many people commit suicide. When the burden of living a life without purpose becomes too great, they lose hope. Life, for them, does not seem worth living. Believe it or not, when I started to write this column these thoughts were not on my mind. I wanted to talk about those people who are full of regrets because they feel like they did not get enough education, were not blessed with good looks, grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, or saw many other reasons why they are not successful. In other words, they feel like they have missed the boat.
Here is the good news, and news that is laced with hope. First, when we have the right relationship with the Lord and know where we stand, it frees us up to develop and use all our God-given potential to achieve most anything we really want to achieve. Of course, there are limiting factors like age, physical health, economic conditions, destructive habits, and sometimes a negative, defeatist attitude. The thought I want to plant deeply and firmly in your mind is that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It is my prayer for you, if you feel like you have missed the boat, that never again will you use these things as an excuse for not developing and using the God-given potential with which you were born.
I hope you will just see things realistically for what they really are. If you are an American, you live in the most successful and prosperous nation in the history of the world. There are more opportunities here than anywhere on earth. If you lack education, make plans to get it. If you need a job, resolve that you are going to get one. Just understand that it is no disgrace to start at the bottom and work your way up. Just make some solid plans to achieve whatever you wish to accomplish and stay with it until you do. What I am talking about is a change of heart, mind and attitude to see yourself as the very special person you are.
If this sounds like Pollyanna to you, it is not. There are millions of people in our country who have felt as you do, but have overcome all odds to achieve the kind of life they wish to live, and now have all the rewards they desire. The only vote that really counts is the one looking back at you from the mirror.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1021 HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICS!

No. 1021

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICS!

The English poet and critic Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) once said that a critic is “a certain race of men that either imagine it their duty, or make it their amusement, to hinder the reception of every work of learning or genius.” While none of us like to be criticized, it happens to the vast majority of people at some time or another.
Now this question please: Do you have people in your life who criticize you on a regular and ongoing basis? If you do, I have some thoughts to share with you today that could be very helpful in responding or dealing with criticism. In writing this column I am pleased to say that 95 percent of my responses (either letter, card, e-mail, or phone call) are very positive, with very minor criticism. In fact, some of my readers share things with me that bring tears to my eyes.
However, from time to time I get correspondence from someone I have rubbed the wrong way or taken a view opposite from his or her own. As a Christian I am sure I am considered fair game for some people who are non-believers. The first thing I try to do is determine if the criticism is valid. If it is and I have made a mistake, I apologize, and then take steps to correct my mistake as best I can. In many cases I have responded to readers in a kind, sincere way, where I have given my reasons for the position I have taken, and we have become friends. That is the outcome I always desire. We should also realize that not everyone is going to like us.
My whole life is based on the simple concept of respect, as I respect the rights, views and opinions of others. I have a good friend here in my community who is totally on the opposite side of my position concerning the separation of church and state. One thing we both agree on is that it is a sign of maturity when we can disagree about something and remain friends. There is one central position I take involving any criticism I may receive, and that is I always try to learn something and not make the same mistake over and over again.
Another important aspect in dealing with criticism, whether valid or not, is to forgive the other person. I tell you, the world would be a much better place if we could always do that. Most of the confrontations that take place, that often lead to violence, are when a person is not willing to forgive a person who has wronged them. You know in the Bible, Jesus was asked if we are supposed to forgive someone seven times. He said, “No, seventy times seven.” In other words just keep forgiving them. If this is not your nature or personality, just try doing this for a while and you will see a tremendous change in your life for the better. If our world is going to be better for our children and grandchildren after we are gone, we must learn to live together in harmony, peace and love.
Here is something that sums up what I have been saying. It is called “The Builder.” “I saw them tearing a building down, a gang of men in my hometown. With a heave and a-ho, and a yes-yes yell, they swung a beam and a sidewall fell. And I said to the foreman, ‘Are these men skilled? Like the ones you would use if you had to build?’ And he laughed and said, ‘Oh no, indeed … the most common labor is all I need, for I can destroy in a day or two what takes a builder 10 years to do.’ So I thought to myself as I went on my way … which of these roles am I willing to play? Am I the one who is tearing down, as I carelessly make my way around? Or am I the one who builds with care, in order to make the world a better place … simply because I was there?” (Author Unknown)
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1039 - THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN!

No. 1039

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN!

John Maisel, founder and Chairman Emeritus of East-West Ministries International, once said, “Most of us go through life as only two-thirds a person. We develop ourselves physically and mentally, but not spiritually.” It is along these lines that I would like to share some thoughts with you today, and my topic will be “The Mark of a Christian.”
Do you know for sure how to tell if a person is a Christian or not? Well, believe it or not there is a way, and before we come to the end of our visit, I will tell you what it is. If you don’t already know, I believe you will agree with me. The basis of my remarks will be my own personal journey of going from two-thirds of a person to being whole.
I grew up in a small town in Southeast Arkansas, born in 1938. While my parents loved me, worked hard to provide for me and my sister, and had high ethical and moral standards, they were not Christians. Over all the years I knew him, my father, who was a good man, was in a church one time to attend a funeral. To be sure, I was not reared in a Godly home, and looking back I paid a high price for it. My mother would have gone more if he had supported her, but I attended church a good part of the time, mainly because this is where the girls were.
Ever since those early days, church has always been important to me. Looking back I know now that I was not a Christian but rather I was a church member. Sadly, there are millions of people in our churches today who, like me, are members of a church but they are not Christians. They believe they are Christians but they are really not. They go to church on Sunday but do not live like Christians the rest of the week. This changed for me on Feb. 26, 1984, when I gave my life to Jesus, was baptized and began a new life. You see, being a Christian is all about change. Hear these words recorded in II Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he has become a new creature, old things have passed away and behold, new things have come.”
A part of that change that takes place in our heart is to be born again. In John 3:3, Jesus replies: “I assure that unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He elaborates more in verses 5 and 6: “Unless someone is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh and whatever is born of the spirit is spirit.” I mentioned earlier that my life changed when I gave my heart to Jesus as I began to read and study the Bible. I have now read it all the way through, once each year, for 25 straight years. What a blessing that has been as I see and understand things now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that I could never have known any other way.
In those early years, and even more so today, I asked God to bless me and He is truly faithful to His word. Things are happening in my life today that I would never have dreamed possible. The thing that is truly exciting is that the more I trust Him, the more He blesses me. It was during my Bible study that I came to truly understand “The Mark of a Christian.” The answer is found in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples (followers) that you have love for one another.” My friend this is the mark of a Christian.
Here is how this simple concept can make a difference in the lives of millions of our citizens and the future of America as well. When our people have true love in our hearts, we won’t have the crime, riots, mass murders, cheating and corruption that we have today.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1022 - THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS!

No. 1022

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS!

It has been said that happiness is the universal goal. To be sure, everyone wants to be happy. No one wants to be miserable and fail in life. Sadly, many people are unhappy, and I suspect a good number of them do not really understand why they are unhappy. If you are not as happy as you would like to be, I have some thoughts to share with you today that may be helpful. At least this is my heart’s desire.
While I have never claimed to have all the answers and certainly do not now, I do try to apply some common sense to things I share in this column, along with over four decades of learning from trial and error. Yes, I have made lots of mistakes. The great thing about human beings is that we can learn from them. We are not like a cat that sits on a hot stove and finds out too late that he sits on a hot stove only once.
First, let me say that when it comes to being happy, there are some things we can do that will insure the probability of achieving a happy life. Certainly there is no sure thing here because there are some things that happen to us along the way that are completely beyond our control. With that overview behind us, let me begin by sharing something that was shared with me by Ed Jackson, a friend who spent more than 50 years in the field of education. Ed said that to be happy you need at least three things: 1. Something to do. 2. Someone to love. 3. Something to look forward to.
As a starting point, do you have those three things in your life? Do you have something worthwhile to do when you get out of bed each day? Do you have someone special in your life you love and who loves you? And do you have worthwhile goals? In other words, do you still have some things you want to achieve before you hang it up? For me, life is exciting because here at age 77 I am having more rewards, having more fun, and looking forward to each new day more than ever before.
While certainly there are no guarantees, to increase the odds of being truly happy there are some things we can do that will change our perspective and our outlook on life. When someone once said that “when you have your health, you have just about everything,” they said a mouthful. We are truly blessed if we are born with a sound mind and a healthy body. But if we are going to have and live a productive and healthy life, we have to learn to take care of our body (made up of body, mind and spirit). While I won’t go into it here, for people all across our nation the greatest neglect of all is our spiritual life. And really this is the most important because it will determine where we will spend eternity.
When it comes to being truly happy we need to understand there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is something that can be seen on the outside while joy is something that takes place on the inside. For example, a kid playing alone in the dirt can be happy, while a celebrity riding in a $40 million jet airplane can be miserable, and life is no fun. Again, to increase our odds of being happy, there are basic things we must do -- get a good education, find work that is very satisfying, eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise.
Here is what works for me, and something you might consider that can be summed up with these words by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer: “The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” The more we do and give to others, the happier we will be.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1040 - WE EAT WITH OUR EYES!

No. 1040

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS LETTUCE

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE EAT WITH OUR EYES!

The Canadian-born journalist and politician, Sir Arthur Beverley Baxter, once said of food, “It is part of the spiritual expression of the French, and I do not believe that they ever heard of calories.”
If you like to eat, and who among us doesn’t, today you are in for a real treat. It might be well to state something here in the beginning about calories, because they can both be friend and enemy. There is some information I learned several years ago about calories that has been very helpful for me. The truth is, if we consume more calories than we burn, we are going to gain weight. One of the keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to be very aware of the kind of calories we are consuming.
Over the past two to three years I have lost about 30 pounds. I now feel better, look better and am healthier than any time during my life. I exercise on a regular basis, watch my sugar intake like a hawk, as well as watch out for foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. It is simply a change in lifestyle and well worth giving up anything that is not healthy for us. Sometime back I told you that my new bride is a great cook and has written four cookbooks. While it is not anything dramatic, a while back she made a statement that I had never heard or thought about before. She said, “We eat with our eyes.” This is so true. When we go down the line in a cafeteria, we usually pick out the foods to eat that look the best.
Because of her years of experience, she has that knack of placing foods on a plate to make them very attractive, and as a result more appetizing. A good example is a sugar-free pineapple pie that a friend gave me the recipe for a few years ago. I have been fixing this pie and taking it to various functions over the past few months, and have even had several requests to bring it when we have potlucks. Well, enter the pie-decorating guru. A few weeks ago we had a potluck for our Sunday school class and it fell my lot to bring the sugar-free pineapple pie. Actually, it has a little sugar, but not much. I will give you the recipe in a minute.
After the pie was made, Janis decorated the top, which consists entirely of sugar-free Cool Whip topping. She took some crushed pecans, one whole strawberry for the center, cut some slices for strategic placement, and added some blueberries and pineapple chunks. When she got through with it, it was a thing of beauty. She even took pictures and put it on Facebook, which has resulted in lots of Likes.
Now, here is the recipe. It is so simple, I hope you will try it. The ingredients consist of: one 9-inch crust from the dairy section of the grocery store; a large box of sugar-free, fat-free vanilla pudding; one 16 oz. light sour cream (undrained); one tub of sugar-free Cool Whip; one 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (light juice). That’s all it takes, plus whatever toppings you wish to add.
Here is how to put it together: Bake the pie crust in a 9-inch glass pie plate (follow directions on the box for baking). Mix the pineapple, sour cream and vanilla pudding in a Tupperware bowl or other suitable container. After the crust has cooled, scoop the ingredients into the crust and smooth out the center and out to the edges. Then add the Cool Whip and let it stand in the refrigerator to be ready to serve. Toppings can be added at any time, but just before serving is best as they will be the freshest.
If you will think about it, there are many benefits in this column. Not the least is taking time to arrange food items on a plate, serving tray or other container to make them as attractive as possible. We do eat with our eyes.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS LETTUCE

No. 1023 - GOD BLESS AMERICA!

No. 1023

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Back in the days when I was doing a lot more public speaking than I do today, I used to tell a joke that would make my mother so mad, especially when she heard me telling it. I used to tell folks that I grew up living in the back of a small-town restaurant. The kids in our town called it the “Greasy Spoon.” They said it was so bad the flies would try to get out.
This came to mind when I began to think about what I wanted to share with you today and that is the simple concept of patriotism. It has been said that a Patriot is someone who is proud of his country. Now, these questions please: are you patriotic and are you proud to be an American?
Well, I can tell you truthfully that I am very patriotic and I truly love America. Certainly our nation is not perfect, but it is still that shining city on the hill that President Ronald Reagan talked about and is still the best hope of mankind on earth. One thing is for sure, there are millions of people who want to get in but, with few exceptions, there are not many who want to get out, who are free to go if they are a citizen in good standing. Thus my earlier reference to the flies trying to get out of the Greasy Spoon.
Over the years no doubt you have heard the song “God Bless America” sung by the late, singer Kate Smith (1907-1986). When I hear this fabulous lady sing this song, it gives me goose bumps. Other than just enjoying and greatly appreciating this song, I did not know the history, or much about it until a friend sent it to me a while back. I guess one reason I love Kate Smith so much is that she was also patriotic. One reason this song became so popular is that it was timely, coming in 1940 when America was still in a terrible economic depression, Hitler was taking over Europe, and Americans were afraid we would have to go to war. It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans.
Here is the story: This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings listening to their favorite entertainers. No entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith. Kate was also large -- plus size, as we now say. The popular phrase still used today is in deference to her -- “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.” Kate Smith may not have made it big in the age of TV, but with her voice coming over the radio, she was the biggest star of her time. Kate was also patriotic, as I said earlier, and it hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what the next day would bring.
She had hope for America, and faith in her fellow Americans. She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American song-writer, Irving Berlin (who also wrote “White Christmas”) and asked him to write a song that would make Americans feel good again about their country. When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her. He went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 22 years before – way back in 1917.
She and Irving Berlin were not sure how the public would receive the song, but both agreed they would not take any profits from “God Bless America.” Any profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties from this song. To this day, “God Bless America” stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country. When we stop to think about how truly blessed we are, and understand the price of freedom, we still believe this is the home of the free and the brave. To be sure, we have some work to do, but we are still that shining city on a hill and the best hope of mankind on earth.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1024 - THE COLD WITHIN!

No. 1024

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE COLD WITHIN!

The human mind is the single greatest agency to ever appear on earth. Within this small mass of collective gray matter has hatched every invention, product, idea or concept ever to grace this small planet. However, sometimes we forget that this wonderful tool is also impartial. It will only operate on what we choose (or fail to choose) to allow to enter it.
A while back a friend gave me a book to read and it was a thick book, small type that would have taken me several weeks to read. After a few weeks I began to see and read things that were just pure pornography. Even though I am sure this book had some redeeming qualities, I finally just stopped reading and put it aside. The reason I did this is because I did not want that kind of content in my mind. You see, I made a choice and that is the power we each have over our mind and also our lives.
By contrast, I want to tell you about some other great reading material that will seed your mind with thoughts that can truly make a difference in your life. My good friend Cliff Garrison from time to time forwards me a wonderful publication titled “What Will Matter” by Michael Josephson. Michael is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics based in Los Angeles. This man is also first class, and if he sends it out you be assured that it contains some helpful information. Recently Cliff sent me something he received from Michael titled, “The Cold Within,” that is great food for thought. You know it is our thoughts that produce ideas, that form the basis for our actions, and this determines the quality of our lives.
This poem was written by James Patrick Kinney, as Michael also uses selected material he gleans from others. Hope you are in a reflective mood as this is a little deep for me. It begins:
“Six humans trapped by happenstance, in black and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of wood, or so the story’s told.
Their dying fire in need of logs, the first woman held hers back, for on the faces around the fire, she noticed one was black.
The next man looking ‘cross the way, saw one not of his church, and couldn’t bring himself to give, the fire his stick of birch.
The third one sat in tattered clothes. He gave his coat a hitch. Why should his log be put to use, to warm the idle rich?
The rich man just sat back and thought, of the wealth he had in store. And how to keep what he had earned, from the lazy, shiftless poor.
The black man’s face bespoke revenge, as the first passed from his sight, for all he saw in his stick of wood, was a chance to spite the white.
And the last man from this forlorn group, did naught except for gain. Giving only to those who gave, was how he played the game.
The logs held tight in death’s still hands, was proof of human sin. They didn’t die from the cold without. They died from the cold within.”
Well, I hope you enjoyed that. I sure did. At this point it seems appropriate to share a few thoughts about the division and unrest taking place, mostly in larger cities, across our country. We have a great nation, but unless we take care to heal the wounds that are mostly self-inflicted we will suffer irreparable harm. The local police forces across our nation seem to be bearing the major brunt of the discord. This should never be the case, and I hope you will join me in making this clear to each of our citizens. There are a few bad apples, always have been and always will be, but the majority are great public servants who put their lives on the line every day for us.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1025 - PRAYER FOR ATHLETES & COACHES!

No. 1025

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PRAYER FOR ATHLETES AND COACHES!

As I look back over the years, one of the greatest blessings of my life was the time in the 1970s when I was working as a businessman consultant with our nation’s schools, primarily in my home state of Arkansas. As a motivational speaker they would invite me to speak to pre-school workshops, commencement exercises, student bodies and various workshops and conferences. One time I counted up and found that I had spoken to more than 500 school faculties. Now, I don’t say that to boast but rather to the glory of God.
I realized back then, and even more so now, that the greatest resource we have in our nation is our young people. I was born and reared before the technological revolution came along, so I don’t see the full range of potential and opportunities they have waiting on them to finish their education, whether it be college, professional or trade school. There is one area of education, however, that sometimes we overlook that will determine whether or not they will be successful as a human being.
By nature, young people are very impressionable and often develop a passion for movie stars, singers, rock bands, athletes in various sports, and many others. It should be easy to see that if they don’t follow the right people or groups, they could wind up in places they don’t want to be. Recently, I have become involved with an organization that can be very helpful for young people involved in athletics to build a solid foundation that produces the kind of character that will sustain them through the good times and the bad times.
My reference is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, based in Kansas City, Mo. To illustrate what I am saying, a friend who attended the NCAA Basketball Championship Final Four in Indianapolis brought me a copy of the prayer that was given at the Coaches Luncheon. For the sake of our precious young people, I would like to share it with you. It begins: “Dear Lord – my prayer for athletes and coaches is that they will compete for you alone. I cry out and lift my voice so that in every victory and every loss they will glorify you and stand for the cross. May their love for the game be evidence of their love for you. When they put on their uniform, lace up their shoes and walk out of the locker room, I pray they will declare their loyalty to Jesus Christ alone.
“I ask, Heavenly Father, that their drive come from the Holy Spirit, not from their flesh. Through their pain, may they never give in or give up. May their passion for competition come from above. May they know that the champion inside them is Jesus. Let their only goal be to glorify the name of Christ, and that how they compete honors you Lord. May athletes and coaches feel your delight when they compete. Let them realize that their abilities are from you, Jesus. May their sweat be an offering to their sweet Savior. Allow their hearts to yearn for your applause. May they be under your authority – respecting and honoring their teammates, coaches and opponents. May they play by all the rules and submit to you as their ultimate coach.
“Lord, they are your warriors in the heat of battle, humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Reveal to them the needs of their team so they can serve them well. May their words inspire and motivate, uttering what you desire. May their bodies be your temple. Let nothing enter their bodies that is not honoring to you. Winning is not the ultimate victory, but to become more like you. There is nothing greater. In the name of Christ, I pray. – Amen.”
Now, I believe you will agree that a young person with these values will be successful.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1026 - THEY ARE PEOPLE TOO!

No. 1026

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THEY ARE PEOPLE, TOO!

The American poet and editor James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) once said of children, they are “God’s apostles, day by day sent forth to preach of love and hope and peace.” This seemed like an appropriate way to begin to share something with you that has been a tremendous blessing in my life, but more importantly contains the seeds for a beautiful flower that can forever bloom in your life.
Over the past several months I have developed a wonderful friendship with a couple here in my community whose names are Dwight and Caryn Southerland. They are such a sweet, precious couple and the great thing about them is that they have adopted me.
A mutual friend introduced me to Caryn, who has written a first-class book titled, “Ozark Christmas.” The book is really a take-off on the now famous story of “The Night Before Christmas,” but Caryn and a high-school artist replaced the reindeer with, you guessed it, hogs. In your mind, you can probably see this sleigh making the rounds on Christmas Eve and being pulled by hogs that look a lot like Razorbacks. Anyway, this friend knew that I had written several books and felt I might be able to help Caryn in the publishing process. This began our friendship, and I soon got to know Dwight, who is also a very fine person. They have invited me to dinner several times and I have reciprocated.
Caryn has a son who, along with his wife and two beautiful little girls, lives in Northwest Arkansas. This past Thanksgiving the family invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with them. It is their custom before they pray and serve the meal to go around the table and each one tell something for which they are thankful. One of the great blessings of my life came when little 5-year-old Barrett’s time came and she said she was thankful for me. What a blessing! I felt so deeply honored and this began a friendship that has lasted to this very minute. Caryn and I have a wonderful relationship, and she told me that she wanted to cultivate this same kind of Godly relationship between Barrett and I.
Then a few weeks ago I had a phone call to let me know that Barrett and another little girl friend, not her sister, were coming for a visit and they wanted to fix dinner for me. It turned out to be spaghetti, carrots, salad and French bread, and it was very good. While I am sure Barrett and Madelyn had a little help from Grandma, I am also sure the girls were really involved in preparing the meal. When I thought about sharing this with you, the title came to me almost immediately: “They Are People, Too.”
There was a day and time in our country when small children were to be seen and not heard. Thankfully this has changed, and while I believe in discipline there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. When you discipline without love you get resentment and the loss of a close family relationship like the one I am blessed to have with the Southerland family. Should this be a situation that you can benefit from, I have a suggestion to make to you. Dorothy Law Nolte has written a wonderful little piece titled “Children Learn What They Live” that points out what happens in the lives of small children who are not made to feel like they are “People, Too.”
While I can’t share this article because it is copyrighted, go to Google and just type in the title and read it. I can promise you it will be well worth your time. We should always remember that as the twig is bent, so grows the tree. Caryn is doing a wonderful thing for her grand-girls.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1027 - THE SCOURGE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS!

No. 1027

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SCOURGE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS!

According to the dictionary, the word “scourge” means “a cause of suffering or trouble.” This is exactly what we have in our nation when it comes to illegal drugs, and this includes the use of alcohol. This is definitely a black mark and blight on our society as thousands of our citizens die each year, either from direct drug use or accidents that come about as the result of using illegal drugs. We have reached the point where no community escapes the harmful effects of illegal drug use. In most cases, law enforcement is battling it as best they can, but from all accounts they are losing the war.
The lowest common denominator is the individual life that is adversely affected by this scourge. If you, a family member, close friend or someone you truly care about is hooked on drugs, I hope you will consider very carefully what I am going to share with you in this column. Believe it or not, there is a solution to this problem, effective a vast majority of the time, when administered with love, concern, commitment and discipline.
Unfortunately, for many drug users they have to get so far down to where they have lost everything before they will seek help. While it may sound too simple, what I am going to say next is indeed true. The person who has a spirit-filled, born-again relationship with Jesus Christ will truly come to understand what drugs are doing to their body, causing pain and heartache to their family and facing the prospects of early or premature death if they do not get help. We have a great residential substance abuse program in our community called Renewal Ranch that started in 2008. Since that time, more than 100 men have gone through the program, up to a year and longer if needed, with more than a 70 percent success rate. There is no cost to the resident at all.
There are about 40 men in the program at the present time, and each week at their chapel service there are from five to 10 more who wish to enter the program. Sadly, most are turned away simply for lack of space. Our church is a strong supporter of this program, and several weeks ago these men had a Sunday evening service and sang songs and gave personal testimonies. They have developed a nice presentation where each man has a large piece of cardboard with their condition before coming to know Jesus on one side and then they turn it over to show where they are now after coming to know Him. The program includes a regular diet of Bible study, learning a marketable skill, and doing various helpful things in our community.
The following Friday after being in our church on Sunday, they held a “Rally for Recovery” fundraising event at our large Expo Center with more than 1,100 people in attendance. The founder of the program, Dr. Larry Pillow, who lost a son by drug overdose, sums up the mission of the program with these simple words: “Every Father Deserves a Sober Son, and Every Son Deserves a Sober Father.” When it comes to dealing with illegal drugs, if you have ever been sick and tired of being sick and tired, this is something you may wish to consider for your own community.
While I have never taken any illegal drugs in my own life, I can tell you the joy I feel when I see grown men, whose lives have been wrecked and they were at the end of their rope, restored and back with their families. One of Dr. Pillow’s goals is to also start a drug recovery program for women, as many of them are also addicted to illegal drugs. The motto of Renewal Ranch is “Restoring Broken Lives through Christ” and they are making a tremendous difference in the lives of these man. If you want to know more, visit www.therenewalranch.org.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 340 - DO YOU HAVE CHANGE FOR A HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL?

No. 340
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU HAVE CHANGE FOR A HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL?

What do you think would happen in your life if you could eliminate blame, stop complaining and overcame procrastination? Well, this is a loaded question because we all do these things, at least to some degree. More about this a bit later, but first I want to tell you a true story about a young lady by the name of Judy. Judy had been on the job just a few weeks as cashier for a major home improvement company when early one morning a young man came through her check-out line with a few items and plopped down a hundred dollar bill. At this point Judy had a decision to make. She could tell the young man was in a hurry, there were several other customers in line and since she had just opened up, there was only $40 in the cash drawer to start the day.
Judy then asked the question, “Do you have anything smaller?” He said, “No.” The standard procedure would have been to place the large bill in a pneumatic tube and send it to the office for change and wait for its return. This meant that all the other customers would be waiting, too. At this point Judy did not say to herself, “Why is this happening to me?” The total amount of this young man’s purchase came to $2.89 so she calmly reached under the counter, took her purse and deposited $2.89 in the cash drawer, rang up the sale, placed the merchandise in a sack, took the receipt along with the hundred dollar bill and handed it to him and said, “Thanks for shopping with us.”
This young man stood there for almost a minute before he figured out what had happened, but he finally left and that was the end of it, at least that’s what Judy thought. A couple of days later Judy’s manager came by and said, “Judy, did you actually buy a customer’s merchandise the other day?” She thought a moment and then said, “Yes, I guess I did.” The manager said, “Well, he sent you a tip.” Judy was dumbfounded but she finally said, “How much?” The manager said, “$50, but you know you can’t accept tips.” Judy said, “Let’s just put it in the Pizza fund so everyone can share in it.”
End of story? Nope. A few days later this young man brought his father by to meet Judy. His father just happened to be the founder and president of one the largest building contractors in the area and as a company they buy lots and lots of stuff. All kinds of stuff that this major home improvement company sells. The father said, “Judy, because of what you did for my son the other day, we have decided that we are going to buy all of our materials and equipment from your company.”
In summation, there are lots of things that could be said about this true story but it clearly demonstrates the “POWER OF ONE.” What one person with a positive, helpful attitude can do for themselves and for their employer. Needless to say Judy’s stock went up with the company. This true story along with many others can be found in a fantastic little book titled, QBQ! The Question Behind The Question that was written by author, speaker John Miller who lives with his wife and seven children in Denver, Colorado.
The theme of John’s book is Practicing Personal Accountability in Business and in Life. Personally, I think this book is destined to become a classic in the company of others such as Take A Message To Garcia, I Dare You and The Greatest Salesman In the World. This is borne out by the fact that major companies like Wells Fargo, MasterCard, Hallmark, Blockbuster and American Express have purchased large quantities to train their employees. If you would like to have one or more copies e-mail John at www.QBQ.com or call 1-800-774-0737. The price is $16.00 which includes shipping & handling. This book is a winner. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 341 - ONE MAN'S CRUSADE TO PREVENT SUICIDE

No. 341
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ONE MAN’S CRUSADE TO PREVENT SUICIDE

Someone once said that “Suicide is the worst form of murder, because it leaves no opportunity for repentance.” According to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, each year over 30,000 Americans end their own lives by committing suicide. We have all known people who have done this, either in our own family or the family of co-workers or friends. While suicide is tragic in any case, because a human life is precious and is to be valued and cherished, it is especially so for young people who, under normal circumstances, have their whole lives ahead of them. The pain just has to be horrific for parents who have a son or daughter who commits suicide.
My good friend Bob George, who teaches social studies at the Dodge City High School in Kansas, sent me something in the mail a few weeks ago that has touched me deeply. Bob sent me a packet of newspaper articles about a man by the name of Steve Fugate who passed through his community on his way to completing a 4858 mile journey from the West coast to the East coast on foot. Here is his story and after you read it I believe it will touch you, too. Steve Fugate is originally from South Lebanon, Ohio but later moved to Vero Beach, Florida where he opened a Auto Detail Shop.
He successfully operated his business for almost 30 years, but some time ago a friend turned him on to hiking. It was not long until he fell in love with the peace and solitude than came from the long hours of being alone out in nature. One day back in 1999 he left his business with his son, Stevie and set out to hike the Appalachian Trail that runs all the way from Central Maine to Northern Georgia. His son Stevie was a brilliant student in college with a perfect 4.0 grade point and he had grown up in his dad’s business, so Steve felt it was in good hands.
About half way through the hike, Steve received word that his son Stevie, facing the pressures of running the business and possible jail time for a DUI charge that was hanging over him, wandered out on the beach one night with a shotgun and took his own life. Steve was devastated and grieved for months. He later said, “There is no worse pain that can happen to a human being, I don’t believe. It carves your heart out.” He would soon make the decision to do something to call attention to the tragedy of suicide.
An act of Congress back in 1992 had created a new hiking trail that is called the American Discovery Trail that runs all the way from Point Reyes National Seashore in California to Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware so Steve decided to hike the full length of this trail to call attention to this national tragedy. After reading all the various articles and seeing the pictures of Steve as he pulled a homemade cart that he designed himself so it could be converted to a back pack for crossing the mountains, I can just imagine the commitment and stamina that must have been required to make this trip.
He averaged about 24 miles per day and said as far as he knows he may be the only man to ever cross the desert without a support team. The entire trip took over 6 months to complete, but as he traveled through 13 different states he would tell his story to anyone who would listen. He often spoke in churches, especially in the Midwest where he said the people showed him love and compassion. He began with a little over $2600 on a trip that would normally have required over $10, 000, but he never had wants that were not met and he never asked anyone to help him. Steve Fugate is a deeply religious man, but his walk across America was not to spread the Gospel, but rather to call attention to the tragedy of suicide. The sign on his cart said it all: LOVE LIFE. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 342 - THE LIFTERS AND LEANERS

No. 342
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LIFTERS AND LEANERS

We have a wonderful ministry in our church that we call The God Squad. The God Squad is comprised of a group of men and women, mostly men, who help other people when they move their furnishings from one location to another. We have given new meaning to the old saying that “Three moves is equal to a fire.” Not really, actually we do a pretty good job of taking care of the furniture. Since there is a good deal of heavy lifting involved I have recruited some young guys who are really strong. I can truthfully say that I do as much hard work as anyone else but I’ve noticed at my age I do more picking and choosing of what to lift and leave the really heavy pieces for those young guys.
In a very real sense this is a picture of life itself and the way it should be played out. When we are young we should carry more of the load and as we grow older we should use our backs less and our minds more. In keeping with this thought I want to share something with you that was written by an unknown author titled, “The Lifters and Leaners.” As you read it begin to think about your own circumstances and where you are at this time in your life. Here is an insight. This is not about lifting heavy furniture but rather about your core values and about doing your part when there is a job to be done.
THE LIFTERS AND LEANERS: “There are two kinds of people on earth today, just two kinds of people, no more, I say. Not the good and the bad, for it’s well understood the good are half bad and the bad are half good. Not the happy and the sad, for the swift flying years bring each man his laughter and each man his tears. Not the rich and the poor, for to count a man’s wealth you must first know the state of his conscience and health. Not the humble and proud, for in life’s busy span who puts on vain airs is not counted a man. No! The two kinds of people on earth I mean are the people who lift and the people who lean. Where ever you go you will find the world’s masses are ever divided in just these two classes. And strangely enough, you will find, too, I ween, there is only one lifter to twenty who lean. In which class are you? Are you easing the load of overtaxed lifters who toil down the road? Or are you a leaner who lets others bear your portion of worry and labor and care?”
Well, what do you think? Did you see yourself in this poem anywhere at all? I sure did. Here I am reminded of something my friend John Miller said a while back. He said, “We tend to teach to others what we need to hear ourselves.” It’s like the boss who sends 20 of his employees to a self-improvement conference when he or she is really the one who should have been there. So long as we are free in this great country the one thing we have going for us is the power to choose. When we truly understand that over time we really do get back what we first give, we can then choose a course of action that will bring us all the rewards that we desire.
The sad truth is this. The leaners may think they are getting by with something when they don’t do their part but sooner or later the scales of justice will balance and they will get exactly what they have earned. I might add, these are the first ones to get a pick slip when business is bad. The real advantage the leaners have missed is something we call momentum. When we jump in and make a real contribution, whether it’s our job, career or a service project the momentum begins to build and we have set the wheels in motion for even bigger and better rewards down the road. At this point we have become a ‘lifter’ or that one out of twenty who has made our country the greatest nation on earth. It all starts with our attitude. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 343 - WRITE YOUR MOTHER, TURKEY!

No. 343
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WRITE YOUR MOTHER, TURKEY!

One day this past week my friend Robert Love came up to our office from North Little Rock to give me some additional training on the computer. I’m getting a lot better but I still have a long way to go. Robert is a computer whiz and at one time was the webmaster for our state press association. He also developed and hosts our Web site and I might add, he likes Viola’s cooking.
He was sitting at the computer developing a program to run laser labels, when the postman came with the mail. This is an exciting time for me because each days mail always brings letters from readers around the country. This particular day I had a couple of letters from readers up in Indiana and as I was reading parts of them out loud, Robert commented, “I bet you get lots of satisfaction from writing your column and hearing from readers about how it is helping them and making a difference in their lives.”
I said, “Robert, this is the most important part of all, much more so than the money I earn. There are millions of people all across this great nation who need a word of encouragement, a good idea or a poem or concept they can use themselves or share with their children and grandchildren. And based on the letters, I know I have readers from the very young, middle age folks and those who are senior citizens. Yes, I get tremendous satisfaction from doing what I do.”
The conversation ended as I returned a phone call to the editor of the newspaper in Canyon, Texas who is interested in running my column. I tell you, technology is wonderful. I gave her my web address as we spoke, she keyed it in and up popped my web site that contains everything she needs to get started; the columns, a mug shot and a nice debut article. I might add, I love the people in Texas because they are good people and we have a large number of papers there who run this column. In West Texas, where Canyon is located, we run in communities like Sweetwater, Big Spring, Dimmit, Borger and Hereford. Incidentally, the paper in Hereford has a neat name, “The Hereford Brand.”
When I think of West Texas and the wide open spaces, I’m reminded of the old boy who left a small West Texas community shortly after W.W.II to go to New York City to seek his fortune. And speaking of technology, in those days there was no Internet, computers or television and very few people had a telephone. Anyway, this old boy had been gone from home for about six months and his mother got worried about him because he had not written her. She did not know if he was alive or dead.
Then one day she heard that another young man was also going to New York City so she got in touch with him. She said, “My son went to New York City about six months ago and I’ve not heard from him. If you see him, please tell him to write his mother.” This young man said, “What’s his name?” She said, “John Dunn.” A few weeks later this second young man was walking down the street in New York City and he looked up and saw a sign on the building across the street that said, “DUN & BRADSTREET.”
He thought to himself, “This must be where John is” so he walked across the street, went in the front door and the receptionist greeted him and said, “May I help you?” He said, ‘Where’s John?” She kinda nodded her head and said, “Down the hall, second door on the left.” He went down the hall and started in the door and about that time he met a man coming out so he said, “Are you Dunn?” This man said, “Yes.” This old boy from West Texas then said to him, “Write your mother, turkey.” Technology is sure a wonderful thing, but here is a case where I don’t think it would have helped much. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 344 - THREE LIFE SENTENCES

No. 344
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THREE LIFE SENTENCES

I would like to tell you a true story about “Three Life Sentences” that I believe will touch your heart. I know it has mine. Several years ago I met a man here in our community by the name of Don Bingham. Don is a very fine man but he is also one of those multi-talented individuals who has distinguished himself in a number of different fields. He is a gifted musician, author and entertainer and he is also a fantastic chef. He has hosted his ‘Celebrate With Cooking’ show on the local affiliate stations for PBS and CBS and has made numerous guest appearances on the local ABC station. Recently he was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs, one of only 22 chefs that year in the United States with this distinction.
About five years ago the Governor of our state recognized his talents and secured his services to be the Governor’s Mansion Administrator where he serves as host, event planner and executor of day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Mansion. This is the backdrop for the true story of “Three Life Sentences.” A few weeks before joining the Governor’s staff, Don was hosting a special event for the Governor and some of his guests and he noticed a handsome young man who was one of the servants. He really looked sharp in his neatly pressed trousers, white coat and black bow tie, but Don said he was even more impressed with his fine attitude and the gracious, efficient manner in which he conducted himself.
After the event was over Don went up to him and introduced himself. His name is John. As they began to chat Don learned that he was a prison inmate who had earned the rank of trustee. He also learned that from six to nine other inmates where there to maintain the grounds and to routinely perform household duties in the mansion. This is an incentive program for ‘model’ inmates and it also saves money for the taxpayers. The inmates are transported each night by the state police to a secure location in another part of the city.
When Don became Mansion Administrator he began a relationship with John that has lasted till this day. John had educated himself in many areas and had also acquired computer skills that enabled him to help Don in performing his job more efficiently. Don said the thing that impressed him most about John was his wonderful, helpful attitude, especially considering where he was at this time in his life. After several years the news came suddenly that, after 14 years of being incarcerated, John was going to be released. Don said the news caught him by surprise and he didn’t have any money in his wallet to give him and all he could do was fix him a sandwich to eat on his way back to prison where he would be released.
On the way back John wrote Don a note on a small piece of paper that contained three sentences. You have encouraged me. You have given me confidence in my abilities. You have given me hope for the future. When a mutual friend, Betty Fraser, heard this she said, “That’s it! That’s THREE LIFE SENTENCES.” I believe you agree that this is a little bit different than what we would normally think about in relation to a prison inmate. Three life sentences is usually bad news, but this was great news because it meant the opportunity to have a great future on the outside world. Please go back and reread them.
As part of the prison release requirements, John had to move to another state but this was over three years ago and he is doing great. He is a computer technician with a solid job and he is now making a contribution as a productive member of society. He has stayed in contact with Don by e-mail and has also written and called him a number of times. It all started with a helpful, positive attitude. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 345 - THE PRINCIPLE OF EMPOWERMENT

No. 345
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PRINCIPLE OF EMPOWERMENT

There is a little known principle that, if completely understood and applied, can make a wonderful difference in any person’s life. This is the “Principle Of Empowerment.” In essence, what this means is that a person in a position of leadership can transfer his or her authority and influence to others. I remember back in the days when I was in printing sales and later in the field of motivation, I had to learn who the decision maker was very quickly. Otherwise I would have been spending a lot of valuable time with the wrong people. The decision maker was not necessarily the top person, especially in a large organization, but the decision maker did have to get their authority from somewhere.
This is where the “Principle Of Empowerment” comes into play. In order to bring what I’m saying a little closer to home, let me share a couple of examples that will make this principle very clear to you. The first example involves a wealthy businessman who has held a number of conferences over the years for some of his key people at a ski lodge in Deer Valley, Utah. The last time this group was there, as they went to check out on their way to the airport, this businessman went to the office to settle up and discovered that one of the couples had left their key in the room. Time was short and they would have missed their flight had they returned to get it.
The desk clerk said, “I’m going to have to charge you $25.00 for the lost key.” The businessman said, “I don’t feel good about this additional charge. The key is in the room and over the past several years we have spent over $100,000 with your company.” The desk clerk became even more rigid and would not drop the additional charge. After becoming very irritated the businessman finally paid the extra charge and went on his way. Later this man said to his wife, “The desk clerk is not the one at fault here. The fault lies with the owner who failed to train him properly.” In other words, he was not empowered with even a little common sense which could cost the company some very profitable business.
Now, contrast this with an employee for a major West coast department store. The day before this man and his wife were to leave for Deer Valley, she went to this department store to buy her son a pair of pajamas. She picked out a nice pair but discovered they had to be hemmed before he could wear them. The lady employee of this department store did not blink. She offered to have them hemmed and drive them out to this couple’s home that night so her son could have them in time for the trip. And the pajamas is all she bought. The business philosophy of this department store was based on the “Principle Of Empowerment” which can be summed up in this very simple statement, “Use your good judgment in all situations.”
Empowering is simply anyone in a leadership position giving his or her influence and authority to others for the purpose of personal and organizational growth. To do this is not quite that simple because this process takes time. Before a person can be empowered there are four qualifications that must be met. No. 1 POSITION. We cannot empower someone we do not lead. No. 2 WE MUST HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE WE EMPOWER. No. 3 RESPECT. Relationships cause people to want to be with us, but respect causes people to want to be empowered by us. No. 4 COMMITMENT. Regardless of the trials and tribulations we encounter, if we are committed, we will never take our eyes off the goal.
If you would like to know more about the “Principle Of Empowerment”, pick up a copy of the book BECOMING A PERSON OF INFLUENCE by John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan. Most quality bookstores have it or can order it for you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 346 - AMERICA'S "FIRST" SELF-MADE MAN

No. 346
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
AMERICA’S “FIRST” SELF-MADE MAN

In recent years we have heard a lot about self-made people, mostly men, but many women have rightly earned this distinction, as well. As I’ve said before in this column, I don’t really believe that any successful person is truly self-made, because along the way they all had help from other people. Taking this fact into account, there have been countless individuals who, from a very humble beginning without the benefit of formal education and coming from a wealthy family, have risen to the top in every field of endeavor. I dare say that America would not be the dominant power in the world today were it not for the example set by these people, both past and present.
In short, in our climate of freedom millions of us have been inspired to do more and have more because other people have extended the limits of the possible. In the early days of our nation’s history one man set the tone for what I’ve been saying and could justly be called, America’s “first” self-made man. Not to keep you in suspense, do you know who I am talking about? Well, it is none other than Benjamin Franklin, well known American statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Unless you are a student of history or have read his autobiography, you may be surprised at this man’s background and many of the things he accomplished during his life time. Before I give you a brief overview of his accomplishments, let me say that my goal here is not to present this information as a history lesson, but rather to dispel the myth held by many people that those who are successful are or were lucky, had money to begin with or were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. This was certainly not the case with Benjamin Franklin.
He was born in Boston in 1706, the 15th of 17 children of a poor candle maker and had little more than one year of actual schooling. He had to go to work to earn a living when he was 12 years of age. He left Boston when he was 17 and went to New York, but couldn’t find a job so he went on to Philadelphia, walking most of the way. He arrived with only a few pennies in his pocket and got a job as a printer. Soon he went into business for himself as a publisher, first a newspaper, then a magazine. His first great publishing success was “Poor Richard’s Almanac”, that he started when he was 26, which later was credited with being the only printed material in every American home.
Ben Franklin was also a noted scientist and inventor. Every schoolboy knows that he drew electricity from a cloud on a kite string, but few people realize that he wrote one of the first textbooks on electricity. It was so important that it was translated into foreign languages. He was the first to discover positive and negative electricity, without the knowledge of which there could be no electrical power today. He gave the world the concept of the electric battery, electrical charges, condensation and the conductor. He also invented a simple, safe lightening rod which became almost a standard household item.
This self-made man truly made a difference. He organized the first service club in America. He also founded the first national library and museum, the first patent office, the first regular police force, the first fire department, the first fire insurance company, the great Pennsylvania Hospital and the college that would later become the University of Pennsylvania. What a career for a man who started with nothing. After making a fortune and retiring from business at the age of 42, he went on to serve his government in a number of different capacities, including 25 years negotiating important matters in England and France. Never say that truly successful people are “lucky.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 347 - A CASE OF DISTRESSING NUMBERS

No. 347
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A CASE OF DISTRESSING NUMBERS

We live in an age of numbers and statistics. Each weekday, except holidays, millions of Americans watch for the numbers that are reported from Wall Street. In the field of education, test scores tell us how well our children are doing in school. Most athletic contests are decided when an individual or a team has a higher number or a lower number depending on the sport or type of activity. The same thing is true when it comes to the numbers that are posted in our check book and other financial records. For the most part numbers tell us whether we win or lose. Sometimes the numbers are good and sometimes they are bad, but we can always look toward the next day, next week or the next year. In short, most of us live with the hope that things will get better.
The other day a friend sent me something that contains some numbers that I would like to have you think about. First, this question. How would you like to work for the following company? It has a little over 500 employees with the following statistics: 29 have been accused of spousal abuse. 7 have been arrested for fraud. 19 have been accused of writing bad checks. 117 have bankrupted at least two businesses. 3 have been arrested for assault. 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit. 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges. 8 have been arrested for shoplifting. 21 are current defendants in lawsuits. In 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving.
Now back to my earlier question. How would you like to work for a company that has a little over 500 employees with this track record? In case you have not figured out who I have been talking about, if you are an American citizen and pay taxes, these people work for you. These are the numbers for the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group that perpetually cranks out hundreds upon hundreds of new laws designed to keep the rest of us in line.
This may explain why I was so distressed the other day when I heard a number during a newscast. The number was 40 million, which is not chicken feed in anyone’s book. In this case this 40 million number was referring to people. This is the number of the American people who have a criminal record. This figures out to one in every seven of us being convicted of committing a crime. The good news is that six out of every seven Americans have not been convicted of a crime, but to me, this is still very, very distressing. It should make each of us stop and think about where we went wrong and what we can do about it.
While you may say that it’s not that simple, the right answer is leadership. The cornerstones of leadership are character and integrity and it’s painfully obvious to me that we are just not getting this from many of our elected politicians. When Jesus said, “The love of money is the root of all evil”, He hit the nail on the head. It’s not the graft and corruption of many politicians that is doing us in so much, it’s the influence peddlers who put a dollar in the plate and take out ten dollars when the plate comes back around that is doing the greatest harm to our system.
What’s the answer? Obviously, it’s to elect people to leadership positions at every level of our government who have character and integrity and who won’t sell out for any price. But when we think about those 40 million Americans who have been convicted of committing a crime, it really comes back to you and me. The only person I can change is me. As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Think not about what your country can do for you, but think about what you can do for your country.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 348 - THE REAL AUTHOR OF DIRT ROADS

No. 348
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE REAL AUTHOR OF “DIRT ROADS”

One of the things that makes life so interesting is that it’s full of surprises. Some are pleasant and some are not. A few weeks ago I got a small package in the mail along with this note, “Mr. Davidson- I read with interest your column where you quoted Paul Harvey regarding “Dirt Roads.” One problem: he didn’t write the piece...I did. You can check it out in the enclosed book which Mr. Harvey quoted and gave me proper credit.” He then went on to give me Paul Harvey’s secretary’s name and phone number. He concluded by saying, “I’d appreciate a correction. Thanks.” The note was signed Lee Pitts.
Of course Mr. Pitts is exactly right. The title of his book is “People Who Live at the End of DIRT ROADS” and it contains a quote by the late Paul Harvey on the back cover. The same day I got his note I wrote him back to apologize for not giving him proper credit for his work. The fact is I had never heard of Lee Pitts until that day. This is a common problem and one of the reasons I decided to write this column. Paul Harvey did indeed quote Lee Pitts on his national radio show and gave him proper credit. However, because this piece was so good, many people passed it along to their friends, but somewhere along the way the name of the real author was lost in the shuffle.
In other words, some person gave Paul Harvey credit as being the author and it just spread from there. Case in point. A few days after I got the book and note from Lee Pitts, I got another e-mail:forward that was titled “Dirt Roads” and sure enough it listed the author as Paul Harvey. I later learned this e-mail originated in Canada. The truth is, Lee Pitts is a fantastic writer and I can understand why Paul Harvey would want to quote him. I consider it a privilege to set the record straight, at least for those who read my column.
Here is a little background information in the event you are not familiar with his writing. Lee Pitts is the executive editor for Livestock Market Digest, a weekly newspaper serving the livestock industry. He is the author of five previous books and a syndicated weekly humor column. His is a recognized byline in rural weekly newspapers and monthly magazines throughout the West. Lee Pitts has spent the last two decades traveling around rural America writing stories and speaking about agricultural issues and the agrarian way of life. When his is not busy traveling down dirt roads, he makes his home in Los Osos, California with his wife, Diane.
Lee has a way of touching your roots and making you think about the values that have shaped our country. I particularly liked the chapter titled “The Golden Age Of America.” After he had attended a farm sale auction here are some words that he has penned, “ Car after car hurried past me, filled with antiques and relics and broken dreams. It seems we value to relics but not the society that produced them. Middle America is vanishing. These small towns along the way either flourished and grew into a city with all its problems, or they died. If enough families move away, a small town dies. If enough small towns die, the heart of a nation is destroyed.”
Again, the title is “People Who Live at the End of DIRT ROADS.” You can pick up a copy at your local bookstore or contact the author by e-mail at itsthpitts@aol.com. In light of what I’ve been saying, giving you an e-mail address is kinda ironic. The Internet can be a blessing or a curse depending on how we use it. Here is a suggestion that I hope every person who reads this column will heed. When you get a “Forward” e-mail, check to see if the author is listed. If not, add the words “Author Unknown.” No one likes to see someone else’s name on something they have written. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 349 - KEEPING ROOTS IN THE SOIL!

No. 349
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
KEEPING ROOTS IN THE SOIL!

Have you ever been so mad that you could eat ice cream with a screw driver? This is just one of over 300 “expressions” contained in a most interesting book titled, “Southern Homespun” that was written by Ruth Teaford Baker. Ruth Baker has had a long and distinguished career as a teacher and junior high school principal in Walker County, Alabama. Since 1978 she has also written a column for the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper
about the history of the area, its people and their ways.
Our paths crossed when my column began to run in this fine newspaper and I felt honored a few weeks ago when Ruth wrote me a letter and sent me a copy of her book. This lady is a wonderful writer, but she has also received a number of awards outside of the field of writing. She has been honored as the Business & Professional Women’s “Woman Of Achievement” (both local & district) “Walker County’s Mother Of The Year”, State of Alabama Governor’s Award and in 1980 she was selected as “Favorite Teacher Of Alabama” and in 1982 as “Alabama’s Teacher Of The Year.”
However, her real passion is preserving the colorful folklore of this part of the deep South. She knows full well that if it’s not written down and kept for future generations, it will be gone forever. Folklore is the traditional knowledge of small groups of people which originated in the past when there was little communication with the outside world. The traditions are handed down by word of mouth and are often found with several variations of the same tale. A history of the people is revealed through many facets of daily living, such as: customs, superstitions, tales, beliefs, songs, games, recipes and home remedies.
Now you know what is in her book, because it contains some of all of these things and when you finish reading it, you will know where many of those sayings and expressions that you have heard all your life came from. As Ruth states in the Preface, “My purpose for compiling these materials is to record for future generations the lore that is part of our heritage. I want my grandsons and all of this generation to keep roots in the soil.”
The first section of the book is titled, “Superstitions and Spooks.” The word superstition literally means a surviving belief. It includes the fear of the mysterious, the unknown and the little-known. No one sets out to teach others superstitions. No classes are held, no text book is written as a guideline. Superstitions are a part of the mores of a people. They are talked, acted out, and accepted as a part of the very process of living. This section includes moon lore, planting, harvesting, butchering and animal care, weather, birds, bees and bugs, black cats, bad luck and much, much more.
The next section is titled, “Folk Medicine: Preventatives and remedies.” While many of these have worked for years, I noted that the author had added a disclaimer to this section. There are over 30 pages of these home remedies and believe me they cover the gambit. Then we come to “Country Lingo” and there are over 20 pages of words like aheapa, bassackward, bumfuzzled, cockeyed, dreckly, kivver, oodles, sashay, and womper-jawed.
And on to the final section, the “Expressions” one of which I used to begin this column. Here are a few more you may find interesting. He didn’t last as long as Pat stayed in the Army, She’s so ugly, she’d snag lightnin, He’s so crooked he has to screw his socks on, He musta roosted on the grind rock last night, I’m brokern a she haint, and a good one to close on “Sober as a judge.” If you would like to have a copy of this delightful book, send $11.50 which includes postage and handling to Ruth Baker, 2100 Hwy. 102, Townley, AL 35587. Her hard copy edition sold out. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 350 - THE SENILITY PRAYER

No. 350
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SENILITY PRAYER

In a day when the centenarians (those who live to be a hundred years of age) are the fastest growing age group in the country, many of us still have something to look forward to. Unfortunately, a small percentage of those who live this long will develop a condition that we call senility. According to the dictionary this word means, “Mental and physical infirmity due to old age.” I thought it was interesting that the words senility and senior were listed right next to each other. There is a popular saying that is going around these days when an older person makes a mistake or can’t remember a name or what day it is, we just say they had a “senior moment.”
A while back a friend sent me something titled, “The Senility Prayer” which is a take off on the well known “Serenity Prayer.” I might add that this friend is over 80 years of age and has a great sense of humor. While you know that I would never make fun or even light of someone who is weak or frail, the ability to laugh at ourselves is one of the things that keeps a lot of us going. And so it is in this spirit that I would like to share The Senility Prayer and I hope you will see the humor in it. I might add that I don’t know who wrote this thing but it looks like they may have stayed up all night.
“God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. Now that I’m older, here’s what I’ve discovered: ONE, I started out with nothing and I still have most of it. TWO, My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran. THREE, I finally got my head together now my body is falling apart. FOUR, Funny, I don’t remember being absent minded. FIVE, All reports are in; life is now officially unfair. SIX, If all is not lost, where is it? SEVEN, It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
EIGHT, I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few. NINE, It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere. TEN, The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you’re in the bathroom. ELEVEN, If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees. TWELVE, When I’m finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess? THIRTEEN, It’s not hard to meet expenses...they’re everywhere. FOURTEEN, The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. FIFTEEN, These days I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter...I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I’m here after.”
When it comes to the subject of old age, I don’t know about you but I thank God that we live in the greatest country in the world, where medical science and technology has made it possible for more of us to live longer and feel better than ever before. There is no way to know for sure, but I would probably not be sitting here looking at a computer screen as I write this column, were is not for the development and production of cholesterol lowing drugs several years ago. Same for the by-pass surgery that I had back in 1995.
From my perspective, I want to live and stay on this earth as long as I can be productive, be in control of my faculties and make a difference in the lives of other people. Being alive, being free and having good health is the greatest blessing, in a physical sense, that any of us can ever have. Someone once said that “Nobody grows old by simply living a number of years. We grow old when we desert our ideals.” I hope you will spend a little time thinking about your own life, your age, your circumstances and what you hope to achieve in the time that you have left. It’s my personal belief that we should be prepared to die, but be ready to live. May God richly bless you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 351 - TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR BEATING STRESS

No. 351
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR BEATING STRESS

Several years ago I had the privilege of being the speaker for the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. This small community in the Southwest part of our state has the distinction of being the location for the only diamond mine in North America. This diamond mine has been developed as a state park and each year thousands of visitors from all over the world come to dig for diamonds. Many have been found and some were very large with great value. This diamond mine just looks like a plowed field and you can get out there and dig to your heart’s content.
This is what I thought of this morning when I decided to share something with you titled, ‘Ten Golden Rules For Beating Stress.” I was looking through my files the other day and discovered this ‘Gem’ that is infinitely more valuable than any diamond that has ever been found and this not only includes Murfreesboro but South Africa and all the other places in the world where diamonds have been discovered. A reader had sent this to me several years ago and I had just tucked it back in my files, not really realizing what I had. Like many of the things I receive from others, this piece had no author listed so I can’t give he or she credit for it. After you read it however, see if you don’t agree that it contains more common sense as it relates to “Stress” than most things you have read on this subject.
As advertised, here are TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR BEATING STRESS. “No. 1..Take time for yourself. Do something your really enjoy and don’t feel guilty about it. It will refresh you. No. 2..Know what you can control and what you can’t do anything about. Sometimes the only thing we can do about a situation is change our attitude toward it. No. 3.. Divide responsibilities into what is really important and forget the rest. Learn to say “NO” to what is not important to you. Say “YES” when you mean “YES” and “NO” when you mean “NO.” It relieves tension.
No. 4.. Talk out things that are bothering you with a trusted friend. A listening ear can help put things in the proper prospective. No. 5.. Make the most of your mistakes, but do not expect perfection in yourself or others. We are all just human. No. 6.. Take care of your physical needs. Get enough sleep, nutritious food and exercise. Our body and mind work together. No. 7.. Pay attention to what is happening in your body. If you feel tense, stop what you are doing and calm yourself. Try to understand what is making you tense and either change your attitude or avoid the person or situation that stresses you.
No. 8.. Be your own best friend. Compliment yourself when you have done something you feel good about. Whisper nice things to yourself. No. 9.. Avoid hurry sickness. Why are we all in such a hurry? Try to slow down. Let the phone ringing remind you to relax. Every time you hear it ring, breath deeply two or three times. No. 10.. Count your blessings. Things could always be worse. We age not by years but by events and our reactions to them. Do not let insecurity, worry or tension drain precious energy.”
As I have read and reread these TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR BEATING STRESS I can see lots of things in there that can help me. I hope the same is true for you. Here I think it is also important to remind ourselves that a certain amount of tension and stress is good. It takes that for our body to react to the many challenges that we face each day. The problem comes when we let stress build up to a level that is unhealthy and don’t recognize it until it’s too late. This is one of those columns that you may want to send to friends or put on the refrigerator. As Will Rogers once said, “It’s just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 352 - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

No. 352
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

The English historian George Trevelyan once said, Education has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading. This is a statement that contains a lot of truth for a thinking person. If you are a regular reader of this column then you know that education is something close to my heart. In todays highly technological society there is just no substitute for a quality education in relation to any of us achieving true and lasting success.
Something has happened just recently that is very exciting, but frankly we need your help to make some very important decisions. I say we because the decisions that are reached will affect many, many people from all across this great country of ours. A few weeks ago I was talking with the director of a state press association in another state and she asked this question: Have you ever considered putting your columns in a book and offering it for sale? At this point I told her about a commitment I had made to my readers several years ago. In case you did not read this particular column, I promised to never ask any of you for money, to never try to sell you anything and to never give your name to be placed on a mailing list.
I am pleased to say that I have kept this commitment although I have featured a number of books in my columns and provided information about how to order them. I have never requested or received one penny for doing this. Then this state press association director hit me with something that I am considering, but I need your help to know whether or not I would be doing the right thing. She said, Your book could be promoted by state press associations across the nation and we would receive some of the profit to provide scholarships for journalism students, something we do each year anyway.
She went on to say that the newspapers who run my column could make it available to readers and receive the lions share of the profits to be used for their NIE (Newspaper In Education) program or other community projects. I really believe in this program as my wife and I have been a local sponsor for the past four years, which means we pay for a classroom set of newspapers each week during the school year. I might add that many newspapers, especially weeklies, do not have a formal NIE program, but still provide newspapers to their local schools.
Now, here is the central question that must be answered. Are there enough people out there who would purchase one or more books to get this project off the ground? The book would make a wonderful gift for Christmas, graduation, weddings and other special occasions and could also be used as a premium to encourage people to subscribe or re-subscribe to their local newspaper. I would receive a small royalty from the sale of each one. In the early thinking stages, the title we have chosen is Learning, Earning & Giving Back and the columns included would be selected from the 350 that I have written up to this time, by a panel of award winning journalists from around the country.
If you think this idea has merit, here is what I hope you will do. Drop me a note and let me know and if you have a favorite column or two that you feel should be included, share this and we will pass it along to the selection committee. You could also encourage the folks at your local paper to participate. We have a long way to go before this book becomes a reality, but it seems to have the ingredients to help a lot of people, especially the additional students in your schools who would benefit from studying the newspaper in the classroom each week. Thank you for your friendship. I am grateful for the opportunity to be of service. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 353 - NURSING HOMES AND THE SOUNDS OF CHILDREN

No. 353
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
NURSING HOMES AND THE SOUNDS OF CHILDREN

In recent months, nursing homes around the country have come under fire because of neglect, abuse and other problems real or perceived. In response to a column I wrote some time ago titled “To All Concerned”, I heard from a good number of readers who told me horror stories about what had happened to their loved ones while they were in a nursing home. Just one wrongful death, along with any form of abuse is unacceptable, but today there are many good things that are happening in nursing homes as well. Before I share something that makes more sense than anything does I have ever heard regarding nursing homes, I want to turn those pointing fingers around for just a moment.
In response to the same column I got a letter from Roy Kelley who lives in Enid, Oklahoma and before retirement was a fire safety inspector for nursing homes in his state. He then proceeded to tell me something that I should have included in my earlier column. He said he had learned from first hand experience from many administrators and fine employees that the thing that disturbs them most is “HOW MANY RESIDENTS HAVE RELATIVES IN THE SAME CITY OR TOWN, AND ONCE THE PERSON IS COMMITTED TO A NURSING HOME OR CARE CENTER, THEY NEVER CAME TO VISIT THAT PERSON AGAIN.” Oh, maybe on some special occasion. He said it was amazing how many caregivers told him the same story.
I forgot to mention that Roy Kelley was with the Enid Fire Department for 20 years and was a Fire Marshal when he retired. This leads me back to the idea I mentioned earlier that made more sense than anything do I have ever heard on this subject. This idea was contained in an article Roy sent me that was written by Jim Killackey, as it appeared in the Daily Oklahoman titled, “Young, old come together to learn, love.” Jim Killackey gave me permission
to share the essence of his fine article with you.
In the community of Jenks, which is located in Northeastern Oklahoma, there is a program that has made a tremendous difference in the lives of young and old alike. The concept is so simple, yet so effective, that it is amazing that no one has done it before. This is true for the state of Oklahoma and may be true for the rest of the nation as well. The Jenks Public Schools has combined forces with the Jenks Grace Living Center and is the only long-term care facility that hosts public school for 61 students ages, 4, 5 and 6. The program has been so successful that schools in Edmund and Oklahoma City are looking to establish a similar public school/nursing home setting in the metro area.
The Jenks School has two teachers, a principal, and parents as volunteer aides and selected nursing home residents. Parents of these young children are elated with what they have experienced. About 20 of the nursing home residents rotate daily into the school to assist the teachers and about 70% of all Grace Living Center residents interact with the children. While there is clearly a lot of love there, it is not all fun and games for the children, as they learn fine motor skills and they participate in activities such as cutting and drawing. Another important element of program is something called the “Eden Alternative.” The idea is that introducing children, animals and plants into homes for the elderly benefits the residents.
What they are actually doing is “Nurture Children” in the important things of life, while at the same time transforming a nursing home from a sterile, stark place, to one that is vibrant and alive. If you would like to know more, why not contact the Jenks Grace Living Center in Jenks, Oklahoma. I’m sure these fine people would be happy to share the good things that are happening there. Thanks, Mr. Kelley for sharing. Hopefully, others will see the wisdom of this idea. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 354 - A PLAN TO RESURRECT CHIVALRY

No. 354
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A PLAN TO RESURRECT ETIQUETTE & GOOD MANNERS

A new friend and faithful reader down in the great state of Georgia, has written me a couple of times, but what she had to say was very helpful and constructive and worth passing along to you. My new friend, a lady, first wrote to me in response to a column about “Manners” and she included some advice from the books, “How To Raise A Lady” & “How to Raise A Gentleman” by Kay West. I will share this with you a bit later because it’s great information, but first let me tell you why I think this is so important.
In some circles, not all mind you, our lack of manners, etiquette and common courtesy has slipped so far that we are in danger of reverting back to the dark ages. This new friend, who shall remain anonymous, said, “The manners breach that irritates me the most is the way people increasingly interrupt someone else’s speaking and think nothing of it. Another is a cell phone going off during church services, weddings and even funerals. Then she added, “My grandmother would literally turn over in her grave if she just knew what was happening today.”
In this respect, the simple truth is that we will get anything that we are willing to settle for. If we want to have a society that is characterized by good manners, decency and common courtesy we have to model it and we have to teach it to our children and grandchildren. In my opinion what we really need is to get back to the old fashioned concept of “Chivalry.” It is not dead yet, but it is running a high fever.
If those of us who think this is important are going to help resurrect these qualities, advice from the books “How To Raise A Lady” & “How To Raise A Gentleman” will help. First, this is advice to parents or guardians who must be the leaders. 1. Use “please”, “thank you”, “I’m sorry”, and “excuse me”. 2. Be generous with your compliments and stingy with your criticism. 3. Listen to your child when he/she speaks to you, even if you’ve heard it before. 4. Do not discipline your child in front of others. 5. Be clear and consistent with what you expect. 6. Words can hurt; do not hurl them as weapons. 7. Give credit where credit is due. 8. Hold the door; lend a hand; greet and help the elderly. 9. Give more than you are asked. 10. Don’t take (or buy) more than you need. 11. Leave a place as clean as you found it. 12. Do not respond to rudeness with rudeness.
And here is a partial good manner checklist specifically for children. 1. They should use all the words in #1 above plus “sir” and “ma’am” on a consistent basis. They should greet and help the elderly. 2. They should refer adults as Mr. and Mrs. until asked to do otherwise. 3. They should never invite themselves over to friend’s houses. 4. They should never say, “I already have this” when opening a present. 5. They should keep elbows off the table, never talk with food in their mouths and use the correct fork. 6. They should always ask to be excused from the table when finished eating. 7. They must never make fun of or pass judgment on another person’s religion. 8. They should speak clearly on the telephone and know how to take telephone messages properly. 9. They must not judge people by the color of their skin, their clothing, their house or their family’s car. 10. They must learn to RSVP, learn to be on time and write thank you notes for gifts.
Unless you are already doing all of these things, this advice may also be helpful for you. Good manners are a sign of respect for yourself and others around you. Children need to begin learning manners at the earliest opportunity. The daily examples of respect, kindness, consideration, honor; generosity, empathy and compassion are some of the most profound gifts that any of us can bestow on our children. These are gifts that will last a lifetime and will pay big dividends for those who are wise enough to give them. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 355 - IS YOUR "VIRUS" PROTECTION UP TO DATE?

No. 355
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IS YOUR “VIRUS” PROTECTION UP TO DATE?

As a unique, one-of-a-kind individual, if you believe in a Holy and Righteous God, and the vast majority of all Americans do, I have something to share with you that could make a tremendous difference in your life. What is even more exciting for those of us who have children and grandchildren who tend to emulate us, is that over the coming years what I am going to say could make a positive difference in their lives as well. Almost by accident, or was it providential, I discovered a concept that has helped me see very clearly the importance of what I am daily taking into my mind, and how this affects the choices I am making.
It all started with a phone call a couple of weeks ago. A friend, whose husband was out of the country, called me because she was having a problem with her computer. You guessed it. She had a virus. It came to a head when she sent out a virus-infected e-mail and someone wrote her a nasty letter and called her some bad names. Most of us who work on computers have learned that most viruses come with a message that has an attachment. The general rule is, if we don’t know the sender of the attachment, just click “delete” and do not open it.
This method works most of the time, but it is not fool proof and unless we have an updated anti-virus protection program. Sooner or later we are going to get one anyway. I was blessed recently when my friend Robert Love came up and installed the very latest Anti-Virus protection program called “Norton Utilities.” Now, when e-mail comes in or goes out, a little window pops up and shows me that the e-mail is being scanned for a virus. I can truthfully say that this has saved me a lot of grief and I would recommend this to anyone.
As I was talking with my friend whose computer had the virus, I learned that she thought the program that came with the computer was sufficient, but it did not have the updated program and there in was most of her problem. She finally took it to a computer store and had one installed. It was during this time that I recalled something that Robert Love had told me several months earlier. He said, “Your computer will be a little slower because the “Anti-Virus” program is always running in the back ground.”
When I thought about his comment, a light came on in my mind and I realized what one of my personal habits had been doing for me. Before I tell you what it is, I might add, this will do the same for any person. After making many poor choices and wasting a good portion of my life, I found the Lord and began to seek ways to serve Him. When the invitation came for me to teach a young boys Sunday school class I realized that I did not know the Bible. As of this writing, this was 17 years ago and, in addition to studying the Bible, I made the decision to read it all the way through once each year, from Genesis to Revelation.
Here is the concept I mentioned earlier. Just like the Anti-Virus Protection Program that is always running in the background of my computer, the Word of God that I have read all the way through for 17 straight years, is always running in the background of my mind. Without going into detail, the Law, the Justice, the Love and the Truth of God’s Word is always there and running to filter everything that comes in and everything that goes out. This is not to say that I always do the right thing, because I don’t, but I do know right from wrong by God’s standards and that is very, very important in today’s times.
As you ponder what I have been saying, here is a fitting quote from an unknown author that a friend gave me the other day; “We may think we’re on the side of angels, like Traudl Junge, Hitler’s clerk typist, who learned of the Holocaust, only after the war; not knowing that she was working for the most evil man who ever lived.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 356 - THE STORY OF A "FRUSTRATED" BIRD

No. 356
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE STORY OF A “FRUSTRATED” BIRD

If you are a regular reader of this column you already know, but if not, I want to tell you that my purpose for each one is to give you a thought, an idea, a story or a concept that will benefit you in some way. Some of my columns are to inform, others to inspire, while still others to educate or to entertain, but all with you, the reader, in mind. You are a very important person to me, as well as to others, and I will always do my best to never forget that. As you know, life is full of problems or opportunities, depending on how we view them and how we deal with each challenge will determine our success or failure as a human being.
The main thing that sets us apart from all the other creatures that God has created is something we call the brain. To be sure, the ability to think, to reason, to make decisions and to plan, gives us a leg up on anything else that walks around on this planet. Unfortunately, most of us never use this God-given gift to anywhere near its maximum capacity.
This true story about another of God’s creatures will give you a mental picture of what I am saying. Please allow me to begin with this statement. If anyone ever calls you a “bird brain” you can tell him or her that I said it isn’t so. The reason I can make this statement with complete confidence is because no human being could be as stupid as a frustrated bird that came to our house a few weeks ago. You may recall from a previous column that my wife and I were able to glass in our front porch to create a sunroom. To get this area presentable and make it comfortable to spend time in, my wife went to a local craft store and bought one of those artificial green trees like those you see in the lobby of large buildings. Because she likes birds, especially red birds, and since our home is in a natural setting, she also bought several of those little stuffed red birds to place around in the tree limbs.
So far so good, and I must say that it adds that little special touch that my wife is so good at. To make a long story short, we were not the only ones who thought the red birds were pretty. A beautiful green bird, that we later learned were the mate of a scarlet tanager, was also attracted to the red birds. It started slowly at first, but the intensity increased with the passing of time, as this female tanager repeatedly flew into the glass window, trying to get inside to the red birds. After many vain attempts, and not being able to get inside, she would sit on the windowsill just looking up at the lifeless birds inside. This went on for days, several hours at a time, until we finally felt guilty for this poor bird and took the red birds out of the tree to give her some relief. This reminds me of the late Jerry Clower.
The point of this true story is that this female tanager with her “bird brain” never figured out that the red birds in the tree were not real. Now, to the obvious contrast between the power of a bird brain and that of a human brain. The human brain that we usually refer to as the mind is without question the single greatest agency to ever appear on planet earth. From this small mass of gray matter that each of us carries around between our ears, has hatched the idea for every man made thing we see about us in the world today.
Every invention, every product, all modern conveniences, the massive production and distribution of our food supply and on and on, came as a result of the by-product of the human mind. We call this by-product thinking, which unfortunately the female scarlet tanager was not able to do. The power of the human mind is not necessarily connected with the fitness of the human body as many of the greatest thinkers of all time have had frail or handicapped bodies. For you and me it really comes down to this simple question: “What are we doing with the marvelous human mind that God has given to each of us?” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 357 - YOU CAN GET HOOKED IN "PRESCRIPTION" DRUGS

No. 357
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
YOU CAN GET HOOKED ON “PRESCRIPTION” DRUGS

A few days ago I got a very touching letter from a young man who was in jail in another state. He begins by saying; “I saw your article about drugs and not knowing who your friends are. Someone brought a newspaper into the cell and I found it lying on the table. Reading about the two young men reminded me that it is not only young college age people who get into real trouble because of drugs.” He then began to tell me, in a three page handwritten letter, the most horrible story about events in his life that led to his incarceration and the loss of his family, at least for the time being.
It should be understood here that presenting columns of this nature bring me no real pleasure, because we would all rather hear about success and other positive things, but if my column helps thousands of people avoid the pitfalls of using drugs, it will be worth it all. The true-life experience this young man related to me is especially fitting because it is not about “Illegal” drugs but about “Prescription” drugs that have been his undoing. There are a number of issues in his story that can touch each of us and I bet you can figure out what they are.
Here are some of the details that may place you inside his skin so that you can feel and experience some of the things that he is experiencing. He said that soon after graduating from college his wife gave birth to their third child, a son, and she later returned to work at the local hospital, while he remained home to take care of the children. (Keep in mind that this is his story) In August he noticed that his right arm was going to sleep even when he was up and about. Within a month the numbness was replaced with a throbbing pain. After he consulted his family doctor and went through a number of ordered tests, he was prescribed pain medication.
He remained on the pain medication until he underwent spinal fusion surgery the following May. While on the mend from the surgery he was prescribed a stronger version, Percocet 10mg and then he noticed that both of his legs were burning, even though he was on this medication. At this point he consulted the same neurosurgeon who had performed the first surgery. The diagnosis was another spinal fusion surgery and again was prescribed another pain medication, this time Valium 10mg was also added. He said his family could tell that something had changed in him, but they were the only ones until now.
On the morning of April 22nd, the day after his baby son’s 2nd birthday, he awoke around 10:30 AM and found his two school age watching their little brother. He had not gotten up to take the children to school. Being arrested by the state police at his brother’s house was the next thing he remembered. At this point, I am going to break in and summarize his story. This man left his three children and went to call his wife who was 100 miles away, working at another hospital. After he got to his brother’s house, he looked and could not find his son. The creek behind the house was up and he just knew he had fallen into it, so he called 911. The police and rescue squad arrived and after a thorough search, the child could not be found.
All of his children were found three days later at an apartment and he was charged with three counts of felony abandonment and for DUI. He had been in jail for 42 days because his bail was so high he could not raise it. The rest of his story about the consequences of his actions is even sadder, but as he said, “I had never used drugs before and the “Prescription” drugs were a new false sense of security for me.” He concludes with these words, “I can only wait and hope for the best; I hope my family will still want me.” The point is simple. You, or I, can get hooked on “Prescription” drugs. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 358 - WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE SAID, OK?

No. 358
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE SAID, OK?

One of the things that gives me hope in today’s perilous times is the fact that there are still millions of good role models in our nation. The problem, however, is that the vast majority of these people are not in the public spotlight. These people are busy working each day in their local communities as policemen, firemen, teachers, ministers, and volunteers, along with parents and others who are doing the jobs they were called to do. These are the people we should honor, and we do, but the forces of evil tend to grab the spotlight as we see them each day as we flip through the channels.
From my heart, one of the greatest role models in America is the daughter of Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz. Soon after the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001 she was being interviewed on one of the national television talk shows and the interviewer asked the question, “How could God let something like this happen?” She then gave a very profound and insightful response which has been widely publicized, but in case you missed it, here is what she said, “I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we have been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?
Let’s see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O’Hare complained that she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then, someone said that you better not read the Bible in school…the Bible that says thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, OK. Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. Unfortunately, Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide. And we said an expert should know what he is talking about, so we said, OK.
Then someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don’t want any bad publicity, and we surely don’t want to be sued. And we said, OK. Then someone said, let’s let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won’t even have to tell their parents. And we said, OK. And then the entertainment industry said, let’s make TV shows and movies that promotes profanity, violence and illicit sex. And let’s record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide and satanic themes.
And we said it’s just entertainment, it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead. Is this OK? Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong and why it does not bother them to kill strangers, their classmates and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with “WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.”
As you have read what I have just shared, as a person with common sense you know that it is important to always keep things in perspective. No one likes to be reminded of the negative things that are happening in our society, but the events of September 11 were a wake up call for most of us in this country. It takes courage, but when we see things going on around us that are not right, we need to stand up and say so. Here is one area where I can make a difference. If commercials are sexually suggestive, I just don’t buy their products. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 359 - WE NEED TO APPOINT SOME TAPPERS!

No. 359
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE NEED TO APPOINT SOME TAPPERS!

We had a speaker come to our Lions Club a while back who was so dry that we had to call the fire department and have them stand by, in case the building caught on fire. Its not often that I get sleepy during a 30-minute talk, but that’s what happened the day this speaker came. As I was sitting there nodding off, a fellow Lion sitting next to me became embarrassed and punched me. When he did I almost fell out of my chair and this turned out to be the highlight of the meeting.
The next time we have a business meeting I am going to suggest that we appoint some “Tappers” for our club. Now, I can tell by the blank look on your face that you don’t know about the tapper system. Let me try, as best I can, to explain it to you. The tapper system originated in the rural churches of the Deep South back before the turn of the 19th Century. Usually the church would have a “head” tapper and several alternates.
It was his duty to stand at the rear of the church during the preaching service and observe the congregation. If he saw anyone not paying strict attention, he was to take the long stick (which was standard equipment for tappers) and walk down the isle and tap the offending person on the head. Now, you know why he was called the “head” tapper.
This was before my day, but I heard a story a while back about the tapper system that will give you a good idea of what I am talking about. It seems a city boy was going to visit some of his country kinfolks in a small community in a neighboring state. This city boy was “suitcase” company and he pulled up in front of the house, opened up the trunk and started setting suitcases out on the ground. When this happened this family knew they were in for a long visit.
Since he was staying over the weekend, this family decided to take this city boy to church. Well, things were going along fine until about an hour and a half into the preacher’s message this city boy got sleepy and began to nod off. At this point, the “Tapper” in the back of the church saw him. The tapper knew the situation and he hated to hit a visitor, but he also recognized his duty and responsibility to the church.
So he took that long stick, about four foot long and about the size of a hoe handle, and very softly walked down the isle. When he got to this city boy’s pew, he retched over and tapped him on the head. When he did, this city boy’s eyes got as big as a saucer and he sat up straight in the pew and turned around the tapper and said, “Fella, you had better hit me again, I can still hear him.” As I said earlier, at our next business meeting I am going to suggest that we appoint some “Tappers” for our club.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed this light-hearted story, and I hope my fellow Lions will forgive me for taking a little liberty, but we all need a break from time to time. My wife proofreads and edits these columns and she said it was time for me to ‘lighten’ up and like always, she is right. The story I have shared about the “Tappers” is almost as good as the one about the old boy whose wife ran off with his best friend. When they told him about it, the first thing he said was, “Boy, am I going to miss him.”
Like millions of Americans, the events of September 11, 2001 not only outraged me, it did something even deeper to my inner self. The real tragedy is for those who lost loved ones, but for the rest of us it was a wake up call to return to the values of family, faith and patriotism, the things that are most important in our lives. We know now that we are vulnerable to an enemy that is cunning and has no regard for the sanctity of human life. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 360 - THANK GOD FOR GRANDPARENTS

No. 360
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THANK GOD FOR GRANDPARENTS

Author Benna Roberts Williams has written a wonderful book titled, “Down the lane to SWEET HOME USA” This book is a collection of true stories and memories of a freckle-faced barefoot country girl who grew up in Sweet Home, a rural community in Grant, County Arkansas. As I read her book, my mind traveled back to the days when I was growing up and while there were many differences, the values, morals and ethics were basically the same. The stabilizing influence in the life of her family was her grandparents or Grandpa and Grandma, as she called them, and this it is true for me. Like Benna, my parents were certainly there, but my maternal grandparents, is what kept our extended family together.
For me, and I bet for you too, grandparents were or are, very special people. They gave us an anchor to hold on to during the storms of life and we knew what it meant to sacrifice, because we saw them sacrifice day in and day out for the benefit of their children. Grandparents have also reared thousands and thousands of successful people in this country when parents were out of the picture for one reason or another. Many times I have seen a professional athlete, movie star, successful businessperson or other famous person being interviewed on television and they thanked their grandparents for raising them. To be sure, grandparents have made a tremendous contribution to the success of our nation.
If you have ever thought about or have longed to travel back in time when life in America was much simpler, Benna’s book can certainly take you there. Even though she is still a relatively young woman, her story really began back in the mid 1800's when settlers began to migrate West and establish homes and later small communities grew up around a school, church or a post office. In Grant County, some of these small communities were Paxton, Turin, Buie, Coopers Corner, Davis Creek, Harvest Bell, Philadelphia and Sweet Home. These were the days of brush brooms, wooden radios, feed sack dresses and old screen doors.
My mind was flooded with memories when she talked about the games country children used to play. In those days there was no such things as children being “bored”, as they were creative and learned to entertain themselves for hours on end. Some of the outdoor games included, Hopscotch, Red Rover, Ring around the Rosy, London Bridge, Statute and Hide & Seek or Chase, Drop the Hankie, Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says and Mother May I. Something else that was interesting, and may still be used in some circles today, is when an argument broke out, “Grandma would step in and make us hug and kiss each other.” But even here the kids were creative, as they tried to put off an argument until Grandma wasn’t around.
But speaking of kissing, I picked up something from her book that may be overlooked by the casual reader. When a young boy and girl began to ‘spark’ the other girls would sing them a song like this, “Marvin & Kathy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first came love, then came marriage, then came Marvin pushing a baby carriage.” My comment here is believe it or not, this is the order that it used to be in. Children came after marriage, not before. Of course, back then there was always Grandma to teach the girls right from wrong. This is a sad commentary on us guys, but in most cases, never the less true.
As I said in the beginning, this is a wonderful book and would be good reading for anyone. It would be especially good for young people, because they could definitely relate to it. Unfortunately, I have only been able to scratch the surface of the memories and true life experiences of this gifted and talented writer. If you would like to have a copy, contact Benna Williams at . HYPERLINK mailto:bennak@direclynx.com ..bennak@direclynx.com. or call 501-262-2101. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 361 - THE "SERVICE" OF ALTRUSA INTERNATIOAL

No. 361
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE “SERVICE” OF ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL

In our neck of the woods, there is not a day that goes by when our local newspaper does not carry several articles and photographs that tell about the many “volunteers” who work to make our community a better place to live. I bet the same is true where you live. The United States Of America would not be the dominant military and economic power in the world today were it not for the millions of volunteers, past and present, who have given unselfishly to meet a multitude of human needs. These are the people who have indeed learned that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.”
Several months ago, I wrote a column titled, “A Clarion Call To All Americans” and talked about the need for and spirit of “volunteerism” and invited my readers to let me know about organizations whose goal it is to make life better for their fellowman. One of the many people who wrote me was Margaret H. Cannon, who is a faithful reader of my column in the Lenoir News-Topic, published in Lenoir, North Carolina. Margaret told me about a wonderful service organization she is involved in; (Governor-Elect of District Three) called Altrusa International.
Altrusa is divided into districts and each district is made up of clubs that functions at the local level. We have an Altrusa Club here in our community.
Each club has the flexibility of choosing local projects they wish to pursue. Local club members donate many hours working with children in their local schools or assist in working with adults at community colleges. Many of their clubs sponsors scholarships both to high school graduates or adults who want to further their education. Some other projects that clubs work on are environmental projects, working with Soup Kitchens, Hospices, Shelter for Battered Women and many others. One of the largest local club projects was when the Gainesville, FL club raised over $500,000.00 to build an assisted living center.
When I told Margaret that I felt sure that my readers would want to know more about this fine organization, she put me in touch with Mr. John Lord, Executive Director of Altrusa International, with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. John was very helpful and when I asked him to respond to the question, “What would you like for more of the American people to know about your organization?” he stated, “Altrusa International is the first service organization for women. Founded in 1917, at a time when women did not have any opportunities to serve in the ways that men did through male service organizations, Altrusa remains relevant today. Back in those days women were often discouraged from taking their place as community leaders. (My comment: How times have changed, and changed for the better.)
Since our founding we have provided countless women, men and children with opportunities to improve their lives. Our 13,000 volunteers are in hundreds of communities in 20 countries throughout the world, working to serve their communities. Our main charitable focus is literacy, supporting libraries, literacy training, higher education, book-purchasing for children who have never owned a book of their own and a whole host of projects, (like those Margaret H. Cannon told me about) at the local level.
For years participation in volunteer service organizations has been on the decline, due to demographic changes and “time-famine” among people who would love to lend a hand, but may not necessarily have the time to participate in an organization. Altrusa is sensitive to this and provides many opportunities to make a difference without requiring a huge time commitment. There may already be an Altrusa Club in your community that you can join, if not, we can tell you how to go about starting one.” e-mail . HYPERLINK mailto:Altrusa@Altrusa.com ..Altrusa@Altrusa.com. or visit their web site at . HYPERLINK http://www.altrusa.com ..www.altrusa.com. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 362 - A "TOKEN" PROBLEM CHILD

No. 362
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A “TOKEN” PROBLEM CHILD

We have all had them, or at least have known one. If you are a responsible adult and have been in an organization of any kind involving kids, you know there is always a least one problem child. Not always, but usually this child wants attention and the kind of attention they receive could make a difference in whether they wind up in honors class or in prison. We can make a difference, as illustrated in a true story that I want to share with you.
A few weeks ago I heard from Jim Wahmann, who lives in Hunter, New York, and he first wrote me a three and a half page letter in response to a column I had written titled, “There Are No Winners In A School Shooting.” In his letter he discussed a number of causes for the ethical and moral breakdown in our society. It was one of the most insightful letters I have ever received and with his permission, I reproduced it and sent copies to a number of prominent people who are in a position to make a difference.
When he responded to my request, he wrote me another letter and told about a “token” problem child by the name of Eddie. His story is not unique, but it just might just make a difference for you, if you are dealing with one or more problem children in your life. He begins: “His name was Eddie and at 12 years old, he was a handful. He was always doing the opposite of what he was supposed to do, always vying for attention, always playing the “clown” and being a distraction. Of course I would always start (in my mind) by thinking how it was his home life to blame. If he were properly disciplined at home I wouldn’t have to take any such measures in Sunday school. After all, I only have him one hour a week. Why should it be my responsibility to teach him right from wrong?. Well, thank God, I was never very much worried about what others thought of how I did (or do) things, because I never hesitated to punish the boy in any way I felt fit the specific circumstances at the time. But the most important thing to note here is that he reminded me a lot of myself at his age. I had gone the route of causing a nuisance and paid the price. And because of that I was able to explain why I was punishing him and describe to him the “long-term” effects of his behavior. I did this over and over again during the course of that Sunday School year, explaining what he could look forward to in the years to come if he continued to misbehave, pay little attention to anyone and disrupt everything he became involved in. I told him that it would get him no where fast! . So on the last day of that year, when you say your “good byes” and “have a great summer” and “good luck next year”, this Eddie came up to me and said, “Mr. Wahmann, I wanted to thank you for all you have taught me about my bad habits and terrible ways. You have opened my eyes to what kind of person I was being and gave me a picture of where that would get me. But you also gave me an opportunity to take a good look at myself and I believe I can be a better person if I try. So thanks.”
Now we’re talking about a 12 year old boy saying this, Jim. I don’t know about you but I have never heard someone that age talk like that either before or since that day. So I have to believe that happened for a reason and that is what came to my mind as I read your letter asking permission to reproduce the letter I wrote you of my views and opinions regarding our society today. It tells me that as uncomfortable as the thought may be, the bottom line is that we are all responsible. Face it, most of the people we help go by largely unnoticed and we rarely get to see it right in front of our face like I did with young Eddie!” What this says to me is that we should never give up on people, even when the situation seems to be hopeless. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 363 - A WOMAN'S PLACE IS IN THE HOME

No. 363
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE HOME

Have you ever heard the old adage, “A woman’s place is in the home?” This old adage was in vogue several years ago and I heard it a number of times back when I was growing up. However, like many other things in our society, changing times has taken its toll and that old adage has now become “A woman’s place is in the home….after she gets off work.” This is something I had not thought about for years until one evening last week my wife and I were on our way to a Sunday School get-together and we passed the road that leads to the home of Rodger and Joy Gentry. When we went by the road I said, “I Quit” and we both started laughing, because it reminded us of a true but humorous story about our friends, the Gentrys.
This true story in just a moment, but on a more serious note, I believe in traditional family values, and I also believe that it’s important for a mother with young children to be home with them when it’s possible to do so. Mothers can hire someone else to take care of their children, but there is no way someone else can give them their own mother’s love. This is a personal choice and I respect that, but there is one point that needs to be made for all of us to consider. What we need to do in our society is quit demeaning women who are homemakers and stay at home moms, but rather lift them up and honor them because they are making a great contribution to our nation.
Now, for that true story about the Gentrys. They have reared two fine sons, Aaron and Nick, who are married and out on there own. About 20 years ago Rodger was a plumber and working for someone else and Joy was working the night shift at Mid-South Microfilm. As luck would have it, Rodger got laid off from his job. He looked around a little for another one, but not too hard, if you know what I mean. He finally signed up for unemployment compensation, and all the while Joy continued to work nights. Rodger said when he got laid off it was right at the beginning of winter and since most of his work was outside, he wasn’t in a big hurry to go back to work.
He went on to say that during the winter he hunted and fished a lot. They had a deer in the freezer and a lot of fresh crappie. Now, when he told this story here is the part that was really funny. One night about 11:30, just before Christmas, Joy came home from work, jumped in bed and said, “I Quit.” Rodger said, “You what?” She repeated, “I Quit” and then added, “If you ain’t gonna work, I ain’t either.” Naturally, a long discussion followed, but Rodger said the next day Joy propped her feet up on the coffee table and with a solemn poker face said, “If we are going to starve, we’ll both starve together” and she stuck by her guns.
Years later, Rodger said looking back on it, she did him a favor. She put him to work and he’s been working ever since. As a postscript, here is the latest chapter in the Gentry story that is really thrilling. Not too long after this episode, Joy made the decision to go to college. She stayed with it and got a degree in accounting and is now working in the accounting department of a major corporation. Rodger, on the other hand, continued to work but about six years ago he also made the decision to go to college. I don’t know his exact age but he is no spring chicken. Working and going to school part time, this past May he graduated with a degree in Environmental Health Sciences.
At this point, Rodger is looking for a job. As you know, our economy has been in a downturn and his degree is in a specialized field, but I’m confident he will land a good job soon. There is something else that I am reasonably sure will not happen. I don’t think that Joy will come home any time soon and jump in bed and say, “I Quit.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 364 - THE WELL-SPRING OF TRUE SUCCESS

No. 364

The next password is lippy

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE WELL-SPRING OF TRUE SUCCESS

When it comes to the subject of success, perhaps the American Clergyman Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) said it best. He said, “Success is full of promise until men get it, and then it is last-year’s nest from which the birds have flown.” Over the years I have known many successful men and women, at least by the world’s standards, and they have all had a least two things in common. They have each had a burning desire to succeed and the will to win. To be sure these are two powerful motivating factors in any successful person’s life, but there is still another factor, while not as strong in the beginning, that will still be there when the other two have faded or pulled up lame.
For the sake of simplicity, I am calling this other factor the wellspring of true success. Do you know or can you guess what it is? I’ll share this in just a moment, but first permit me to tell you how I discovered this simple, yet profound truth. Early one morning before sunrise, I was sitting out in our glassed-in front porch, drinking in the beauty of God’s creation and I got to thinking about all the people who have helped me over the years. When I began to count my blessings, it was an overwhelming feeling and I thought to myself, “Eureka! I have found it.” Without fanfare, I had discovered the “Well-Spring” of true success.
No doubt there have been thousands of others who have come to the same conclusion, but in all my days I have never heard anyone talk or write about the “Well-Spring” of true success. Have you? An analogy please, that will make this concept very clear. In your mind picture a spring of water that flows out of a mountain or a hillside that never dries up or stops flowing. Even on the hottest days of summer there is always a steady stream of life sustaining water that keeps emanating from the spring. The dictionary defines a “Well-Spring” as 1. The source of a spring or stream. 2. A source of continual supply.
So then, it should be easy to see that a “Well-Spring” is something that keeps on giving because it is always there and never runs dry. If you see this picture clearly in your mind, then you will understand that the “Well-Spring” of true success is GRATITUDE! Think about this statement for a moment and I believe you will see truth written all over it. You show me a person who is grateful for what he or she has, and I will show you a person who has infinitely more potential to achieve long term success than those who are ungrateful, have a chip on their shoulder, a glass that is always half-empty and a “woe-is-me” attitude.
Now, lest you think I have gone off the deep end, let me expand a little on what I have been saying. To achieve anything truly worthwhile, a person whose heart is filled with gratitude is not exempt from hard work, having worthy goals, excellent character and all the other things that are necessary to achieve success. What I am saying, as a place to begin, is that people who are truly grateful for what they have will not waste time and energy worrying about the past and what they don’t have, but will move forward with a positive attitude and a fresh, optimistic outlook on life. Could I be talking about you here?
In addition to being grateful for all the fine people who have helped me along the way, I am also grateful for many other things. First, my parents who brought me into the world and did they’re best to teach me right from wrong. I’m grateful for freedom and the opportunities that have been afforded me as a citizen of the greatest nation on earth. I am grateful for my family and the blessings they have brought me over the years. While this is personal, I am grateful for Jesus Christ who saved my soul and set my feet on solid rock. If you are not already a grateful person, why not take a moment and count your blessings, because this is the “Well-Spring” of true success. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Lippy

No. 339 - MISS ME...BUT LET ME GO!

No. 339
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
MISS ME...BUT LET ME GO!

We have a good friend here in our community by the name of F.P. Corbett. He just celebrated his 90th birthday and over the past few years one of the things I’ve enjoyed about him is his great sense of humor. One of the stories F.P. loves to tell is about his youth and growing up with 22 kids in the family. This was back in the days when large families were the rule rather than the exception. He said along about the time he was 15 years of age, he and one of his brothers left home and it was almost a year before anyone missed either one of them.
I thought about this story a few weeks ago when I was sitting in a funeral home waiting to serve as a pallbearer and I looked across the room and there sat F.P. along with a number of other men from our church. A sweet lady had called me a few days before and asked me to serve as a pallbearer for her mother’s funeral. Her mother had been in a nursing home for the past several years and passed away at the age of 95. It’s great to have a loved one for this long but it can also be a problem when it comes to planning their funeral. The simple fact is that they have outlived practically all of their friends.
It’s right here that we can see the importance of having a church family. Our church family stepped up in short order. We provided a meal for the family and six men served as pallbearers and F.P. and three other men served as honorary pallbearers. While I just turned 60 a few years ago I have found myself serving in or attending more funerals that ever before. This is not something I enjoy, but out of respect for others I will be there as long as I’m able.
My reasons for sharing this with you are two fold and this applies to every person, young or old and from every hamlet, community, town and city in the country. As I grow older and look back over my life, I realize that wealth, fame and having material things is not where it’s at. Not that we can’t have these things and be happy, but It is our personal relationship with God and with other people that really matters. A friend told me a true story the other day that serves to illustrate what I am saying. He said, “ A millionaire in a small community died a few months ago and it was five days before anyone found him.” Now my friend, if that does not say something to you, nothing will.
And then, too, is the inevitable fact that we are all going to die. I’ll resist the temptation to try to preach here because I’m not a preacher, but I have seen the effects of death on countless people and believe me, death is devastating to those who have no hope. The hope of glory and being with my loved ones again is a source of great comfort for me. And finally, there is another group of special people that I want to say something to that may make a difference in their lives. These are the people who do have that “hope” and lose a loved one but somehow they just cannot let go. I guess unless we have walked in their shoes it would be impossible to know how they feel but this little poem by an unknown author may help.
This poem is titled, “MISS ME...BUT LET ME GO!” “When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little...but not too long, and not with your head bowed low, remember the love that we once shared, Miss Me...But Let Me Go. For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone, It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know, and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss Me...But Let Me Go.” (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 1060 - BUILDING BOOKCASES: TRULY A COMMUNITY PROJECT!

No. 1060

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILDING BOOKCASES: TRULY A COMMUNITY PROJECT!

When it comes to long-range and eternal consequences, the most rewarding thing I have ever been involved in is the Conway Bookcase Project. This is because children being reared in low-income families who learn to read because of our efforts will not only have a better chance at a life of success, but it may also save their lives. These children will hopefully have a better standard of living and rise above the culture of drugs, destruction and even death at an early age. Our project targets children in low-income families that have few, if any, books for their children to read. Without learning basic language skills before they enter kindergarten, these children are at a severe disadvantage in terms of getting a good education.
We began in 2005, and we build 50 quality, personalized bookcases each year with all volunteers in a truly community-wide project that is all “giving back.” No one associated with our project earns a penny in money for their help, but the intangible rewards are tremendous. We have had more than 5,000 of our citizens involved in the project in one way or another since we began, and this is by design. Since illiteracy impacts every single person, this effort must involve everyone in the community, as no single group or organization can accomplish this. They may raise money, build bookcases and give them to needy children, but they miss the awareness and involvement factor necessary to raise the level of literacy that is vital for good schools. Good schools in turn attract business, industry and good paying jobs.
This year we hosted our 12th annual Awards Ceremony at the Faulkner County Library. The program lasted less than an hour, but the program participants came from every area of our community. As chairman, I served as the Master of Ceremonies. We change the people on the program each year, but this year’s program featured a leading pastor who gave the invocation, presentation of the colors by the high school ROTC unit, Pledge of Allegiance by a member of our committee, and the welcome by the Faulkner County Judge.
The superintendent of the Conway School District introduced our speaker, who was the assistant principal of the Conway Junior High School. Next came the presentation of the bookcases to our Head Start pre-school children and their parents by a member of the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) who is bilingual. Then I gave closing comments, mainly to thank everyone for their help in making our project so successful. This was followed by the Benediction by another pastor. The whole program lasts less than one hour, but involves leading citizens from all across our community. Note: CAPCA is the umbrella organization that has the Head Start children.
The only money necessary for our project is just to buy the wood and supplies to build the bookcases. This money is raised at our annual Fundraising Banquet in the fall, where we have a great turnout for a wonderful meal, quality local entertainment and a copy of the Founders book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” We raise all the money we need at this one function, and some people give small non-tax deductible donations. The men who have built the bookcases for the past 11 years retired this past year, and another man who owns a cabinet shop with computerized saws and the equipment to assemble the bookcases has now volunteered. The bookcases this year, as always, are fantastic quality.
What is so exciting is that because the project is community-wide, every community has the resources to have their own project. Contact me at jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net. I would love to hear from you.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1061 - YOU DON'T LOVE ME!

No. 1061

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU DON’T LOVE ME!

If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian or someone else who is responsible for rearing a child, have you ever heard these words, “You don’t love me.” Now, I am sure in a few cases, this is actually true. There are some people who have never felt loved so it is impossible for them to give love. But in most cases, the child who says “You don’t love me” is actually using these words as a tool to get what he or she wants -- or in other words, to get their own way.
What prompted these thoughts is something an attorney friend who works in our juvenile court system told me the other day. He said, “The kids in our court system today are completely out of control. They have had no love, no discipline and no structure in their home life and now we have to deal with it.” Because discipline has become such a problem in our schools and also in millions of homes across America, this is a topic that may be of interest. To be brutally honest, and I don’t know your situation, the reason our schools are having such a problem is because parents are not doing the job at home, where it should be done.
Today we have another element in the equation that was not around when I was growing up, and that is our court system. In many cases the judges have tied the hands of those in authority who could do something about the problem. In a nearby community a few weeks ago, a student was in class smoking a cigarette. He went up the teacher in the front of the room and blew smoke in his face, not once but twice, while the teacher just stood there and took it. Of course the outcome is usually to expel the student from the school, but what this does is turn an out-of-control kid loose on society.
What is the answer? While it is a complex issue, I believe the best approach is for all of us to work together to solve the problem, for judges to use some common sense in making rulings, for school administrators to be given the authority to deal with problems as they come along and, above all, for parents to love their kids enough to administer discipline in the right way. I hope you understand that the purpose of what I am saying is not to condemn or criticize but rather to offer some positive suggestions and guidelines to deal with the problem or the need.
In administering discipline and punishment to children, here are nine obvious principles that should be observed. No. 1 -- Do not discipline in anger. No. 2 – Do not let discipline be in retaliation. No. 3 – Do it in such a way as to not embarrass and humiliate the child. No. 4 – Let the discipline be reasonable and let discipline be an expression of love. No. 5 – Above all, ask God to give you divine wisdom in rearing that child. No. 6 – Keep your cool. Kids need the confidence that only a steady hand and settled soul can offer. No. 7 – Show your child that you are wise and strong enough to be the boss. No. 8 – Be honest with your children, tell them the truth. No. 9 – Be generous with praise, and when it comes time to criticize, your child will believe you and respect your judgment.
To be sure, rearing children in today’s times is not easy. There are just so many pressures and problems that are around today that were not around a few years ago, but don’t let that be an excuse for not trying. The next time you hear “You don’t love me” you can say, “I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and fail so that you could learn to stand alone, but most of all I loved you enough to say ‘NO’ when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.”
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1062 - MUSINGS OF THE LATE ANDY ROONEY!

No. 1062

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MUSINGS OF THE LATE ANDY ROONEY!

The other day I looked up the definition for the word “muse,” and it means, “To consider thoughtfully or at length; ponder; meditate.” It has long been my personal conviction that we can learn a lot from some of the great men and women who have lived before us, and it is usually time well spent to go back and read, listen to or muse, what they had to say.
Recently, a friend sent me some musings from the late Andy Rooney. Andy passed away back on Nov. 4, 2011, at age 92. He had been a fixture on CBS News, and also the program “60 Minutes” from 1978 until 2011. I used to love to listen to him because he had the knack of saying so much with just a few words.
As I read his “musings,” I was inspired to share them with you, if for no other reason than to remind you and other readers of some things that are truly important. See if you don’t agree. Each of his thoughts is prefaced, by two words, “I’ve Learned.” Andy says:
“I’ve learned that the best education in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I’ve learned that when you are in love, it shows. I’ve learned that just one person saying to me, ‘you’ve made my day!’ makes my day.
“I’ve learned that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I’ve learned that being kind is more important than being right. I’ve learned that you should never say no to a gift from a child. I’ve learned that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way. I’ve learned that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
“I’ve learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I’ve learned that we should be glad that God doesn’t give us everything we ask for. I’ve learned that money doesn’t buy class. (A-men) I’ve learned that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I’ve learned that beneath everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. (Another A-men) I’ve learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts. I’ve learned that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
“I’ve learned that love, not time, heals all wounds. I’ve learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I’ve learned that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. I’ve learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I’ve learned that life is tough, but I’m tougher. I’ve learned that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. I’ve learned that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I’ve learned that I wish I could have told my mom that I love her before she passed away.
“I’ve learned that one should keep his words soft and sweet, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I’ve learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. I’ve learned that when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you are hooked for life. I’ve learned that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.”
Well, that’s all, folks. Hope you enjoyed Andy’s musings as much as I did. One thing for sure, regardless of the diplomas or certificates we have on the wall, if we knew and practiced all of these things, we would have a pretty good education.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1063 - THE DUMBEST PERSON IN THE WORLD!

No. 1063

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DUMBEST PERSON IN THE WORLD!

Former President Ronald Reagan once said this about our nation, “Call it mysticism if you will, I have always believed that there was some divine plan that placed this nation between the oceans to be sought out and found by those with a special kind of courage and an overabundant love of freedom.”
It is truly this spirit that made us a great nation, but there are evil forces at work here, unlike any time in our history, that will challenge our very national soul in the days that lie ahead. This is why, from time to time, we all need to be reminded of just how blessed we truly are.
It is with these thoughts in mind that I would like to share an article that a lady sent me that was published years ago in the Wall Street Journal titled, “The Dumbest Person in the World.” You may ask, just who is this person? It’s the American who knocks what he’s got. Here’s what he has: A country of unbounded beauty; almost unlimited natural resources; a judicial system that is the envy of the rest of the world; food so plentiful that overeating is a major problem; a press nobody can dominate; a ballot box nobody can stuff; churches of our choice; one hundred million jobs; freedom to go anywhere you want, with planes, cars and highways to get you there; Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment insurance, Public schools, and plentiful scholarships; opportunity to become a millionaire. OK, complainer, what’s your second choice? Go!
I don’t think I could have said it better if I had worked on it for a month or even a lifetime. Yes, the dumbest person in the world is the American who complains about what he or she has. We often get so bogged down in our thinking that sometimes we lose sight of just what we do have. Without letting anyone off the hook, I would like to distinguish between being disenchanted with our system, as opposed to the system itself. There is nothing wrong with our system the way our forefathers set it up -- it’s the best on earth. What some of us have a problem with are the greedy people who finagle their way into positions of power. Even here, in most cases it’s our own fault. In many cases we don’t even take the time to go vote, and then we sit around and complain, instead of getting involved.
However, before we pat ourselves on the back, I believe we also need a dose of reality. The Wall Street Journal item I quoted earlier was written many years ago, and today we face challenges unlike we have ever faced before. Our national debt is almost double what it was even 10 years ago, our military is the smallest it has been in several decades, our unemployment rate is not 5 to 6 percent, but more like 15 percent when we include those who have stopped looking for work, and terrorism is a constant threat as never before in our history. Our nation is still the greatest on earth, and the person who does not understand that is indeed “dumb.” However, we must be more vigilant and committed than ever before.
Only God knows the kind of nation we will have as we look to an uncertain future. There is no doubt about it, I am an eternal optimist and believe that our best days can still be ahead of us if enough of us are committed to the cause of liberty and are willing to make any sacrifices that may be necessary. It is with a grateful heart that I would like to leave you with this thought. I truly love America and I bet you do, too. For the small percentage of people who constantly complain – what’s your second choice? I am with the Wall Street Journal – GO.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1064 - BRING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE!

No. 1064

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BRING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE!

The Hallmark greeting card company has a wonderful slogan that goes, “When you care enough to send the very best.” To be sure, it is just human nature to always want the best, but sometimes we fail to realize that in most cases the only way to have the best is to bring out the best in other people. Now, that sounds repetitious but it is true.
As this relates to life, we are not going to be very successful as a coach, a manager, an employer, a community leader, a pastor, a parent or in countless other areas if we fail to bring out the best in those who are under our leadership. And something else for sure, we can’t bring out the best in other people if we have a critical and negative spirit.
I know a man here in my community, who I will call a friend, although not a close friend, who told me one time, “I have always been a negative person and that is the reason I don’t have any friends.” When you think about it, this is really sad because he knows he has a problem but has refused all these years to do anything about it.
That reminds me of another slogan for a company I used to work for, the Nightingale-Conant Corp. based in Chicago, Illinois. The slogan for this company is “Human Beings are Improvable.” Now, I believe that with all my heart, as this is the business I have been in for the past 45 years. I am blessed to be able to say that helping people succeed by developing and using more of their God-given potential is so rewarding. Helping people succeed is also the reason we have schools and colleges.
If you consider yourself to be a negative or somewhat negative person, and one who is not able to bring out the best in other people, I have some ideas to share that may be helpful. First, let me say that it all begins in our thinking. If we think we can do something, the chances are good that we can, but virtually impossible if we think we can’t. If you are a negative person, let me suggest that the first thing to do is begin to change your mental diet. Begin to read positive and encouraging books, listen to positive thinking tapes, and spend most of your free time around positive people.
Personally, the Bible has done wonders for me when it comes to reading positive things, plus it’s the Word of God. For example, Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Whether you believe me or not, here is the answer my friend. When we can change our thinking, we can change our lives.
Now, let me go back to the Hallmark slogan for a moment, “When you care enough to send the very best.” The key word here is “care”. When we truly want to bring out the best in other people, we must care about them. Any successful school teacher will tell you, “They don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care.” Kindness is something else that will go a long way in helping to bring out the best in other people. Over the past few years, God has taught me to be kind to other people. Anything I have done is to His glory, not mine.
Wouldn’t this be a better world if we could all seek to bring out the best in other people, truly cared, and were kind to everyone? When someone is negative toward us, we should not respond by being negative toward them. Just be kind and, in time, it will become contagious.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1065 - ADDICTION: WASTED POTENTIAL - WATED LIVES!

No. 1065

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ADDICTION: WASTED POTENTIAL – WASTED LIVES!

If you ever feel like you have been shielded from some of the world’s major problems, you will be able to relate to what I want to share with you today. I grew up in a rural dry county in Southeast Arkansas, and about the only thing we had to talk about that was the least bit negative was some of the boys going to a nearby town, in a wet county, and having a beer. As a result of this, plus my dad’s preaching to me against it, I have never taken a drink of alcohol of any kind, and have never bought a package of cigarettes. To be sure, I have done a lot of things much worse, so don’t let me leave a false impression. I am just a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace.
That was back in the mid-1950s, and today we live in a vastly different world. Drug addiction and alcoholism are major problems today, and few are the families that have not been negatively impacted by the culture in which we live. The monetary costs of treatment rehab and incarceration is astronomical, running into the billions of dollars, not to mention the toll in terms of misery and human suffering in dealing with it. When you have addiction of any kind, the end result is wasted potential and wasted lives.
A good example happened recently in our family, to relatives of my wife Janis’s daughter-in-law. In 2011, retired missionaries Don and Helen Willingham were murdered in their home in Springfield, Mo., by Jose Huckleberry. Almost five years later, on Jan. 29, 2016, he was found guilty and convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and one count of burglary. What follows are the words recorded by the couple’s daughter, Donna Willingham Fedor, as she sat through the week-long trial. “I see Jose as a broken young man. He grew up in the foster home system, suffered a lot of abuse as a child, and got into drugs at a young age. He fell into a lifestyle of robbing for money to buy drugs. Such a waste of his life so far! But Jesus loves him. Jesus loves to take broken, hurting people and turn them into new creatures!”
When you read the words I have just shared, you should understand that Donna’s mother and father had been brutally murdered with a knife by a man not knowing they were home and only intending to rob them, looking for something of value that he could sell to buy more drugs. When confronted, her father resisted and was finally overpowered and died, but here is how she described the death of her mother. “When mom fell to the kitchen floor, after she had been stabbed so forcefully that the knife blade penetrated her sternum and sliced her aorta open, her arms were outstretched, her feet were perfectly together, her body formed the shape of a cross, and her beautiful face and eyes were staring up at him from the cold kitchen floor.”
What is truly amazing is that Donna, after hearing all this, was vitally interested in Jose’s soul and where he would spend eternity. She said that during the trial she tried to make eye contact with him, and on the final day he looked straight at her and she smiled at him and he smiled back at her. She had already decided that regardless of the outcome of the trial that she wanted to see him. The message that I want to leave with you from my heart is that more and more people are coming to realize that Jesus is truly the answer to overcoming addiction that is devastating the lives of millions of people across the world. This is why programs like Renewal Ranch and others offer real hope for the Joses of this world.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1066 - CHANGING LIVES & FUTURES!

No. 1066

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS -- MELON

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CHANGING LIVES & FUTURES!

Someone has said that “Life is a library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he writes himself, but most of them were written for him.” This is so true, but what this statement does not say is when the process of reading and literacy should begin in a child’s life. This is the real rub. It is also the reason so many of our children drop out of school in the later grades and enter society with little hope of achieving success and having a happy, productive life.
As you may know, here in our community we have been building quality, personalized bookcases and giving them, with a starter set of pre-school books, to children being reared in low-income families. Combined with our other projects, we have given more than 1,600 thus far.
The children who receive our bookcases are mostly 4 years of age, but according to some research that I have just learned, this is too late for some of them. The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University has published the results of some research on human brain development that sheds new light on this important topic.
Here is what these researchers, and others, have learned. A child is born with 100 billion brain cells called neurons that are not connected. We could think of them as tiny light bulbs in the brain. When a child learns something and is exposed to a childhood experience, these neurons connect and form a synapse.
In the first few years of life, 700 of these synapses or connections occur in a child’s brain each second. The biology of the brain is genetic and develops regardless of what the child is exposed to, but what is not genetic are those early childhood experiences that determine whether the child’s brain is weak or strong, fragile or sturdy. This is completely dependent upon the child’s early childhood experiences. The researchers also found that 85 percent of a child’s personality, social skills and intellect are formed in the first five years of life.
The foundation for language happens the first year, and the architecture for higher cognitive function such as problem solving, negotiating and compromise happens in the first five years. A good example to mentally see this is to think about those old dial-up computers we used to have that took forever to load a video, and now high-speed Internet is almost instantaneous.
While maybe difficult to understand, this is the reason the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is so vital to the mental development of a young child, especially those who have no books in their homes. Their website is https://imaginationlibrary.com.
When signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a child receives a different book through the mail each month, beginning at birth until they are 5 years of age. This is a tremendous help in providing those early childhood experiences so necessary for the child’s mental development. This wonderful program and our Bookcase for Every Child are a perfect match. We target children from low-income families and give them a bookcase with their name on it as a place to keep these and future books, beyond Dolly Parton, as they develop the habit of lifelong reading.
As I thought about this process and helping these special children, I came up with a new theme for our bookcase project -- Bookcase for Every Child: Changing Lives and Futures, One at a Time.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS - MELON

No. 1041 - WHY KIDS ARE LEAVING CHURCH!

No. 1041

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY KIDS ARE LEAVING CHURCH!

Several weeks ago we had a most unusual and dedicated man visit our community. He is pastor Antony Simon of Zion’s Hope Ministries based in Jerusalem. Tony came to America for a 2½-week stay, not to raise funds but to preach the gospel. His visit to Conway was only one of several stops he made. Tony was invited by Mrs. Adair Howell, my long-time friend who had worked with him during two evangelical mission trips to Israel with friends. Adair told me about how exciting it was to walk the streets of Jerusalem, sharing the love of Jesus with travelers and locals.
Tony was born in Manchester, England, to Jewish parents. When he was 18 years of age he traveled to Israel to work in a Kibbutz, a voluntary democratic community where people live and work together on a non-competitive basis. When a Christian roommate read a scripture to him, he said, “I am Jewish, I don’t want to know about Jesus.” He said he later learned that the scripture was written by King David, who lived 1,000 years before Jesus came to earth.
This scripture, along with several other prophecies, led him to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. He says, “Living in Israel, I see the reality of the Bible every day. I am always working to spark a conversation about the Bible. I am trying to talk with people, to challenge people.” He also visits Iraq for 10 to 12 days each month to spread the gospel. Due to the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, there are a large number of refugees. He hands out Bibles written in different languages, brings food and blankets in the colder months, and also provides some heaters.
Tony spoke several times while he was in our community, but I was privileged to hear him when he came to address the Wednesday morning prayer group that I have been attending for the past several years. Adair asked me to stay over and visit with him following the meeting in hopes that I would share some of his powerful message with you. At this point, I can tell you truthfully that his message had a great impact on me. It was so refreshing to hear someone who is not bound by political correctness, but boldly speaks the truth about the love of Jesus.
One of the things near and dear to my heart is when he spoke about our nation’s young people and why so many are leaving the church. While it is something that some people may not want to hear, Tony spoke the truth. He said, “Our churches do not need more programs, praise bands, and different ways of entertaining them. What they need to hear is Jesus, and more Jesus and how much He loves them.”
It has been my personal conviction for a long time that a young person will not leave church if he or she understands that they are a sinner, that Jesus died for their sins, and then they accept Him, are baptized and follow Him as their Lord and Savior. Rather, they will see themselves as part of the Body of Christ, and have a lifetime commitment to His church.
Here is what is at stake. Former Russian Premier Vladimir Lenin said, “Give me just one generation of your youth and I will change the whole world.” As it has always been, parents hold the key to our nation’s future. When they know and love the Bible and teach it to their children, we will see positive changes on every hand. The mass shootings will stop, crime will go down and the American people will feel good about the heritage we are leaving for our precious children.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1042 AMERICA'S FUN PLACE!

No. 1042

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA’S FUN PLACE!

While enjoying some favorite activity, have you ever said to yourself, “I wonder what the poor people are doing?” Let me preface what I am going to say by telling you that I have come a long way since growing up in Gould, Arkansas, living in the back of a restaurant and having to walk a path to our outdoor privy.
My earlier question is what I said to myself this past September while on a trip to Branson, Mo., with my new bride, and staying at the Windham at the Meadows Resort. This reminds me of what the old Cowboy said about his friend whose request was honored to be buried sitting in a Cadillac. He said, “Now that’s living.”
While certainly not original, we had so much fun in Branson that I have been calling it “America’s Fun Place.” There is certainly a good reason why this small town of only 10,500 people has more than 8 million visitors each year. While this may be just one man’s opinion, I would like to tell you why I believe so many people flock there each year.
One reason would be the scenery and the natural beauty of the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri, where Branson is located, along with the White River and Table Rock Lake. Combine this with Branson’s shows and attractions, and you have a winner.
In the literature I took from the Internet, there are more than 125 different shows, activities and things to do that makes it impossible to see and do them all in a brief stay. Some of these include well-known names such as The Gatlin Brothers, The Texas Tenors, Charlie Pride, Johnny Mathis, Mickey Gilley, The Oak Ridge Boys and countless others who have theaters or make personal appearances there. We saw the Pierce Arrow Show and later Smoke on the Mountain at the IMAX Theater, and both were very good. When I was there several years ago I saw Shoji Tabuchi, the Japanese fiddle player, and he was outstanding and very patriotic.
A quick note on Shoji Tabuchi, as he is a true rags to riches story. He came to Branson with nothing but the shirt on his back, worked with a number of other performers and soon built his own theatre. He is presently in his third theater, each time getting bigger and better. This is just another example of what happens when talent and hard work come together.
In addition to the shows that millions of people flock there to see, there are many other noteworthy attractions in the area as well, especially for the kids. Some of these include visiting Silver Dollar City, The Butterfly Palace, and Dixie Stampede, riding Go-Karts, playing golf, flying over the Ozarks in a helicopter, or soaring on a zip line (we saw this from a distance while dining near Branson Landing on the White River). One of the activities we really enjoyed was shopping for clothes at one of the many outlet malls, where the selection was good and prices about half what you would normally pay in other stores.
Now, as I said earlier, this may be just one man’s opinion, but I want to tell you why I believe Branson is such a big hit. The whole concept is built on solid Midwestern values that are family friendly. It is so refreshing to be with hundreds of down-to-earth good people who have respect for God, country and each other. What fun to hear great talent, singers, musicians and comedy without any vulgar or off color language, or suggestive sexual content that keeps it a cut above what we see and hear on television every day. Lately I have been seeing some really good and clean movies. These people may be getting the word that “clean” sells.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1043 TIME TO MOVE THE CHAINS!

No. 1043

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TIME TO MOVE THE CHAINS!

The famous telephone pioneer, Alexander Graham Bell, once said, “Concentrate all of your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn till brought to a focus.”
For the past several weeks I have been thinking about an interesting concept that may be of some value, and I would like to share with you. I am calling this concept, “Time to Move the Chains.” This is a football term I am using to make a point that the only time a team can move the chains is when they have the ball and are on offense. While it is necessary to back up some times, human beings were not designed to spend most of their time backing up or in reverse, but to be moving forward.
At this point, just think about your own life: Are you moving forward or moving backwards? This question can be applied to most any area of life, but there is one area that affects each of us, and that is our finances. As to your finances, are you getting ahead or going in the hole, which is to say saving money or accumulating more debt? I don’t believe I have ever had a time like during the past several months where I have talked with more people who are losing ground financially. If you have ever personally experienced this, you know that debt can literally crush you, and kill your hope and your enthusiasm.
To be sure, planning and self-discipline will help, but there is one area of our lives that is, for the most part, beyond our control. This is the area of unexpected and unplanned medical bills. I guess more debt and financial hardship has been caused by this than any other reason. Of course this is why we need medical insurance, but those living on the financial edge cannot afford medical coverage. If by chance I have been describing you, and you would like to make some changes, there is hope, and it’s the reason I decided to share this concept with you.
If you will go back to the beginning of this column and reread the quote by Alexander Graham Bell, you will see the words “Concentrate Your Thoughts.” This is really the key to help us make the most of any situation.
There is a unique place in my home that serves as my thinking and reading room. It is here in my easy chair that I have my prayer time, read my Bible and spend quiet time just thinking about the opportunities that come my way each day. To be sure, because I am on offense, I want to make the most of my opportunities and use my time wisely. I might add that the best use of my time on some days is just to rest and relax, or even take short trips, because this helps me recharge my batteries. When my batteries are fully charged, I have a lot more energy to move the chains than if they’re run down.
My philosophy has always been that it is better to wear out than to rust out. I want to always be productive doing something useful and worthwhile, especially when it comes to helping and serving my fellow man. Now, I realize that when you are older and have more discretionary time you can do things that you can’t when you are younger, have a job, a family for which to provide, and various obligations you must meet. Even though your time may be limited, what is that old saying, “Never enough time to do it right but always enough time to do it over?”
I want to suggest, especially if you are not doing this, to get some place in your home where you can spend some quiet time and use more of the great potential that God has given you. Do some thinking and planning, and I believe you find, as I have, that it is so much easier to move the chains. Best wishes.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1044 THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

No. 1044

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

Have you noticed, as I have, that everyone wants a little of your time? The famous Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) once said, “Time is the illimitable, silent, never-resting thing … rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean tide, on which we and all the universe swim.”
In reality, time is the most precious thing we have. Once it’s gone, it is gone forever and can never be replaced. And to add still another dimension to validate the value of our time, God in his mercy never tells us exactly how much time we have to spend on this small planet that we call Earth.
The reason I have shared these thoughts with you is because of something a friend sent me the other day that helped me realize the true value of my time. After I share the following, hopefully it will cause you to think about your life, your time and whether or not you are using it wisely and making the most of it. To be sure, we only have one chance to make a difference in this world, and it is also our own choice to determine what is most important to us.
What this friend sent me is something I will call a “fable” about Alexander the Great. It begins: On his deathbed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes. No. 1 – The best doctors should carry his coffin. No. 2 – The wealth he had accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery. No. 3 – His hands should be let loose, so they hang outside the coffin for all to see.
With this, one of his generals asked Alexander to explain. Here is his response:
To his first wish, “I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death, even the best doctors have no power to heal.”
To his second wish, “I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth, will stay on earth.”
To his third wish, “I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted and that is: TIME. We do not take to our grave any material wealth. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is limited. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time. When we give someone our time we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life! The best present we can give to our family and friends is our time.”
They say an honest confession is good for the soul and I will confess that my priorities have been wrong in some areas of my life. In most ways I have been successful, but I have failed in other ways, and this is especially true when it comes to my children. If I had it to do over, given what I know now, I would certainly change my priorities with respect to my time in order to spend more time with them, and especially with my grandchildren.
One the things I truly admire about my wife Janis, who I recently married, is the great relationship she has with her children and grandchildren. We see those who live nearby often, and she keeps in touch regularly by telephone and Facebook with those who live in other states. She has promised to help me in this area, and I know she will.
Here I am reminded of something I heard a while back: In the history of the human race there is no record of someone ever saying on their death bed that they wish they had spent more time at work. While I have no way of knowing, could your situation be similar to mine with regards to your time and your family? You may rest assured … The Clock is Ticking.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1045 - HOW SMART ARE YOU?

No. 1045

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW SMART ARE YOU?

Back in my college days, I had a professor at Arkansas A&M College in Monticello, Arkansas (now part of the University of Arkansas System), by the name of Dr. W.C. Hobgood. He taught Zoology and helped prepare many students to enter medical school over his long and distinguished career. One of his trademarks is that he only gave five questions on his tests. You could give an incorrect answer to one question, and still make an “A” if you got the others right. However, one thing you could always count on is that there would be at least one “trick” question in the bunch.
If you will come along, I would like to invite you to take a little quiz that could be one indicator of how smart you are. I can promise you that there are no trick questions on this quiz. There are only nine questions on this quiz and they are straight questions with straight answers.
No. 1 – Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor participants know the score, or the leader, until the contest ends.
No. 2 – What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?
No. 3 – Of all vegetables, only two live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replaced every year. What are the two perennial vegetables?
No. 4 – What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
No. 5 – In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it has not been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
No. 6 – Only three words in the Standard English language begin with the letters ‘dw’ and they are all common words. Name two of them.
No. 7 – There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?
No. 8 – Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.
No. 9 – Name 6 or more things beginning with the letter ‘S’ that you can wear on your feet.
Now, here are the answers. I believe you will agree, assuming you took the quiz, that it will be interesting to see how well you did. At this point I can tell you that I flunked.
Answer #1- the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends – Boxing. Answer #2 – The North American landmark that is constantly moving backward is Niagara Falls. The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute. Answer #3 – The only two vegetables that can live to produce for several growing seasons are asparagus and rhubarb. Answer #4 – The only fruit with the seeds on the outside is the strawberry. Answer #5 – The only way the whole pear could get inside the brandy bottle without the glass being cut is to place the bottle over the pear buds when they are small and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.
Answer #6 – The three English words beginning with dw: Dwarf, dwell, and dwindle. Answer #7 – There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar: period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation mark, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses. Answer #8 – The only fruit or vegetable never sold frozen, canned, processed cooked or in any other from except fresh is lettuce. Answer #9 – six of the things you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter “S” are shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings and stilts.
Well, did you pass? If you did you are smarter than I am. Blessings, Jim.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1046 - LIVE A "SEIZE-THE-MOMENT" LIFE!

No. 1046

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVE A “SEIZE-THE-MOMENT” LIFE!

The other day I was searching for something in my office and accidentally stumbled across a whole box of books that I had stuck back and had not read or thought about in years. This box contained a large number of booklets titled, “How to Plan Your Life: for school and college use only.”
The copyright was 1976. This was my first attempt at writing. It came as a result of my work with students in our nation’s schools and colleges, as I had developed a six-hour seminar to help students develop some life and career goals. I scarcely recognized the young man’s photo on the back cover. Obviously a lot of water has run under the bridge since then.
As I re-read and thumbed through this booklet, there was something of particular interest on the inside of the back cover titled, “How to Plan Your Life” – Check List. This was the wrap-up after a student had read the Introduction, Laws and Principles and filled in the blanks in response to the following questions: Who Am I? – Where Am I? -- Is it Possible for Me? – Where Do I Start? – Now What? – Is That All There is To It? And then I added a detailed explanation of these major areas of life – Spiritual, Family, Work or School, Income, Time Management, the Importance of Habits, the Importance of Communication & Change, and Continuing Education.
As I said earlier, the checklist was of particular interest because it was a yes-or-no summary to confirm if the student knew and understood the material they had just covered. While space will not permit me to share them all, I will give you several examples so you can see what I am talking about. It may be interesting for you if you would mentally answer these questions as well. Remember: Yes or No.
No. 1- Do I really understand who I am as a person – a unique human being with unlimited potential for growth and development in the free world? No. 2 – Have I taken a realistic inventory to determine where I am in terms of the development of my potential? Do I know my strong and weak points and what remains to be done? No. 3 – Am I aware that I have the ability to think, plan, reason, and make personal choices which will determine my environment, my rewards, and my future, and also the future of those who depend on me?
No. 4 - Have I given much thought to what I want out of life? Do I have my long- and short-range goals written down with a time limit placed on them? Do I realize the way to get things done is to create a sense of urgency? No. 5 – Do I understand that my own mental attitude towards myself, my service to other people, and the work I have chosen will determine my material success and happiness? Do I further understand that the willingness to work for what I want will make my goals become a reality? No. 6 – Am I becoming an autonomous person? Do I fully understand the importance of persistence and do I have a personal commitment to my goals so that I “won’t quit”?
Well, I must stop here because I want to make some closing comments. They say that “hindsight is 20/20” and I know this is true. Now, 40 years later, I have a little different perspective than I did back then. To be sure, the information I shared in my little booklet will work and, if followed, will help anyone become more successful. However, I have also learned that we must have balance in our lives if we are to be a happy person.
Believe it or not, when I started this column it was to talk about living a “Seize-The-Moment” life. Plan, work and succeed, YES, but don’t ever be so rigid that when a great opportunity for fun comes along, that you can’t take the time to enjoy it. We only live once.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1047 - WOULD YOU UNPLUG THEM?

No. 1047

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WOULD YOU UNPLUG THEM?

It has been said that “maturity” is when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself. The other day I read a true story on Facebook that was humorous but sad at the same time.
The story goes that a family of five moved into the house next door to a woman of modest means who could barely pay her own bills. After a few days she noticed that the man of the house seldom went to work. A few weeks later, the power company came and shut off their electricity because of failure to pay their bill. They had become acquainted by this time and it was not long until the whole family began to come over and take a bath. Before she could say Johnny Appleseed, the woman of the house wanted to know if they could use an extension cord to plug into her electricity. Feeling sorry for the kids, she agreed to let the neighbors make the connection. She noticed that same week the husband only went to work one day.
Things were going along reasonably well, but then she saw them load up in their old car and go to the state fair and all the rides that had just come to town. This was more than she could stand and as she said, “I unplugged them.” She felt like, and rightly so, that if they had the money to go to the state fair they had the money to pay their electric bill. As I said in the beginning, this is a true story and I don’t know whether or not she let them plug it back in. However, I understand that at some point she did.
Now here is my question to you: Assuming you have some resources and less gall than these people, would you have unplugged them? My answer to this question is “no,” assuming that I had the money to pay my own electricity bill, but with a stern warning to the parents that this could only continue for a short time because there would be consequences. My reason is based on the simple fact that I don’t believe the kids should suffer because of their parents.
This story reminds me of something I heard Cavett Robert, a fellow speaker, say one time. He said when many people are born and their umbilical cord is cut. Then they spend the next 20 years trying to find a place to plug it back in. Now, I see a lot of opportunity here to talk about personal responsibility, and I bet you do, too. As parents, one of the best things we can ever do for our children is to teach them to be responsible for their actions and their behavior. You may rest assured, if we don’t teach them the world will later, and it will probably be a harsh lesson. This process should begin almost from the time the child is born, by not letting them have their way all the time, by teaching them to share, and later by having chores to do on a regular basis.
It is also very important to teach children the value of money and its source. To require them to save a portion of what they receive, either from doing chores or gifts, they will have money later to pay their own way. The father in my earlier true story is setting the worst possible example for his children, and unless someone else comes into their life and teaches them later on, their future will be very bleak. Without question, I see parents all the time who are ruining their children’s future, trying to win their love by giving them everything they want, without them learning value and having to earn anything.
As a result of what I have shared today, here is something I hope you will ponder. With reference to my true story from Facebook, to the way we conduct our own life, the best thing we can ever give another person is a good example. As the great doctor, author, missionary and musician Albert Schweitzer once said, “Example is not the main thing in life, it is the only thing.”
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1048 - A HERITAGE OF ASSIMILATION!

No. 1048

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HERITAGE OF ASSIMILATION!

The United States of America has a heritage of assimilation. This word comes from the Latin “assimilationem,” which means “likeness” or “similarity.” People of different backgrounds and beliefs undergo assimilation when, through living together, they come to see themselves as part of a larger community. This can also happen when a small group is absorbed and made part of a larger group, such as the Irish immigrants in America in the 19th Century. Save for the Native Americans who were already here, we are all immigrants. This is to say, our ancestors came from some other place on Earth.
If you know much about American history, you know that our mother country is England, the cornerstone of the British Empire, a collection of people groups from across the globe. By 1922, the British Empire held sway over one-fifth of the world’s population and almost a quarter of the earth’s land area. Great Britain used to brag that the sun never set on her empire.
It was from this large empire, and the nation of England, that the fledgling 13 colonies located on the North American continent declared Independence on July 4, 1776. This ragtag bunch of patriots, led by Gen. George Washington, declared victory in 1783, with the United States Constitution signed in 1787 and ratified in 1788. It has been amended 26 times since it was adopted, but is still in effect today.
In time, people from all over the earth would come to America, seeking religious freedom and a better life. In the early days most passed through Ellis Island, a wonderful processing center that opened in January 1892. From the opening of this center until 1954, more than 12 million people came to our shores. Today, Ellis Island along with the Statute of Liberty, located in the harbor of New York City, serves as a tremendous tourist attraction. There is a terrific inscription on the base of the Statute of Liberty, and if you don’t know what it says, I would encourage you to look it up and read it, as this is a very important part of our nation’s history.
You might be interested to know that Emory University in Atlanta teaches a course on Citizenship and U.S. Immigration. People born in the United States are automatically citizens. If you are a citizen, have you ever thought about what it means from an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen? This course analyzes the historical origins of citizenship and immigration in the United States and provides an overview of modern U.S. law. Beyond traditional notions of “law,” the course also includes significant elements of immigration policy, social science, history, political theory and ethics. One goal of the course is to provide a basic knowledge base for students to make and influence law and policy in immigration and citizenship. Just think, as citizens, most of us take all that for granted.
Up to this point I have done my best to make a case that our great country does have a heritage of assimilation, with people coming here from all over the world. Through the process of legal immigration, and after a time, regardless of where they came from, they become Americans. To have a country where everyone wants to come and contribute is what has made us such a great nation. However, because of illegal immigration and the rise of Islamic terrorism in our world, this has begun to change.
The problem is that these people do not want to assimilate, but rather their stated goal is to conquer and destroy us. Our leaders must take steps to keep these people from entering our nation, as we have all seen what they are capable of doing. We have faced challenges before and prevailed. I am trusting God for His blessings on America.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1049 - THE LIFE OF JOY!

No. 1049

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LIFE OF JOY!

There is a little three-letter word in the English language that, when examined in the clear light of day, can make a tremendous difference in our lives. The word is “JOY.” According to the dictionary, it means “A strong feeling of happiness; gladness; delighted.” There are few among us who would not like to live a life of joy -- one of happiness, gladness and being delighted with the events and relationships that are taking place around us each day.
I guess the 1888 poem by Ernest Thayer titled “Casey at the Bat” pretty well sums up what it means to have joy or not to have joy. The story line of this poem is about a baseball game between an opponent and the fictional nine of the town of Mudville. The home team is trailing by two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning. It comes down to two outs and two men on base, when mighty Casey comes to bat. The game ends with the now famous words, “There is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey has struck out.”
To be sure, there was no joy in Mudville that day, but this was just a temporary thing and most likely only lasted until the next game when their team again tasted victory. Now, I believe you will agree that it is one thing to have joy that comes and goes with the winning or losing of sporting events, and to have real joy in our lives that takes us through good times and bad times, the victories and the defeats. To live a life of true joy, to be happy, glad and delighted about our station in life and the circumstances we live with day after day, is a desired lifestyle that most of us would like to have. I know this is true for me.
If for some reason you feel like your life is humdrum, has no excitement, many personal problems, and you don’t look forward with anticipation to each new day, I have some thoughts that may be helpful. We often hear about the joys of life, but what about living a life of joy? Here is what works for me, and if you don’t already live this way, it may be something you wish to consider. When you take the word “JOY” and see it as an acrostic, the letters stand for Jesus, Others and You. You can even take a sheet of paper and write JESUS on the top line, the next line the word OTHERS, the following line the word YOU -- that makes it easier to visualize. After living for so many years of struggle without Jesus, and having no true joy in my heart, I finally came to realize what I had been missing.
What I am suggesting is a change in lifestyle and a change in your priorities. While not easy, it is almost that simple. If you are not already living this way, each day when you get up and head out, make a commitment that you will place Jesus first, others next and yourself last. You can believe me when I tell you that I have tried it both ways, and there is no comparison to the personal feeling I get of happiness, satisfaction and real joy in my heart when I do this. Now this is in no way meant to detract from the job or task at hand, the things we have to do to earn a living, or the commitments we have to keep. Rather, this is a matter of attitude and how we see, treat and interact with other people.
It has been said that it is our “attitude, not our aptitude that will determine our altitude.” Attitude is a powerful thing. Experts have determined that attitude is responsible for about 85 percent of our success in life, while knowledge and skill make up the balance. There are many people who understand that attitude makes the difference, but they don’t make the connection that a personal relationship with Jesus is what controls their attitude. When we can see others in this light, and make a commitment to help and serve them, our whole world will change.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1050 - THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY!

No. 1050

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY!

One day I asked a friend how he was doing and he said, “I am as fine as a frog-hair split four ways.” Now, that is fine. For the past few days I have been racking my brain trying to come up with a way to talk about a subject that, at some time or another, affects each of our lives.
The subject I want to talk about is flattery. Flattery means excessive or insincere praise. Contrast this with the word compliment, which is in the same family but with a softer and gentler choice of words. The key word here is insincere, and there is a fine line between a compliment, which we all love, and someone who is just trying to flatter us. While we all like to be flattered, most of us are not dumb and can see right through it.
It is just human nature to want other people to say nice things about us. “You look sharp today, better than I have ever seen you” and, “I could never make it without you” are two examples. Again, a lot depends on who is giving the compliment and what their motives are for giving it. This comes under the topic we call “human relations,” and to be able to practice good human relations on a consistent basis is very important if we are to achieve success in this old world. The basis for good human relations is “respect,” as we must have that for another person if we are to have the kind of relationship that is both satisfying and enduring.
If you are a sensitive person and do your best to practice good human relations, you know how important the topic of flattery is, although it is not discussed openly in many circles. Again, the key is to be sincere in what we say to others and not use excessive praise, glowing words or terms to manipulate others to get what we want. What this actually shows is that we have so little respect for them.
To be sure, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I personally know this is true, as I adore my new wife Janis and frequently find myself repeating some of the sayings she uses on a regular basis. A couple that come to mind that she uses quite often, are “Oh, my goodness” and “Well, good deal.” Of course you realize that the relationship we have with our spouses is different from all others. Because they love us, they will forgive us and give us another chance when we mess up or fall short. However, it is an entirely different matter when it comes to others who are out there in the world. Their standards, in most cases, are different because our relationship with them is different. The world can be very harsh, especially from those who do not have the spiritual value of forgiveness embedded in their heart and soul.
By the way, after Janis read my earlier comment, she said she was flattered. One of the many things I love about her is her sense of humor. Since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, we should always be careful how we act and talk around our children. It has been said that children are natural mimics … they always act like their parents in spite of every effort to teach them good manners. There is a positive side of this, but there is also a down side. It always saddens me when I hear about parents who are hooked on drugs, commit crimes and wind up in prison, because of the example they are setting for their children.
There is certainly a lesson here for those of us who care what others think and have respect for other people, simply because they are another human being. We should enjoy and have fun in what we are doing around those we influence, and be sincere when we compliment others and not try to flatter them purely to get what we want, especially if it is not in their best interest.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1051 - IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP PROMISED!

No. 1051

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP PROMISES!

If you will go back with me several generations in our country, you will find a time when a large percentage of our population did business on a handshake. I am from that generation. For me, you don’t need a lawyer or a contract to do business. A simple handshake and a person’s word is all I need. I have made it pretty well over the past 50 years using this concept as my guide, making very few promises that I could not keep, and doing my best to learn from my mistakes -- and yes, there have been a good number of those.
Using these thoughts as a backdrop, I would like to tell you why I believe it is very important to keep our promises. It has been said that we are never too old to learn, and to be sure, experience is still one of our best teachers. There is still great opportunity for real success in America for those who understand that telling and living the “truth” is the only foundation that will endure and stand the test of time. We certainly have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to keeping our promises.
I have an attorney friend who works with the juvenile court system in our community. He tells me that many of today’s youth are really messed up and have real problems. Sadly, the courts will not allow the only thing that offers real hope, the word of God, to be a part of the solution. For me, it is quite an irony when we can’t teach the Bible in our public schools but these same children can get it when they get to prison. Go figure.
To use a legal term, I would like to build a case for why I believe it is very important to always keep our promises. It is common knowledge that the foundation for our society is the home, and it depends largely on how parents rear and teach their children as to what kind of society we will have.
Keeping this in mind, here is one of the most important promises any person can ever make. It is found in the marriage ceremony when both the man and woman respond to this question: “Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him or her, forsaking all others and holding only to each other forevermore?” When someone said, “show me the homes of a nation and I will show you what kind of nation you have,” truer words were never spoken. Today we have a divorce rate of about 50 percent, which means that half of all marriages end in divorce. Following this line of thinking, it also means that when the home breaks down, society breaks down, too.
There is hope, and it is the purpose of my column today. We all make mistakes, but when we can learn from them and not repeat the same ones over and over again, things will be much better for us. As you read this, I hope you will think about what I am saying and not only make a personal commitment to keep the promises you make to others, but to also influence those you care about to do the same.
There is no limit to the examples we can use to see the benefits of always keeping our promises. When a person gets elected to office, they promise the voters that they will faithfully execute the duties of that office. When we go to work for an employer we promise to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. When we buy something on time, we promise to pay those extending the credit back in a timely manner.
As you can easily see, each day of our lives we make promises, and when we make them sparingly and keep them faithfully, we are building a solid foundation for our future. In like manner, when we don’t keep our promises we are building on sand, and it is then just a question of time until our reputation is ruined.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1052 - GOD ANSWERS "KNEE" MAIL!

No. 1052

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOD ANSWERS “KNEE” MAIL!

One of the greatest of all American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, once said, “I have been driven many times, upon my knees, by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and all that about me seemed insufficient for that day.” There is little question that Abraham Lincoln, as well as many other American presidents, were men of God and spent considerable time on their knees, or at least time in prayer.
What brought this quote to mind was a phrase I read the other day -- “God answers KNEE mail.” This seemed most timely and appropriate in these days when e-mail and Facebook almost dominate our lives.
In my personal and professional life, I get dozens of e-mails every single day. A good number of them come as a result of some person, company or organization having me on their e-mail list. I try to “unsubscribe” from as many as I can, and those I can’t, I just delete, which takes a little of my precious time. My point is simply this: the time alone praying to God, on my knees or sitting alone in a quiet place, is the most important time I spend each day. Over the past several years I have found that prayer does change things, because God is faithful and He is always there.
He tells us in his Word in Philippians 4:6 -- “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” There is a little parable that most people have probably heard called “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” that I believe has application here. In Matthew 13:31 we read these words, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.”
The principle here is simple: God can take something small, like a mustard seed, and turn it into something very large, which is His economy when we are faithful to live for Him and we ask Him to bless us. What I am saying here is a very personal thing, and you always have the right to disagree, but to my way of thinking, a person who tries to go through life without God and spending time in prayer is like a boxer trying to win a boxing match with one arm tied behind his back. The truth is, we have a source of unlimited power available to us, so why not use it to help us succeed in life and be a blessing to those around us?
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of having the program at our men’s prayer breakfast, and as I thought about some of the things I am sharing with you, this question came to mind. What would happen if we simply took God at his word? For my presentation, I picked out a number of scripture verses and shared them, beginning with II Timothy 3:16 -- “All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The next verse I shared was Mark 9:23 – “Then Jesus said to him, ‘If you can? Everything is possible to the one who believes’.”
This is the key. If we are to receive the blessings of God, we must believe Him and His word. This is validated by James in verses 1:6-7 -- “But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.”
E-mail is good, but Knee mail is the best.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1053 - AN UPDATE ON OUR BOOKCASE PROJECT!

No. 1053

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN UPDATE ON OUR BOOKCASE PROJECT!

As founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project, known locally as the Conway Bookcase Project, one of the things I am most grateful for is the tremendous support we have here in our community for this project. Since we started in 2005, we have had more than 5,000 people directly involved in one way or another.
This past October we had our 8th annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet to raise the funds to build 50 more personalized bookcases that will bring our total to 600 since we started. Just think about that -- 600 pre-school children from low-income families whose lives will be and are being changed forever. That is only here in Conway, as we have more than 1,000 additional bookcases built and presented in other communities across the nation.
I am sure you have heard the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Because this project is so important, I just want to keep us aware and focused on the need. We are definitely going to keep it running, as the need is so great.
For this reason I want to give you an update on our progress and also some news about other projects that are forming to benefit their community. Over the past few months I have personally been to about 15 different communities in our state, talking with community leaders about starting a Bookcase for Every Child project, mostly in county seat towns because they have resources many of the others do not have.
This past April, the Head Start Center in our neighboring community of Morrilton burned, and they lost everything, including books for their children to read. We had a book drive here to help them replace some of what they lost, and a few weeks ago I delivered more than 600 books to Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer, who agreed to head up the Morrilton Bookcase Project. I am excited about good things that are going to be happening there in the very near future.
As part of this update, I would be remiss if I did not tell you about a most exciting plan now developing with Chief Randall Aragon, former Police Chief here in Conway and the man who helped us get our project off the ground. Randall is now Chief of Police in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is working with the Alaska State Literacy Board to get a project started in this community. He wants to have me fly up there and speak to their Inaugural Bookcase Awards Ceremony sometime next year. At this point this is not firm, but stay tuned and I will let you know how it turns out. One thing for sure, Randall is committed to improving literacy and I am confident he will make it happen.
Since the last time I gave you an update, we also have a bookcase project taking place in Oneonta, N.Y., started by Marie Lusins, a community leader who knows the importance of literacy and has the ability to get others involved in the cause. What is so exciting for me is that it only takes one person, the right person, to get a Bookcase for Every Child project started in any community in America. As you read this, if you have an interest in helping some very special children have the literacy skills to help them succeed in life, e-mail me at jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net and I will be happy to help you get started.
I also have a limited supply of spiral bound books titled, “A Primer for the Bookcase for Every Child Project”, that gives complete details of how to begin, carry out and continue a bookcase project in your community. This book has a complete description, along with newspaper articles and other documents that makes it simple and easy to understand. Let me know if you would like to have a copy. First come, first served.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1054 - A "NO-EXCUSE" SUNDAY!

No. 1054

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “NO-EXCUSE” SUNDAY!

I remember hearing my former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway, tell a story about this man who came down the stairs for breakfast one morning and said to his wife, who was already up and in the kitchen, “Where are the biscuits?” She replied, with a big smile on her face, “I couldn’t find the ax.” He said, “What on earth does not finding the ax have to do with you fixing biscuits for breakfast?” She replied, “Well, if you don’t want to do something, one excuse is as good as another.”
Over the years I have heard thousands of excuses, some more legitimate than others, but this was one I had never heard before. This is what I thought of when Janis handed me an old Ann Landers column that she had tucked back in her files for several years titled, “No-Excuse Sunday.” This column first appeared back on April 6, 1991, and I would like to share it with you, and then make some appropriate comments about it. It begins:
“In order to make it possible for everyone to attend church next week, we are planning a special no-excuse Sunday. 1. Cots will be placed in the vestibule for those who say, ‘Sunday is my only day for sleeping in.’ 2. Eye drops will be available for those whose eyes are tired from watching TV too late on Saturday night. 3. We will have steel helmets for those who believe the roof will cave in if they show up for church. 4. Blankets will be furnished for those who complain that the church is too cold. Fans will be on hand for those who say the church is too hot. 5. We will have hearing aids for the parishioners who say, ‘The pastor does not talk loud enough.’ There will be cotton for those who say, ‘The pastor talks too loud.’
“6. Score cards will be available for those who wish to count the hypocrites. 7. We guarantee that some relatives will be present for those who like to go visiting on Sunday. 8. There will be TV dinners available for those who claim they can’t go to church and cook dinner, too. 9. One section of the church will have some trees and grass for those who see God in nature, especially on the golf course. 10. The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies to create a familiar environment for those who have never seen the church without them.”
Well, that is the end of Ann’s column. Keep in mind this was written back in 1991, and there have been tremendous changes in America since that time, especially in the area of technology. But there has also been change in the social and spiritual fabric that really binds us together as a people. Granted, I am a senior citizen and part of the older generation, but I can remember when practically all of the businesses in our town closed on Sunday. This was because the church had real influence back in those days. Sadly, we have lost most of that today, and we have also lost the life-changing power of the one institution charged with teaching character, morals and ethical values.
One thing I try to do each day is watch the evening news on television, and I have noticed, at least here in Central Arkansas, that over half of the newscast is taken up by reporting murders that have occurred over the past few days and weeks. In an article for Outreach Magazine, Kendall Harmon reports that only 17 percent of Americans can be found at a church worship service on any given Sunday. I might say that some would dispute his number, but church attendance has still had a sharp decline.
Is there any connection between declining church attendance and an increase in the number of murders taking place in our country each week? I believe there is. If you agree, and are not attending church on a regular basis, I hope you will come or come back.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1055 - A DREAM THAT CAME TRUE!

No. 1055

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DREAM THAT CAME TRUE!

One of the world’s greatest engravers decided to try his hand at counterfeiting. He made up his mind that he would make a perfect copy of a $50 bill. He spent weeks on the plates. Every line, every dot was copied exactly. Then, he printed a million dollars’ worth. But, the first time he tried to cash one, he was arrested by a Secret Service agent. He said to the agent, “I am one of the world’s greatest engravers. I am sure nobody can tell the difference between the original and my copy. How could you tell that my bills were counterfeit”? “Well, it was very easy” the agent said. “You made a perfect copy of a counterfeit $50 bill.”
There is one thing for sure, when it comes to being an original, there is no one on earth like Shoji Tabuchi, the Japanese American fiddler and singer who currently performs in his theater, The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre, in Branson, Mo.
Shoji Tabuchi was born April 16, 1944, in Daishoji, Ishikawa, Japan. When he turned 7, his mother encouraged him to play the violin under the Suzuki Method. Tabuchi always loved American country music and vowed that one day he would make it to America. For him, this was a dream that would come true.
His big break came in the mid-1960s when he was a sophomore in college. He heard that Roy Acuff of the Grand Old Opry was coming to Osaka, Japan. Tabuchi went to this concert and met Acuff backstage. Acuff told Tabuchi that if he was ever in Nashville to look him up. Acuff’s music inspired him to pursue country/bluegrass music. Sometime later he decided to travel to America with only his violin and $500 to his name. He would live and work in several American cities, and he eventually moved to Nashville to meet Acuff. Acuff was true to his word and arranged an appearance for the young Japanese fiddler on the Grand Ole Opry, where he later made numerous appearances.
He would kick around the country for a while performing and working for other people. In about 1980 he moved to Branson, Mo., where he was still working for others. A little prior to 1990 he took a gamble and built one of Branson’s most elaborate theaters, where he has now been performing for more than 25 years.
If you did not already know, this is really one of those “Only in America” kind of stories shared by so many others who came from distant lands and made it big because of freedom, our unique form of government and American free enterprise that provides opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world.
In the early days, my wife Janis had a personal encounter with Shoji. About 1985 he was traveling through Conway, his truck broke down near Pickles Gap Village and he came to their place looking for help. Her late husband Ralph took him to Conway, where he bought some parts to repair his truck and got him back on the road. Later, when they were guests for his performance in Branson, he introduced them to this audience as Mr. and Mrs. Pickles Gap.
I first heard Shoji Tabuchi perform soon after he moved into his new theater when our Sunday school class went to Branson and took in his show. We were all impressed with his tremendous talent and showmanship, but what really impressed me was his patriotism. He truly loves America, and after the trip we could not stop talking about him. I am sure his personal magnetism and talent is what helped him succeed and reach the very top in his chosen profession. For me, what is even more exciting is that more than 200 people now have a job in Branson because of his success. That is very special and he is very special.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1056 - THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

No. 1056

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

Several years ago I had a public speaker friend by the name of Dr. Charles Jarvis, who lives in San Marcos, Texas. It has been some time since I have had any contact with him, so I am not sure if he is still living. One of his stories that I truly love is about this old boy who took his dog to the dog show. After he was assigned a number and got settled in, he went up to the chief judge and said, “Judge, the dog that I have brought to the show today is just a mutt, and a mongrel, and an ugly one at that. I know he is not going to win anything, but I just wanted him to meet some better dogs.”
Over the years I have had a number of dogs, and one that is in my life today is “Toby,” a little white Maltese that Janis had when we married several months ago. To be sure, Toby and I have bonded, and we love each other. I am an early riser, and when I go downstairs to my reading chair each morning, Toby goes, too, and sticks with me almost like glue. The thing I love about dogs is that they give you unconditional love. If you are a married man and have any doubts that what I am saying is true, just lock your dog and your wife in the trunk of your car, come back in an hour and see which one is glad to see you.
Now to a little more serious vein, if I may. Some time back I saw a news report about a prison system that had found a unique way to provide hope, stability and the promise of a better day for many of their inmates. This involved the quality of unconditional love given by some very special dogs. Now, when I say special I don’t mean in the sense they won a blue ribbon at a dog show, but because they had a very positive impact on some people’s lives. Someone got the bright idea of going around the city where this prison was located, and picking up every stray dog they could find.
They found an ample number of strays in old abandoned houses, in the woods, and in the highways and byways of this city. Most of these dogs were not only neglected, but also severely malnourished to the point you could count every rib in their body. After rounding up the dogs, they put one per cell with a good number of inmates, thinking this experiment would have very little chance of succeeding. However, over the coming weeks an amazing thing happened as the power of unconditional love began to take over. The inmates began bonding with the dogs and they began to give love in return.
With regular feeding, exercise and love, a real quality of life returned for the dogs as they lavished even more love on the inmates. When I saw a video of this it almost brought tears to my eyes as I realized what was happening. The inmates related to the plight of these dogs because many had suffered the same kind of neglect and abuse, and they had lashed out against a cruel world and committed the crimes that landed them in prison. Then this question came to my mind: what would each inmate have become if they had received unconditional love, especially in their formative years, from the people in their lives that mattered most?
We should understand that “unconditional love” does not mean giving a person everything they want (which is really a substitute for real love), but to have their best interests at heart and do those things that would help them become responsible and productive citizens. Each one of us can make a difference in someone’s life. I am glad Toby loves me, as he has made a difference in mine.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1057 - WHAT IS MY STONE?

No. 1057

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS MY STONE?

There is a name in the annals of the American college and professional sport of football that most people will recognize, and that name is Frank Gifford.
Frank played college football for the University of Southern California, graduating in 1952 when he won the coveted Heisman Trophy, symbolic of being the best college football player in America. He would later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He would go on to play professional football for the New York Giants for 12 seasons, and again would distinguish himself by being named the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player in 1956. Frank would play in five league championship games, was named to eight Pro Bowls and would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. One of the most important accomplishments was to have his No. 16 jersey number retired, never to be worn by any other New York Giant football player.
Granted, it is rare for one man to have so much talent and ability in different fields, as he also had a brief acting career. He later would transition from his football playing days to the broadcast booth, where he became an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, known for his work on ABC’s “Monday Night Football,” “Wide World of Sports” and the Olympics.
Those of us who have been around for a while heard Frank as an announcer and commentator for 27 years on “Monday Night Football,” working alongside Howard Cosell and others. While there is much, much more to Frank’s football, acting and broadcasting career, for the remainder of our space I would like to turn our thoughts to his personal life, as his later years were even more rewarding for him than his earlier years.
Frank married his college sweetheart, USC’s homecoming queen Maxine Avis Ewart, in 1952 and they had three children, Jeff, Kyle and Victoria, and five grandchildren. Frank and Maxine divorced, and he was then married to fitness trainer Astrid Lindley from 1978 until they divorced in 1986. After his second divorce he married television presenter and singer Kathie Lee Johnson, who was 23 years his junior, on Oct. 18, 1986. They would co-host ABC’s coverage of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Apparently Kathie Lee was the woman Frank needed to settle him down and get him headed in the right direction. They moved to Greenwich, Conn., and had two children, a son Cody Newton Gifford and a daughter Cassidy Erin Gifford.
Frank died of natural causes at the age of 84 on Aug. 9, 2015. After his death, Kathie Lee did a television interview and told about his faith and the tremendous changes that took place in his life before he passed away. She said that Frank had accepted Jesus at a young age, and while he had left God, God never left him. She said they took a trip to Israel a couple of years earlier and visited the Valley of Elah and the Brook of Elah, where the shepherd boy David had fought the Giant Goliath with only five smooth stones. As we know, David slew Goliath, as his very first stone would sink deep into his forehead.
Kathie Lee said, “It was not the fact that David slew the giant, but that he trusted God completely to fight the battle.” The couple brought back some stones from this trip, and she said that Frank was a changed man. When their children graduated from high school and college they each got a stone with this thought from Frank -- What is my stone? What is my gift that God has given me that I can use to make a difference?
This is a good question that each of us should ask ourselves. Frank Gifford’s life did count and I praise God for that.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1058 - UNDERSTANDING THE REFUGEE PROBLEM!

No. 1058

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

UNDERSTANDING THE REFUGEE PROBLEM!

In my opinion, there are few travesties in the past century of greater magnitude than the plight of literally thousands and thousands of people who are homeless and helpless. In our prosperous nation, many of us simply refer to these people as “The Refugee Problem.” When you think of vast numbers of people having to travel in freezing cold or blistering heat, on foot or in some depilated vehicle, not knowing where they are going or who is going to provide for them, you can begin to see the plight of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
After hearing my friend Joe Heird talk about this topic at a recent prayer breakfast, I decided to pass along some of the information he shared to help us better understand this painful problem. What he shared that was most helpful to me were the definitions of three different groups of people that we hear about in the news almost every week.
First, what is a Refugee? This is a person who has fled his or her own country and cannot return due to fear of persecution, and has been given refugee status. Refugee status is given to applicants by the United Nations or by a third-party country, such as Australia. This person outside of his own country has a well-founded fear due to his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, and is unwilling or unable to return.
The second group includes those we call Migrants. A migrant is someone who voluntarily chooses to leave his or her own country and make a new life in another country. Australia has a long history of migration. Many people have been moving to Australia for work and better opportunities since British colonization in 1788.
The last group includes those we call Asylum Seekers. An asylum seeker is a person who has fled from his or her own country due to fear of persecution and has applied for (legal and physical) protection in another country but has not yet had their claim for protection assessed. A person remains an asylum seeker until their protection “status” has been determined.
My friend Joe, who was in the Army and mustered out as a Major, witnessed some of this first-hand. He was stationed at the air base in Delmenhorst, Germany, when the barracks were used for refugees in World War II, and he was later in Vietnam when Saigon fell and many Vietnamese came as refugees to the United States. Later as a civilian, Joe was sent to Fort Chafee, Arkansas, to help process the refugees. Now, please fast forward to today, some 40 years later, when the problem is much worse.
Worldwide, it is estimated that about 60 million people are displaced, that is to say not living in their native country, and about 19.5 million are considered refugees. Most of the refugees today are found in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The European Union consists of 28 member countries. When it was formed, the goal was to foster trade with a single currency and open borders. The refugee problem has completely changed this and now threatens the very existence of the European Union, as some countries are closing their borders to new refugees.
As Americans, we are all impacted. The agency most responsible is the United Nations, based in New York City, and we provide a huge portion of their budget. Also, the makeup of refugees has changed from the early days to now, when terrorists are using this to infiltrate our borders to do us harm.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1059 - BEATING THE ODDS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS!

No. 1059

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BEATING THE ODDS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS!

When it comes to achieving outstanding success, there are few enablers more powerful than a made-up mind. If you have never personally experienced this phenomenon, what I want to share with you today could be life-changing.
In reality, most of us could achieve much more than we have, if we would simply make up our mind, make a personal commitment, and then begin to plan our days to achieve whatever it is that we have a burning desire to achieve. I have experienced this to some degree in my own life, but I recently met a man who has beaten all the odds to achieve the goals and the success he desired.
This man’s name is David Vince, and I met him a while back when he spoke to the Rotary Club in the nearby community of Morrilton, Arkansas. I was in town that day to visit with the mayor about helping to start a “Bookcase for Every Child” project, and he took me as his guest to the Rotary Club meeting. I had heard about David from Coach Dale Brown, former head men’s basketball coach at Louisiana State University, a few months earlier and had even sent him one of my books. I was so inspired by his talk that, at the close of the meeting, I told him that I was a nationally syndicated columnist and would like to share his story with my readers. He said, “Are you Jim Davidson?” Of course I said yes. That day I bought his book and have read it. It will make you think about your own life, and your success. It had that kind of effect on me.
The book is his life story. It includes his marriage to a remarkable lady named Susan, their three children, the various schools and colleges for which he coached, and some of the unique challenges he faced because of his handicap. That never kept him from pressing on, and the book also contains many photos of David and famous baseball people he got to know, such as Wade Boggs and Tony Larussa, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.
You see, David Vince is a double above-knee amputee since birth, one who never played the game of baseball but who pursued a career in athletic coaching. I hope you understand that this is not just a man with a physical handicap, but a man who excelled, inspired others and is a real winner. He was named Coach of the Year 10 times, had more than 30 players earn baseball scholarships and five players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft, and he coached baseball and other sports in several states and internationally.
There is a quote at the beginning of the book by an unknown author that pretty well sums up his life and career to this point. “The road to success is not straight. There is a curb called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs, but if you have a spare called Determination, and engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.”
Here is a final question that I hope you will ponder long and hard -- What do you need to make up your mind to do while you still have the time and the energy to do it? If David Vince can coach his high school and college baseball teams to victory 470 times as a double above-knee amputee who never played a game, you can also achieve even greater things in your life. I know he has definitely inspired me to achieve more, for the Glory of God. You can order his book “When Life Throws You Curves, Keep Swinging” from www.langmarc.com or e-mail vncfam5@aol.com to invite him as a speaker for talks and workshops to the athletic community, religious organizations, school veterans and civic clubs.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 372 - EXCUSE ME ... WHO'S FUTURE?

No. 372
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
EXCUSE ME ... WHO'S FUTURE?

If you are as concerned as I am about the preferential treatment given to those who participate in athletics in our nation, I have some thoughts to share that may be of interest to you. Let me say up front that I don 't have an ax to grind with any person or any group, but as an American I do not like what I see happening to the moral and ethical values of some of those who manage, coach and play sports. These people are no worse than the rest of us, but they are no better either, and that is the problem.

There is hardly a week that goes by that I do not hear about the 'off the field ' behavior of some athlete, whether it 's driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drug use or a case of assault and battery. Many are treated as kings, when they should be in jail or at least dismissed from the team.

We used to have a coach in our state that would say, when one of his players got in serious trouble with the law, that he was not going to dismiss him from the team because "He did not want to ruin the young man 's future." Each time he would do this I wanted to say, "Excuse meÉwho 's future?" Each time an incident came up that involved a "Star" player, I always wondered if the coach was not more concerned about his own future than he was the player 's future.

In my opinion, the solution for what we see happening in the lives of many athletes that is setting such a terrible example for the rest of our youth can be seen in the character of a band director in California, who is a friend of mine. At the beginning of the school year he has a printed "Code Of Conduct" that he has each member of the band sign to signify they understand the rules. Just like a football or basketball official, he then enforces the rules.

Some time back he took his band to Europe and a few days into the trip he discovered one of the members smoking. My band director friend promptly bought him a plane ticket and sent him home. A few weeks later, after they returned home, a young lady was caught with a can of Skoal in her backpack and without fanfare he dismissed her from the band. Believe me, it does not take long for the word to get around.

Here is what I am saying. If we want to have better behavior by those who participate in athletics, whether at the high school or college level, those in leadership need to print out a "Code Of Conduct", as to what is and is not acceptable and then enforce it. Don 't think for a minute that I am not willing to give a young man a second chance. He should be sent a clear message that his behavior is unacceptable and be dismissed from the team for a full year. He should then have the opportunity to come back and if his behavior has improved, compete for a position on the team.

For die-hard fans who want to win at all costs, especially those who wager on the games, what I am saying may seem harsh, but when we condone or overlook bad or even criminal behavior, we are not doing society, the team or the individual a favor. In a column several months ago I reported that 21% of all NBA players had a criminal record. I just bet my hat that if you could go back in the lives of each of these players, you would find that all along the way they were given a "Pass" for disrespectful and even violent behavior.

What I hope these thoughts will accomplish at the very least, whether you agree with me or not, is the next time you hear a coach say, "I don 't want to ruin this young man 's future", you will say, "Excuse meÉwho 's future?"Ê In these days we are talking a lot about character and ethics, especially in the corporate world. Let 's teach character and ethics in athletics as well. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 373 - PLEASE GOD...I'M ONLY 17!

No. 373
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
PLEASE GODIM ONLY 17!

One of the newspapers out West that carries this column is the Judith Basis Press published in Stanford, Montana. The publisher, Wes Gibbs, has been kind enough to send me the paper each week so I can get a feel for what is happening in this beautiful part of our country. In a recent issue the following headline caught my attention, A Major Local Effort to Fight a Threat to Teenagers. A subheading continues, Teenage drinking a leading cause in premature death. Judge Wayne Phillips says, lets fight it.
The bottom line is simply this. Teenagers who drink alcohol are far more likely to die early or suffer brain impairment than those teenagers who do not. In a span of only three months, 17 Central Montana youth were involved in serious alcohol related car crashes, and this is a state that does not have a lot of people. This past spring, Judge Phillips and a group of concerned community members and professionals, began a campaign to fight the problem of teenage drinking.
When I read this front page story in the Judith Basis Press, it reminded me of an article I ran across several years ago titled, Please,God, Im only 17. The original article was printed in a Dear Abby column and Margaret Nelson of Skokie, Illinois requested that it be reprinted for the benefit of her 16 year old Grandson, who had just enrolled in a drivers education class.
While the young man in this article may or may not have drinking, any automobile accident involving a young person is no less tragic. It begins: The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus, but I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of mom. Special favor, I pleaded. All the kids drive. When the 2:50 bell rang, I threw all my books in the locker. I was free until 8:40 tomorrow morning. I ran to the parking lot, excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. Free!!!
It doesnt matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off, going too fast, taking crazy chances, but I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard a deafening crash and I felt a terrible jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream. Suddenly I awakened. It was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. Then I saw a Doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jangled glass were sticking out all over.
Strange that I couldnt feel anything. Hey, dont pull that sheet over my head-I cant be dead! Im only 17. Ive got a date tonight. Im supposed to grow up and live a wonderful life. I havent lived yet. I cant be dead. Later, I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this? Why did I have to look at moms eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked like an old man. He told the man in charge, Yes, hes my son.
The funeral was a weird experience. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They passed by one-by-one and looked at me with the saddest eyes I have ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away. Please somebody, wake me up! Get me out of here. Please dont bury me. Im not dead. I have a lot of living to do. I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance. Please dont put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, Ill be the most careful driver in the whole world. All I want is one more chance. Please, God, Im only 17. Death is final for all of us, but it is tragic when a young persons life is cut short because of an automobile accident that was the result of poor choices. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 374 - HAVE YOU SEEN A "BURMA SHAVE" SIGN LATELY?

No. 374
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HAVE YOU SEEN A BURMA SHAVE SIGN LATELY?

Several years ago when we made a trip up to New England with our friends Fay & Deveryl Smith, we made the decision to stay off the interstate highways and take the state roads as much as possible. It was a wonderful trip and we were able to slow down and just enjoy the scenery. While the interstate highways will get us there much faster, there was a special charm about the old days when we only had two lane highways that wound around through the countryside and you could look at the farms, crops, livestock and the far off vistas.
One of the things I miss most about travel back then was the Burma Shave signs. These signs were posted all over the countryside in farmers fields. If you have never seen the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930s and 40s. They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing one line of a four line couplet and the obligatory fifth sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.
Here is the copy of a few of the actual signs. While your memory may be better than mine, I can remember the signs but for the life of me, I could not tell you what was on them. As you read these, keep in mind that they each contain a message or a moral that the driver and his or her passengers would do well to heed. DONT LOSE YOUR HEADTO GAIN A MINUTEYOU NEED YOUR HEADYOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT Burma Shave DROVE TOO LONGDRIVER SNOOZINGWHAT HAPPENED NEXTIS NOT AMUSING. Burma Shave BROTHER SPEEDERLETS REHEARSEALL TOGETHERGOOD MORNING NURSE Burma Shave CAUTIOUS RIDERTO HER RECKLESS DEARLETS HAVE LESS BULLAND MORE STEER Burma Shave SPEED WAS HIGHWEATHER WAS NOTTIRES WERE THINX MARKS THE SPOT Burma Shave
THE MIDNIGHT RIDEOF PAUL FOR BEERLED TO A WARMERHEMISPHERE Burma Shave AROUND THE CURVELICKETY-SPLITITS A BEAUTIFUL CARWASNT IT? Burma Shave NO MATTER THE PRICENO MATTER HOW NEWTHE BEST SAFETY DEVICEIN THE CAR IS YOU Burma Shave A GUY WHO DRIVESA CAR WIDE OPENIS NOT THINKINHES JUST HOPIN Burma Shave AT INTERSECTIONSLOOK EACH WAYA HARP SOUNDS NICEBUT ITS HARD TO PLAY Burma Shave
BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEELEYES ON THE ROADTHATS THE SKILLFULDRIVERS CODE Burma Shave THE ONE WHO DRIVES WHENHES BEEN DRINKINGDEPENDS ON YOUTO DO HIS THINKING Burma Shave CAR IN DITCHDRIVER IN TREETHE MOON WAS FULLAND SO WAS HE Burma Shave And here is my favorite. PASSING SCHOOL ZONETAKE IT SLOWLET OUR LITTLESHAVERS GROW Burma Shave
Now, do these bring back memories? If not, you are such a child! Or if they do, youre older than dirt. Of course the way to get to be older than dirt, like me, is to heed the advice on those Burma Shave signs. The real message here for all of us is to slow down and enjoy the trip, whether its a vacation or a trip to the grocery store. To be sure, we live in a rush, rush world, but if we never take the time to slow down and enjoy the scenery, we are missing some of the real joys of being alive
Of course, you understand that Im not talking about the art or the knack of getting things done. What we need is not to rush, but to have order and discipline in our lives. A strong, disciplined life is an inspiration to me. Its like a shade giving tree in a thirsty land or a sheltering rock in a storm. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 376 - A 21ST. CENTURY TEACHER APPLICANT

No. 376
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A 21St CENTURY TEACHER APPLICANT

A teacher in Kansas sent me something in the mail the other day titled, A 21st Century Teacher Applicant that contained a lot of food for thought. Apart from the reasons most of the so-called experts give, have you ever wondered why we have such a shortage of good teachers in our country? As you read this, I believe you will have some additional insights. It begins, Let me see if I have this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning.
Not only that, Im supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, behaviorally modify disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and T-shirt messages. I am to fight the war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for guns and raise their self-esteem. Im to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook and how to apply for a job.
I am to check their heads occasionally for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of potential antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for cultural diversity of others, and, oh yeah, always make sure that I give the girls in my class 50% of my attention. Im required by my contract to be working on my own time during the summer and evenings at my own expense toward advance certification and a masters degree; and after school, I am to attend committee and faculty meetings and participate in staff development training to maintain my employment status.
I am to be a paragon of virtue larger than life, such that my very presence will awe my students into being obedient and respectful of authority. I am to pledge allegiance to supporting family values, a return to the basics, and to my current administration. I am to incorporate technology into the learning, and monitor all Web sites while providing a personal relationship with each student. I am to decide who might be potentially dangerous and/or liable to commit crimes in school or who is possibly being abused, and I can be sent to jail for not mentioning these suspicions.
I am to make sure all students pass the state and federally mandated testing and all classes whether or not they attend school on a regular basis or complete any of the work assigned. Plus, I am expected to make sure that all of the students with handicaps are guaranteed a free and equal education, regardless of their mental or physical handicap. I am to communicate frequently with each students parent by letter, phone, newsletter and grade card.
I am to do all of this with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a 45 minute more-or-less plan time and a big smile, all on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps in many states. Is that all? And you want me to do all this and expect me NOT TO PRAY? If you are a teacher, you may have seen this before, but if not, it should give you some insights into what many of our nations teachers face each day they are on the job.
Since I am not a school teacher, I dont have a true understanding of what these people go through, and while this may be an over dramatization, they do face challenges unlike most of the rest of us in our jobs and careers. From my perspective, the reason this is true is because of the breakdown of the basic family unit in our society. As the result, our schools and our nations teachers are expected to fill in the gaps, while facing the threat of violence every day they teach. A part of the solution is to honor them and pay them more. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 377 - GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT TEACHING CHARACTER

No. 377
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT TEACHING CHARACTER

A while back I got an unsigned letter from a reader that made me mad. This reader was responding to a column I had written several months ago titled, There are no winners in a school shooting. Here is what this person said, Two lines in your column says it all. Congress has proven over and over again that they are not going to do anything about mind pollution. There is far too much money there. Money is more important than life. Sounds callous maybe. In your columns you often speak of truth, honesty, integrity, fairness and justice. I believe these words are obsolete.
The last line is what really made me mad. The words truth, honesty, integrity, fairness and justice are not obsolete. They are just as relevant in todays society as they have ever been but unfortunately too many people have never been taught what they mean and the tremendous impact they will have on their lives as long as they live. What I am saying is that we must teach character, not only in the home, but we must also teach it in all of our schools and colleges just like we teach math, science, history and computer skills. But obsolete? Hardly!
It is with this in mind that I want to tell you about a college that is making a concerted effort to teach character to all new students who attend there. This is the College of the Ozarks, located in Branson, Missouri. At the beginning of each school year they hold an intensive ten day Character Camp and they have an agenda that makes it obvious they are serious about teaching character to their students. The camp is named for Willard & Pat Walker, who gave an endowment to fund the Character Academy, which encourages young people to develop their character while gaining an education of the head, heart and hands.
It was my good fortune to learn about this Character Camp from a fine young man whose name is Andy Baldwin and he is attending this college on a basketball scholarship. One of the things that makes this camp so special is that they utilize the volunteer services of MOMS & POPS who come to the campus and serve as peer counselors. What better way to learn than to share some time with mature adults who have been out in the real world for many years? To my way of thinking people in education are missing a real bet if they dont take advantage of peoples experience who are willing to invest a little of their time in this way.
In order for you to have a little more insight into what I have been saying I would like to give you some of the Goals of the Character Camp and then highlight a few of the sessions in the ten day total experience. No. 1 Help students understand the Colleges expectations. 2. Assist students in understanding the purpose of higher education. 3. Develop familiarity with the physical surroundings. 4. Provide information and exposure to institutional services. 5. Provide information concerning academic policies, requirements and programs. 6 Introduce students to character development and reinforce how vital it is to success at College of the Ozarks and in life after college. 7 Convey the importance of good character, respect for yourself, others, your school and your country.
Here are just a few of the highlights. What is Character Camp? Talk on Character, Campus Family Time, Character case studies, Campfire talks, Character Development & Leadership Training Workshop, Etiquette class, Binge Drinking Video, Challenge course, Honor Induction/Etiquette Banquet. One of the keys to student success is to create high expectations with regard to character in the learning environment. A final question: Could you use some of this information to do a better job of teaching character to those you love? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 378 - Ol' SPOT JUST DIED

No. 378
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
OL SPOT JUST DIED

Someone once said that a neighbor is A person who can get to your house in less than one minute and take two hours to go back home. When it comes to being neighborly, I heard a very amusing story about a group of country neighbors who wanted to get together on a regular basis and socialize. As a result, about ten couples formed a dinner club and agreed to meet for dinner at a different neighbors house each month. Of course the lady of the house was to prepare the meal. When it came time for Jimmy & Susie Brown to have the dinner at their house, like most women, Susie wanted to outdo all the others and prepare a meal that was the best that any of them had ever lapped a lip over.
A few days before the big event, Susie got out her cookbook and decided to have mushroom smothered steak. When she went to the store to buy some mushrooms, she found the price for a small can was more than she wanted to pay. She then told her husband, We arent going to have mushrooms because they are too expensive. He said, Why dont you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms?. There are plenty of them right in the creek bed. She said, No, I dont want to do that, because I have heard that wild mushrooms are poison. He then said, I dont think so. I see the varmints eating them all the time and it never has affected them.
After thinking about this, Susie decided to give this a try and got in the pickup and went down in the pasture and picked some. She brought the wild mushrooms back home and washed them, slicked and diced them to get them ready go over her smothered steak. Then she went out on the back porch and got Ol Spots (the yard dog) bowl and gave him a double handful. She even put some bacon grease on them to make them tasty. Ol Spot didnt slow down until he had eaten every bite. All morning long Susie watched him and the wild mushrooms didnt seem to affect him, so she decided to use them.
The meal was a great success and Susie even hired a lady from town to come out and help her serve. She had on a white apron and a little cap on her head. It was first class. After everyone had finished they all began to kick back and relax and socialize. The men were visiting and the women started to gossip a bit. About this time the lady from town came in from the kitchen and whispered in Susies ear. She said, Mrs. Brown, Spot just died. With this news, Susie went into hysterics. After she finally calmed down, she called the Doctor and told him what had happened. The Doctor said, Its bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as I can get there. We will pump out everyones stomach and everything will be fine. Just keep them all there and keep them calm.
It wasnt long until they could hear the wail of the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. When they got there, the EMTs got out with their suitcases and a stomach pump and the Doctor arrived shortly thereafter. One by one they took each person into the master bedroom and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the Doctor came out and said, I think everything will be fine now, and he left. They were all looking pretty peaked sitting around the living room and about this time the town lady came in and said, You know, that fellow that ran over Ol Spot never even stopped.
When I started I didnt tell you where I heard this story but I would like to do that because its pretty special. Back in 1971 I heard Bob Murphy speak at a convention in Chicago. Bob is from Nacogdoches, Texas and over the years he became the best-known humor speaker in the country. He has spoken everywhere including The Kennedy Center, The Grand Old Opera and many other famous places. He came to Little Rock several years ago at my invitation to speak to a group of school administrators and I have considered him a friend. Because his brand of clean humor really fits me, I have used several of his stories in my column over the years.
Low and behold, a few weeks ago I got a tape of some of Bobs speeches from Lynnette Collums, who lives in Bee Branch, Arkansas and reads my column in our local paper. She used to work for Dan Dipert Travels and Tours based in Arlington, Texas. During her tenure she directed 22 tours through the New England States. On one of these tours she had a man from Baytown, Texas, who was also a friend of Bobs, and he gave her the tape. They had many enjoyable times playing the tape as they traveled the countryside. This tape was also a favorite of Lynnettes late husband, Layne Collumns. Hope you enjoyed Bobs story as much as I did. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 379 - IT'S TIME TO PULL THE PLUG

No. 379
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ITS TIME TO PULL THE PLUG

When it comes to the future of our country, especially as it relates to our children and grandchildren, there is a haunting question that keeps coming to my mind. Over the past ten to fifteen years I have witnessed the steady decline of decency, morality and virtue as portrayed in most segments of the media. To be perfectly honest, I am terribly dismayed each time I attempt to watch television and try to find something fit to watch and all I see and hear is crude language, vulgar behavior and immoral sexual conduct. When you also add violence to this mix, the quality is, to say it bluntly, deplorable. Whats even worse, when I am lucky enough to find a decent program, they promo a filthy program right in the middle of it. To be sure, these people are cunning and this is not by accident. The people who produce commercials for some of Americas largest corporations have also gotten in on the act.
The haunting question that keeps coming to my mind, and if you have children and grandchildren you may feel the same way, is simply this, If we dont turn this situation around, what kind of nation are we going to leave to those we love the most? As you ponder what I am saying, dont think for a moment that I dont believe in the rights of these people to produce and peddle the kind of programs they want to produce. While I would be willing to die to defend these rights, this does not mean that I have to agree with them and that I cannot speak out against what they are doing, if I feel it is irresponsible and will ultimately lead to the demise of our nation. Just check your history books if you want to learn what happened to other civilizations that fell into rampant sexual immorality.
From the mail I have received from thousands of readers over the past several months, I know I am not alone in wanting to do something about what we see happening to our culture. A few weeks ago I received a letter from Louis & Mary Willett who live in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Quoting now, While we agree with you Mr. Davidson, about the plethora of vulgar and objectionable programming of TV (Trashy Vision?), we believe we would be short sighted if we limited our observations and evaluation of the media to TV. We believe the problem is much larger. Movies, magazines, radio, music and video games all have long since departed from any acceptable standards of morality or even standards of decency. (I took note that the community newspaper was not listed among the offenders.)
There was a time a few generations ago, when respect for others was rampant and when standards of morality were inculcated in children by law abiding and respectable parents and elders. Unfortunately, in time many people felt liberated from any standards; indeed, many people seemingly embarked on a mission of putting God and values in the closet. Without God, obviously there is no need for values. Many of these same people who had closeted God and values became significant in the media and in other industries that exercised leadership in our country.
If you care about what is happening in this important area of our society, you may want to join me and millions of other people who want to do something about it. The answer is not to get mad and spout off, but rather to adopt a strong resolve that, over a long period of time, we can begin to turn it around. There are four basic things that I hope you will do. No. 1, When you begin to watch a television program and realize that it is crude and vulgar, switch channels. No. 2, When you cant find a clean, decent program to watch, just turn it off and do something else with your valuable time. No. 3, When you see a commercial by any company that flaunts sex to sell its products, write or call them and tell them its unacceptable and if they persist, buy from another company.
No. 4, My last recommendation may have more potential than anything else. If we are going to change the culture in our nation and leave a place for our children and grandchildren to thrive and succeed, free from predators, we must be organized and focus on these important goals. We can do this by e-mail. Write all the people you know who share our values and give them the gist of what I am saying along with the three things mentioned earlier. Then ask them to write their friends and repeat it until it spreads all across the nation. One word of caution, do not send any message as a forward as most people just delete those. It must be a sincere message from your heart to people who respect you and care about what is happening to our country. The thought I want to leave with you is simply this. What kind of nation are we going to leave our children and grandchildren, if we dont do something about the trash, vulgar language and violence in the media? Its time to pull the plug. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 380 - WILDA WOULD GIVE HER "LAST" LUMP OF COAL

No. 380
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WILDA WOULD GIVE HER LAST LUMP OF COAL

In the year 1909, William Howard Taft was President of the United States of America and James S. Sherman was Vice President. The years top news stories, Robert E. Perrys Expedition is first to reach the North Pole and U.S. troops withdraw from Cuba. The U.S. population was 90,490,000. A three bedroom brick home had an average cost of $2575.00. The annual average income was $518; a new Ford automobile cost $950, a dozen eggs 32 cents, one lb. loaf of bread, 5 cents and milk was 32 cents a gallon. The 1909 World Series, Pittsburgh over Detroit. Music heard at the time; By the Light of the Silvery Moon, I Wonder Who Is Kissing Her Now and Put On Your Old Gray Bonnet.
On Saturday, April 10 that same year, Wilda Scott Witt made her entrance into the world at Parrottsville, Tennessee in Cocke County. When both of her parents passed away in 1913, Wilda was placed in the Holston Home located in Greenville, Tennessee, where she grew up. Life was not easy for Wilda and she went through many trials and tribulations, but in 1995 when the orphanage was having a 100-year anniversary, they contacted her about coming and giving a speech about the home. The Governor of Tennessee was supposed to be the main speaker, so she accepted. Of course the local television station and other members of the media were to be there.
At the last minute they found out the Governor couldnt be there, and Wilda found herself in the center of the spotlight. Without notes, she knocked their socks off and they gave her a standing ovation.
This is a little background about my friend Wilda Witt, who now lives in Bluefield, West Virginia. Soon after my column began to run in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, she wrote me a letter and we have corresponded a number of times since then. I can tell you this for sure; Wilda makes some wonderful apple butter. The reason I have decided to tell you about this dear lady is because she is past 90 years of age and she is still interested in people and is sharp as a tack. One of her daughters, Cecile Barrett, was once Mayor of Bluefield and now takes care of Wilda in her home.
Back on July 20, 2002, the family was planning a big reunion and they asked Wilda to write down some words that would give the younger members some ideas about what had happened to family members over the years. Much of the information I have shared with you can be found in this small book titled, Wildas Words, but I was really impressed by the Introduction that was written by one of her grandsons, whose name is Jack. He begins, Wilda, Mom Maw as we know her, has been my grandmother for more than fifty-three years. She has never been afraid to try something new or to learn something new. Later I leaned to appreciate the joy of giving that she holds so dear. I have never known anyone who would so willingly give her last dollar or her last lump of coal.
To be sure, people who live in this coal mining area of our country can appreciate what I am saying. On those cold winter days when the snow and biting wind made life miserable, and the coal pile was low, to have someone who cares about you so much they would give their last lump of coal, well, that expressed more than words could say. Shes a treasure and I said earlier, she is sharp as a tack. Here are some proverbs she sent me in the mail a few days ago.
Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didnt know you left open. John Barrymore. Love is a fruit in season at all times and is within the reach of every hand. Mother Teresa. The most solid stone in the structure is the lowest in the foundation. Kahlil Gibran. An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. Henry David Thoreau. When luck enters, give him a seat. Jewish Proverb. Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction. Anne Frank. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul. Emily Dickinson. Stupidity wont kill you, but it can make you sweat. English Proverb. Time is not so short but there is always time for courtesy. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
As I think about Wilda Witt and the life she has lived, I see someone who has gone through tough times and who came out on the other side with grace, dignity and charm. A person whose values place others above herself. A person who will leave this world a little better than she found it. I thank God that we still have lots of people in this great nation with these kinds of values. This is what has made America the greatest nation on earth. . Wilda Witt has touched my life and I am grateful. Hope you have been blessed as well. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 381 - THE ONLY REAL BOSS

No. 381
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHEN DUTY CALLS, VOLUNTEERS RESPOND

The English poet Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) once said, Duty is to serve society; and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our own souls. While some people may disagree with this quotation, most of us can agree that duty to ones fellow human beings does rank somewhere near the top of the list. There is a large group of men and women all across this great nation who deserve our appreciation and thanks, sometimes much more than we give them. Im talking about the men and women who give their time, talent and resources as Volunteers who improve the quality of life and who make our communities a better place to live. Have you ever thought about where your community would be, were it not for the countless individuals who volunteer their services to help others? If you have never been on the giving end, you are missing one of the greatest blessings that life has to offer you.
I was reminded of this truth in a very special way back on November 16th of this past year when I was the featured speaker for the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner in Baxter Springs, Kansas. This annual event is sponsored the local Lions Club and features men and women who serve as Volunteer Firefighters, Fire Auxiliary, Police and EMS Volunteers. It is a special evening when community leaders, the mayor, state officials, ministers and members of the Lions Club pause to say Thank You for a job well done. The people in this community of 4500 located in the corner of Southeast Kansas really know what it means to serve. There were over 60 names of non-paid volunteers listed in the program and most of them were there. My purpose in sharing this is to highlight the great job these people do. If your community does not have such and event, it might be worth thinking about doing something along these lines.
My appearance was underwritten in part, by Larry & Sharon Hiatt, who publish the Baxter Springs News. These are very fine people and are very supportive of various activities in their community. My column has run for several years in this fine newspaper, but before going over there I did not know much about Baxter Springs. This is a very unique small town with a lot of rich history and I thought that you might be interested in learning something new about Baxter Springs, Kansas. You know there are thousands of small towns all across the United States of America and I wish it were possible to visit each one. To me, the people who live in these communities are very special and most of our national leaders and heroes have come from places like this. Baxter Springs has more than its share of these people and I will tell you about a few of them in a moment.
Here are some of the things I learned about Baxter Springs. As the original Western railhead for the railroad, Baxter Springs was the first place cattle drovers from Texas met the train with their cattle herds. Thus the town celebrates their moniker as the First Cow-Town In Kansas with Cow-Town Days. Baxter Springs was the kind of town you see in the movies before Abilene and Dodge City. Unfortunately, some cattle disease and the dangers of driving cattle through the Indian Territory sent the trail further west to other towns that became more widely known. The town is named for the first storeowner, John Baxter and some mineral springs which flowed freely and thought by Indians and settlers alike to have healing powers. A hotel was built to house visitors, thus Baxter Springs.
Baxter Springs is located on the famous Route 66. There are only 13 miles of the famous Mother Road in Kansas and passes through only two of its towns. As a side note, Larry had reserved me a room in a great bed and breakfast called, The Little Brick Inn with adjoining restaurant called Caf On The Route. From my second story room I could look out on Military Street and see the historic area of downtown Baxter Springs. It felt kind of eerie when I leaned that Jesse James and his gang had robbed the First National Bank of Baxter Springs which was located nearby, back in 1876.. Baseball legend Mickey Mantle played Little League here on a team known as the Whiz Kids. The town lays claim to having one of the best Little League Parks in the nation. In addition to Mantle, golfer Hale Irwin, Wal-Mart President Lee Scott, Mr. Clean inventor Hubert Byrd also claims Baxter Springs as their hometown. It was a wonderful experience to be able to also express my appreciation to the many volunteers in Baxter Springs, Kansas, is something I will never forget. To me, this is very important and I would like to pay tribute to all of you men and women who do volunteer work in your local community. It is true, When Duty Calls, Volunteers Respond. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 382 - LET GO OF YOUR ANGER!

No. 382
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
LET GO OF YOUR ANGER!

Several months ago I got a letter from a gentleman in Florida who sent me a brochure with these words printed on the front. Let Go Of Your Anger & Put A Smile On Your Face And You Will Soon Feel The Difference. Considering his background, these are amazing statements and I believe you will agree with me when you hear his story. This gentlemans name is David Bergman. He lives in Hernando, Florida and owns and operates Remembrance Educational Media, where he has written multi-media educational materials that are in use in over 8000 schools throughout the United States and several foreign countries.
What makes David Bergmans story so amazing is that he is also an author, speaker, inventor and survivor of the Nazi Holocaust. In all my days as a columnist I have had thousands of letters from readers, but never one from a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust and I felt honored that he would write to me. He was responding to a column that I had written about decisions that ran in the Citrus Country Chronicle published in Crystal River, Florida. If you have ever felt low or depressed because of your circumstances or background, this mans story could definitely give you a lift. Since everything is relative, please listen to his story and see by comparison, if you do not count yourself as one of the most blessed people on earth.
David was born in Czechoslovakia and at the age of twelve, he and his family and all the Jewish people in his hometown were deported to Auschwitz. During the next fourteen months he was taken to four other Nazi death camps, where millions perished. After he was liberated, he learned that he was the only one from his family to survive and the only youth of his age who made it back alive. After being set free, he wanted to find out who within him made the decisions and who guided him safely through one life threatening experience after another.
After a period of over twenty-five years of intense study of the brain and interacting that knowledge with the life threatening experiences he encountered in the Nazi death camps, he learned the following. He learned the words, I WANT, were the hallmark of his survival. I WANT to live, I WANT to survive, I WANT to be set free again and be re-united with my family. You see, he had literally programmed his mind and at this point his auto pilot took over and gave him the will to survive. As he says, All the decisions were made for me by that internal and invisible guiding force.
One of the things that helped him greatly was humor. Listen to these words; When I was held captive early in the death camps, a few of us victims who somehow managed to maintain a positive outlook on life would get together secretly after work just to exchange humorous stories. These exchanges helped us to temporarily numb the horrors we faced, thus making it possible for us to make it through another difficult and trying day. When he was liberated, he again applied humor to help him cope from the devastating losses of loved ones, home country and identity. What a story!
After having come to grips with his past, David decided that he wanted to make something out of his life and make a contribution to others. He came to the realization that Humor is also very important today, in order to be able to cope with the many unpleasant and stressful situations we are all exposed to. As a result, he began to collect various humorous phrases that would put a smile on his face. As he says, You dont have to be a Doctor to prescribe humor.
Here are several of the humorous phrases that are printed in David Bergmans brochure. Admit your errors before someone else exaggerates them, There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about, The trouble with being a good sport is that you have to lose to prove it., I want less corruption, or more opportunities to participate in it, If you want your dreams to come true, you must first wake up, Most people are willing to change not because they see the light, but because they feel the heat, The closest to perfection most people ever come, is when he or she fills out a job application, and one more, Sorry I forgot your birthday, but that is not going to happen again. Next time, I am not going to be sorry.
While I dont know about you, I would say its pretty amazing to see a man come from Davids background and have this kind of outlook on life. Whats more, this man has made a great success out of his life. If you are angry about something, get over it. Put a smile on your face and get out there, work hard and have fun while you are achieving success and you can laugh all the way to the bank. God Bless America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 383 - THE "PEOPLE BEFORE PROFITS" RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

No. 383
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PEOPLE BEFORE PROFITS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

There is a businessman who hails from the Deep South who has become almost a legend in his own time. His name is Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain. Based in Atlanta, Georgia this company is one of the nations largest privately held restaurant chains and Cathy has become one of Americas most respected businessmen. The companys motto is, WE DIDNT INVENT THE CHICKEN, JUST THE CHICKEN SANDWICH. Today sales have grown to over $1.2 billion and they have experienced growth for 34 consecutive years. What makes this story even more remarkable is that Cathy is a committed Christian and has taught a 13 year old boys Sunday school class in Jonesboro, Georgia for over 50 years, and his stores do not open on Sunday, one of the biggest sales days for restaurants.
A Georgia native, he grew up in Atlanta during the depression. At the age of eight, he showed his entrepreneurial skills by setting up a Coca-Cola stand in his West End Atlanta front yard. While operating his beverage stand and delivering the Atlanta Journal in his downtown public housing neighborhood of Techwood Homes, Cathy developed the people first business philosophy that distinguishes Chick-fil-A today. In a recent interview with NBC Nightly News, Cathy said, I see no conflict between Biblical principles and good business practice. Corporate America needs faith in something more than just the bottom line.
Many times Cathy has been asked why Chick-fil-A has not gone public, which is unusual for a restaurant chain of its size. His answer is that, Too often Wall Street analysts are more interested in profits than they are in principles and people. If I had a widow invest her savings in Chick-fil-A and the company didnt pay the return she expected, I would feel obligated to make up the difference to her. Feeling that way about it, I might as well sign the bank note and be personally responsible rather than take other peoples money. He also believes the reason many companies fail is their desire to grow faster than they can manage. When a downturn comes along they have to lay people off. As he says, You dont build a good reputation by discharging people, but rather by developing people.
Truett Cathy has written a new book titled, Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People, that is now available in bookstores and most online book retailers. In his book, Cathy shares many life lessons for business, family and faith, encouraging readers to open themselves to unexpected opportunities to make a difference in someone elses life. The author of this book certainly lives what he preaches. Along the way to his 80 plus years, he has built eleven foster homes for the more than 150 children who call him Grandpa, and sponsored scholarships for 16,500 Chick-fil-A restaurant employees. His Giving-Back Philosophy, which is consistent with my own, has earned him the title of The most generous man in business.
His commitment to people has also earned him tremendous loyalty from his people. On average, fewer than five percent of Chick-fil-A Operators leave the chain in any given year, while most remain with the company for more than 20 years. The average store operator earns more than $100,000 with some earning in excess of $300,000. Unlike the fictional stories in the popular Horatio Alger rags-to-riches books, Truett Cathy did not have to employ fictional stories to make points about his success. He actually lived them and his story is true. To me what is most refreshing about the life and success of Truett Cathy, is that he has proven that honoring a Holy & Righteous God and obeying His laws can best help us to achieve long-term success. Unfortunately, many people have never learned this simple truth. In todays dog-eat-dog corporate world of big business some executives have flunked the test and are sitting behind bars, while others are on the way. In reality, whether its right or wrong, we do learn from others. If you are aspiring to achieve success or greater success in the business world, or just in life, you might want to check out Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People by S. Truett Cathy. It could make a wonderful difference in your future.
A fellow Georgian, Former President Jimmy Carter says of Cathys life and book, Truetts commitment to principles has enabled him to achieve both spiritual and financial prosperity. In his wonderful book, he tells how this simple philosophy led him to become a mentor and role model to young people, a customer-oriented restaurateur, a community leader and philanthropist. It is one of the most remarkable success stories of our time.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 384 - SOME TIMELY ADVICE FROM A WISE EDUCATOR

No. 384
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SOME TIMELY ADVICE FROM A WISE EDUCATOR

It is absolutely thrilling to be even a small part of the lives of successful people. Im sure you have also found this to be true. This past week I got a letter from a man who was retiring after 33 years in the field of education. His name is Garrett D. Bowling and he is retiring from the Trimble County School System in Bedford, Kentucky. He taught math, physics & Russian for a combined total of 22 years. He also served as a high school principal for 6 years and assistant to the superintendent for 5 years. The reason he wrote to me, is because having read my column each week in The Trimble Banner, he knew I was a strong supporter of education and the important role it plays in our lives.
Along with his letter, he sent me a copy of an e-mail that he mailed to the staff just before he retired. He said, I am enclosing a copy of this e-mail letter in hopes that in some small way others might know the joys of having been part of our children and their future. There were the usual Thank Yous but some advice he received early in his career by a fellow educator by the name of Dorothy Cropper, made all the difference in the world for him, This advice could be a tremendous help to many young educators just starting out, along with others in society who may be discouraged and thinking about packing it in.
In order to give you a good understanding of what Mr. Bowling was saying, I am going to share a portion of his e-mail to the staff. Just think about what he is saying and the fact that he cared enough to share his thoughts. In a like manner, if it will help someone I am delighted to pass it along. He begins, A SPECIAL THANKS to the greatest bunch of partners any employee ever had the good fortune to have worked with, and I do mean partners: This has been a great ride. We have had our eye on the kids of Trimble County. No matter whether we agreed or disagreed, we have all had as our goal the well being of the students of Trimble County.
I hope I have touched a few lives in some positive way. I sure know the kids of Trimble County have touched me greatly. There is no better feeling than to see the many great successes of the great kids, and to have had the privilege of having a small part in their lives. Thanks to the many friends and colleagues I have had the great fortune to work with over these past years. You have meant so much to my family and me. (Now get ready because here is the advice I mentioned earlier) Let me share with you younger folks a piece of wisdom that was imparted by a great lady and friend, Dorothy Cropper.
At a time very early in my career, I was feeling sorry for myself I guess, and was about to get out of education, where I could at least make some money if not be appreciated, as I felt was happening. I said to her one day No one cares about education, no one appreciates what I am doing, not the kids, not the parents, and especially not the Administration. I might as well pack it in.
She said, Let me give you a piece of advice. Give it ten years. Those people who you think do not care, really do. Those yea-hoos that you think are not going to do anything or amount to anything will be out there making a living, paying taxes, paying part of your salary. They will be productive members of the community and many will appreciate you and what youve done. Some will even tell you so. Thats what it is all about. You will have had a part in that, and believe me it will feel good.
Boy was she right. It feels great! Forget those goals I had earlier in life of building bridges and skyscrapers. I have, I feel, a lot more than those who have been constructing things. I have had at least a small part of constructing productive members of society. Thanks, more than I can say, to the folks of Trimble County and the wonderful co-workers I have had the pleasure of serving with and for over a great 33+ year career. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Garrert D. (Dean) Bowling.
The principle that Mr. Bowling has talked about will hold true for any career or field of endeavor where there is great potential for personal rewards. Give it ten years and then make a decision is pretty sound advice, especially during those times when we feel discouraged and unappreciated. Believe me, I went through those days earlier in life and could have given up or quit a thousand times. In a day when there are tremendous challenges in the field of education, young teachers especially need to read and think about what Dorothy Cropper was saying. To the teachers of America, I salute you. You have in your hands the future of our nation and along with caring parents, you can meet the challenges that lie before us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 385 - A SOLDIER DIED TODAY

No. 385
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY

One of the greatest possessions any people anywhere on earth can ever have, is freedom. The freedom from external and internal oppression, the freedom to choose their own destiny and the freedom to live in harmony with their fellow human beings. In America we are still working on that last one, but we do have more freedom and more opportunities than any people in the history of civilization. Yet, millions of people in our prosperous nation do not know the price of freedom, who is responsible for it and what it took to achieve it. These thoughts came to mind when I recalled a question a friend asked his youth Sunday school class one time. He asked the question, Who pays the preacher? In a group of fifteen young people, he was literally amazed that no one knew the correct answer. You would think that young people who attended church would know that.
In like manner, we could also ask the youth of our nation as well as adults, Who is responsible for our freedom? In other words, who is most responsible for the United States of America being a free nation? What would your answer be? The correct answer may surprise you. It is not the politicians. It is not the lawyers. It is not the educators. It is not the bankers. It is not the corpororate executives. It is not the ministers. It is notwell, you fill in the blank. The correct answer for those who are most responsible for our freedom are those people in our country we call VETERANS and we should honor them above all the others that I have named.
We would not have the opportunity to be politicians, lawyers, educators, business executives, professional athletes (newspaper columnists) and to pursue our dreams in any field we choose, were it not for our nations VETERANS. If you did not already know this, I hope you will never forget it because we owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who served in combat to win and preserve our freedom. We do honor them on special occasions and observances, but every single American, both young and old, needs to understand both intellectually and emotionally what these heroes, past and present, have done for the rest of us.
The other day a friend sent me something titled, OUR NATION IS IN MOURNING... A SOLDIER DIED TODAY. You know we all get and read things like this from time to time, but if dont put it in the proper context, much of the meaning will be lost. Please meditate on these simple words: He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, and he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one. And tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke. All his buddies listened quietly, for he knew whereof he spoke.
But well hear his tales no longer, for ol Bob has passed away, and the worlds a little poorer for a Soldier died today. He wont be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For they lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way; and the world wont note his passing, tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state. While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young, but the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land, some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? The politicians stipend and the style in which he lives, are often disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, who offered up his all, is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small. Its so easy to forget them, for it is so many times that our Bobs and Jims and Franks went to battle, but we know, is not the politicians with their compromise and ploys, who won for us our freedom that our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, would you really want some cop-out, with his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier-His home, his country, his kin, just a common Soldier, who would fight until the end? He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, but his presence should remind us we might need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, we find the soldiers part is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while hes here to hear the praise, then at least lets give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say: OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURING.. A SOLDIER DIED TODAY. LET FREEDOM RING! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 386 - WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

No. 386
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

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No. 387 - A PRISON INMATE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A JOB

No. 387
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A PRISON INMATE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A JOB

According to the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are over 6 million adults who are part of our nations criminal justice system. Of this number over 4 million are on probation or parole. Here is the sad news for many of these people, in addition to being convicted of a crime. A recent government report found of those on parole 46% met their conditions of supervision, while 40% went back to jail or prison for violations. Now Im not too sharp on math, but this report did not say what happened to the other 14%. What I do know is that over the past several months I have heard from a good number of prison inmates who write to me for one reason or another. Usually its because they have read one of my articles in a local paper and because of my encouraging nature, they often open up and share their heart with me. Many feel remorse and want to start a new life.
Such was the case for a man who wrote to me a few months ago, while he is incarcerated in one of our Eastern states. You will note that I never identity the state, unless what I have to say is complimentary, because it would be unfair to single out any one state since all states have the same basic problems. This inmate, whose name is Henry, has been in prison for about five years and he is scheduled to be released in 18 months. The main problem for Henry is that he wants to find a job when he gets out. He shared with me in his last letter that people tell him to go to Man Power, Labor Finders, the Unemployment Office and so forth. He says they are right, you can go there, but if you have a felony on your record they will give you an application to fill out but they will never call you back. From this point on they will just give you the run around. Have you ever had someone give you the run around?
The bottom line is this. Many inmates go back to prison because they cant find a job and have to revert back to their old ways to survive. Im not discounting the fact that many ex-cons really do not want a job or at least one that requires real work. Their old ways and habits are too hard to break and when they violate their parole requirements, back they go. However, there are many inmates who have been rehabilitated and do want a job and Im hoping that Henry is in this group. His choice of company will make a big difference. Only time will tell..
Apparently he was out earlier and got a job at a fast food restaurant. When he was hired he did not put his criminal record on his application and after 6 months his employer found out and fired him. At this point he asked the manager if it would have made any difference if he has put it on his application. The manager said, no, they just would not have called him for an interview. There are many reasons for attitudes like this in our society. The number one factor is fear, the fear that an ex-con wont be trustworthy and even could turn out to be violent, if there is a disagreement or confrontation in the work place.
The next reason is because many employers who have hired ex-cons have had a bad experience. You know it just takes one bad egg out of a dozen to turn an employer sour on ever giving another one a chance again. There is however, a bright side. When many inmates are released from prison, they do go straight and make really good employees. I have heard of many cases like this. There is a young man from our church who is in prison now and I have learned that he is getting vocational training so he will have a skill to offer a potential employer when he is released in the next several months.
In relation to what I have been sharing, for those of you who will read this column, both inmates and potential employers alike, there are two primary considerations here. First to inmates. Many convicted felons do not truly understand the trust and confidence factor. When you make a serious mistake and wind up in prison, it often takes years to restore your good name and have others willing to trust you and have enough confidence in you to give you a job. Work hard, be honest and dependable for three to five years and you will see trust and confidence begin to return.
For potential employers. If you or someone you know is willing to give an inmate who wants a job a chance, please drop me a note and I will put you in touch with Henry. From that point on you will have to be the judge. Please understand, Im not an employment agency and there are people who do this professionally. Also, if any of you know of companies (large or small), agencies or websites that can help these people, pass it along and I will share it in a future column. If you want to know why Im doing this, sometime read the poem, The Touch Of The Masters Hand and you will understand why. There is HOPE! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 388 - UST LET THE KIDS PLAY

No. 388
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
JUST LET THE KIDS PLAY

It has often been said that, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As this relates to organized youth sports in our nation, I believe you will agree there are some problems that need to be addressed. The sooner the better. While there have been many unfortunate incidents involving youth sports over the past several years, it really came to a head some time back when a hockey dad killed another hockey dad in one of our New England states. Let me be very clear here. In the vast majority of cases the problems are not caused by the kids, but rather by the parents. I started to say adults, but in many cases thats not true. This situation has inspired a new book titled, Just Let The Kids Play: How To Stop Other Adults From Ruining Your Childrens Fun and Success In Youth Sports.
This book gives parents a better look inside the organized system of youth sports (Health Communications, $12.95) and identifies what the authors, Bob Bigelow, Tom Moroney and Linda Hill, consider the true source of trouble that can ruin a sporting experience, from fights among adults to large numbers of children who quit sports at a young age. This book is meant to challenge many of the conventional ideas that can cause children to be denied equal access and a fair chance to succeed in what are supposed to be fun games.
From the front lines of youth sports battles innovative programs across America, the book gives specific ideas for change that parents and coaches can try in their communities, on their teams, or within their own families. It calls on adults to stop any misguided pursuit of sports talent at young ages, to eliminate elite teams before grade seven, and give all children a chance to develop, to enjoy themselves and, most of all, to play. While youth related sports problems vary from community to community based on attitudes, culture and a few dominant personalities, to go to your childrens or grandchildrens athletic events and have them disrupted by insensitive and unruly adults is something no one should have to tolerate.
Now, back to what I said in the beginning, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you sense a problem in your community in that some of the organized youth sporting events are getting out of hand, there is help that you may or may not know about. There is a national organization formed back in March of 2001, based in Kingston, Rhode Island, called the Center For Sports Parenting that was formed to address problems like those I have been describing. This is a Web-based initiative that serves as an immediate and practical means to offer guidance to parents, coaches, educators, administrators, officials and other individuals involved in youth sports. Lets face it. In todays topsy-turvy world, many people need help to appropriately handle the psychological and physical challenges faced by young people participating in athletics.
The Center For Sports Parenting is chaired by Rick Wolff, nationally recognized sports parenting and performance enhancement expert. The CSP Web site ( HYPERLINK "http://www.sportsparenting.org" www.sportsparenting.org) also offers personalized advice from a panel of more than 25 other respected experts in the fields of sports, psychology, coaching, health, nutrition and sports medicine. What I am going to say next may sound like a lot of double-talk, but please read it carefully. This organization was founded to meet two pressing needs for parents of young athletes everywhere. First, to provide immediate, practical and essential guidance and assistance in helping parents and others involved in youth sports cope with the psychological and physical challenges that accompany kids who play sports.
And secondly, in an effort to provide guidance and advice, the center is committed to investigating and researching the latest practices in the area of sports parenting, with special emphasis on the best methods of coaching, communication, motivation and athletic development. Now, thats all well and good and educators will relate to it, but from a practical standpoint, here is something on their Web site that made more sense to me than anything else. In light of the violence and unruly behavior of some parents, it may be time to require them to take a short course on sports parenting and get a certificate of completion before his or her child can play on a team.
In my opinion, based on what Ive observed, in most communities this extreme measure wont be necessary, but in some it may be. Do you know the situation in your community with regards to youth sports? Is this something your officials need to explore? The bottom line is this. It should be fun for the kids and not have unruly and disrespectful parents or other adults spoil it for them. Let me know what you think. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 389 - THE ONLY REAL BOSS

No. 389
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE ONLY REAL BOSS

When it comes to doing business in this great country, I love what former President Woodrow Wilson once said: ìBusiness underlies everything in our national life, including our spiritual life. Witness...that in the Lordís Prayer, the first petition is for daily bread. No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach.î Over the past several decades, our nation has been truly blessed as rapidly expanding technology has enabled both suppliers and consumers to have more quantity, more quality and more selection than any other people in the history of the human race. However, what may not be fully understood by the majority of people in America is that there is a natural ìpecking orderî that determines the success of a business or an individual.
Here is a good example that will illustrate what I am saying. Every once in a while I hear something that just floors me. I was talking with a lady the other day who told me about a recent shopping trip to a major department store. She said when she got ready to check out at the register, she was the only one there at the time and two female clerks were engaged in conversation. She went on to say, "I stood there for over a minute and neither clerk offered to check me out. At this point I cleared my throat to let them know I was there. With this one of the clerks turned to me and said, ìwould you mind?î, indicating she would check me out when they finished their conversation.î
More about this in a moment, but first I want to tell you another true story along the same lines, but with a completely different attitude. There is a lady who used to manage a dress shop here in our community who used a very simple and effective concept to train her new sales people. When the store was empty and the clerks were engaged in busy work, as the front door opened and a potential customer came in, this lady would turn to her clerks and say in a low voice, "Don't look now, but your paycheck just came in the door."
As it relates to both of these examples there is a lot I could say here, but the bottom line is that the store manager knew who was her real boss was while apparently the two sales clerks who were engaged in conversation did not. My friend, I'm here to tell you that regardless of whether you are a manager or an employee, if you don't know and understand who the real "boss" is, you are going to suffer economically for the rest of your life.
While I realize that you may not fit either of these categories, as a customer or consumer, I know you want the very best service and treatment you can receive. In fact, every person deserves this when they spend their hard earned money. Here is something I discovered in my files that pretty well says it all. "There never has been, there is not now, and there never will be any boss but the customer. He is the one boss you must please. Everything you own, he has paid for. He buys your home, your cars, your clothes, he pays for your vacation and puts your children through school. He pays your doctor bills and writes every paycheck you will ever receive. He will give you every promotion you will ever obtain during your lifetime and he will discharge you if you displease him."
If I may, I would like to amplify these thoughts with something that you may or may not have heard or read before. It's titled, THE CUSTOMER: "The customer is the most important person in our business. The customer is not dependent on us, we are dependent on him. The customer is not an interruption of our work, he is the purpose of it. The customer does us a favor when he calls, we do not do him a favor by serving him. The customer is part of our business, not an outsider. The customer is not someone to argue or match "wits" with. The customer is the person who brings us his wants. It is our job to supply those wants. The customer deserves the most courteous and most attentive treatment we can give him. The customer is the person who makes it possible to pay our salaries. The customer is the lifeblood of this and every other business."
Well, that pretty well says it all. I know one thing for sure. Here at our company we know that as a reader, you are the real boss. If you enjoy and benefit from what I share week after week, would you do something special for me? Please call or write this paper and let them know. Some times a good word can make a real difference in whether or not they continue to run my column. ( Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034.)

No. 390 - HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MARBLES?

No. 390

The next password is mark

Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MARBLES?

One evening last week I said to Viola, Honey, can I take you to Stobys for breakfast in the morning? In her usual cooperative spirit she said, Sure, I will be happy to go. What she did not know at the time and wont until she reads this, is the reason I was motivated to take her. A few days before a very thoughtful reader, whose name is Janet Williams, had sent me something titled, 1000 MarblesSomething to Think About. This was an e-mail article that has been forwarded thousands of times to people across the country and sadly, to me, was written by an unknown author. This article contains a very profound message about the priorities we place on our time and the fact that someday all of our time will be gone. This reminds me of W. Clement Stones favorite saying, DO IT NOW. The truth is, if we dont, it probably wont get done.
As I share this article, please think about your own life and what you have been doing with your precious time. In reality, have you just been busy or have you been doing things that really matter? The emphasis here is on Saturday mornings and it begins, A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. ..
Turning the dial up on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net, I came across an older sounding chap. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about a thousand marbles. I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. Well Tom, it sure sounds like you have been busy with your job. Im sure they pay you well, but its a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week just to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughters dance recital. He continued, Let me tell you something, Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities. And thats when he began to explain his theory of a thousand marbles.
You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about 75 years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on the average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and came up with 3,900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me, Tom, Im getting to the important part. It took me until I was 55 years old to think about all this in any detail, he went on, and by that time I had lived through over 2800 Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be age 75, I only had about a 1,000 of them left to enjoy.
So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit 3 toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, Ive taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on earth run out to help get your priorities straight.
Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out to breakfast. This morning I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time. It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning.
You could have heard a pin drop when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead I went up stairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. Cmon honey, Im taking you to breakfast this morning. What brought this on? she asked with a smile. Oh, nothing special, its just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while were out? I need to buy some marbles.
As I read and pondered this article, it made me realize that my priorities had been wrong for a good part of my life, especially in those first 55 years. Ive decided that in the future, if I cant take my wife out to breakfast, at least I can do the dishes. Did you know that no husband had ever been shot while doing the dishes? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Mark

No. 365 - THE DAWN OF THE "HYDROGEN" ECONOMY

No. 365
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE DAWN OF THE 'HYDROGEN' ECONOMY

Way back in 1953, our family bought our first new car. It was a beautiful brown and tan Bel-Air Chevrolet and I loved to talk mom into giving me the keys, a few dollars out of our restaurant's cash drawer and go see if some of the girls in our town wanted to take her for a spin. Back then I never dreamed that the automobile, and the energy it consumed, would someday be a monumental problem for our nation in terms of air pollution, maintaining our highway system and finding an adequate supply of fossil fuels to keep up with the demand.
You, no doubt, have been hearing about the development of the hydrogen fuel cell and the fact that energy from this source does not pollute the environment. The really good news, at least to consider, is that hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to provide all the energy needed for every human being on earth in the coming decades. Even at current levels, the energy needs of all the nations throughout the world are straining the limits of what can be produced using fossil fuels.
According to most authorities in this field, we are fast reaching the peak of the supply of coal, oil and natural gas found on earth. When the peak is reached and we start down the other side, the law of supply & demand kicks in and prices will soar as supply dwindles. By contrast, hydrogen is the lightest and most ubiquitous element found in the universe. When harnessed as a form of energy, it becomes the forever fuel. It never runs out, and because it contains not a single carbon atom, it emits no carbon dioxide.
A few weeks ago I received the most enlightening book I have ever received or read on this subject. The book is titled, "The Hydrogen Economy" and was written by Jeremy Rifkin. Mr. Rifkin is the president of the Foundation on Economic Trends in Washington, DC and has authored a number of other books that have been translated into fifteen different languages. In his new book Mr. Rifkin takes us on an eye-opening journey into the next great commercial era of history.
He sees the dawn of a new economy powered by hydrogen that will fundamentally change the nature of our market, political and social institutions, just a coal and steam power did at the beginning of the Industrial Age. You know he is on to something when you learn that the major automakers have already spent more than two billion dollars developing hydrogen cars, busses and trucks, and the first mass produced vehicles are expected to be on the road in just a few years.
We are not just talking about transportation here. In the hydrogen era, says Rifkin, every human being could become the producer as well as the consumer of his or her own energy-so called "distributed generation." When millions of end-users connect their fuel-cells into local, regional, and national hydrogen energy webs (HEW's) using the same design principles and smart technologies that made possible the World Wide Web, they can begin to share energy "peer-to-peer" creating a new decentralized form of energy use.
Another tremendous advantage of this new technology is the prospects for less dependence on Middle East oil that will diffuse the dangerous geopolitical game being played out between Muslim militants and Western nations. Incidentally, this book will also give you some real insights as to why we are in such a mess with Arab nations today. Hydrogen energy will also dramatically cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. And because hydrogen is so plentiful and exists everywhere in earth, every human being could be "empowered," making it the first truly democratic energy regime in history. But there is a catch. We must prevent the 'giants' from taking this technology over. Read the book, "The Hydrogen Economy" if you want to know more. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 366 - OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

No. 366
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

The other day I heard a cute story that gave me a good chuckle. Perhaps it will you, as well. It seems a Sunday school teacher was talking with his young pupils about how to get to Heaven. He asked the question, If I sold my home and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven? No! the children all answered. Then he said, If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven? Again the answer was No! Well then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into Heaven? Again, they all answered, No! Well, I continued, then how can I get into Heaven? A five-year old boy shouted out, YOU GOTTA BE DEAD.
Make no mistake, kids have a way of cutting to the chase. If we will just take the time to observe and listen, kids can teach us a lot. Here is a wonderful true to life illustration of what I am saying. It seems, a frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and his four-year-old grandson. He trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his steps faltered. The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfathers shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon and onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about Grandfather, said the son. Ive had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfathers direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, What are you making? Just as sweetly, the boy responded, Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfathers hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband or wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Here is a clear-cut case where Out of the mouth of a babe came words that made a difference in this familys life.
My friend, regardless of your age, if that does not touch you, you are pretty insensitive. I am grateful to David Hankins, my 86 year old friend who shared this with me. Fortunately, he has a wonderful family to take care of him, along with his wife Hazel. As I write this, Hazel is in the hospital suffering from a broken neck she suffered from a fall in their apartment and David must have dialysis, three times each week to prolong his life.
In these days when people in our country are living much longer, it would be wise for each of us to access our situation with regards to our parents, grandparents and other loved ones and do our best to assist them in meeting their needs. In the case of the Grandfather in the story, his physical needs were being met, but what he also needed was understanding, love and compassion. If we live long enough, we will all be there. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 368 - SUCCESS IS JUST A "BOUNCE" AWAY

No. 368
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU AN HONEST PERSON?

Several years ago I heard my friend Bob Murphy from Nacogdoches, Texas tell about a young man who had just gotten elected to his first term in the state legislature. When this young man arrived at the state capitol to perform his duty, an old member who had been there for years, took him in tow to show him the ropes. After he had given him a tour and introduced him to a number of prominent people he said, Son, I want to give you a little advice. You have been elected to represent your people. You are in a position of power where you can be of greater service than anyone in your district. With that in mind, above all else, be Honest, just take money from one side and stay with em.
When I heard Bob tell that story it was funny, but in todays times its not nearly as funny as it used to be. Its a sad day in America when we see more and more corporate executives being led away in handcuffs because they had been indicted for participating in schemes to achieve dishonest gain. In other words, they have bilked those they represent out of millions and millions of dollars. Greed is a terrible thing.
In case you have not thought about it, the word honest means A person who will not lie, cheat or steal. One who is truthful and trustworthy. Obviously, the people who have been involved in various dishonest schemes thought or think they can get away with it. They either didnt care or forgot to consider their family members who were or are going to be humiliated, plus the fact they would wind up spending time in jail or prison.
Im sure you know that dishonesty comes in many different forms. Here is a good example that I had never run across before. You may recall a recent column about Dr. Billy Grahams daughter being interviewed on television soon after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. What she said (or was supposed to have said) was wonderful and Ive had more positive feedback regarding that particular column than any in a long time. I totally agreed with the content, otherwise I would not have shared it with you.
Sadly, here is what happened. Some person took her sentiments and added a good number of things that she did not say to further their own cause. In her interview, Anne Graham Lotz did not say anything about Madeline Murray OHare, prayer in schools, Bible reading in schools, Dr. Benjamin Spock, teachers, principals, lack of school discipline, abortions for our daughter, murder, suicide, satanic themes and on an on.
One of my very astute readers, Mr. Carroll Williams, called me the day the column ran and pointed this out to me. He was even kind enough to send me the transcript of the actual interview. The way this lie was perpetuated was by e-mail over the Internet. While I am nave and perhaps a little too trusting, I never even considered checking the transcript against the e-mail to see if it was accurate. When I contacted the ministry headed by Anne Graham Lotz, a staff member wrote me back to say they were aware that a false interview was being circulated.
Here, I am reminded of what Gomer Pyle would say, Shame, Shame, Shame. In my heart I believe this person thought they were furthering the claims of Christ, when all they really did was turn a wonderful interview into a lie and in doing so, they did more damage than any good they could have ever hoped to achieve. What this person should have done is stand on his or her own two feet and shout it from the rooftop. In America we have the freedom to do that. But dont ever lie by putting words into someone elses mouth to further your own cause.
My sincere apologies to each of you who read my previous column. I will try to be more careful in the future. Ignorance is one thing, but deliberately lying is wrong. We all need to be honest, because there will be a payday someday. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 2034.)

No. 375 - NEWSPAPER HEADLINES THAT STICK WITH YOU

No. 375
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
NEWSPAPER HEADLINES THAT STICK WITH YOU

If you have a sense of humor, I believe you will really appreciate what I want to share with you today. When it comes to this business we call life, we should take what we do seriously but we should never take ourselves too seriously. Someone once said that life is a span of time in which the first half is ruined by our parents and the second half by our children. While it does not have to be this way, in many cases this is so true.
The other day I was looking through my files and ran across something that has been tucked back for years that just hit my funnybone. It was titled, Bits Of Humor and was a collection of newspaper headlines that were written in a serious vein, but they each had a double meaning, and upon reflection the other meaning was funny and sometimes hilarious. I might add, before I share these humorous headlines with you, that being associated with newspaper people across the nation is really an honor for me. While I dont work for a newspaper as a full time employee, I know they are under tremendous pressure with deadlines, equipment breakdowns, personnel problems and just the struggle of trying to produce a quality product day in and day out.
If you tend to be critical from time-to-time, all Im saying is that you need to cut them a little slack. In fact, this reminds me of a quotation that will put things in perspective. Its easy to sit in the sunshine and talk with the one in the shade. Its easy to sit in a well-made boat and tell the others where to wade. Its easy to tell the toiler how best to carry his pack, but you will never know the weight of the load, until the pack is on your back. With that said I want to share these humorous headlines and I suspect many of my newspaper friends will get a chuckle from them as well. Since these were headlines, Im going to put them in all caps.
(COLD WAVE LINKED TO TEMPERATURES(RED TAPE HOLDS UP NEW BRIDGE(MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING FACES BATTERY CHARGE(NEW STUDY OF OBESITY LOOKS FOR LARGER TEST GROUP(ASTRONAUT TAKES BLAME FOR GAS IN SPACECRAFT(KIDS MAKE NUTRITIOUS SNACKS(CHEF THROWS HIS HEART INTO HELPING FEED NEEDY(ARSON SUSPECT IS HELD IN MASSACHUSETTS FIRE(
(BRITISH UNION FINDS DWARFS IN SHORT SUPPLY(LANSING RESIDENTS CAN DROP OFF TREES(LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS CUT IN HALF(NEW VACCINE MAY CONTAIN RABIES(MAN MINUS EAR WAIVES HEARING(DEAF COLLEGE OPENS DOORS TO HEARING( (AIR HEAD FIRED STEALS CLOCK, FACES TIME(PROSECUTOR RELEASES PROBE INTO UNDERSHERIFF(OLD SCHOOL PILLARS ARE REPLACED BY ALUMNI(BANK DRIVE-IN WINDOW BLOCKED BY BOARD(
Well, thats the end of the HEADLINES, but while we are on the subject of respecting and appreciating other people, here is a collection of Common Sense sayings that we can profit from if we will just remember to practice them. Each one is prefaced by the words, ITS NEVER A MISTAKE To tell a man how clever or smart or interesting he is. To say I dont know, if you really dont. To ask advice of an expert. To inquireabout grandchildren. To takethe time and trouble to put another person at ease. To listenpolitely to a child. To payan older woman a compliment. To letthe host as well as the hostess know that you had a fine time. To sayIm sorry even when the other person is wrong. To tella man that you value his opinion. To tella parent something complimentary about his child. To guessa womans age five years under what it could possibly be. I believe you will agree its never a mistake to sincerely practice these things. Hope you have a wonderful day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 367 - ARE YOU AN HONEST PERSON?

No. 367
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SUCCESS IS JUST A BOUNCE AWAY

During the course of each week there are always a number of things that come across my desk with the initials FYI. Of course, this means For Your Information. Many people send me things to keep me better informed, whether indicated or not, and for this I am grateful. In the course of writing my column, I also like to share practical things from time to time that are FYI and I do my best to only share those things I feel would be of interest and will benefit you. Someone sent me something a few days ago about a laundry product called Bounce. As you may know the purpose of this product is to go in the clothes dryer to remove static electricity and to make the clothes smell better. There are also other brand names on the market and some may be cheaper.
What I did not know until I read this FYI, are the many other uses for this product and how practical and beneficial it can be. My wife, Viola does several loads of clothes each day and she had never heard of many of these uses either, and I consider her to be an expert. In fact, she has the equivalent of a Ph.D. in laundry. If you get the feeling that I am sold on her, you are right. There are 17 different uses for Bounce on this sheet and I suspect that you can get a new idea or two here, as well.
Here are the uses listed and you may know of others. No. 1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. No. 2. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that dont get opened too often. No. 3. Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop outdoors during mosquito season. No. 4. Eliminates static electricity from your television screen. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling. No. 5. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce. No. 6. Freshen the air in your home. Place and individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.
No. 7. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew. No. 8. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing. No. 9. Freshen the air in your car. Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat. No. 10. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, and let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food. No. 11. Eliminate odor from wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce in the bottom of the wastebasket.
No. 12. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract the loose hairs. No. 13. Eliminate static electricity from venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling. No. 14. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or paper sanding. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth. No. 15. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper. No. 16. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight. No. 17. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away. Hmmmm, didnt say anything about helping you shoot a lower score.
Well, there you have it, 17 ways to use the product Bounce around the house, in addition to the intended use of just putting sheets in the dryer with your clothes. I realize that what Ive just shared will not change the world, but it may make life a little easier for some of you. When you think about it, the grocery stores are full of products that have made someone a fortune, and the next great idea could be yours. For the manufacturers of this product, success was just a Bounce away. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 369 - THE CUSTOMER IS STILL KING

No. 369
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE CUSTOMER IS STILL KING

One day a man walked into a small grocery story just in time to hear an irate customer chewing the manager up one side and down the other. This customer was unhappy about a number of things, including poor service, and he was letting the manager know about it. The manager just stood there taking this abuse, nodding his head up and down, and agreeing with everything the customer was saying. Finally, the manager said, Youre right sir, we will try to do better in the future.
After the irate customer left, this man walked over to the manager and said, Sir, I couldnt help but overhear what that fellow said to you, and I want to compliment you on the way you handled him. The manager said, You know, I wish I had a 100 customers like him. This man said, After the way he treated you, why would you want 100 customers like him? The manager said, Heck, I got a 1000.
When Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity, I bet he never dreamed that it could be applied in so many different ways. Contrary to the irate customer in this little story, most customers are nice people and they are tolerant up to a point, but they can be lost and they will take their credit cards and checkbook with them. For the benefit of customers, business owners, managers, employees and especially new people just starting out in business, I want to share some thoughts that may be helpful. What I am going to say may only be a reminder for you, but we should never forget that in the American Free-Enterprise system, The Customer Is Still King.
Keeping customers, even those who complain, is very important to the success of any business. We should strive to know if their complaints are legitimate. However, Most people dont complain. We call these people the Nice Guy. Have you ever asked yourself this question about some nice guy who used to come by? Wonder where he went? This could well be his answer and its not original with me. Im a nice customer. You all know me. Im the one who never complains no matter what kind of service I get. I never kick. I never nag. I never criticize, and I would never dream of making a scene as Ive seen people doing in public places.
I think its uncalled for. No, Im the customer. And Ill tell you what else I am. Im the customer who never comes back. If I get pushed around, I take whatever you hand out, because I know Im not coming back. Its true this doesnt relieve my feelings right off, as telling you what I think of you could, but in the long run its far more deadly than blowing my top. In fact, a nice customer like me, multiplied by others of my kind, can just about ruin a business. And there are a lot of nice people in the world, just like me. When we get pushed far enough, we go to one of your competitors.
My point is this. Why spend all that money on advertising to get new customers, if we are not going to take good care of them? If you dont already know this, here are some good reasons to keep adding new customers all the time. Of each 100 customers, 15 are lost in the 1st year..leaving 85. 13 are lost the 2nd year..leaving 72. 11 are lost the 3rd year..leaving 61. 9 are lost the 4th year..leaving 52. 8 are lost the 5th year..leaving 44. 7 are lost the 6th year..leaving 37. 6 are lost the 7th year..leaving 31. 5 are lost the 8th year..leaving 26. 4 are lost the 9th year..leaving 22. 3 are lost the 10th year..leaving 19.
Therefore, if a business never adds any new customers, at the end of 10 years it will be down to 19 of the original 100. This may be a round about way of coming back to the simple fact of how we treat the customer will go a long way in determining the success or failure of any business. Yes, in a free market economy, the Customer Is Still the King. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 370 - DO YOU HAVE SPUNK?

No. 370
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU HAVE SPUNK?

In her continuing battle with Parkinsons Disease my wife, Viola has written a wonderful little 39 page book titled Who Me? Most of the content was taken from a journal she kept while using Hippotherapy, or horse therapy, as a means of treatment. There were many days when she would come home from a riding session at Miss Tobys Horseback Riding Academy and say, within five minutes of getting on the horse, my pain and tremor were gone. To be sure the pain and tremor would later return, but over time the pain became less and less and now she rarely has pain and never at the same level as before.
Her motivation for writing this book was to help other people who may be experiencing Parkinsons or some other debilitating disease. In the beginning she gave copies to family, friends and others who knew someone who would benefit from it. One couple she gave a copy was our friends, Stanley and Nina Russ who live here in Conway. Stanley is a Retired State Senator and both he and Nina are thoughtful and gracious human beings. Stanley has written me a number of times, but this time his letter was to Viola. I might add, something he said gave me a chuckle and I will share it with you a bit later.
Since its just a short letter, and Ive asked Stanley for his permission, Ill just share it with you. He begins, Dear Viola, Im sure Nina will be writing you about receiving your book. But I want to put in my two cents worth. After Nina read, Who Me? (Late in the evening, at least for us) she handed it to me and said, you will want to read this. I peeked at it intending to put it aside and read it later. I didnt put it down until I had read every word of it. The book is captivating, inspiring and educational reading. I now know the ghostwriter behind Jim Davidson. Thanks for telling your story in such a poignant way.
Needless to say we both appreciated the fact that Stanley would take the time to share his thoughts in this way. It meant a lot to her and to me, as well. A few weeks later I ran into him down at the Post Office and thanked him for his letter. At this point he said, Shes got spunk! which is the primary reason I decided to share this with you. Regardless of where you live in this great country of ours, I believe you can relate to what I am saying.
While Spunk is not a word I use often, I knew basically what it meant, but I decided to go to my dictionary and check it out. Among other things it means, courage, spirit, pluck & mettle. I can tell you that Viola has all of these qualities and many, many more. In the face of the challenges that she must deal with each day, she handles herself with poise and grace, unlike anyone I have ever known. Her situation also reminds me of the saying we have all heard, When youve got your health, youve got just about everything.
As Ive said many times, we are all going to die from something but its what we do while we are living that really makes the difference. Something I heard an Evangelist, the late Angel Martinez say one time, really sums it up, and what he said could be one of lifes greatest paradoxes. He said, when we are born and come into the world, we cry while those around us smile. But if we live our lives as God intended, a life of service to Him, when we die we can smile while those around us cry.
If you also have challenges in your life, regardless of what they may be, I hope hearing a small part of Violas story has been a blessing to you. In fact, I hope you also have Spunk that helps you face each new day with courage and high character. If you would like to have a copy of Who Me? the cost is $8.45 and it may be obtained from Viola here at our office, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034 or call toll-free 1-800-242-2618 and she will be happy to send it to you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 371 - WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

No371
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

Are you familiar with the saying, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap?" Actually, this is part of a verse from the Bible and it can be found in the book of Galatians. What made me think of this was a quotation I discovered some time ago by C.A. Hall: "We sow our thoughts and reap our actions; we sow our actions and we reap our habits; we sow our habits and we reap our characters; we sow our characters and we reap our destiny." If you will think about this for a moment, I believe you will agree the key word here is "we", meaning you and me. We are the ones who do the sowing and we are the ones who will ultimately reap the consequences.
A proper understanding of this natural law that we call "Cause and Effect", will allow any thinking person to tell his or her own fortune. All we have to do is make sure we are sowing good seeds (actions) and we will continue to reap good rewards. It is very important to understand that this is not something that happens overnight, but rather it is the persistent, day-by-day application of this wonderful law of nature that will make the difference.
On the other hand, if for some reason you feel that you have limitations that are holding you back, I believe this true story will be of some value to you. Several years ago, I remember talking with a friend who grew up in a rural area and their home was situated on the side of a mountain. This was back in the days when very few people had cars and when this family wanted to go anywhere, they would just hitch up a team of mules to a wagon. My friend went on to tell me that the mountain their home was on was so steep that they would have to tie a log on the back of the wagon to hold it back to keep the wagon's momentum from running over the mules!
Now, if you have a vivid imagination, in your mind, can't you just see a wagon full of people coming down a mountain with a big log tied on behind it? If you can see this, I believe you will agree that this is a perfect illustration of how so many people go through life like there is something tied on behind them that is holding them back. While it was in a humorous vein, one time I heard a speaker say that If Columbus had been married to his wife, his rear end would still be tied to the dock.
To be sure, this is just a simple analogy, but it would take months to count all the people who for one reason or another feel that something outside themselves is holding them back. If you or someone you love happens to be one of these people, see if some of these reasons don't hit you where you live: "I'm held back because of ... 1) lack of education, 2) family responsibilities, 3) my age, 4) not knowing the right people, 5) lack of money, 6) my boss, 7) my appearance, 8) the fear of failure, 9) my IQ, 10) my husband or wife, 11) the fear of ridicule, 12) these times, 13) no specific plans, and finally. 14) I'm held back because of fate. In the case of number 14, it's been said that the word "fate" is "the refuge of every self-confessed failure."
When it comes to sales, and we all have to sell ourselves, the Fear of rejection is what keeps the vast majority of people from being successful. In most cases, we have to make our own way in the world. Until our next visit, I hope you will think very carefully about these words of wisdom by P.G. Hammerton: "A strong life is like a ship of war. It has its place in the fleet and can share in its strength and discipline, but it can also go forth alone to the solitude of the infinite sea." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034.)

No. 404 - HOW "TOAD SUCK" GOT ITS NAME

No. 404
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW 'TOAD SUCK' GOT ITS NAME

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from Dr. Dan MacMillan, President of Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia. I met Dr. MacMillan back on April 20, 2001, when I was the keynote speaker for the college's Annual Media Appreciation Day in Bluefield. Dan told me that he and his wife Sandy were going to be attending an educator's conference in nearby Branson, Missouri and they wanted to drive down to Conway and take me and Viola out to dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to renew our acquaintance and after spending some time together, we are now friends, because Dan and Sandy are definitely our kind of people.

Soon after sitting down at the dinner table, I learned that the MacMillans had never been to our state. The first thing Dan said to me was, "Tell me about Arkansas." Of course this was like saying, "Sicâ em, to a dog." I gave him a quick overview of the "Natural State" and told him that we were the 25th state to enter the union on June 15, 1836 and we had 75 counties with approximately 2.4 million people, with Little Rock being the capitol city. I also told him that Arkansas was pronounced Ark-in-saw, but spelled Ar-Kansas. This was the result of a dispute that arose back in the 1800s and was resolved by a compromise in the state legislature.

Since the Arkansas River was only a few miles West of town, I told him about the tremendous economic impact it has had on our state. Back in the late 1960's I was involved as a volunteer in the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and this was about the time the McClellan-Kerr Navigation Project was being completed at a cost of 1.2 Billion Dollars. What this project entailed was the Corps of Engineers constructing a series of 21 locks and dams from the confluence of the Arkansas River and the Mississippi River in extreme Southeast Arkansas all the way to the Port of Catoosa, near Tulsa in Eastern Oklahoma.

This created pools of water that could be regulated to always maintain a depth of nine feet or more to allow barge traffic to travel this waterway. The shipment of goods by water is one of the cheapest modes of transportation, so you can see what this has meant to our state and others all along the way. When I told Dan this, it reminded me of "Toad Suck," which is the name of the lock and dam which is located on the river just West of Conway. I also went on to tell him about the great festival that is held here in Conway the first weekend of May each year, that draws up to 150,000 people, called "Toad Suck Daze." It's a big event with all the television stations doing live broadcasts and interviews, along with crafts, events and food galore. Our Lions Club raises money to help the blind, visually and hearing impaired by selling Sausage-On-The-Stick and you would not believe the people who line up four or five deep to get one of them. It's a fun time for all and getting bigger each year. This past year was the 22nd Annual and lots of volunteers work hard to make it a big success.

When I mentioned "toad," Dan gave me some good advice that I had never heard before. He said, "If you have to swallow a frog, don't look at it too long and if you have to swallow a lot of frogs, always swallow the big one first." That's good to know and I'll keep it in mind in case I ever have to swallow any. But on a more serious note, many people over the past several years have asked me how "Toad Suck" got its name. Now there are a lot of local people who have been around a lot longer and know a lot more about this than I do, but if you have never heard this story it might be of interest to you. One thing for sure, the "Toad Suck" name makes our festival unique.

Here's the story. Back in the days before the 21 locks and dams were built, the water level of the Arkansas River would fluctuate dramatically, depending on how much rain we had and especially how much it had rained upstream. When a tugboat pushing barges would head up the river, they were literally at the mercy of the elements. During the summer months when the water was low, quite often a tugboat would make it as far as Conway, but could go no further until the rains came. Of course, when the tugboat was tied up at the bank, the captain and crew had to do something to pass the time away.

Well, some enterprising fellow built a tavern on a high hill overlooking the river and these riverboat sailors would make their way to the tavern and partake of the local hospitability. The report came that over a period of several days these men would sit on a stool and "suck" on corn mesh whiskey or rum until they literally swelled up like "toads." Thus the name "Toad Suck." This is not a name that I would want to give one of my kids, but as Paul Harvey would say, "Now you know, the rest of the story." Hope you have a great day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 405 - THE POWER OF PSYCHO LEARNING

No. 405
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF PSYCHO LEARNING

The American journalist Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) once said that ãLearning is dust shaken out of a book and into an empty skull." That statement certainly has merit, but if Mr. Bierce were around today he would have to amend it considerably. In our modern high-tech world, we learn with the aid of a multitude of resources. To tighten the vice a little tighter, we also learn something anytime one or more of our five senses comes into contact with new information, either seen or unseen. When we smell a skunk or see a tragic accident, it is indelibly recorded in that great and marvelous tool that we call the human mind.

For me, learning is an exciting subject and I made a discovery quite by chance, that has transformed my life. Back in 1970, soon after the cassette player was invented and produced in mass volume, (no pun intended) a former Dale Carnegie instructor invited me to join him in marketing motivational programs that featured the dual sensory input of reading and listening. At this time in my life reading was not a passion for me, but I could listen, and since I spent untold hours in my car, thatâs when it became a regular practice that has given me knowledge and insights that I could never have gotten any other way.

Since those early days I also discovered that the three keys to learning are repetition, repetition and repetition. Little did I realize it at the time, but when I listened to the same motivational message dozens of times I was driving it deeper and deeper into my subconscious mind. Eureka!! Those thoughts are still down there somewhere and every once in a while I open the lid and pull one out. What I have just presented for your consideration is the power of psycho learning, psycho meaning the mind.

In a nutshell, you learn just by listening, no studying or memorizing. In fact, the less effort you use and the more you relax and repeatedly listen, the more you learn and remember. You can relax and listen at home, in your car, as I have done, or listen anywhere and at anytime. You can listen alone or with your family, friends or business associates. This is the easiest and best way to learn. As I said, you donât have to memorize success methods and ideas or any other information that will help you reach your goals. Your subconscious mind will do that for you, permanently.

To be a little more specific, I would like to share a concept with you that may open up a whole new world in your thinking. First, itâs important to understand that the early years of our life are the most productive, in terms of the mass of learning that takes place. This is the time when we start to school and learn the fundamentals, how to read and write, to think, to learn how to solve problems and make value judgments. When we get older we donât learn as much or as fast in terms of volume, but we learn, because of the added dimension of experience, things that are more useful in terms of our jobs, careers and achieving some measure of financial success. Other than learning just the essential information to earn a living, most people do not learn enough beyond meeting their basic needs, to become an expert or an authority in any given field of endeavor. In our nationâs social and financial pyramid, itâs the people who are the most educated who are the most successful.

The more we know about a particular subject, the easier it is to learn. Itâs just common sense. Itâs easier for an expert to learn more about what he or she does best than someone else who does not anything about it at all. The key is to discover or decide what job, career, trade or profession we want to spend our time doing and then learn everything we can about it. It can be said that what we know is our BASE OF KNOWLEDGE and this is true in a general sense and also in a specific sense.

Itâs true! The more we know the easier it is to learn. This is because our base of knowledge is the repository where we attach all new information. In your mind if you will see a pebble, a stone, a boulder and finally a mountain as the size of your knowledge base, and it gets progressively larger the more you learn, you will have the mental picture that I am desperately trying to get across. When it comes to having the time to learn new and exciting things and to stay motivated in a negative world, donât overlook the power of psycho learning. If you donât already do this, why not invest in some good motivational and inspirational material on cassette (the Bible is the best), along with other information that will teach and inspire you to do your job better. It will be an investment that, over the long haul, will pay you tremendous dividends, in relation to the small cost. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 406 - A "DEATH ROW" INMATE WHO WANTS TO HELP KIDS

No. 406
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A "DEATH ROW" INMATE WHO WANTS TO HELP KIDS

It has been said that living is "The state which makes one unwilling to exchange what one has, no matter how grim, for the uncertainties of death, no matter how attractive." Every day when I get out of bed I thank God for another day of life, for the opportunity to live in the greatest nation in the world and for the opportunity to be of service to my fellow man. It took me many years to finally realize that the key to success and happiness is to forget myself, my needs, my wants and to be about the business of serving God by helping those in the world around me. This is the source of all true and lasting rewards and I hope you have also made this discovery.

As it relates to serving others, I got a letter the other day from a man who said he had a burning desire to help kids. He has a serious problem however, because he is sitting in a cell on Îdeath rowâ in a prison in one of our Southern states. Over the years I have heard from many prison inmates who have told me some sad stories, but until I got this letter, I had never heard from an inmate on death row. It gave me an eerie feeling to know that I was communicating with someone who may be nearing the end of his days on earth and would be put to death for a crime he had committed.

Actually, John (not his real name) has written me twice. After he wrote me the first time I sent him a copy of one of my books, because I thought it would give him something positive to think about as he passed his time away. When he wrote me back he was really excited because inmates are not supposed to receive books unless they had been pre-approved, but the mail guard brought him my book with the request that he also wanted to read it. It was in his second letter that he poured out his heart to me and told me that he wanted to help kids so bad. . He said "Iâm not interested in getting out of prison, but I can relate to kids who are on drugs, homeless and abused."

. There is no way for me to know how much good it will do, but I know there are many young people who read my column along with thousands and thousands of parents and grandparents. While most of these young people are not in trouble, some are and many others are living on the edge. I realize that what I say in this realm may not carry much weight, but maybe, just maybe, words from an inmate on death row may have a way of reaching some people before itâs too late. It is already too late for John and for me that is so sad.

Here is a portion of Johnâs letter that will let you know exactly where he is and how he got there. "You see, Jim, I can relate to kids thatâs messed up on drugs, homeless, abused kids. By the time I was 12 or 13 years old I got busted for the first time for selling 2 pounds of weed. I went on from there to there to get kicked out of school at age 15 for drugs. I went from that to age 20 and I killed a man for drugs. From age 20 I came here to death row. But I was still heavy into drugs. I got busted in here back in January for Meth; and while I was doing my 30 days in the hole, I started reading my Bible.

I wanted to change. I wanted a better life. So before I came out of the hole, I was determined to stop using drugs. Well, just as soon as I got out of the hole, my Îthenâ friends were waiting for me and they gave me some dope. Well, I threw it on my cabinet and was determined not to do it. But it kept calling me and I fired up one of the joints. I took one drag and I got so mad at myself. I threw it away! Then I got down on my knees and I cried and cried out to God. I cried for Jesus to come into my life and help me. I donât know how long I was on that floor weeping. But when I came up I was a new man. Praise God for His Holy Spirit is truly in me. From that time on I have been moving forward.

I have lost all of those so-called friends. They donât come around me any more. I have also lost a lot of my friends on the street. They donât want to hear the truth about how great God is. He has already opened many doors for me." Thatâs basically the end of Johnâs story and he says he wants to help kids. He has no earthly idea that I am writing this column to share his story. Whether he realizes it or not, he is helping kids. If parents and grandparents who are reading this true life story cannot see the dangers of drugs and what they can do to a personâs life, then sadly itâs too late for them, as well. When it comes to Johnâs newfound faith, Iâm well aware that over the years there have been millions of Îjail houseâ conversions and I donât know whether his was real or not. God knows We can lie to other people, but we canât lie to God. Personally, Iâm just glad there is a God in heaven that we can cry out to when we are in the depths of despair. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 407 - A UNIQUE CENTER FOR MANNERS AND CIVILITY

No. 407
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A UNIQUE CENTER FOR MANNERS AND CIVILITY

The English playwright and philosopher George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) once said that having good manners is "Behaving as if you were in HEAVEN, where there are no third-class carriages, and one soul is as good as another." There is an alarming trend in our country that, if not reversed, is doing more harm to the social fabric than anything that has come along in the past 200 years. Iâm referring to increasing violence and aggressive behavior on the part of more and more of our citizens. This is much deeper than what we see on the surface that is reported as murder, rape, aggravated assault, road rage, domestic battery and other crimes that show up as headlines in our nationâs newspapers.

What is even more disturbing for me is the obnoxious and rude behavior and the complete lack of good manners and civility that far too many of our citizens are exhibiting on a regular basis. Just recently there was an article in our local newspaper where a school district in our state had adopted a policy to curb bullying. This school district defined bullying as "any pattern of behavior by a student, or a group of students, that is intended to harass, intimidate, ridicule, humiliate or instill fear in another student or group of students." This is simply the end result of what is happening in our culture.

Itâs not against the law to be rude, discourteous and uncivil and until this type of behavior crosses the line, nothing is done about it. The sad thing is that the parents or guardians of these bullies donât have a clue as to why we have serious problems in this area. Itâs not just the bullies that are affecting the quality of life in our country. The bullies are those who are at the end of the spectrum, but what is more alarming is the Înormalâ kids, and also the kids who grew up to become adults, that lack any social graces what so ever. Whose fault is it? My prayer is that you will think about this for a while.

I have a friend up in Corry, Pennsylvania who is also deeply concerned about this problem and is trying to do something about it. My friend is George Sample, publisher of the Corry Journal and has been a newspaper publisher for over 50 years. He and his sons own a group of newspapers in Pennsylvania, Maine and New Jersey. When his wife Janet passed away a few years ago, George made the decision to memorialize her in a very special way. Jan, as she was called, was the epitome of grace and civility and treated everyone she ever met with respect. This lady was a model of graciousness throughout her life and this became the motivation for George Sample to give a large endowment to fund the Janet Neff Sample Center for Manners & Civility at the Penn State University campus in Erie. George and six of his eight children are Penn State alumni and he has been a strong financial supporter over the years.

With regard to manners, George Sample said that, "Manners become part of your character. If youâre not a gracious person, youâre going to stumble and fall on your way up the ladder of life. Itâs just that important." The director of the center is Cathy Sargent Mester, and she told me that a number of other colleges and universities are beginning to teach courses on manners and civility including, Colorado State University, Princeton University, UC-Santa Barbara, Evergreen State University and a number of others. Nothing would please my friend George Sample more than for every college and university in America to teach courses in manners and civility.

One of the ways to get this message across to students is a little blue sticker that is used in courses that are taught at the center: In the very middle of the sticker are the words, "Be Nice To Each Other" and then around the circle are the words, "Be Just, Be Gentle, Be Slow To Anger, Be Kind & Have Self Control." The originator of these stickers is Mr. Robert Alexander, a retired marketing executive who lives in the Erie area. Much larger and more artistic posters with the same message now hang in every elementary and secondary school in the county and smaller posters in every individual classroom. In reality, the only thing that separates our society today from the barbaric past is when human beings are nice to each other.

Letâs get back to teaching good manners and civility as a way of life. I know a lot of wonderful people, young and old, who exhibit these qualities and you may rest assured that someone took the time to teach them. The people of America really have a choice to make. We can continue the downward spiral and become more barbaric or we can insist on good manners and being civil to each other. Do you care? Can you make a difference?

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 408 - SOMETHING FOR YOUR "KEEPER" FRIENDS

No. 408
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOMETHING FOR YOUR "KEEPER" FRIENDS

There is a famous quotation by Will Rogers that I have used a number of times, but it is never-the-less germane to something I want to share with you that a friend sent me the other day. The quotation goes, "Itâs just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated." The reason this is true is because many of us just plain forget to do those things that are important in our lives, like telling our spouse and children that we love them and being thoughtful to remember birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. In short, many times we just take those we love the most and sometimes our best friends, for granted, and we shouldnât because they deserve the best we can give them.

My friend is Mickey Cox, who lives here in our community, and he has taken me fishing a number of times, usually in his truck, his boat and using his tackle. Mickey is one of those people who enjoys fishing on a regular basis, but I just go when I get invited and when I can get away for a day or so. I have always enjoyed my fishing trips with him because he is a fine Christian man, we have wonderful fellowship and also because Mickey always catches fish and is usually kind enough to let me catch one or two. One thing I learned a long time ago is to never catch more fish than the fellow who invites you.

Mickey sent me this article by an unknown author that he had gotten somewhere, titled KEEPERS and at first I thought it was a fishing story, because thatâs the term we use when we are trying to decide whether or not we are going to keep a fish or throw it back. I might add, Mickey keeps them much smaller than I do. My motivation is determined by the thought of having to clean them when we quit fishing. If you have been around for a good number of years, I believe you will really appreciate the values contained in this article.

"I grew up in the fifties with practical parents÷a mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it. A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a housedress, lawn mover in one hand, dishtowel in the other.

It was the time for fixing things÷a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing - I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew thereâd always be more. But then my Mother died, and on that clear summerâs night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was stuck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isnât any Îmore.â Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away÷never to return.

So - while we have it - itâs best we love it - and care for it - and fix it when itâs broken - and heal it when itâs sick. This is true - for marriage - and old cars - and children with bad report cards - and dogs with bad hips - and aging parents - and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away, or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special - and so, we keep them close."

The final thoughts on this article gave me the reason why my friend Mickey Cox sent this to me. We both grew up in the fifties. It said, "I received this from someone who thought I was a "keeper"! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Now itâs your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life - like you!!" I hope you will take a moment and send this on to those people in your life that you also consider being "keepers." With millions of hurting people in our nation, we never know what a kind word, a special thought or even an article like this could mean to them. In reality, everyone is a keeper.

If you will think about it for a moment, I believe you will agree the reason articles like this are important is because they contain family values. Without a doubt, family values are values that we should cherish and hold on to, because they served us well, and I believe helped to make us the greatest nation on earth. When itâs all said and done and we come to the end of our days, it matters not how much money we made or how successful we became, what will matter most is that special relationship we have had with our friends and especially with our family. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 409 - LEARNING, EARNING & GIVING BACK

No. 409
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LEARNING, EARNING & GIVING BACK

It has been said that, "Learning is a matter of reading books no one has ever heard of." It is a real privilege for me to tell you about a new book that may never make the New York Times best seller list, but never-the-less will provide learning and inspiration for thousands and thousands of people across this great country of ours. The title of the book is "Learning, Earning & Giving Back" and there is a concept behind this title that I will share later, and I believe it will be of interest to you.

Several months ago I asked for feedback regarding a new book idea that was suggested by a state press director in another state. Mrs. Carolyn Wilson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Press Association, suggested that I compile a book of my columns and that most of the profits be given to the NIE (Newspaper In Education) programs and the scholarship foundations to provide money for students who are pursuing a career in journalism. The response from my readers across the nation has been wonderful and many of you also suggested columns that should be included.

We took your suggestions and the book is now out and is being sold exclusively through newspapers. This is because, based on the title, I wanted to be able to "Give Back" to students in our schools and newspapers across America who have been so good to me. It has been a most rewarding and fulfilling career to work with administrators, teachers and students in our schools for almost 20 years and later with the newspapers that were willing to run this column. Without these newspaper people being willing to give me a chance, there is no way I could have achieved any measure of success and for that I am most grateful.

The book sells for $15.95 and of this amount $6.00 goes to the local paper and $3.00 goes to the state press association to provide scholarships. You see, when you purchase "Learning, Earning & Giving Back" $9.00 stays in your state and $6.00 of this amount stays in our own community. I have been an NIE sponsor in our community for the past five years and while most parents can't make this kind of financial commitment they can buy a great book if they know where the money is going. Over the past several weeks I have talked with almost all of the state press directors in the country and the vast majority are highly enthusiastic about promoting the book and their member papers, making it available to people in their community. For more information and to purchase the book, contact your local paper or visit my web site at www.jimdavidsoncolumn.com.

Many other newspaper people have provided encouragement, ideas and suggestions, especially Dennis Schick, Director of Arkansas Press Association, Jim Fall, Director of the Montana Newspaper Association and Max Heath, V.P. of Landmark Community Newspapers based in Shelbyville, Kentucky. In addition to suggestions from readers, we invited nine award-winning journalists to read all the columns and select those to be included. I believe you will find the mix of titles and the contents to be broad based and contain something for every reader. The bio sketches and photos for each member of the Column Selection Committee are also featured in the book.

As the book began to take shape, I also wanted some notable person who epitomized the kind of values that has made our nation the greatest on earth, to write the Foreword for the book. I am happy to tell you that S. Truett Cathy, Founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain in Atlanta, Georgia, accepted my invitation to do this. Mr. Cathy's company had $1.2 Billion in sales in 2002, and his restaurants are not open on Sundays, one of the busiest days of the week for fast food restaurants. If you don't know his story, you should, and his wonderful book "EAT MOR CHIKIN·Inspire More People," published by Looking Glass Books is available in most bookstores.

Earlier I said you may be interested in the concept behind "Learning, Earning & Giving Back". The average life expectancy in the United States is about 75 years. If you divide that into thirds, the first 25 years could be called the "Learning Years," the second 25 years could be called the "Earning Years" and the final years could be called the "Giving Back" years. This is the primary focus, even though most of us do some of all three during our lifetime and if we have done well in the first two, that is "learning and earning," we are in a much better position to be able to give back when we get older. We all need inspiration and good ideas to feed our minds on a regular basis and this is why "Learning, Earning & Giving Back" could make a wonderful difference in your life. You can also pass along many of these ideas to your children and grandchildren or others close to you. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 410 - A "REPORT CARD" ON COMMUNIST GOALS

No. 410
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A "REPORT CARD" ON COMMUNIST GOALS

Almost every day I am reminded in some way that we live in a fast, ever changing world. The things we see about us today are not the same as they were a month ago, a year ago or even a week ago. This is true in every facet of our individual lives and it is also true in the life of our nation. A good example is what happened to our nation back on September 11, 2001. Ever since that tragic day we have had a sense of urgency to do something about the threat of terrorism that is real, and if not defeated, will continue to gnaw at us like a dog gnawing a bone until itâs all gone.

As an American, I commend the actions taken by our leaders, but we must remain vigilant to deal with this threat in the present, and also in the near and distant future. However, because of this new threat, in many ways we have forgotten the real threat that we have dealt with over the past several decades: the threat of Communism. Because of the fall and breakup of the Soviet Union, I believe many Americans think this threat no longer exists. It would be pointless to name the Communist countries that still exist in the world today, because Communism is more than just a country, it is a philosophy that seeks to dominate and rule the people who live under its leaders.

To validate what I am saying, if you will go to The Congressional Record to the date of January 10, 1963, you will find a list of "Current Communist Goals." These goals were taken from the book, The Naked Communist by Cleon Skousen. This information was based on his experience with the FBI for sixteen years. If you want or need to be brought back to reality, as I share six of these Communist goals, just ask yourself how many of them have come true and have been fulfilled during the last forty years.

No. 1.. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them censorship and a violation of free speech and free press. No. 2.. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and television. No. 3.. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as normal, natural and healthy. No. 4.. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a religious crutch. No. 5.. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of separation of church and state. No. 6..Discredit the family as in institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

These goals printed in the Congressional Record have been in existence for more than forty years and they are available for all to see. At this point, allow me to pose a very somber question. How are the Communist and the ungodly which would do their bidding, doing in our nation? Letâs say for a moment that you are a teacher and this is part of the test that you had to employ to grade your students. What kind of grade would you give them? Would it be high or low marks? Along these same lines, is this something that every American should be concerned about or something we should just ignore and say that it is no big deal and does not matter?

With regards to the future of our nation, in your heart, only you can answer that question. Even at the risk of being ridiculed by some people, I want to tell you how I feel about what is going to happen down the road. As I have studied the Bible over the years there is story in the Old Testament that directly relates to what is happening to our nation today. This story is recorded in the book of Genesis and is about Abraham, who is known as the "Father of the Hebrew people." When God commanded Abram (whose name was later changed to Abraham) to leave the Ur of the Chaldeans and go to the land of Canaan, he took his nephew Lot with him. In time, they both became so prosperous they had to separate and Abraham settled in the land of Canaan while Lot, given the choice, settled in the fertile valley of the Jordan River and moved his tents as far as Sodom.

The men of Sodom, and its neighbor Gomorrah, were very sinful and wicked and because of this God decided to destroy them. When he learned of Godâs decision, Abraham pleaded with God and said, "Would you also sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it?" The final outcome was, finding not even ten who were righteous; God destroyed these wicked cities by sending fire and brimstone. I believe with all my heart that God has withheld judgment from America because we still have millions of Godly, righteous people here. My question to you is this, "If we continue down the same path with regards to our nationâs moral decay as in the past forty years, will God continue to spare us?" This is far more serious than most of us realize. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 411 - WHO CARES WHAT OTHERS THINK?

No. 411
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO CARES WHAT OTHERS THINK?

If you have ever heard someone say, "I could not care less about what he or she thinks about me", according to a recent university study, this person was not telling the truth. Over the course of a week I get several press releases sent to me by fax or e-mail. Since I am more or less in the people business, I got one the other day from the Wake Forest University News Service that really caught my attention. It was titled, "WHO CARES WHAT OTHERS THINK?" "Everyone", says a recent Wake Forest University study." From the title you can see where itâs going and it may or may not change your thinking, behavior or attitude, it is never-the-less information that may be of value to you.

Iâm going to share this release as it came to me and then I am going to share some of my own thoughts to supplement the basic premise. It begins, "Practically everyone cares what people think of them, including those who insist they are not affected by otherâs opinions, suggests new research by a Wake Forest University psychology professor. The results of the study show that social approval and disapproval affect virtually everyoneâs feelings about themselves, even those individuals who steadfastly and adamantly claim that their feelings about themselves are not affected by other peopleâs evaluations, said Mark Leary, chair of Wake Forestâs psychology department and lead author of the study.

Learyâs research was published in the most recent issue of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. He conducted two experiments that compared the effects of social approval and disapproval on participants who said that their self-esteem is affected by how other people evaluate them and on participants who said their self-esteem is not affected by feedback they get from others. Participants, all college students, completed a pretest to measure self-esteem at the beginning of the study. Then, the participants filled out questionnaires about themselves and received either positive or negative feedback about whether others in their group would like to get to know them better based on that information.

The researchers then evaluated how the participants felt about themselves and the degree to which that depended on how much other people liked, approved or accepted them. Leary made one important change in the second experiment. During the pretest session, conducted weeks in advance, he described for the participants the specific situation that would be used for the experiment and asked them to evaluate how they thought their self-esteem would be affected in those circumstances.

Both experiments showed that approval or disapproval affected participants equally, regardless of their beliefs about whether or not their self-esteem would be affected. People underestimate the degree to which they are influenced by others, said Leary, the author of "Interpersonal Rejection" and seven other books. Itâs hard to know why, but part of it may the American ideal of marching to your own drummer. We grow up thinking we shouldnât be affected by what others think. What is useful about this study is to remind us that perfectly healthy people with perfectly healthy self-esteem are still affected by what others think."

To be sure, this university professor knows a lot more about self-esteem and interpersonal relationships than I do, but it seems to me that what this study proves is that human nature is alive and well. When you think about it, we really do care about what others think of us. There are basic human needs that cry out for acceptance and approval and we will do whatever it takes to satisfy those needs. For example, the kid who turns up his radio so loud it can be heard all over town, dies his hair green or has tattoos all over his body is crying out, "Pay attention to me." He definitely cares what others think of him, even if this thinking is mostly negative. .

When it comes to having healthy self-esteem, this is a very important part of life, but the only way I have found that we can feel good about ourselves is when we have achieved something really and truly worthwhile. We canât simply tell someone they he or she is a world-beater and have it stick, unless these thoughts are reinforced and backed up by their performance. Since the beginning of time, this story has never changed. Our hard earned success, which is what all of us desire, really comes down to deciding what we want to achieve in life and then working hard to make it happen. While we are busy doing this, we wonât worry so much about what other people think of us, if we will just realize how seldom they do. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 412 - A UNIQUE "HEADBOARD" THAT STARTED IT ALL

No. 412
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A UNIQUE "HEADBOARD" THAT STARTED IT ALL

The people in this world who are creative will never be bored. This is because there is always a new idea, a new project or a new plan fermenting in that great boiler cooker that we call the human mind. The American poet, critic and editor James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) once said that "Creativity is not the finding of the thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." A perfect example of this came to me in the mail a short time ago when I received a letter from Peggy Patrick, who lives near the Red River about 60 miles North of Dallas, Texas. She and her husband Pat read my column in the Gainesville Daily Register in nearby Gainesville.

To give you some brief background information, I had written a column several months ago titled "You Can Create Your Own Lodge" and this is what prompted Peggy to write to me. Peggy and her husband Pat had done just that and she sent me the photos so I could see what it looked like. After I had a chance to look at all the photos and read her account of how their lodge (or "Mountain Retreat" as she called it), was created, I just stood there and shook my head in amazement. There is something really special about their creation and I will share it with you a bit later.

It all started several years ago when their home was in serious need of repairs and somehow they jumped into a wild scheme of remodel and redecorate. Pat was raised in the New Mexico desert at the base of the Colorado Rockies and was a pretty fair craftsman. The first thing he did was cut some East Texas pine trees and some crooked limbs and made a bed frame. When you peel off all the bark from the small trees, sand them down and stain them with a clear varnish you have some beautiful pieces of wood. Then you duplicate the same process with the crooked limbs and put them together with the four posts, add the hardware and you have something really creative and unique. Pat also built a couple of bedside tables and a log wardrobe.

This is how their "Mountain Retreat" got started, even though the land where they live is just rolling hills like most river valleys. Not long after this their son was doing a handymanâs job in town and he brought home an old privacy fence to burn. Peggy said, "When I realized what he was chunking into the fire, I rescued the lumber from that old fence and stacked it up." Eventually, these boards were used to build a few pieces of Îbarn woodâ furniture and to trim out the entire Îinteriorâ of the house, including the ceiling beams, which are rough cedar planks.

In the paneled part of the house, Pat Îadobedâ the walls by swirling blobs of wall texture or Îmudâ, letting it dry and then painting it. Above the fireplace are rough cedar boards with Îmudâ stuffed in between for a Îloggyâ look and completed with four inch pieces of round posts screwed onto the wall above the cedar. I realize that since you are not looking at the pictures, I am not doing it justice but believe me, it is creative. She goes on to say that the ceramic tile in the den came from a building salvage place. Most all of the decorations are Western and Southwest and came from garage sales and trade days. Some were gifts from friends.

Peggy concludes by saying, "With a little time and effort, very little money and a runaway imagination, we have created a 24/7 vacation atmosphere. Here is her summary of the project. Wall texture÷very cheap stuff, barn wood÷free, most decorations÷nickel and dime, logs÷free (cut a cedar or pine tree, depending on where you live, for the asking). Now, let me back up and tell you why this project is so special and the reason I thought you might have an interest in hearing about it. The personal application here is that almost any person can do this and this is true regardless of what part of the country you live in. Remember, the key word here is creative.

The "Mountain Retreat" I have just described was built inside a 1974, 14â X 72â mobile home. Pat and Peggy purchased this mobile home new and they raised their two children in it. In 1980 they added a 16â X 32â den on to and thatâs what they had to work with, when they decided to remodel and redecorate. To me, this is really American ingenuity at its best. Instead of allowing their home to continue to need major repairs, complaining about their circumstances and all the other excuses people use for not having anything, they got busy and created something really rewarding and satisfying. There is no limit to what we can do with a little creativity and I tell you, these people have done wonders with a mobile home. Now they are looking for ways to improve the Îoutsideâ of their home, and that was the primary motivation for Peggy writing to me. She wanted to take a look at our landscape timber home to get some ideas. The original column about our "landscape timber" home is also in my new book. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 413 - THEY CAME TO REPAY THEIR DEBT!

No. 413
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THEY CAME TO REPAY THEIR DEBT!

The other day a friend sent me a terrific article that reminded me of a sportscaster who was on a Little Rock television station many years ago. His name was Benny Craig and since he either worked for or represented Colonial Baking Company, he always called himself that "Old Bread Man." When he signed off each evening, his favorite saying was, "No one ever stood as straight as the one who stoops to help a child." Even though itâs been three or four decades since he was on the air, I didnât have to look this up, because I still remember Benny Craig and what he stood for. Have you ever thought about what other people will remember you for? While you or I wonât be around, it is very important for loved ones and friends we leave behind. They want to think and believe good things about us.
What other people will remember us for when we are dead and gone will be determined, by and large, by what we believed in, what we stood for and the way we lived our lives. In this respect, I will confess that I love a good story that has a moral or principle that helps me to see myself in a better light. With all the negative news in the world today, itâs so easy to become discouraged and we need to hear or read things from time to time that will help us to keep perspective. We each have potential that we never use, but regardless of how much knowledge or skill we possess, itâs the condition of our heart that will determine the important things that others remember.
The article I mentioned a moment ago contains a wonderful story about a man who owned and operated a produce stand in a small community back during the Great Depression. His name was Mr. Miller. In those days there was very little actual money around, so many business transactions were conducted by barter, which is to say one product or service was exchanged for another, without any money changing hands. As in all communities, past and present, there were a number of poor families that usually went to bed hungry. Not always, but in many cases, those who suffered most were the children who grew up in these homes. .

It turns out that Mr. Miller had a heart of pure gold. There were three small boys who came by his produce stand on a regular basis and they always admired the things he had for sale. Of course they never had any money to buy anything and very little to barter. As Mr. Miller would see one of the boys admiring some of his produce, he would usually strike up a conversation and finally get around to asking if this particular boy would like some of the particular item he was admiring. The boy would always reply, "I donât have any money to pay you with." Mr. Miller would then say, "donât you have anything you could trade?"

With one particular boy it soon became a regular routine with him saying, "All I have is this big blue marble." Mr. Miller would then say, "Red is my favorite color, but you go ahead and take these peas, corn or whatever, and we will work out the payment later." Of course, later never came. In time each of the three boys grew up and moved away, but they never forgot Mr. Miller and his kindness and generosity to their family. Then one day, word came that Mr. Miller had passed away and each of the young men made special arrangements so they could attend his funeral. They were each there, one in an Army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts - all very professional looking.

As each one walked slowly up to Mrs. Miller who was standing next to her husbandâs casket, they hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and then moved on to the casket. Her misty bright blue eyes followed them as one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Then a friend came along who Mrs. Miller had told years ago about the marbles and he mentioned this to her. With her eyes glistening, she took his hand and led him to the casket.

She said, "Those three young men who just left are the boys that I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "Traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about the color or size - they came to repay their debt." "We have never had a great deal of the wealth" she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself to be the richest man in the world." With loving gentleness, she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. When we come to the end of our days we will not be remembered by our words, but by our deeds. Life is not measured by the breath we take, but by the moments that take our breath. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 414 - ARE "MEAL DEALS" REALLY A BARGAIN?

No. 414
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE MEAL DEALS REALLY A BARGAIN?

Did you know that 64% of all Americans are now overweight or obese? This is true, according to a recent report in the Newsletter of the American Institute for Cancer Research. A part of the reason may be "value marketing" by a majority of the "fast food" restaurant chains in our country. When we have a courteous, polite restaurant employee say, "For just 58 cents more, I can super size that for you" it sounds like a good deal, but is it really? After I share some facts and statistics with you, you be the judge, but let me preface my comments by attempting to set the record straight. As a small, independent businessman, I donât have a problem with any legitimate business earning a profit, thatâs free enterprise at its best, but if they do so at the expense of the good health of millions of Americans, thatâs a completely different story.

As part of a study conducted by health organizations nationwide, The American Institute for Cancer Research attempted to quantify just how much damage "value marketing" is doing to the health of Americans who regularly purchase meal deals. Here is an actual case study that may be of interest to you. "Just before lunch, an employee of AICR went into a fast food restaurant in Washington, D.C., and ordered a cheeseburger. "For just $1.40 more you can get a meal package÷cheeseburger, fries and a Coke," the server said. "Sounds too good to be true," the employee replied. The server responded, "As a matter of fact, for just 58 cents more, you can super size it."

So this AICR employee, a small lady, walked out the door with a bag containing a 4-ounce cheeseburger, a large order of French fried potatoes and a large Coke. It was a bargain. The trouble was, her lunch now contained 1,380 calories or about 700 more calories than a woman her size requires at lunch. Thatâs how "value marketing" works. Restaurants and food retailers offer the American consumer a lot more food for just a little more money. Since food, as opposed to labor, rent or utilities, is their smallest cost, they make money on such deals. Customers are happy, too. They pay a little less per unit and get an enormous portion of food.

Everything would be hunky dory, if they didnât eat all those extra calories. However, seventy percent of respondents to a recent AICR survey, said they eat everything they are served in a restaurant, all or most of the time. So a decade or two of "value marketing" may explain why 64% of all Americans are now overweight or obese, the answer to the question that I asked you in the beginning. For this employee who made the purchase, the good news is that she didnât eat that 1,380 calorie lunch. She brought it back to the AICR office, along with her sales slip.

Here are some more practical, true examples that you may want to consider the next time you make a food purchase. At Cinnabon, when one Minibon (300 calories) was ordered, the clerk said, "Itâs only 48 cents more for a classic Cinnabon (670 calories)." So researchers paid 24 percent more for 123 percent more calories. At 7-Eleven, researchers asked for a "Gulp" of Coke (150 calories) and left the store with a "Double Gulp" (600 calories) for only 37 cents more. Thatâs a 42 percent increase in price for 400 percent more calories. At movie theaters, researchers asked for medium popcorn without butter (900 calories) and were told you can get a large (1160 calories) for only 60 cents more. Thatâs 23 percent more money for 260 more calories.

Researchers found a whopping big "deal" at McDonaldâs. They only paid 8 cents less to buy the large value meal (Quarter Pounder with cheese, large fries and large Coke at 1,380 calories) than to buy the Quarter Pounder, small fries and small Coke (890 calories.) That is, they spent 8 cents less to purchase 490 calories more. The list goes on, but the pattern is the same: customers are manipulated into paying a little bit more for many more calories than they can afford to eat.

If what I have been saying applies to you or your children or grandchildren and you want to fight back, here is how to do it. When itâs time to order, say "small," or say "half" and share. When ordering, always insist on the smallest size. Just say, "The smallest size, thatâs the one I want." With cancer still being one of the leading causes of death in our country, you might be interested in knowing that research links being overweight with increased risk of cancer. Overweight and inactivity account for one quarter to one third of all breast, colon, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancers. If you are concerned about your weight, you might want to think about where you are getting those extra calories. Are "meal deals" really a bargain? Just think about it for your healthâs sake. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 415 - IN THE END, IT­S BETWEEN YOU AND GOD!

No. 415
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IN THE END, ITâS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD!

Have you ever felt so strongly about something that it literally overwhelmed you? This is how I am feeling just now as I attempt to put these words on paper. Sometime back a friend sent me a short article titled, "Anyway" and it contained a very powerful message. I want to share it with you, but what made this article so powerful and so special is that it was written by the late Mother Teresa and was reported to be hanging on her office wall at the time of her death. The more I thought about this article and how it applied to me, the more I felt compelled to share it with you. Since the article was very brief, it became necessary to do some research to learn more about this true Saint of God, who I knew about and the work she did, but not much about her personal life. Before her death on September 5, 1997, she had gained world prominence for her work in India with the poorest of the poor. .

As the old saying goes, "That ainât the half of it." After my friend Amanda Moore checked out a few books for me from the college library, I began to read and learn about this humble servant of the Lord. It was not long before it dawned on me why I felt so overwhelmed. Just reading about this lady made me feel like I was standing on Holy ground. If you will come, I would like to take you on a journey that began on August 27, 1910 in Skopje, an Albanian city in Kossovo that would come under Yugoslavian rule a few years later.

Gonxha "Agnes" Bojaxhiu, who would later become Mother Teresa, was one of three children born to Kole and Drana Bojaxhiu. Kole was a wealthy businessman with a degree in pharmacy and Drana was a young and beautiful woman of excellent character. Things were good in the Bojaxhiu household in the early years of Agnesâs life, with Godly Christian parents who set a good example of helping the poor and needy in their community. Kole often admonished Agnes to "never take a morsel of food that you are not prepared to share with others." And then, when Agnes was only eight years of age, her father Kole died and things changed drastically in their household.

When Kole died, it was soon to become a time of hardship, as well as grief for Drana Bojaxhiu. The whole burden of looking after the house, managing the family finances and educating the three children fell on her shoulders. In her earlier life, her home had been famous for its parties and hospitality. Now, though she was poorer, her home was still famous for the important things: kindness, gentleness, generosity, and compassion towards the poor. Her faith was very deep and central in her life and she brought her children up to live disciplined lives, but imposed few rules on them. They were to live to set an example for others.

Drana Bojaxhiu was certain that anything she gave to the poor, she was giving to God. She taught this to her children. ÎWhen you do goodâ she told them, Îdo it unobtrusively, as if you were tossing a pebble into the sea.â There is no doubt that the early years of Agneâs life, and her motherâs example had a tremendous influence on her call to serve God. When she was 18 years of age, she had finished school and was thinking about her future. Reading letters from Jesuit missionaries, she again feels an inner voice inviting her to become a missionary to India.

After being in India for a number of years, in 1946 there would be still another call from God. During a train trip to Darjeeling where she was making a retreat, she was suddenly struck by the extremely miserable conditions of the poor. At this time, she hears a call to leave her congregation and devote herself entirely to serving the poor. Then in 1950 the Vatican approved Mother Teresaâs new congregation of sisters that was to be called the "Missionaries of Charity.â During the following 47 years, her work with the poorest of the poor would reach to the far ends of the earth and many honors would come to her that she never sought. Here are only a few of those awards and honors. John Paul XXIII Peace Prize (1971), the John F. Kennedy International Award (1971), The Templeton Award for Progress in Religion (1973), The Albert Schweitzer International Prize (1975), and the Nobel Peace Prize (1979).

Here is that article that I promised in the beginning. ANYWAY - People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. To me, this really puts the cookies on the bottom shelf. While we may worry and fret about relations with our fellowman, in the end we have to be accountable to God for everything we do. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 416 - A TRIBUTE TO THE "WOMEN" OF AMERICA

No. 416

The next password is nate

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO THE "WOMEN" OF AMERICA

One day a few weeks ago I was in Little Rock to visit my friend Dennis Schick at the Arkansas Press Association. When I arrived he was on the phone and during the wait, I had a chance to talk with Milton Scott, who represents newspaper interests when the legislature is in session. We talked about a number of things concerning my new book and somehow we got into the subject of success and opportunity and why the United States of America is such a great country.

It is always my heartâs desire to give credit where credit is due and during our discussion, Milton shared an interesting concept that I had never really thought about before. He said, "One of the reasons our country is so successful is because of the great contributions that women have made to our economy." He went on to say, "they make up half of the population, they are highly educated, they are motivated and they are hard workers. This is not true for many countries in other parts of the world."

Later, as I thought about what Milton Scott had said, I realized that it was true. In those countries where women are treated as property, have no rights and very few freedoms - because of oppression; along with graft and corruption where democracy does not exist, you have squalor, poverty and terrible living conditions. To use a boxing metaphor, "Itâs like trying to win with one hand tied behind your back." It is with these thoughts in mind that I would like to pay tribute to the "women" of America, to thank you for your contributions and for helping to make our country the greatest nation in the world.

I would also add that many of the victories that woman have won, even in our own country, did not come easy. Back when I was in high school I learned the names of three women who were early pioneers in the movement to secure the right to vote for women. The most notable was Susan B. Anthony, along with Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cody Stanton. All of their efforts failed until a rare opportunity came along that would change the course of history. This opportunity was called the First World War. While most of the men were away fighting a war, women came to the forefront and stood in the gap.

They worked in factories to turn out munitions (here Iâm reminded of Rosie the Riveter) and all the other items necessary to fight a war; they reared the children and were there to greet the victorious troops when the war was over. Because of their patriotism, gaining economic independence and the strong support of President Woodrow Wilson, on August 18, 1920 the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed, giving the right to vote to women. Susan B. Anthony was not around to see it. She died in 1906. Now, back to what I said earlier about a democracy. The power of a true democracy is the ballot box and today we see women participating in every facet of leadership in our country.

One place where this is most evident to me is the opening of membership to women in civic clubs. We just finished the year for our local Lions Club with a woman president, and I was privileged to be her sponsor. The issue of leadership is not about domination, itâs about ability and any successful organization is built on mutual respect. I know this for sure. Women have some strengths that men donât have and I would not want to be without them. Besides that, they improve the looks of the club. In my mind I can see a couple of readers smiling just now, but of course I donât know who you are.

Women are special for another important reason. Millions of women in this nation are also mothers and our national leaders thought this was so important that they set aside a special day that we call "Mothers Day" to honor them. As a Christian I would like to say that a Godly Mother is the best gift that any man could ever have. There are still many issues in America today that divide us, but still many, many more that unite us. As it relates to the future of our nation, I am reminded of a statement I heard one time about a successful marriage, "Marriage is not looking at each other, it is looking in the same direction together."

There is a passage in the Bible in the 31st. chapter of the book of Proverbs that talks about a worthy woman that says in part, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and bless her. Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." Itâs an honor for me today, to pay tribute to the "women" of America. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Nate

No. 391 - THE REBIRTH OF TEACHING COURTESY

No. 391
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE REBIRTH OF TEACHING COURTESY

It has been said that, "Manners are not like clothes...something to be put off and on...one set for home and work and another set for company. Our manners should be like the skin of our bodies...something always with us...a part of us, the same for all occasions and always to be kept clean and healthy." These thoughts are printed on the back cover of a wonderful and useful little treatise titled, "The Courtesy Book" that was sent to me by Clayton and Sherry Yost who live in Montezuma, Kansas. These folks read my column in the Dodge City Daily Globe and were responding to one of my columns titled, "It's time to pull the plug."
It has long been my contention that acquiring a good, well-rounded education is one of the greatest assets that anyone can attain. Along with that statement I will also add that when it comes to educating students in our nation's schools, it is WHAT we teach them that will determine, in large measure, the success they achieve later in life. It seems to me that if we do not endeavor to teach respect, manners and courtesy as a foundation, then all the rest of what we do teach them will be compromise. A brilliant snob will not achieve the same measure of success as an average student who has a fine, cooperative attitude and has a deep love and respect for the rights and property of other people.
While I don't know them personally, it's obvious the Yosts are unusual people. The Courtesy Book was originally published by the Beckley-Cardy Company of Chicago in 1927. Since the book is out of print, they were able to secure the copyright and have reprinted it. Some time after the reprint, a companion workbook was added and it has been used primarily by private schools across the state of Kansas. The reason these folks wrote to me was to ask for suggestions as to how they might be able to also get it used in the public schools.
Now, I ask you. Do you think we need to teach respect, manners and courtesy in our public schools? This is not to say that we are not already doing this, especially in some schools, but from my 20 years experience working as a consultant with educators, I know they would welcome all the help they can get. The Courtesy Book and companion workbook does not constitute a long, boring textbook approach, but rather some basic concepts that can be easily taught and reinforced. Remember, this book was written back in the 1920's so it embodies many of the customs and ideals that were in vogue when life was much simpler and the focus on family was much stronger.
In the Foreword, written by Margery Rex of the Los Angeles Evening Herald, she states, "So that, if normal courtesies and conventions of etiquette are not taught at home, it becomes doubly necessary that the school strive to make amends. Else it will happen in the crucible of the schoolroom and playground the mixture of good manners and bad will result in lowering the average rather than raising it. The father and mother first have most influence over the growing child, the school teachers next, and thereafter other older persons of distinction and accomplishments. Good manners should be the accompaniment of learning. They deserve to be incorporated as a course of study from kindergarten to university."
In the event that you may be interested in knowing what is in the book, here are a few of the offerings from the table of contents: True Courtesy, Courtesy In Conversation, Family Courtesy, Good Table Manners, Courtesy In An Audience, Courtesy In The Schoolroom, Telephone Courtesy, Real Courtesy instead of "Put On" Manners, Business Courtesy, Good Taste In Dress, Courtesy To Guests, Courtesy In Visiting, Giving and Replying To Invitations, Courtesy In Shopping, Little Everyday Courtesies and The Courtesy Of Punctuality.
At the end of each chapter there are some "Points To Remember" and I just picked one that is important to all of us; Courtesy In Conversation. Give some thought to these points and I believe you will agree that we would have a much better society if all of us, me included, practiced these things. 1. We must use gentle, quiet tones in speaking. 2. Words must be pronounced correctly and distinctly. 3. People who talk too much are avoided. 4. The courteous person is a good listener. 5. Do not interrupt a person speaking. 6. Never dispute or quarrel. 7. Do not talk too much about yourself. 8. Do not talk about things unknown to some of the company.
If you would like to have one or more copies of these materials, the book sells for $7.95 and the work book for $4.95 and the Yosts said they would be happy to pay the postage to get these values out to children. Order from Clayton & Sherry Yost, 23904 11 Rd., Montezuma, KS 67867. Believe me, when children are courteous and have good manners, it's no accident. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 392 - CAN YOU CONNECT THE DOTS?

No. 392
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
CAN YOU CONNECT THE DOTS?

Do you have any idea how many people there are in this country who live a hand-to-mouth existence? While I don't know the exact number, I suspect there are millions, especially in light of the number of bankruptcies that are filed each year. When I say hand-to-mouth existence, of course I'm talking about the people who get a paycheck and it's all gone before the next payday. When I was talking with a young man the other day who is in this predicament, I told him there is no good reason why a person with good health and a sound mind should have to live this way, in light of the tremendous economic opportunities in this nation.
As I pondered his situation, my mind gave me an interesting concept that may help to explain why so many people are deep in debt and how many of these people can get a handle on their finances. This may not apply to you but I bet you know someone that it does. Before the days of 'fast food' many restaurants used to have 'place-mat' menus and on the reverse side of many of them was a series of dots that could be connected to reveal the outline of a picture of some kind. The reason for these menus was to serve as a distraction in case the service was slow. There was always a starting point and you could just go dot-to-dot-to-dot until the outline was complete and you could then see the completed picture.
This brings me a little closer to what I'm trying to say here. Back when I was in school, one of the few things I remember from my math classes is that "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line." This is a principle that affects each of us every day of our lives and it also comes into play when a person attempts to connect the dots on that menu that I talked about earlier. Taking this thought a step further, this same principle also applies to the people who are deep in debt and living a hand-to-mouth existence. The reason this is true is because these people can't visualize or see the big picture, which is to say these people have no goals or the self-discipline to stay on a straight line to achieve financial success.
You see, it's what happens between the dots that does them in. They make poor choices and bad decisions and wander around for days, weeks and even moths before they are shocked back to reality. All the while they are spending money on non-essential things, paying a high interest rate and late fees and in many cases thinking the system is rigged for the rich and powerful. When a person gets so far down, they give up and lose their incentive to achieve financial success. The good news is that there is still hope for most of these people if they can get the right information to help them get out from under the load.
The first step in achieving financial success is mental and that's why it's important to be able to visualize what will happen in the future if they can stay on course, follow a straight line and connect the dots. Here is a good example that will further illustrate what I'm saying. Just suppose this person is you and you drive an automobile and a friend wants you to meet him at a certain location on the other side of town. The time he wants you to be there is during the rush hour when there is more traffic on the streets than any other time of the day.
If you are a person who can connect the dots, here is what happens when you start out on the trip across town. In your mind you begin to visualize the streets, the signal lights and the traffic patterns to plan your route where you can make as many right turns as possible. I've seen people, and you have too, who make a left turn against the traffic during the rush hour where there is no signal light and they wind up taking their life in their own hands and lose some valuable time in the process. By contrast, people who take time to visualize the trip don't waste valuable time making left turns against the flow of traffic. Do you see what I am saying?
The bottom line is this. To achieve success in any undertaking or in life itself, we must be able to connect the dots by using that great mind that God has given to each of us. We must first visualize the best possible route and then stay the course until we arrive. If you don't already do this, set some goals and begin now to pay yourself by setting aside about 10% of your earnings before spending anything on non-essential items. While you may need debt consolidation, beware of credit card companies and others who offer to help you or those you care about. Remember these people charge for their services and that just adds more debt to the load you may already be carrying. My final question to you is simply this: "CAN YOU CONNECT THE DOTS?" (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 393 - THE "BEST" IS YET TO COME!

No. 393
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE "BEST" IS YET TO COME!

Have you ever put your foot in your mouth? You are probably saying, "Is the Pope Catholic?" Of course we all have at some time or another. One of the worst cases I can ever remember happened many years ago during a family reunion. This was not too long after Viola and I had married. Everybody was out in the back yard around the picnic tables and there was mounds of good food; I mean fried chicken, ham, dumplings, mashed potatoes, potato salad, baked beans, slaw, all kinds of vegetables, homemade bread and about a dozen different kinds of desserts. It was not long after we started eating and I was bragging on Viola that I made the comment that she was the best cook I had ever known. All of a sudden it got quiet and I looked around and there looking at me was my mother and my grandmother who were not only great cooks, but they had fed me most of my life.
I tried to explain that I meant Viola cooked "fancy dishes" but it was too late. The longer I talked the deeper the hole got. I guess this is where that old saying came from, "The best way to learn anything is the hard way." To be sure I learned a valuable lesson that day and since then I've done my best to think before I speak. I have still made many mistakes, but I can't remember many that were as egregious as that one. The human mind is a wonderful tool that God has given us and this is what came to mind when I was preparing to write this column.
A few weeks ago I received an article in the mail from a person in Colorado titled, "Keep your fork." After reading the article it was obvious this person considered me to be a friend but the only identification was the name Frankton, Co. 80116 and a Denver postmark. It was not signed and my column does not run in this community so I am at a loss at who to thank for it. The article "Keep your fork" contains a story that I had heard many years ago, but never the less is well worth reading and thinking about again. By way of introduction, you no doubt have been to a family reunion, church social, wedding party or even a dinner party at someone's home and as the table was being cleared, the hostess or server leaned over and said, "Keep your fork." This is just another way of saying, the best is still to come.
This brief introduction is the backdrop for a young lady who was dying of cancer and had only a few days to live. When her pastor came by and was discussing her final arrangements she told him that she had a special request. She wanted her casket to be open and a fork placed in her right hand. When the pastor asked her the reason for this final request she said, "My grandmother once told me this story about "Keep your fork" and ever since hearing it, I've tired to pass it along. It is a message of hope and encouragement for others who will also someday die. When people see me lying there in the casket with a fork in my hand, I want them to wonder, "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them, "Keep your fork...the best is yet to come." The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.
He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death, but he also knew the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She knew that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork that was placed in her right hand. Over and over the pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During the message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and what it symbolized to her. He told them that he could not stop thinking about the fork and that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. In my case, this pastor was right. Since writing this column, many times when I reach down for my fork it reminds me that the best is yet to come. Friends are very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.
Remember to always be there for your friends because you never know when it may be their time to "Keep the fork." Cherish the time you have and the memories you share... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility. Send this to everyone you consider to be a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you. AND....ALWAYS keep your fork! (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 394 - THE LONGEST 18 INCHES IN THE WORLD

No. 394
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE LONGEST 18 INCHES IN THE WORLD

Did you hear about the old hillbilly who was making his first trip to the hospital where his teenage son was about to have an operation? Watching the doctor's every move, he asked, "What's that?" The doctor explained, "This is an anesthetic. After he gets this he won't know a thing." "Save your time, Doc," exclaimed the man. "He don't know nothing now." Obviously, what the doctor was saying and what the hillbilly was hearing were two different things. To be sure, knowledge is a wonderful thing and it will take us a long way in life, but knowledge without compassion will cause us to miss the mark. Here is a question that I hope you will ponder with me for a few minutes. What is the longest 18 inches in the world? While you may disagree, I believe the longest 18 inches in the world is the distance between the head and the heart, approximately 18 inches. .
The reason I believe this is true is because of the special people in my life who have made the greatest impression on me. These were not brilliant people, but rather people who loved and cared for me. When I was in the fifth grade in elementary school I had a teacher whose name was Martha Hawley. One day I was cutting up in class and she got on to me. This was in the days before air conditioning and the windows in the room were all up. When she got on to me I got so mad that I tried to jump out of a window. Before I got there, she came over and grabbed me by the neck and took me to the back of the room, made me face the wall and read a book. A few minutes later I propped the book up on the coat hangers and was flipping through the pages.
At this point she snuck up behind me and hit me three licks across the back with a ruler. Come to think of it, my parents never contacted the ACLU and had them file a suit for child abuse. They would have said, "Hit him again if he needs it." Now, here is the rest of the story. Some time during the year my parents made a promise that if I didn't miss a word all year on the spelling tests, they would give me $25.00, which was a lot of money back in 1949. They did not know it at the time, but Miss Martha let me take two of those tests over. Again, come to think of it, they probably did know it. But the point is, I still remember this wonderful teacher because she really cared about me.
Another person that was very special to me was my former Dale Carnegie teacher and business partner, the late Bob Gannaway. Bob was a wonderful role model during the years when I really needed someone who could give me a pattern to live by. Without a doubt, I know that I disappointed him in many ways, but I also knew that he really cared about me. Hope you will forgive me for these personal examples but I wanted to reinforce the fact that the people in our lives who make the greatest impression are those who really care about us. In like manner, it just makes sense that the people who we will make the greatest impression on, are those we rally care about.
No doubt you took note of the fact that I never said anything about these two individuals being smart or having a lot of knowledge, which was certainly the case. Miss Martha had a college teaching degree and Bob was also an attorney. We see people each day of our lives that are brilliant and have a terrific education, yet they fail when it comes to having love and compassion for others. I have known countless people over the years that graduated at the top of the class but had little or no compassion for other people. On the other hand, I have known many others who would literally give you the shirt off their back, but yet they didn't have enough knowledge and common sense to get in out of the rain. Like most things in nature, we need to have a balance of knowledge and compassion to succeed in today's high-tech world.
A few weeks ago I was invited to be the keynote speaker for the state convention of the National Honor Society in our state. In my audience were some of the most gifted and brilliant students in the Arkansas Public School System. These young people, and millions like them across the nation, are the future of this great country. We will certainly need their gifts and intellect if the United States of America is to remain competitive in the important years ahead. With that said, these young people also need to understand that love and compassion for others is the real key to true success and happiness. If you will think about it, I believe you will also conclude that the longest 18 inches in the world is the distance between the head and the heart. Our main purpose as human beings should always be to transfer what we have learned (head knowledge) down to love and compassion (heart knowledge) to make this a better world for all of us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 395 - WE BECOME PROFICIENT AT WHAT WE PRACTICE

No. 395
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE BECOME PROFICIENT AT WHAT WE PRACTICE

Several years ago I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale make the statement, "You can do anything you really want to do, if you are willing to practice." He went on to say; "You can learn to juggle six eggs while standing on one leg in a hammock, if you really want to do it." This explains why I am not any better at golf than I am. While I enjoy playing the game, it's not a passion for me, and therefore I don't spend the necessary practice time to get really good. On weekends, my wife and I usually spend some time watching a golf tournament on television and we marvel at how good these guys and gals have become. The answer, of course, is that these people are professional and in most cases started playing when they were very young and have spent untold hours practicing their craft or sport.
Before I leave this subject, you don't have to be a professional to be good at golf, you just have to have a passion for it. The other day I saw a story about Frank Grieko, a WWII veteran who had made 11 holes in one on courses that ranged from the East coast to the West coast. The amazing thing about Frank's feat is that he only had one arm. I've never made a hole-in-one and I have two arms and this probably applies to most recreational golfers like me. Again, the word is passion. If we have a passion for something, the odds are good that we will spend the necessary practice time to get really good at it.
You may not have an interest in golf, but what I'm talking about is really a principle that applies to all the other activities that fill our days. I don't know how many truly gifted piano players have said to me, "I'm so grateful that my mother made me practice the piano when I was growing up." You could add other things like singing, dancing, speaking, acting, painting and writing. However to be really good at these things requires more than developing a skill. To excel in these activities requires some natural talent. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American Poet and Philosopher once said, "Talent is the power and courage to make a new road to new and better goals."
At this point you may be saying to yourself, what does this have to do with me? It does not have anything to do with you unless you want to use this wonderful principle to become a more successful human being. The principle is WE BECOME PROFICIENT AT WHAT WE PRACTICE. Here I'm going to make a statement that you may disagree with. To achieve outstanding success, most people spend too much time practicing the wrong things. For example, many young people in school spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about and practicing one or more sports. For the most part, that's what they have on their brain.
This is not to say they should not enjoy sports or even have a passion for it, but it should be understood that these students spend way too much time on activities that will not help them achieve success over the long haul. If you doubt what I am saying is true, just consider this fact. According to the NCAA there are over 300,000 students in America who participate in college athletics in one or more sports. Yet over 95% of these students will have a career in something other than the sport they play. This is certainly not to discount the fact that sports teaches some valuable character traits that will be useful later on. They learn discipline, teamwork, persistence and many other valuable lessons that will be of value when they enter the world of work.
These character traits will be more useful however, when combined with an outstanding academic record. As I've said many times, the key is balance. Young people should enjoy sports and play them, but they should not bet the farm on having a career in sports because the odds are about 100,000 to one that it won't happen. The real question then becomes, who is going to influence them? In many cases it's those parents who are trying to relive their own lives through their children and unfortunately it's the children who are left holding the bag.
Whether it's your life or someone else that you can influence, here is another important aspect of the principle, WE BECOME PROFICIENT AT WHAT WE PRACTICE. It is really a two edged sword. It not only works and has a tremendous influence over our lives as it relates to developing a talent or skill, but it also applies to our life values, as well. For example, if we begin to practice lying, we will get good at lying. If we practice cheating, stealing, falsifying, and forging, we will get good at these, too. This is a very simple yet powerful principle. Hope you will use it wisely to achieve greater success. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 396 - IT'S TIME FOR PAUL TO RIDE AGAIN

No. 396
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IT'S TIME FOR PAUL TO RIDE AGAIN

One time I heard a cute story about this old boy who stopped by one day to take his preacher fishing. No sooner than they got to the lake, poles rigged and hooks in the water that this old boy hooked the biggest bass you could ever imagine. It had to weigh over ten pounds. He fought that fish for what seemed like 30 minutes and it went around and under the boat several times and finally the fish seemed to be tiring. A few minutes later the fish came to the surface and as he was about ready to land him, the fish made one last lunge and got off. This fella was so mad that the threw his pole down in the middle of the boat, stomped it, and said, "Preacher, one of us ought to say something."
To be sure, there is a time to say something and there is also a time to be quiet. On a more serious note I got a letter recently from Bob Sowell, who is a faithful reader of this column in the Hot Springs Sentinel Record. His letter had previously appeared in the Letters to the Editor page, but Bob felt that what he was saying needed to have much wider distribution. After reading his letter for the second time I whole-heartedly agree. In a moment I want to share portions of Bob's letter but the bottom line is what 'partisanship and bickering' is doing to our collective national interests. It is literally doing us in and is resulting in a sea of red ink.
When I first read what Bob Sowell was saying I realized that it was a warning, not a "cry wolf" warning, but a real warning to every citizen and taxpayer in our nation. If not heeded, the long-term consequences can be devastating. Here I was reminded of Paul Revere's midnight ride to warn his fellow patriots that the British were coming and his now famous signal, "One if by land, two if by sea." After you read this you may agree, it's time for Paul to ride again.
"Apart from national defense which we all have an interest in, there is now a climate in Washington where politicians continue to make partisan accusations and self-serving recommendations, but nothing is being said or done to affect a change in the downhill slide in our economy. Washington overflows with party-bashing artificial eloquence, but the real focus is on voter appeasement rather than what is best for our country. The republicans claim we need more tax cuts so industry can provide more jobs, the democrats claim we need more tax increases to support the growing number of people who need jobs. Neither plan has merit because the new jobs provided by our tax cuts are going to foreign countries.
This increases the tax burden on a decreasing number of employed Americans who support the increasing number of unemployed Americans, as well as the Washington politicians who do not pay any Social Security taxes, but continue to give themselves hefty pay raises. National bankruptcy is certain unless there is a change. While our federal deficit is growing out of control the governors are crying for much needed federal funds to shore up the shortfall in state revenues. Meanwhile our congress is conspicuously silent on any bipartisan fiscal solution. They are ignoring the devastating impact of the Free Trade agreements that send USA jobs to other countries, and that Foreign Aid is being used to build armies. Sharing food to feed the hungry is commendable, but supplying materials and technology to make war is inexcusable.
Washington politicians continue to focus on pork barrel spending for reelection while disregarding the imminent problem of national bankruptcy. Big business in America is allowed to move their production to poverty stricken countries where there is an abundance of cheap and frequently child labor, then bring those products back and sell them for huge profits to the very people who were put out of work when they left. It is apparent that an attitude adjustment is overdue throughout our country. Scholarly written party-bashing articles present much truth in these letters, but when are we going to face up to the fact that partisanship is not the solution to our problems."
I believe you will agree that in most cases Bob Sowell has hit the nail on the head. If you have read my column for very long you know that I don't get involved in partisan politics. My main objective is two fold. First, I want to know if it's the truth and just as importantly, is it right and good for our nation. Partisanship is not the answer. In fact it is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. We need people in the U.S. Congress who will do what is right for America. There are only 535 members in both houses and I hope my friends across the country will send this column to each one of them. It's time for Paul to ride again. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 397 - SOLDIER, CAN I BORROW THAT DECK OF CARDS?

No. 397
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SOLDIER, CAN I BORROW THAT DECK OF CARDS?

At our home we often play a card game called Sequence with some couples from our church and the game requires two decks of cards and depending on how many are playing, two or three sets of colored poker chips. We have also gotten fancy by purchasing an automatic shuffler from our local discount store. You can believe me when I say there is no gambling involved. The object of the game is to use the cards to match the same card faces on a board and get five in a row. The first team, usually the guys vs. the gals, to get three sets of five in a row is the winner. We usually play until one team gets the best out of ten games then it's all over. We also have some refreshments along the way. It's a great mixer and lots of fun.
I thought about this game when I received a wonderful article the other day from a reader in North Alabama. This article is titled, "A special use for a deck of cards." Let me say here in the beginning that I don't know for sure whether the story in this article is true or not, but it sure makes sense. The odds are good that it is. It begins, "A young soldier was in his bunkhouse all alone one Sunday morning during WW II. It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars and land mines, for some reason hadn't made a noise. The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.
Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?" The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord." The sergeant said, "Looks like you're going to play cards." The soldier said, "No sir, you see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards." The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?" If you will allow me to interrupt for just a moment, I've been around over six decades and what follows is something I had never heard or read before. It may be new to you as well.
To continue, this young soldier said, "You see the Ace, Sergeant, it reminds me that there is only one God. The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The Three represents the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The Four stands for the Four Apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Five stands for the five Virgins that were ten but only five of them were glorified. The Six is for the six days that it took God to create the Heavens and Earth. The Seven is for the seventh day God rested after working the six days. The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, the three sons and their wives, in whom God saved the eight people from the flood that, destroyed the earth for the first time.
The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten but nine never thanked Him. The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone. The Jack is a reminder of Satan. One of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of Heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell. The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary. The King stands for Jesus, for He is the King of all Kings. When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year. There are 52 cards in a deck; 52 weeks in a year.
The Four suits represent the four seasons; spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each suit has 13 cards; there are exactly 13 weeks in a quarter. So when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for." The sergeant just stood there and after a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?" After reading that story you may rest assured, I will never look at a deck of cards the same way again.
As I've said many times during the years that I have been writing this column, I am a Christian and I make no apologies for that, but I am not a minister of the Gospel. One thing however, that we often fail to pass along to our children and grandchildren is that the United States of America does have a spiritual heritage. American history is replete with quotes like this one from former president Grover Cleveland, "And let us not trust to human effort alone, but humbly acknowledge the power and goodness of Almighty God, who presides over the destiny of nations, and who has at all times been revealed in our country's history, let us invoke His aid and His blessing upon our labors." Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 398 - BEWARE OF THE THINGS YOU PICK UP!

No. 398
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BEWARE OF THE THINGS YOU PICK UP!

Several weeks ago I got a note from a lady who is a faithful reader down in the great state of Texas. Her name is Juanita Rogers and she is also a columnist for her hometown newspaper. The reason for her note was to comment on a recent column I had written about the fear of rattlesnakes. For the benefit of my good friends down in Sweetwater, Texas where the 'rattlesnake roundup' is held each year, what I was talking about was not so much about the danger of these reptiles but about some people who are as dangerous as rattlesnakes.
Jaunita told me that one of the things she liked about Michigan, a state where she and her husband had formerly lived, is that you did not have to be fearful of snakes. She went on to say that my column reminded her of a story that she had heard many years ago. After checking out a Website she gave me, I learned that this story has been around for years and it apparently originated with the Native Americans and has been handed down from one generation to the next. Hopefully you will appreciate this background information because it clearly demonstrates the truth that a good story will survive the test of time and remain in existence for many, many years.
This story contains a moral that will help any thinking person to live a happy and more rewarding life and it begins, "A man was walking along a mountain path when he came upon a snake. The weather was cold and the snake begged the man to pick him up and carry him inside his jacket so he could be warm. The man said, "No I won't do that because you would bite me." The snake promised he wouldn't and after much discussion back and forth the man agreed to do this for the snake if he promised he would not bite the man. The snake promised. The man had walked along the mountain path a little longer when the snake bit him. The man cried out, "But you promised you would not bite me!" The snake replied, "But you knew what I was when you picked me up."
Now that is a dandy statement that we could ponder for the next twenty years. While this man did know that this was a snake, the central point here is that the snake lied to this kindhearted man. Unfortunately this has been going on since the days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Here I might pose this question for you to think about. Have you ever had anyone lie to you and it caused you great harm or misfortune? If you have, then you should get the moral of this story.
Every once in a while I run across someone who is really singing the blues because of some lapse in judgment and they often say, "I should have known better." Whether it's a business deal gone bad, a personal relationship that ended tragically or some person had taken them to the cleaners, it was later revealed that this person had unfortunately checked their brains at the front door and they were taken advantage of. It's true. We must be careful when we pick up things that are harmful to us. Some people will just flat out lie. I don't have to tell you that Satan uses people to accomplish his evil schemes.
In addition to the things I mentioned earlier, there are many harmful things we can pick up, like drugs, cigarettes (ever hear of a smoke free environment?) liquor, gambling, pornography, prostitutes, bad habits of various kinds and sometimes even more destructive attitudes of anger, hatred, intolerance and greed. Now, lest you think I am being judgmental let me be very clear here. In my earlier days I used to judge other people but I quit when I found myself doing many things that were far worse than what I was judging others for.
As I have said many times in the past, I am just a sinner that has been saved by God's amazing grace. There is a vast difference between being judgmental than having a deep love for other people and wanting the very best for their lives. While I never want to take myself too seriously, I take what I do and what I write in this column very seriously. Here is only one the reasons why this is true. A few weeks ago I got a wonderful letter from a reader in Oklahoma who said, "We greatly look forward to many more years of your articles and insights. With six adult children and 13 grandchildren, we have found many situations your articles apply to. I often mail things to the kids. They seem to take it to heart better when someone besides mom and dad is saying it."
This is certainly not original, but the bottom line is this. When we play with fire we are going to get burned. It does not take a genius to understand this truth, but there are millions of people in our country who make poor choices every day and not always, but in many cases, the choices they make literally destroy their lives. We should really be aware of the things we pick up. Our future depends on it. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 399 - A GREAT "WASH-ROOM" REMINDER

No. 399
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A GREAT "WASH-ROOM" REMINDER

Do you ever get down-in-the-mouth because of some of the mundane tasks you have to do each day or each week? If you do, I have something to share with you that may change your perspective. To be sure, everything is relative. We don't appreciate the sunshine until it's rained or been cloudy for several days in a row, we don't appreciate good health until we have spent several days in the sick bed or a hospital and we don't appreciate having enough money to pay all our bills until we have been through some really hard times.
And to add one more, a housewife does not really appreciate a washer and dryer unless she's had the experience of a Kentucky grandmother that I read about a few days ago. This grandmother had written down some washday instructions for a new bride. As you will soon see this was many, many years ago before we had any of our time saving, labor saving appliances that most of us take for granted today. If for no other reason, what I want to share with you will give you a new appreciation for what you do have. As I share these instructions, keep in mind that this was not only many years ago, but these instructions are in the original wording and spelling and they even contain a little philosophy.
The central theme is "Honey, it's washday and you better be up early." "1. Bilt fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. 2. Set tubs so smoke won't blow in eyes if wind is pert. 3. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in billin water. 4. Sort things, make 3 piles, 1 pile white, 1 pile colored, 1 pile work britches and rags. 5. To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with billin water. 6. Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and then bile. Rub colored don't bile, just rinch and starch. 7. Take things out of kettle with broomstick handle, then rinch, and starch. 8. Hang old rags on fence. 9. Spread tea towels on grass. 10. Pore rinch water in flowerbed. 11. Scrub porch with hot soapy water. 12. Turn tubs upside down. 13. And here is the kicker....Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings."
Well, that's the end of it and I want you to know that the spelling in these instructions drove my computer spell-check crazy. However, I love to read things like this because it reminds me of how very blessed we are to be alive in these exciting times. Why not tape this column up in your washroom and the next time you get to feeling a little low, take a moment and reread it. As I said earlier, it could change your perspective for that day. The people who lived back in the pioneer days of our nation had it much harder in many ways, but they did not have the distractions and the stress that pervades our society today. I might also add that my father was from Kentucky, the 15th state to enter the Union, and this gives me a special feeling for the people of the Bluegrass State.
If you will allow me, I would like to take the balance of this space to just offer you a word of encouragement. Even the most self-sufficient among us gets discouraged and depressed from time to time. It's just human nature for our emotions to do things to us when things are not going right. A good place to start is to sit down and count your blessings. If you are down, what do you have going for you that can help to get you back up? I've found that when I'm discouraged that having a good friend to talk with helps me greatly. There are people who care about you and me and that's one of the greatest blessings any of us could ever have.
The best antidote for discouragement has always been intelligent action. Begin now to make plans for a brighter future. What can you do to serve and help other people? After all, this is where most of our rewards come from. Change your attitude toward others, if that's something that is holding you back. Other than health reasons, most of our discouragement comes when we have failed to do something or someone else has failed us. Several years ago I developed a personal philosophy that has helped me tremendously and I want to share it with you.
Every once in a while I will have someone treat me rudely, fail to keep a promise or not live up to my expectations. When this happens, here is the course of action that I take. First, I forgive them, because if I don't it will just keep me upset and my mind occupied in a nonproductive way for days or even weeks. Here is the thought that really helps. If someone has done something to me and it's undeserved, I realize they already have more problems than they need. So, I don't want to do or say anything that will add to them. I always try to leave others in a better frame of mind than the way I found them. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 400 - THE STORY OF A "BLUE RIBBON" CORN FARMER

No. 400
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE STORY OF A "BLUE RIBBON" CORN FARMER

One of the most difficult things for any of us to do is to get away from our roots. It's those early years of growing up whether on a farm, a small town, large city or even someone whose parents were constantly on the move that colors the experiences and values that launch us into the future. In my case, most of my growing up years were spent in a small town in Southeast Arkansas. My parents operated a small restaurant and consequently every time we eat out, I have a deeper appreciation for the people who serve me and do my best to treat them with courtesy and respect.
Another experience I had when I was growing up that has given me an appreciation even to this day, is the year my father and I decided to raise a crop of roast-in-ear corn just East of town. On the outside the corn was beautiful, but unfortunately we didn't get the chemicals applied at the right time and the actual ears turned out to be full of worms. We sold most of that crop to a produce company in Little Rock and even though I was just a young lad, I have often regretted that we took their money and didn't tell them the whole story about that corn. Several years later I make the decision that I would never knowingly take unfair advantage of anyone again.
A few years ago I had the privilege of going on a mission trip with a group from my church to Denison, Iowa, to help a sister church build a new building. Some time before we got there the memories of my earlier days and the experience with roast-in-ear corn began to flood my mind, because I saw more corn in a week than I had seen the rest of my whole life. It was beautiful. You could travel down the highway and corn higher than your head would be on both sides of the road and when you topped a hill, you see corn as far as the eye could see.
Going back to what I was saying earlier about our growing up years coloring our experiences and values, these people, unlike my dad and I who were just dabbling around the edges, were earning their living from this important corp. As you probably know, corn is used in a multitude of products that contribute to our diet and now they are also burning corn as a fuel to heat homes, businesses and in many other ways. I love the people in the Midwest because they not only feed us, but because they are just good, honest, hard working people. A special word of thanks to those of you who have taken the time to write to me. I deeply appreciate it.
To continue my thoughts about corn, the other day I ran across an interesting article titled "Growing Good Corn" that contains an important principle that I'm sure all corn farmers know, but some of us may not. The reason I want to share this story is because this principle has a two-fold message and applies to many other areas of life as well. The story begins; "There was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it.
The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. "How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked. "Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn." This farmer is much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.
As you can see, this story is really not about corn, as important as it is, but more about our values and our relationships with other people. We depend on other people for almost everything we need or have. There is no product in your home or mine that someone else has not had a hand in producing. Our country is the greatest in the world because our system allows us to do that and keep a portion of what we earn from our labors. The thing that matters most is our freedom, because our way of life is only possible because we are free.
As a free people, so it is in other dimensions of life as well. Those who choose to be at peace must help their neighbors to be at peace. Unfortunately, sometimes this means that a bully must be taken to the woodshed and taught a lesson so that everyone else can live in peace. Those of us who are peace loving and choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 401 - DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE A "DRUG" PROBLEM?

No. 401
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE A "DRUG" PROBLEM?

The other day while reading an article in our local paper I got a good chuckle. It was reported that some organization had conducted a study and determined that children viewing violence on television produced more aggression when they became adults. I chuckled with the thought that I could have told them that and saved them all that time and money. Sometimes all we need is just some good ol' common sense and we will be a lot better off. Unfortunately, in some circles common sense seems to be in short supply.
If you will tune me in and not prejudge what I'm saying, I have some common sense thoughts to share with you that could make a difference in the lives of some very special people. To me, and probably to you as well, some of the most important people in our country are less than 18 years of age. I'm talking about our nation's youth, because they are our future and they face more challenges today than those of us in the older generation ever thought about.
My heart is deeply touched when I hear or read about some young person committing suicide. We have had a couple of these here in our community the past few months. A teacher who attended one of the funerals told me it was obvious that some of the students who also attended had never been to a funeral nor taught how to show respect for the family of the student who had committed suicide. She said some of the girls were giggling, talking and up running around and even pulled flowers off the casket for souvenirs. The answer here, of course, is that these young people had never been taught how to have respect for the feelings of others and how to behave.
If you agree that situations like this and others in different venues really constitute a very sad state of affairs, and you are also concerned about where we are heading, what should be done about it? Is it the school's responsibility to teach respect for the feelings of others and how to properly behave at all public gatherings or should parents be the ones to do this? We know from a common sense standpoint that it really falls to the parents, because our schools can't teach everything; there are just not enough hours in the day. They can help and they should, so maybe all of us working together can do something.
While we are on the subject of young people and their behavior, if you have children or grandchildren, please allow me to pose this question. Do your children or grandchildren have a "drug" problem? Before you get defensive, let me tell you what I have in mind. While all of our children are grown, my wife and I both hope our grandchildren have a "drug" problem when presented in the following way. A reader sent me something the other day titled, "This is what was known as the "Good Ole Days."
It begins, "I, my siblings and friends had a "drug" problem when we were youngsters. We were "drug" to church on Sunday morning. We were "drug" to church for weddings and funerals. We were "drug" to family reunions, no matter the weather. We were "drug" to school when we said we didn't feel good. We were "drug" by our ears when disrespectful to adults and teachers. We were also "drug" to the woodshed when we disobeyed our parents. These "drugs" are still in our veins; and I believe they very much affect our behavior in what we do, say and think. They are stronger that cocaine, crack, or heroin, and if today's kids had this kind of "drug" problem, perhaps America could be a better place."
If you will take a moment and ponder what this article is saying, I believe you will agree that there is a real and timely message here. When it comes to human nature, we know it has not changed, for as long as there have been human beings on this planet. When it also comes to rearing children, it is really a matter of who is in charge. If allowed to, children will stay home from church, weddings, funerals, and family reunions and be disrespectful to parents, teachers and other adults.
At this point I'm not talking about doing research or taking a survey, I'm just pointing out some common sense things that all responsible adults can do to influence children to grow up to be good, honest, decent and law abiding citizens of the greatest nation in the world. More and more people are beginning to realize that we have a problem and we are beginning to work on it. I just want to encourage you to care enough about our young people to "drag" them to places they need to go to have a better understanding of right and wrong and to teach them things that will help them later in life. That's the way to keep them off "real" drugs. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 402 - A FATHER'S "INFLUENCE" THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

No. 402
Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A FATHER'S "INFLUENCE" THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

With all the real problems in the world today this seems so minor, but the past few weeks have been very sad days here at our home. Our good neighbors, Ron and Sylvia Burton, sold all of their laying hens and we don't get fresh eggs any more. We just have to go to the store and buy factory eggs like everybody else. As it relates to laying hens and eggs, I have a very interesting but true story, to share with you that I would like to use to illustrate a point. First, this question. Have you ever been in a position where you could watch a baby chick as it hatches? There is a process it goes through that in most cases will determine whether or not it will live.
As a baby chick matures and gets ready to come out of the shell, it puts pressure on the shell until it cracks just a little bit. Then over the next several hours, little by little it begins to come out of the shell. But it has to work to do it, which produces the strength it needs to survive the first few days of life. If you broke the shell for this chick, in most cases it would die. The same principle is true for our own children. As they begin to mature, we should teach them skills, values and character traits to become self-reliant and independent, so they will be able to survive and thrive later in life.
Now, keeping this thought or principle in mind, I want to tell you about a lady whose late father gave her something that is producing fruit till this very day. It's called influence. He influenced her to have compassion and love for others and this quality brings joy and happiness that many people in our country never experience. Several months ago I wrote a column about a special little restaurant in Russellville, Arkansas, by the name of Feltner's. Several weeks later I learned the column had gotten great response and many people had called or stopped by as a result of what I shared. You know, you can't beat good food, good people and reasonable prices. Feltner's has all of this and more.
Several weeks after the column ran I got to know Mr. Feltner's daughter, Missy Ellis, and we have e-mailed each other back and forth several times. Just before Christmas last year she sent me e-mail and told me about helping a needy family there in her community and it was all because of her father's influence. He has now been gone for over six years. With her permission I want to share this with you because it will touch your heart and may even cause many people to be inspired to do something special for others.
She begins, "I was really thinking about my dad this Christmas. He really loved being with his family and helping out people in need. One of the reasons I was thinking about him so much was a call I received the evening of the 23rd. A family was in need of help. The family consisted of a single mom and three year old triplet boys. I could hear my dad urging me to get busy, so I did. I stopped my cooking at 1AM on the 24th and headed to Wal-Mart. I knew he would buy everything they needed for Christmas, so I was off the clothes dept. First, I picked out the jogging suites, underwear, socks and pull-ups. Next, was the toy department. Three riding vehicles were a must and I found them with sounds and hats to match. I knew dad would want them to have a book apiece, so I got them interactive books.
On I went to the next stop, which were the stocking stuffers. I knew what he would have gotten them, so I got candy canes, chocolates, small trucks and cars. I couldn't forget mom, so I thought she needed a warm sweatshirt and a jewelry set. My shopping ended at 3 AM. I called the person that contacted me about this family and told them that Santa had arrived. It gave me great peace to do this for this family and all the time I was shopping, I could feel my dad there with me. The gifts were picked up the afternoon of the 24th and delivered to mom to put out for Christmas Eve night for Santa.
I've never gotten to meet this family, but they don't realize how much this also did for me. I received a wonderful sense of peace. I knew that just because my dad wasn't here in person, I knew he was watching over me. He taught me so many valuable lessons in life. He was always telling me that "I would give away my last penny to someone who needed it more than me." I watched him doing this all my life, helping so many people that were hungry, needed clothes, money and a friend. Jim, I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season. Thank you, Missy. Your father did well. There is really nothing else I can add. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 403 - "TV Tune-In", USA

No. 403

Jim Davidson... NEWSPAPER COLUMN

"TV Tune-In", USA

It has been said that, "Intelligent people, equally informed, seldom disagree." This thought is the underlying foundation for a wonderful community-wide program that is conducted each year in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The name of the program is "TV Tune-In", USA and was born in response to the content of the media, which has been proven to affect small children for the rest of their lives. Here is a little background on this program that may be of interest, especially if you are concerned about the quality to TV programming in our nation today.

In 1957, a program called "Project Postcard" was created by American Association of University Women to give advertisers and broadcasters an idea of how people felt about violent shows on television. In 1975, Ruth Pflager, president of the Radio-TV Council of Greater Cleveland, and Grace Noon, president of Ohio Church Women United encouraged and supported Project Postcard as a statewide activity that involved the viewer mailing individual critiques of TV shows to sponsors and broadcasters in an attempt to give direction to the media's financial supporters. Shows which were offensive and gave children the wrong messages, were noted, reported and encouraged to be removed from the programming. The strength of positive critique was also promoted.

In 1979, both CWU and AAUW in Ohio, passed resolutions concerning broadcasting, and Project Postcard evolved into "TV Tune-In", USA. Now, that's the background, but to bring you up to date on what has happened in more recent times. Ruth Pflager moved to Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and about a dozen years ago she was instrumental in implementing this program in the communities school system. From what I can understand the backbone of this program is an Essay Contest that involves students from the 3rd to the 12th grade.

To go back a moment to what I said in the beginning, "Intelligent people, equally informed, seldom disagree" is what happens when students focus on the merits, along with the evils of television viewing and are better prepared to make wise choices. What's so exciting for me is that this Annual Essay Contest is no small matter and this past year there were 1159 different essays. The whole community gets involved and student winners are given cash prizes for their work, so there is a little more incentive here. The highlight of this program is the "TV Tune-In", USA Annual Student Essay Contest Awards Luncheon.

So you will have a little better feel for what I am saying, here is what is listed in the printed program. The Invocation, Moderator and Welcome, Why a School Essay Contest about TV, What is "TV Tune-In"? A Word from the sponsor, Greetings from the Judges of the Contest, Recognition of Principal Funding Groups, Winners reading of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place essays and Presentation of Awards and to close out the program, ;the Wrap up and Sign Off. On the program are many of the outstanding members of the community, so you can see it's a really big deal.

To minimize the risk of misunderstanding, please allow me to give you the Purposes of TV Tune-In, USA, Waynesboro Unit: To affirm that television and the electronic media do more than entertain and advertise, THEY ALWAYS TEACH. To raise public awareness that values, morals and ideas, both wholesome and destructive are always being taught by the media. To educate viewers so that they understand they have power to influence both programs and commercials because advertisers, broadcasters and cable companies are in business to make a profit. To encourage viewers to CAREFULLY SELECT PROGRAMS and COMMUNICATE both positive and negative opinions directly to advertisers, TV stations and/ or cable companies. To network with other community groups to address the tremendous impact of television and all forms of the electronic media on our lives and society.

I was very impressed that there were so many different organizations that were part of this outstanding program. The Waynesboro Area Rotary Club, Lion's Club, Comcast Cable, The Record Herald and several church and community groups were the principal funders of prizes/awards for the winners. Of course the school district was involved along with people who served as judges, parents and caregivers and a number of school PTA's and PTO's. In my heart I know these people are making a big difference in the lives of the children in their community. If you would like to know more about how your schools or community could get involved, contact "TV Tune-In", USA at 6 West Second Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

NO. 1090 - A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST!

No. 1090

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST!

We have a major problem in our society. It is called bullying. This may not be a problem for you, unless of course you happen to be one who is being bullied, or a parent or loved one of someone who is being bullied. This should never happen to any human being, but it does. The faster we get it stopped, the better off it will be, not only for the individual but for society as a whole.
What inspired me to write this column is something I read on Facebook a while back. This was written by someone who was making a special request for students who were starting back to school, especially new students who were in unfamiliar surroundings and, at this point, did not have any friends. Please allow me to share this request with you. I would like to make some additional comments later. I might add, bullying is something that not only happens to young people who move to a new school, but it is a problem throughout the year in a multitude of settings. I will say more about this in a moment.
This request begins, and I suspect these are the words of a mother: “If you see someone who is struggling to make friends or being bullied because he/she doesn’t have many friends or because they are shy or not as pretty or not dressed in the most ‘in’ clothes – please step up. Say ‘hi,’ or at least smile at them in the hallway. You never know what that person may be facing outside of school. Your kindness might just make a BIG difference in someone’s life. Parents and grandparents should repost this.”
Now, granted, what this person is asking is not something that is earth shattering, but it will make a positive difference in other people’s lives, and is something we should all be interested in doing. I would just add, if you have children or grandchildren in school, take a few minutes to talk with them about the subject of bullying. Make sure they understand that this is wrong and they should not be involved. Rather, be one who does smile, says “hi” in the hallway and makes new people welcome.
In addition to what I have just shared, I am sure you know that bullying takes place in many different ways and settings in our society, and it is not just physical but mental and spiritual as well. The dictionary says a “bully” is a “swaggering, quarrelsome, usually cowardly person who terrorizes weaker people.”
In my personal experience, I have found that a bully is usually a little older than the one they are bullying. A good example took place in the small town where I grew up, back in the early 1950s, when I was in junior high school. Our town had this boy who was a little older than those he ran around with, and he bullied a number of younger boys. I was one of them. This went on for some time, and I was terrified to even be around him. One day a group of us boys were playing football on the church lawn. On one play this bully had the ball, and I hit him so hard that his teeth rattled, and I am pleased to say that he never bullied me again.
Later in high school, another older boy always wanted me to put on boxing gloves and box him. One day I could not get out of it, so I put on the gloves with him. I am sure it was just a lucky punch, but I cold-cocked him, and he, too, never bullied me again.
To be sure, there will always be tyrants and bullies in the world, but we don’t have to be one of them, and neither do our children and grandchildren. I hope you will also try to make a difference, by passing along this request.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1091 - WE CAN'T FLAUNT SIN!

No. 1091

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE CAN’T FLAUNT SIN!

When I thought about my topic today, “We can’t flaunt sin,” I was reminded of the French nobleman Alexis de Tocqueville, who came to America in the 19th century seeking the reason for our greatness in such a short period of time.
After several months of searching, he came to this conclusion: “I searched for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers -- and it was not there. … In her fertile fields and boundless forests -- and it was not there. … In her rich mines and vast world commerce — and it was not there. … In her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and found her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Now, I submit to you that every American should ponder these thoughts and reverently answer this question, “Is America still good?” We know the Bible says, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds still more.” But only when we call on God to forgive our sins, will we truly be blessed. While you may disagree, I believe I can give you the reason why we are having such violence, bloodshed, corruption, scandals, and discord today among far too many of our people. It is because we, as a people, have left the era that de Tocqueville talked about when he said our pulpits were aflame with righteousness.
While most young people won’t know what I am talking about, older people will nod their head in agreement. There was a day in America when our preachers preached against sin and many became known as hell-fire and brimstone preachers. This was in the day when most of our churches were full to overflowing, and most families took their kids to church. When these kids were growing up and heard these fiery preachers, they literally had the “hell” scared out of them. You see, back in those days the youth of America knew they were accountable to God, as well as their parents.
This is a question that I ponder often these days: “Will we ever get back to these times?” Most people do not think we will because they have nothing to compare to, but I know we serve an awesome and great God and He still has his hand on us. I believe with all my heart that when things seem dire enough, we will return to Him. In II Chronicles 7:14 we read, “If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Since we are each held accountable before God as an individual (not as a group or a nation), some people seek to live a holy and righteous life. Others do not, and don’t even pretend to. Again, here is something many people do not believe, regardless of what our personal convictions or beliefs happen to be. We can’t “flaunt” sin and live a Godless life without paying a price.
The Bible says that God hates sin and when we willfully sin, it is like poking Him in the eye. It has been said that “sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Personally, I tell others that I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace. I am so grateful for that.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1092 - JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME!

No. 1092

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS NECTARINE!

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME!

Every once in a while I have someone ask me where I get all the good ideas for this column. I usually tell them that good ideas are everywhere. Of course, many of my ideas come from you readers, others from all the years I spent listening to motivational tapes, reading the Bible, good books, and just observing real-life situations.
When I write, I have a list of guidelines that I read before I begin. Here is an abbreviated list: Pray before I begin, columns should always be positive and upbeat, use humor when natural to do so, strive to bring out the best in people and always seek to do the right thing, and use only material that will bring honor to the Lord. With this aside, the most important thing is to always try to provide one or more benefits for you the reader, because your time is far too important than to waste. I don’t always succeed but I try, because that is my heart’s desire.
What inspired me to write today’s column is a speech I heard several months ago by a man by the name of Keith Jackson. Keith, originally from Little Rock, played football for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he was a two-time All-American. He later played nine years in the professional ranks with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers. His awards are far too numerous to mention.
Today, Keith heads up an organization called P.A.R.K. which stands for Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids. His organization’s primary mission is to help inner city and low-income children succeed in life. To date they have helped more than 400 kids get a high school diploma and 300 of them to enter college. He also spends a good deal of his time making speeches and encouraging his listeners to make a difference. At the end of the talk we heard, he gave several examples of individuals who have truly made a difference. The thought that stuck in my mind was that each wanted “just a little more time … to make a difference.”
This is what Janis and I have prayed for many times since we got married. Only God knows the future, but that is our heart’s desire, and we hope it is yours as well. Based on this, I got to thinking about some people in the modern era that have truly made a difference. These people include: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln. Space will not permit me to elaborate on each one but I offer the following as a refresher and to spur your thinking:
Dr. King (1929-1968) was best known for his struggle for Civil Rights using non-violent civil disobedience, a concept based on his Christian beliefs. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) spent most of her life in India working among the poorest of the land and she founded the Missionaries of Charity.
Dr. Graham (1918-present) is a Southern Baptist pastor who became known as spiritual adviser to presidents, and 3.2 million people accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during his Revival Crusades.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) spent 27 years in prison fighting to end Apartheid. After his release from prison, he served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is known as the Father of the Nation of South Africa.
And most Americans know about Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President who became known as the Great Emancipator. He is most responsible for ending slavery in our nation.
Two of these individuals were cut down by an assassin’s bullet but they are truly great people who made a difference. We all need Just a Little More Time.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS NECTARINE!

No. 1067 - DO YOU NEED TO REBOOT?

No. 1067

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU NEED TO REBOOT?

Here is an interesting question that I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a few minutes today: Do you need to reboot?
If you are computer savvy, you know that “reboot” is a computer term and means to “restart a computer by loading the operating system; reboot.” That is the verb definition and here is how it reads as a noun: “an act or instance of restarting a computer.”
When I thought about this column and looked in my large Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary (copyright 1964) for the definition, this word was not even in there. This is because computers were not invented back then. I was talking to my wife Janis about this column, and we had a big laugh when she said that back in her younger days, to “boot” was when someone kicked another person in the rear end with a boot, and to “reboot” was when he or she did it the second time.
All kidding aside, this is a good example of why the English language is so hard to master, especially for those coming from other countries. We can take a word that means one thing in a certain context, and then apply it to so many other areas of life. As it relates to computers, I have come across the practical side of this term on several occasions.
Quite often I have had problems with my computer, called my service provider and told them my problem. Granted I am a slow learner on some things, especially on computers, and quite often the tech person would say, “Have you tried turning off your computer and rebooting it?” Of course, after doing this in most cases the problem was solved, and it was running like a sewing machine. All I had to do was reboot it. Now back to what I was saying earlier about applying this word or term to other areas of life.
Every once in a while I discover that I am traveling down a dead-end street, and as one who tries to use some common sense, I make the decision to “reboot” and go in a much different direction. This has always worked out to be the best for me. Recently I heard our Associate Pastor Mike Lefler talk about working with the men at Renewal Ranch, a local drug addiction recovery program, and how these men are in the process of “rebooting” their lives.
There is one thing for sure -- being hooked on drugs or alcohol (also a drug) is definitely a dead-end street. This past week Janis was talking with my stepson, who is a pastor of a church in Ohio, and he told her they had just buried a young man, 20 years of age, who was hooked on heroin.
Sadly, this happens far too many times all across our nation. The wonderful thing about the Renewal Ranch approach is that it is faith based and totally supported by God’s people and churches in our area. The men who are in the program spend a good part of each week studying the Bible, feeding on God’s word, and working at a skill or trade to prepare them for a good paying job when they leave the program. They have a 70 percent success rate, far better than other programs that are not faith based.
I might add that a great part of the success of the program is that, in addition to learning the word of God, they spend time with God’s people, getting the kind of unconditional love that we all need to be a healthy and well-adjusted person. This is a very simple, but very effective concept, because it is based on change, as they “reboot’ their lives for a happy and productive future. We all have different needs, but here is my earlier question again: Do you need to reboot?
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1068 - A CASE OF MISGUIDED VALUES

No. 1068

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CASE OF MISGUIDED VALUES!

Here is a question that I would like to ask you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. If you had some good friends who you felt were making some poor choices for themselves and their children, would you remain silent or say something to them about it?
I suspect most people would say, “It’s none of my business,” and just let them continue on doing what they are doing, even though the long-range consequences could be devastating. What I am talking about is not going to be popular with some people, but it is something I also feel strongly about and am willing to risk some people being upset with me
What I am talking about is the vast numbers of families in America who miss church all during the summer months to take their children to sporting events across the nation. What brought this to my mind was a comment my editor made some time back when she edited my column titled “No Excuse Sunday.” Here are her exact words: “That No Excuse Sunday column made me think of the families who miss church on Sunday because of kid’s soccer, baseball, basketball, cheer, dance, etc., tournaments. It’s amazing how many families travel with kids on the weekend to these tournaments all over the country. And it’s sad that games are scheduled on Sunday mornings.”
What really brought this topic home to me was an Associated Press article published in our local paper titled, “Frustrated retired MLB players want career help.” It says, “The baseball players union is frustrated that many of the retired members, especially minorities, can’t find jobs working for teams and has asked Major League Baseball to help launch a career preparation project. Here is the bottom line: After their playing days are over and they have made the baseball owners millions of dollars, they want to continue getting a paycheck working for the various teams in the leagues.”
You may ask, what does this have to do with parents taking their children and traveling all over the country on weekends to play in various tournaments? Simply this: It is a case of misguided values. A child or young person who is supported by their parents and spends a great part of their leisure time playing sports fails to get character training that a church can provide, and will miss reading and being involved in activities that have educational value to prepare them for their long-term future. In many cases, parents may have died or not be around, which leaves the child to grow up chasing his or her dreams, winding up with minimal employment opportunities when they fail to make the grade. Even those who do make the grade still have 40 to 50 years of life before them after their playing days are over.
What’s the solution? It’s an individual thing, and parents hold the key. In most cases, parents make the decisions about what takes place in the lives of their children on the weekends. If enough parents stick together and tell the league officials they won’t play on Sunday, there would be some changes made. Just make Saturday a priority day for this activity, but come Sunday have their children in church, where they learn spiritual and character values that will prepare them for a successful marriage, career and a long and happy life.
While I have no idea if God will honor and use what I have shared today, my prayer is that it will make a difference for many parents and their children. Our children deserve the very best.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1069 - THE LIFE "PLAN" OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN!

No. 1069

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LIFE “PLAN” OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

As I am sure you know, every four years we elect a president of these United States of America, who in turn selects a running mate to serve in office with him. I say him because as I write this, we have never had a woman president.
Over the years we have had many contentious elections where the various candidates have been less than civil to each other. However, during my lifetime we have never had an election as mean-spirited, contentious, ugly, and almost completely void of Christian virtue as today. As a result, we have lost something very special that our forefathers envisioned when they created this Republic -- respect for the office. If we don’t respect ourselves and others, at least we should respect the highest office in the land that belongs to all the people.
To say it very simply, we have let money ruin us and we are all the losers. This is what I thought of the other day when I read something about Benjamin Franklin, a true patriot who was very instrumental in creating the American system of government that has been the envy of the world. At this point I am going to say something that you may not agree with: we don’t need to change our system, we just need better people running for office, those who “respect” the office and will not stoop to the level that we are experiencing today.
Here is what I read about Benjamin Franklin that may help to steer us back to the right track. It begins: “In 1726, (and remember the Declaration of Independence was not signed until 1776, 50 years later) at the age of 20, while on an 80-day ocean voyage from London back to Philadelphia, he developed a ‘plan’ for regulating his future conduct. He was partially motivated by Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think on these things.”
He followed his plan “pretty faithfully” even to the age of 79, when he finally revealed it in his writings. After he wrote about it, he was even more determined to stick with the plan for his remaining days because of the happiness he had enjoyed thus far by following it. His plan is made up of the following virtues, each with short descriptions:
“1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation. 2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation. 3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time. 4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve. 5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing. 6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions. 7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly. 8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. 10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation. 11: Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 12. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
Friend, whether you realize it or not, there is enough meat there for several meals.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1070 - TRAIN UP A CHILD!

No. 1070

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TRAIN UP A CHILD!

With your permission, for my positive thoughts today I would like to put on my teaching hat. While I am not certified, and have never been a schoolteacher, back in the mid-1970s I had the pleasure of working with our schools, primarily in my home state, as a businessman consultant. This was a time when I represented the late Earl Nightingale and his motivational programs.
Sometime later I counted up and found that I had spoken to more than 500 school faculties, primarily at pre-school workshops, countless student bodies, and many commencement exercises. The most satisfying of all was conducting over 50 “How to Plan Your Life” seminars with high school seniors. At that point, most had no idea what they wanted to do with their lives.
When I began this process, I wrote and published a booklet titled “How to Plan Your Life.” During six hours of teaching these life-planning concepts, we worked through the booklet and answered the following questions: Who am I? Where am I? Is it possible for me? Where do I start? Now what? and Is that all there is to it?
During this process we covered four major areas of life: Spiritual, Family, Work or School, and Income. As it relates to each of these areas we discussed the importance of setting goals and how to reach them, how to determine the value of their time and how to manage it, the importance of forming good habits, the importance of developing good communication skills, and finally learning to adapt to change and continuing their education.
I am pleased to say this was a wonderful and positive experience for all of us. By the end of the day we had developed a friendship. I had won their confidence, because they knew I cared for them. In closing, I reminded them that they were the future of our nation and that they should conduct themselves with character and integrity and being a good citizen. They should also understand that society has certain standards of morality and decency that are necessary to insure that their children and grandchildren have the same opportunities they would enjoy.
Now, keeping these thoughts in mind, let’s fast-forward about 40 years. We know that many things have changed with regards to education, and certainly the standards of morality and decency. What brought these thoughts to mind was a newscast I was watching a while back during the annual Spring Break that has become so popular with young people. What I saw on this newscast was so sad, as beautiful young women were almost naked and making vulgar motions with their bodies to the delight of all the other students who were there.
While doing some research, I found that Spring Break has been around for years but really became popular in 1986 when MTV launched its first Spring Break special in Daytona Beach, Fla. It has grown from there. However, Daytona Beach has repented, as then-Mayor Robert Dressler went on “Good Morning America” to say that Spring Breakers weren’t welcome there anymore. Of course, other cities will welcome them and the money they spend.
It has been said that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” be it mom or dad. If Moms would teach their daughters how to be and act like a lady and Dads would teach their sons how to be and act like a gentleman, we might see better conduct on our beaches and elsewhere during Spring Break.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” We can do better!!
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1071 - GREAT SERVICE - LARGE TIP!

No. 1071

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GREAT SERVICE – LARGE TIP!

The famous American poet, Walt Whitman (1819-1892), once said, “There’s a man in the world who is never turned down, wherever he chances to stray; he gets the glad hand in the populous town, or out where the farmers make hay; he’s greeted with pleasure on deserts of sand, and deep in the isles of the woods; wherever he goes there’s a welcoming hand … he’s the man who delivers the goods.”
Back in Walt Whitman’s day, the United States of America was still a fledgling nation, but our forefathers had the wisdom to devise a system of government where commerce and industry could thrive. This came to be known as the American Free Enterprise System. This system has given more people more opportunity and more prosperity than any other in the history of the human race.
There is a simple economic concept embedded in this system, and when we truly understand it, it can mean the difference between success or failure, prosperity or relative poverty. This concept is to understand who the real “BOSS” is. The real boss in our economic system is the customer.
If you want to see this concept in action, just dine at a quality restaurant some time and observe the waiters and waitresses as they perform their job, especially when they depend on tips for a good portion of their income. Most diners feel some obligation to give the customary 15 percent gratuity, but not all of us do, especially when the food or service is not up to par.
On the other hand, when the service is exceptional or outstanding, we go above the “customary” and are a little more generous. It’s all about understanding who the “boss” is, and I have just used the restaurant scenario as one example. It permeates our whole economic system.
Whether you are a customer, a manager or an employee, if you don’t know and understand who the real “boss” is, you are going to suffer economically for the rest of your life. While you may not fit any of these categories, I know you want the very best products and services you can receive. In fact, every person deserves the very best when they spend their hard-earned money.
To put what I am saying into simple language, please allow me to share something a friend send me a while back titled “The Customer,” that is certainly worth thinking about. “The customer is the most important person in our business. The customer is not dependent on us, we are dependent on him. The customer is not an interruption of our work; he is the purpose of it. The customer does us a favor when he calls, we do not do him a favor by serving him. The customer is part of our business, not an outsider. The customer is not someone to argue or match ‘wits’ with. The customer is the person who brings us his wants. The customer deserves the most courteous and most attentive treatment we can give him. The customer is the person who makes it possible to pay our salaries. The customer is the lifeblood of this and every other business.”
That’s the end of it, but this could be a wonderful business philosophy to frame and hang up where all employees can see it. It’s true. If we don’t take care of the “Customer,” the customer will take care of us by not coming back. It really comes down to our attitude, and we should be grateful for the opportunity to achieve success in the greatest nation in the world.
As Paul Harvey once said, “In America, any person can reach for the stars if they are willing to stay on their toes.” But back to my earlier thought, because it is also true: Great Service – Large Tip.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1072 - THE POWER OF SIMPLE STATEMENTS!

No. 1072

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF SIMPLE STATEMENTS!

As a reader, have you ever thought about the power that some simple statements have on our lives? Throughout history we have many important examples of this, and I would like to share a few of them during our visit today. As you read along, I hope you will think about why they are important.
Patrick Henry, American Patriot, said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Nathan Hale, American Patriot – “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States -- “Ask not what your country can do for you but rather ask what you can do for your country.” Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister -- “We will never, never, never give up.”
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag -- “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Preamble to the United States Constitution -- “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
While considerably longer than the others, President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is considered to be his best speech ever. Far shorter than a two-hour speech by the preceding speaker, it is a masterpiece, “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
“We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.
“It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Obviously, there are many others, very worthy, that space does not permit me to include. I am always grateful for those gifted men and women who truly have something worthwhile to say and can condense their thoughts to a simple, yet powerful form. My prayer is that you have found something worthy here, for you to feel good about investing your precious time.
From my perspective, two of the most powerful simple statements ever made in human history is when, after being crucified by Roman soldiers, Jesus while hanging on a cross between two criminals, uttered these words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” and “It is finished, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” To be sure, God has truly blessed our nation.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1073 - A KNOCK ON THE DOOR!

No. 1073

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A KNOCK ON THE DOOR!

Sometime back I heard an interesting story about three friends who were taking a drive one Sunday evening out in the country. It was before the days of electronic devices, and their car had a fan belt break just before nightfall. One of the friends was a Jewish Rabbi, one a Hindu Swami, and the other was a lawyer.
As luck would have it, they were not far from a farmhouse, so they went there to seek help. The farmer, a hard-working man, was already ready for bed, but he put on his britches and came to the door. When they told him their plight he said, “Well, I am already ready for bed and I am not going to get dressed and take you to get help tonight. You can stay here and I will take you in the morning, since I am going to town anyway. And besides, I don’t have any parts or know anything about these new-fangled cars.”
This farmer had a wife and two kids, but they had a large house with two extra bedrooms, so it meant one of their guests would have to sleep in the barn. After the farmer’s wife fixed them some supper, they all got ready to go to bed, and the three guests drew straws to see who was going to sleep in the barn. The Jewish Rabbi lost, so he was the one who had to make his way out to the barn. About 15 minutes after they all turned in, there was a knock on the door. When the old farmer opened it, the Jewish Rabbi was standing there and he said, “There is a pig in the barn and I am not going to sleep in any building where there is a pig.”
So, the two remaining guests had to draw straws so they could determine whose lot it was to go to the barn. The Swami lost, and so had to give up his nice comfortable bed and go to the barn. However, about 15 minutes later, there was another knock on the door. When the farmer opened it, there stood the Hindu Swami. He said, “There is a cow in the barn and I am not going to sleep in any building where there is a cow.” Of course, the three guests were good friends and wanted to keep peace, so it became the lawyer’s turn to make the trip to the barn. In about 15 minutes, there was yet another knock on the door. When the farmer opened it, there stood the pig and the cow.
Now, I hope my attorney friends will forgive me for telling this story because they know I am just kidding. When I shared this story with an attorney friend I go to church with, he said, “I have heard all the lawyer jokes and there are only three, all the rest of them are true.” He then lamented that there was a day when lawyers were professionals, but now most simply have a job. Not being a lawyer, I don’t know how much stock to put in his statement, but I do know the ethics and morals of lawyers are changing, just like all other professions.
However, as I write these words I am reminded that there are thousands and thousands of good, honest, reputable attorneys throughout our land. These are men and women of character and integrity who serve their clients well and provide those services that are vital to have an orderly society where the rights of all citizens are protected. I might add, if you are an attorney and cannot honestly say that I have been describing you, you can become one with a change of attitude and heart; someone who seeks a “win-win” solution in contentious lawsuits and not the “I-win, you-lose” mentality. This is just something for you to think about.
In terms of the lawyer jokes, I may as well get used to hearing them, as my granddaughter has just been accepted into the Bowen Law School and will begin this coming fall.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1074 - MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE VERSES!

No. 1074

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE VERSES!

If you have ever experienced a traumatic life-changing experience, you will be able to relate to what I want to share with you. If you have not, I just say Praise the Lord because there is always a chance that someday you will. My purpose here, as always, is to help you in the event you do.
Soon after beginning a 5-minute daily radio program back in 1984, during a marathon recording session I felt a strange sensation and realized that my voice was gone. After seeing a doctor, I learned that I had developed a rare condition called Spasmodic Dysphonia. This is a condition where the vocal chords lock up when pressure to speak is exerted, and you cannot talk above a whisper.
As someone who earned his living speaking and recording this radio program, I knew I was out of business in terms of continuing to earn a living this way. I was devastated. It was here that I called on my faith and found my favorite verse of scripture, Romans 8:28, that says, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” In light of this I asked the question, “How can anything good come out of losing your voice and your income?”
Little did I know that right around the corner He had a man by the name of Dave McCree, a friend who was a professional broadcaster, show up and offer to narrate the radio shows that I had written. His voice was, and is, much better than mine and, as a result, we have run on more than 300 stations and have radio sponsors who have been paying us every month for more than 25 years. About a year later I had surgery where, using a good microphone, I could still speak, and I continued this part of my career until the present time.
It was soon after I lost my voice that I began to read the Bible all the way through once each year, and I have done that for 26 years. What a blessing this has been. In the process, I came to realize that God’s word is true, that I could trust Him with my life, and that I did not have to worry and fret any more. In the intervening years I have discovered a number of other verses that have made a wonderful difference for me. I would like to share three more of these and a little about each one in the hopes that they may have some real benefits for you.
Because I was a sinner and needed forgiveness, I discovered I John 1:9 -- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” WOW – if you need forgiveness I invite you to take this verse to heart.
The next verse is Philippians 4:19 -- “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” What a great thought, to know that the God of the universe has promised to meet all of my needs just by trusting Him and putting Him first in my life.
And then Psalms 119:11 -- “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” While I did not realize it at the time, this was what I was doing all those years that I was reading the Bible, the word of God, all the way through – all 66 books.
The answers to all of life’s problems can be found here. When I have a problem, a need or even an opportunity, the Holy Spirit brings a verse or passage to my mind that sets my feet and my decisions on solid ground. My friend, whether you realize it or not, I have just shared some great thoughts with you that can make the difference and help you find the kind of real joy that no one can steal.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1075 - THE COMPANY WE KEEP!

No. 1075

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE COMPANY WE KEEP!

The American lawyer and political leader, Daniel Webster, was born in 1782, just a few years before the United States Constitution was adopted in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation. He would grow up and leave quite a mark on American history, but one thing he said about George Washington, the Father of our Country, made quite an impression on me. He said, “America has furnished to the world the character of Washington, and if our America had done nothing else, that alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind.”
The reason I share this is because I want to use it as a “benchmark” to talk about a subject that is adversely affecting the lives of millions of our fellow citizens. I am talking about the company we keep, with respect to the influence they have on our character, and some positive steps we can each take to have a more productive and satisfying life. I am sure you have heard the following saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Most of us want to be successful during our lifetime, and to achieve real success there are few things as important as our character, because it defines who we are as a person.
Character is one of those things that takes a long time, even years, to develop and sometimes only a split second to destroy. The saying “birds of a feather flock together” has far greater meaning than most people ever realize. Just as birds have a way of seeking out their own kind, the same is true for human beings. Have you ever seen a bluebird in a flock of buzzards? Of course this is a ridiculous question, but unfortunately human beings are not so careful. By human nature we want to be around those people who make us feel comfortable, have the same values, interests, hobbies, and likes and dislikes that we have.
It is right here that character enters the picture. If we have excellent character -- meaning that we are honest, tell the truth, keep our word, treat others with dignity and respect, work hard to earn our rewards, have good personal hygiene, do not have a “potty” mouth and use foul language, and do not run with the wrong crowd -- we have a much better chance to be a success in life than if we don’t. The Bible says that we all “sin” and fall short of the glory of God, but that is not the issue here. We are talking about character, and this is something every human being can develop if they know the value and long-term benefits, and if they work at it.
Sadly, many people don’t know this, and without really being aware of what they are doing they fall into the wrong crowd. This is something that over the years I have heard many a mother lament, after her child became a drug addict or was sent to prison for a crime they had committed. While I learned a long time ago not to judge others (only God can do that), I just invite you to think about your own life and the company you keep, and evaluate where you are. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all knew the tremendous potential that we have to succeed, to be a credit to God and our parents, and to make a real contribution to the human race?
It has been said that the greatest power we have is the power to choose. When we make good choices we will have good things happen to and for us. This is known as the law of cause and effect, good causes and good actions = good effects. We can never help another person any more than we have helped ourselves, and we can begin by keeping better company.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1076 - DON'T BE SHORT-SIGHTED!

No. 1076

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T BE SHORT-SIGHTED!

Have you ever known anyone who was short-sighted? To give you some insight into what I am asking, it might be well to give you the definition of this word. According to the dictionary it means, “Unable to see clearly at a distance; myopic and lacking foresight.” For my purpose here, I want to focus on “foresight,” as this simply means to see or look into the future.
Sadly, when it comes to thinking, planning or looking into the future, and what they can do to improve their lot in life, most people do very little planning and are laboring under a mountain of debt, daily pressure and stress. If I am talking about you or someone you love, please read on.
There have been times in my life when I wished I had a crystal ball and could see the future clearly and what life held for me. Of course, this is not possible for any of us and we are left just to have faith and optimism that life will be good and that we will be happy and achieve some measure of success. Success means different things to different people. For some people it may mean having a lot of money, for others holding a particular office or becoming a champion at something. For still others it may mean having good health, a good family, a nice home, car, and being able to pay their bills on time and a savings account for a rainy day.
But here is the reality of what I am saying: success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The key to achieving most anything we want is to spend some time in preparation: spiritually, mentally and physically. For example, in the educational realm we cannot expect to be named the dean of the law school if we do not have a college degree, and so it is with any other goal or ideal we wish to reach. In short, we must be or get prepared to achieve whatever it is we wish to achieve.
Now when I say, don’t be short-sighted, what I am really talking about is developing a mind-set that we can achieve most anything we wish to achieve, if we decide what it is and make up our mind to get prepared to achieve it. Here is the bottom line, and why so many people fail to achieve any real measure of success. Studies have revealed that only 5 percent of adults in our country have any definite, written goals they are striving to achieve. Without knowing what they want, it is impossible to achieve it, and this leads to confusion and the feeling that the system is rigged against them.
Reality says that once we decide what we want, with persistence and determination it is just a question of time until we achieve it. During this process the most critical thing of all is to never stop learning. Once we know what we want we can read good books that move us closer, especially self-help books that keep our attitude positive, and associate with others who have succeeded in our field. We should actually become a sponge and learn everything we can about our chosen field. It is exciting to realize that we can become a national expert in the field of our interest in just five years. Above all, don’t waste valuable time with people or activities that will not move us closer to our chosen goals in life. Some yes, but not too much.
Something I have found that has helped me more than anything else is to learn five new words each week and what they mean, as developing a good vocabulary will take us further, faster than perhaps any other way. Soon, you find that other people will start asking you for advice. The great thing about it is that you will know the answers and can help them.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1077 - LITTLE PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT!

No. 1077

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LITTLE PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT!

There is something every person should do if we truly wish to be a successful human being, and that is to treat every person we meet as if they are the most important person in the world. This is not always easy and I do the best I can, even though I fail from time to time.
One thing that helps me is to constantly remind myself that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. The way God sees us is that we are all, regardless of our circumstances, a person of great worth and value to Him, and that no person is more valuable than another. I was reminded of this life-lesson when a friend sent me something recently that really caused me to think. I would like to share it and hopefully it will make a positive difference in your life.
This lesson came about as a college professor taught his students each year, and he did it by making a most unusual question part of a pop quiz. The quiz also contained a number of other questions, and most students breezed through each one until they came to the last one, which was: “What is the name of the woman who cleans the school?” As one student said later, “Surely this was some kind of a joke. For me, I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.”
“Just before class ended, still another student asked if the last question would count toward their grade. ‘Absolutely, said the professor. ‘In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant … they deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello’. This was a good lesson I learned that day, and I’ve never forgotten it, and neither should you. I also learned her name was Dorothy.”
There were a few other important lessons in what my friend sent me. May I share one more with you? You know, sometimes it is those important, yet simple, lessons that can make the difference between our success and failure. After all, why do we go to school or college? Please think about the point of this one. “In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress came along and put a glass of water in front of him. ‘How much is an ice cream sundae?’ he asked. ‘Fifty cents,’ replied the waitress.
“The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. ‘Well, how much is a dish of plain ice cream?’ he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. ‘Thirty-five cents,’ she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. ‘I’ll have the plain ice cream,’ he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.”
To be sure, little people are important, without regard to station or age, and this is the primary reason a group of special volunteers build and present quality, personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to children being reared in low-income families. Most of these families have few, if any, books for their children to read. The number now is over 2,500 and we are making a difference.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1078 - A PERSONALIZED LORD'S PRAYER!

No. 1078

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PERSONALIZED LORD’S PRAYER

In the Bible it says in Isaiah 11:6, “And a child will lead them.” This is a true statement.
Recently I discovered where another child has made a modern-day contribution. It came to me when a friend sent me a personalized rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer has been published in print and on the internet numerous times since at least 1999, and has been attributed to teens from Boston to Arizona. This particular version was attributed to a 15-year-old teen in Minnesota. As I read his or her words, I was reminded again that, in our great nation, we are in danger of losing our religious freedoms if more of our God-fearing citizens do not take a stand for our Christian beliefs.
This brave student’s rendition begins: “Now I sit me down in school where praying is against the rule, for this great nation under God, finds mention of Him very odd. If scripture now the class recites, it violates the Bill of Rights. And anytime my head I bow becomes a Federal matter now.
“Our hair can be purple, orange or green, that’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene. The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers aloud are a serious vice. For praying in a public hall, might offend someone with no faith at all. In silence alone we must meditate, God’s name is prohibited by the state. We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks. They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible, to quote the good book makes me liable.
“We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen and the ‘unwed daddy’ our Senior King. It’s inappropriate to teach right from wrong, we’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong. We can get our condoms and birth controls, study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles, but the Ten Commandments are not allowed, no word of God must reach this crowd. It’s scary here I must confess, when chaos reigns the school’s a mess. So, Lord, this silent plea I make: should I be shot; my soul please take!”
To this I can only say, “WOW,” how close can you be the telling the truth and telling it like it is? This student really hit the nail on the head. This is why the Bible says that a little child shall lead them. Now, with your permission, please allow me the opportunity to put things in perspective. The things I have just shared in this student’s rendition of the Lord’s Prayer is by no means permitted or present in every public school in the nation. It really comes down to leadership and local control, which is the system we have had in place for a long time. Each community holds school board elections to elect board members that determine, based on community values, what is permitted and not permitted in each local school.
For example, if you have the board’s chief representative, the local superintendent, being a Christian, the policy will be very different from those who do not have Christian leadership. Just a few months ago, Janis and I attended a Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in a nearby community, and the local public school superintendent gave the opening prayer. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that things are different in this school than many others. I might add, this is where parents want their kids to go, and the community is growing as a result.
Sadly, in some parts of our great nation the name of God or Jesus is seldom mentioned, except in vain, and most of the time you will find chaos reigns. I just simply say, “We can do better.”
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 1079 - WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

No. 1079

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

As I have said many times over the past 20 years of writing this column, my goal or mission in life is to help as many people as I possibly can. When I say “help,” I mean to share thoughts and ideas that are positive, inspiring, and educational. I try to conduct my own affairs in a manner that will be a credit to God, my family and my friends. While I know I don’t succeed all the time, that is still my heart’s desire and I do the best I can.
We all have needs of various kinds, and there are more than 320 million people in our nation, so my approach is just try to help one or even a few at a time. Many readers have written to me and expressed their appreciation for my columns, even having a file to save them, reading them in a church or other meeting place, and I am grateful for each one of them.
For the past few years I have had a real burden about a problem that is affecting millions of people in our nation, and I want to share some thoughts that may be helpful, especially if the right people read this -- those who are in a position to do something about it. I am talking about the increasing number of child molesters and predators in our society. You know something is bad wrong when a daily newspaper runs the photos of some of these people on the front page and gives the address of where they are living. It is especially disheartening when a church pastor or other official is involved in this activity because they are held to a higher standard.
First, I believe we should look at the problem from the source, which is the mind, as this is where this kind of behavior begins. From my perspective, a true understanding of how the mind works will go a long way in reducing this terrible problem. The human mind is impartial, as it does not care what we put into it, but it will begin to formulate thoughts that lead to action if fed impure thoughts long enough. This is why pornography is such a scourge on our society.
Some time ago, on Facebook, I befriended a number of people I did not know because I wanted to develop supporters of our bookcase project that would help to reduce illiteracy in our nation. What I got, unfortunately, was a few people who are just plain vulgar and sickening as to what they post. We are beginning the process of “unfriending” them as quickly as we can. When a man or boy (most viewers are male) views pornography on a regular and consistent basis, they are just planting seeds that will begin to grow. If not curbed, they act out the fantasies they are developing in their minds. I believe it is safe to say that if a person wishes to clean up their thinking, and eventually their life, it must begin in the mind by what we permit to enter it.
It is only by the grace of God that I learned what I am sharing with you several years ago and I have developed the habit of just turning off books, music, television shows and other sources of information that would plant seeds that are undesirable. This is only possible because I know what it would do, over time, to my mind. While I would never try to impose my convictions on anyone else, because this is a free country, I can say what life’s experiences have taught me and at least suggest that others may wish to give it a try.
Because the Bible is mostly my source for things that “matter,” I have found a verse of scripture that has been most helpful. It says in Philippians 4:8 -- “Finally Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is considerate -- if there be any moral excellence, and if there be any praise – think on these things.”
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1080 - EVERY CHILD GETS A BOOK!

No. 1080

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY CHILD GETS A BOOK!

Here is a question that I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a little while today. Are you easily inspired? To be very honest, I am, especially if the comment, project or topic is of something I feel strongly about.
If you have read my column over the past several years, you know one of the topics I feel strongly about is literacy. All I have to think about, for even a few minutes, are the millions of kids in low-income American families who do not have books to read in their formative years. I know, beyond the shadow of doubt, the fate that awaits many of these children if someone does not step up to help them.
With these thoughts in mind, you will understand why I was inspired by recent comments made by Mike Kolasa, executive director for the Literacy Council of Alaska. His comments were made following the Fairbanks Bookcase for Every Child presentation ceremony. He said, “We had a great night last night with the Bookcase for Every Child project at Birch Park. I forgot about the magic that happens when kids get books.” His next thought is what really inspired me, and is the purpose of this column. He goes on to say, “The whole night was superb. Some kids even showed up early to look at their bookcases and books. Every kid, brother, sister, cousin, regardless if they were ‘graduating’ from elementary school, took home some free books, too!”
Over the past 12 years, here in our community we have given 600 personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to children from low-income families who are enrolled in our local Head Start program. It just occurred to me, since we can’t give a bookcase to every child, we might be able to give one or more books to other needy children. There are literally thousands of good used books sitting in bookcases, collecting dust that would be of value and help many of these children.
We can have a community-wide “book drive” and ask the community to get involved by donating books for this purpose. Then when we have our annual Awards Ceremony next April, we can invite as many children as possible to attend and we will have books to give them. While I have not talked with him yet, I bet our Faulkner County library director would be willing to give each of these children their own library card, if they do not already have one. Our goal is to promote reading as a way of life for children, beginning as early as possible.
To promote the book drive, I will invite our local newspaper to do an article informing our community of our plans and ask them to get involved. Another fine member of our Conway Bookcase Project Committee is also director of the Gifted and Talented programs for our local public schools. She has already agreed to get her teachers and students involved in decorating boxes to place in locations around the city where books can be dropped off. We can have other committee members and volunteers collect the books, and invite members of the Faulkner County Retired Teachers Association to help sort and classify them.
We will need a good place to store the books until the ceremony, and I have some good ideas to meet this need. All in all, this is a win-win situation for children, parents and our community and we have some really great people here who have always been willing to step up and get involved.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1081 - HAVE AN INFECTIOUS SMILE!

No. 1081

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE AN INFECTIOUS SMILE!

Whether you realize it or not, you have a “secret weapon” that you may or may not be using. It is called an “infectious” smile. If you are using it, then you already know, but if you are not, then you are missing out on some wonderful benefits and blessings that are out of all proportion to the effort it takes to create one.
To be sure, the person who has an “infectious” smile is the type of person I like to be around, because life is too short to spend it with people who are negative, mad at the world and everyone in it, and seldom have anything positive to say about anything. If you will think about it, an infectious smile may be the best bargain in the world, because it does not cost a penny and quite often pays a higher dividend than any bank or saving institution in the world.
It should be noted here that there is a vast difference between a “silly” grin or a fake smile and one that is warm, sincere and genuine. When you are around this type of person, you just get the feeling that he or she truly values you as a human being, cares about you, and has your best interests at heart. The English Poet Joseph Addison (1672-1719) once said, “What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure, but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
Now, if an “infectious” smile has this much value, you would logically think that more people would spend time developing their own. It has been said that a smile is a curve that straightens out a lot of things. One thing I have found is that it is pretty hard to be mad or unhappy with someone when you are smiling or laughing. This is certainly not to say that there aren’t times when we need to be serious and even stern. A happy smile does not create that mood, but more often than not when we take ourselves or what we are doing too seriously, the outcome or result will not be positive.
By and large we are creatures of habit, and I hope you will give some thought to what I am saying. If a wide, natural smile is not on your face, at least some of the time, begin to practice on family members, co-workers and those you encounter each day. You will find that good things will begin to happen in your life.
Along these lines, a while back my wife Janis told me an interesting story. When she was a young child, a new female student enrolled in their school and she found herself sitting in the desk next to the new student. She said that first day she gave her a big smile, introduced herself and welcomed her to her new school. That small act of kindness began a friendship that has lasted more than 65 years. She reminded Janis for the first time only a few months ago of how much, at the time, this meant to her.
This brings me to another important topic: the unnecessary “bullying” that is taking place in schools all across our nation each and every day. Many people and organizations are working to stop this, but we must all do our part. For instance, students in school can simply give a big smile and a kind, friendly word to new people who are trying to adjust and fit in. It can make a big difference.
You can believe what I am saying is true. Life is so much better for all concerned when we wear a big “infectious” smile, as often as we can, and it will become a habit. Even on those gloomy rainy days, do not let your mood diminish the sunshine that is in your heart.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1082 - WE'VE COME FULL CIRCLE!

No. 1082

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE’VE COME FULL CIRCLE!

It is a most rewarding and satisfying experience when two friends come full circle, and both feel as if they are making a positive difference in people’s lives. In the past few months this has happened to my good friend Randall Aragon and me.
Randall came as the Chief of Police for the city of Conway back in 2004, I believe. I am pleased to say that I am the very first person he met when he came for his interview after applying for the job. At the time he was Chief of Police in Lumberton, N.C., and his wife had been reading my column online. She said to him, “You need to get to know this man.”
With this encouragement, Randall called me up and invited me to have dinner with him the evening prior to his early morning interview. We had a great meal and a great visit. I took him around town, gave him a feel for our great community, and told him what little I knew about the law enforcement challenges he would be facing should he be hired.
Well, he was hired, and thus began a friendship that has continued to this day. Soon after he came and had settled in, I invited him to join our local Lions Club and I would be his sponsor. He accepted and made a real contribution, and this also gave me an opportunity to spend time with him on a regular basis.
After a bit we discovered that we were both interested in literacy and had several conversations on this topic. He was reared in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City and his mother was an avid reader. Along about Junior High school, he made a bookshelf out of metal rods to keep the books he had begun to collect. It was about this time that one of my readers over in Bluefield, W.Va., shared a very sobering literacy statistic with me. She said that statistics had revealed that 61 percent of low-income families had no books in the home for their children to read. Having no books, we knew they also had no place to keep them, and this got us to thinking.
At this point we decided to start a bookcase project to give bookcases and a starter set of books to children being reared in low-income families. We even took our mayor to lunch and shared our vision with him. He was very supportive, and after we had formed a committee of like-minded citizens, we had our first meeting at City Hall on June 9, 2005.
This is how it began and the rest is history -- 12 years of building and giving 600 bookcases and a starter set of books to these special children. Randall left to take a police chief’s job in Texas. We continued on and now have projects in six states with a combined total of more than 2,000 hand crafted bookcases, all done with no person earning a penny for their time, talents and resources, all “giving back.”
Earlier I said we had come full circle. Randall is now Chief of Police in Fairbanks, Alaska, and has convinced Mike Kolasa, director of literacy for the state of Alaska, to help him start a project there in Fairbanks. They have succeeded and here is part of a note from him regarding their project, “We had a great night last night for the Bookcase for Every Child project at Birth Park! I forgot about the magic that happens when kids get books.”
I might say that this was a grand affair with the children, their parents, their mayor and the local television giving the ceremony coverage on their newscast. This is proof that it only takes a few committed people to make it happen, and I am honored to say again, “Randall and I have come full circle.”
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1083 - DON'T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

No. 1083

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

You no doubt have heard the popular saying, “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.” Have you ever thought about what this saying really means? Well, believe it or not, the answer to this question affects each of us much more than we may realize. In view of this, here is the answer, “We shoot ourselves in the foot when the consequences of the decisions or actions we make or take, are not in our own best interests.”
What brought this saying to mind was a phone call I received a few days ago from a man who started out by saying, “Jim, this is a voice from the past.” I won’t give you his name because of what I am going to share with you, but the result of our conversation was a clear case of where someone, or several people, shot themselves in the foot.
This man was a former newspaper publisher in one of our Western states who had run my column for several years. He even had me come to his community for a speaking engagement several years ago and we became friends. After a few years he left the newspaper to take another publishing job in a different Western state. After being in his new position for a few months, he also began to run my column in his new community’s daily newspaper. Long story short: When I talked with him just a few days ago, I learned that his employer had phased out his new publishing position in an attempt to save money. Because of cost-cutting measures, many newspaper chains are going to a “group” publisher concept, where one publisher will head up several different papers, with only an editor in the leadership role and the publisher is not physically present.
This was just two or three years ago when this took place, and my friend told me the circulation of this paper had gone from 9,000-plus to around 3,000 at the present time. Here was a clear case where the management of this chain had shot themselves in the foot. They forgot or did not understand the concept of leadership or the value of a proven employee. Good people are the key to success for any company or organization, and in this case a bad decision ultimately cost this company thousands of dollars.
Now this is just one example, but back to the answer I gave earlier: “We shoot ourselves in the foot when the consequences of the decisions or actions we make are not in our own best interests.” As I said, this affects each of us much more than we realize. To fry out all the fat, here is the bottom line: when we make the decision to smoke, to drink alcohol, to gamble, to be unfaithful to our mate, to cheat, to lie, to steal, to give less than an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, will the consequences of these decisions be in our own best interests?
Of course, we all know the answer to this question. When we make the decision to smoke, we have no idea that our decision could eventually lead to lung cancer -- my own sister and a favorite uncle passed away from this terrible disease. And the same is true for alcohol, when that first drink eventually leads to addiction. You could add gambling, lying, cheating, stealing and all the rest to the list.
To be sure, I have made more than my share of bad choices and I suffer the consequences each and every day of my life. But Praise God, we can learn better than to just to go on shooting ourselves in the foot.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1084 - THE FAMILY THAT PRAY'S TOGETHER!

No. 1084

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER!

St. Augustine, the first archbishop of Canterbury who is also called the Apostle of the English, had this to say about prayer: “O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.”
Over the past several years, I have come to believe that prayer is a very powerful weapon that can be used to thwart the forces of evil and give us peace, even in these troubled times. On a more practical level, there is one thing that has been demonstrated more times than could ever be recorded: “The family that prays together – stays together.”
When families pray on a consistent and regular basis, wonderful things take place in their home, and millions of people all across the world do this each and every day. This simple act of reverence also has a way of teaching children the values that will sustain them for the rest of their lives.
On a humorous note, here is something that happened to a member of Janis’s family. One of her granddaughters is married to a wonderful Christian man and they live down in Carrolton, Ga. They have two children, and this family prays on a regular basis. When their older daughter Juliette was born, her mother, a former teacher, began to really work with her on her vocabulary. Before she was even 2 years old, she could speak plainly and had developed a pretty fair vocabulary. One Sunday afternoon the family decided they needed to take a nap. Well, mom and dad were in their room and Juliette was in hers. Her mother reported that after a few minutes, Juliette was at their door, with a nap protest, banging on it and hollering, “We need to pray.” To me, this clearly demonstrates that prayer is indeed powerful.
When it comes to statistics, these are not easy to come by because of the very personal and private nature of prayer. However, here is something that I ran across from the Catholic Church that validates the importance of family prayers. Father Patrick Peyton and the Roman Catholic Family Rosary Crusade cited this 1980 research by the Retrouvaille International, a highly respected marriage support organization: The divorce rate for couples who attend church regularly and pray on a daily basis accounts for less than one divorce in every 1,105 marriages. One reason for this statistic is that families who pray together must also spend time together.
I’m sure you can personally think of countless families who spend time together but have myriads of problems. However, I submit for your consideration that the vast majority of these families are not praying, and often their language would make you run for cover. If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that I always try to be an encourager and offer some positive and practical solutions for the problems we face. If your marriage and your home is not what you desire it to be, if you are not already a praying family, I suggest you give it a try.
There are many ways to get started, and one of the best is to pray at meal times. Even though there are just the two of us, Janis and I have prayer at each and every meal, and we pray at other times as well. For families who have children, praying before and even after meals, completes the meal and teaches them to pray. Another important way to be exposed to prayer is to attend Church or Mass together. This most assuredly will help to keep God at the center of your home and your family. Another important way to pray, especially when you have young children, is to pray and read Bible stories together. It will make a difference.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1085 - ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

No. 1085

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

Have you ever noticed that the higher you go on the human scale, the nicer the people are? It’s all a matter of attitude. You can tell a great deal about a person just from studying his attitude. People are mean, suspicious and vindictive outwardly only when they are mean, suspicious and vindictive inwardly. The more confident a person is of his own value as a person, the better his attitude toward others and the world in general.
Big people just naturally treat you well -- they’re smiling, courteous, and confident. Being happy with themselves as people, they can reflect this attitude and have nothing to fear. Only little people will treat you badly. These are the people who have really never grown up or matured. Something stunted their inner growth and their confidence in themselves. Because they are not happy within themselves, and not confident in their own ability and worth as an individual, they can only see the world in their own reflection. As a result, their treatment of you is a kind of punishment of themselves.
We can only love others to the extent that we love ourselves. By carefully observing how others treat you -- particularly strangers such as store clerks, salesmen, elevator operators, gas station attendants, employees of all kinds -- you can make a fairly good evaluation of what these people think of themselves.
People with the best attitude just naturally gravitate toward the top of any business. So, the higher you go up in any business of value, the nicer the people seem to become. Their good attitude did not come as a result of their better jobs – their better jobs came to them as a result of their attitudes.
When meeting a successful and happy person, some of us make the mistake of thinking, “I’d be happy too, if I had what he’s got.” It’s a natural tendency to think his attitude is the result of his success. But this is not the case, in fact, just the reverse is true.
William James of Harvard once wrote: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that people can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”
Each of us attracts the kind of life we, as individuals, represent. That is, before a person can achieve something, he must become the kind of person to which this “something” would naturally belong. We must first be the person we would like to be before the things that person would have can come to us. Might sound complicated, but it isn’t really.
Think about how you would act if you had everything you wanted, and then begin to act that way. Make that kind of attitude a habit, and you’ll get the things you want. But remember, the attitude must precede the accomplishment. Most people have this backwards and, as a result, wonder why they never quite make the grade.
If you want to be happy, spend your days acting like a happy person and it will come to you. One day you will wake up to find you’re happy and you will never quite know when the acting stopped and the reality began. That’s why the saying “people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be” is true.
Back in 1970, my former Dale Carnegie teacher, the late Bob Gannaway, and I started a company called Motivation Services Inc. and our slogan was ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. Just recently I found the above article in my files. Not sure who wrote it, but I wanted to share it with you.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1086 - WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

No. 1086

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

When it comes to achieving success, which is something each of us desires, here is a little simile that really hits the nail on the head.
“A woman was bragging about her children. ‘Jean is 26, and is a portrait painter in New Orleans; Willard is 24 and writes poetry; Margaret is 22 and is a professional dancer.’
‘Don’t you have a younger son?’ her friend asked. ‘What is he doing?’
“Oh, that’s Joey,’ the proud mother said. ‘He’s just 20. He’s nothing but a plumber’s helper. But, if it weren’t for him, all the rest of us would be starving’.”
When I read this I could not help but think about the fella who had an MA, a BA, and a PhD, but he did not have a JOB. As I said a moment ago, success is something each of us desires but few are they who truly find it. It is certainly within reach of every person who does not have a debilitating handicap, and many who do far outshine the rest of us.
Really achieving success is very simple. All we need is a worthwhile goal (better if written down on paper) that we are striving to achieve, and one that gives us direction and a reason to get out of bed each day. We need to save and invest some of our income to achieve financial success.
Over the years I have heard a great deal about climbing the ladder of success, and sadly many people want to start in the middle of the ladder rather than at the bottom where they can learn some valuable lessons. We need to always keep in mind that we should be nice to people who help us climb up the ladder, because we may meet some of those same people on the way back down. And also keep in mind, when we start climbing, make sure our ladder is learning against the right wall.
On a more serious and practical note, if you have achieved some measure of success, have you ever thought about those special people who held the ladder for you? I have many times, and am so grateful for them. Of course, my list begins with my parents who brought me into the world, nourished me, and taught me many valuable character lessons like honesty, treating others with dignity and respect. They also taught me to earn my way, be responsible for myself, and not expect someone else or the government to take care of me.
Then there were special teachers like Mrs. Martha Hawley, Mrs. Bernice Boggs, Mr. Jimmy Brown and Mr. Ralph Brantley, who went the extra mile. Later, as an adult, there was a man who was like a second father, the late Bob Gannaway, my Dale Carnegie teacher who later became my business partner.
But to be honest, the man who helped me more than anyone else, at a critical time, was Bert Parke, president of Democrat Printing and Lithographing in Little Rock. For some reason, as a young salesman, Bert took a liking to me and took me with him to quote a printing job for Neiman Marcus in Dallas. He took me to lunch at the Ports of Call Restaurant on the top floor of the Southland Life Building and he took me on three Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Tours to San Antonio, Denver and Houston. This was in the late 1960s.
On these tours I got to spend some quality time with business and government leaders in these cities, as well as top people in Little Rock, our state’s capital city. It was getting to know these leaders that gave me a new perspective of life, business and success, that I could not have gotten any other way.
To be sure, I am grateful for those who held my ladder, and I bet you are, too. Let’s do our best to help others, as this is the only way we can ever repay them.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1086 - WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

No. 1086

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

When it comes to achieving success, which is something each of us desires, here is a little simile that really hits the nail on the head.
“A woman was bragging about her children. ‘Jean is 26, and is a portrait painter in New Orleans; Willard is 24 and writes poetry; Margaret is 22 and is a professional dancer.’
‘Don’t you have a younger son?’ her friend asked. ‘What is he doing?’
“Oh, that’s Joey,’ the proud mother said. ‘He’s just 20. He’s nothing but a plumber’s helper. But, if it weren’t for him, all the rest of us would be starving’.”
When I read this I could not help but think about the fella who had an MA, a BA, and a PhD, but he did not have a JOB. As I said a moment ago, success is something each of us desires but few are they who truly find it. It is certainly within reach of every person who does not have a debilitating handicap, and many who do far outshine the rest of us.
Really achieving success is very simple. All we need is a worthwhile goal (better if written down on paper) that we are striving to achieve, and one that gives us direction and a reason to get out of bed each day. We need to save and invest some of our income to achieve financial success.
Over the years I have heard a great deal about climbing the ladder of success, and sadly many people want to start in the middle of the ladder rather than at the bottom where they can learn some valuable lessons. We need to always keep in mind that we should be nice to people who help us climb up the ladder, because we may meet some of those same people on the way back down. And also keep in mind, when we start climbing, make sure our ladder is learning against the right wall.
On a more serious and practical note, if you have achieved some measure of success, have you ever thought about those special people who held the ladder for you? I have many times, and am so grateful for them. Of course, my list begins with my parents who brought me into the world, nourished me, and taught me many valuable character lessons like honesty, treating others with dignity and respect. They also taught me to earn my way, be responsible for myself, and not expect someone else or the government to take care of me.
Then there were special teachers like Mrs. Martha Hawley, Mrs. Bernice Boggs, Mr. Jimmy Brown and Mr. Ralph Brantley, who went the extra mile. Later, as an adult, there was a man who was like a second father, the late Bob Gannaway, my Dale Carnegie teacher who later became my business partner.
But to be honest, the man who helped me more than anyone else, at a critical time, was Bert Parke, president of Democrat Printing and Lithographing in Little Rock. For some reason, as a young salesman, Bert took a liking to me and took me with him to quote a printing job for Neiman Marcus in Dallas. He took me to lunch at the Ports of Call Restaurant on the top floor of the Southland Life Building and he took me on three Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Tours to San Antonio, Denver and Houston. This was in the late 1960s.
On these tours I got to spend some quality time with business and government leaders in these cities, as well as top people in Little Rock, our state’s capital city. It was getting to know these leaders that gave me a new perspective of life, business and success, that I could not have gotten any other way.
To be sure, I am grateful for those who held my ladder, and I bet you are, too. Let’s do our best to help others, as this is the only way we can ever repay them.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1086 - WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

No. 1086

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO HELD YOUR LADDER?

When it comes to achieving success, which is something each of us desires, here is a little simile that really hits the nail on the head.
“A woman was bragging about her children. ‘Jean is 26, and is a portrait painter in New Orleans; Willard is 24 and writes poetry; Margaret is 22 and is a professional dancer.’
‘Don’t you have a younger son?’ her friend asked. ‘What is he doing?’
“Oh, that’s Joey,’ the proud mother said. ‘He’s just 20. He’s nothing but a plumber’s helper. But, if it weren’t for him, all the rest of us would be starving’.”
When I read this I could not help but think about the fella who had an MA, a BA, and a PhD, but he did not have a JOB. As I said a moment ago, success is something each of us desires but few are they who truly find it. It is certainly within reach of every person who does not have a debilitating handicap, and many who do far outshine the rest of us.
Really achieving success is very simple. All we need is a worthwhile goal (better if written down on paper) that we are striving to achieve, and one that gives us direction and a reason to get out of bed each day. We need to save and invest some of our income to achieve financial success.
Over the years I have heard a great deal about climbing the ladder of success, and sadly many people want to start in the middle of the ladder rather than at the bottom where they can learn some valuable lessons. We need to always keep in mind that we should be nice to people who help us climb up the ladder, because we may meet some of those same people on the way back down. And also keep in mind, when we start climbing, make sure our ladder is learning against the right wall.
On a more serious and practical note, if you have achieved some measure of success, have you ever thought about those special people who held the ladder for you? I have many times, and am so grateful for them. Of course, my list begins with my parents who brought me into the world, nourished me, and taught me many valuable character lessons like honesty, treating others with dignity and respect. They also taught me to earn my way, be responsible for myself, and not expect someone else or the government to take care of me.
Then there were special teachers like Mrs. Martha Hawley, Mrs. Bernice Boggs, Mr. Jimmy Brown and Mr. Ralph Brantley, who went the extra mile. Later, as an adult, there was a man who was like a second father, the late Bob Gannaway, my Dale Carnegie teacher who later became my business partner.
But to be honest, the man who helped me more than anyone else, at a critical time, was Bert Parke, president of Democrat Printing and Lithographing in Little Rock. For some reason, as a young salesman, Bert took a liking to me and took me with him to quote a printing job for Neiman Marcus in Dallas. He took me to lunch at the Ports of Call Restaurant on the top floor of the Southland Life Building and he took me on three Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Tours to San Antonio, Denver and Houston. This was in the late 1960s.
On these tours I got to spend some quality time with business and government leaders in these cities, as well as top people in Little Rock, our state’s capital city. It was getting to know these leaders that gave me a new perspective of life, business and success, that I could not have gotten any other way.
To be sure, I am grateful for those who held my ladder, and I bet you are, too. Let’s do our best to help others, as this is the only way we can ever repay them.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1087 - THE HIGH COST OF STEALING!

No. 1087

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HIGH COST OF STEALING!

Several months ago Janis and I were talking with one of the many sales reps that call on us at Pickles Gap Village, and somehow we got off on the subject of stealing. In the course of the conversation, this man made a comment that really hit the nail on the head. He said, “If you are going to steal, make sure you get enough the first time to last the rest of your life.”
To be sure, no one likes a “thief” unless maybe another thief, and this man’s statement was true. Once we learn that someone steals, it is all over in terms of their credibility, something we must have if we are going to be successful in any venture, career, job, marriage, or station in life.
While it has been a long, long time ago, I still remember a boy back in my high school days who was caught going through pants pockets in the locker room while the rest of us were practicing basketball. I don’t know how he finally turned out, but I do know that he left school with at least one strike against him. Now, fast forward with me more than 60 years and think about the breakdown of our society in terms of morals, ethics and personal character. It seems like everyone is stealing, including our government, and there seems to be little or no negative consequences for those who are caught, even down to shoplifting.
Well, it may seem this way but that is really not true. Any time we break God’s laws, we are going to pay a high price for doing so. Here I would remind you of one of the Ten Commandments recorded in Exodus 20, “Thou shall not steal.” While many of us have strayed, He is still on the throne and there will be a price to pay.
While we don’t have to look far for someone who is paying, one of the most famous thieves in recent history is Bernie Madoff, who was convicted March 12, 2009, of 11 counts of fraud, money laundering, perjury and theft, and was sentenced to 150 years in prison.
Madoff was a well-respected financier and he convinced thousands of investors to hand over their savings, falsely promising consistent profits in return. Here is how he conned his investors out of $65 billion and went undetected for decades: He used a so-called Ponzi scheme that lures investors in by guaranteeing unusually high returns.
The name originated with Charles Ponzi, an Italian businessman and con artist in the 1920s who promised 50 percent returns in only 90 days. What Ponzi did was appeal to our greedy nature by promising a lot for a little, and this technique short-circuits our ability to reason and use common sense. Here is how it works: Ponzi schemes are run by a central operator, who uses the money from new, incoming investors to pay off the promised returns to older ones. This makes the operation seem profitable and legitimate, even though no actual profit is being made. Meanwhile, the person behind the scheme pockets the extra money or uses it to expand the operation.
There is much more information about Ponzi schemes on the Internet, and if you would like to know just Google it by typing in Bernie Madoff or Ponzi schemes. By the way, Bernie’s scheduled release date from prison is Nov. 14, 2139.
While I have no way of knowing who will read this column or what action, if any, will be taken as a result, I do have a strong feeling of love for my fellow man and a wish for success for each one. A successful life is made up of a series of successful days, and this means making wise decisions. The main problem as it relates to stealing is making poor decisions that lead to debt, and stealing looks like the only way out.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1088 - TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK!

No. 1088

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN.

TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK!

Back in 2003, I revised my book of columns titled, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” I called it the “New Revised Edition” and it focused on our literacy project. My goal was to have a book we could make available to each person who attended our Bookcase Literacy fund-raising banquets and ask them to help us build awareness for the tremendous problem of illiteracy in our nation.
Most people do not know that 42 million adults in America cannot read at the 5th grade level. Obviously, this is a terrible burden for these people, and by extension for our country. One of the chapters in this new revised edition, beginning with page 169, is titled, “America Must Remain Free.” The reason is very simple. Unless we remain free as a people, all the literacy, reading and education in the world will not help us to achieve success if we are not free to carry out our hopes, dreams and plans.
In my humble opinion, the greatest threat we face in these days is radical Islamic terrorism. The horrific terrorism acts we have experienced in this regard, both here in our nation and worldwide, is much worse than when I wrote the book back in 2003. As my title states, “It is time for a reality check.”
I guess the saddest thing for me is to realize that millions of Americans do not care or do not think that our nation could go under. This is because these people are uneducated, feel disenfranchised or still have their loyalty to another country. The argument that I hear all the time is that the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists, and this is true. However, should ISIS and other terrorists groups succeed -- God forbid -- as a general rule we know that blood is thicker than water.
In case you have never thought about this, here is the definition of terrorism: “The unlawful use of – or threatened use of – force or violence against individuals or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives.” This definition is according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The terrorists’ plan is both long and short term. The short term is just to strike fear into the hearts of the American people by executing horrific acts that we hear or read about. The long term is to use their greater fertility rate -- more than double countries in Europe and also America -- to infiltrate us and then out-vote us at the ballot box. We know what it is like now and can imagine what it will be like by 2050 if the trend continues. I hope you understand that I am not an alarmist and I believe in and love America more than life itself, but I am concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren.
I also hope you understand that what I am saying is not political but rather it is survival. As a people, we had better take special care that our leaders and immigration policy makers we elect or appoint in the future understand what is at stake. Freedom is a precious thing and really the only thing, other than the blessings of Almighty God, that has given us the best quality of life and the highest standard of living in the history of the human race.
As I said earlier, it is time for a reality check. My prayer is that this column will inform more of our people about the real and present dangers we face and will begin to have the kind of resolve that our forefathers had when this nation was founded.
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

NO. 1089 - E-CIGARETTES ARE BAD NEWS!

No. 1089

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN.

E-CIGARETTES ARE BAD NEWS!

Did you hear about the kid who thought he was getting in “free” when he crawled under the tent at the circus, and it turned out to be a revival meeting? This is an analogy I thought of when I was thinking about those people who take up e-cigarettes as a substitute for smoking real cigarettes. In many cases, the substitute turns out to be even worse.
For me, smoking is a topic that is somewhat personal, because I have witnessed first-hand the power of smoking addiction. My only sister died a few years ago from lung cancer, as she was a chain-smoker. A favorite uncle died at the age of 53, and he, too, was a chain smoker.
While I smoked a few cigars when I was a kid, I have never bought a pack of cigarettes in my life, and it baffles me why intelligent people will spend $5 for a pack of cigarettes knowing that research has proven that smoking them causes lung cancer. In fact, it is estimated that one in every five deaths in the United States is due to lung cancer caused by smoking. When you look at the data and research done by the Federal Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute, it is crystal clear that it is a very poor choice for any person to take up smoking that can become an addiction.
For those people who are smokers today, there are tremendous long-term benefits for quitting. Heart rate and blood pressure, which are abnormally high while smoking, begin to return to normal. Within a few hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood begins to decline. Within a few weeks, people who quit smoking have improved circulation, produce less phlegm, and don’t cough or wheeze as often. Within several months of quitting, people can expect substantial improvement in lung function. Within a few years of quitting, people will have lower risks of cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. In addition, people who quit smoking will have an improved sense of smell and food will taste better.
While you may or may not know this, for the past couple of decades there has been a constant battle between the tobacco industry and the national health organizations, including a number of court cases. At this reporting, the tobacco industry is up, as a ruling in a recent court case stopped the labeling of the dangers of cigarette smoking, a move that could have caused many young people to never take up smoking. The battle continues to this very day.
The latest trend that is designed to hook more young people on smoking is the introduction of the e-cigarette, or “Vapes” as they are called. If you use e-cigarettes or are thinking about trying them, here is some information that may be helpful. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that can look like a real cigarette or pen. Some with refillable tanks look a bit different. There are hundreds of brands, but they all work the same way. They have containers filled with liquid that’s usually made of nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. A heating device turns the liquid into a vapor that you inhale when you take a drag. It has been reported that these things can harm the developing brains of kids and can affect memory and attention. They contain chemicals including nicotine, formaldehyde, and others used in building materials.
It’s a clear choice. When you smoke regular or “e,” who wins -- you or the people who made the profit?
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(Editor’s Note: Bookcase for Every Child – Changing Lives & Futures – ONE AT A TIME. Please visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com)

No. 436 - HAVE YOU RIDDEN A MILK COW LATELY?

No. 436

HAVE YOU RIDDEN A MILK COW LATELY?

We have a television station in nearby Little Rock that has a feature each week on the 10 O'clock News titled, "Everyone has a story." If you will think about it, you have one too. Each week this attractive young lady reporter interviews some person from around our state and they get the opportunity to tell their story on television where thousands and thousands of viewers can see and hear it. Many of these are very good and I always enjoy the variety that comes with the territory. I just love people and think we are the most interesting creatures that God has placed on this earth. It's also interesting how the participants are selected. After the interview, this person has a dart and a map of the state placed behind them.

The person who has been interviewed, then flips the dart over their shoulder and where it lands on the map, is where next weeks story comes from. When the reporter gets to this new town, she takes the local telephone directory and opens to a page at random and then places her finger on that page. Where her finger lands is covering the name of next week's "Everyone has a story" participant. This is an interesting and never ending way of bringing common ordinary people into the limelight. Most of us like that and like I said earlier, we all have a story. With regard to this, some of my happiest times is just talking to people and hearing interesting things that have happened to them.

We have an excellent opportunity for this each month at our church. The first Sunday of each month we have a prayer breakfast and about four or five of us men are the cooks. I don't know how I got roped into this because I am sure not much of a cook, but once you fix bacon and biscuits in a good stove several times, it's downhill from there. We get there at 6:15 AM in order to be ready to serve at 8 O'clock when everyone else shows up. You can probably see the picture, four men in close quarters with two hours to talk about everything and everybody. I found out later that I was invited to be on the team is because I know so many one-liners.

To protect the guilty I am not going to give full names here, but I have heard some dandy stories. One of the fellows told about when he was a young lad growing up that he lived on a farm and they had a horse and a milk cow. Now horses are to ride but milk cows, usually no. However, on this particular day this man said he and several other boys were out riding horses and someone suggested they ride the milk cow. For young boys, say from seven to ten years of age, usually a suggestion is as good as done. If you don't know, in some parts of the country for young boys to ride the milk cow is almost a staple. I don't know this for sure, but I bet there are girls who have ridden a milk cow, too.

Later when I told this story to a man who is on staff at our church and originally from Oklahoma, he said. "When I was a young boy there were four of us kids on a milk cow and I was the one on the tail end. When this cow started up a steep bank I fell off and broke my arm." Needless to say, he has very vivid memories of riding a milk cow when he was growing up. There is a purpose in my sharing this, but first I want to tell you the funniest story I have heard since I became a part of the cook team several years ago.

One of our men whose name is Richard, has two brothers by the names of Ralph and Ronnie. When they were very young, around 4, 5, and 6, they used to all take a bath in the same tub. Ronnie was the youngest and one night after they all got out of the tub, one of the other brothers got the bright idea of putting the commode plunger on Ronnie's stomach. It was funny till they tried to get it off, but when it wouldn't release; this prank became a very serious mater. Richard said for some time they pulled Ronnie all around the kitchen floor, holding on to the commode plunger handle, trying to get it off, but it wouldn't budge. At this point they got scared and started crying. Finally their mother came in to find out what was going on and she sized up the situation. Like most mothers who can fix everything, she took her finger and ran it up under the edge of the plunger to break the seal and it came right off. Richard said he and Ralph were greatly relieved.Ê

The point I want to make is this. Back in the days when I was growing up, kids were kids and we did some foolish, mischievous and even dangerous things. Of course there were mean kids, especially boys, back then too, but parents and society had a way of dealing with them. Somehow we must stop teenage violence in our country. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 437 - THE MANY USES FOR AN APRON

No. 437

THE MANY USES FOR AN APRON

Every once in a while a person comes into my life that makes a lasting impression. I bet the same is true for you. My most recent example of this is a lady who lives down in the great state of Alabama, Walker County to be more specific. Her name is Ruth Teaford Baker and I've told you about her before when I wrote a column about her book, Southern Homespun. Ruth Baker was the youngest of 12 children who grew up on a 250-acre farm during the Great Depression of the 1930's. After high school she went on to college and became a teacher and distinguished herself as Alabama's Teacher of The Year, Walker County's Mother of the Year, State of Alabama's Governor's Award and many others.

Over the past several weeks I have thought many times about why I related to her so much and I finally figured out a couple of the reasons. First, she is a woman of integrity and excellent character, qualities that I admire in any person. But more than that, her writing has a way of touching my roots and providing me a link to my past. Personally, I believe this is very important for every American. If we don't know where we have been and who we are, we don't have an anchor or anything to hold on to when things begin to unravel in our lives.

When Ruth was growing up, in her own words she was a "Tomboy" and "tough as a pine knot." Apparently her mother and father were the Ôsalt of the earth' kind of people and their home was, more or less, the hub of the community. Back in those days they all worked, the mother and father and all 12 kids. They had to just to survive. They grew a crop to earn the income they needed to buy staples and they raised cattle, hogs, chickens and a big garden to provide for everything else. A big wood-burning cook stove, and a mother who worked from sun-up to sundown and beyond, was the glue that held the family together.

When I think about life today and compare it to the life these people lived, I am very grateful. I can get in my car and go anywhere I want to go, get on a plane and get there faster, turn on the television and get instant news, e-mail my friends anywhere in the world with the click of a button, call 911 if I have a fire or a medical emergency and so many other blessings that it would take a month to name them. The people who lived back then had none of the modern conveniences that we just take for granted. That's why I said that Ruth provided a link to my past. She also does this for many others on a regular basis, as she has been writing a weekly column for the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper, Alabama for the past 25 years.

If you will forgive me, it's along about here that I would like to get personal. A little earlier I said it was Ruth's hard working mother that was the glue that held the family together. Depending on your age, if you will think about your own mother, or perhaps your grandmother, I believe you will see many of those same qualities that helped you to get where you are. A few weeks ago Ruth sent me a copy of her latest book titled, "Barefoot Dreams" and you talk about "links" to the past, they are throughout the book. In little short, one or two page articles, she relates many different aspects of a young child growing up in this era. They did not know they were poor.

One of the chapters that touched me was titled, "My Mother's Apron." I never knew there were so many uses for an apron, which is a testimony of the kind of life that women of this day and time lived. Here is an excerpt that says it better than I could. "The apron was the most useful article of clothing. It became a potholder if a pot started boiling over on the stove. Gathered up from the bottom, it formed a bag just right to hold eggs while gathering from the nests. It seemed to be just the right size to hold a "mess' of beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, or other garden goodies.

It also held splinters of rich pine or chips for starting a fire in the wood cook stove. The apron became a soft cloth to dry tears from children's faces. It was used as a fan when the heat became unbearable and a mop when perspiration dimmed the vision. She used it to fan a sluggish fire to life. When it came time to milk twice a day, she found the apron held the right amount of corn to feed the cow while filling her milk buckets. Gathered up from the bottom, she carried shelled corn to throw out to the chickens." There are even more uses that space do not permit me to give you. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. The title is "Barefoot Dreams" and the cost is $10 plus $1.50 postage. Send orders to Ruth Baker, 2100 Hwy. 102, Townley, AL 35587. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 438 - THE "PERCEPTION" FACTOR IN SUCCESS

No. 438

THE "PERCEPTION" FACTOR IN SUCCESS

There are many factors that contribute to a person's success, but one that is not readily understood is something we call "perception." This word comes from the root word "perceive" which is really a great mental power and means "To become aware of something through the senses; see, hear, taste, touch or smell." For this reason, when we perceive something we actually see it in our mind and then we can choose words to express what we perceive in a variety of different ways. The ability to see our opportunities and our challenges accurately and come to the proper conclusion, will make a tremendous difference in our success. We can't succeed if we have wrong perceptions or make false assumptions a good percent of the time.

A friend sent me something the other day titled "Assumptions" that will validate what I am saying. "It seems that a distinguished looking colonel with his handsome young aid traveling in France on a train, occupied a compartment with a pretty young woman and her old maid aunt. There was pleasant conversation for a while then the train passed through a tunnel and the compartment became dark. After a few seconds there was a sound like someone kissing someone on the cheek and then a loud whack, as if someone had been slapped. When the train emerged from the tunnel, there sat the colonel with a large red welt on his face, looking as if he had been slapped. Now here are the assumptions or what was perceived.

No.1. The Aunt assumed that the colonel had taken advantage of the darkness, kissed the girl and that the girl had rightly given him what he deserved. No 2. The Colonel assumed that the sergeant recognized the opportunity, kissed the girl and that she had defended herself and slapped me by mistake. No. 3. The girl assumed that the colonel, who was very good looking, had tried to kiss her in the dark, had gotten the aunt by mistake and that the aunt had slapped him soundly. No. 4. The Sergeant was not happy with his lowly job of taking care of the colonel, had in fact, kissed the back of the colonel's hand and then gave him a good whack."

In reality, these assumptions were really " perceptions" of the total scenario that each person saw in their mind. To be able to figure out who slapped or who kissed whom in advance would have been almost as difficult as trying to solve one of Jessica Fletcher's murder mysteries. This great power of "perception" is a trait or quality that can be developed over time, and it will enable us to use all five of our senses, plus two others that we call horse sense and common sense. For example, we use a dual sensory input when we listen to a taped message and read along with the words at the same time. It has been scientifically proven that this process will enable us to retain more information than if we only used one of our senses. Without being aware that we possess this great power, we will limit our ability to make wise choices and decisions.

If you will think about it, making wise choices and decisions is what success is all about. When you Ôperceive' opportunities or problems, and you take time to think them through, are you proven right most of the time? In view of this, please consider this wonderful story from the Bible about the woman from Samaria who had come to Jacob's Well to draw water. When Jesus was traveling through this country he became thirsty and he so asked this Samaritan woman for a cool drink of water. He said, "Give Me a drink." And she replied, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" Jesus answered, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, Ôgive me a drink' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." After a lengthy discussion, He says to her, "Go call your husband and come here." She responds by saying,Ê "I have no husband." Then Jesus said to her, "You have said well, I have no husband, for you have had five husbands; and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly."

Here is the main reason that I decided to share this story with you. The Samaritan woman then said, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet" The word Ôperceive' in this last statement is what I wanted you to see and I took note that this is only one of a few verses where it can be found in the entire Bible. For me, and perhaps for you as well, here is the real issue that is formed as a question. What qualities did this woman possess that told her that this Man was a prophet? Well, I believe the conclusion reached was the result of her mental process that started from the very first moment He spoke to her. We also have this great power. Are you able to perceive accurately most of the time? (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 439 - A PERSON WITH CLASS DOESNâT USE PROFANITY

No. 439

A PERSON WITH CLASS DOESN'T USE PROFANITY

Have you ever heard someone say, "Get your mind out of the gutter?" I have. Many times. In fact, some people have said that to me, after I had told a dirty or off-color story. This was many years ago, but somewhere along the way I leaned better and stopped. Not long after I got in the "motivation" business, I was invited to speak to the West Little Rock Rotary Club and a few days after my presentation, an older gentleman by the name of D.A. Sparks, who is now deceased, said to me, "Jim, you make a good talk but it's not necessary to tell an off-color story." This has stuck with me all these years and I not only took his advice, I also quit using any profanity at all. It took a little time, but finally with God's help, I was able to do it. If I said even a four-letter word now, it would be like someone dropping a hammer on my head.

Thanks mostly to the media who are exercising their Ôfree speech' but not Ôpersonal responsibility' rights, we have gutter language and profanity being used as commonly as someone asking the time of day. You may or may not see anything wrong with that, but I do, and a lot of other people agree with me. Several months ago I got a very meaningful e-mail from the principal of the Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was asking for permission to use one of my columns in the school's student handbook. The title of this particular column was "Language is a Factor in Success." He said many students used profanity in their regular conversations without giving it any thought at all. It has just become a part of their culture.

I might add, this is true in many, many other high schools as well, and it matters little what part of the country you care to name. The regular use of profanity has also dipped down into Middle and Junior High Schools as well. Now, let me pause here and ask you this question. Is this good and acceptable, and something we want to see continue and even get worse? If you agree with me that "Language" is indeed a key factor in a person's success and wish to do something about it, allow me to share these thoughts with you.

First, I am going to be so bold as to say, "A person with class doesn't use profanity." This comment is in no way meant to imply that a person who uses profanity cannot be a fine person, achieve outstanding success, be the kindest and most thoughtful person you can imagine. But having "class" is a little bit different in that this person's vocabulary is a little bit better and they don't need four-letter words to express themselves. I have many good friends and family members who use profanity and I am certainly not judging or condemning them. I will say that if they knew how it sounded to others, they wouldn't do it. In most cases it's just a habit, but it's a habit that can be broken and replaced by something better.

During the fall of the year I watch a good number of college football games on television. There is one particular announcer who used to be a coach, who really irritates me. In the course of the game he will use one particular four-letter word a number of times. I might add, he is the only one of the three announcers on the broadcast team who does this. Even though he may use profanity in his private life on a regular basis, I don't guess he ever stops to realize there are thousands and thousands of impressionable young men listening to him, that he is influencing. On the other hand, I can name any number of other announcers who never use profanity and are very careful about the example they set for others. To say it simply, these people have class.ÊÊÊ

As you consider these thoughts, I hope you understand that I am not a preacher and that I am not putting anyone down. Like you, I just care about our precious young people and the direction our country is headed in this important area of life. The use of our language is the one thing we cannot hide. As soon as we open our mouth and begin to speak, we proclaim to others where we stand on the cultural and social pyramid. If you agree with me and believe we need to teach our young people "Language is a Factor in Success," let's do our best to set a good example for them.Ê

When I received a copy of this past year's Cleveland High School Student Handbook, my column had been printed on the back cover. At least most parents and students will see it and hopefully will take time to read it. Who knows, maybe a few will even learn to speak without the use of profanity and along with a lot of other important qualities, become a person who has real class. Feel free to contact me if you too, would like to use this column. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 440 - BE CAREFUL! YOU MAY TIP IT OVER

No. 440

BE CAREFUL! YOU MAY TIP IT OVER

The human mind is the single greatest agency to ever appear on the face of the earth. From this small mass of gray matter has hatched every idea, every invention, every product and every service that has ever been used by human kind since the beginning of recorded history. Yet with all of the minds marvelous and mysterious powers, it is limited by what goes into it. The English critic and teacher, Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), had this to say about the human mind. He stated so long ago, "The human mind is a barren soilÑa soil which is soon exhausted, and will produce no cropÉunless it be continually fertilized and enriched with foreign matter." Thoughts of this nature have given rise to the saying, "A human mind that has been stretched by a new idea can never again return to its original shape."

When I was up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania recently, as a guest of the Record Herald Newspaper, I had the opportunity to get to know Barry Dallara, Superintendent of the Waynesboro Public Schools. During a luncheon with several of his associates and some friends from "TV Tune-In," USA he told me about a book called, "The Tipping Point" written by Malcolm Gladwell. After lunch, Barry had a courier come by the paper and bring me information about this book. I will always be indebted to him for going out of his way to do this.

The Tipping Point contains a wealth of new ideas and it has certainly stretched my mind. It would be a valuable addition to any person's library. This 280-page treatise advances the concept that often little things can make a big difference. The author gives a wide array of examples where seemingly small, insignificant events turned out to be the "tipping point" that opened the floodgates for the proliferation of new products, trends and even social and economic epidemics. In the course of his work, the author also talks about The Three Rules of Epidemics, The Law of The Few: Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen, The Stickiness Factor, The Power of Context and case studies on Rumors, Suicide and Smoking, plus many more.

One example of The Tipping Point is the true story of Hush PuppiesÑthe classic American brushed-suede shoes with the lightweight crepe sole. The Tipping Point came somewhere between late 1994 and early 1995. The brand had been all but dead until that point. Sales were down to just 30,000 pairs a year and the company was thinking of phasing them out. But then something strange happened. At a fashion shoot, two Hush Puppies executives ran into a stylist from New York who told them that the classic Hush Puppies had suddenly become hip in the clubs and bars of downtown Manhattan. These executives were told that people were going to the Ma and Pa stores and buying them up.

By the fall of 1995, things began to happen in a whirlwind. First the designer, John Bartlett, called and wanted to use Hush Puppies in his Spring Collection. Then one designer after another called with the same request. To make a long story short, in 1995 the company sold 430,000 pairs of shoes and the next year it sold four times that amount and the year after still more. The amazing thing is that The Tipping Point came when just a handful of kids in the East Village and Soho started wearing them. They didn't do it deliberately; they were just wearing them because no one else would wear them.

Another Tipping Point came regarding crime in New York City. Gangs ran rampant in the city and in 1992 there were 2154 murders and 626,182 serious crimes. But then something strange happened. At some mysterious and critical point, the crime rate began to turn. It tipped. Within five years, murders had dropped 64.3% to 770 and serious crimes had fallen by almost half to 335,893. The real question is why? The changes in the drug trade, population and the economy are all long-term trends, happening all over the country, and they don't explain why it all happened in New York City in such and extraordinarily short time.

There were many reasons for this turnaround, but if you can think back to 1984 when a young man by the name of Bernhard Goetz shot four teenagers in a subway who were trying to rob him, it signaled the Tipping Point. Someone had finally stood up to thugs and gang members and during the trials that followed; Goetz became a symbol of a particular dark moment in New York City history. Now it's one of the safest cities in the country. There is so much in this book that would be of value to any person. But be Careful: You may TIP it over. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 441 - ARE YOU LIVING ON SOMEDAY I'LL?

No. 441

ARE YOU LIVING ON SOMEDAY I'LL?

When it comes to getting things done, to say that some people have a "knack" for it and some don't would be the understatement of the century. For example, when it comes to getting things done in the office, my wife, Viola, is one of these people. She has slowed down a little now because of her Parkinson's, but she is one of these people that you can ask to do something and before you turn around twice, it's done. It's disgusting! On the other hand, I get things done but I have to think it through, line it out and then go step one, two, and three until it's done. Either way, to be successful in life and not just the small routine tasks that come along, is a matter of the goals we set for ourselves and the priorities we establish to get them accomplished.

I believe you will agree, the key to success is to first determine what we want and then stay with it until it's done. Unfortunately, most people never set any goals for themselves and just wander around, living day to day, waiting for that paycheck to keep their bills paid. I think this may be where the statement originated, "why is there so much of the month left at the end of the money." Here is a good analogy that I believe will help you see what I am saying. During a time of war, people in the Navy have a constant fear that a torpedo will hit the ship they are on. To see one of those things coming through the water and know that it is going to hit the ship and explode has to be a scary feeling.Ê

Just recently I learned that for a torpedo to hit the mark, it must be launched close enough to it's intended target to get some feedback A torpedo has a Doppler radar guidance system and it goes "Ping, ping, ping," and so long as a ship is within range it can make the necessary corrections to hit the target, regardless of what maneuvers the ship makes to throw it off course. But if the torpedo is launched too far out, it can't get feedback and it just wanders helplessly around in the ocean and eventually self-destructs. In a sense, this is what happens to people as well. That's why we need a target or goal to shoot for and we need to keep it close enough in, so we can see it and therefore get the necessary feedback to succeed.Ê

Now this is a personal thing and it may or may not apply to you. Unfortunately, far too many people live on someday I'll. They say, someday I'll get a round to it. Incidentally, someone gave me one of those a while back. It was a little round piece of wood and had the words printed on it, "Round Tuit." You have probably seen them. Be that as it may, if we constantly take the attitude that someday I'll do this or I will do that, whatever it may be, the chances are good that we will never get around to it. Like that torpedo that is launched too far out to get feedback, we will just wander around aimlessly and eventually die. Our address may be "# 1 - someday I'll."

If we are to succeed, we must have positive self-discipline. Dr. Dennis Waitley, author and seminar leader has compiled a terrific list of six action steps that will help any person to become more successful. No.1.Set short-range goals that build toward your long-range purpose. Once you have a five to ten year game plan in mind, break your goals down into yearly and quarterly goals, which is the length of a season. No. 2. Establish a reward or ceremony as an incentive for achieving your goals. Have something specific to celebrate upon the completion of each of your goals. It may be a trip, a family outing or a personal item. Make sure you celebrate.

No. 3. Get group reinforcement and expert feedback. Don't share your goals with negative or cynical people. Share your goals with people who really care about you and who want to help you. Remember that misery loves company. Some people would just as soon that you stay in the same rut along with them. No. 4. Do high priority work first. The reason most people spend their time doing low priority work is that it is easier to do. Set your priorities on a "must do now, should do soon & would like to do when possible" basis. Plan your week the week before and plan your day the day before.

No. 5. Concentrate your time and energy on the 20% of your activities, contacts and concepts that have proven most productive in the past. Remember the 80-20 rule, that 80% of the production volume comes from 20% of the producers. No. 6. Be patient. Whenever you make a change in your life or circumstances, anticipate a temporary drop in productivity and efficiency. It takes time for change to be assimilated. As familiarity and confidence rebuild, the performance will improve again to a new level. This sure beats "# 1 - Someday I'll" Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 442 - WE CAN'T LIVE IN A VACUUM

No. 442

The next password is owen

WE CAN'T LIVE IN A VACUUM

Several weeks ago I was invited to speak to the senior citizens at one of our local churches. After the meeting a lady came up to me and said, "When I get my paper, your column is the first thing I turn to." Well, dear lady the following story is just for you. Hope it makes you smile, because we all need more of that in our lives. An elderly lady called 911 on her cell phone, to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher. "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, and even the accelerator!" she cried. The dispatcher said, "Stay calm. An officer is on his way." A few minutes later, the officer radios in. "Disregard." He says, "She got in the back seat by mistake."

Now, if you are a young person or even middle aged, don't laugh too hard, because you will be there too, if you live long enough. Today I would like to share something that may provide some insights into what is happening to a lot of people in our country today. My hope would be that if I can get this across, we might be able to make a positive difference in the lives of many people. That is the purpose of each one of my columns, and while I'm sure that I do not succeed every time, that is my goal and it's also my hearts desire. The truth is, we cannot help other people any more than we have helped ourselves. This is why we should always be on the lookout for good ideas.

Let me begin with this statement and then amplify it. We can't live in a vacuum. The reason this is true is because when you Ôvacuum' something, you take all the air out of it. For example, just go into a supermarket some time and look in the meat case. You will find vacuum-packed meat packages everywhere you look. The reason they are vacuum packed is to preserve them for longer shelf life. For this reason they have taken all the air out of the package because air contains oxygen, the substance that will eventually breaks down meat tissue and cause it to spoil. .

As human beings we must also have air to live, because without it we will soon suffocate and die. If you will go to the dictionary and look at the various meanings for the word Ôvacuum," in addition to "A space from which air has been exhausted" you will also see this meaning: "A void; an empty feeling."Ê Now, this last definition relates to us human beings, because obviously vacuum-packed meat does not have feelings. To get to the crux of the matter, please allow me to pose this question. Why do many human beings have "A void, an empty feeling?" The answer is a lot simpler than you may realize. The reason many people have an empty feeling is because they don't have a purpose for their lives, something that causes them to get all fired up every time they think about it. Another word for void or empty feeling is Ôbored.'

When it comes to a human being, like I said earlier, we can't live in a vacuum either. That is to say, we cannot remain idle without doing something. When we quit doing one thing, something else comes along to take its place and fill the void. This is why so many young people are Ôbored' and often get into trouble. The vast majority of people in this nation do not have a purpose, that's something that comes to a very few, but unfortunately they do not have any goals either. When people get out of bed each day, young or old, without having a goal to work toward, something they really want to achieve, they are a prime candidate for all kinds of negative influences in our society.

Now, you may or may not have ever thought about this before, but the reason millions of Americans spend untold hours before the television each day, is because they don't have any exciting goals to prepare for. They are simply filling the void with all the free time they have to kill. In short, they are being entertained and you know what kind of quality they are getting. One of the reasons I have dedicated the rest of my life to helping people learn how to read is because there are few things in our society where we can succeed, without knowing how to read.

Young people can watch television, listen to music and bounce a basketball without being able to read, but the consequences of doing that for the first and most important early years of their life, will be tragic. This is why parents and grandparents need to really get involved with teachers in helping their children and grandchildren learn how to read. Turn off the television and computer for a fixed time each day and read to them. If this applies to you, it will be the best investment of your time that you have ever made. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Owen

No. 417 - A LETTER TO JOHN THOMAS

No. 417
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LETTER TO JOHN THOMAS

Someone once said that ãmaturityä is that time in life when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself. A wonderful example of this kind of maturity came to me in the mail the other day. It was a letter that a 75-year-old man in Louisville, Kentucky had written to his five year old grandson. This letter contained some great thoughts, spiritual and moral values that any concerned parent or grandparent would do well to ponder, and perhaps pass along to the people they love. I hope you will find this to be of some value.

This letter begins: ãDear John Thomas,

Iâve waited for you a very long time and now that you are here I want to share a few things with you that are very important to me and I hope will be important to you. First, I want you to know how much I love you and what joy you have brought into my life. I wonât have to tell you this because you will know.

When you are in pain or hurting, Iâll be there. When you struggle to find your way, Iâll be there. When you are down and feel there is no hope, Iâll be there. No, I will not have to tell you about my love for you; you will experience it every day of my life. You will be raised believing in God. This will not be forced on you, but since I was raised as a Christian, you will be exposed to Christian doctrine and how Jesus, the Son of God, was born to teach us that love is the guiding force in our lives.

As you grow and mature, you will observe things, situations and behavior that are not consistent with the teachings of our religion. You will become aware that there are many other religions that are different from ours. Some groups have a teacher like Jesus, but are called by different names. In the East it is Buddha, in China and Japan it is Confucius and Mohammad in the Arabian countries. These are only a few of the religions of the world.

The followers of these various religions believe that their prophet or teacher, like Jesus, is the only true one. I want to encourage you to learn about these other religions. They believe theirs is the only true religion. For them it is just as you believe in your faith and religion, there is only one God, but God has many sons. You must respect and honor their right to worship in their own way without condemnation and prejudice. Freedom of thought and expression should always be respected, accepted and honored.

God gave us a will and it is part of our soulâs birthright to make choices. Try always to make these choices for positive outcomes. You will also see, as you grow and mature, that there are other races of people. The color of their skins is different than ours. You will hear and be told that the white race is superior. You must know that all people and races are equal in the eyes of God. You will also see that those who are different than us are many times treated badly and persecuted for these differences. This is not right or good and should not be a part of your expression of love to those that are different.

Soon you will be in school and studying the history of our country and the world. When you read this letter I hope that we are all still here. In the years 2000-2002 a major war was about to start in the Middle East. The possible extinction of the human race was in jeopardy and much of the world was moving away from the spiritual side of our lives and away from God. You must know and realize that God is an integral part of our lives and without Him at our side we are like a Îship at sea during a storm without power.â

During my lifetime I have seen or experienced four wars. Iâve seen prejudice, discrimination, hatred and evil destroy many countries and lives of innocent people all over the world. You personally will not be able to correct all of these injustices, but you will during every conscious moment of your life have the choice to reach out to those lives you touch who are in need and help them along lifeâs path. There is good and evil in this world. Edgar Caycee said, ÎThe greatest evil in the hearts and minds of individuals is contention, fault finding, lovers of self, and lovers of praise because these forces separate us from God. The greatest good in the world is love, patience, kindness, forgiveness and understanding, because these forces unite us one with God.â

I love you and encourage you to walk each day with God and practice love. You should honor God with your every thought, action and deed. All my love, Peepaw.ä Before I go, here is a closing thought from me. This letter is a little deeper than what I normally would share in this column. While many of the values would be the same, a letter to my grandson would be worded much differently. Remember, the word is MATURITY. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 418 - TAKING "CHARACTER" TO THE NEXT LEVEL

No. 418
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TAKING "CHARACTER" TO THE NEXT LEVEL

If you are a person who views, attends or follows sporting events, then you no doubt have heard the term ãTaking it to the next levelä hundreds or perhaps thousands of times over the past several years. This term used to mean going from Jr. High to High School, on to college and, for one in a million, to the professional ranks. But no more. Now, ãTaking it to the next levelä means that the individual or team has become so skilled that they dominate their opponents on a consistent basis. When you ãTake it to the next levelä you just flat out dominate the other teams or players in your own school or conference.

This reminds me of something humorous that happened a few years ago. A very good high school basketball player had received a scholarship to a small college and not too long after this his father said, ãHe is going to take them to the next level.ä When I shared this comment with a friend, we both smiled and then agreed that his first chore was to make the team. Now, I didnât say this to belittle the father, but rather to point out that ãTaking it the next levelä has become a working part of the sporting vocabulary. It is also partly responsible for some of the scandals on the part of coaches and players that are happening far too often in America today.

If you are a sports fan I donât have to waste your time telling you what is going on. The scandals involving players and coaches, even murder that is taking place at some of our major universities is just plain sickening. Since I have never been one to Îthrow the baby out with the bathwaterâ there is some good news to report as well. In response to a column that I had written some time back, I got a letter from Rob Miller, Director of Development for the NAIA based in Olathe, Kansas, just outside the Kansas City area. Rob also included a whole packet of information detailing the organizations ãChampions of Characterä initiative.

In case you are not familiar with the NAIA, this stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. This organization founded in 1937, is a not-for-profit association of more than 300 four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The NAIA is an intercollegiate governing body, which administers 23 championships encompassing 13 different sports. The purpose of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of students through intercollegiate athletic participation. The average enrollment of a NAIA member institution is 1878 students. 81% of schools are private institutions and 66% are denominationally affiliated.

As I read over the information in the packet that Rob Miller sent to me, I realized that these people were not just paying ãlip serviceä to developing character in the lives of their student athletes. They are dead serious and I am even going to suggest that the Divisions I & II of the NCAA could take a page out of their book when it comes to their ãChampions of Character.ä For future reference in your thinking, here are some things you should know about this program.

The ãChampions of Characterä initiative is based on five core values: respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship. Through its tradition of using sports informally as a vehicle of character development, the NAIA supports awareness, education and community involvement to promote character and integrity at every level of competition. Student-athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators are challenged to take responsibility for their behavior both on and off the court. The emphasis for member schools is on hiring and training coaches who can model and teach character, as well as physical skills.

Already underway on many of the NAIAâs 300 plus campuses, the community outreach portion of the program will be further developed in high school and youth organizations around the country. The epicenter of the program will be the new Character in Sports Center in their new headquarters in Olathe. The goal of this program is to have it become a national model in youth sports character development. In view of the current social conditions in many parts of our nation, something like this ãChampions of Characterä initiative is long overdue.

To be sure, I am really encouraged by what the NAIA is in the process of doing. To quote something from their literature, ãWe are proud to be able to offer an alternative direction in the world of sport. We encourage everyone involved with athletics at any level to stand with the NAIA and the Champions of Character initiative and join us for the change in the culture of sport.ä Thanks Rob, this is what I call ãtaking character to the next level.ä (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 419 - A ONE MAN THINK TANK

No. 419
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A ONE MAN THINK TANK

Our nationâs 40th President Ronald Reagan, will go down in history as one of the foremost thinkers of our time. This is not common knowledge, because most people during the time he was in office thought he was an amicable man, not too bright and the captive of his aides. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the past few years, a completely unbiased person who never knew Ronald Reagan and was never involved in his administration or any of his activities has made a remarkable discovery.

What Iâm going to share will cast President Reagan in a completely different light, and millions of Americans will come to appreciate the contributions this great man made to our nation. Dr. Kiron K. Skinner, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution on the campus of Stanford University, made this discovery while doing research on the end of the Cold War, from an American perspective. In the process of conducting her research, President Reaganâs wife, Nancy, gave Kiron access to some of the Presidentâs private papers at the Reagan Library.

What she discovered was hundreds of audiotapes and thousands of radio transcripts written by the President on yellow legal pads, in his own handwriting. As she began to read through these hand written transcripts, she was amazed to see the amount of reading, research and knowledge that had gone into them. Near the end of his second term as Governor of California, he had instructed his aides to put together a plan for his activities after he left office. A man by the name of Harry OâConnor, who was a radio producer, had suggested to one of the Governorâs friends that a conservative voice was needed on radio and he thought Ronald Reagan was the right person for the job.

Ronald Reagan liked the idea and along with speaking engagements all across the nation and writing a syndicated newspaper column, he launched his three-minute radio commentary, titled ãViewpointsä in January 1975. In the coming months it grew to over 350 stations and was heard by approximately 20 million people each week. His wife, Nancy, was one of the few people who knew that he wrote practically all of these commentaries himself. She said he liked to take long showers, because this is when he got some of his best thoughts.

After he got out of the shower, he would sit down at his desk in the bedroom and write them down. Something else she said that I thought was interesting is that she could never remember him watching television. In most cases, we would all be better off if we took this approach in how we use our time. Over the next four years he would write over 1000 of these commentaries, where he had researched and thought through practically every topic and issue that he would face as President of the United States.

As a side note, I was privileged to meet Ronald Reagan in 1976 when he came to Little Rock to speak to the Arkansas Chapter of the International Society of Professional Engineers. A friend of mine, the late Ed Riddick, an engineer and also a pilot, flew up to Illinois to pick up Ronald Reagan for this speaking engagement. A private reception for him was held before the meeting, at the Little Rock Country Club and Ed Riddick invited me to be his guest. That same year he would lose his partyâs nomination to Gerald Ford, but that did not dampen his spirits, as he continued to make speeches, write his column and produce his radio commentaries.

If you have wondered where I am getting this information, it has been gleaned from a series of Compact Disks produced by Simon & Schuster Audio titled, ãReagan In His Own Voice.ä It features a number of prominent people in his administration, who confirmed this manâs remarkable ability and also his love for the American people. In my mind, I can still hear him giving those inspiring speeches and how glad he made me feel to be an American. One speech in particular is when he said to Mikhail Gorbachev, ãMr.Gorbachev, tear down this wall.ä

One of those who gave affirmation was George Shultz, long time advisor to the President Reagan and his Secretary of State for almost seven years. Secretary Shultz told of countless times when he would be with the President for meetings with other world leaders and discuss critical major issues. He said, ãThe President, without the benefit of notes or someone whispering in his ear, would speak extemporaneously with deep passion and spell out our national policy in very clear and vivid detail.ä Many people have wondered how Ronald Reagan could have been twice elected Governor of our most populous state and twice elected President of the United States of America. Here the truth is simple and clear. He was a much smarter man than many people gave him credit for being. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 420 - AND YOU THINK I TALK FUNNY!

No. 420
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AND YOU THINK I TALK FUNNY!

There is an old saying that goes, ãYou can take the girl out of the country, but you canât take the country out of the girl.ä Several years ago, I got to know a fellow public speaker by the name of Franklin McGee, who lives down in Anniston, Alabama. He often tells the story of the young lady from their neck-of-the-woods, who graduated from college and went to work in the New York office of the French National Airlines. After a short time it became obvious that her accent and use of the Kingâs English was going to be a major distraction for many of the airlineâs patrons.

At this point, a very conscientious young supervisor took it upon himself to teach her how to develop a more refined manner of speaking. His first task was to train her how to properly answer the telephone. He taught her to say, ãAir France·May I help you?ä He even suggested that she put a little more French into the title and say, ÎARR -FRONCE·May I help you?ä This young supervisor thought he was doing good until the next day when the telephone rang and he heard her pick it up and say, ãARR - FRONCE·May I hep ya?ä

As I have said before, one of the great joys I have in writing and marketing this column is that I get to talk with people all across the nation. In the past several years I have talked with many different newspaper people in every state in this great country. Itâs interesting to hear and detect the different accents, like the Southern drawl down in Georgia, Mississippi and to some degree in the Carolinaâs. To be sure, the Cajun people in South Louisiana talk differently, as do the people up in Boston and the New England area. You can go from the Ozarks, to Texas, to the Mid-Western states like Montana, Kansas and Nebraska, and you will find that the majority of these people all have a different accent, as well. The same is true when you talk with people out on the West coast in the states of California, Oregon and Washington.

If you have me tuned in you are probably saying, ãitâs not just the accents but the words, expressions and colloquial sayings are different too.ä Iâm sure you know that much of the strength of America comes from our diversity. In fact, the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM found on the Great Seal of the United States means ãfrom many one.ä To illustrate what I am saying I thought I might share some Texas Style Vocabulary that was sent to me by Dr. Karen Robbins, who lives in Belton, Texas. First I will give a saying and then, if necessary, explain what it means. 1. AS WELCOME AS A SKUNK AT A PARTY. No explanation necessary.

2. TIGHTER THAN THE BARK ON A TREE. Means not very generous. 3. BIG HAT, NO CATTLE. This means all talk and no brains. 4. WEâVE HOWDIED BUT WE AINâT SHOOK YET. This means we have made a brief acquaintance, but we have not been formally introduced. 5. HE THINKS THE SUN CAME UP JUST TO HEAR HIM CROW. This means he has a pretty high opinion of himself. 6. ITâS SO DRY THE TREES ARE BRIBINâ THE DOGS. This means we could use a little rain around here. 7. JUST BECAUSE A CHICKEN HAS WINGS DOESNâT MEAN IT CAN FLY. This means that appearances can be deceptive.

8. THIS AINâT MY FIRST RODEO. This means that I have been around for a while. 9. THE DOGS KEPT HIM UNDER THE PORCH. This means that he is not the most handsome of men. 10. THEY ATE SUPPER BEFORE THEY SAID GRACE. This means they are living in sin. 11. AS FULL OF WIND AS A CORN-EATING HORSE. This means he or she is rather prone to boasting. 12. YOU CAN PUT YOUR BOOTS IN THE OVEN BUT THAT DONâT MAKE THEM BISCUITS. This means that you can say whatever you want about something but that doesnât change what it is. 13. WEâRE IN TALL COTTON. This means that things are going well.

Since I have a little space left, I have something else you might enjoy called ãThe Ten Commandments in Cajun.ä This is yet another example of how people talk differently in other parts of the country. No. 1. God is number one·and dasâ All. No. 2. Donât pray to nuttinâ or nobody·jusâ God. No. 3. Donât cuss nobody·âspecially da Good Lawd. No. 4. When it be Sunday·pass yoâself by Godâs House. No. 5. Yo mama anâ yo daddy dun did it all·lissen to dem.

No. 6. Killinâ duck anâ fish, dasâ OK·people-No! No. 7. God done give you a wife·sleep witâ jusâ her. No. 9. Donât take nobodyâs boat·or nuttin else. No. 8. Donât go wantinâ somebodyâs stuff. No. 10. Stop lyinâ·yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf! Thanks!! Das All. Roger over and out. Sinara. Adios. Adieu. Good-bye. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 421 - WHY THE PENTAGON IS FIVE SIDED

No. 421
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY THE PENTAGON IS FIVE SIDED

I am indebted to Pastor Leon Schulz, who lives in Menno, South Dakota, for the title and a portion of my contents for you today. I got a letter from Pastor Schulz a few weeks ago with the question, ãWhy is the Pentagon five-cornered, rather than six-cornered, square, round or any other shape?ä This question came up because the town of Menno was building a Veteranâs Memorial and it was to be placed on a cement foundation, which is pentagon shaped, or five cornered, in reference to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He got the idea to write me after reading my column ãWhy the American Flag has Thirteen Foldsä and figured I may know the answer or at least I could find it. He was right on the second part of that statement. With some help, I did find it.

The reason I have decided to share this with you is because the Pentagon is important in the life of every American. We all remember the horror that took place on September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew that jetliner into the East wall of the Pentagon the same day they destroyed the World Trade Center. The Pentagon is where the vast majority of all planning, deployment and direction of our Nationâs Armed Forces takes place. The President is the Commander in Chief, but the Pentagon is the hub or nerve center for all military operations.

Our nationâs defense is vital to each one of us and is one of the few things contained in the Preamble to our Constitution. Because we all need to be reminded of this from time to time, here is what it says: ãWe the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.ä

Now, back to the Pentagon. The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. got its name after the fact. The word pentagon means, ãA polygon having five sides and five angles.ä The Pentagonâs unusual five-sided configuration was dictated by the site originally proposed adjacent to Memorial Drive, about three-fourths of a mile north of where the building was actually constructed. An early plan called for a square structure with one corner cut off to accommodate an existing road.

This resulted in a skewed Pentagon shape. Serious objections were raised to locating the building on open land directly between Arlington Cemetery and Washingtonâs Monumental Core, and discussions ensued regarding selection of a building site, resulting in less visual and physical impact from the project. During the debate on the site, the projectâs chief architects, George Edwin Bergstrom and David J. Whitmire, continued to refine the design. The final design retained the five sides, in the form of a true pentagon, which gave rise to the buildingâs name. The shape resulted in the most efficient use of available space.

The concept of using several concentric rings to contain the space evolved during further refinement of design. Preliminary design and drafting took just 34 days. A project of this magnitude and urgency demanded the rapid assembly and an unprecedented design and production effort. The office of the chief architect rapidly grew to 327 architects and engineers, who were supported by 117 field inspectors. The weekly output of prints ranged from 12,000 to 30,000, with reproduction machines running on a 24-hour basis. For periods of time, new drawings were issued nightly. The reproduction effort consumed 15,000 yards of print paper per week.

There is no way to know for sure, but I suspect that like me, most Americans do not know when the Pentagon was built. Construction began on September 11, 1941(what a coincidence) and was completed on January 15, 1943. For people who were living back then, the need was urgent as our nation was fighting WW II and the end was not yet in sight. At one stage of construction, 15,000 people were employed on the job, working three shifts, 24 hours a day. At night, they worked under floodlights. Construction took just 16 months, a remarkable feat of engineering and management.

I am very hopeful this information will be helpful to Pastor Leon Shulz and his fellow patriots in Menno, South Dakota, when they dedicate their Veteranâs Memorial on Sunday, November 9, which is just two days prior to Veterans Day. We should never forget those brave men and women who sacrificed so that the United States of America would continue to be a free nation. We owe these people so much and that is what Veteranâs Memorials and Veteranâs Day is all about. God Bless America and let Freedom Ring. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 422 - A LITTLE HUMOR TO START YOUR DAY

No. 422
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LITTLE HUMOR TO START YOUR DAY

The other day a friend told me a cute story about this man who was taking a truckload of penguins to the zoo, but unfortunately his truck broke down on the highway. After a bit, another man in a truck came along and stopped to see if he could help him. The first man said, ãYes, you can help me. I was taking these penguins to the zoo and my truck broke down and Iâm wondering if you would be willing to take them on for me.ä The other man said, ãSure, Iâll be happy to take them.ä Then both men went about the business of taking the penguins off one truck and putting them on the other. At this point, the first man said, ãHere is a little something for your trouble.ä The second man took a look at what he had given him and it was a hundred dollar bill.

About an hour later the first man got his truck fixed and then headed for the zoo to check on his precious cargo. When he arrived, this second man and the penguins were nowhere in sight. At this point, he began to ask around if anyone had seen this man and his penguins. Finally someone told him that they had seen a man and some penguins down town, which was several blocks away. After driving around for about thirty minutes he finally spotted them, the man and about 15 penguins all in single file behind him. The first man rushed up to him and said, ãI thought I told you to take these penguins to the zoo.ä The second man said, ãI did take them to the zoo. We had so much fun and I had a little money left over, so now Iâm taking them to the ball game.ä

Hope you enjoyed this little story, because we all need to take a break from the serious and mundane from time to time. There is a verse in the Bible that says, ãA joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.ä In my own life I have found that itâs pretty hard to be sad and unhappy when I am laughing. To be sure, there are a lot of sad and unhappy people in the world today and many of these could change their lot and circumstances, if they would just relax and place things in perspective. Anything short of terminal or fatal can usually be worked out over time, with right thinking, some planning and the right mental attitude.

When it comes to the subject of humor, something the Scottish essayist and philosopher, Thomas Carlyle, once said, will place it in perspective. He said, ãThe essence of humor is love; it issues not in laughter, but in still smiles, which lies far deeper.ä While I donât know about you, I love a humorous story if itâs in good taste, told in the proper way, and even more so, when itâs used to make a point. It is a sure sign of inexperience when a speaker comes to the podium and says, ãI know that I am supposed to tell a couple of jokes to begin my talk todayä and then they proceed to tell what would be funny stories, if they had not tipped the audience off that they were coming and if they had any bearing at all to the subject matter or purpose of the meeting.

The ability to use humor in a way that makes our communication more effective is a wonderful gift and it comes naturally for some people and sadly for others, it is like pulling teeth. No fun at all. Whether the occasion is casual conversation or in a formal speech or presentation, the key is to be able to take good material and be able to adapt it to meet the need of the moment. Again, for some it is natural and spontaneous and for others it is something to practice and to work on. I might add, it is worth the effort and over time will pay all kinds of rewards.

There are many good sources of humorous material around, but a friend sent me a few church related stories that you might be able to use, if you will change them a bit and pick your spots. The first one goes, ãA wife invited some people over to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, ÎWould you like to say the blessing?â ÎI wouldnât know what to say,â the girl replied, ÎJust say what you hear Mommy say,â the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, ÎLord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner.ä

And here are a couple more that would be funny if they were not so close to the truth. ãA Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, ãAnd why it is necessary to be quiet in church?ä One bright little girl replied, ãBecause people are sleeping.ä And finally here is my favorite, ãAfter the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, ãThat preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.ä

One word of caution; in telling humorous stories; regardless of what your beliefs and convictions may be, if you tell ethnic or off color stories, you are asking for trouble. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 423 - SOME THOUGHTS ON THE A C L U !

No. 423
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE A C L U !

Former president Harry Truman, referring to our Founding Fatherâs understanding of human rights once said, ãThe basis for our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul. I donât think we can emphasize that enough these days. If we donât have a proper founded moral background, we will finally end up with a government, which does not believe in rights for anybody except the state.ä One of those Founding Fatherâs President Truman was referring to was our nationâs fourth, President James Madison, who was also known as the Father of the United States Constitution. It is a matter of record where he said, ãWe have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.ä
Now that is a far cry from something that I have just read in the Mission Statement for the ACLU, which stands for the American Civil Liberties Union. This statement says in part, ãThe ACLU is active in our national and state capitals, fighting to ensure that the Bill of Rights will always be more than a ãparchment barrierä against government oppression and the tyranny of the majority.ä This organization, founded in 1920, now has around 380,000 card-carrying members and one of its goals is to ãwork to insure that religious liberty is protected by keeping the government out of the religion business.ä

What this means is that this Îself-appointedâ organization is basically in existence to protect us from ourselves. From my perspective, they have been highly successful, but it has been terrible for America. Anytime there is an issue, whether national, state or local, involving the so-called separation of church and state, you will find them there fighting to remove the presence of God and all religious observances in any public arena where tax dollars are used to build or fund it. Is this really and truly what George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry and our other Forefatherâs had in mind when they established our government?

One of the latest issues of this nature came about back in August 2003, when Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore was forced to remove the Ten Commandments from the Rotunda of the Alabama Justice Building. The day this took place, something interesting happened here locally. It was discovered that a copy of the Ten Commandments were hanging on the wall of a municipal court building of a community near Little Rock. At this point, I donât know whether this copy will be removed or not, but the CBS television affiliate did a poll that day and contacted 500 people by telephone and asked the question, ãDo you think the Ten Commandments on the municipal court building wall should be removed?ä

Here were the results. 90% said they should stay. 9% said they should come down and I guess the other 1 % was undecided, like the fellow who said his favorite color was plaid. During this time the state ACLU director was interviewed on television to get her opinion and some comments. She said they should come down because the government did not need to be in the religion business and her next comments were what really galvanized me. She said, ãWhat if people like Moslems, Buddhists, Hindus and those of other faiths would be offended.ä

In all my days I have never heard of an American going to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan or any other country and being offended because they had symbols of their religions on display. Give me a break!! In recent days we have had reports of those in our country that want to remove the word God from our currency and to remove the word God when we recite the Pledge Of Allegiance to our flag. The one thing I have not heard that would be just about as ridiculous is for some of these folks to suggest that we should remove the passages from the Bible that have been chiseled in stone or marble on many of the buildings in our nationâs capital.

Please understand, the ACLU and its members have the same rights that you and I have, and I certainly respect that. One of the reasons for writing this column is that I want more Americans to know about this organization and what they stand for. If we really and truly want to do something to change things in this country, we need to elect Godly men and women to be judges, who understand what our forefathers were talking about. They meant for us to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 424 - MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING

No. 424
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING

It has been said that money is not everything, but it sure beats whatâs in second place! There is little doubt that in todayâs society money is a very useful tool. Some people pray for it, others gamble for it, still others work for it and a few even kill for it. The Greek teacher and philosopher Aristotle once said, ãMoney is a guarantee that we may have what we want in the future. Though we need nothing at the moment, it insures the possibility of satisfying a necessary desire when it arrives.ä There have been thousands upon thousands of books and articles written about money and its many uses and there will be countless others written in the future.

The subject of money is inexhaustible, but today I want to tell you a true story about a young lady who thought that money was much higher up on the list of her priorities than it actually was. As a result, she took a job that paid a lot more money, with a prestigious company that was located in nearby Little Rock. As a result, she had to travel a much greater distance from her home each day. However after several months on this new job, while earning a lot more money, she came to the conclusion that money was not everything, at least to her.

The reason I wanted to share her story with you is because I suspect there are thousands of other people across this great country that find themselves in a similar situation. To begin, here is a question for you to ponder. While we all need a certain amount of money to live the way we want to live, beyond that, what good is money if we are unhappy? In the case of this young lady, here is what actually happened. She was lured away from her old job where she had friends, was really involved it the community and was able to spend a lot more time with her young son. This, coupled with the fact that she was driving a much greater distance to work each day in heavy traffic, which extended the number of hours she was away from home.

To make a long story short, she finally realized that she had made a poor choice and since her old job was still open, she went back to it. To me this shows a lot of maturity on her part. Many people would have let pride get in the way and stayed on the higher paying job and been miserable. Do you know anyone like this? If you do, please share this true story with them, because what she did about her situation could be an example and also provide the courage they need to make a change.

Before I paint with a brush that is too broad, there were several other factors that played a part in this young ladyâs decision. First, she is happily married to a man who earns a good income. This means that she did not have the financial pressure that many people face. On the other hand, many people are trapped in jobs they hate because the prospects of finding another job that will meet their financial obligations are not easy. Next is too much personal debt. Like this young couple, those people who are relatively debt free, can make decisions about a job or career change that are not afforded to those who are in debt up to their eyeballs. .

The answer, of course, is to get out of debt, over time, and have the flexibility to find a job where we are happy and do not have the financial pressure that confronts millions of people in our nation today. With these things said, I would like to return to my earlier statement, ãMoney is not everything.ä To make this statement accurate, allow me to add these three words. Money is not everything FOR SOME PEOPLE. Unfortunately, it is ãeverythingä for a lot of others. In reality, the amount of money we need depends on what is important to us.

We all know or have known people that money was their god. Here Iâm going to make a statement that you may disagree with and it may even make you angry. As a general rule, money is more important to people who are insecure, shallow and who are trying to win the approval of others. The reason I can make this statement is because I lived this way for most of my life. When I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ, money was not nearly as important to me and as a result, Iâve been blessed more in the area of money than ever before.

Over the past several weeks I have gotten to know a man by the name of Kirk Jordan, who is a wonderful photographer and writer. He has a ministry of taking pictures of wildflowers, sunsets, trees, lakes and rivers and anything that is part of Godâs creation. He often emails them to me, along with his poetry and descriptions of his subject matter. Some mornings my computer screen opens up to a portion of his work and it is ablaze with brilliant hues of color. Breathtaking! Like I said earlier, money is not everything. Itâs really a matter of whatâs important to us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 425 - TIDBITS TO "DAZZLE" YOUR FRIENDS

No. 425
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TIDBITS TO "DAZZLE" YOUR FRIENDS

Did you know that a shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes? Did you also know that peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite? If you have ever found yourself in a position where you needed a conversation starter, Boy! ---Do I have some good news for you? However, you may be like the Îolâ boyâ who said, ãLook, what I need is not a conversation starter, what I need is a conversation stopper.ä A while back a friend sent me a whole list of things or tidbits of information that were interesting and I feel sure there were many things on the list that you do not know. If you do, you are sure ahead of me. I might add that our ability to communicate will go a long way in determining our success or failure.

To know or be reminded of these tidbits is not going to have a direct or immediate impact on your life. Like the acquisition of any knowledge, the key is to have it in reserve or stored in our mind and then pull it out when the need arises. Here we go. 1. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge. 2. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. 3. A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue. 4. Al Caponeâs business card said he was a used furniture dealer. 5. A snail can sleep for three years. 6. All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of a $5 bill.

7. ãDreamtä is the only English word that ends in the letters ãmt.ä 8. In the last 4000 years no new animals have been domesticated. 9. ãStewardessesä is the longest word typed with only the left hand; ãlollipopä with your right. 10. Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors. 11. Butterflies taste with their feet. 12. An ostrichâs eye is bigger than its brain. 13. Winston Churchill was born in a ladiesâ room during a dance. 14. Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it would digest itself. 15. There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: ãabstemiousä and ãfacetious.ä

16. There are more chickens than people in the world. 17. The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid. 18. The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. 19. The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. 20. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. 21. Women blink nearly twice as much as men. 22. There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar. 23. The sentence: ãThe quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dogä uses every letter of the alphabet.

24. TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. 25. A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours. 26. Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. 26. February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon. 27. Almonds are a member of the peach family. 28. Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated. 29. The average personâs left hand does 56% of the typing. 30. The Bible does not say there were three wise men; it only says there were three gifts. 31. A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

32. A ãjiffyä is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. 33. Babies are born without kneecaps. They donât appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age. 34. Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable. 35. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple. 36. On a Canadian two-dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag. 37. If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction. 38. Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.

39. If you are an average American, in your whole life you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights. 40. There are only four words in the English language, which end in ãdousä: tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. 41. This last one is one of those mind teasers. The words Îracecar,â Îkayakâ and Îlevelâ are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

Now, I believe you will agree, thatâs quite a list of tidbits. Like I said earlier, knowing these things is not going to have an immediate impact on your life, unless of course you are a contestant on a game show and one of these tidbits is the correct answer to a question that means several thousand dollars in your pocket. We should always stay alert and strive to learn new things. It is really distressing for me to see people never experience the joy of learning and who never use that marvelous mind that God has given to each one of us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 426 - OUR PLACE IN HISTORY

No. 426
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR PLACE IN HISTORY

Have you ever thought about your place in history? We all have one, you know. Our place in history, however long or brief, begins the moment we are born and ends the moment we die. The people who are dead and gone have had their place in history, and the history books and other forms of documentation are replete with names, faces and stories of those who made a contribution to the success or demise of the human race. We who live in the United States of America have been the most blessed people on earth and especially those of us who have lived for the past fifty years.

Any educated person would be hard pressed to name any field of endeavor, whether it is science, technology, medicine, commerce, transportation, communications and all the others, where we have not experienced phenomenal progress. From a national perspective however, we have no way of knowing what the future holds. In many ways we can learn and profit from the past·but the future·we can only hope and pray that the best is yet to come. One of the things that God has blessed me with is positive, optimistic outlook on life. I just look for and expect the best and Iâm grateful in saying that for the most part, it has worked out that way.

To be sure, I am also a realist and try to keep things in perspective as I make decisions that effect me and especially those I love. However, what we should always keep in mind is that there are some things we have some control over and there are other things we have no control over whatsoever. Keeping this in mind, it would seem to me that our best course of action would be to always invest our time, energy and resources doing those things that will produce the greatest amount of happiness and satisfaction.

As what I am saying relates to the future of our nation, if history can teach us anything, I want to share a true story that may be a harbinger of things to come. You may be familiar with the saying or the concept, ãFrom shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.ä If you are not, here is a good true-life example that will bring it closer to home. There was a family who lived in the county where I grew up, who at the time was considered to be wealthy. Going all the way back to the 1930âs and 1940âs the Îold manâ of the family had acquired a good deal of land and money and because he was a shrewd businessman, he acquired even more material possessions. In fact, before his death he owned a good percentage of all the land in the county.

When he died his sons took over the operation of the business, which included a number of different holdings. At this point, each son who received his inheritance was still the head of a very prosperous family. In a few years however, word began to spread that there was a chink in the armor, because of some bad business dealings, poor crop years and some very extravagant lifestyles. As time passed, one by one, the sons died and the family operation was passed on to the grandchildren.

Since I was not around during these years, I donât know all the details and what I am saying is certainly not meant to be painful or hurtful to anyone, because these were wonderful people. The sad ending to the story is that before too many more years, the family fortune was gone and those who remained to administer it filed for bankruptcy. In summary, here was a clear-cut case of ãFrom shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.ä In just plain English, here is the best way I know to say it. The old Grandfather made it, his Kids managed it and his Grandkids squandered it.

There are many lessons to be learned from this true story, both from an individual standpoint and also for the future of our nation. If the world does not come an end, history will record whether I am right or wrong, but I believe this is a good analogy of where we are as a nation. Our nation began on July 4, 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and we have had some hard times and some good times but now, unlike the first 175 years of our nationâs history, we are drowning in a sea of red ink. We are several Trillion dollars in debt.

This brings me back to my earlier question, ãHave you ever thought about your place in history?ä We only live once and when we are dead and gone, our place in history is fixed. The real question then becomes, ãWhat are we, you and I, going to do with the time we have left?ä With Godâs help I want to do the right thing with regard to my citizenship, be loyal to this nation, stand for truth, morality and decency and work to leave something behind for future generations. If we are to survive, we need leaders, men and women, who are statesmen and not politicians. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 427 - A PLAN TO IMPROVE LITERACY

No. 427
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PLAN TO IMPROVE LITERACY

From time to time a question comes to my mind that you may be able to help me answer. The question is this. Am I too idealistic? This question surfaced again early one morning this past week, as I was lying in bed and got to thinking about the literacy problem in our country. If you can read, write and do basic math computations, you are a very blessed person. I say this because over 20 percent of all the people in our nation cannot perform even these basic skills. This is tragic for these individuals, because of the resulting low self-esteem and the inability to secure and hold down a good paying job. This is also sad for the rest of us who can read and write and hold down good paying jobs, because we have to take up the slack for them.

But more than that, it is tragic for thousands of communities across America, which does not have a labor pool of skilled high-tech workers who can help to attract new industry and high paying jobs to the area. With few high paying jobs, the standard of living is lowered and everyone suffers. Back to my question of being too idealistic for a moment. I have an idea that I believe could be the solution to part of this problem. My new book, ãLearning, Earning & Giving Backä is now off the press and the enthusiasm is building for many newspapers to sell the book to earn extra income for their NIE (Newspaper In Education) programs and other related projects.

I am giving back $9 of the $15.95 purchase price to this cause and state press associations across the nation will also receive a portion of this money to provide scholarships for journalism students. Since there are many more weekly and small daily newspapers in the country that do not have an NIE program, my question is ÎHow can we get these people involved also?ä To my way of thinking, the newspaper people hold the keys to helping millions of Americans who are illiterate. When people canât read, they sure donât buy a newspaper.

Here is my point. By being directly involved in doing something about the literacy problem on a regular and on-going basis, the newspaper will gain new subscribers and the community gains new people who can work, develop skills and contribute to the economy, both locally and nationally. Here is my idea. After you read it, let me know if you think I am too idealistic or if you believe itâs a good idea and you are willing to become involved.

First, your local newspaper can promote and sell my book to earn $6 for each copy. This money can be used to start or expand a literacy project for people in your community. Then, because everyone in your community has a stake, there are no doubt many corporate and business people in the private sector (no tax money allowed) who would be willing to match the money the paper earns to further establish a literacy program. In most cases, a local newspaper is short staffed and always under deadlines, so I am not advocating more work for these people other than selling the books, helping to secure a Literacy Coordinator and promoting it in their paper.

The next step would be to recruit Literacy Tutors and to identify those individuals who want and need help in learning to read. In every community there are retired teachers, executives, professional people and others who want to do something to give back, and feel good about doing it. In our community we have more people who volunteer to serve others than any place I have ever known and I bet you have them, too. What I am advocating is a small hourly stipend for volunteers to offset their cost of transportation, snacks and other out-of- pocket expenses, so it wonât be a financial burden to them.

The days of the week, times and a place to hold tutoring sessions would be worked out by each community and your local schools would probably be willing to help out here as well. We all know that every community, some more than others, has a problem when it comes to literacy, but in final analysis what are we going to do about it? Personally, I believe we can do a lot about it and to everyoneâs benefit. If newspapers are willing to get involved by selling books and promoting the literacy program, if corporations and business people are willing to provide matching funds and stipend paid volunteers are willing to give back, to their community, I believe it can work.

Please give this idea some thought and if you believe it has merit, talk with your newspaper publisher and other leaders in your community. Share your feelings and ideas and let it be known that you are willing to help to do something about the literacy problem. Drop me a note; as well. I would be honored to hear from you. There are lots of good volunteer programs around, but in the long run there are few more important than this. You can help. Remember, it is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 428 - THE DAY I MET LORETTA LYNN

No. 428
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DAY I MET LORETTA LYNN

There is a country song by the title, or at least has a line in it, with the words, ãIt takes two mules to pull this wagon.ä A few days ago I was talking with Viola about how well things were going at our house in spite of the Parkinsonâs that she lives with day after day. We have learned to compensate and do things to help each other, which is a beautiful thing in itself. In the process I have made a discovery that may be helpful for many people who will read this column.

When I thought about the way we were working together and helping each other that is when I thought about the title of the song, ãIt takes two mules to pull this wagon.ä Iâve asked around and have also done a little research, but have not been able to learn who recorded it. I think it was Loretta Lynn but Iâm not sure. If you know, please drop me a line and clear up this mystery.

While Iâm on the subject, I need to make a correction for something I put in a column several months ago. In the column titled, ãSoldier, May I Borrow That Deck of Cards?ä a reader had sent me this version, stating it came from a soldier in Afghanistan. In just a few days I began to hear from readers all over the country to let me know that this song came out of WW II and was originally sung by Tex Ritter. Cowboy Copas recorded a later version and apparently there were also others. Anyway, please accept my apologies. I thought I had it right.

While this is not the purpose of this column, I would like to give you a little sidebar and tell you about the day I met Loretta Lynn, the coal minerâs daughter, who could rightly be called the Queen of Country Music. Back in the mid 1970âs I served as the Chairman of the Speakers Bureau for the Pulaski County United Fund, as it was called back then. One of my jobs was to be Master of Ceremonies for the campaign reporting sessions. This is when 200-300 people would meet for lunch and give a report on how well their area of campaign responsibility was progressing.

During one of these luncheons we were to have Loretta Lynn as our special guest and former Secretary of State, the late Kelly Bryant, was to be there and present her an Arkansas Traveler Certificate. Well, the meeting started and we had lunch, but no Loretta. Of course I was presiding and most of these folks had to get back to work, so we started the meeting. Still no Loretta. For the next 20-30 minutes, Secretary Bryant and I told jokes and stories to entertain the crowd, but still no Loretta. We finally dismissed the meeting and everybody went back to work.

About 2: PM she and her husband Looney, rolled into the parking lot. They had come from an engagement in Louisiana in their travel bus and had just miscalculated their time. It was reported that because of the death of the late Patsy Kline that Loretta did not like to fly. Anyway, I got to say hello to her and while it was anti-climactic, I still remember the day I met Loretta Lynn.

At this point I would like to share a few things from my heart that may be meaningful to you who read this column. It will also give me an opportunity to give you an update of Violaâs Parkinsonâs and how well she is doing. With any disease of this type, itâs always a matter of good days and bad days. Iâm pleased to say that her good days still out number the bad days. She literally amazes me. Like the ãEnergizer Bunnyä, she just keeps going and going.

She still keeps a spotless house, does the grocery shopping, prepares delicious meals, helps me some in the office and still finds time to minister to other people. One of the things she really enjoys is having all the widows of our church out once each year for a meal and a time of devotion. Thatâs an idea many of you could consider, even if you donât have Parkinsonâs or some debilitating disease. Because of our circumstances, here is something I have learned that has been such a blessing to me.

While she is still in some pain, but still very active, she only moves at half-speed. It just takes twice as long to do things, whether itâs getting dressed, getting in the car or going to answer the telephone. As a result of her limitations, I have become more sensitive and considerate of her needs and you would not believe how much this has helped our marriage. Weâve always loved each other, but like most folks have had our ups and downs. Iâm just sorry that it took this situation to make me realize how good it could have been all along. If you donât have a great relationship in your marriage, why not try this? It sure has helped us. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 429 - SHOULD TEACHERS SET GOALS?

No. 429
Jim Davidson·NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHOULD TEACHERS SET GOALS?

Several years ago I had the joy of meeting and getting to know a wonderful young lady here in our community who has now gone on to bigger and better things. Her name is Rita Thomas and at the time she was working for the Log Cabin Democrat, our daily newspaper here in Conway. Rita is a bubbly person, great personality and very talented. When I was president of our local Lions Club, Rita was the bulletin editor and did a great job. Others have recognized her talents as well, and she moved on to become publisher of the daily paper in Yankton, South Dakota and a few weeks ago she was named publisher of the York News Times in York, Nebraska.

Just recently I was talking with Rita about my new book, ãLearning, Earning & Giving Backä and how most of the profits are going to help Newspaper In Education programs across the country. At this point she said, ãYou know, itâs beautiful how one life touches another and another·Deanna Hearn and I launched the Log Cabinâs NIE program when I worked as a classified supervisor so long ago. Little did I know that it would touch you as it has, and then touch so many others through your praises of the program, and even now as you prepare to contribute to NIE programs across the nation. Wow, what a blessing.ä Rita then concluded her thoughts by saying, ãIt is also a sobering thought to consider that the works of our hands can have such impacts, good or bad, depending on what we think or do.ä If there has ever been a thought that we can all think about and ponder·thatâs it.

To validate the truth of what Rita was saying, I got a letter a few weeks ago from one of the four NIE teachers that I have sponsored over the past five years. This teacherâs name is Kathi Sweere, who teaches fourth- grade at Ida Burns Elementary School. This past school year Kathi was named Elementary Math Teacher in Arkansas and I might add that the other teachers I have sponsored have won awards at this level. They are simply an outstanding group of teachers.

At this point, what I am going to say has relevance for every student and every parent in America. so I hope you will really tune me in. In her letter Kathi said to me, ãI also want to thank you again for coming to my classroom four years ago and talking to my class. I have thought about that talk often since then. You made me reevaluate my teaching and I wanted to tell you how. You had my students that day go around and introduce themselves and tell what their goal was for their future. I noticed that one of my students didnât really have a goal. He was a quiet student that really didnât care too much about school.

You told my whole class that if they didnât have goals, they have nothing to work for or towards. I have thought about that talk very often. In reading my Bible, verses would stand out reflecting what you had said. For example, Îas a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.â I realize that a single thought neither makes or breaks you, but a pattern of thoughts can. People are probably more careless of their thoughts than they are with anything else. As a teacher or parent, we need to help our children have bright thoughts for their futures.ä

Before I share her next thought, I want you to know that itâs one of the most sobering Iâve heard or read in a long time. She continues, ãMany teachers can predict the futures of their students. If you ask any elementary teacher, they can probably tell you which students will graduate high school, which students will go on to college, and even which ones will end up in jail. Itâs sad, but so true! Those students that donât have goals, or people to help encourage them to have goals, have no future. They wander aimlessly through life never really getting to accept all the wonderful things that life has to offer.

Parents can influence your child to become the person that they will become, whether for good or bad it is up to you. The amount of time a parent spends with their child is so important. They get to understand their child and realize what their children need. Teachers can always tell the children whose parents are involved in their lives. They are the ones that will have a bright future. Every person responds better to encouragement that criticism. If a child receives encouragement often, they can take constructive criticism in stride and learn from it.

I now set goals with my students at the beginning of each nine weeks. The goals may stay the same or change based on what successes weâve had. We write them down and ask each other about our goals. Thank you so much for that talk. It has made me more observant of my students and their needs. I also feel my students are more successful because their teacher learned from you.ä To this, I can only add, ãTo God be the glory.ä (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 430 - A LESSON MY FATHER TAUGHT ME

No. 430

A LESSON MY FATHER TAUGHT ME

Someone once said that a "Father" is "A man who can't get on the phone, into the bathroom, or out of the house."Ê My father was a veteran of WWI and he passed away back in 1977. While he was here however, he taught me a lot of valuable lessons. Incidentally, we didn't have a phone when I was growing up and didn't have an indoor bathroom until I was almost out of high school. My father was considerably older than my mother and before he met her around 1935, he had a most unusual occupation. He owned a good horse and he would ride out through the countryside and buy cattle and hogs from farmers and then drive them to the closest railhead and load them on the train.

At this point he would get on the train and ride with them to Kansas City, where large stockyards were located, and sell them to buyers who were there. Most of the livestock would then become a part of our nation's meat supply. His income was derived from the profit, which is the difference between the amount of money that it took to buy the livestock and what he was able to sell them for. He told me that this was really an art, because when you buy livestock on the "hoof" you had to be a pretty good judge of quality and what an animal weighed, because this would determine what it would bring at the stockyards. If you paid too much, obviously you could lose your shirt.

Because of his occupation, my father's nickname was "Cowboy." When I was growing up in a small community in South Arkansas, everybody called my father Cowboy and quite naturally some of the kids in our town would call me Cowboy, too. I was a pretty fair basketball player and one night we were playing a team from a nearby community. It was a close game and along about the third quarter, I was guarding an opposing player and he faked me so good that I leaped high in the air and when I came down, I landed on his back. On cue, someone up in the stands yelled, "Ride him, Cowboy." I'll never forget it.

Here is that valuable lesson my father taught me and it may be of value to you as well, if you don't already do it. My father said as he traveled around buying livestock, occasionally he would strike someone that he could not trade with. This is to be expected because of human nature. We tend to place value on our possessions for many different reasons but when it becomes emotional, in most cases reason and logic are out the window. In situations like this, how many times do you suppose a potential buyer kept on talking, maybe running down the other person's property, until he got mad?

That's the lesson my father taught me to avoid. He said, "When you strike someone you cannot trade with, don't make him mad, just go on down the road, because there is someone down there that you can trade with." This simple lesson has been a tremendous help to me over the years. I've been in sales now for almost 40 years, and remember to be successful, we all have to sell ourselves, if not a product or service. Over the years, as I have sold or marketed various products and services, I have encountered thousands of people that I could not do business with, and I have very carefully tried to avoid making them mad. There is no future in that.

Sometimes people in sales fail to realize that when a person says "NO" they are not putting us down personally. These people are simply saying that they have no interest or need for our product or service, at least not now. The last part of the previous sentence is really the key to success in selling, because we should never close the door where we cannot go back. We should not make people mad, but rather make them feel good because they are making the decision they feel is best for them.

For example, I have many, many friends in the newspaper industry and they give me leads and have even called other publishers for me, regarding the merits of this column.Ê However, there are times when I strike someone that I cannot do business with. When this happens, I always try to leave them in a frame of mind where I can call them back later. This has proven very profitable because you may be reading this column in a newspaper that came on line because I was nice to your publisher or editor and did not make them mad when they were not interested the first time I called. Things change. Many times new people come along and they are wonderful to do business with. Have convictions about what you do, but don't ever make other people mad. Be nice to everyone. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 431 - WHEN REALITY SETS IN

No. 431

WHEN REALITY SETS IN

Two-a-days is a term that every person who has ever played high school football has heard many times. These words are usually heard along about mid-August when football teams are beginning to practice for the upcoming season. At some point the coach says, "Next Monday we are going to start two-a-days," which means that the team is going to start practicing twice each day. The coach has already conducted a survey of his team and, based on the number of players he has to work with, the level of talent, number of players returning and last seasons record, he begins to instill "hope" in his players that they have what it takes to have a good or even a great season.

In this respect, when it comes to hope I am reminded of the story of the third string quarterback that had not gotten in a single game for the whole season. When it came to the very last game, both the other quarterbacks were hurt and the team was down by three touchdowns with only 30 seconds to play. The coach signaled for the third string quarterback to get ready. Before he put his helmet on to join the team on the field, he went over and said, "Coach, do you want me to win it or tie it?"Ê Now here was an obvious case where somewhere along the way, the coach had oversold him.

The word hope is one of the most important words in the English language, or any other language for that matter. We can't live without it. We must have hope if we are to face the world each day with its many challenges. Yet, there comes a time in each of our lives when all hope is lost and that is when reality sets in. What is important to realize is (save when we close our eyes in death) that hope is only lost for a moment, for a day, or some other period of time. We can regain and renew our hope, and in most cases, continue to live a wonderful and happy life.

However, while we may have hoped to live this kind of life with its many rewards, we must also be able to deal with something we call "reality," because that is where we are at any given time. As we live our lives day by day, there are those events and circumstances that come along when we temporarily lose hope. This is the moment when reality sets in. Here are some examples to illustrate what I am saying.Ê When your childhood sweetheart that you had hoped to marry, says, "I do" to someone else that is when reality sets in. When your house burns to the ground and you realize that your insurance policy has lapsed that is when reality sets in. When it is announced that the position that you thought you was going to get is going to someone else that is when reality sets in.

In the championship game, when your team is down by two touchdowns with only one minute to play that is when reality sets in. When the stock market falls and your can't borrow the money to cover your margin calls that is when reality sets in. When your spouse has died and you are left all alone that is when reality sets in. If any of these things or hundreds of others just like them has happened to you, then you know just how hopeless you can feel. To lift your spirits I want to share these thoughts that could make all the difference in the world. Even for the remaining spouse there is hope. During any circumstance you encounter where there is despair, just remember when reality sets in it is time for a new beginning. ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ
Several years ago I discovered a wonderful little poem by an unknown author that has lifted my spirits many times when I was down and discouraged, and maybe it will lift yours as well.Ê It is titled, Don't Quit: "When things go wrongÑas they sometimes willÑWhen the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh: Rest is you must but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns as every one of us sometimes learns; and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slowÑYou may succeed with another blow. Success is a failure turned inside outÑThe silver tint of the clouds no doubt. And you are near when success seems far, so stick to the fight when you are hardest hitÑit's when things seem worse that you mustn't quit."

Here are a few questions that I would like for you to ponder as your consider your future. Is it time in your life for a new beginning? Are there things you have been holding on to, that you need to let go? What are some of things you will need to do in order to get a fresh start? Just remember, we can't live in the past. Today is the only day we have. Let us resolve to make the most of it. When we can forget ourselves and think of others, we are on our way to both hope and reality. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 432 - THE BENEFITS OF A READING RECOVERY PROGRAM

No. 432

THE BENEFITS OF A READING RECOVERY PROGRAM

This past week we had a guest in our home that is a former superintendent of schools in a nearby district. During the course of our visit, we talked about education and the importance of reading. This former superintendent said, ÔIf children cannot read, it does not make any difference what subjects you attempt to teach them." Since reading is so important to a child's future, and they are the future of our nation, I have been talking about this important topic for the past several months. Back in October of this past year I had the opportunity to observe first hand the benefits of a Reading Recovery program and I wanted to share this with you.

When The Record Herald newspaper in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania made the decision to sell my book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back" to support their after school reading program, they invited me to fly to Waynesboro and speak to a community wide meeting. The meeting was held at the Otterbein Ministry Center and although we did not have as many people turn out as we had hoped, we sold a good number of books and I had the opportunity to meet many of my faithful readers, especially the Willett's, who I had corresponded with a number of times over the years.

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Ruth Pflager, Founder & Chairman ofÊ "TV Tune-In," USA and to have dinner with her board members the night before my presentation. These are wonderful people and they served as my host while I was there. The following morning one of the board members drove me out to Hooverville Elementary School, where I was to observe a Reading Recovery program. When I arrived I was met by the Principal, Rita Sterner-Hine, who took me to the room of Ann Dedona, Reading Recovery & Teacher Leader for all the Waynesboro Public Schools. I have been hundreds of school districts over the years and I can tell you that this is a very good one.

If you are not familiar with the Reading Recovery program, here is some information that will give you some insights. Reading Recovery is a highly effective short-term intervention of one-on-one tutoring for low-achieving first graders. The intervention is most effective when it is available to all students who need it and is used as a supplement to good classroom teaching. In Reading Recovery, individual students receive a half-hour lesson each school day for 12 to 20 weeks with a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher. As soon as students can read within the average range of their class and demonstrate that they can continue to achieve, their lessons are discontinued and new students begin individual instruction.

New Zealand educator and researcher Dr. Marie M. Clay developed Reading Recovery. Dr. Clay conducted observational research in the mid-1960s that enabled her to design ways to detect children's early reading difficulties. In the mid-1970s, she developed Reading Recovery procedures with teachers and tested the program in New Zealand. Reading Recovery has spread to Australia, the United States, Canada and Great Britain. More than one million first graders have been served in the United States since Reading Recovery was introduced here in 1984.

Here are the ten most frequently asked questions about Reading Recovery. 1. Is Reading Recovery a classroom program? 2. Why does Reading Recovery serve only the lowest-achieving children? 3. Does Reading Recovery drop children who are likely to fail? 4. Does Reading Recovery raise the average achievement level of the class? 5. What is the role of phonics in Reading Recovery? 6.Does Reading Recovery change the school system?Ê7. Is Reading Recovery aligned with any specific reading or classroom approach? 8. What is the cost of Reading Recovery? 9. What is the Reading Recovery research base? 10. Is Reading Recovery a private business?

The answer to the last question, "Is Reading Recovery a private business?" is no. Reading Recovery is a not-for-profit intervention that involves collaboration among schools, districts and universities. In the United States, the name Reading Recovery has been a trademark of the Ohio State University since December 1990, when action was taken to identify sites that meet the standards and guidelines for Reading Recovery. Use of the trademark is granted annually royalty-free to sites that meet quality standards. My only purpose for sharing this with you is to make you aware of another resource that has proven effective in teaching slow learners how to read. If you would like more information, visit their Web site at www.readingrecovery.org. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 433 - THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF WEALTH

No. 433

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF WEALTH

Have you noticed, "Birds of a feather tend to flock together?" When I go to an all star basketball or football game, I see coaches there who retired 10 to 15 years ago. They want to see the game but more than that, they want to see those fellow coaches they have known over the years. When I go to the country club to play golf as the guest of a friend, I see upscale people there who are playing golf and having a great time. The same is true for people involved in most any other activity outside of work that you can name. We just naturally gravitate to those people who have the same interests, values and social status. You will find that people who have wealth also stick together. There is almost an unwritten code that says, "You can be in my club if your balance sheet will stand up to scrutiny."Ê

When it comes to the subject of money, one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do is convince my kids, especially my son, that it's important to save and invest their money. They seem to think they will live forever and there will always be a paycheck waiting for them to come by and pick up. None of my children are destitute, but they would all be better off and have a much brighter financial future, if I could just get them to understand the principle of compound interest, regular savings and investing a good portion of their income. Because of this attitude, they spend most of their leisure time with people just like them, which is another way of saying, "Birds of a feather flock together."

Now please understand, I am not putting my own children down because I love them more than anything, but being older, and hopefully wiser, I know what is waiting for them down the road when they grow old and can no longer stand up to the physical demands of a job. The reason I am so concerned is because they are still relatively young and still have time to begin a savings and investment program that will insure a bright financial future. It's nice to have a little money saved for your golden years and you can take trips, go out to eat, buy the things you want and not have to worry about the cost of prescription drugs.

What brought this to mind is several good articles a reader from Mississippi, who is in the life insurance business, sent me the other day. One of these articles begins with a question, "Where will you be?" According to an1985 study by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, for every 100 people starting their careers, the following situation exists at age 65É. 29 are dead, 13 have annual incomes under $4400, 55 have annual incomes between $4400 and $29,000 (the median income for this group is $6800), and 3 have annual incomes over $29,000 which means they are financially successful. These figures were compiled in 1985 but when you adjust them for inflation, the real spending power wouldn't be much different today.

Another one of those articles is titled "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF WEALTH" and while only ten sentences long, it is powerful. In fact, several books could and have been written on each one. I can promise you that this is solid information and regardless of your age, I hope you will take time to ponder and think about each of these Ten Commandments Of Wealth. You might even take a pen and check them off one by one as you read and think about them. 1. Have a financial life plan. 2. Live on less than you earn and invest the rest. 3. Test each investment with the acronym S-L-Y that stands for Safety, Liquidity and Yield. 4. Learn to invest and manage your own money. 5. Learn the tax laws. 6. Recognize that you are being defrauded by inflation. 7. Keep a rough budget and know your net worth. 8. Recognize the magic of compound interest (sound familiar?) 9. Always avoid a capital loss. 10.You will achieve as much wealth as you believe you can.

When it comes to investing your money, here are some suggestions. 1. Diversify your investments. Choosing a variety of investments is an effective way to reduce risks and pursue more consistent returns. 2. Focus on Positive Long-Term Trends.Ê If you won't be using your money right away, you can look beyond day-to-day changes and concentrate on long-term trends. 3. Move your money wisely. If you want to transfer money among funds, do it gradually over time. 4. Take advantage of professional management. This is where you need to get the advice of someone you know who is a successful investor. If you don't already have a great financial future, I hope you will get started soon. Remember, it's not how much you earn; it's how much you save over time that will make the difference. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 434 - THE STORY BEHIND THE AMERICANâS CREED

No. 434

THE STORY BEHIND THE AMERIAN'S CREED

After 9-11-01 there are millions of people in the United States of America who became overtly patriotic that did not even know they were patriotic. There is nothing like a real threat to our nation's survival to galvanize our citizens into action. I'm so proud to be an American and I bet you are, too. I pray each day for our troops who are in Afghanistan and Iraq that they will return safely. As I have told my Sunday School class many times, my heart hurts for families who receive the sad news that their loved one has been killed in the service of our country. I also think about the other wars we have been involved in over the past 200 years, where millions of Americans have made the supreme sacrifice to win and preserve out freedom. May we never take it for granted?Ê

When it comes to patriotism and being loyal to our country, my good friend George Sample, who lives in Corry, Pennsylvania, sent me something the other day that I thought was worth passing along. What he sent me was a copy of "The American's Creed" and the background behind the creed. As this article states, many Americans do not even know we have a creed, much less what it is or how it came to be. As I share this, I hope you will think deeply about your own life and if this creed truly applies to you. There are so many of our citizens today who are dishonest, unethical and immoral who want to live off a hog fattened by someone else, and never think about giving something back. Sadly, many of our political leaders are the worst offenders.Ê

THE AMERICAN'S CREED

"I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon the principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots have sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

Here is how The American's Creed came about. "America's involvement in World War I was a difficult and divisive issue for our nation. President Woodrow Wilson struggled to maintain a position of American neutrality toward the European conflict. But when a German U-boat sank the unarmed British liner LUSITANIA, killing more than 1000 people, including 128 Americans on May 7, 1915, the president felt compelled to go before Congress to request a Declaration of War. Six out of 96 U.S. Senators and 50 Congressmen voted against the declaration, although after much heated debate, the resolution finally passed on April 6, 1917.

Citizens protested America's involvement and thousands went to jail for interfering with the draft. Protesting the war was in vogue long before Vietnam. It was in the midst of this domestic turmoil that New York State Commissioner of Education Henry Sterling Chapin hatched the idea of a national essay contest to develop an American's Creed. By contest deadline, more than 3000 entries were received. William Tyler Page of Friendship Heights, Maryland, a descendent of President John Tyler and himself a congressional page, came up with the wording for the creed."

Well, that's the story of how The American's Creed came into being. Whether you agree with this creed or abide by it is up to you, along with all other free people in this country. That's the blessings of our system. We have the right to choose our own destiny. But there is one thing we should never forget, and that is the fact that these blessings are only available so long as our nation is free. That's why 9-11-01 should have been a wake up call for every freedom loving person in this country. But for some who don't want us to win or too quickly forget, we need to be constantly reminded of the scarred faces of the firemen, other rescue workers and countless victims who were pulled from the rubble on that very sad day.

God only knows what the future holds for our nation.Ê For me personally, I will proudly say that I believe in The American's Creed and will do all that I can to be a responsible citizen, to support our leaders, and be a positive influence on as many people as I can, both now and in the future. In my heart, I believe this is also true for all of you who will read this column. We know that when things are at their worst, you'll find Americans at their best. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 435 - YOU MAY BE SEEING RED

No. 435

YOU MAY BE SEEING RED!

Someone once said that danger is "The anger of a great man the tumult of a mob a widow that has been thrice married a wind that comes in at a hole a reconciled enemy." It took me a moment on that part that says, a widow that has been thrice married, but I was swift as a deer that had been shot at and missed, when it came to that last part a reconciled enemy. There is little doubt among the vast majority of our citizens that we do have a reconciled enemy. These are the people that we call ÔTerrorists' and they would literally destroy us, if given the opportunity. For this reason, we must all be constantly vigilant to preempt any terrorist act that would cause vast destruction and loss of life.

Soon after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, our government was swift to set up a Department of Homeland Defense to coordinate all of our recourses to try to prevent this from ever happening again. I say "try" because there is no guarantee that anything can be done to prevent this type of thing from again visiting our shores. Our nation's airports, government buildings, critical infrastructure such as nuclear plants and railroads, harbors, shopping malls and other locations where people congregate are the most vulnerable. Those of us who love sports are also deeply concerned about football stadiums and basketball arenas filled to capacity and a terrorist cell deciding that's the target they want to hit. It would be more than tragic should this ever happen.

For the above stated reasons I want to share something with you that a reader sent me the other day. This was soon after Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge had announced that our national alert was being raised from yellow to orange, which means from "Elevated" to "High." This reader was not looking to see his name in print or receive any credit for his idea. He just wanted to share an idea that might make us more aware of a nation in peril and might just make a difference in the future. I might also point out that I would not waste your time if I did not think the threat of Ôterrorism' was going to be with us for some time. We only have to look to the nation of Israel to see what is possible unless we are constantly on guard to prevent it.

This gentleman, whom I will call a patriot, begins by saying, "You will probably recall that there has been some national discussions concerning our ho-hum complacency in regard to our country's current status of alert. What do you think about making the following suggestion to our country through your column? "Whenever the National Alert is raised to Orange, each of us would wear an article of orange colored clothing, not coordinated with the rest of our apparel. Women could wear an orange colored scarf, blouse, hat, etc. Men could wear an orange colored shirt, jacket or tie. If the alert is raised again to "Red," then we could all wear something red."

Of course this kind of dress would be so conspicuous that it would draw attention to the occasion of Homeland Security, and remind us to be vigilantly alert. Now, that's his idea. Let me ask you what you think about it? Would you be willing to do it if you thought it would make us more aware of the dangers we face from terrorists?

Personally, I wish it had been some other color than orange. When I was in Junior High School my mother bought me an orange shirt and made me wear it. I hated it. However, since I've gotten older I have come to like the color orange and I know some of my friends in Texas and Tennessee love it, too. That's their school's color.

But seriously, at this point the idea of wearing a piece of orange or red colored clothing, depending on the alert status, may be far removed from your thinking, but it could be placed on the front burner in a hurry. All we would need is another major terrorist attack to make us realize how vulnerable we really are. After this column runs in several newspapers, I will send a copy to Secretary Ridge to get his thoughts, as well. Obviously, my column only reaches a very small fraction of the American people, but all it would take is a few well chosen words from Tom Ridge during one of those high powered news conferences, to get the word out.

Personally, I would do everything I could to help save the lives of my fellow citizens and sometimes the timing of a good idea could bring that about. One thing for sure, none of us should be complacent, because we face a great danger. Here is another positive. Most men do not own anything to wear colored orange or red; therefore should this idea catch on, the purchase of special colored items of clothing would no doubt cause another positive spike in our economy. To me, this idea sounds far out, but we may be there someday. By then, we may all be seeing red. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 1093 - HAVE A GRATEFUL HEART!

No. 1093

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE A GRATEFUL HEART!

Each year in our country we observe a day that we call “Thanksgiving,” a day set aside to pause and reflect on the many people, things and blessings for which we should be thankful. For me the list is quite long, but more importantly as we ponder this most important topic, for what are you thankful? Are things going really well for you just now or could they be much better?
It is just human nature to want to be happy and successful, and I truly believe one of the keys to being a truly happy person is to be thankful and even grateful for what we have been given. Just pause here for a moment and consider all the reasons you should be thankful.
We can always look around and see others who have more and still others who have much less. The truth is that we should never compare ourselves to others, because their circumstances are different from ours. It has been said that attitude is gratitude, and the place to begin any day, task, job, journey or chapter in our lives is to first consider what we have going for us. The old Roman orator, literary critic and philosopher Cicero (106-43 BC) once said, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all other virtues.”
So again, what do you personally have going for which you can be grateful? Please give this some thought because it could be far more important than you realize. As I work with and observe others, it distresses me to see those people that are ungrateful, especially those who have an attitude of entitlement. They seem to think that everyone else owes them a living and that they should not have to work and earn the rewards they receive. You show me a person who is an “ingrate” (which is to say ungrateful), and I will show you one who is not using their great potential, not only to help themselves but also to help others.
As I look back over my life, I realize the number of days behind me are far greater than those before me. My prayer is that I can use my remaining days to make America an even greater country for those who will come after me, namely our young people, who are America’s real hope. When I was thinking about writing this column, I remembered a poem written by Will Allen Dromgoole titled “The Bridge Builder.” It is one of my favorites and expresses my sentiments so well. Hopefully you will think about the message here as well.
It begins with these words, “An old man traveling a lone highway, came at the evening cold and gray, to a chasm vast and deep and wide, through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim, the sullen stream held no fears for him; but he turned when safe on the other side, and built a bridge to span the tide.
“‘Old man’, cried a fellow pilgrim near, ‘You’re wasting your time in building here. Your journey will end with the closing day; you never again will pass this way. You have crossed the chasm deep and wide, why build you this bridge at even-tide?’
“The builder lifted his old gray head: ‘Good friend, in the path I have come,’ he said, ‘there followeth after me today a youth whose feet must pass this way. This stream which has been as naught to me, to that fair-haired youth may pitfall be; he, too, must cross in the twilight dim – good friend, I am building this bridge for him’.”
My friend, I hope that you are using the gifts and talents that God and others have given you. Just remember that it all begins with a grateful heart. Cicero was right; it is the parent of all other virtues.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1094 - THE AMERICAN'S CREED!

No. 1094

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE AMERICAN’S CREED

When it comes to patriotism and being loyal to our country, a newspaper publisher friend in Pennsylvania sent me something several years ago that I thought was worth passing along.
What he sent was a copy of “The American’s Creed,” and it seems so appropriate for our day. Actually, this column ran a good while back, but my good friend Wally Ballentine, former general manager of the Hot Springs Sentinel Record, requested that I run it again. So Wally, here it is.
THE AMERICAN’S CREED: “I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon the principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots have sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
Here is how The American’s Creed came about. America’s involvement in World War I was a difficult and divisive issue for our nation. “President Woodrow Wilson struggled to maintain a position of American neutrality toward the European conflict. But when a German U-boat sank the unarmed British liner “Lusitania,” killing more than 1,000 people (including 128 Americans) on May 7, 1915, the president felt compelled to go before Congress to request a Declaration of War. Six out of 96 U.S. Senators and 50 Congressmen voted against the declaration. After much heated debate, the resolution finally passed on April 6, 1917.
“Citizens protested America’s involvement and thousands went to jail for interfering with the draft. Protesting the war was in vogue long before Vietnam. It was in the midst of this domestic turmoil that New York State Commissioner of Education Henry Sterling Chapin hatched the idea of a national essay contest to develop an American’s Creed. By contest deadline, more than 3,000 entries were received. William Tyler Page of Friendship Heights, Md., a descendent of President John Tyler and himself a congressional page, came up with the wording for the creed.”
Well, that’s the story of how The American’s Creed came into being. Whether you agree with this creed or abide by it is up to you, along with all other free people in this country. That’s the blessings of our system. We have the right to choose our own destiny. But there is one thing we should never forget, and that is the fact that these blessings are only available so long as our nation is free. That’s why 9-11-2001 should have been a wake-up call for every freedom-loving person in this country. But for some who don’t want us to win or too quickly forget, we need to be constantly reminded of the scarred faces of the firemen, other rescue workers and countless victims who were pulled from the rubble on that very sad day.
Only God knows what the future holds for our nation. For me personally, I will proudly say that I believe in The American’s Creed and will do all that I can to be a responsible citizen, to support our leaders, and be a positive influence on as many people as I can, both now and in the future. We know that when things are at their worst, you’ll find Americans at their best. One thing for sure, I will always respect and honor our flag. People who don’t are uninformed and just do not understand the true cost of our freedom.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1095 - WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

No. 1095

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

It has been said that “The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.” I might add that a lot of what we have is determined by what we believe. For example, where would we be in life if we did not believe in hard work, treating others with respect, being honest, caring deeply about our fellow human beings, and saving some of our income?
What brought these thoughts to mind is something my good friend Coach Dale Brown sent me a while back. It was a compilation of thoughts, each beginning with the two words, “I Believe.” See if you agree and can benefit from some, or all, of the following thoughts:
I believe, “that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you once in a while and you must forgive them for that.” I believe, “That we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.” I believe, “That it is taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I believe, “That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.”
I believe, “That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.” I believe, “That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.” I believe, “That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.” I believe, “That either you control your attitude or it controls you.” I believe, “That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.” I believe, “That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.”
I believe. “That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you are down will be the ones to help you get back up.” I believe, “That sometimes when I am angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.” I believe, “That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you have learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.” I believe, “That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.”
I believe, “That it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.” I believe, “That you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.” I believe, “That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.” I believe, “That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.” I believe, “That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.”
I believe, “That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you find the strength to help.” I believe, “That you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them.” I believe, “That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.” (I can say, “A-men” to that one.) I believe, “That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.” I believe, “That you will share this with those people you care about the most.” As I have just done.
And just one more thought before I go. As I am sure you know, we have a very divided nation right now, and as individuals we can choose to be a part of the solution or be a part of the problem. Let’s all get on the same page and be grateful that we are all Americans.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1096 - HOW WAS YOUR DAY?

No. 1096

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW WAS YOUR DAY?

The other day I read a very sad statistic -- in every 40 seconds, somewhere in the world, a person commits suicide. It is safe to say that these people were not having a good day, as they committed the most tragic act of all. They had simply given up hope and saw no other way out.
Personally, I would consider this column to be a success if I could keep even one person from doing this, as life is the most precious gift we are given. Without question, one thing that has served me well is that I have formed the habit of being a very positive, optimistic person. I do my best to see the good in others, my own special privilege to serve others, and to be grateful for all the opportunities I have in this great country.
If you are not just naturally a positive person, how about trying something that could help you a great deal and even possibly save your life. Here is what I want to suggest that you try -- when you get out of bed each day, repeat this poem “A New Day,” written by Dr. Heartsill Wilson.
“This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil, SUCCESS not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.”
After doing this for a good period of time, when someone asks the question, “How Was Your Day?” you will be able to respond on most days by saying, “It was fantastic.” You see, actions trigger feelings and feelings trigger actions. It is the same with success -- if you want to be more successful, just begin to think and act like you are already successful. Before long it will come to pass. Now please don’t misunderstand, I am not talking a “pie in the sky” kind of thinking. Whatever we want out of life, we have to work, earn, and pay the price for it. Sadly, this is something a lot of parents are not teaching their children.
In the long run we don’t really help those who depend on us by doing things for them or giving them things they don’t earn. We all need encouragement -- I need it and you need it. But that encouragement needs to help us grow up and accept responsibility for ourselves. I can promise you this, other than those people who have a terminal medical condition, the ones who commit suicide never came to understand what I have been sharing here.
In my own life I have found what works best for me is to forget myself and think of others, and what I can do to help them. Following is a poem I found by an unknown author that says it better than I ever could.
HOW WAS YOUR DAY
“Is anybody happier because you passed this way? Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today? The day is almost over and its toiling time is through, is there anyone to utter now a kindly word to you? Can you say tonight in parting with the day that’s slipping past; that you helped a single being of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you said or did? Does the man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day or lose it; was it well or poorly spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent? As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say, “You have earned one more tomorrow, by the work you did today?”
By the way: How Was Your Day?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1097 - THE "LINCH-PIN" OF PROGRESS!

No. 1097

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE “LINCH-PIN” OF PROGRESS!

Several weeks ago my good friend Craig O’Neill, news anchor for KTHV Television in Little Rock, spoke for our annual Bookcase Fundraising Banquet. He did a fantastic job. While sitting at the head table before the meeting started, he asked me this question. “Why is Conway so successful? He had just observed our big new shopping center on Interstate 40, and he knew we are the fastest growing city in our state. I thought for a moment and then responded. “I can give you the answer with one word, and that word is EDUCATION!”
I know there are many other reasons, but I went on to explain that we have a university and two colleges here, plus three separate school districts. When you consider that a couple of these institutions of higher education are more than 100 years old, and that a good percentage of the graduates remain here after they graduate, this has raised the educational level of our community. In fact, 36 percent of the adults in our county have at least a bachelor’s degree. When you consider that the state average is about 16 percent, you begin to get the picture. I would state further that when you find a community thriving and doing well, at least here in our state, you would find a college or university in this community.
At this point I am going to make a bold statement, and then do my best to defend it. Education is the linchpin of progress. The definition of a linchpin is “a pin placed through the end of an axle in order to keep a wheel from sliding off.” Thus the analogy, the linchpin of progress is “education,” as this is what, in many respects, keeps the wheels of our society from coming off. It has been said that education actually began the first time a caveman hurled an insult instead of a spear.
While every state has its own background and story when it comes to education, what I hope you will consider if you are reading this column anywhere in America is the fact that there are important people who are largely responsible for your progress. One of the key people in our state’s educational history is the late Arch Ford, who was commissioner of the Arkansas State Department of Education from 1953 to 1978 and served during the terms of five different governors.
Personally, I am grateful for a retired history teacher, Cindy Beckman, who has done a tremendous amount of research and writing to leave both present and future generations with a fantastic book, “Man of Vision – Arkansas Education and the Legacy of Arch Ford.” There is no better way to give a quick overview of this book than to share a portion of what is printed on the back cover. “Arch Ford’s vision was to expand educational opportunities because he believed education was the foundation for improving people’s lives. Throughout his career, he campaigned for increased educational funding, better-qualified teachers, and higher teacher’s salaries.
“Ford helped to lead the state in peacefully integrating its schools and established 23 vocational-technical schools. He also spearheaded the Arkansas Educational Television Network to provide instructional programming across the state. Further, he helped opportunities that include kindergarten, special education, community colleges, and adult education.”
To say it simply, Arch Ford truly made a difference. If you could read Cindy’s book you would be truly informed and educated about this most important topic. Obtain a copy from Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1098 - A NO-NONSENSE SALES PLAN!

No. 1098

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A NO-NONSENSE SALES PLAN!

As I thought about today’s column, “A No-Nonsense Sales Plan,” I recalled a time back in the late 1960s when I was selling printing and office supplies for one of our state’s largest commercial printers. In the course of my work I got to know the late George Fisher, an outstanding artist and political cartoonist for the Arkansas Gazette newspaper. George owned a local art studio and he did a lot of artwork for the various printing jobs I sold. One time I recall, after winning a statewide sales award that he did a large caricature of a photo taken on this occasion. The reason I share this is because of the way he signed his work, “To Jim Davidson - the Hardest Working Man in the Western Hemisphere.’
Of course George embellished the truth a bit, but I did work hard. This resulted in a lot of good things happening for me that I never dreamed possible, only a few years before. You may know that “sales” is one of the highest paid professions in the American Free Enterprise System. This is especially true for people like me who do not have a college degree, a prerequisite for most any professional career. If you are in sales, have a family member or friend in sales, you might benefit from the following no-nonsense sales plan. I discovered it in my files, and it was originally printed in the house organ of the Central/Terminal Distribution Centers, based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
“You should know that 20 percent of your customers provide 80 percent of your sales. You get more dollars per hour selling to the top 20 percent than to the other customers, (16 times more, in fact.) Double your calls to important customers and reduce your calls to the remaining 80 percent. You will sell more. Another 20 percent of your customers give you only 2 percent of your sales. Drop these customers. Don’t just cut back your visits, drop them. Some include your favorite people. People that make you feel good. People who love to talk about yesterday’s ball game but never buy anything. Scrap them. You’ll sell more.
“In place of those 20 percent you no longer visit, assign 20 percent of your time (all day Monday) to seeing potential customers you have never seen before. Follow up with every new contact a week later, asking for the order, if you didn’t get it on the first visit. You’ll sell more. Do not go to the office before you start selling in the morning. Do not return to the office when you are finished. Do office work in half-day chunks. Once you get to the office, stay there until you have finished all your paper work. Plan this at least a week ahead.
“What about returning phone calls? Call your secretary from home early in the morning and make your calls then and there. You’ll sell more. Do not count your sales calls. The number of sales calls is irrelevant because sales calls are not orders. If you want to sell more, count your sales. If you are not on commission, get on commission. To be paid for sweat, rather than results, stay on a salary. To be paid for results, get on commission. Change from salary to commission to make your income rise along with company profits.
“A good example is when a local firm was recently acquired by another company. The new owner immediately put salesmen on commission. Sales are now higher than before, the company is planning an expansion, and yes, the salesmen make more than their boss. The boss, an astute manager, likes it this way because the company is prospering.” Hope there is an idea here you can use. Happy selling.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1099 - PLAYING MUSIC STIMULATES THE BRAIN!

No. 1099

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PLAYING MUSIC STIMULATES THE BRAIN!

While my wife Janis and I have known each other for several years, several months after our spouses passed away and we began to see each other, I soon came to realize what a brilliant person she truly is. And I say that not just because she was smart enough to marry me, ha. Granted, she came from a family of achievers, was valedictorian of her high school graduating class, and has over 40 years of business experience, but there may be another much more important reason.
As a columnist, I am always on the lookout for topics and subject matter that I feel will benefit you and my other readers across the country. Almost by chance I came to preview a topic that helps me understand why Janis is so sharp, and also how her educational background could be a tremendous help to you and others you can influence. What I discovered was an article written by Anita Collins titled, “How playing an instrument benefits your brain,” that was featured on the website: www.tech-ed.com. After you read this column, if you have any interest at all I want to encourage you to go to this website, preview it, and get the full benefit of all the great information it contains.
After you do, you will come to a better understanding of why I have reached my conclusions about her. Here is the essence of what this article says. In recent years, research by neuroscientists has determined that playing a musical instrument has benefits for developing the brain unlike any other activity. They discovered that you could monitor the brain’s activity by hooking up advanced technological instruments and monitoring the brain’s activity in real time. When observing, again in real time, such activity as reading and doing math problems they observed what was happening in certain areas of the brain.
However, when they observed the brain’s activity when listening to music, there were multiple areas of the brain being utilized all at the same time. It was like fireworks going off. The breakthrough came when they monitored musicians actually playing a musical instrument. It was like a jubilee taking place in the brain, and this activity was like being the equivalent of a full workout for the body. As one who has gone to a gym many times over the past few years, and doing a physical workout on the many and varied machines, I could see the human brain being exercised in much the same way.
The bottom line is that this increased brain activity results in personal benefits in other critical areas of life, such as improved memory, critical thinking, problem solving, planning skills, interpersonal relationships and many others. We know from experience that what we don’t use, we lose. Without her even being aware, here is some activity that Janis has been doing for over six decades that has served her well, not only in developing her fantastic brain but in her social areas of life as well. Her mother was a fantastic piano player and actually taught piano for many years, and she also taught Janis to play at an early age as well.
Janis has continued to play all these years, knowing it was enjoyable and that it was such a blessing to others, but not knowing or understanding that she was exercising and developing her brain at the same time. So, here is the bottom line. If you don’t already, learning to play a musical instrument, and encouraging your children to learn to play as well, could bring tremendous benefits for your life.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1100 - HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD!

No. 1100

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD!

The other day a lady who works for us in the Fudge Factory at Pickles Gap Village made an interesting comment to me. She said, when referring to another lady who formerly made fudge for us, “She does not come up to my standards.” Of course I knew what she meant. When someone is good at something and takes great pride in their work, they do not like to see someone else do any less, especially when they are making the same salary.
The word “standard” is an interesting one. According to the dictionary it means, “Any type of model, example, for comparison; a criterion of excellence: a standard of conduct.” In our nation today, this is so important that the United States Government has a “National Bureau of Standards” that sets forth the criteria for various weights and measures. Going all the way back to 1911, they have published four editions of a booklet that defines what these standards are. While a standard for weights and measures is one thing, a standard for a person’s conduct is something very different.
When it comes to a person’s conduct, there is one standard our nation has used going all the way back to our Founding Fathers, and this is the Bible. This was so important back in those days that Congress actually purchased Bibles to give to our citizens. The approval came in September 1782. If you would like to know more, just go to Google on the Internet and type in “When Congress endorsed and purchased Bibles” and you will find a number of articles that will confirm this.
What I have just shared is an introduction to something a lot of us are not living up to but could make a tremendous difference in our quality of life, both now and for future generations. There is little question that Christians are held to a higher standard, as well we should be. When we don’t measure up, like my earlier fudge-making example, it hurts the cause of Christ. To be sure, the media will let us know about it. This is because all of us who call ourselves “Christian” have a testimony for Jesus, whether it is a good one or a poor one.
I am here to tell you that when preachers or religious leaders like Jim Bakker or Jimmy Swaggart, or countless others, fall from grace, it does hurt the cause of Christ. Of course we all sin, as it says in Romans 2:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” By the same measure, we can all be completely forgiven by sincerely repenting and confessing our sins as it says in I John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Please understand this is not a Bible lesson I am sharing with you. Rather it is a heartfelt cry from a forgiven sinner and one who truly loves and cares about America.
As we all know from the recent national election, we have a divided nation. While it has been said thousands and thousands of times, Jesus Christ is the only answer to helping us heal the divide and unite us as a people once again. Either we all win or we all lose. It is that simple. To be sure, I always want to be on the side of “right” and I believe that to be, by loving my fellow man, even those I may disagree with.
As Christians, we are held to a higher standard and we can be sure that others are watching us. Let us live it and not just talk it. We are our Brother’s keeper.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1101 - IDLENESS WARPS THE MIND!

No. 1101

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IDLENESS WARPS THE MIND!

As I begin to share my thoughts for this installment, please allow me to make an honest confession. If it is something I love to do and can do well, I love to work. Honest work brings more rewards than practically anything else because this has a way of defining who we are as a person. Several years ago, I was beginning a “How To Plan Your Life” seminar at the Jacksonville (AR) High School. Talking with the Principal, Bobby Lester, he said something to me that I have never forgotten. He said, “We don’t outsmart people, we outwork them.”
Apparently this philosophy worked for Bobby, as he went on to become the superintendent of the entire Pulaski County School System, the largest in our state. He also held Superintendent of Schools positions in several other Arkansas communities. These thoughts lead me to a quote I ran across a while back by Henry Ford that has ramifications for all of us, especially the lazy and ne’er-do-well who are shiftless and irresponsible. He said, “Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind. Thinking without constructive action becomes a disease.”
While I don’t know about you, that quote speaks volumes to me. When you think about a person being idle or lazy, and it actually becoming a disease, you can better understand some of the problems we have regarding mental illness. While I am not a doctor and do not want to be accused of practicing medicine, I can better understand why some people wind up sleeping under bridges and being down on their luck. My heart goes out to these people because they missed the boat somewhere in their upbringing. Of course, I am talking about those who are mentally and physically able to work, but are just habitually lazy.
But the other side of the coin is so much more rewarding. Suffice it so say, as I have talked about many times in this column, we are creatures of habit. If we get in the habit of thinking we can do something -- like get a good job -- the odds are in our favor that we will. Here is something I ran across in my files a while back that says it better than I can: “Somebody said that it couldn’t be done, but he with a chuckle, replied, that maybe it couldn’t, but he would be one who wouldn’t say so till he tried. So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin, on his face, if he worried he hid it. And he started to sing as he tackled the thing – that couldn’t be done and he did it.”
While we have millions of people in America today who are unemployed or underemployed, we also have thousands and thousands of jobs that go unfilled; most are low-paying and the unemployed can draw more from government handouts than they can earn from working. What most of these people do not know, or believe, is the truth of what Henry Ford’s quote was saying, “Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind. Thinking without constructive action becomes a disease.”
Those of us who love to work and pay taxes are praying that our economy will improve and give the unemployed the incentive to get off the dole, and that prosperity will be for everyone and not just those who are skilled and highly educated. The secret to success has always been to be willing to start at or near the bottom and work our way up to the top, or at least far better than where we started.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1102 - THE RISE OF "SEVEN-ELEVEN" SONGS!

No. 1102

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE RISE OF “SEVEN-ELEVEN” SONGS

Over the past several years in churches all across America, we have seen a steady rise in the use of “Seven-Eleven” songs. In case you don’t know, a Seven-Eleven song is one that contains seven words that are repeated 11 times. This trend has resulted in many churches today singing what has come to be known as praise songs, with the aid of a band and with no members in a choir. While church members singing the old hymns in a choir has been a staple in American churches for over a hundred years, things do change, and sometimes we must change with them.
While I am not gifted in music, or singing, I just know what blesses and sounds good to me, and I look at this trend perhaps a little differently than most people who regularly attend church. As best I can tell, this is an issue based mostly along generational lines, with young people preferring the praise songs while older adults like me preferring the old hymns. Sadly this issue has caused more division than any other in a long time, but it should not be this way, and to offer some positive suggestions is the reason why I am writing this column.
Former President John F. Kennedy is on record as saying, “The great danger is not that the present generation will destroy our system. The great danger is that we won’t transmit it.” There is a reason why the old hymns were, and are, so important and that is the powerful message the words contain, and not just singing or “chanting” words over and over again to emotional, stirring music. For the uninitiated, I felt it might be good to share some verses from the hymns “Amazing Grace” and “Victory in Jesus” and also words from the popular praise song, “Our God” and just contrast the difference.
Here are a couple of verses from the hymn, “Amazing Grace” – Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed.”
And now the verses from “Victory in Jesus” – I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, how He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning of his precious blood’s atoning, then I repented of my sins and won the victory.”
And now words from the popular praise song, “Our God” – Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power, our God! our God! Into the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise, there’s no one like you, none like you! Our God is healer, awesome in power, our God! our God! Our God is greater, our God is stronger. God you are higher than any other.” Well, I will just leave it there as the words from the hymns and this praise song will speak for themselves.
Now, I am pleased to tell you that in our church we have a music and song service that truly honors God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. We have a large, wonderful choir, two pianos, an orchestra and drums located in an enclosed booth, and we sing both the old hymns and praise songs in a blend that blesses and pleases almost everyone. When you combine this with a stirring message from a fantastic pastor, we leave our worship services having been fed and truly blessed. Please give this some thought. The choice of music should honor God and never divide us.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1103 - BE PROACTIVE AND GET THINGS DONE!

No. 1103

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE PROACTIVE AND GET THINGS DONE!

It is often said that there is some “good” in all of us, even the worst among us. At least there is some good that can come from the worst of us. A good case in point is the Nike slogan “Just Do It” that was inspired by Gary Gilmore, a murderer who demanded that his execution be carried out instead of the endless delays that are usually a part of the legal process. But to back up a minute, “Just Do It” is the trademark of the shoe company Nike, and one of the core components of Nike’s brand.
The slogan was coined in 1988 at an advertising agency meeting. The founder of Wieden-Kennedy Agency, Dan Wieden, credits the inspiration for his “Just Do It” Nike slogan to Gary Gilmore’s last words. The “Just Do It” campaign allowed Nike to further increase its share of the North American domestic sport-shoe business from 18 percent to 43 percent (from $877 million to $9.2 billion in worldwide sales) from 1988 to 1998. And who says that words are not powerful -- not me!
This slogan is what I thought of when I got an e-mail recently from my good friend Dennis Schick, former executive director of the Arkansas Press Association for 25 years. Dennis and his wife Jan attended our recent Bookcase Fundraising Banquet, where we announced that this coming year we are going to have a book drive to provide at least one book for every child who attends our annual Awards Ceremony, in addition to the 50 Head Start children who will receive personalized bookcases and a starter set of books.
In typical fashion for Dennis, he sent me a list of ideas for collecting books in our community for this occasion. What really caught my attention was something he said, “Let’s be PROACTIVE rather than just waiting around for someone else to act.” In other words, “Just Do It.” Thanks, Dennis, we will and we are asking everyone to help us because it is for a very worthy cause -- helping these children learn to read, and even develop a passion for reading. Before I share his thoughts, let me say, if you live here, HELP US. If you don’t, get involved in starting a Bookcase for Every Child project in your community. Visit our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com for more information. Here are some ideas to “Just Do It”:
* Why not have a TEAM in each neighborhood GO DOOR TO DOOR ASKING for books. The ideal team would be a man and woman with one or more children with them. How about the KIDS asking for books? (We’re collecting books to give to children who can’t afford them). How about them pulling a WAGON with decorated boxes with some books in them (priming the pump -- Kids helping kids.)
* Further, have a FLYER to leave if no one is there, with information on it, including “Sorry we missed you, but please bring your gently used children’s books to XXXXX.”
* How about asking FIRE STATIONS to agree to be a drop-off place for books? THEY would get a GOOD NEIGHBOR pat on the back, and everyone knows where the fire station is. People would be REMINDED about books every time they passed a fire station, heard a siren, etc.
* Would ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (and their PTAs) be allowed to have a volunteer stand where cars drop off kids every school morning with a box and sign which says, “BOOKS FOR KIDS!” A note could be sent home with kids telling their parents to drop off books WITH their kids.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1104 - THE THREE "L's" OF LONGEVITY!

No. 1104

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE THREE “L’s” OF LONGEVITY!

It has been said that “old age” is a club, that with luck, we all join. I know this is true because any person has to be somewhat “lucky” to make it to this lofty status, whether we consider old ago to be 70, 80, 90 or even 100.
In fact, I read the obituaries in our local paper every day and sadly many people do not even make it to age 50. Now, please allow me to pause here and ask you a somewhat personal question. Depending on your current age and your health, would you like to live to be a hundred years of age?
The answer for me, with a big “if” that is, if I still have a sound mind and a relatively sound body is – yes - and another big “if” I can still be useful and be of service to others. While I have no way of knowing, I suspect this is also true for most other people who live in our medical technology-advanced nation. Why else would we spend billions of dollars each year on pills and hospitals? Now assuming you still have some years in front of you and would like to have even more, I have some thoughts to share that may be of interest.
In addition to “luck” there are several other factors that can help us live a much longer life. I believe the first is “good genes,” meaning we come from a long line of relatives who live to be a ripe old age. I have a friend in my Sunday school class who is 90, and we played golf a few years ago. He has one sister who is 97 and another who is 103, so “Bill” is expecting to live a while longer.
Another factor is diet and exercise and how we take care of our bodies. A while back I made an interesting observation in this regard. When Janis and I went to Branson a few weeks ago, in the motel where we were staying there were two or three groups of people who came in tour buses and were also staying there. These were all elderly people, and they came to the coffee shop early to enjoy the great breakfast the motel provided for their guests. With the exception of two or three people who had a little extra weight, all the others were very thin, and most were skinny as a rail. None of them looked like many of those I see at the grocery store every time I go shopping. It has been said that you see a lot of fat people, and you see a lot of old people but you rarely see any old, fat people. Fat people don’t usually get old.
But back to what I was saying earlier about wanting to become a “centenarian” or to live to be 100 years of age. According to “wiki-answers” the fastest growing age group in our country are those 85 years of age and older, and this includes centenarians. It is reported that today that there are more than 65,000 people who have reached this lofty age. This is enough people to replace all those who live here in our community, and today it’s so crowded, we have trouble navigating our streets.
Olivia de Havilland, a famous movie star, turned 100 on July 1, 2016, and she now lives in Paris. Older Americans will recognize her as one who played in “Gone with the Wind” and many other films. She says there are three “L’s” that are the keys to longevity. These are Love, Laughter, and Learning. This is pretty good advice, especially if you consider that if you make it to 100, you have enjoyed the trip.
To be sure, “Love” makes a difference. We know that bitterness, anger and hatred, the opposite of love, will eat you alive. The person who loves is just naturally happy, and what more can you say about learning than it keeps your mind sharp. To be sure, I wish for you a long, happy and productive life.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1105 - THE ELK IN BOXLEY VALLEY!

No. 1105

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ELK IN BOXLEY VALLEY!

While we don’t have the Grand Canyon, the Statute of Liberty, the Gateway Arch, Mount Rushmore or the Giant Redwoods, we do have the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas. And the scenery here is some of the best in the nation.
Back when I was traveling and working as a businessman consultant with our schools, I had speaking engagements in 72 of our 75 counties. Because it is so sparsely populated, the Ozarks was one area of our state that I had not visited a good deal. This changed to some degree recently when Janis and I decided to spend a few days in Branson, Mo., and we took a side trip to the Boxley Valley in Newton County in the hopes of seeing some elk that are residents there.
At one time, elk populations numbered in the millions and occupied habitats across most of North America. However, shrinking habitat and overhunting reduced these large populations to a few persistent herds in the West. Back in 1933, The USDA Forest Service introduced Rocky Mountain elk in Franklin County, Arkansas, but in a few years they disappeared, with speculation that illegal hunting, natural mortality and shrinking habitat caused their demise.
Then in 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in cooperation with private citizens, initiated another elk restoration project in the Ozark Mountains. Between 1981 and 1985, 112 elk from Colorado and Nebraska were released in our state, with all release sites near the Buffalo National River. The AGFC monitors the elk herd with the cooperation of the National Park Service. The Arkansas elk range covers approximately 315,000 acres, of which 85,000 is public land. Through field observation, records on public comments and non-hunting mortalities, today the herd is estimated at about 450 animals, enough to have a permit-only, closely monitored, elk hunting season.
As their numbers grew and more and more people became aware they could actually see these magnificent creatures, they began to flock to this area of our beautiful state. There are several areas where elk can be observed, but one of the best is Boxley Valley, where the highway, lush green fields and the Buffalo River run side by side. The best time to see them is during the rut season in September and October and then only early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
For Janis and me, here is where fate took over. On the day we had planned to visit the viewing site, we left home about 9 a.m. After stopping for lunch, we would have been there in the middle of the day, where our chances to see elk would have been slim and none. But
when we got to Clinton, where we planned to eat, we discovered that we had failed to turn off the coffee pot, so we turned around and went all the way back home. This delay caused us to arrive at Boxley Valley around 4:30 p.m. As we drove along, we observed a number of cars stopped along the road, and they were observing three very large bull elk out in the field.
Of course, we stopped and viewed them as well, and took some pictures. When we headed back to Jasper, around 5 p.m., we stopped at the Buffalo River to observe this fantastic and natural resource. However, before leaving decided to drive a couple of miles back down the road where we had seen the elk. This time there were probably 100 elk out in the field, all sizes, and they were so beautiful. Here is a great website: www.arkansaswildlifephotography.com.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1106 - BOOKCASE BANQUETS ACROSS AMERICA!

No. 1106

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BOOKCASE BANQUETS ACROSS AMERICA!

It is often said that we must first have a dream, before we can have a dream come true. If you have ever had something that was so important to you that you actually dreamed about it and in time this dream came true, you will understand, and even appreciate, what I want to share with you. At this time I am in the process of writing a book titled, “My Heart-Felt Passion” that I hope will live on long after I am gone. My heart-felt passion is literacy, helping children in low-income families learn to read early in life and develop a passion for reading that will last for a lifetime. The truth is, highly successful people are readers, and the losers in life, for the most part, are not readers.
Whether you realize it or not, what I am saying affects you and every other person in our nation. When I observe what is happening in our society today, with regards to crime and personal behavior, I believe so very strongly that the root cause is illiteracy. My heart breaks when I watch the local newscasts and see all the reports of robbery, murder, purse snatchings, riots and a plethora of other senseless acts, that show a complete lack of concern for the safety and welfare of other people. Again, the root cause for much of this is illiteracy.
Here in my hometown of Conway, Arkansas, back in 2005, a group of our local citizens started a bookcase literacy project as a way to combat this problem and turn potential losers into real winners. We build 50 personalized oak bookcases and give them to children in our local Head Start program. We also give them a starter set of children’s books to go with the bookcases. This is an all-volunteer project and no one earns a penny for their time, talents and other contributions. The great thing about our project is that it does not take much money, as our only expense is the money to buy the wood and other building materials. In fact, it only takes from $3,000 to $5,000 to build or buy the 50 bookcases.
While I certainly had some help, the first three years I raised most of this money by selling one of my books and calling on our banks, hospital, city-owned utility and other local citizens to give us a donation. Then in 2008, the Lord gave me what I believe was the best idea I had ever received in terms of funding the project and insuring the long-term success of making sure it continued. This idea was to have an annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet and invite our local citizens to come together for the cause of literacy. The ticket price for each person who attended was, and still is, $15.95 and includes a delicious meal, great local entertainment and an opportunity to “Give Back” for the cause of literacy.
It is important to hold this event in a public venue where everyone who attends feels comfortable. We use one of our fine public school cafeterias, and have now for the past nine years. Again, the real purpose is not only to raise money, but a coming together of our local people to be better informed about the need. This also gives them a chance to participate and get involved.
The truth is, most people have no idea how serious this problem really is and what it is costing the individuals who are illiterate and the rest of society that suffers a rising crime rate and billions of dollars of lost productivity.
My dream and my passion is that, in time, we will have Bookcase Literacy Banquets taking place in cities and towns all across America. All it takes to get a project started is just one person who has a passion. Go to our website: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com for more information.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1107 - AND THEN SOME!

No. 1107

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AND THEN SOME!

In our modern day society, we hear a great deal about the “secrets of success.”
In reality there are really no secrets, as this is simply a marketing gimmick used to sell many of those success motivation programs that are around today. True success can be summed by these words of former President Harry S. Truman. He said, “I studied the lives of famous men and women, and found that those who got to the top did the jobs they had at hand - with everything they had of energy, enthusiasm and hard work.”
Several years ago I had a wonderful, unique experience that brought this truth home to me in a very special way. During a “How to Plan Your Life” seminar at one of the many high schools where I was privileged to work, I met a young man by the name of Danny Sanders. Danny was a member of the senior class, and a few weeks after the seminar to my surprise I received a three-page, hand-written letter from him. Just the fact that a high school student had taken the time to write to me was very gratifying, but he shared something in his letter that may be of value to you. And I would be honored if you will allow me to pass it along to you.
In his letter, Danny told me about a young man who had become very successful at a young age. When someone asked him how he did it, he said, “And Then Some.” When asked what he meant he replied, “When I was in school and my teachers asked me to do something, I did it – and then some. Later, when I got a job and my employer told me to do something, I did it – and then some. (You will notice where I have gone from “asking” to “telling”.) Finally, when I started a business of my own, I did what my customers expected – and then some.
You see, this successful young man had been applying the universal natural law of cause and effect. This law, simply stated, means that for every cause there must be an effect and for every effect there must be a cause. By rendering more service than was actually required, he was using this universal law to get more rewards in return.
When it comes to achieving success, one of the biggest mistakes many people make is wanting the rewards before they render the service. This could be compared to a man standing in front of a cold, wood-burning stove and saying, “Give me some heat and then I will put in the wood.”
And now here is the great news. A real understanding and application of this natural law which has been stated as “And Then Some.” will give you everything on earth you desire. If you are having trouble making ends meet or having trouble in school or on your job, pause here and ask yourself this question: “Am I doing everything that is expected of me with the right attitude – and then some?” If you are not, then you are needlessly holding yourself back.
When you apply this principle to the success of a business, that little extra – and then some – is the profit, and without earning a profit, you won’t be around very long.
Until next time, here is something to think about that may be of great value to you. When a person concentrates all available energies on one specific task, the possibility of success is greatly increased. When time and talent are divided between several enterprises, chances of success are proportionally reduced.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1108 - THE POWERFUL HAND OF FATE!

No. 1108

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWERFUL HAND OF FATE!

It has been said, and rightly so, that we can choose our friends, but we can’t choose our relatives. As a human being, you, me and every other person who has ever been born is the confluence of a genetic pool that goes back thousands of years. We are unique, as no other person who is living, or has ever lived, has the same DNA, fingerprints, and even a voice print.
Yes, we are truly one-of-a-kind. The irony of all this is that we had absolutely no choice as to the color of our skin, where we were born, the identity of our parents, and the social and economic conditions into which we were born. We just showed up with all the potential given to us as unique human beings, who were created in the image of almighty God.
Now the question comes: what are we going to do with all this fantastic potential we have been given? It is here that the powerful hand of fate enters the picture. The word “Fate,” according to the dictionary, is defined as “the power supposed to determine the outcome of events before they occur; destiny.” Some people call this power chance, others call it luck, but based on my understanding, I choose to call it the power or hand of God.
If you were born in the United States of America, or have even become a naturalized citizen, you can thank your lucky stars, because fate, or whatever you choose to call it, has definitely smiled on you. You are one of the most blessed human beings on earth. In a little over 240 years, our nation has become the envy of the world, as our standard of living is the highest in history. Even though we have problems, there are thousands of people who line up each year to enter and live in our country.
There are two words that make it possible for you and me to plan, succeed and achieve our personal goals. These two words are Freedom and Opportunity. Over the years I have said many times, give me opportunity and then get out of my way.
Earlier I talked about “Fate” and the fact that we had no choice as to the color of our skin, where we were born, the identity of our parents, and the social and economic conditions into which we were born. Now, what I want you to see very clearly, even here in great prosperous America, is the way fate smiles on some people and in contrast does not smile on others. For example, my story and probably your story, are radically different from the story of a young baby born in a low-income housing unit, to a mother on crack cocaine with five other children, each with a different father and the child grows up in squalid conditions, and not even knowing who his or her father is.
My chances to succeed were so much better than this child’s, simply because fate smiled on me and blessed me more than I deserved. Neither of us had a choice, the day we were born. Again, here is the point I wish for you to see very clearly. When I watch the news on television each evening and see crime, murder, car jackings, purse snatchings and all the rest, I know that fate did not smile on most of the people who are committing these heinous acts. In 2016, there were more than 750 murders in the city of Chicago alone. I believe with all my heart that illiteracy is the root cause for much of this violence.
It is too late for most of this generation, but not for future generations -- and this is why our Bookcase for Every Child project is so important for those who will follow us. As time goes by and you learn more about our project, I hope you will choose to get involved. It has been said that “a society becomes great when old men and women plant trees whose shade they will never sit in.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1109 - THE TRAITS OF A GENTLEMAN!

No. 1109

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TRAITS OF A GENTLEMAN!

It is my sincere belief that one of the best compliments we can ever have said to us, or about us, is that we are a real gentlemen or a real lady. This is something that I have taken seriously for a long time now. If there has ever been a time in our nation’s history when this subject should be on the front burner, it’s now.
Being a real gentlemen or a real lady involves many things but the basic motivation for this kind of behavior is respect. When we respect other people, as we all should, it is just easy and natural to want to show them good manners and a simple courtesy that every human being deserves.
While being a gentleman and a lady certainly involves good manners, it is much more than that. Having been in the “helping people business” for more than 45 years, I believe a good education on this subject, that is free, will pay larger dividends than a college degree.
A while back I ran across a fantastic book by Kay West titled, “How To Raise A Gentleman” that really has a lot to offer, based on what I have been saying. Kay also has a companion book titled “How to Raise a Lady” that presents the subject from a female point of view.
Near the front of the book are “26 Things to Remember” that I call “traits.” The regular use and application of these will pay huge dividends in our lives. As I share them, please ask yourself if you do them on a regular basis and whether or not you can recommend them to others.
1. Use “please,” thank you,” and “excuse me” always. 2. Wait your turn. 3. be generous with compliments and stingy with criticism. 4. Listen to your child when he speaks to you, even if you’ve heard it before. 5. Do not discipline your child in front of others. 6. Do not correct any child, other than your own, on his manners, and always do that privately. (Now this is not easy, especially when they are destroying your things, - my comment). 7. Be clear about what you expect. 8. be consistent.
9. Do not give in to temper tantrums. 10. Do not lose your temper. 11. Admit when you are wrong. Offer an apology when you owe one. 12. Let your child know when a discussion has become a decision. 13. Words can hurt. Do not hurl them about as weapons. 14. Respect your child’s privacy and boundaries. Knock first. 15. Do not impose your ideology, and respect those whose ideology differs from your own. 16. Agree to disagree.
17. Give credit where credit is due. 18. Hold the door. 19. Lend a hand. 20. Be a good sport. 21. Be a gracious loser and a generous winner. 22. Give more than you are asked. 23. Don’t take more than you need. 24. Leave a place cleaner than you found it. 25. Do not respond to rudeness with rudeness. 26. Winning is not the only thing, and nice guys do finish first.
Well, that is the end of the 26 traits, and the word trait means, “A distinguishing feature or quality of character.”
At the conclusion of these thoughts my mind traveled to the national scene and what is happening just now in our great country. A lot of what I see on television and read in the newspapers does not reflect the traits of a gentleman, or a lady. We have so many people who are bitter over the results of our last national election that it threatens to destroy the national fabric upon which our country was founded. When children act rude and obscene, where do you think they learn this behavior?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1110 - OZARK MOUNTAIN COFFEE COMPANY!

No. 1110

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OZARK MOUNTAIN COFFEE COMPANY!

On a recent trip to Branson, Mo., Janis and I went on up the highway about 30 miles to Ozark, Mo., home of the Ozark Mountain Coffee Company. We sell their coffee here in the fudge shop at Pickles Gap Village.
While I love coffee, and have several cups every morning, I had never been to a business where they actually buy the coffee beans from three continents, roast them, and then package the finished product for consumers. What I learned and observed on our visit was so fascinating that I felt it would be of interest to you, especially if you are a coffee drinker or there are one or more coffee drinkers in your home.
Ozark Mountain is a three-person operation that roasts, packages, and ships product daily. Since the beginning of their operation back in 1994, they have provided specialty coffees across the country while also developing a wide variety of specialty teas to fill the needs of retailers.
As I said earlier, they utilize two to three coffee importers of the raw product from around the globe. They use a variety of Arabica beans and can create custom blends to complement the desired region’s characteristics of flavor, aroma, body and acidity. Being a roaster, they are able to affect the caffeine level by blending. Their roasting machine is a gas-fired steel drum, an air-cooled type that allows a range from 8- to 26-pound batches. These batch sizes allow for correct blending after the different beans have been properly roasted, including the same single origin roasted to different degrees.
While the process is a lot more involved than just pushing a few buttons and out comes the finished product, the many different flavors and blends they produce is what makes it so interesting. When you see all the brightly colored foil packages in their inventory, you have to be impressed, especially when you realize there is a different flavor in each one.
Here are a few of the many blends they offer, and the different regions of the world from which they come. MOUNTAIN MORNING – a full body, mellow, smooth flavor coffee that comes from Columbia and Costa Rica. BRANSON BLEND – a full body with a sweet nutty flavor coffee that comes from Costa Rica and Sumatra. (Sumatra is located on the Western side of Indonesia) TRAIL BLEND – a rich, full body coffee with hearty flavor and comes from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Kenya. PORCH VIEW BLEND – a superb flavor with a complex body coffee that comes from Guatemala and Sumatra.
They have many more blends they sell in smaller packages, and I might say here that if you are a thinking person this is the kind of experience that just kind of sneaks up on you. You are not that impressed when you arrive, but the longer you stay and learn, the more impressed you become. Ozark Mountain also offers bulk coffee from the following countries – Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Sumatra, and Tanzania.
As I thought about this small coffee company in the Ozarks, I was reminded of the famous Folgers jingle we have all heard, “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup. “
To be sure, this is a giant company, but every company starts somewhere. I am pleased to let you know about the Ozark Mountain Coffee Company. They have quality products.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1111 - STRAIGHT TALK THAT PAID OFF!

No. 1111

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

STRAIGHT TALK THAT PAID OFF!

The Golden Rule is to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” There is another golden rule that also affects the lives of many people. This could be called the “Economic Golden Rule”, and it can be summed up with these words, “He who has the gold makes the rule.” Because we live in a materialistic society, it’s important to also understand this other golden rule, because if we don’t, life can be very frustrating.
One of the greatest blessings I have had over the years, while traveling and making speeches, is that I get to meet and know so many fine people. This personal contact with people in all areas of society is where I get most of the ideas and concepts for this newspaper column. However, I realize that a good idea in itself is of little value to you unless I can show you how to use it and how to turn it into a benefit for your own life. Sometime time ago I was visiting with a businessman in South Mississippi and he told me a true story involving one of his employees that contains a very important principle.
It seems the mother of one of his employees had died recently and the employee was fast becoming an alcoholic. Word was beginning to spread that he was talking “smart” to some of the other employees. Well, the problem reached the point that it became necessary for my new friend to call him into his office. When he did, he closed the door behind him. After they chatted a moment, my friend looked him straight in the eye and called his name. He said, “You know your mother would not be proud of you and the way you are acting. You have a choice. You can either make your mother proud of you and the way you are acting or you can become a drunk. But you are not going to be a drunk and work for me.”
My friend went on to say, “I don’t want your answer now. I want to give you a few days to think about it, but come Monday, you come in sober and be ready to work, or be ready to leave.” Well, that was almost ten years ago and the man is still there and has become an excellent employee. He later said, “Mr. Moore, ain’t no one ever talked to me like that.”
You see, with my friend, it was not just an employee with a problem; it was a human being that he really cared about. One of the deepest psychological needs we have is to know that other people care about us and that we are needed and appreciated. As an aside to this true story, the lack of personal concern and caring is why many management people fail when it comes to dealing with employees who have problems. In many cases they treat them impersonally, yet wonder why their turnover rate is so high.
Another amusing part of the story about my friend’s wayward employee is when still another employee was having a problem and this man told him, “You had better straighten up. You don’t want to go in the boss’s office and have him close the door behind you.” There is no doubt about it; my friend had made a believer out of him!
As I bring this story to a close, there are several obvious things some of us can learn from this experience. In many cases, it’s hard to find another person who cares enough about us to look us straight in the eye and tell us the truth. The truth may hurt, but it’s better to hear it and do something about it than to go on living with the problem. Of course, the primary reason the employees problem was solved is because the “Economic Golden Rule” came into play. “He who has the gold makes the rule.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1112 - WRITTEN WITH PREJUDICE!

No. 1112

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WRITTEN WITH PREJUDICE!

The English critic and essayist, William Hazlitt (1778-1830), once said, “Prejudice is the child of ignorance.” Without question, prejudice has no place in a civilized society, because it leads to attitudes and actions based on conclusions that are preconceived, rather than information that is factual. Prejudice is usually associated with bigotry and hatred, but prejudice in itself is not necessarily bad. It can be good, if we are prejudiced toward the right things and in the right way. The real danger is that we often let our emotions get in the way.
Several years ago, Mr. Robert C. Howe, principal of the North Kansas City High School, was in Little Rock to address a conference of school administrators, and I had the privilege of being in the audience. During his speech, he shared something called, “Written with Prejudice”, and I enjoyed it so much I asked him for a copy. If you have youngsters of your own, or grandchildren, I believe you will appreciate it as well.
First, a mother is speaking: “Dear Teacher, Please find attached to this note one six-year-old boy, much cleaner and quieter than usual and with a new haircut and blue jeans. With him go the prayers of his mother and father. He’s good at creating airplanes and chaos, very adept at tying knots and attracting stray dogs; he especially likes peanut butter, horses, westerns, empty boxes and his shirt tail out. He is allergic to baths, bedtime, taking out trash, and coming the first time he’s called. He needs to be taught and spanked, loved and spanked, and reminded to blow his nose and come straight home after school. After having him in your class and on your nerves, you may not be the same, but I believe you will be glad to know him, because while he strews books, toys and clothes, he has a special way of scattering happiness. Written, I’m afraid, with prejudice.” Signed, his Mother.
Here’s the principal’s response: “Dear Mother, Please find attached to this diploma one 18-year-old boy, much more mature, with loftier ideals and goals than he had when you sent him to us some 12 years ago. With him go the prayers of his teachers and friends. He’s good at different things now. He has more understanding of the world about him. He is able to do mathematical computations, knows something of the scientific approach to problem solving. He can read and write in at least the English language, and has probably developed some skills in typing, woodworking, art and driving an automobile. He is still allergic to baths, bedtime, taking out the trash and coming the first time he’s called. He still needs to be taught and loved, but perhaps not spanked. He needs to be reminded of the adult responsibilities of adult membership in the American society, to uphold the ideals of good citizenship, integrity, honesty, justice, humility and priority of life. He needs to realize that the completely successful life involves a partnership with his family, his community and his God. He should be told that education is a never-ending process and only begins at the schoolhouse door. After having him in our classes and on our nerves, we are not the same! We’re better people, enriched by his presence, broader in our understanding of humanity for having known him. We think we have provided him with an unbounded opportunity to learn in an atmosphere that has as its principal purpose the development of well-informed citizens who carry on the great traditions of America. We love him, too. Written also with prejudice.” Signed, his principal.
To amplify my own sentiments with respect to this excellent article, every freedom-loving American needs to take a positive attitude towards our schools, all of them, in this nation and do what we can to make them better in the years to come.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1113 - A TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION'S SUBMARINERS!

No. 1113

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION’S SUBMARINERS!

You know, fate has a way of bringing people together who may otherwise never have met in a million years. Such was the case for me a few months ago when a man by the name of Bob Sowell and his wife, Bessie, stopped by our Fudge Shop on a return trip from Branson, Mo.
I know fate had something to do with it because I was there, which is not usually the case. It turns out that the Sowells live in Hot Springs, and Bob has been reading my column in the Sentinel-Record for the past several years. As Christians, we share the same values, and while he is some older than I am, what I have been saying in my columns just resonated with him. After our visit that day, we exchanged signed copies of our books, had prayer and he and Bessie went on their way home. A few days later, Bob called me and wanted to purchase copies of my book “Learning, Earning & Giving Back” to give to family members and all the staff, deacons and Sunday school teachers at his church.
Now, when I said earlier that fate had something to do with our meeting, it was revealed when I read the signed book that he gave me. I am a strong believer in our nation’s military, but there is one branch of service that I knew very little about, and this is the United States Submarine Service.
His book is titled, “A Georgia Farm Boy: From the Great Depression Forward.” It told about his early upbringing in rural Georgia and about his service on a submarine during the Korean War. The book was written at the urging of his late wife, their children and grandchildren, to preserve the memories of his great service to our nation. When I finished reading the entire book, I put it down as a grateful, better informed, and inspired American. It was so impressive, and informative that I decided to pay tribute to this branch of service known as the Silent Service for the contribution they have made to our freedom.
While Bob’s service on a submarine did not begin until October 1949, his duty over the next few years took him to the same locations where much of World War II had taken place, and he pays tribute to those who served before him. Quoting from his book, “The World War II effectiveness of our submarine force, known as the Silent Service, needs to be remembered, especially for their role in our country’s defeat of Japan’s navy and taking control of the Pacific Seas. Although the total force of our World War II submarine personnel was only 1.6 percent of our total U.S. Navy enlistment, our submarines sank more than 50 percent of all the enemy ship-tonnage that was sunk by our Navy during the entire war.”
Just think about that and the American lives it saved. To be sure, a submarine torpedo in the side of an enemy ship is bad news. There is far more good information than I can cover in this column, but the thing that touched me most is when he told about the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Here is what was reported by historian Yahani Kamrudin as an eyewitness account: “In April 1944, 69,000 surrendered at Bataan, of the 12,000 Americans, only 2,000 made it home, less than 17 percent. Over 60,000 were crowded into a camp built to accommodate 10,000 and there was little food, water or medical service. A total of 20,000 Filipinos and 1,600 Americans died in the prison. Guards locked over 100 American POWs in a building and burned them alive.”
Most Americans today have no idea of the cost of our freedom. If they truly did, they would be proud to salute our flag and stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Thanks Bob. God bless you and all who served in our submarine fleet, as I pay a real TRIBUTE to all of you.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1114 - LIVE A CONSTANT STATE OF FORGIVENESS!

No. 1114

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVE A CONSTANT STATE OF FORGIVENESS!

Desmond Tutu, the South African Anglican cleric and Nobel Peace Prize winner, once said, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”
He should know, because he fought the practice of Apartheid in South Africa for many years before the practice was finally abolished in 1994. This was the year a new constitution was adopted, giving the non-white majority the right to vote and have a say in the affairs of the nation. History is replete with examples of persecution, including our own great nation that fought a Civil War to end the practice of slavery.
The reason I have shared this bit of information with you is because it contains the quote by Bishop Tutu, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” In doing so, he really spoke the truth, which it is why it’s a famous quote. A quote is nothing more or less than truth grown old. When we harbor hate, bitterness or resentment toward another person or group of people who have hurt or wronged us, we can truly make a new beginning when we totally forgive them.
With all the challenges we face, especially in our modern culture, life is hard and we have problems to solve each and every day. Many of our problems come from dealing with other people and our interpersonal relationships. When we have other people hurt us and wound our spirit -- especially family, friends and those we care about -- it can go so far as to even rip our heart out and leave us desperate for answers.
Awhile back I discovered a simple saying that has been a tremendous help to me in dealing with others. While I have family, friends and others disappoint me from time to time, I don’t face a lot of negative emotions because I do my best to treat others as I wish to be treated. If and when you have someone hurt or wrong you, here is what I hope you will think about -- “We should forgive our enemies, and those who hurt us, not because they deserve forgiveness but because we deserve peace.” Now, if you will take a few minutes and dwell on that, I believe you will see why it’s so powerful and can make a great difference in your life.
I have learned to live a constant state of forgiveness, and want to recommend it to you. When someone offends or hurts you in some way, just forgive them - then and there - and go on with your life. Just realize the person who hurt you is probably hurting others as well, and sooner or later the scales will balance and they will receive just compensation for their attitudes and actions. On the other hand, if someone who hurts you has broken the law, then they will be accountable to the authorities.
Sometime back I recall writing a column where I told about a young woman who sat in court for several days facing a man who was accused, and later convicted, of murdering her parents. Yet, she was able to forgive him. I am here to tell you that only the love of God can do that, and this brings tremendous peace.
As I thought about this I remembered an account in the Bible when Peter came to Jesus and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” And Jesus replied, “I tell you, not as many as seven, but seventy times seven.” This is really another way of saying that we should live a constant state of forgiveness. Here is a simple question I hope you will ponder in the coming days -- Who do you need to forgive?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1115 - THE WORST GUILT OF ALL!

No. 1115

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE WORST GUILT OF ALL!

There is a little five-letter word called “guilt” that most people suffer from at one time or another, and if it is not dealt with and handled properly, the consequences can be devastating.
The primary reason guilt is so difficult to deal with is because complete freedom or release from guilt often involves some deep soul searching, a confession or at least admitting our shortcomings. To confess or admit that we are wrong goes against basic human nature, and this is especially true for the person who has poor self-esteem.
The British statesman and author Edmund Burke (1729-1797) had this to say about it, “Guilt is never a rational thing; it distorts all the faculties of the human mind, it perverts them. It leaves a man no longer in the free use of his reason, it puts him into confusion.” I might also mention in passing that Edmund Burke was highly esteemed and one of the foremost thinkers of his day. I believe you will agree that guilt is a load too heavy to carry.
Here it might be appropriate to ask you a couple of very pertinent questions. What’s inside a person who feels guilty that causes him to feel this way? Are we born with a mechanism that makes us feel guilty, or is it an instinct or attribute we have to develop? Personally, I think it’s both. We are each born with a conscience, which has been defined as “the faculty by which distinctions are made between moral right and wrong, especially in regard to one’s own conduct.” In other words, because we are each born with a conscience, we therefore have the inherent or built-in capacity to know whether what we do is right or wrong. It’s how we use this built-in faculty that has a lot to do with whether or not we feel guilty. I believe this little allegory will help you see what I am saying.
Our conscience, figuratively speaking, can be compared to a triangle inside our hearts. When we do something that we instinctively know is wrong, the triangle turns and the corners prick our hearts and it hurts. When we continue to commit acts we know are wrong, the triangle keeps turning and before long the edges are rounded off and worn smooth and it no longer hurts. At this point, it is often said, “he has no conscience.” This isn’t true. This person still has a conscience, but it has become so dull from misuse that it no longer makes him feel guilty or has any bearing on his actions.
If we are to live happy, successful and well-adjusted lives, we should feel guilty when we lie, steal, cheat or commit crimes against an individual or society. Otherwise, we will be totally insensitive to the needs of the people around us. The power of guilt is evident when we see people who have committed serious crimes, and they feel such guilt for what they have done that they actually want to be punished.
It’s very important for us to deal with the day-to-day problems and decisions that are the source of much of our guilt. However, there is a deeper and more serious root problem that brings about the worst guilt of all. This is the awareness, deep in the innermost part of our beings, that God has given us tremendous talents and abilities and He wants us to develop and use what He has given us to serve him and our fellow human beings. When we don’t develop and use what He has given us, it creates a void. As a result, we experience a form of deep-seated guilt that gnaws at us regardless of where we go or what we do.
There is only one solution to this problem, and that’s to put our hearts and soul into those activities that we deem worthy of our time. It’s even better if we can find some real purpose in life. It is only when we our best with what God has given us that we feel good about ourselves.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1116 - WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH DRUGS, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR “FRIENDS” ARE

No. 1116

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH DRUGS, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR “FRIENDS” ARE

The late Thomas Hughes, English author and reformer, once said, “Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one’s self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.”
This is certainly a true statement and one that those of us who cherish our friends can really appreciate. However, there is a moral and social crisis in the world today which can make it difficult to know who our true friends really are. I’m referring to the terrible scourge of illegal drugs. For those who choose to get involved, the idea or thought of true friendship can often be a rude awakening. There are millions of tragic stories that will bear this out and I have one of those stories to share with you. This true story involves a young person who got involved with drugs and it took place here in my home state of Arkansas, so it really hit close to home.
A young man in his 20s was a college student, and like so many others, he fell into bad company. Before long, he was using drugs on a regular basis. During this time he met another young man and they became friends. He had been left an old house in a will, and he was fixing it up to live in, and his friend even spent several days helping to get it ready.
A few miles from the college town where these young men were both living and attending college, they had started a marijuana field to grow plants, harvest them and sell the drugs to other students or anyone else who came along. One afternoon they both left school early to go to the marijuana field to harvest some plants. It had become their custom for one of them to carry a gun, since they had become wary of the local authorities. As they made their way through a thicket of small pine trees, the young man who owned the house was a few feet in front of his friend, and he heard the hammer of the gun click. The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground dazed, as his friend had shot him and presumed him to be dead.
As he continued to lie there, he heard the bite of a shovel as it tore hunks out of the pine floor. His friend was digging his grave. Realizing the only chance to survive was a knife he carried in his pocket, he slowly pulled it out and opened the blade. His real problem however was that the blast of the gun had left him blinded. When his so-called “friend,” who had now become his assailant, finished digging and came over to put him in the grave, and as he heard footsteps close by, the young man lunged at him with the open knife blade and ripped into the calf of his assailant’s leg. He expected to be finished off, but his assailant left without doing him further harm. Later it was revealed that he left to get medical attention.
For the next two days and nights, in a mosquito- and snake-infested forest, the young man wandered totally blind until he finally staggered upon a farm house where he was able to find help. Today he is living with his parents, who live in a town not far from where he was attending college. He will be blind for the rest of his life.
While the subject of drugs and the havoc they wreak in people’s lives is endless, I believe this true story will shed light on the problem from a little different angle. It’s true, when you get involved with drugs; you never know who your friends are. I do not know, like most Americans, what the future holds, whether it’s a wall or some other way, but we must stop the terrible scourge of illegal drugs that is tearing our nation apart.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1117 - A TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JOHN REY!

No. 1117

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JOHN REY!

If you have people in your life who truly inspire you, then you will appreciate the comments I am going to make about a man I have never met personally, but who is a wonderful example of what a public servant should be. His name is John Rey, and he is Mayor of DeKalb, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.
John and I became friends back in 2011, after a front page article ran in the American Profile magazine about our Conway Bookcase Project. This magazine was bought out by another company and is no longer published, but at the time had a circulation of more than 10 million readers.
One of these readers was John Rey, who was a member of the local Kiwanis Club. John was interested in starting a bookcase project there in his hometown, patterned after the one we started here in Conway back in 2005. Using the information in American Profile, he contacted me and we talked about how to organize the project and get it started. He was not mayor at the time (that will come later), but I soon discovered that he was a very unusual man. He began to contact other leaders in his community and soon had a great committee assembled that consisted of 16 members.
Following our Copyright to the letter, in 2012 they had their first Bookcase Banquet. Later that year they had the Awards Ceremony to present 50 bookcases, and a good number of books for each child. The banquet is a grand affair with a lot of people helping, including Tom Tsigalis of the Junction Eating Place, who prepares a menu of parmesan chicken with spaghetti, marinara sauce, veggies and garlic bread. As time passed, John would send me newspaper articles and photos, along with an update on their progress. The update always included the good things that were taking place, especially the partnership they developed with the neighboring community of Sycamore.
Then came word, about three years ago, that John was running for mayor of DeKalb. What impressed me even more was that there were four candidates in the race and he won without a runoff. Of course I was happy for him, because I knew he was a good man with excellent leadership skills and the ability to get things done. He also has a servant’s heart, which is very important to me. With my own passion for literacy, it was a great feeling to know that our DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project chairman was also the mayor of his city, because I knew it was in good hands.
When I contacted him for permission to write this column, he gave me the following information, and also the comment, “Modestly, I am in this for the benefit to the children we reach.” He said, “We completed our sixth annual Literacy Banquet on Feb. 9. Good support still present in DeKalb/Sycamore for the cause of literacy. We have some turnover in the steering committee, which is helpful to gain fresh ideas and renewed energy. Our 16 members are committed and dedicated to the cause of promoting literacy throughout the area.
Two Rivers Head Start is glad to have us as a community partner! We engage Northern Illinois University (primarily education majors) in assistance with sorting books and reading to children at the Awards Ceremony – after presenting the bookcases. Our build progresses and we look forward to the Awards Ceremony on May 6. It is rewarding to see the bright faces on the children when they come forward to receive their very own bookcase.”
Thank you for all you do for the children -- Jim
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1118 - THE GREATEST SERMON EVER!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS ONION

No. 1118

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREATEST SERMON EVER!

There is a popular song that contains these words, “I overlooked an orchid while searching for a rose.” This is what happened to me recently, as a great personification of these words, when I was preparing to write today’s column titled, “The Greatest Sermon Ever.”
If you are a Christian and have been in church for a good number of years, I am sure you have heard many, many sermons during your lifetime, some better than others. This is certainly true for me. At this point I had never thought about “The Greatest Sermon Ever,” and while doing so I came to a very definite conclusion. I believe you will agree with me when I share my answer with you a little later.
It was during my thinking time that I recalled hearing about a famous sermon titled “Payday Someday.” It is attributed to the American evangelist Billy Sunday, who was a professional baseball player who left baseball in the 1880s for the Christian ministry. While doing some research on this famous sermon, I could find very little about Billy Sunday, but the preacher who made the sermon “Payday Someday” famous was Pastor R.G. Lee, (1886-1978), pastor for many years at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn. This sermon has been called the most famous sermon of the 20thcentury, and Dr. Lee preached it more than 1,000 times around the world.
When I found it on the Internet, I just had to download and read it, 21 pages of small type. As I read it over the next several days, I could understand why it has been called the most famous sermon of the 20thcentury. In fact, it is so powerful that here is my promise to you. Get your hands on a copy of this sermon and read it, and your life will never be the same again. This is the reason Dr. Lee preached it more than 1,000 times all over the world.
This sermon is set in the Old Testament and is about Naboth, a devout Israelite who lived in the town of Jezreel, and King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who was a King’s daughter and also a King’s wife. The other key player is the Prophet Elijah, who God used to unfold the tragedy of “Payday Someday.” The plot is centered on the fact that Naboth had a small field, a vegetable garden, next to the King’s palace, and the King wanted it for himself. He offered money and also a piece good land somewhere else. But Naboth, being a loyal Jew who knew that all land was to be passed down from one generation to the next, would not sell.
The King was so distraught that he turned his face to the wall and would not eat and could not be consoled. Finally, his wife Jezebel said, “I will get it for you” and she hatched a plot to have this innocent man put to death.
Dr. Lee uses a tremendous vocabulary for this drama to unfold and I was mesmerized as I continued to read. Finally, the Prophet Elijah reenters the scene and tells both Ahab and Jezebel what their fate would be, as in “Payday Someday”, and it came to pass almost 20 years later.
Now, I have said all this to tell you that my answer to “The Greatest Sermon Ever” is the Sermon on the Mount, found in the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. The reason is simple; one sermon was given by a mere man, Dr. Lee. The other was given by God’s only Son Jesus Christ as He sat down to teach those on the hillside about the Beatitudes, the Model Prayer, how to pray, how to give and many other truths. If you have not already, I hope you take time to read them both.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS ONION

NO. 1122 -- WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED!

No. 1122

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED!

Former President Calvin Coolidge once said of patriotism, “It is looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.” While I don’t always agree with our nation’s leaders and what they advocate or stand for, I am nevertheless patriotic, and when called on will defend our nation against all enemies both foreign and domestic. A friend sent me something a while back that stirred my patriotic feelings and gave me a deep sense of pride for our nation’s military forces and those who put their lives on the line for us every single day.
What my friend Joe Lehmann sent me was something written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, who was stationed at the LSA Anaconda, located at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad. One of the things he shared that I did not know is that the National Anthem is played at all military base theaters before a movie begins.
Jim reports, “I recently attended a showing of ‘Superman 3’ here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium that we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem, the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18- to 22-year-olds back in the states? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, only if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
“Here in Iraq, 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again, and the soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. Again, though, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 soldiers standing at attention to do? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start. No! You could have heard a pin drop while every soldier continued to stand at attention.
“Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: ‘And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave’.
“It was the most inspiring moment that I have had in Iraq, and I wanted you to know what kind of U.S. Soldiers are serving you! Remember them as they fight for us. Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here, and at home and all over the world. Many have already paid the ultimate price.”
Well, I can only say, thank you Chaplain Jim Higgins for sharing this. I feel privileged to be able to pass it on. I suspect that most Americans, like myself, have never thought about this before, and it is very inspiring to be reminded of the thousands of young men and women all across the globe who are serving in our military services. I have an honorable discharge for serving eight years in the National Guard and several months of active duty when President Dwight Eisenhower federalized us during the 1957 Little Rock Central School integration crisis.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1123 -- WARNING: FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

No. 1123

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WARNING: FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME!

In all of my years of writing, there is a little three-letter word in the dictionary that I have never used before. The word is “sot,” and it means, “a habitual drunkard.” Sadly there are thousands, perhaps millions, of men and women in America today who suffer from a condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome because their mother was a “sot” or at least one who consumed alcohol. Personally, I had never heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome until Dr. Bob Reising did a program about it several weeks ago at our weekly prayer breakfast. His program so impacted me that I decided to write this column about it in the hopes that I could send a warning to those who may unknowingly sentence their offspring to a living hell.
Bob handed out some literature after his program, and I also did some research. Here is what I learned: When a woman drinks alcohol, some of that alcohol easily passes across the placenta to the fetus. The body of a developing fetus doesn’t process alcohol the same way an adult does. The alcohol is more concentrated in the fetus, and can prevent enough nutrition and oxygen from getting to the fetus’ vital organs. Now, here is a critical point. Damage can be done in the first few weeks of pregnancy when a woman might not yet know she is pregnant. The risk increases if the mother is a heavy drinker.
According to many studies, alcohol use appears to be most harmful during the first three months of pregnancy. However, consumption of alcohol any time during pregnancy can be harmful, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. It is a lifelong condition that causes many physical and mental disabilities.
Since Fetal Alcohol Syndrome covers a wide range of problems, there are many possible symptoms. The severity of these symptoms ranges from mild to severe, and can include: a small head, a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose, small and wide-set eyes, a very thin upper lip, or other abnormal facial features. The list can also include: below average height and weight, lack of focus, poor coordination, delayed development of problems in thinking, speech, movement and social skills.
By now you should be getting the picture, but the list goes on to include: poor judgment, problems seeing or hearing, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, heart problems, kidney defects and abnormalities, deformed limbs or fingers and mood swings.
I believe you will agree this is a high price for a baby to pay -- growing up to experience all kinds of mental and physical problems without ever understanding why. Of course, the baby is simply the victim of having a mother who was, or is, a drinker of alcohol. And the saddest thing of all is that she may have never known what her choices have done to her child or children.
Now, here is the bottom line and why I have written this column. Let’s see what we can do to inform more people about this very serious problem. If you are a young woman of child-bearing age, just realize what consuming alcohol can do to your offspring. If you are a mother or grandmother who have women in your family, who may become victims of this terrible problem, pass the word along. And of course, there are many other ways to help get the word out. Just use your creativity to inform as many people as you can about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1124 -- A DOSE OF REALITY!

No. 1124

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DOSE OF REALITY!

A while back I witnessed something that made me so grateful for being in good health, having a sound body and being able to walk and move about so freely. To be sure, what I saw or witnessed that day gave me a good dose of reality, as there are many in our midst who do not have these blessings.
Janis and I were on our way home one evening and we stopped at one of our fine grocery stores for her to run in and pick up something special for dinner. While waiting on her I pulled up close to the door so she would not have to walk far when she came back to the car.
After sitting there waiting for her for several minutes, I saw a young man in a wheelchair pushing a grocery cart that contained several sacks. He wheeled it across the parking lot to his car and proceeded to open the trunk. Then one by one he took each of the sacks and placed them in the trunk of his car and closed the lid. Instead of leaving the cart nearby, as I frequently do, he proceeded to push the cart, in front of his wheelchair, all the way across the driveway to the cart rack where he left it. Then he proceeded to roll his wheelchair back to his car.
At this point, and mind you he was all alone, I wondered how he was going to get in his car. He stopped at the back door on the driver’s side, opened it, and then crawled in the back seat. He then reached out to disassemble his wheelchair, part by part, and pulled each one into the car with him. After this was accomplished, he closed the door and crawled between the seats from the back to the front of the car, got behind the wheel, started the engine and drove away.
The thought then occurred to me: where will he go and what kind of circumstances will he encounter when he gets to his home? Will there be someone there to greet and help him unload the groceries that I had just seen him place inside his car from his shopping trip? Quite naturally my mind just raced with the possibilities and him having to place items in his refrigerator, and in the shelves that were beyond his reach. I don’t have the answers to my questions, but nevertheless it was some very sober thinking I did that day and have done since then.
The one thing in my memory that stood out that day is this young man seemed to have a positive outlook on life, reflected in the way he took the grocery cart all the way back across the parking lot to the rack and the way he moved, with a quick pace, especially inside his car. As I said earlier, this encounter sure gave me a good dose of reality. Incidentally, the word “reality” means “The fact, state, or quality of being real or genuine.” If there is one thing in this life that I truly want to be, that is to be real and genuine. I don’t ever want to come across as arrogant or conceited or give the air that I am better than anyone else. As I often tell people who try to give me more credit than I deserve, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”
Hopefully, you will take what I have shared and ponder it a few minutes as well. Unless you are worse off physically than the young man I have been telling you about, be grateful for what you have. The truth is most of us have far more potential than we are using, and the greatest happiness we will ever experience comes when we are busy doing something good for other people.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1125 -- OLD BLUE 'COLD-NOSED' HIM!

No. 1125

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OLD BLUE “COLD-NOSED” HIM!

When it comes to nostalgia, I have a confession to make: I’m hooked. I love things that remind me of how things used to be in our country many years ago.
When I married Janis almost two years ago, I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to spend so much time at Pickles Gap Village that she owns. The village consists of several different businesses, including a large flea market that contains practically everything under the sun. You can find stuff there that dates all the way back to the 1800s, some still in remarkably good condition.
In the old days I can remember when the lady of the house would build a fire under the wash pot out in the yard and boil clothes to loosen the dirt. After boiling, she would remove them and use a washboard -- like ones you can still find in a flea market -- to scrub them clean before running them through a series of rinse waters. One of my favorite stories that came from this era was about a young lad who was late for school one frosty morning, in the dead of winter. When the principal demanded to know why he was late, this young lad said, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” With this reply, the principal said, “Why don’t you just try me and see if I believe you.”
With this invitation he began by saying, “At our house for the past several weeks, pert near ever night we have had something out in the hen house stealing our chickens. After hearing a racket during the night, sure enough, the next morning we would have two or three chickens missing.
“My Pa finally had enough and he vowed that if it was the last thing he ever did, he was going to get that varmint. Well, last night, around midnight we heard the racket again and this time Pa was ready. He got out of bed, lit the coal oil lantern, got his 12-gauge shotgun down from the rack and, without any shoes on and still in his long handles, he headed for the hen house. When he got to the door, with the coal oil lantern in one hand his shot gun in the other, he began to shine the light back and forth to see what it was.
“After a bit, he could see the form of something larger than a chicken and then he picked up the reflection of its eyes. He slowly cocked the hammer of his shotgun and was getting ready to shoot, but because he was all bent over, the flap of his long handles came up. About that time our hound dog Blue came up behind him and cold-nosed him. Boy, you should have heard that shotgun when it went off. I bet they could hear it in the next county. Now, I told you that you would not believe me, but the reason I am late is because our whole family has been up picking chickens since 2 o’clock this morning.”
Someone once said, “nostalgia is that which makes things seem a hundred times more wonderful than they did when they were actually taking place.” In many respects, I have a longing for things to be like they used to be in our country. To be honest, however, I never want to go back to not having a washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, indoor plumbing, television, automobile, computer, and of course the list is endless. A final thought in the form of a question: When you consider the crime and all the other social problems in our country, could it be that our affluence is our undoing?
It is hard to be humble and grateful when you have never had to do without. Personally, I have always appreciated those people of means who make their children work for what they receive.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1126 -- HARRY: YOU MAY BE EXCUSED!

No. 1126

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HARRY: YOU MAY BE EXCUSED!

Several weeks ago there was a front page article in our local newspaper titled, “Mayor declares official ‘World No Tobacco Day’.” The article pointed out that smoking kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs and fires combined. Now, I don’t know about you, but to me that is pretty sobering, especially if a smoker wanted to live for a long time.
This reminded me of a true story a friend told me recently. It seems a man was a smoker in his earlier life, but a few years ago he had given up the habit. He name is Tom. Over time, Tom became the manager of a large plant in South Arkansas that employed about 50 men, plus the clerical workers who worked in the office. One day as they began the morning shift, Tom called all his men together and said to them, “All of you men who smoke raise your hand.” About half of those who were there did so. Then he said, “For the next two hours I want each one of you men to go all over this plant and pick up every cigarette butt you find and put it in a trash can. From now on I want to keep this place clean.”
At this point a man whose name was Harry raised his hand. Tom acknowledged him, and asked what he wanted. Harry said, “Mr. Tom, I don’t think I should be required to pick up cigarette butts today.” Then Tom responded “Harry, why don’t you think you should be required to pick them up like all the other smokers?” Then Harry turned the pockets of his coat inside out and revealed the dozens of cigarette butts that he had placed there each time he had taken a smoke break. At this point, Tom said, “Harry: You may be excused.” Now, you may ask, what is the point of this story? Well, it says to me that if you are going to smoke, don’t be a litterbug and expect someone else to pick up your trash.
On a much more serious note, several months ago I got to know a young woman we will call Bonnie (not her real name). Bonnie is beautiful, in her mid-30s, and is almost homeless, going from one place to another where someone will take her in. Bonnie is also a chain-smoker. She smokes about a pack a day, and this has taken almost everything she makes to support this habit.
When I asked her how much her cigarettes were costing her, she said, $6 a pack. It did not take me but a few minutes to put a pencil to that: $6 times 365 days in a year (no holidays for smokers), and you have the nice tidy sum of $2,190 for a habit that has proven to cause cancer. Let’s say a smoker continues this habit for 40 years and that comes to $87,600 that could be used for having a better life and being a good example for others. Guess what, Bonnie has a young daughter and her daughter also smokes.
Over the years I have written a number of columns about the harmful effects of smoking. To be honest, I cannot relate to someone who smokes, as I have never bought a pack of cigarettes in my life, even though, as a kid, I took a few puffs from a cigarette someone had given me. There is one thing I have truly come to appreciate and that is the strong force of addiction that cigarette smoking causes. When a highly intelligent person who understands the consequences of smoking continues to spend good money for this habit, you just know the stronghold it has over their life.
I can tell you truthfully, my heart hurts for these people and I am saddened every time I see someone smoking, especially a young person whose life may be cut short from this nasty and costly habit.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1127 -- MUSIC TO MY EARS!

No. 1127

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MUSIC TO MY EARS!

Yale University-educated author Clarence Day (1874-1935) once said of books, “The most remarkable creation of man; nothing else he builds ever lasts … monuments fall … civilizations grow old and die out … but in the world of books are volumes that live on, still as young and fresh as the day they were written … still telling men’s hearts of the hearts of men centuries dead.”
These are some fantastic thoughts and they invite us to read great books and learn for our enjoyment and enlightenment, as we have the privilege of joining the great thinkers and writers of the ages. It has been said there is nothing that needs to be done that books can’t help us do better. As I look back over my own life, I am sad to say that I did not get turned on to books until a good part of my race had already been run. However, in the past several years it has been my mission to help preschool children being reared in low-income families to discover the joy of reading and learning. A child that learns to read, and reads good quality books and material, will have a distinct advantage for success later in life.
If you are a regular reader of my column, you know that I joined with a group of my fellow citizens in 2005 and started a literacy project to build quality, personalized bookcases and give them, along with a starter set of books, to 50 of these special children each year. When we started we had a book drive, supported by our local newspaper, and had more than 6,000 volumes donated in less than three months. I did not know enough back then to be specific and request only preschool books, so many of the books donated were too advanced for our children. We gave 3,000 volumes to our local Boys and Girls club.
This past year, we had another book drive to collect books to give to all of the 260 children in our public school Pre-K program, in addition to the children who would receive bookcases and books. We had enough to give each child two books that would be their very own, and what a blessing to see the smiles on their faces. However, we still had books donated that were too advanced, so I took these to the Boys & Girls Club of Faulkner County. While I was there the director, Mr. Clint Brock, took me into the library to show me how the books were color coded by grade, to make it easy for the children to pick out those they wanted to read.
During my visit, Clint told me something that was music to my ears. “We make them read every day.” He had already told me they were signing up children for their summer program. They only had 300 spots available and had more than 50 children on their waiting list. As I thought about his comment that they made the children read every day, it was clear to me that this is what parents should do if they want their young children to get ahead and do well in school. It can literally mean the difference between success and failure for them.
This is especially important in view of the fact that the Arkansas Campaign for Grade Level Reading (AR-GLR) reports that tests show only 31 percent of third graders are reading at grade level. Now, you do the math, but this means that 69 percent of our state’s third graders are not reading at grade level. If you read my column in another state, your state may not be doing any better. This is so important for all of us, as illiteracy is the root cause for much of the crime we see in America today. Please, even though they may not like it, make your children read. They will thank you later.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1128 -- THE LONG ROAD BACK!

No. 1128

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LONG ROAD BACK!

It is often said that givers must set limits because takers don’t have any. While you may not see it or believe it, I have just described the root cause for most of our nation’s social and economic problems, and why we are now facing a long road back.
Now, I believe you will agree that one of the major problems in our nation is what we call the “Entitlement Society,” where a high percentage of our citizens are looking for a handout of some kind. Politicians who have put the interest of these people, because they are larger in numbers, above those who are actually paying the bills is the primary reason we have a national debt of more than $20 trillion. Do you have any idea what the interest would be each year on $20 trillion, even at 3 percent?
However, our nation’s economic woes pale in comparison to the slow downward slide of the ethics, morals and character of far too many of our citizens. Please understand that what I want to share with you during our visit today is not doom and gloom and crying over spilt milk, but rather a heartfelt word of encouragement and thoughts of how we can work together to right the ship of state. The reason I know it has to be righted is by simply watching the evening news and seeing the first five to 10 segments devoted to crime, especially murder.
Personally, this is not the kind of America I want to leave to my children and grandchildren or to yours, if you have any. President John F. Kennedy had it right before he was shot and killed on that fateful day in Dallas back in 1963, when he said, “The great danger is not that the present generation will destroy our system but that we will not transmit it.” Of course he was talking about the generation of the 1960s when there was widespread unrest over the Vietnam War, which was manifested by civil unrest, free love and drugs.
To get a little perspective, all you have to do is think about the children these people produced and the generations that followed, over the next 50 years, and you will have a better understanding of why we got so far off course. Based on your age, you may or may not have insight into what I am saying. People of my generation had a lot of company or witnessed firsthand the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, World War II and the days when you did not have to lock your doors at night, your word was your bond, and large families still had most of their meals together.
I do not totally place the fault of our nation’s downfall at the feet of the younger generation because, as Earl Nightingale used to say, “A person cannot be any better than he knows how to be.” What I am saying is totally foreign to people living today who are less than 40 years of age, because they were not around to live the life those of us in the older generation have lived. But there is one thing we have in common, and that is the fact that we are all Americans and we still have the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
What we need to be reminded of is that you can’t sink half a ship. When the ship goes down we all go down with it, and we all have an interest in making sure it does not go down. To get on the long road back will require each of us to tighten our belts a little, if we are physically able, not to expect the government to take care of us, to vote and elect people who understand what paying the price really means, and not continue to spend money we have to borrow. We must also teach our children the values of good citizenship and obey the laws of the land. Character does matter.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1129 -- EVERY COLLEGE NEEDS VOCATIONAL COURSES!

No. 1129

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY COLLEGE NEEDS VOCATIONAL COURSES!

The famous English novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817) once said that a novel is, “a work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the effusions of wit and humor are conveyed to the world in the best chosen language.” As I read this quote, I wondered to myself if she knew how to change a light bulb. Of course she did not, because the light bulb did not come along until 1879 when Thomas Alva Edison gets credit in the traditional sense, even though there were several other inventors before then.
The reason I share this is because of a thought I had some time back regarding what could be a “novel” idea, meaning “new, strange or unusual.” Actually, this idea came to me from my friend Mickey Cox when we were discussing vocational education. We agreed that every college and university should offer a basic course of vocational education. This idea is not to be confused with the traditional vocational schools that offer courses like welding, auto mechanics, small engine repair, carpentry, cooking, sewing or basket weaving.
What we were talking about is the terrific number of college graduates who spend all of their time pursuing a degree in a plethora of different disciplines, but can’t do the simplest tasks around the home because they were never taught how to do them. In most cases it is not about the money, it’s trying to find someone to do the task, especially in an emergency. Again, and I am sure it is not a “novel” idea, but I am suggesting that every college and university offer at least one elective course where students can learn basic hands-on repair jobs around the home.
The attitude of most people who have a college or university degree might be, “I will hire someone to take care of my needs when the time comes that I need someone.” Well, good luck. At our house, we are both pretty good with our hands, but there come those times when we just don’t know how to do the job. We spend a good deal of time trying to find someone who can do what needs to be done, and sometimes we can’t find anyone to do the job.
Don’t you feel that it would be helpful and useful to you for the rest of your life if you had been able to learn how to fix a leaky faucet, trip a breaker in the fuse box that had been thrown, test or repair a small appliance that was on the blink, and to take care of all those other problems that say, “If all else fails, read the directions”?
Before I leave this topic, let me tell you a true story that may be worth considering, especially if you or one or more of your children are facing a career choice. My brother-in-law was telling me recently how he helped his stepson go to welding school because he did not have the money to attend, and would have been confined to low-paying jobs for the rest of his life. This was a six-month course and took place several years ago. He told me that now his stepson has a job that pays more than $90,000 per year, and he is eternally grateful for the help he received back then. You know, sometimes we try to live up to other people’s expectations, get a degree from a prestigious university, and then can’t find a job in the field where we are qualified.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1130 -- DISCOURAGEMENT: ONE OF OUR GREATEST ENEMIES!

No. 1130

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DISCOURAGEMENT: ONE OF OUR GREATEST ENEMIES!

It is just common sense to realize that we cannot do our best when we are deeply discouraged. We all get discouraged from time to time, but when we get deeply discouraged, that is a very different matter and can lead to all kinds of negative consequences. We had a sad situation sometime back here in one of our public schools when two students committed suicide in a span of only three weeks. While I don’t know the details, needless to say these students were so deeply discouraged that they did not see any way out, short of ending it all.
Now this is so tragic, especially for the families, teachers and fellow students who are deeply affected and will be impacted for the rest of their lives. While it is too late for these students and countless others like them, it is not too late for the rest of us. If you happen to be a person who is discouraged, or have a tendency to become deeply discouraged, I want to share a story I heard recently that could reveal the source of your discouragement.
“Once upon a time, Satan, growing old and weary, decided it was time for him to retire from active work. He offered each of his devilish inventory of tools for sale to the highest bidders. At the time of the auction, the tools were all neatly arranged: envy, malice, enmity, sensuality, deceit and all the other devices of evil. Each was plainly marked, and the price was surprisingly low, except for the ungainly piece of much used steel marked “discouragement.” It was marked 10 times more than any of the other tools.
A prospective buyer asked, “Why, Mr. Satan, do you ask so much for this tool?” “Well”, replied the old tempter, “this tool has always been my most useful one. You can see that it has more wear than any of the others. I can use it as a wedge to get into a person’s mind and defeat him, when all other means fail.” If this story has any truth to it, and I believe that it does, we can plainly see that Satan is the source of discouragement. He wants us to give up, sit down and wallow around in self-pity.
If and when we allow this to happen, we certainly won’t accomplish anything worthwhile for God, our fellow man, or anyone else, including ourselves. The only way to overcome discouragement is by intelligent action. Once we decide to do something worthwhile and get started, we will soon find that discouragement will leave us. The exact opposite of discouragement is courage, and this is simply the quality of mind that meets danger or opposition with firmness.
Isolated performances of great deeds do not make individuals, heroes or cowards; they simply reveal character to the eyes of others. Every successful life needs challenges, hurdles to overcome, and problems to solve in order to bring the power of courage into play. God has given us a will, and in America we have the freedom and opportunity to make choices. In every important decision in life, God votes for us, Satan votes against us, it’s left to each of us to break the tie.
What I have shared applies even more so when we become mature adults, but we must keep in mind that most young people are not mature adults and they are still fragile and searching for their identity. We should always be sensitive to others, and when we detect a deep-seated discouragement, make them feel truly loved. This is the best cure of all.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1131 -- OUR ATTITUDES CONTROL OUR LIVES!

No. 1131

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR ATTITUDES CONTROL OUR LIVES!

William James of Harvard University, known as the father of American Psychology, once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” Now, I hope you will allow Dr. James’ statement to soak in, because it contains tremendous potential to help any of us become happier and more successful human beings. After all, isn’t this what most of us want our lives to be?
One time I saw a sweatshirt with the words “I have an attitude” printed across the front. To symbolize the word “attitude” there was the picture of a duck with the most awful facial configuration that you can imagine. The dictionary defines “attitude” as a state of mind or feeling. Unlike computers, which can only store facts, statistics and other data, the human mind has the capability of storing feelings and emotions. The marvelous human mind, with its many and diverse powers, is what produces thoughts, and these thoughts become the basis for our actions.
Our actions therefore are the result of not only what we think, but also how we feel. As it relates to our personal success, it is important to realize that actions trigger feelings and feelings trigger actions. Our thoughts and feelings produce “attitudes.” As Dr. James points out, “human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” There have been a number of studies conducted, and they all conclude pretty much the same thing -- mental attitude accounts for about 85 percent of our success in life, while skills and knowledge make up the balance. It might be good to stop here and ask you this personal question, “Have you had an attitude check-up lately? If you are not doing as well as you think you can and should, could it be that you have a negative attitude?”
At this point I would like to share a true life experience that can help us see how important our attitude really is and why it controls our lives. In the 1958 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves, during a late inning of a very crucial game, power-hitting Yankee catcher Elston Howard was up to bat.
With the count three balls and two strikes, the Braves manager went out to the mound to talk with Warren Spahn, his great left-handed pitcher. The manager said, “Don’t give him a high outside pitch, because he will hit it out of the park!” It was too late! Warren’s computer-like mind registered the thought, “high outside pitch,” which is exactly where the ball went! The manager was right: Elston Howard hit it out of the park.
As Elston circled the bases, Warren Spahn threw his glove down in the dirt and made what has become a classic statement. He said, “WHY would anyone motivate themselves or others with the reverse of an idea?” You see, because of the way our minds are constituted, we always move in the direction of our currently dominant thought. The chances that Warren Spahn would have been successful in pitching to Elston Howard would have been greatly increased if the manager had simply said, “Keep the ball low and inside.”
Now, please give this some serious thought: The reason attitudes control our lives is simple -- we always move in the direction of our currently dominant thought. When we are thinking good and true things, and have worthy goals to strive for, the resulting positive attitude will definitely give us the advantage. It’s your attitude and not your aptitude that will determine your altitude.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1132 -- THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF ILLITERACY

No. 1132

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF ILLITERACY

Here in my community of Conway, Arkansas, we have been providing quality, personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to Head Start children since we began our project back in 2005. Almost from the beginning, the answer to the question, “Does this really make any difference in the lives of these children?” is something we all wanted to know. Well, I am here today to tell you that the answer to this question is a resounding, “YES”!! It does make a difference.

This fact was really brought home back in April of this year during and following our 13th annual Awards Ceremony at the Faulkner County Library. Here are the words of Jennifer Welter, the director of our Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA), which includes the Head Start program. Jennifer posted this on Facebook the same day as the banquet.

She begins, “Thanks to Mr. Jim Davidson, the Bookcase for Every Child project has been promoting literacy for 13 years. I have always known what a blessing the Project was, but hearing from a former Head Start child (who received a bookcase in 2005 and is now a sophomore in High School) tell his personal story was touching.”

This driven young man, Jovoni Johnson, already has scholarship offers! He gives credit to reading and in part to the Bookcase Project! Seeing the impact of handcrafted personalized bookcases with a starter set of book in the homes of low-income children is making a difference. As a footnote, I can tell you that this young man was the starting quarterback for the Conway Wampus Cat football team for several games later in the season when the starter got hurt. What was exciting for me is that his scholarship offers were not athletic, but from colleges who were offering him an academic scholarship.

Now, please allow me to put what I have just shared into perspective. In the past few weeks, this true story about Jovoni Johnson and the importance and value of literacy has really been brought home to me and thousands of other citizens here in Central Arkansas. The television stations, radio stations and newspapers have been reporting a wave of violence, including several murders from drive-by shootings that have taken place in Little Rock, our capital city. It has gotten so bad the mayor and law enforcement authorities have been holding public meetings, asking local citizens to attend and offer suggestions as to the best way to deal with this tragic problem.

At a public meeting, one young lady said the problem stems from the youth having nothing to do, and she recommended the authorities structure programs in gyms and baseball fields to keep them busy. She also pointed out the lack of good jobs where these young people could earn some money. However, there is one thing I seldom, if ever, hear at meetings of this type and that is the terrible problem of illiteracy. No way to prove this but I suspect that the vast majority, young or old, of those involved in drive-by shootings and other forms of violence have very poor literacy skills. I personally believe that illiteracy is the root cause for much of the violence we see here and all across the nation.

This is why our Bookcase Project -- presenting 4-year-old children, from low-income homes a bookcase and a starter set of books -- is so very important. We are now in six states and have plans to expand all across America. We hope you will get involved, because it will make a difference.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1133 -- THE BLESSED LIFE OF AN ARKANSAS HILLBILLY!

No. 1133

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BLESSED LIFE OF AN ARKANSAS HILLBILLY!

When it comes to achieving true success in life, my business partner, the late Bob Gannaway, would certainly be on any list of successful people. Bob loved to go duck hunting, and he hunted most of the time with Billy McCauley who lives near Carlisle, a town in eastern Arkansas.

This town is on the Mississippi Flyway, and nearby Stuttgart is known as the Duck Hunting Capital of the World. Billy would often have notables hunt with him, such as former Arkansas Gov. Sid McMath and many others. Bob often said, “It’s not the birds you hunt, but the birds you hunt ‘with’ that makes the difference.
As I thought about this in relation to what I want to share with you in today’s column, I realize more and more that our true success and happiness depend to a large degree on the quality and character of the people with whom we spend our time. We need people in our lives who inspire and encourage us.

Back in the early 1970s I met a man by the name of Carl Barger, who has become my friend and is also a true success story. This was when he was superintendent of the Bentonville, Arkansas, Public Schools. This school system was not really very large at that time, but it happens to be the community where a small company by the name of Wal-Mart made the decision to have their headquarters.

In those days, Carl had regular interaction with Sam and Alice Walton, who were big supporters of the school system he headed. Carl was later superintendent of schools in Nashville and Warren before he and his wife Lena retired here in Conway. He is also a writer, and after his retirement began writing historical fictional and non-fictional books. To date he has written a total of five novels, plus a comprehensive history of Cleburne County in two volumes. His latest book “Arkansas Hillbilly: One Man’s Memoir of a Blessed Life” is the one I want to tell you about. It is a fantastic book and helped me understand not only why Carl became highly successful, but his story will help any person achieve success in life.

In this book, Carl shares the memories of the hard times as well as the good. He tells about the struggles of a migrant family of 13 who survive the Great Depression through hard work and faith. He describes his inward drive to rise above poverty, succeed as a school administrator, and be a good husband, father and provider. His touching story spans the early 1900s to the present day as he shares what kept him motivated to achieve his goals and dreams of a better life. He details his role as a husband, and the father of one biological child and two adopted children.

His memoir includes the author’s successful search in finding his children’s biological parents. Carl credits his relationship with God as the number one reason for a life of blessings. He considers his story a blessing of God and one that needed to be told. To this last point I can only say a-men.

As I started reading his book and chapter by chapter went by, I began to realize more and more the qualities a person must develop to be a credit to God, to himself, his family and others, and how a great role model should live. This book will be great reading for anyone, but especially parents who are rearing children, and wish for them to achieve success.

Without reservation I can recommend Carl’s book, “Arkansas Hillbilly: One Man’s Memoir of a Blessed Life”. You can purchase it from: amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or order from his website: www.sbpra.com/Carljbarger.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1134 -- TONE DOWN THE RHETORIC!

No. 1134

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TONE DOWN THE RHETORIC!

Our nation’s third President Thomas Jefferson once said, “God who gave us life gave us liberty.” There is no question that within this simple statement are two of our nation’s founding principles -- freedom and the value and respect for life. Most of us truly cherish our freedom because, without it, there is little opportunity to use the abilities and talents that God has given us to succeed in a personal way. And what else could we say about the value of life, as this sets us apart from all the savages, past and present who have ever lived. Life is precious and it is truly a gift from God.

In the 240-plus years since we became a nation, there have been four of our nation’s presidents who have been assassinated while in office: Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley and John F. Kennedy. Six others have had assassination attempts on their life: Andrew Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. When this happens our nation mourns, not only because of the high office these men are holding but also because of the value we place on a human life. It is in this spirit that I have some comments to make regarding recent developments in our country.

During my lifetime of almost eight decades, I have never before seen the rancor and bitterness over a political election. The one thing more than any other that has set our nation apart from all the others on the face of the earth is the orderly transfer of power following an election. This is the hallmark of a democracy, where the people rule. When our candidate does not win, we accept it and attempt to make changes in the next election. Sadly, there will always be disgruntled people who are not playing with a full deck that lash out in a violent way, and to be sure, our democracy suffers when they do.

A tragic example of this happened on June 14, 2017, in Alexandria, Virginia, when Steve Scalise, a Republican member of Congress from Louisiana, was shot while practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. Three others were also shot before the shooter was taken out by Capitol and Alexandria police officers. To be sure, this was a sad day in the history of our country. What is even more heartbreaking to me is the number of disgruntled people who go so far as to advocate the taking of other human lives because they are not willing to accept the will of the voters.

I hope you understand that, while I am a conservative, I am not a member of any political party and truly have what I believe to be the best interests of our nation at heart. In national, state and local elections I vote for the candidate who I feel is the best qualified and will serve the will of the people, rather than looking for personal gain. If my judgment is not good, then I vote for someone else the next time around. This is the American way and what a true democracy is all about.

While it may not be popular, I have traveled this road today to share a very simple message, TONE DOWN THE RHETORIC. Words are powerful and, while we certainly have the right to express our opinion, we don’t have the right to advocate violence when things don’t go our way. We can’t yell “Fire” in a crowded theatre when there is no fire. I love this country and I bet you do, too. Let’s pull together to make it better.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1135 -- PLAYING BALL ON SUNDAY!

No. 1135

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PLAYING BALL ON SUNDAY!

In some circles, what I am going to say in this column will be about as welcome as a paranoid skunk that comes uninvited to an outdoor wedding. My thoughts were crystallized and embellished in my mind one Sunday morning recently when Janis and I took a different route to church. This particular morning we had the responsibility of providing the snacks for our Sunday school fellowship time, prior to the start of the lesson. We both agreed that the class members would love a Krispy Krème doughnut. Yum!!

On our way to the doughnut shop we passed the city-owned baseball fields and could not believe that baseball games, on several different diamonds, were in full swing. Since we are both from the older generation, we agreed that this would never have taken place back when we were growing up. Ball games on Sunday afternoon, yes, but not on Sunday morning when most people, and their children, were in church. We both know that times have changed, but children playing baseball on Sunday morning was different than what we were used to. When I thought about this, I realized that we are now part of a culture that is far different from what our forefathers had envisioned for us. Now, please understand that what I am going to say from this point on is not meant to be a chastisement and certainly not a condemnation, but rather a reminder of what took place in a day and time when God, and His church, were revered and made a top priority in people’s lives.

In those days we did not have the crime and violence taking place, and didn’t have persons robbing or shooting us on a mall parking lot. We felt safe in those days, which is certainly not the case today. If you are a Christian then you know about our heritage and what the Bible says about putting God first in our lives, and honoring Him and His word on the Sabbath. If you are not a Christian, and especially if you are a parent, please allow me to share the following verses of scripture, from what we know as the Fourth of the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 20:8-11, “Remember to dedicate the Sabbath day: you are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work – you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the foreigner who is within your gates. For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.”

Now, when it comes to our nation’s youth playing ball on Sunday morning, the power and the option have always been with the parents, as it should be. The parents of these children playing ball could simply say, “You can play ball any other time, but not on Sunday morning, as we will honor and reverence the Lord.” Now please understand, this is not a commercial for the church but rather for the hearts and minds of the American people who choose to place God and His word at the very heart of their lives. May I leave you with this verse to ponder found in Psalms 33:12: “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen to be His own possession.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1136 -- A REAL NOSE JOB!

No. 1136

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A REAL NOSE JOB!

There is an old saying that goes, “There is no fool like an old fool” and I certainly have to plead guilty. This is because I have just gone through a painful and time-consuming ordeal that was probably unnecessary, if I had just listened to my wife.

Over the past few weeks I had a lump develop on my nose. It looked like a simple pimple that you can squeeze when it comes to a head, and then the skin clears up and it goes away. But this was not the case for me, this time. This lump just kept getting larger and larger and had a white core at the center. This continued until it became obvious that I had to seek medical treatment.

When I visited our local dermatologist, he did a biopsy and determined that it was cancer. Thankfully it was one called Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer and fairly easy to treat, but in most cases requires surgery. My local doctor made me an appointment with a surgeon in Little Rock, who specializes in this type of surgery. The doctor’s nurse told to us to bring snacks because we may be there from four to six hours. We could not wait until the big day arrived.

Finally, the day came, and I was sitting in the doctors operating chair and we were under way. After he deadened the affected area, he began to probe and peel away the top layer of skin. They did a biopsy and, after about 45 minutes, he came back and said they had to take a little more. They did, and after another 45 minutes he came back again and said they had to get a little more around the edges. After this process was complete, he got a mirror and let me look at what he had done to me, showing a hole about the size of a dime, and about 1/8-inch deep. Janis said she could see the bone -- big encouragement, right?

After this process is when the real fun began. The surgeon introduced me to his plastic surgeon, who would soon begin to cut skin (it sounded like scissors cutting cloth), and pull it over to cover the hole where the cancer had been. After getting enough skin to cover the affected area, he began to stitch it up so the later healing could begin. After several minutes, we left the doctor’s office feeling grateful for the advancement of medical technology that made this surgery possible, and for a new and better educated beginning to stay out of the sun.

While I realize this has not been a pleasant subject to talk about, if this column just keeps one person from having to go through what I have just experienced, it will be worth it. Now, please allow me to share a little information that may come in handy later. First, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is “an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the squamous cells, which compose most of the skin’s upper layers and they often look like scaly red patches, open sores, elevated growth with a central depression, or warts; they may crust or bleed.”

Anyone who has fair skin, light hair, and blue, green or gray eyes can get SCC. And, anyone with a history of substantial sun exposure is at an increased risk. The way to prevent this condition is to seek the shade, do not burn, avoid tanning or UV tanning booths, cover up, use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, wear a hat, and see a physician once each year. This is especially important if you are at a greater risk. Forgive me if I praise her, but this is exactly what Janis has been trying to get me to do almost from the day we were married. I should have listened to her, and I am so blessed.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1137 -- DON’T FALL FOR SCAMS!

No. 1137

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T FALL FOR SCAMS!

If you have some extra money lying around that you don’t need, I can tell you how to dispose of it very quickly. Just fall for one of the many scams that is taking place all across the country these days.

One afternoon a few weeks ago, Janis’s phone rang. When she answered, the caller said he was from the IRS, and that she owed back taxes for the years between 2012 and 2016. He went on to say there was a warrant issued for her arrest and if she did not pay up, they would send the police to take her to jail.
Well, after a bit I felt sorry for this poor guy, because Janis took him to the cleaners. She is definitely wise to the ways of the world. She began to ask him questions like his name, where he was located and for other personal data such as his IRS credentials. A couple of minutes after he called I was sitting there, and she took my phone and began to record the conversation. She then proceeded to give one of the best performances I have ever heard. One thing I forgot to mention is that he had a very distinct foreign accent, and she had a little trouble understanding him, but he said he was calling from Washington, D.C.

He asked for her name and address and she gave fictitious answers for both. She then asked how much she owed. He said, “$4,960.” She said, “I don’t have any money, I am on food stamps and it’s just me and my little dog, and I have to buy food for him.” He then asked how much money she had and she told him $350. T make a long story short, he told her that he would leave her $100 and cancel the warrant for her arrest if she would go down to our local Walgreens store, get a cash card and send it to him. She said, “I don’t have a car but I do have a bicycle and it will take me a little while to get there.” He said, “How long will it take?” She said about 15 to 20 minutes but I am going to have to end our conversation, because the battery on my phone has run down.”

He said, “No, you must stay on the phone.” The conversation ended with him still talking and when we checked the time, she had been talking with him for over 20 minutes. This was quite an experience, but is typical of the large number of scams that are taking place all across the nation. Many of these people doing the scamming are not even in the United States but in some foreign country. I am sad to say that most of the people who fall for these scams are elderly, because older people are more trusting. In fact, Janis has a relative who got a call telling her that her son was in an accident and had to have $900 to pay his hospital bill before he could be released, and she sent it to them.

My own mother passed away this past year at 94 years of age, but before she and my stepdad came here to Conway to live in a nursing home, she was also the victim of a scam. A man called her and told her that he had inherited a lot of money and wanted to share it with her, as a gesture of good will, but needed $1,500 to work out an arrangement with the bank. When I heard about it, I told her it was a scam and not to do it. There was also a police officer who was a member of her church who told her it was a scam and not to get involved.

She kept telling me, “I’m going to get lots of money” and I could not persuade her that it was a scam. She still went down to her bank and drew out $1,500 cash and sent it to him. Of course, this was the last time she heard from him. My message is simple. Warn older people not to fall for scams.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1138 -- A CHECK-LIST FOR SUCCESS!

No. 1138

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CHECK-LIST FOR SUCCESS!

Here is a question I would like to ask you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. If you had the opportunity to get an education beyond high school and college of either facts or principles, which would you choose?

The reason I share this is because the education we receive in high school and/or college just prepares us to succeed in real life after we leave the nest and are out on our own. My personal answer to the earlier question about facts or principles - would definitely be principles. The reason is because facts change, but principles do not change.

A while back I ran across a little booklet titled, “How to Plan Your Life” that I had written back in the 1970s. The booklet contained some information that I believe will be of value to you. While I have no way of knowing your age or station in life, I believe you will agree that we should never stop growing mentally. With your permission, I would like to share the following questions and ask you to respond to each one with a simple “Yes” or “No.” As the old saying goes, “If we fail to plan, then we are planning to fail.”

No 1 -- “Do I really understand who I am as a person – a unique human being with unlimited potential for growth and development in the Free World?”

No. 2 -- “Have I taken a realistic inventory to determine where I am in terms of the development of my potential? Do I know my strong points and weak points and what remains to be done?”

No. 3 -- “Am I aware that I have the ability to think, plan, reason and make personal choices which will determine my environment, my rewards, and my future, and also the future of those who depend on me?”

No. 4 -- “Have I given much thought to what I want out of life? Do I have my long- and short-range goals written down with a time limit placed on them? Do I realize the way to get things done is to create a sense of urgency?

No. 5 -- “Do I understand that my own mental attitude towards myself, my service to other people and the work I have chosen will determine my material success and happiness? Do I further understand that the willingness to work for what I want will make my goals become a reality?

No. 6 -- “Am I becoming an autonomous person? Do I fully understand the importance of persistence and do I have a personal commitment to my goals so that I won’t quit?

No. 7 -- “Have I given much thought to the importance of my spiritual life? Have I decided where I will put God?

No. 8 -- “Is my family important to me? What am I doing to set a personal example for other members of my family to build and foster character, honesty and love?

No. 9 -- “Do I have the right career or job for me? Or am I in the process of finding or selecting it? Do I understand that I must love the job or profession to really succeed in it? Do I also understand that I must suffer hardships and problems along the way to really appreciate my work when I find it?

No. 10 -- “Can I make a clear distinction between tangible and intangible income? Do I have my financial goals established both short and long term? Am I willing to save 10 percent of my income each week to accumulate a savings and investment account? Do I have my future investment plans formulated and written down?

No. 11 -- “Do I have a systematic, on-going program of continuing education? Do I understand that what I learn in school is for making a living and what I learn after school is for my own satisfaction and happiness, and will also contribute to the success of others?

Well, that’s it for today. Hope you got an idea or two that you can use.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1139 -- PSALM 91: GOD’S SHIELD OF PROTECTION!

No. 1139

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PSALM 91: GOD’S SHIELD OF PROTECTION!

Every once in a while a light turns on in my mind. This takes place most often when I learn something important that I did not know before. This happened to me recently when, after reading the Bible all the way through 25 times, I learned that Psalm 91 is known as “God’s Shield of Protection” and also “The Soldier’s Prayer”.

Thankfully, I was enlightened when retired Major Gen. Ron Chastain had the program at the prayer meeting that I attend each week. Ron served in the military and spent a year in Iraq. He told us, “I relied on Psalm 91 the year I was there.” He went on to tell us about a fantastic book by Peggy Joyce Ruth that goes over this chapter verse by verse, to explain God’s protection. It’s titled “Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection.”

Please allow me to share these selected verses with you from this chapter, beginning with verses 1-5: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fort: my God in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.” Then verses 9-11: “Because thou has made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither any plague come near thy dwelling, for He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.”

This is a great Psalm. I encourage you to read the complete text when you have time. Perhaps the best story regarding the protection of Psalm 91 is the true story of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, the greatest fighter pilot of World War I. He enlisted in the Army in 1917 -- the year the U.S. declared war on Germany. In April 1918, he shot down his first plane, and a month later he had shot down his fifth, to become an ace. Before the war ended, he was credited with shooting down 17 German fighters, five highly defended observation balloons and four reconnaissance planes.

Now, here’s the story of God’s Shield of Protection. After the war, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson sent Rickenbacker on a tour of air bases in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was provided an older B-17D Flying Fortress. The B-17 left Hawaii and strayed hundreds of miles off course while on its way to a refueling stop on Canton Island. When their estimated arrival time came, there was no land in sight. They were forced to ditch in a remote and little-traveled part of the Central Pacific Ocean. Miraculously, the plane stayed upright long enough to allow the crew of eight men to get into three small rubber rafts. The only had eight oranges, and no water.

During the following days the sun burned the men, and at night they would almost freeze. The rafts were tied together. A private on the crew had a Bible in his pocket. On day 2 they started morning and evening prayer meetings. They took turns reading Bible passages. They confessed their utmost secrets and sins to God. There were initially some non-believers, but not after day 8.

They prayed for deliverance. Within an hour a sea gull landed on Rickenbacker’s head, and he was able to catch it, they picked and ate it, then caught two fish with the entrails. It rained that night and they had fresh water. On day 24, American planes found and rescued them. All their needs were met and they all became believers in the power of God and Psalm 91. In view of this true story, read it today and you will understand why.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1140 -- A CALL TO ACTION!

No. 1140

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CALL TO ACTION!

If you read my column on a regular basis you will recall a few weeks ago I talked about the “Tragic Consequences of Illiteracy.” In that column, I shared what is happening in Little Rock, our capital city, regarding drive-by shootings and other forms of violence. At the time, I stated that I believe illiteracy is the root cause for much of the violence we have here and all across the nation. When it comes to seeking a solution for the problem of drive-by shootings, I have never heard anyone comment that these people could be reading books to better themselves, rather than riding around shooting up the town and murdering innocent people.

The simple truth of the matter is this: the real winners in life are readers, and most illiterates are losers. The positive thing about all this is that you, me and every other literate person has the power to change this, at least for future generations. As one concerned citizen to another, I am asking you to get involved by talking with others in your town or city about starting a Bookcase for Every Child project. It is all about “giving back,” as no one earns a penny, and we all have a better nation and future for our children and grandchildren.

You know you are on the right track when the Arkansas Campaign for Grade Level Reading (AR-GLR) reports that only 31 percent of third-graders are reading at grade level. What this means is that 69 percent of our state’s third-graders are NOT reading at grade level, the desired bench mark. While other states may be doing better, I bet most have similar educational problems as we have here in Arkansas. One thing I can promise you is that if each of these children were given a personalized bookcase and a starter set of books when they were 4 years of age, this would not be the case. It is such a small investment when you think about the future of a child and also the future of our nation.

The real question for me has become, “how will we get the word out to millions of Americans who can help to change this dire picture?” To be sure, we need a plan, and this is why I am issuing this “Call to Action.” I assure you that those of us involved in our Bookcase for Every Child project are committed to the project. I will be happy to do national television interviews, make speeches, encourage people to visit our website (www.bookcaseforeverychild.com), Janis will promote our cause on Facebook, and with your help encourage as many of our literate citizens as possible to purchase and read my new book “My Heartfelt Passion.”

Due to the fact that our situation is so dire, I am more than happy to issue this personal challenge: A part of good American citizenship is “giving back” and making a contribution to our nation. There is no better way to do this than to make it possible for children in low-income families to develop good literacy skills and be able to read, write, and communicate. In some measure this will insure they have the opportunity to succeed in life and carry on the traditions that have made our nation the greatest in the history of mankind. What makes this Bookcase for Every Child project so appealing and valuable is that we require the use of no tax money or grants of any kind.

The people in positions of leadership, and especially our nation’s policy makers, are those who get things done. Therefore my challenge is to the President of the United States, members of Congress, our nation’s governors, members of state Legislatures and leaders and other policy makers all across this great land.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1141 -- WE CAN'T ASCRIBE OUR VALUES!

No. 1141

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE CAN’T ASCRIBE OUR VALUES!

Several years ago, when I first began my daily radio program, I had a wonderful lady working for me by the name of Desmond Allen. This was back in the days when we produced the programs on cassette tape, and a part of Desmond’s duty was to mail the tapes to our stations and then check them back in when they were returned. One day she was a little distraught and said to me, “Some of our stations do not return our tapes, and I would never dream of not returning them.” Then she later told me what she had been doing. She said, “I have been ascribing my values to someone else.”

The bottom line here is that we can’t ascribe our values to another person if we want to maintain our sanity and have peace of mind. As I later thought about this exchange, I realized there is a valuable lesson to be learned here that may be of interest and value to some of my readers, and hopefully to you. While you probably already know the meaning of the word “Value,” for the benefit of those who may not, here is what the dictionary says about it. Value: “Something regarded as desirable, worthy, or right, as a belief, standard, or moral precept.” For me personally, I have Godly values, because the Word of God, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, is the foundation for my belief system.

But back to my earlier thought for a moment. This is certainly not to say the people who did not return our tapes are not good people or even that they are ungodly people. There may be countless other reasons why they did not return them, at least in a timely manner. For this example, however, it was no big deal because the cost of the tapes was so small that we could easily absorb it. There are times, however, when the cost is very large and it does make a difference. At this point it becomes very important to know with whom we are dealing.

It is in this context that there is a real lesson to be learned. When it comes to dealing with other people and their value system, if the stakes are high, we had better know with whom we are dealing and the basis for their belief system. This is the primary reason that companies hiring people to work for them have a job application each person fills out. Many also have a face-to-face interview before the deal is sealed and they are hired as an employee.

In all likelihood, this company or organization will also want the applicant to furnish some references they can check out. The higher the salary and responsibilities, the more through they will investigate not just this person’s values but their physical health as well. Needless to say, the person who wishes to climb the ladder of success must have a great resume that includes character values and morals that are consistent with the high standards and integrity of the employer.

At this point, for the sake of example, allow me to give you some character and moral values that would be a great asset for potential employees to have: honesty, truthfulness, personal responsibility, punctuality, good hygiene and grooming, ability to keep confidences, courteous and friendly, loyalty, understands the profit motive and how they can contribute to the success of the business or organization. The latter is for private business and also the mission of any other organization. The bottom line is that we can’t ascribe our values to others, but we can be responsible for our own.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1142 -- OL' SPOT JUST DIED!

No. 1142

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OL’ SPOT JUST DIED!

Someone once said that a neighbor is “a person who can get to your house in less than one minute and take two hours to get back home.” When it comes to being neighborly, I heard a very amusing story about a group of country neighbors who wanted to get together on a regular basis and socialize. As a result, about 10 couples formed a “dinner” club and agreed to meet for dinner at a different neighbor’s house each month. Of course the lady of the house was to prepare the meal. When it came time for Jimmy and Susie Brown to have the dinner at their house, like most women, Susie wanted to outdo all the others and prepare a meal that was the best that any of them had ever “lapped a lip over.”

A few days before the big event, Susie got out her cookbook and decided to have “mushroom” smothered steak. When she went to the store to buy some mushrooms, she found the price for a small can of mushrooms more than she wanted to pay. She then told her husband, “We aren’t going to have mushrooms because they are too expensive.” He said, “Why don’t you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms? There are plenty of them right in the creek bed.” She said, “No, I don’t want to do that, because I have heard that wild mushrooms are poison.” He then said, “I don’t think so. I see varmints eating them all the time and it never has affected them.”

After thinking about this, Susie decided to give this a try. She got in the pickup and went down in the pasture and picked some mushrooms. She brought the wild mushrooms back home, washed them, sliced them and diced them to get them ready to go over the smothered steak. Then she went out to the back porch and got Ol’ Spot’s (the yard dog) bowl, and gave him a double handful. She even put some bacon grease on them to make them tasty. Ol’ Spot didn’t slow until he had eaten every bite. All morning long Susie watched him. The wild mushrooms didn’t seem to affect him, so she decided to use them.

The meal was a great success, and Susie even hired a lady from town to come out and help her serve. She had on a white apron and a little cap on her head. It was first class. After everyone had finished they all began to kick back and relax and socialize. The men were visiting and the woman started to gossip a bit.

About this time the lady from town came in the kitchen and whispered in Susie’s ear. She said, “Mrs. Brown, Spot just died.” With this news, Susie went into hysterics. After she finally calmed down, she called the doctor and told him what had happened. The doctor said, “It’s bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as I can get there. We will pump out everyone’s stomach and everything will be fine. Just keep them all there and keep them calm.”

It wasn’t long until they could hear the wail of the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. When they got there, the EMTs got out with their suitcases and a stomach pump and the doctor arrived shortly thereafter. One by one they took each person into the master bedroom and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the doctor came out and said, “I think everything will be fine now” and he left. They were all looking pretty peaked sitting around the living room, and about this time the town lady came in and said, “You know, the fellow that ran over Ol’ Spot never even stopped.”

I laughed out loud and I hope you did, too. I am grateful to my friend, the late Bob Murphy, for sharing this story with me.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1143 -- WHOM DO YOU INVITE IN?

No. 1143

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHOM DO YOU INVITE IN?

The American journalist Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) once said of hospitality: “It is the virtue which induces us to feed and lodge certain persons who are not in need of food or lodging.” Here in our part of the country we are known for good “Southern Hospitality,” which is a manifestation of that virtue, which means friendly, warm and gracious treatment of those who are peace loving and come into our lives. However, there is a difference in just being kind, friendly and courteous to those who cross our paths each day from those we invite to come into our home to enjoy a good meal and, on occasion, to spend the night.

The frame of reference that I have been talking about is when we encounter others on a personal basis. There is another dimension that may be even more important, and that is the negative influences of others we allow to enter our minds. When it comes to this dimension, here is an important question that I would like to pose to you. “Whom do you invite in?” Are you selective in who you invite into your mind on a day-by-day basis, or do you permit just any person who comes along to have access to your mind, the great gift that God has given you, yours being unlike any other person in the world?

It has been said that “Our eyes are the windows of our soul.” This means that everything we see with our eyes has a deep and lasting effect on the deeper levels of our very existence. In this respect, if you will give some thought to the kind of books you read, the kind and quality of the television programs you watch, the kind of people you spend your free time with, you will have a good idea why you are doing well or not doing so well. In dealing with thousands of people over the years, I have found that many of them do not believe or understand this simple concept. The truth is, we are the “Captains of our Soul,” and our future for the most part will be determined by the quality of the ideas and information that we “see” and permit to enter our minds.

Sometime back I ran across an article in the Rotarian written by Grayson Kirk titled “Four Marks of an Educated Person.” It is the kind of thinking that encourages me and I hope it does you as well.

It begins: “No. 1 -- The educated person speaks and writes clearly and precisely, no matter how much information he may have stored away in his brain. A person is not educated until he learns to use his mother tongue with grace, precision and clarity. No. 2 -- The educated person has a set of values and the courage to defend them. Knowledge and experience have given him the capacity to discriminate not only between right and wrong, but also between the trivial and the significant, between that which is cheap and that which has integrity.

No. 3 -- The educated person tries to understand his society and how it differs from others. He views these differences with compassion and respect, where the uneducated man sees them as evidence of his own superiority, regarding the customs of other with condensation or contempt. No. 4 -- The educated person looks squarely at the world and all its problems, but always with hope. He neither fears nor rejects the trials and tribulations of modern life, but accepts as his responsibility the task of making order out of complexity and opportunity out of danger.”

Thanks Mr. Kirk - that was good and should give all of us something to think about.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1144 -- A MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL QUESTION!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS PEAR

No. 1144

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL QUESTION!

The English clergyman and author Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) once said, “Money is the best bait to fish for man with.” Even if you spent the next 100 years searching for a room large enough to hold all the books written about money and related topics, you could not find that room.

In our modern society, money is something we all desire and something we must have to function in our daily lives. The amount of money each of us needs, however, is determined by a wide variety of factors: the lifestyle we choose, where and how we live, government policy, inflation and individual responsibility, just to mention a few. The Bible says that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” Note that it does not say “money” but the “love” of money.

Herein lies the problem that millions of people face day after day in their personal lives. If you have a problem with money, either personally or in your home, I believe what I am going to share will be of interest and of benefit to you. It’s my belief that many problems caused by money are due, by and large, by the way money is perceived. First, what is money? Well, money is a form of wealth, but in actuality money is a medium of exchange. It’s what we use to exchange for goods and services we need and want. In addition to our personal physical needs, it’s a new home, a vacation, a college degree and financial security for our retirement years. We earn money by providing a product or service to other people. When we satisfy their needs and wants, they in turn pay us or reward us with their money.

Here is what I meant when I said that most money problems are caused by the way money is perceived. Money, whether it’s currency or coin, is a tangible object. You can see it and touch it. Money is really a “willing servant.” It’s what we use to serve us and that’s really all it is. When we permit it to become more than that, it becomes an emotional issue and emotion is not tangible. We can’t see and touch our emotions. It’s like the wind. The money that comes to us from one source or another is called income. The money we spend is called expenses and discretionary spending. Do your best to never fall into this trap: money is tangible and you can see it and touch it, you can receive it and you can spend it, but when your money becomes an emotional issue is when real problems begin.

As you may know, the reason many marriages fail is because of money problems, namely debt. If a husband and wife would handle money as a tangible object and know they could not spend more than they jointly earn and would keep money from becoming an emotional issue, then most of their problems could be averted. On a related note, credit cards and quicksand have a lot in common. They will both swallow us alive and most credit cards need to be cut in two and put in the trash. Again, if you have money problems, why not each partner just keep one for “emergency” situations and write a check or pay cash for the things you need and purchase.

If you would like to avoid serious money problems, here is the way to do it. The Bible says in Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.” Just ask yourself this question before each purchase, and especially major purchases, do I really need this product or service, or is it just something I desire or want that will lead to debt? This is a most important question and could make the difference in your financial security or being deep in debt. My best wishes, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS PEAR

NO. 1119 -- MAJOR GOALS OF EVERY BUSINESS!

No. 1119

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAJOR GOALS OF EVERY BUSINESS!

It has been said that a human being is the only animal you can’t skin. This is because when you start to skin one of us, we holler and scare off everyone else. Believe it or not this is what happens to any business in America when they try to skin their customers. When I say “skin” I mean they are way out of line in terms of their prices, they have very poor service, or inferior shoddy merchandise. Real, honest value is what most customers look for and when they don’t get it, they take their business somewhere else.
A good example of this happened to me some time back when I went into a downtown restaurant and ordered a small barbecue sandwich and a soft drink. When I got the bill it was over $9, which was about $2 too much based on economic conditions in our area and what the competition was charging. Needless to say, I have not been back to this restaurant, and when enough customers feel the same way, they will either become more competitive or go out of business. The wonderful thing about the American Free Enterprise System is that it has fostered competition, and today there are more than 50 restaurants in our community.
The more I thought about this little scenario, the more I realized there are only two major goals that every retail business must achieve if they are to be successful. The first is that they must develop a steady stream of happy, satisfied customers, and the second is that they must earn a profit. Needless to say, to reach each of these goals requires a good deal of insight, education, experience, and an understanding of human nature. Since we are all consumers and want honest value for the money we spend, a hard look at this could be very helpful for you. One of the sad things that most people don’t think about when a business closes its doors is that a number of employees lose their jobs.
Since these major goals are paramount for a business to achieve success, the logical question then becomes, “How does a business develop a steady stream of happy, satisfied customers, and next what is necessary for the business to earn a profit?” Let’s take them one at a time, beginning with the happy, satisfied customers. The starting point is to realize there must be a need, or perceived need, for their products or services, for the business to prosper. The next step is to understand that the “customer” is the boss and that each employee is committed to providing excellent, courteous service. This is why having a good training program is vital to the long-term success of the business, as having good, well-trained employees is the only way a business can prosper over the long haul.
Next, the business must earn a profit if they want to be around very long. It should be noted that the majority of businesses that fail do so within the first couple of years because they are undercapitalized. A profit is the difference between the total volume of retail sales and the total cost of operating the business. This includes rent, utilities, labor, taxes, insurance, advertising, upkeep and repairs, and, of course, the cost of merchandise. For a business to succeed their prices cannot be too high, they must keep their overhead low enough to pay themselves, in whatever form it takes.
Our American Free Enterprise System may not be perfect, but it’s still the best system ever developed anywhere on earth. I never cease to be amazed each time I go into a WalMart and note the terrific number of items that are available.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1120 -- DON'T GIVE UP ON PEOPLE!

No. 1120

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T GIVE UP ON PEOPLE!

As long as we live, we will have other people who will disappoint us -- that is just part of living on this planet with at least one other person. If you will think about it, I believe you will agree that most of our disappointments come when those we love or have some relationship with have failed us in some way. It may be a spouse, a child, a member of our family, an employee, a co-worker, a pastor, a good friend or any number of other people.
The Harvard-educated Episcopal minister Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) once said, “There are some who want to get rid of their past, who if they could would begin all over again … but you must learn, you must let God teach you, that the only way to get rid of your past is to get a future out of it.”
When we talk about people we have tended to give up on after a disappointment, I have a very important concept to share with you today that could possibly change the way you see yourself and others. I might add that, in my reading, this is something I seldom see discussed as part of the reason we see so much “failure” in our society and in the lives of others. But when you think about it, you will discover that it really makes sense. Here it is and is so simple that most of us simply overlook it.
When a child is born, he or she has absolutely no control whatsoever over whom their parents happen to be. Let us just pray, first of all, that this child is healthy and has a good chance of becoming a successful and productive human being. From this point we see one child born to parents who are highly educated, both have successful careers, earn far more income than they need to meet their needs, and have many other advantages too numerous to name. On the other hand, still another child is born to a single mother on welfare who has four other children and is addicted to illegal drugs. These are the people we should never give up on, and we should help them to help themselves as much as we can. In this respect, reading and literacy are so very important.
I have said these things to simply repeat this valid point: we should not give up on people. There are countless individuals living today who have become great success stories who overcame all the odds of who their parents were or where they came from. This is one of the first things that comes to my mind when I hear about some young person who has dropped out of school, committed a crime, has a ring in their nose and tattoo drawings all over their body, hooked on drugs, and can’t find a job. We should never make excuses for them, but this does play a role in having a great opportunity to become a real success story in today’s society.
Before I move on, let me make a comment about what I said about tattoo drawings. We are free to make our own choices, and I have good friends -- some very good people -- who have tattoo drawings. However, I believe you will agree that this is not a plus when it comes to looking for a job. This may be a personal opinion but I believe the reason most people do this is because they want attention. We all need and seek the approval of others and when we don’t get positive approval, we will take any kind we can get.
If you will seriously consider everything that I have shared in this column, the one dominant thought I hope you will retain, is that we should not give up on people who need help the most. We truly need people who are encouragers, who will look for the good in others, and focus on giving them positive reinforcement. Sometimes even a smile or a kind word goes a lot further than we realize.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1121 -- THE ONE IN THE GLASS!

No. 1121

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ONE IN THE GLASS!

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a communications seminar in Phoenix, Ariz. During this time I met a wonderful man by the name of Cavett Robert, who was one of the founders of the National Speakers Association. He was the featured speaker for one of the meetings I attended, and he said something with regards to accepting responsibility for ourselves and our own well-being that I have never forgotten. He said, “When many people are born and their umbilical cord is cut, they spend the next 50 years trying to find a place to plug it back in.”
While they would never state it this way, there are millions of people in our nation today who believe it’s their parents, the government or someone else’s responsibility to provide for their needs and take care of them. Through no fault of their own, there are millions of people who are mentally and physically handicapped and cannot provide for themselves in regard to legitimate needs. These people need our help and it’s our responsibility to take care of them. However, there are millions of others who have a healthy mind and body who must learn or re-learn to accept responsibility for themselves.
Since the politicians in Washington have changed welfare, as we know it, many of the people who are being forced off welfare are having a hard time dealing with it. Rather than being down on these people, what most of us need to realize is that this kind of thinking goes back to the earliest days of their childhood and it’s so deeply ingrained that it will take many years to change. The rest of us can provide encouragement to these people who are getting off welfare, and in doing so, we are helping our country as well.
While it has to be on an individual case-by-case basis, when many of these people are trained and have a good paying job, they will see things differently and have a sense of pride and self-respect they have never known before. Along these lines, I discovered a poem several years ago titled “The One in the Glass” that has been a blessing to me, and I hope you will think about it as it relates to your life.
The One in the Glass
“As you go through life in your struggle for self, and the world makes you King or Queen for a day, just go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what that person has to say. For it isn’t your father or mother or spouse whose judgment upon you must pass, but the one whose verdict means most in your life, is the one staring back in the glass. Some people may think you are a straight-shooting sort and call you a wonderful guy or gal, but the one in the glass says you’re only a bum, if you can’t look him straight in the eye. He or she is the one to please, never mind all the rest, for they are with you clear up to the end and you have passed your most dangerous, difficult task, if the one in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life and get pats on the back as you pass, but your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you have cheated the one in the glass.” Author Unknown
If you have family or friends who could benefit from this poem, why not clip it out, make copies and share it with them. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “An individual is a bundle of possibilities and he is worth what life may get out of him before he is through.” It’s not what we get; rather it’s what we give that really counts.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 468 - DON'T SWIM IN PERILOUS WATERS!

No. 468

The next password is paula

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON'T SWIM IN PERILOUS WATERS!

In light of recent events all across the face of the globe, I believe one of the safest statements I could ever make is that we live in a dangerous world. In my earlier days I used to love to go squirrel hunting, but going hunting back then in a forest filled with rattlesnakes, was child's play compared to everyday dangers we face today when we get out bed.

Just this past week, on the interstate that runs by our community, we had a terrible auto accident that took the lives of two young men. A pickup crossed the median and hit another pickup head on, and then got entangled with an 18-wheeler. As is normally the case, the driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured. What made this wreck even more significant is that the driver whose truck crossed the median did not have a valid driver's license.

The driver was killed, as was the driver of the other pickup, but the passenger lied and said he was driving, because he wanted to save his friend from getting a "no driver's license" ticket.

When people, especially young people, are irresponsible, it just makes you want to take them and shake them, but in the case of these two young men, it's too late. Now, their families are left to grieve for them.

What I am going to say next is personal and you can disagree with me if you choose to do so. The first question that comes to my mind when I hear of a tragedy like this is, did these two young men know the Lord? In reality, we just never know when we get out of bed each morning, whether or not it will be our last day here on earth. We face enough dangers in our lives that are beyond our control. However, when our actions and behavior are irresponsible, and this places us in great peril, we should be able to learn from the misfortune of others.

In each of my columns I try to present an idea, a concept or a story with a moral or ethical principle that will help you. Because we are each unique, I know that we have different values, interests and ways of looking at things. That is the way it should be, and it's also one of many things that makes life so interesting. Obviously, I don't hit a home run every time, but my heart's desire is to help you. It's my desire that everyone becomes more successful and has the benefits of living and working in the greatest nation in the world. This is why our attitude should always be one of gratitude. We should appreciate the opportunities that are all around us.

A friend sent me a story the other day that will serve to illustrate what I have been trying to say. It begins, "Some years ago on a hot summer day in South Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind the house. In a hurry to dive into the water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam out toward the middle, an alligator was swimming toward him. His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer together.

In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a u-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard the screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the great reptile. And on his arms were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh, in his effort to hang on to the son he loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pants legs and then, with obvious pride said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my daddy wouldn't let go."

And here is the message that everyone who reads this column should think about. Most of us should be able to identify with this little boy because we have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some of those wounds are there because God has refused to let us go. If you have had a painful past, you can take real comfort that in the midst of your struggle because He's been there for you. We all need to take responsibility for ourselves and be extra careful not to swim in perilous waters. Our own personal world would be a much safer place, if we made it a point to do that. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next column password is: Paula

No. 443 - A CHECK LIST FOR COMMUNITY SUCCESS

No. 443

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CHECK LIST FOR COMMUNITY SUCCESS

If you will grant me the privilege of coming into your mind for a little while today, I would like to share some thoughts that may really hit close to home. Ever since the days when our nation moved from an agricultural society to an industrialized society, our citizens have been drawn together in what has come to be known as communities. The larger communities, which really tax this definition, are called cities and this is where a large percentage of the American people live today. The real backbone of this nation however, can be found in smaller cities, towns, villages and hamlets with fewer than 100,000 people and most from 5,000 to 50,000 people. While you may disagree, it's been my experience that the quality of life is much better in a smaller community where people know each other, care for each other and work together to promote the best interests of all its people.

In most of these smaller communities you will find people who volunteer to help each other with no thought of personal gain. As I have traveled around this country, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what great communities we have and I have heard stories of the sacrifices that it took to make them a terrific place to live, work and rear a family. One of the best examples that I have seen in a long time is the small town of Duncan, Oklahoma. This is a community of about 23,000 people, located in South Central Oklahoma, about 90 miles East of Lawton.

Several weeks ago I was invited to speak to their Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet and it was truly a wonderful experience. After reviewing a beautiful publication chamber officials sent me titled, "DuncanÉA City Of Character," I decided to devote most of my time to the theme, "A Check-List For Community Success." After a considerable amount of thought, I came up with four key elements that I believe it takes to have a great community. As I share these, please think about your own community and how you might use these ideas to make it an even better place to live. Just remember this thought, because it's true: the strength of any community can be measured by the number of people who volunteer to do good things for others, without thought of personal gain.

No. 1 GOOD SCHOOLS. One of the things that really impressed me about the Duncan Public Schools are the volunteers who have formed an Academic Booster Club.Ê While athletics is important, parents and school officials understand that academics are what will carry their graduates to long-term success. A couple of other highlights include the fact that 96% of fifth graders passed the state writing tests and over 50% of Duncan High School graduates have a 3.0 or better grade average. When you contrast this with some communities that have an illiteracy rate of over 50%, you begin to understand just how important good schools really are.

No. 2 SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS. This is where good law enforcement really comes to the forefront. There must be a working partnership between members of the police, fire and other agencies to protect citizens and to make criminals aware that they are not welcome. New industry and people who earn higher incomes are not interested in coming to a community with a high crime rate. The way to achieve this is for criminals to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

No. 3 A HEALTHY DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY.Ê When it comes to jobs and the business climate, it's important to understand that the local Chamber of Commerce is the only organization working full time to promote new jobs and a strong economy. That's its sole purpose. A good indication of a healthy economy is NEW CONSTRUCTION. This past year Duncan had 45 Million Dollars in new construction projects and 17 Million more in new home construction. It's also important for the economy to be diversified. If just one major employer has layoffs or leaves town, it puts a tremendous strain on the whole community.

No. 4. WARM FRIENDLY PEOPLE. Here I'm happy to say that Duncan has an abundant supply of warm, friendly people and among them are some outstanding leaders. This is one of the reasons why it's one of the fastest growing communities in the state. When people really care about their neighbors and fellow workers, it makes a great deal of difference. Here is something I hope you will think about: "The goal of most leaders is to cause people to think more of the leader, but the goal of the great leader is to cause people to think more of themselves." Your community is important because this is where you live. Volunteer to make it even better.Ê Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.

No. 444 - OUR OBSESSION WITH CELEBRITIES

No. 444

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR OBSESSION WITH CELEBRITIES

The United States of America is known as the Land of Opportunity. Anything or anyone who takes away or diminishes the opportunities we as Americans enjoy, should be of concern to all of us. While you may not view it in the same light, there is a modern day phenomenon that is robbing millions of Americans of their opportunity to achieve outstanding success or to make a real difference during their brief stay here on earth. I'm referring to something that has come to be known as "Celebrity Sickness." The reason it is so devastating for the person who is obsessed with a celebrity, is that they lose too much precious thinking and planning time for their own career. This is truly a shame because they are forfeiting their opportunity for great success in some field of endeavor.

On a recent airplane flight into Dallas, I had this confirmed in a way that caused me to do some serious thinking. At this point you might be saying, "This is a free country and it's none of your business if someone wants to be obsessed with a rock star, athlete, movie star, singer or other well known person." Granted, I will give you that, but it's one thing to be merely obsessed, and it's an entirely different matter if that obsession leads a person to harm themselves or others in the name of their idol.

The most famous obsession case of all took place in March 1981, when John Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan and three others outside a Washington hotel. Hinckley later said he shot the president to impress actress Jodie Foster. There have been countless other cases where some person was stalking a celebrity and had to be restrained. Here is the reason I wanted to share this with you and at least give you something to think about. You may have children, grandchildren or friends who fall into this category and you may be able to help them. Of course, there is a possibility this person could be you.

According to research at DeVry University and the Southern Illinois School of Medicine, 10% of the American public is developing an unhealthy obsession with celebrities that can lead to depression, anxiety and psychosis. Now I'm not that great at math, but with 290 million people in our country, if we divide that number in half to discount for the very young and the very old, we still have 145 million people. When you take 10% of that number, you have over 14 million people who fall into this most unfortunate lifestyle.

This research also discovered that 1% of the American public has such an unhealthy obsession with celebrities that they are prepared to harm themselves or others in the name of their idol. Obviously John Hinckley was one of these. In the past few days I have done quite a bit of thinking about why this has become a real problem. One of the basic reasons is because of increased technology we now have more time and money and most people do not have to work from sunup till sundown just to make a living. When people are dead tired, they go to bed a lot earlier.

Another reason is the proliferation of the media. First, the silver screen gave us access on a regular basis to beautiful people, and it was easy to fall in love with them. This also gave those with less beauty and physical strength a way to fantasize and to see themselves actually playing the parts or roles of the various actors. Then the clincher came along in the form of television. Television not only brought us beautiful and talented people, it also brought the games, right into our living rooms. This allowed us to see with our own eyes the World Series, the Masters, the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Stanley Cup and various other sporting events.

We now have so many choices of those who can be our idols and our heroes. When they come to our town or city and even if we have to travel long distances, we can go see them in person. If we are lucky, we may even get to meet them up close and personal with a handshake or a hug. We can buy their CD's, tapes, books, videos, and hang their pictures on our walls. That's the choice and the right we have as free Americans.

What I'm saying here may not make any difference to you at all, but I just wanted to make you aware that many people are in danger of an unhealthy obsession with some celebrity and the pitfalls that may result. Personally, I admire many people and respect many others, but I am not obsessed and do not worship any of them. Here is the real question. Is this celebrity a good role model for young people? If they are not, I will not support them or their career. Young people are the future of our country and they need good role models and celebrities they can look up to. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 445 - THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

No. 445

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

A cluttered mind or a cluttered office can drag you down and that's why I've decided to use today's column to do a little mental house cleaning. I don't know about you, but I function best when things are neat and orderly and I can see very clearly where I am going. One of the new tools that has come into my life over the past few years is the Internet. For the most part the Internet is great and it helps me a lot. For example, when I first started this column back in 1995, I sent the columns to our papers on a disk and later began to send them by e-mail. To be sure, I was still behind the times until a terrific young Webmaster by the name of Robyn Green designed and produced a Website for me.

Now papers all across the country can go to my Website, download my columns and put them on the page in a matter of minutes. I remember one paper in Illinois that made the decision on Tuesday to run this column and it was in the paper the following day. In many ways the Internet is a two-edged sword. It can be good or it can be bad, depending on how we use it. There are crooks, shams and predators on the Internet, just like there are in society at large. We can't see these people and they may be thousands of miles away, so we have to be very careful what information we give and who we get involved with, because we can lose more than just money, we can lose our life.

With that said I want to tell you about a recent experience that demonstrated to me just how powerful the Internet really is. Within a few days of a column running in the newspaper; I got e-mails from two different people who wanted me to send them a set of instructions on "How to Build a Landscape Timber Home."Ê One of these individuals was in Baytown, Texas and the other in Ketchikan, Alaska. Since my column does not run in either of these markets, I wrote and asked how they learned about our Landscape Timber Home.

To my amazement, here is what they told me. They just went to www.google.com and typed in the words ÔLandscape Timber Home' and up popped the first 20 or so listings from a possible list of almost 10,000 references. When I did the same thing, I found our home listed as number five and when I clicked on the link to my Website, I was right in the middle of my own Website hosted right here in Conway, Arkansas. This is kind of scary. No one asked for permission or told me about it, but there it was for the entire world to see. These two individuals have simply used my e-mail address to contact me. I was glad to comply, but have since added a $5 charge for this service because it's no longer just my readers who are requesting copies.

When I went back to this search engine before starting this column, the listing for our Landscape Timber Home was no longer there, which tells me they change them quite often. By typing in a few key words, I was able to find the column that ran in a paper in Kansas several months ago. Yes, the Internet is powerful. This morning, as I write the column for future publication, there was an article in our local paper advertising Beginning Internet Classes at the Adult Education Center. We fought getting on the Internet for quite a while, but if you are not taking advantage of this great tool, I would certainly recommend it, because it will open up a whole new world to you.

Now to another house cleaning chore that's long overdue. Because I came from a generation when most people were honest and told the truth, I have been very gullible. Many people have sent me what I thought were wonderful stories, and I have passed them along without checking to see whether or not they were true. As a result I have made some mistakes and I am sorry if I have hurt or offended anyone, because this was never my intent. To date I have written 442 columns and there have been less than 10 that I am aware of that would fit this category.Ê

The story of "Taps" about the dead son of Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was a hoax and not true. Same goes for the story about Winston Churchill and Father Fleming who pulled him from a Ôbog' and saved his life. It was sad for me to report in a later column that someone had doctored the television interview with Ann Graham Lotz after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The real author of "Dirt Roads" is Lee Pitts and not Paul Harvey as many believe, and the column that I heard from most readers about was "The Deck of Cards." It was written by T. Tex Tyler and came out of the WWII era and not from Afghanistan. While I still believe in people, I have learned not to be too trusting. If I have doubts in the future, I will go to www.truthorfiction.com or www.snopes.com and see if it's a hoax before including it in a column. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 446 - POLITICS IN THE SQUIRREL KINGDOM

No. 446

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

POLITICS IN THE SQUIRREL KINGDOM

The American Free-Enterprise system has been called the eighth wonder of the world. The average American's lack of understanding about what it is and how it works, has been called the ninth wonder of the world.

It is my belief that most Americans don't understand our nation's economic system because their lives and careers are touched by so little of it. When they begin a job or career in a given field and spend all or most of their working life there, that's basically all they know. This is certainly not meant to put people down, but our personal success is determined by and large, by our ability to see the whole picture and to make wise and informed decisions.

I have had a number of different jobs and careers and without even being aware of it, fate really smiled on me many years ago when I was a printing salesman. This was because I was fortunate enough to have a boss who was community minded, and he led me to become a Ôvolunteer' in many different organizations. When I was involved in the Chamber of Commerce and later in the United Way, I met many outstanding business leaders. As I talked with these business executives about their company, what it sold or produced and was given a personal tour of their operation, I began to see more of the picture and how our system works.ÊÊ

This is the backdrop for my appreciation of a wonderful little book a friend sent me the other day. The title does not do justice for the tremendous message it contains, but it's called Mr. Thingbobbin SquirrelÉOn Cedar Mountain. The author is David Smith, a retired Staff Manager who worked for 35 years for a large communications company. In various assignments in personnel, labor relations and communications, he did many different kinds of writing. As a result he knows corporate structure, problems and practices, and observed the personal and the business habits of managers, from supervisors to presidents.

What David Smith has actually done is create a masterpiece. By using his fantastic imagination and a hillside teeming with a clan of squirrels, he has created a microcosm of American business and the free-enterprise system. The plot begins with a mama squirrel talking with her newborn son (that she has named Thingbobbin), about the dos and don'ts of growing up, staying alive and being able to fend for himself. With the passing of time his education is broadened to understand the squirrel hierarchy. As he travels further up the hillside, the trees are taller and they are controlled by squirrels that are called ÔTree Bosses." At the very top of the hill, in the largest tree can be found the head squirrel, which is known as Big Buck.

Wouldn't you know it? Big Buck has a son who is away at college. More about that later. After a few weeks Thingbobbin begins to build his own nest. He sets about the task of securing the materials and weaving branches, limbs and leaves to make a secure and safe nest that will withstand the wind, rain and snow. It is later discovered that Thingbobbin has an unusual talent for building nests and begins to have other squirrels request that he build or repair their nests. Soon the "Tree Bosses" promote him to be head of the construction crew. They build like mad and soon every squirrel's home or nest is in excellent shape.

Then one day, a friend of Thingbobbins suggest that he needs to do something outstanding that will bring him to the attention of Top Buck and other leaders in the clan. He finally hits on the idea of using plastic that is fished from the stream below (an environmental issue here), to lace and reinforce the nests that are being built. This brings him to Big Buck's attention and he is promoted again, this time to Supervisor of all construction. When Top Buck's son comes home from college he is assigned to a position directly under Thingbobbin, to learn the ropes. It does happen like this in the business world. Things run smoothly until it is discovered that the new plastic material has made the nests so sturdy and durable that the work crews are all out of work.

At this point, Thingbobbin is demoted and put on the shelf. There are many other issues in this book such as committee meetings, power sharing, pension funds, a clandestine affair, embezzling and finally, bringing three groups of squirrels together to live in harmony for the benefit of all. Obviously, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg here and if you or a child or grandchild would like to glean some real economic insights, written in simple and understandable language, I would highly recommend, "Mr. Thingbobbin SquirrelÉOn Cedar Mountain," by David H. Smith. It can be ordered from 1st Books Library, 1-888-280-7715. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 447 - A TRUE AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

No. 447

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRUE AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

There is a man and his wife who live in Columbia, Missouri, who have become a true American success story. Harry and Lina Berrier have been producing a fantastic Bar-B-Q sauce in their basement for over 25 years and selling it in large quantity all over the country. However, that's only half the story. Several months ago I was on a flight into Baltimore, Maryland and had a very pleasant young lady as a seatmate who was also from Columbia, Missouri. As we talked, I told her about our Project: Give Back campaign to improve literacy across the country and she then told me about the Berriers, who are also in the mode of giving back. From 1948 until his retirement in 1983, Dr. Harry Berrier was a veterinary pathologist at the University of Missouri. He also founded the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, which today has more than 400 members in the United States and 15 foreign countries.

That's the professional side of this fantastic gentleman, but his real passion is his basement business of making Bar-B-Q sauce, which began almost by chance. As he says, "I couldn't find a Bar-B-Q sauce fit to eat and so I started making my own." More than 30 years ago, Harry, who has a knack for unusual kitchen concoctions, started making a bowl of sauce for every meal. He would share it with friends who came over for dinner and soon everyone he knew was raving about the sauce. In 1975, the recipe was patented and a small business was born. In the beginning, Harry made the sauce in his kitchen in a small mixer. He quickly had to move the operation downstairs, and now it is one of only a few basement-approved operations by the Missouri Department of Health.

Since Missouri is known as "The Show-Me State," he was fortunate enough to secure the patent as the "Show-Me" Bar-B-Q sauce. His sauce is made in a 40-gallon mixer and pumped into four 55-gallon tanks for bottling. Because he was a veterinarian by profession, it was easy to take his knowledge of science and apply it to the fine art of making Bar-B-Q sauce. While Harry is the one who gets all the glory for the creation of the sauce, it is his wife Lina, who really controls the business. Not only does she do all the weekly ordering, she keeps the books straight, trains new employees and spends nearly all of her free time bottling sauce. She is also a professional in her own right. For many years she served as a piano and voice instructor at Stephens College.

The business has grown steadily over the years. It has now reached the point where each year it earns over twice what Harry ever made teaching. Several years ago they made the decision to remain small and only produce the amount of sauce they could personally handle. This means they have turned down orders for as many as 500 cases from large chain stores. What's so ironic is they have never spent a dime for advertising. They sell about 480 gallons a week in the summer and about half that in the winter months. The sauce is that good. Dr.Berrier sent me a free bottle of his sauce and I have since reordered and sent him a check. I have also made the decision to never be without it again.

ÊThe bookkeeping is simple. You send them an order and they send the sauce along with a statement. When you receive your order, you send them a check. When I began I said that the Bar-B-Q sauce business is only half the story. The other half is the main reason I made the decision to feature this wonderful couple in a column. When some people retire you never hear of them again. Not so with the Berriers. They have worked very hard to benefit their community and they have also made a commitment to a cause they believe in. The sauce business has a philanthropic purpose, growing from Harry's roots as a farm boy and veterinarian.

Much of the profits from their business are going into a trust fund held by the Missouri Department of Conservation, to create a wildlife sanctuary or a park. To further their commitment to animals and the outdoors, the Berriers are going to change their will to leave a large percentage of the business to the trust fund. To me, this is what "Giving Back" is all about. If we wish to really succeed, we should strive to make a difference in the lives of others while we are here, then give back so that future Americans can enjoy the same blessings we have had.

I have no motivation here other than bringing good people and good products together, and if you would like to order some "Show-Me" Bar-B-Q sauce, the address is Harry Berrier, 1250 Cedar Grove Blvd.S, Columbia, Missouri 65201 or call 573-442-5309. They will be happy to send you an order form that lists the various prices.Ê Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 448 - THE CHICKEN WAS DELICIOUS

No. 448

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CHICKEN WAS DELICIOUS

Laughter is good medicine. If you have not had a dose in a while, it's high time you did. Here is what George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright and philosopher, had to say about laughter. ÊHe said, "Laughter is that older and greater church to which I belong: the church where the oftener you laugh the better, because by laughter only can you destroy evil without malice, and affirm good fellowship without mawkishness." As a quick aside, the word "mawkishness" is one that I was not familiar with and had never used before. It means, "characterized by false or feeble sentimentality: sickening or insipid." Well, so much for that.

For the past several days I have been chuckling about a story I heard a while back and I thought you might enjoy it as well. It seems a man and his wife had four sons and their ages were fairly close together. It was a real struggle, but somehow this man and his wife were able to send all four boys to college and they got a good education. In time they all prospered and became doctors and lawyers and each became quite wealthy. After many years had passed, the old man passed away and the elderly mother was left alone. Knowing this situation, each of the successful sons decided to do something special for her.

Some time later they chatted after having dinner together. They discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother who lived far away in another city. The first said, "I had a big house built for mama." The second said, "I had a hundred thousand dollar theater build in the house." The third said, "I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600." The fourth said, "Listen to this. You know how mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can't read it anymore because she can't see very well. I met this priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took twenty priests 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama just names the chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it."

The other brothers were impressed. In a few weeks after receiving the gifts, Mom sent out her Thank You notes. To the first son she wrote, "Sam, the house you built is huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway." To the second she wrote, "Bill, you gave me an expensive theater with Dolby sound. It could hold 50 people, but all my friends are dead. I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind. I'll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same."

To the third she wrote, "Frank, I am too old to travel. I stay home and have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks!" And to the fourth she wrote, "Dearest Julian, you were the only son to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious! Thank you." As I said earlier, I've been chuckling about this story for days. Hope you enjoyed it as well. As I travel around the country making speeches, I love to inject humor into my talks. It helps the audience to relax and it helps me to relax, as well. Also humor or laugher helps to pass the time. As the old saying goes, "Time flies when you are having fun."Ê

While I always want to have a message or a serious side of my talks, I've noticed that the humor speakers usually get invited back more often and they also receive a larger fee. For some people humor comes easy and for others it does not. If you do some speaking or serve as an officer of a civic club where you have to preside, here is a tip that may be of value. Make yourself the butt end of your jokes. Few are those who are offended if you are poking fun at yourself.

Here is an example of what I am saying and this story has to do with the use or unwise use of credit cards in our society. From all indications there are millions of people in our nation today who are "maxed out," which is to say no more credit until they pay some on their debt. Unless someone has been charging things to my credit card that I don't know about, I believe our credit is good. However, I'm not so sure after something that happened the other day. Viola and I were shopping for a waterbed, as she needs the heat because of her Parkinson's, and we picked out one that we thought she would be happy with.

After a few minutes the salesman said, "On this particular model you pay $50 down and then you don't pay any more for 6 months." Viola looked at him kind of funny and said, "Who told you about us?" The best kind of humor is when you are poking fun at yourself or your wife, (by previous agreement only) and everyone leaves with an upbeat, positive feeling because they have enjoyed themselves and had a good time. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 449 - THE "AFFORDABILITY" INDEX

No. 449

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE "AFFORDABILITY" INDEX

Back in the early 1800s there was a famous slogan that went "Go West Young ManÉGo West." Many did, seeking their fortune and a better life for themselves and their families. Other than gold and the natural beauty of the state, this may be one of many reasons why California today is our nation's most populous state. If you are heading to California other than for a vacation or to visit relatives, you had better think twice. Unless you have tons of money, you probably won't be able to afford a house when you get there. What I am going to share with you may make you appreciate where you live, and if you are a homeowner the fact that you have been able to achieve The American Dream.

I have a friend who lives in Arizona and has a son in California who has really done well financially. His name is Doug Hackney and he lives in Carlsbad, which is located on the coast about halfway between San Diego and Long Beach. In a recent e-mail that Doug sent to his dad, he talked about the challenges in the San Diego area of the affordability of housing. When I read it, he pointed out many things I had never thought about and I suspect this is true for many of you who live in other areas of the country. As I said, after you read this, you may appreciate even more where you live and what you have.

Doug pointed out that fewer than one in six families could qualify to buy a typical home in this part of California. This is determined by something called "The affordability index," which measures how many people in an area can quality for a mortgage to buy a home. To explain, for any given area the affordability index takes the median price for a resale (used) single family home, adds the mortgage costs, taxes and insurance and compares the resulting qualification income requirements to the median household income. In San Diego, the median (meaning half are above and half are below) price for a resale single family home is currently $449,350.

Including a 20% down payment, with all insurance and taxes added, the household income required to quality for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage for that home at today's interest rates is $105, 313. Unfortunately for those trying to buy a home, the median county household income is $55,000. This means that only 16% of the people who live in the San Diego area can qualify for a mortgage to buy the median home. You might ask, "How does that compare with other areas?" In the U.S. as a whole, 57% qualify for a home. The only area in California that comes close to that is the high desert, at 58%.

In case you are wondering, other areas in California come in at: Sacramento: 38%, Riverside/San Bernardino 33%, Northern California: 27%, Los Angeles: 24%, San Francisco Bay Area: 19% and Orange County: 18% and the state as a whole has an affordability index of 25%. Doug goes on to say with some elaboration that No. 1: you can't shop your way out of the problem. A home in Ocean Beach that looks like it was built in the 50s has 598 square feet of living space and is a single story bungalow on a 1751 square foot lot, lists for $445,000. It will sell, because it's only a few blocks from the ocean.

No. 2:Ê you can't choose your way out of the problem. Because of abusive lawsuits for "construction defects" that cost the industry billions in the 90s, most builders refuse to build more affordable condominiums that sell for $200,000 to $500,000. New homes in this area start at $600,000. No. 3: you can't drive your way out of the problem. You have to travel all the way to Riverside County to find new homes in the mid-$300,000 to $500,000 ranges and then drive down I-15 to jobs in San Diego. Traffic in this corridor is expected to increase form 95,000 to 230,000 cars a day over the next 25 years.

No. 4: you can't build your way out of the problem.Ê Because there are a Byzantine maze of environmental laws and permits to build in this area, it takes five years before you can even begin to build a house. Combine this with the fact that new development is opposed by anyone who already owns a home. This also means that teachers, policemen, firemen, etc., are unable to own a home in the communities they serve. Young families cannot buy a home that has a yard for their children. Doug concludes by saying that none of the politicians, editorialists, government bureaucrats or housing industry leaders have come up with any viable solutions. Now doesn't that make you appreciate what you've got? Viola and I are perfectly content to live here in God's Country. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 450 - A GREAT HOSPITAL IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

No. 450

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT HOSPITAL IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

If you did a random survey, I believe you will find that most people will tell you they do not care much about hospitals, that is, until they really need one. We have a fantastic 'world class' hospital in our capitol city, called the

Arkansas Children's Hospital. Admittedly, there is a little source of pride in what I am going to say. This is in no way meant to discount the fact that there are several other quality children's hospitals across the country. One reason is because it's an emotional issue for me. In our church we have a beautiful little seven year old girl who was diagnosed with brain cancer several months ago, and thanks to the surgeons, staff and several months of tender loving care at the Arkansas Children's Hospital, she is still with us today.

Several years ago my wife, Viola, used to work at this hospital and I visited there for lunch a couple of times, but other than passing by Children's on the freeway and seeing the constant construction, I didn't really know much about it. Thanks to the Arkansas Press Association, that all changed for me back in February of this past year when members of the press were invited to a special VIP " behind the scenes" tour. The invitation was extended by Suzanne Patton, Director of Communications, to all those who attended our Winter Convention. When we boarded the bus at our hotel, each person was given a number, which determined which small group we would be in for the tour.Ê

Some of the key units we visited that are not open to the public included: The NEW Ambulatory Surgery area, the NEW Donald W. Reynolds Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and the newly remodeled Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When we arrived at each new unit we were required to put on the standard hospital cap and gown and we even got to keep the cap. One the lighter side, I sure don't want my picture in the paper wearing it. There were about 8 pods of 20 beds each in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was something special to see bed after bed that contained a "premature baby" with life supports that gave him great odds of becoming a healthy, happy adult. You probably would not appreciate this very much, unless of course, you were a parent of one of these babies.

To give you a feel for just how large this hospital is, let me give you some numbers that are staggering. The hospital has 2,187 full time employees, 1, 028 part time and a medical staff of 456 people. This past year they had 33,775 Emergency room visits, 66,516 General Pediatric Clinic visits and 188,367 other Outpatient visits. It is also worthy to note that Children's Hospital is a major teaching affiliate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The offices and faculty of UAMS Department of Pediatrics are housed at Children' Hospital. On a daily basis, these people go about the task of restoring and maintaining life and health for all those under 21 who come to their doors, without regard to race, religion or inability to pay.

This will also be of interest to those in the health care field. The Arkansas Children's Hospital strives to offer the best in well-child care, as well as emergency medicine and acute care. The hospital offers a variety of inpatient specialty units to accomplish this mission. These include: Infant/Toddler, Hematology/Oncology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Newborn Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, Orthopedics, Progressive Rehabilitation, Adolescent Medicine and Burn Center. The Burn Center is open to anyone regardless of age. Our own community utilized this service recently, when a chemical plant exploded and one of the victims had to be airlifted to Children's.Ê

It was a wonderful, once on a lifetime tour and we were also treated to another specialty of the hospital-fried catfish! This was followed by remarks from world-renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Drummond-Webb. Dr. Drummond-Webb is originally from South Africa and was formerly at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Since Children's Hospital kept sending him so many children for heart surgery, they finally convinced him to come to Little Rock and head up the team.

There was one thing he talked about that really touched me. He said many times he would board an airplane at Children's Hospital and then fly to a distant city, harvest a heart from a child who had died, and then time his arrival back home where he would then transplant the harvested heart into another child who desperately needed it to continue to live. Like I said earlier, we don't care much about hospitals, until we really need one. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 451 - LIFE IN AMERICA BEFORE 1945

No. 451

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIFE IN AMERICA BEFORE 1945

Several weeks ago I got a note from Doris Brown, who reads this column in the Times-Leader, published each Wednesday and Saturday in Princeton, Kentucky. These are good people over in Kentucky and I have enjoyed my relationship with them for several years now. Doris passed along something titled, "For All The Folks Born Before 1945." She just barely caught me, because I was born in 1938 and by 1945 I had not yet perfected my jump shot. Come to think of it, I never did perfect that thing.

Something very important happened in the history of our nation in 1945. Do you know what it was? Most older Americans can tell you that World War II started on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed our Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, but would be hard pressed to tell you the date World War II ended. On September 2, 1945 the final instrument of surrender was signed on the battleship Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay, and the fighting in World War II ended. We have had wars since then, but none as pivotal as this Great War, because the very survival of our country was at stake.

From all accounts, I know many young people read my column. If you are a young person, I hope you will really tune me in because what I am going to share may give you a leg up, when it comes to planning your life and your career. In fact, all Americans should have an interest in taking a trip back in time, because the free air we breathe and the wonderful economic opportunities we have were made possible because of the tremendous sacrifices of people who lived before us. As I thought about the years leading up to 1945, it was interesting to think about many of the outstanding Americans who lived and made a great contribution back in those days.

The list is inexhaustible, but a few off the top of my head are Paul Revere, Orville & Wilbur Wright, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Bob Hope, John Wayne, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Clark Gable, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Benjamin Franklin, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, Jesse Owens, George Washington Carver, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller and on an on. These are people who just came to mind. I know that if you were compiling a similar list, you would leave off some while adding others.

A this point I would like to share the article I mentioned earlier and it begins with the words, "Consider the changes we have witnessedÉWe were born before television, before penicillin, frozen food and the PILL. We were born before radar, split atoms, laser beams and ballpoint pens, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip-dry clothes and before man walked on the moon. We got married first then lived together. In our time, closets were for clothes, not for "coming out of." Bunnies were small rabbits and not Volkswagens.

Designer jeans were scheming girls named Jean, and having a meaningful relationship meant getting along well with our cousins. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent and Outer Space was the back of the Riviera Theater. We were before house-husbands, gay rights, computer dating, dual careers. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, yogurt and guys wearing earrings. For us, time-sharing meant togetherness- not computers or condominiums; a "chip" meant a piece of wood; hardware meant hardware and software wasn't even a word.

"Made in Japan," meant junk and the term "making out" referred to how you did on your exam. Pizzas,Ê "McDonalds" and instant coffee were unheard of. The 5 and 10 cent stores were where you bought things for five and ten cents. Ice cream cones were a nickel or a dime. For one nickel you could ride on a streetcar, make a phone call, buy a cola or enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. Gas was 11 cents a gallon. In our day, GRASS was mowed, COKE was a cold drink and POT was something you cooked in. ROCK MUSIC was Grandma's lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the Principal's office."

To be honest, I don't know what I could add to this article that would make it any better, but I am grateful for my heritage. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices, the dedication, the work, the creativity, the patriotism, the ingenuity and the moral, family and character values that has made the United States of America the greatest nation in the history of civilization. These people built the foundation. Now it's up to us to continue to build or see it crumble. Thanks, Doris, for sharing. I hope my readers enjoyed this article as much as I did. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 452 - A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

No. 452

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

My giant Funk & Wagnalls College Dictionary defines the word communication as "The transmission or exchange of ideas, information, etc., as by speech or writing." The goal of every author, columnist or speaker is to successfully communicate, or at least it should be. The tools of our trade are words, which now number over 800,000 in the English language. These words can be used in a multitude of ways, to create mental pictures, to stir emotions and to bring healing and comfort to individuals who are hurting. The great fear that we all have, even with all these wonderful tools at our beck and call, is that we will be misunderstood.

Such is the case for me as I share something that I have thought about for a very long time. In my writings I try to offer positive, upbeat ideas and topics that will be both helpful and encouraging for you, the reader. You are very important to me and I never want to take you for granted. The challenges we face each day come in many different forms. They may be financial, physical, relational, environmental, spiritual and whole hosts of others. What I have thought about for some time now is in the spiritual realm. As you know we are born with a God instinct, which is to say we will all worship something or someone.

As we grow older and mature, in America whom we worship and how we worship is a choice that is left to each individual person. After stumbling around and making a mess out of my life for several years I have chosen to become a Christian. My life now has meaning and purpose and has never been the same since I made this important decision. Since I have seen both sides of the fence, so to speak, I have an observation that I would like to pass along to you in the form of some information. Over the years I have had countless people tell me that Christians were hypocrites and I'm sure this is true in many cases. ÊÊÊÊ

On the other hand, many people who are accused of being a hypocrite and thought to be a Christian are not Christians at all. They may be church members and they may be religious but they are not Christian. It's really a case of mistaken identity. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. This is not an attempt to evangelize or to try to get you or anyone else to believe as I believe. This is a very private matter in every person's life. Also, what I am saying is not in any way meant to be judgmental. The Bible is very specific about this. In the book of Matthew it says, "Judge not lest ye be judged for by the same way ye judge, the same measure will be meted out to you."

The reason I can make the statement about most hypocrites not being a Christian can be found in II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new." When a person becomes a Christian, it means a change has taken place in his or her life. If they are still living the way they used to live, they many be a church member and may be religious, but they are not a Christian. As they say, "sitting in church three times a week will no more make you a Christian than sitting in a hen house will make you a chicken."

A friend sent me something the other day that says it better than I ever could. It begins, "When I say "I am a Christian"..I'm not shouting "I'm clean living!" I'm whispering, "I was lost; now I'm found and forgiven." When I say "I am a Christian"..I don't speak this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble, and need Christ to be my guide. When I say "I am a Christian"ÉI'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I am weak, and need His strength to carry on. When I say "I am a Christian"ÉI'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting that I have failed, and need God to clean my mess. When I say "I am a Christian"ÉI'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are far too visible; but God believes I am worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian"..I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartaches, and so I call upon his name. When I say "I am a Christian"ÉI'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good Grace, somehow." The instructions at the end of this little treatise were these, "Share this with somebody who already has this understanding, as reinforcement. But more importantly, share this with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians think they are "perfect" or "better than others" can be dispelled." So, in the future when you see someone who you think is a Christian and they are a crook, immoral, dishonest and meaner than a snake, it just may be a case of mistaken identity. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 453 - SUCCESS TIPS FROM A MOTEL PIONEER

No. 453

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

SUCCESS TIPS FROM A MOTEL PIONEER

When it comes to motels, at one time the name Holiday Inn was the standard in our country. While the major portion of this chain has been sold, I stayed in a Holiday Inn this past week and it was wonderful. You may or may not know that there is a fantastic success story behind this motel chain and it has to do with its founder, the late Kemmons Wilson. At age 90, Mr. Wilson passed away at his Memphis, Tennessee home on February 12, 2003. This story is worth repeating hundreds of times because it is one of 'rags to riches' the old fashioned way. That is, a single goal, hard work and striving to please the customer. That's the American Dream and it's still alive today.Ê

Several months ago a friend sent me "Kemmons Wilson's Twenty Tips for Success" and it was so good that I wanted to share it with you. You might get an idea or two here that could make a tremendous difference in your life. When I decided to do this column I called the headquarters of Holiday Inn in Memphis and talked with Dottie Bonds, longtime associate of Mr. Wilson. She was gracious to give me permission to use the published 'tips for success' and she sent me some additional information, that can also be found on the Internet at www.kwilson.com

Charles Kemmons Wilson was born in Osceola, Arkansas on January 5, 1913 to Kemmons and Ruby Wilson, but his father died when he was only 9 months old. Shortly thereafter, he and his mother moved to Memphis where Ruby raised Kemmons and taught him to make his way in the world. Kemmons said of his mother, "She taught me that I could do anything I wanted to do, and she drilled it into my head so hard that I finally decided that I could do anything I wanted to do." Later when Kemmons was married in the summer of 1951, he and his wife Dorothy packed their five children into the family car and set off for Washington, D.C.

On the road he was very disappointed in what he found. The roadside motels charged $2 extra for each child. "So our $6 room became a $16 room," he said. Also the motels in those days left much to be desired in the way of cleanliness, size and the facilities they offered. Kemmons took notes during their trip, measuring rooms and noticing everything about the places they stayed. By the time he got back to Memphis, he knew what he wanted. He hired a draftsman to draw up the plans. The first Holiday Inn opened on Summer Avenue in August 1952, and ten years later in 1962, the 400th Holiday Inn was opened.

Here then are Kemmons Wilson's "Twenty Tips for Success." #1. Work only half a day; it makes no difference which half Ð it can be either the first 12 hours or the last 12 hours. # 2. Work is the master key that opens the door to all opportunities. #3. Mental attitude plays a far more important role in a person's success or failure than mental capacity. #4. Remember that we all climb the ladder of success one step at a time. #5. There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. One is to sit on an acorn and wait, the other way is to climb it. #6. Do not be afraid of taking a chance. Remember that a broken watch is exactly right at least twice every 24 hours. #7. The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.

#8. Eliminate from your vocabulary the words, "I don't think I can" and substitute, "I know I can." #9. In evaluating a career, put opportunity ahead of security. #10. Remember that success requires half luck and half brains. #11. A person has to take risks to achieve. #12. People, who take pains never to do more than they get paid for, never get paid for anything more than they do. #13. No job is too hard as long as you are smart enough to find someone else to do it for you. #14. Opportunity comes often. It knocks as often as you have an ear trained to hear it, an eye trained to see it, a hand to grasp it, and a head trained to use it.

#15. You cannot procrastinate Ð in two days, tomorrow will be yesterday. #16. Sell your wristwatch and buy an alarm clock. #17. A successful person realizes his personal responsibility for self-motivation. He starts himself because he possesses the key to his own ignition switch. #18. Don't worry. You can't change the past, but you can sure ruin the present by worrying over the future. Remember that half the things we worry about never happen, the other half is going to happen anyway. So why worry? #19. It is not how much you have, but how much you enjoy that makes happiness. #20. Believe in God and obey the Ten Commandments. And, so we end Kemmons Wilson's Twenty Tips for Success. Here is a clear case of where a man was really lucky. He was lucky to be born in America and he was also lucky to have a great mother. Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 454 - A UNIQUE FORM OF THERAPY

No. 454

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A UNIQUE FORM OF THERAPY

I have a 95-year-old friend and reader who has a great sense of humor. In her last letter, she wrote these words on the outside of the envelope: "Lord, make me as good as my dog thinks I am." Wouldn't we all be better people if we could meet this simple test?Ê There is good reason why a dog is known as man's best friend. We could commit murder and come home and our faithful pet would be there with a friendly welcome, wagging his tail and wanting a pat on the head. This unconditional love and acceptance is the basis for what I want to share with you. If you have a dog for a pet, perk up your ears because what I am going to say will bring a smile to your face and hearty amen.

Several weeks ago I had a letter from Ms. L.T. Cook, who lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas and she reads my column in the Sunday Edition of the Sentinel-Record. She was telling me about a fantastic pet therapy program that was started by Ted Ericson in 1997 in Hot Springs that is meeting a tremendous need. The reason I decided to share this with you is because this is a concept that will work anywhere in the country. If you care about people, especially older people who cannot take care of themselves, you will be interested in what some of their citizens who volunteer their time and dogs, have done.

Ms. Cook is now the coordinator for the Hot Springs Pet Therapy Program and in her own words, let her tell you what these people are doing with man's best friend. "We visit local nursing and retirement homes and hospice, plus we participate in an after school program. Our volunteers are ages 6 to 82, from grade school through seniors, plus puppies and individually owned, temperament tested dogs. We also participate in Senior Day, Make A Difference Day and Christmas to Share. We have over 30 volunteers, plus Lakeside Key Club Members." In case you don't know, this is the student outreach program of Kiwanis International.

That is the 'nuts & bolts' of what these people are doing to make a difference in the lives of others, but a letter to the editor from Judy Hocutt really puts this unique form of therapy into perspective. Judy writes, " I have a very special friend, a Lhasa apso named "Patches," that has so much love to give to all she meets, that I felt she could certainly share all that love and all those "kisses" with other people. Patches had visited my mother during her stay in a nursing home and she brought smiles and laughter to a great many of the residents. That started me thinking about Patches visiting the nursing homes in Hot Springs.

Back in January, we made our first visit and it was an overwhelming success, not only for the residents (who were so excited to pet a fluffy puppy), but I made a comment to the activities director, "Why don't more people do this?" This has been so much fun and Patches had a great time. It only took an hour and I came away feeling we had been given a gift that money can't buy. Let me share this one experience: One of the residents told me over and over that she was afraid of Patches. I suggested I hold her head and she just touch the fur on her back to see how soft she was. Well, before we left, she was feeding Patches treats from her hand and told me, "I'm not afraid of Patches anymore."

Before I conclude, I would like to ask you a few questions. Do you have a leash law in your community? Do you have an animal shelter? Do you have stray dogs roaming your town or countryside that are a menace to your pets or even your children? Is there an emphasis in your community on spaying or neutering to keep down the number of unwanted animals? From what I can tell from the literature, Hot Springs is doing a good job with these issues and much of the credit goes to Dan Bugg, Supervisor of Animal Services. Like anything else, if you are going to be successful, you have to have good leadership.

One reason I know they are doing a great job is the preparation and printing of a great calendar. There is really no way I can do it justice, but it's in color, has a beautiful pet, (dogs & cats) on each page. The back cover is filled with animals of all sizes and shapes and it is just really professional. I believe they have a contest to select the pets that are featured in the 12 large photos for each of the months of the year. If you would like to have more information about possibly starting this kind of unique pet therapy program in your community, call Dan Bugg at 501-262-2091. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 455 - IT'S A MATTER OF OPINION

No. 455

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT'S A MATER OF OPINION

Over the past several weeks I have had an interesting exchange of ideas with Ms. Shaun Moffitt, a college instructor at the Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. After reading my column titled "Let's get back to teaching manners and civility as a way of life," she wrote me a letter strongly disagreeing with my basic premise. She also included several letters from students who agreed with her. Now this is not the first time someone has disagreed with me, but let me give you a little more information and you be the judge. First, the title I gave the column was "A Unique Center For Manners & Civility." When this particular newspaper ran the column they changed the title so the emphasis was not on the "center" but on teaching manners and civility.

She also lifted one line where I stated, "What is even more disturbing for me is the obnoxious and rude behavior and the complete lack of good manners and civility that far too many of our citizens are exhibiting on a regular basis." I noted that she did not include the next line that says, "Just recently there was an article in our local newspaper where a school district in our state had adopted a policy to curb bullying."Ê When I was growing up we did not have school shootings, road rage or anger management classes that parents had to take before they could attend their child's athletic events. We could also include "binge drinking" that has become epidemic.

One of the reasons manners and civility have suffered over the past 50 years is the violent culture that has been created in our society. Turn on the television any night and you can witness what I am talking about. Check out the violence in far too many television programs, the violent video games, the wrestling matches, the roller derby and especially the professional hockey games. One hockey dad killed another and you probably saw the incident in the news when a hockey player slugged another and slammed him to the ice breaking his neck. In short, we have created a violent society and this definitely has taken a toll on manners and civility.ÊÊ

Shaun and her students are idealistic and I really and truly applaud what they are saying. She has brought this down to a personal level and gives a number of examples. She states, "Every day I witness acts of manners and civilityÉ. I was thanked and even blessed heartily by the worker at the drive through window at Taco Tico, had a door held open by a 10 year old boy at a gas station, was given advice on where to mail a letter from a friendly woman at the Cracker Barrel, and was asked by a teenager if I wanted to go before her at a roadside park rest room."

She states further, "Manners and civility are taught by parents, by teachers, by policemen, by responsible people in positions of authority every day and in every way. We don't need to "get back to teaching" them because the instruction never went away. The challenge is to notice the daily acts of courtesy, acknowledgment, and open mindedness that surround us and not let them go unrecognized in the face of whatever acts of incivility we might perceive or encounter."

I invited Shaun and her students to write an open letter to the American people where they would share their views about the state of manners and civility in our nation today. She did so, but the article was much too lengthy, so I have to condense and summarize the points they felt were important. It is my heart's desire to get across the essence of what she and her students have observed in real life. In her article she quoted a number of authors that reinforced what she and her students were saying to me. . She quotes a portion of Stephen Carter's Civility, in which Carter states: "Americans today are like Americans of every era. We think our nation's manners are falling apart and the fact that the common claim that there was a time in which America was more civil than today is rather shaky."

This is one of these cases where I would like to be wrong. In my heart if I can determine that I am, I will be the first to apologize. I have spent the last 35 years of my life working with students in our schools, doing my share of volunteer work, and doing my best to motivate and inspire people to use their God given talent to become more successful. My heart's desire is for all of our citizens to respect others, to treat them with kindness and courtesy and to be productive and responsible members of society. I suspect the same thing is true for Shaun Moffitt and her students. Teachers have a great responsibility as well as a great opportunity to make a difference. When it comes to whether we have more or less civility and manners today, I suspect the answers will be determined by the age of the people you ask. Feel free to contact Ms. Moffitt at shaunm@coffeyville.edu Ê(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 456 - DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?

No. 456

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?

When a human being is born and comes into the world, one of the most precious gifts he is given is something we call time. The American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), once said, "Time is the shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock Ü these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of Time, but not Time itself. Time is the life of the soul." Unless we have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, the amount of time we each have is not ours to know. However, we do know that how we use our time while we are here in this earth, whether we use it wisely or waste it, will determine our success or failure as a human being.

In these days when we must purchase most of our basic needs from others, that is to say, goods and services, time has become money. This fact has resulted in a dilemma that has produced stress, high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical conditions that take a toll on millions of people in our nation every year. This is exacerbated by the fact that an ever-increasing tax burden, especially the hidden tax of inflation, has caused the pace of life to quicken to the point that we meet ourselves coming back from places we should never have gone in the first place.

Along these lines, a friend sent me something the other day that has a wonderful message and something that every person who is caught up in the rat raceÕ should think about from time to time. When things in your life seem too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar Ü and the coffee. Several years ago at a small college in upstate New York, a professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor next picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things Ü your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions Ü things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else Ü the small stuff." He continued, "If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all of your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse or a good friend out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there is always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

This last line certainly has a lot of meaning. It says to me, and maybe to you, too, that if we get in too big of a hurry, we are going to miss spending some quality time and the blessings of being in touch with other human beings. In a far less important realm, the correct answer to the question, "Do you have time for a cup of coffee?" can mean extra money in our pocket, especially if we happen to be in the sales profession. When I was in outside sales and someone would ask the question, "Do you have time for a cup of coffee?" I always said "yes," even if I had 10 cups just before I got there. Coffee is fellowship and coffee is quality time to tell your story about what you are selling, and we are all selling something. Quality and fellowship are good thoughts to ponder. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 457 - WHY SOME PEOPLE MAY DISAGREE WITH YOU!

No. 457

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY SOME PEOPLE MAY DISAGREE WITH YOU!

Several weeks ago I acquired some knowledge that has been very helpful to me. For what itÕs worth, I would like to share the essence with you, in the hope that you may benefit as well. If you have ever wondered why your thinking was so radically different from other people, especially people who are younger or older, you might consider very carefully what I am going to share. I have a good friend, Dr. Don Bradley, who is a professor of marketing and executive director of the Small Business Advancement National Center that is located on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

At my invitation, Dr. Bradley came and spoke to our Lions Club recently and he talked about the Generational Diversity in Small Business. Granted you may be way ahead of me here, but for the past several years I had been hearing terms like Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and Generation X. While I had a general idea of what each one meant, I had never had anyone break it down into specific years, when each of these generations started and ended, and also fill in the gaps to complete the picture. Now this in itself is not that earth shattering, but when Dr. Bradley pointed out the major events in the time frame for each generation that shaped their attitudes and values, a light came on in my head.

The important point in the beginning is to realize that each generation possesses a unique set of identifying characteristics. Here is the breakdown of the different generations, Traditionalists (1920-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Nexters (1981-1999) and Cuspers, is a term used to identify anyone born from 1 to 2 years between the generations. To be sure, this is not hard and fast, but if you will take the year of your birth and match it up with the generation identified here, you may discover some information that will help you relate much better with those who were born in a different generation. As I said earlier, this has been a tremendous help to me. Since I was born in 1938, I am a Traditionalist, which will explain the basis for many of the attitudes and values that I have presented in my column over the years. You probably have heard the saying, "The one who pays the fiddler calls the tune." This is certainly true for the Traditionalists. While we make up only 25 percent of our nationÕs work force, we own 75 percent of all the financial assets in the world. Some of the things that shaped our mindset were World War II, Great Stock Market Crash of 1929, The Great Depression, Lindbergh's first transatlantic flight, The New Deal and the establishment of Social Security.

The Baby Boomers, the generation that started at the end of World War II, are for the most part optimistic and positive, believe in growth and expansion, believe in radical change, are compelled to challenge authority and believe they will never grow up, grow old, or die. Some of the world events that shaped the mindset of the Baby Boomers include the Civil Rights Movement and later the Civil Rights Act, the first man to walk on the moon and the Vietnam conflict. This is my own personal view, but I believe the fact that women worked while men were away fighting the war and had money for the first time, plus the resulting power, changed the course of history for our country.

Here are some of the events that shaped the mindset of the Gen Xers, as they are referred to. Our nation experienced a time of abundant technological change, the divorce rate exploded, so this generation is extremely skeptical, their view is more global and they want to have fun as they work.

The last group which have been called the Nexters, are looking to constantly improve themselves. They were born with the technology of Generation X and this technology made them connected to the world at a young age. For the most part, the Nexters generation has a very realistic outlook.

The Cuspers, the last group, were born between two generations. Whether they are young or old, they have experienced both generations and therefore have a combination of characteristics from each generation. These people are very beneficial for organizations and can help to bridge the gap between two consecutive generations.

Here is what I learned from Dr. Bradley. When I see people act and behave in a negative way, I consider their age and the societal influences on their life. While I may not agree, I can better understand why they act the way they do. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 458 - A STOP ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

458

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A STOP ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

In our nation today there are several million people who live in what could be called the "New West," but a good percentage of these people would like to hold on to the memories of what is called the "Old West." There is a mystique about this term that conjures up images of cattle drives, saloons, gun fights, cowboys, stagecoaches, bank robbers, Indians and ranches that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you should divide our nation roughly in half, it would fall along the lines that west is every state west of the Mississippi River, with the exception of those states in the far north and the deep south. However, there are several states in the central portion of our country that can lay claim to most of the history of this Old West era.

Not to slight anybody, because every western state has some of this history, but those states we normally associate with the Old West, or in some cases the Wild West, are Montana, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and the Dakotas. There is a good reason for this distinction and this good reason is called cattle, with bank robbers and gold mining thrown in for good measure. Since I did not grow up in, nor have I ever lived in, this part of the country, I am somewhat limited in my first-hand knowledge of these earlier days. About all I knew about the Old West when I was growing up were the black and white movies that came to our small town that we called shoot-em-ups.

How I thrilled to see Johnny Mack Brown, Lash Larue, Tex Ritter, Zorro, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Annie Oakley, Tom Mix and a host of others. I got a good glimpse of the Old West several months ago when I was in Duncan, Oklahoma to speak at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet. While I was there, Iris Cope, my host, who works for the chamber, gave me a personal tour of the area. One of the attractions that made a real impression on me was the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Over the years I had heard of the Chisholm Trail, but did not know anything about it. For a country boy who was raised in the back of a restaurant and helped his father raise two cotton crops, it was an eye opener that made this part of our nationÕs history very real for me.

If you, like me, are part of the uninitiated, please allow me to tell you about the Chisholm Trail and the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center that seeks to preserve this part of our nation's history. This trail was the route for the greatest animal migration known to man. On this wind-swept trail, millions of longhorn cattle were driven from deep in Texas through Indian Territory to the railroads in Kansas. The trail began about a hundred or so miles south of Fort Worth, Texas, and went northward through open country to the Oklahoma Territory, then through what is now the state of Oklahoma. The original trail passed by the communities of Duncan, Rush Springs, Chickasha, and west of Oklahoma City and on to Kansas Territory. From the Kansas line, the trail continued northward to the railroad that was located several miles west of what is now the city of Wichita.

The Heritage Center was something special to see, and if you are ever in this part of the country I would highly recommend that you pay this attraction a visit. When Iris and I pulled into the parking lot, there was a life-sized bronze sculpture that depicted the Chisholm Trail that was created by Paul Moore. I was told this sculpture cost a million dollars to create and it featured a covered wagon being pulled by large horses, a chuck wagon and a good number of longhorn cattle following behind. Remember, this sculpture is life-sized, so you can imagine how impressive it is. This, however, was only the harbinger of things to come.

Once inside, there were a number of exhibits like an authentic chuck-wagon that was the center of life on the trail, a collection of western art, reproductions of various wildlife that could be found along the trail and a number of other things of interest. What made the visit so memorable for me was the "Experience Theater" that featured a big screen presentation of life on the trail. You actually felt as though you were there. The cowboys were sitting around the open fire, food cooking, and cattle lowing in the background. You could actually smell the coffee brewing in the pot. It was a fantastic journey back in time and something every American should experience. The first weekend of May each year, the city of Duncan holds The Chisholm Stampede and features a PRCA rodeo, parade, country western concert and dance, a western art show, chuck wagon cook-off and REACH, a drug and alcohol awareness program for elementary schools. Sounds like great fun. For more information visit the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center Website www.onthechisholmtrail.com. (Jim Davidson is a Motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 459 - SOME GOOD OLD FASHIONED ADVICE

No. 459

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME GOOD OLD FASHIONED ADVICE

Here is a question I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. What is the best advice you have ever received? This question reminds me of a humorous story I heard one time about this truck driver who had been on the road for hours, was dead tired, and stopped at this all-night diner for something to eat. After taking a seat, a waitress came over to take his order and he said, "I would like to have two scrambled eggs, a sausage patty, some biscuits and gravy and some kind words." After a few minutes the waitress came back, set his order in front of him and turned to leave. He said, "Wait a minute, ma'am. What about those kind words?" At this point she leaned over and whispered where no one else could hear and said, "Don't eat them eggs."

Now, I don't know whether or not he took her advice, but it sounds like he would have been better off if he had. Believe it or not, this last statement contains the essence of what advice is all about. The dictionary says, "advice is counsel given to encourage or dissuade." When we seek someone's advice or whether we are the one giving it, the end result is to encourage someone to do something or to discourage them from doing it. Some examples of what I am saying might include advice as to whether or not to get married to a particular person, advice on making a dangerous trip, advice about taking a particular job that involves a lot of travel or moving your family to a strange city or town and so forth.

When we ask a person for advice, we are simply asking them to suggest the best course of action for us to take. This is not to say that we will allow this person to make the decision for us, but that we want more input before making the final decision ourselves. Obviously, the character and integrity of the people we seek out to ask for advice, along with their knowledge and experience, will go a long way in helping us become a happy, well adjusted and successful human being. As I look back over the years of my life, I am grateful for the people who were there to counsel me, guide me and to help me make wise choices. In a general sense, the times I would not listen to sound advice is when I really made a mess of things.

Here is another question that may be worth thinking about. Have there been times in your life when you wished you had listened when someone who loves you and had your best interests at heart tried to give you some good advice? In the final analysis, the choices we make are what determine our success or failure as a human being. What brought these thoughts to mind is a document my good friend Charles Rosson sent me the other day titled, "Good Old Fashioned Advice." This document contains 21 concise statements that can serve as good advice Ü advice that will help any of us make better choices Ü choices that will serve us well in the years to come.

Read these carefully and think about each one and see if you don't agree. No. 1.Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. No. 2. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. No. 3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. No. 4. When you say, "I love you," mean it. No. 5. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. No. 6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. No. 7. Believe in love at first sight. No. 8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams Ü People who don't have dreams don't have much. No. 9. Love deeply and passionately. No. 10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No. 11. Don't judge people by their relatives.

No. 12. Talk slowly but think quickly. No. 13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" No. 14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. No. 15. Say, "Bless you" when you hear someone sneeze. No. 16. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. No. 17. Remember the three RÕs: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions. No. 18. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. No. 19. When you realize you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 20. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. No. 21. Spend time alone with God every day.

The English poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said, "Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into, the mind." Every once in a while I hear someone say, "That person is as solid as a rock." This means this person has refused to let pride stand in the way along the path of life and has taken some "Good Old Fashioned Advice." Hope there is something here you can use. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 460 - DO YOU HAVE A BLESSING BASKET?

No. 460

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE A BLESSING BASKET?

How long has it been since you stopped to count your blessings? In our home, my wife Viola counts them often, literally Ü because she has been so blessed by family, friends, fellow church members and a great number of readers who have sent her cards, thought gifts and other expressions of love and concern. In case you don't know, Viola has Parkinson's, but this debilitating disease has only affected her body, never her attitude or her spirit. ItÕs been more than six years now since she was first diagnosed and this relentless disease is beginning to really take a toll, especially in the past few weeks. She has gone from walking with a slight limp, to using a cane, then a walker which she still uses, and this past week we got a battery powered chair, like those you see on TV, that enables her to get around a whole lot better.

As I said, one of the things that has really blessed her is the large number of personal notes and thoughtful cards that others have sent to her over the past several months. As she receives and reads each one, after sharing it with me, she just tosses it into a wicker basket that sits on top of an old cedar chest in the center of our large combination family, kitchen and dining room. She calls this her "Blessing Basket." This basket will hold over 100 of these special notes and expressions of love and she told me recently that she has emptied it at least three or four times in the past couple of years. This has been so meaningful to her that she purchased and gave a similar basket to a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. For people who have many lonely and unsettled days, the real blessing is to be able to get some of those notes out and reread them, to be reminded that others do care and they are not alone. Do you have a blessing basket?

Needless to say, there have been a lot of adjustments that I have had to make because of our circumstances at this point in our lives. Less you misunderstand, I want to make it very clear that I never complain about the extra things I get to do because Viola can no longer do them. I never dreamed that I could work in the office, travel to speaking engagements, make the beds, do the laundry, do the grocery shopping, cook our meals, wash and put away the dishes, (we do have a dishwasher), and take care of our small garden. All of this comes under the heading of doing what you have to do. However, we do have a wonderful lady who comes to our home a couple of times each month to really clean house. That is, she cleans up some of the messes I have made.

All of this has served to show me just how much work Viola has been doing, and all the wives out there said, "Amen!" For me, it's really a joy to be able to do these things, because she has taken care of me first class for most of the years of our marriage. One thing we still do is laugh a lot. We need that. If you are not having fun and laughing a lot in your home, you are indeed missing a great blessing. Something happened one morning a few days ago that really illustrates what I am saying. It's Viola's nature to want things to be done right, and to have them done right now. Not next week, but right now. She has a special way of prodding me to get it done. A couple of days of having her point to this and then that for me to do, and my mind being on writing a column or doing something in the office, finally got to me. My solution was to have her make a list and write down everything she wanted me to do, and then I would do all these things at the same time when I took a break. When I was explaining this concept to her, she said, "It's obvious that you have never been a wife and mother." To this I responded with a line that I heard the late Earl Nightingale say one time, "Madam, you have finally spoken a great truth." Of course, what she was inferring is that I could only think of one thing at a time, which is another way of saying that I have a one-track mind.

When we were visiting in a couple's home the other day and I was telling this story, this lady said, "Jr. is the same way here." Apparently this trait is widespread among men. On a more serious note, one thing our personal experience has revealed to me is the large number of people in our nation who are walking the same road. To be the caregiver for another person can be a blessing or it can be a curse, depending on our attitude. We can see it as an opportunity to serve God by taking care of one of His children or we can see it as a millstone around our neck that keeps us from doing what we want to do. You will find that one of the major causes for divorce in our country is selfishness. Nothing lasts forever, but doing the right thing will bring everlasting joy. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 461 - ARE YOU A FANATIC?

No. 461

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A FANATIC?

Several years ago I heard my friend Bob Murphy, the famous humorist, tell the story about a woman who was arrested and brought before the judge on a morals charge. After a bit of irrelevant conversation, this judge asked the woman, "Are you a virtuous woman?" She said, "Of course I'm virtuous. Now, I ain't no fanatic about it." At this point it might be well to pause and ask you this question. Are you a fanatic? Based on the definition of the word "fanatic" from the dictionary, while I have some strong views and convictions, I don't believe I am a fanatic. The word "fanatic" means, "a person who is moved by a frenzy of enthusiasm or zeal, especially a religious zealot." People who are fanatics are usually bad news and that's what I want to talk with you about from my heart in this edition today.

In a recent article titled "Up Against Fanaticism," Phil Lucas, executive editor of The News Herald of Panama City, Florida, makes a compelling case for why Americans better learn who our enemy is and what the consequences will be if we don't win the war on terrorism. I have contacted Mr. Lucas and he has given me permission to share some of the information in this column with you. This is a tremendous help because he and his staff have done the research and what he has to say is something every loyal citizen of our country needs to understand. A better understanding by all Americans is my goal here.

Since the blatant, pre-meditated attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I have come to fully appreciate who we are at war with and fully support our president and all the men and women of our Armed Forces. We have lost too many good men and women already, but we stand to lose many, many more if we don't understand the nature of this conflict. Most Americans already know, but I am convinced, based on the news and radio talk shows, that many do not. I might also add that as a Christian, I have been in somewhat of a dilemma, because my Bible teaches me that I am to turn the other cheek. If you doubt what I am saying, you can read that in Matthew Chapter Five. Ironically, in this same chapter, Jesus also said, "I did not come to change or abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill." In the days of the Law and the Prophets, which is Old Testament, the law was an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Plainly and simply, when Jesus said, "Turn the other cheek," He was not talking about a vicious terrorist enemy flying jetliners into buildings and killing thousands of innocent people. If you have had some of the same concerns, maybe this will help.

Phil Lucas states, "We could fill the newspaper every morning with mobs of fanatical Muslims. They can't get along with their neighbors on much of the planet: France, Chechnya, Bosnia, Indonesia, Spain, Morocco, India, Tunisia, Somalia, etc.etc.etc. Can anybody name three ongoing world conflicts in which Muslims are not involved? Today, where there is war, there are fanatical Muslims. We might quibble about who started what conflicts, but look at the sheer number of them. One thing is for sure, Muslim killers started the one we are in now when they slaughtered more than 3,000 people, including fellow Muslims, in New York City."

As Phil summarizes his column he asks these questions, "Who do you think will win? You? Or them? Think you can take your ball and go home and they will leave you alone? Read a little history. Start with the last week, last month, last year, and every year back for half a century. Then go back a thousand years. Nobody hides from this fight. Like it or not, that's the way it was and that's the way it is." He ends by saying, "But many Americans don't get it." My fellow citizens, this is the reason I decided to write this particular column. All of us better get it and understand the reasons why.

Not all Muslims are fanatics by any means and many are good, honest, and hard working, family-oriented people. However, it is also important to understand that there are differences in our culture and also in our religion. It is my belief, the reason most Muslims in Arab countries hate us is because of our long-standing support and historical relationship with the nation of Israel, the archenemy of the Arabs. They also hate us because we have transported our materialistic and permissive culture right to their doorstep. If history is the best prognosticator, the Muslim fanatics are not going away, and for the very survival of our nation, we had better understand that. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 462 - THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT DAY

No. 462

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT DAY

Do you ever have flashbacks? This is to say that your current thoughts provide the catalyst for your memory to flashback to some event or experience that happened months or even years before. We see this all the time in the news, or maybe even in person, where soldiers return from the horrors of war and the recurring mental images are so vivid and real that they cause deep emotional and psychological pain. When I began to think about todayÕs column, I had a flashback that happened over 30 years ago. While this flashback was certainly not as dramatic as those from the battlefield, it was nevertheless, real to me.

Sometime after 1970, my former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway, and I took his grandson Randy on a trout fishing trip up to the White River in North Arkansas. We stayed in a motel in Mountain View and early the next morning, as we were getting set to leave for the boat dock, Randy said to his grandfather, "Grandpa, it's your attitude early in the morning that makes a difference about your day." Randy was so right, and some thoughts along this line are what I want to share with you, but thinking about this caused my mind to flashback to the time when we were in the boat catching trout.

The limit was six, which meant we could have a total of 18 in the boat. We were catching so many fish and having such a great time that we lost count, but only for a little while. About this time the Game Warden pulled alongside our boat and wanted to count our fish. Would you believe we had 19, one over the limit? Since there were two licensed fishermen in the boat, this meant we both got a ticket. I told the Game Warden that I had caught the extra fish, hoping I would be the only one who got a ticket. When I made that comment, Randy said, "Did Not." Anyway, it was a good lesson that cost each one of us $28, and that was a long time ago. No telling what the amount of the fine is today.

Randy's comment, "It's your attitude early in the morning that makes a difference about your day," is certainly something we would do well to think about. A while back a friend sent me a short piece by an unknown author that really hits the nail on the head in this regard. It begins, "I woke up early today, excited over all that I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have many responsibilities to fulfill today. My first and most important job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have." As I said, I hope you will give some real thought to your early morning attitude, because it's much more important than the old joke we have all heard. When someone asked this fellow, "Did you get up with a grouch this morning?" He said, "No, I let her sleep." Sorry about that!

We really do have a choice, so please consider this from a first-person perspective, and that first person is you. "Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or Ü I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free. Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or Ü I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health or Ü I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or Ü I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns Ü or I can celebrate that roses have thorns.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or Ü I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work or Ü I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. Today I can complain because I have difficult things to do or Ü eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or Ü I can appreciate that I have a place to call home. Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. (That's a terrific thought!) What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have. Hope you have a GREAT DAY Ü unless (of course) you have other plans."

While it's not original, there is an old saying that would be appropriate to share with you here. It's your attitude and not your aptitude that will determine your altitude. In life, about 85 percent of our success is determined by our attitude and only 15 percent is determined by our skill and knowledge. If you are having serious problems just now, why not examine your attitude. It's true. It's your attitude early in the morning that makes a difference about your day. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 463 - A VALUABLE LESSON LEARNED IN PRISON

No. 463

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VALUABLE LESSON LEARNED IN PRISON

Charlie Ward died when he was 73 years of age, but, oh, what a life he lived. When I read this true story of Charlie Ward in the excellent book "The 25 Most Common Problems in Business" by Jim Zabloski, I knew it was a story I had to share with you.

The reason I wanted to share this story is because it represents thousands, perhaps millions, of people across America who started out on the wrong side of the tracks but became an exemplary model of what a human life is meant to be. If you suffer from low self-esteem because you were not born into the privileged class, do not possess looks or a body that cause others to stare, do not have an Ivy League education or all the other advantages of those starting out with a "can't miss" label, this story is for you.

Let me say here in the beginning, the reason Charlie Ward became a tremendous success is because he discovered an age-old principle that will work for anyone who has the good sense to use it. I will be happy to tell you what it is, but first this story about the life of Charlie Ward.

Charlie came into the world on the worst side of town. As a young boy, he sold newspapers to help pay his family debts. Then he shined shoes and as a teen found himself serving others as a cabin boy on a freighter. He tired of life in Seattle, Washington, and tired of serving others. He did what every young man daydreams ofÑhe hit the rails and traveled with bums on passing trains.

Charlie saw the States and made his living by stealing and petty thievery. His railroad journeys satisfied him for several years, until Mexico enticed him. He drank. He fought. He won, but more often he lost. He discovered gambling, which allowed him to win bigger and lose bigger.

Finally, U.S. authorities caught Charlie and tried him for trafficking in narcotics. Bitter and angry, Charlie claimed the authorities framed him, even as he passed through the gates of Leavenworth prison. Many inmates read my column, so here I hope you will really listen up. At age 34, Charlie Ward hung on the end of his emotional rope. He had lived for himself for 16 years. He had given to no one and taken from all.

But his life turned around when he read the only material then available to prisoners: the Bible. By reading and rereading it, Charlie's life transformed into something he never thought possible. He burned into his mind to forgive those who had wronged him. He decided to become Leavenworth's model prisoner. He wanted to improve himself, and his opportunity came. He learned from a prison guard whom he had befriended, that there would be an opening for a trustee in the prison electric plant in three months. Charlie knew the railroads, not electricity. He read every book on electricity in the prison library. He prayed and asked God to give him that job, and in return he would learn to give. He studied, and at the end of three months he not only passed the test, but due to his vibrant personality, he won the hearts of the prison officials.

In a short time, Charlie became superintendent of the prison power plant with 150 men working for him. Charlie became everyone's friend, including the newest white-collar prisoner named Herbert Bigelow who entered because of tax evasion. Because Charlie gave of himself to help Herbert Bigelow adjust to his situation, his new friend responded in kind by telling Charlie that when he got out of prison to look him up in St. Paul. Bigelow's sentence ended, with Charlie's several months behind. When Charlie knocked on Bigelow's door, he received a handshake and a job offer as a laborer.

A bit disappointed, Charlie overcame his situation by giving again. His reward came in leaps Ü within the year Bigelow promoted him to superintendent. From there Charlie rose to the rank of general manager and then vice president. His triumph came when Bigelow made Charlie Ward, ex-bum and ex-con, president of Brown and Bigelow Industries. Charlie remained as president, taking the $3 million company to a $50 million company, till his death at age 73.

In the beginning, I promised to tell you the principle that Charlie Ward discovered that completely turned life around. I might add, we don't have to be in prison to use this principle; it's there free for the taking for one and all. The Bible states it this way, "Give and it will be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over." If you are having trouble on your job or in your life, change your attitude. Give first and the rewards will follow.(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 464 - A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE WHO NEVER FORGOT HIS ROOTS

No. 464

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE WHO NEVER FORGOT HIS ROOTS

When you die, other than your family and very closest friends, will anyone really care? This is a question that should cause any of us to stop and reflect on our own life for a few minutes. Unlike most, this is a question that we cannot answer ourselves, but will be left to those who knew us during our brief stay here on earth. It is brief, you know, and even though we may live to be over a hundred, in the grand sweep of time our life is only a whisper that will be heard in the halls of eternity. The reason the answer to my first question is so very important, is because it will be determined by the way we have lived our life and the contributions we have made to our fellowman.Hopefully, you or I won't be like some of the kings of Israel that I have been reading about in the Bible. It is often said, "He was not buried in the tombs of the Kings of Israel and the people were glad to see him go."

Back on May 21, 2004, when I learned about the tragic death of Sheridan Garrison, Founder and Chairman of American Freightways based in Harrison, Arkansas, I had a pain in my heart and my body felt like I had been kicked in the stomach by a mule. As you read these words, you probably did not know Sheridan Garrison, but he had some personal qualities that I deeply admired and I would like to tell you about some of them. My motivation for sharing this with you is two fold. First, I just believe we need to read or hear about people who have made a difference and their lives truly counted for something. It is also my prayer that reading about the life of Sheridan Garrison may inspire you to want to be the kind of person that he was. Of course, I realize that you may already be this kind of person.

From the beginning, let me say that while I considered Sheridan to be a friend, I had never socialized with him and was never a guest in his home. Our relationship began back in the early 1970s when I was selling the Earl Nightingale motivation programs on cassette tape. While I was in Harrison one day, I made a sales call on Garrison Motor Freight, a small trucking company that was based there. The late Ben Garrison, Sheridan's father, had started this company and was just one of many small, struggling trucking companies dotted throughout the country. Looking back, Sheridan certainly did not need any motivation tapes, but he bought a set from me anyway and we had a wonderful visit. Because of that early encounter, I always had a fondness for him and anytime I ran into someone from Harrison, would ask how he was doing.

Several years passed and then I began to see big, beautiful trucks on the road with the name American Freightways painted on them. I later learned the same man I had met earlier was now a major national player in the shipping business, and owned this freight company that served 26 states. Our paths crossed again about 1997 when our local Lions Club was selling peanuts at Christmas time as a fundraiser to help the blind. We were getting these two-pound bags of peanuts out of North Carolina and the freight was costing almost $1,000, which really cut into our profit.At this point I called Sheridan and asked if he could help us. He did!! His company hauled those peanuts for us for several years and it did not cost us a penny. That's the kind of man he was.

After a few years our club decided we wanted to make him an Honorary Member. We prepared a special tribute for this purpose and I called and asked him if we could come to Harrison to present it to him. We set a date and a committee from our club made the trip for this purpose. He warmly greeted us, and along with a number of his staff, took us out to dinner at a special little restaurant, where they serve trout fingers. Just good, gracious people. Because of his kindness and generosity, a couple of years later we prepared a very fancy, special recognition plaque and made another trip back to Harrison. We ate in his company dining room this time.

The thing that impressed me more than anything about Sheridan is that he never forgot his roots. When you were around him, he made you feel like you were the most important person on earth. Apparently he fell out of a boat in his private lake, but when he died, his net worth was estimated to be $312 million. He had recently sold his company to FedEx Freight. A few years before this sale, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and because my wife, Viola, has Parkinson's, we had a common bond there. I had promised to go see him, but I drug my feet, and now it's too late. Sheridan Garrison will be missed by thousands of people who, like me, really cared about him. The world has lost a true humanitarian. Maybe on a smaller scale, but we could all be that, if we tried. (Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 465 - DEPRESSION IS A TREATABLE MENTAL ILLNESS

No. 465

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

DEPRESSION IS A TREATABLE MENTAL ILLNESS

The other day I got a letter from Dorothy Duren, who reads my column in the Valdosta Daily Times down in South Georgia. What she had to say was so important that I wrote her back, asked for permission to use her name and to share the contents of her letter with you. Her subject was depression, a mental state that negatively affects millions of people in our nation each year. It's normal for any person to be depressed when they have suffered a major defeat, a divorce, the loss of a loved one, being fired from a job, missing the cut, turned down by a favorite college and the list is endless.

While all of these things hurt, in a reasonable length of time a normal person will bounce back and be ready to face the next challenge. I get depressed when it rains for several days in a row, but up to this point, have always managed to bounce back.

However, what happens to a person who does not bounce back in a reasonable length of time and stays depressed? This is what has come to be known as severe mental depression and if not dealt with, the end result in far too many cases is suicide. This is why I said that Dorothy's letter was so important. She told me a true story about a man by the name of Stuart Perry, who has made a commitment to do something about this mental illness that is treatable. If you or some member of your family suffers from deep mental depression, I hope you will read very carefully what I am going to say and you might also pass this along to someone you know outside of your family who also suffers from this condition.

Here is the rest of the story. Dorothy said, "Just last week I attended a meeting of the Southwest Georgia Hospital Volunteers in Americus, Georgia, where I heard Stuart Perry, guest speaker. Stuart told us of his experience with depression. His father committed suicide when he, Stuart, was 21 years of age and in college. Stuart dropped out and came home and ran the family's service station for eight years before he began showing signs of depression.

The family immediately got him help (and that's the key) and when he recovered, he felt God was calling him to help publicize the importance of getting help for depressed people.

With the help of Mr. Rudy Hayes, they organized a "walk" and Stuart walked from Americus, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois. His object was to obtain petitions requesting doctors to screen all their patients for depression and do what they could to help. He obtained many petitions, which he delivered to the headquarters of the American Medical Association in Chicago. Along the way there were rallies and he spoke at many meetings. At each of these meetings, including the one Dorothy Duren attended, he passed out a small card encouraging people with symptoms of depression to get help." She concluded her letter by saying, "I was very impressed with his endeavor because I and my family have battled with depression for many years. Hopefully, with this kind of publicity we can overcome the stigma of depression and mental illness."

Before I conclude this column, I want to give you the information that is on this card, including a couple of phone numbers where people who suffer from severe mental depression can get help. First, I would like to offer a word of caution. In these days with skyrocketing medical costs and insurance premiums that are annually outpacing the rate of inflation by a hefty margin, we don't want to further strain our system by being deceptive or misusing it. Our system was designed for people who are really sick and need help and as this relates to mental depression, there are some signs that will serve as a red light, that indicate that it's time to take action.

Here are 10 symptoms of depression. 1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood. 2. Sleeping too little or too much. 3. Changes in weight or appetite. 4. Loss of pleasure or interest in activities. 5. Feeling restless or irritable. 6. Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment. 7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. 8. Fatigue or loss of energy. 9. Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless. 10. Thoughts of suicide or death. This is a program of the National Mental Health Association and they recommend that you see your doctor or other mental health professional if you experience five or more of these 10 symptoms for more than two weeks.

The likelihood of depression increases if you have an illness such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. For a free, confidential, depression screening site near you, call 1-800-573-4433 and for a free brochure to learn more about depression, call 1-800-228-1114. For spiritual comfort read Isaiah 26:3.(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 466 - COULD YOU HAVE PASSED THE 8TH GRADE...IN 1895?

No. 466

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

COULD YOU HAVE PASSED THE 8TH GRADEÉIN 1895?

A few weeks ago my friend Elizabeth Houser, who works for the Arkansas Literacy Councils Inc., sent me something that has caused me to question my level of education. I have 50 hours of college work, and the rest for the most part, is self-taught. What she sent me was a test for the 8th grade, back in 1895, that was taken from the original document on file at the Smoky Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, Kansas.

Elizabeth got this reprinted document from Dr. Mike McFarland, who owns a number of Eye Centers in our state. He has the reputation of being one of the best eye surgeons in the country. With that said, I'm grateful that Mike was willing to share.

To be honest, I was truly grateful for this article because my father had a 5th-grade education and my mother went to the 8th grade. By these standards, you would logically think that people today with this level of education don't know much or have anything on the ball. Nothing could be further from the truth, as you will see when I give this test and invite you to take it along with me. This test is quite lengthy and I may not have the space to give all of it here, but here is what it covers, along with the allotted time to complete each part. Grammar- one hour, Arithmetic- one hour and 25 minutes, U.S. History-45 minutes, Orthography Ð one hour, Geography- one hour. Please keep in mind that the students of this era had a chance to study and learn these subjects, just likestudents do in our schools today.

Here are some of the questions, and please answer those you can.

GRAMMAR: 1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters. 2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications. 3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph. 4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of "lie," "play," and "run." 5. Define case; illustrate each case. 6. What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation. 7. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

ARITHMETIC: 1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic. 2. A wagon box is 2 feet deep, 10 feet long, and 3 feet wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold? 3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts per bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs for tare? 4. District # 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals? 5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs coal at $6.00 per ton. 6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent. 7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?

U.S. HISTORY: 1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided. 2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus. 3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War. 4. Show the territorial growth of the United States. 5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas. 6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion. 7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?

ORTHOGRAPHY: 1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, and syllabication. 2. What are the elementary sounds? How classified? 3. What are the following and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, and linguals. 4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.' 5. Give two rules for spelling words with final "e".' Name two exceptions under each rule. 6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each. 7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, and sup.

GEOGRAPHY: 1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend? 2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas? 3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean? 4. Describe the mountains of North America. 5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. 7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.

That's all the space I have but this test does give me pause to reflect on what kind of education many of our forefathers had. When someone tells me they only have an 8th-grade education, in the future I am going to say, "Tell me more." As you may know, I'm really involved in improving literacy in America, which is really the key to getting a good education. A student must be able to read, to succeed. Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 467 - A NATION-WIDE LITERACY CAMPAIGN

No. 467

Jim DavidsonÉNEWSPAPER COLUMN

A NATIONWIDE LITERACY CAMPAIGN

If you can read, write and comprehend, you are among the most blessed people on earth, and this is a personal invitation for you to join us for a nationwide literacy campaign. The state of literacy in America has sunk to such a low level that it is affecting our economy and the quality of life for many of our citizens. One of the reasons this problem has not been addressed on a massive scale is because the majority of our people do not know how bad it really is. ProLiteracy America, the umbrella organization that covers all literacy programs in the country, reports that 90 million Americans have trouble reading or writing and 40 million of these cannot read at the fifth-grade level. In a Community Needs Assessment survey here in our community a few years ago, one of the questions posed was, "Do you think we have a literacy problem in our community?" When households, that is the general public, responded to this question, 26 percent said they thought we had a problem but when community leaders and business owners responded to the same question, 72 percent said we had a problem.

You may ask, why is there such a great disparity in the answers? Community leaders and business owners know we have a real problem because they are the ones who are hiring new employees, watching people as they fill out loan applications and attempt to perform routine transactions. In short, they see it every day in their businesses. Some time ago I personally talked with the owner of a large restaurant in our community and he told me that he had to go through 25 applications just to get one person that he was willing to even interview for a job. Let me back up a minute and say that our county only has about 15 percent of the adult population who are illiterate, but there are other counties in our nation that have over 50 percent illiteracy.

Can you imagine how this would affect the economy and the quality of life in a community like this? The saddest part of all in this story is for the individuals who cannot read. These people suffer from low self-esteem and are not able to take advantage of the great opportunities in this great country. Furthermore, they are a tremendous drain on our criminal justice system and our massive social programs. Medical illiteracy, that is people who have trouble understanding directions on prescription drugs and other health-care issues, cost the United States over $73 billion per year, according to Win Rockefeller, our state's lieutenant governor. When it comes to our prison population, according to OCCS, Policy Initiative, there is a direct link between literacy skill level and youth and adult crime and incarceration."

In addition, 395.3 percent of DOC inmates function at the lowest levels in math skills, and 69.42 percent perform at the lowest levels in reading skills Ü more than triple the rate of the adult population." If you can take what I have been saying at face value, then you will also realize that we have to start doing something about the problem of illiteracy in our nation. This is why I issued you a personal invitation earlier, because working together we can do something about it. Based on past experience, we should also realize that money alone will not solve this problem. While this is a national problem it must be solved at the local level. This is to say that only you and your fellow citizens who live in your city or town can solve this problem. My proposal is to conduct a community wide Literacy Campaign and to enlist every literate person to help, and to ask them to be personally involved in ways that are rewarding and satisfying to them, as they help the illiterate learn to read.

I am joined in this effort by C. Dennis Schick, who just retired as executive director of our state press association after 25 years of service in this position.We are already off to a roaring start as many communities are making plans to get started. The key player, and the most important organization in this effort, will be your local newspaper. You talk about the power of the press Ü they have it. Who else in your community can truly get the word out, publish articles, meeting places, times and dates, help organize and recruit volunteers and celebrate your progress. Please understand; this is not a one shot hit-or-miss approach, but an ongoing effort to marshal your resources, get your leaders and other influential people involved and not just talk about improving literacy, but do it.

While your newspaper has the power, we want this campaign to be headed up by a dynamic volunteer who has a passion for education, literacy, and has a heart and concern for other people, especially those who are illiterate. Be thinking about who in your community would be the very best person for this position. Rome was not built in a day but by laying one brick at a time.

With God's help, we will succeed.(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 469 - FACING THE STORMS OF LIFE

No. 469 Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FACING THE STORMS OF LIFE

Several years ago, when I was younger and not involved in so many different activities, I used to love to go trout fishing. We have one of the premier trout fishing streams in the country right here in North Arkansas and known as the White River. My friends who read my column in the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home will certainly attest to this. The White River runs across the northern part of our state and a large dam was built at Bull Shoals creating Bull Shoals Lake, a great fishing place in its own right, with anglers coming from all over the nation to fish there. I don1t know how many feet, but this dam is high, really high, and when water is released at the bottom, it is cold and swift as the river snakes its way through the mountains. This is prime habitat for trout that must have cold water to survive. The swift water flowing through this dam is also used to generate electricity.

Trout fishermen primarily fish below the dam in the White River and there are several boat docks and rental places along the way where you can rent a boat, motor and everything you need to "wet a hook," as they say.

Because the water is so swift, especially when they are generating, you need an anchor to throw out, if you do not want to be swept along with the current. Most boats are equipped with a piece of railroad iron for this purpose. If you have ever seen a railroad track and can visualize about a foot of this, then you know what I am talking about. When you throw the anchor out, if the water is really swift, it may take a little while before it hangs up on a rock and your boat is brought to a secure position.

When I thought about what I wanted to share with you today, this is the analogy that came to mind. In reality, a fast-moving river is, in one sense, a picture of life as we move along at a fast pace and face the trials and tribulations that come along each day. Sometimes these trials and tribulations become so overwhelming that we often seem to be losing ground as we attempt to succeed and reach the goals we have set for ourselves. At this point, let me pause and ask you this question. Are you facing some things in your life that you just can1t seem to overcome? It could be health problems, financial distress, a failed marriage, problems with children or grandchildren, a conflict with your employer or with an employee, a battle with drugs or alcohol. Of course there are myriads of other problems that many people experience from time to time.

As I look back over the past several years of my life, I have come to the realization that I now have skills and knowledge that I did not have 10 or 20 years ago. I hope the same is true for you as well. It1s been said that people are like plants. When we quit growing, we start dying. The past few months have been so rewarding as I have read a number of good books that have been very enlightening. You know, we should read for profit but we should also read for pleasure. I have a couple of good friends who share books with me and in turn I share some of mine with them. If you are not already doing this, this is an idea you might want to try.

Recently I have made a discovery in the spiritual area of my life that has helped me face the storms that come along and I want to share it with you for what it1s worth. Several years ago I heard a fantastic song titled, 3The Anchor Holds2 that was written by Lawrence Chewning and sung by Ray Boltz, copyright 1994, Word Music Company. Back then I heard the song several times but lost the tape or CD and had not thought about it for the past several months. Then to my surprise, a few weeks ago a lady in my Sunday school class gave Viola and me a CD that contained this song, along with a number of others. However, the orchestra and choir of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, Calif., recorded this rendition.

This song is just beautiful and the words are fantastic. Let me share the chorus and you will see what I mean: "The Anchor holds, though the ship is battered. The Anchor holds, though the sails are torn. Well I have fallen on my knees, as I faced the raging sea, but the Anchor holds in spite of the storm." Almost from the time we received the tape, I have listened to this song at least once or twice each morning as I am getting dressed. The words to this song serve to remind me of WHOM my Anchor is, and that I am secure in His love. There is no doubt about it, when I come to the office I am better prepared to face the opportunities and the challenges that await me.

Please understand that I have no financial interest and just wanted to share a resource that has been a blessing to me. The CDs are only $10 and can be ordered by calling the church at 1-760-745-2541 or from their Web site www.efcc.org .

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 470 - THE CHILDREN'S MAGIC WINDOW MAGAZINE

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 471 - WE ARE BEING "GRANTED" TO DEATH

No. 471

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ARE BEING "GRANTED" TO DEATH

No one likes to have their parade rained on. However, when that parade is headed in the wrong direction, a little moisture to dampen the enthusiasm might not be a bad thing. Over the past several decades, a situation has developed in America that could lead to our demise as a nation. What I am talking about is the endless number of grants, that is, "free money" from the public treasury, that does not have to be paid back and are funded by the American taxpayer.

If you think IÕm all wet, here is something to think about. About the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in the year 1787, Alexander Tyler (a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinborough) had this to say about "The Fall of The Athenian Republic" some 2,000 years prior. "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent from of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship." This reminds me of what the Irish philosopher George Bernard Shaw once said, "The government that robs Peter to pay Paul, will always have the support of Paul." Tyler continues, "The average age of the world1s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations have progressed through the following sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; From spiritual faith to great courage; From courage to liberty; From liberty to abundance; From abundance to complacency; From complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence; from dependence back into bondage." Before I continue, here is a question you might want to ponder for a few moments. Where do you think America is today in this sequence? You will have to answer that question for yourself, but I see the proliferation of grants or "free money" as a sure sign that we have become more dependent on our government than on ourselves. When I was doing research for this column, I went to the Internet and typed in the words, "Government Grants" and up popped more information that I really wanted. The first article I came to was developed by an individual who was charging a fee to teach people how to apply for and get "free" government money. You will note he was getting a fee.

When I downloaded this article, it was 16 pages long. In part, here is what it said, "Each day, millions of dollars in Free Government Grants is given away to people just like you for a wide variety of business and personal needs." You may be thinking, "How can I get some of that Îfree1 grant money?" He goes on to say, "Anyone can apply for a grant from 18 years old and up. Grants from $500 to $50,000 are possible. Grants don1t have to be paid back, EVER. Claim your slice of the FREE American pie. Another point he makes is that this money is not a loan that requires a lot of paperwork.

These government agencies don1t have to operate under the same stringent requirements that banks do." Not to belabor the point, but here is the story in a nutshell. Over 20 million people get government money every year. Over one million entrepreneurs get money to start or expand a business. Four million people get money to invest in real estate. Six million people get money to go to college and 10 million get free help and training for a better job. The point I want to make here, and you may or may not agree, grants are somewhat like lawsuits. Some are necessary and serve a useful purpose, but most are frivolous. The same is true for grants. Some grants do serve a useful purpose and are in America1s best interests but the vast majority are not.

What we must keep in mind is that grants or "free money" has to come from somewhere. The bottom line is that this money comes from taxpayers who not only fund the grants but also pay the salaries and overhead of the people who are giving the money away. The people who should be the most concerned are those who have a legitimate and valid reason for a grant, because the rest are actually getting your money. Let1s teach our kids what we know is right. Get a loan and pay it back. That1s always been the American way.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 473 - IF I COULD GO BACK

No. 473

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IF I COULD GO BACK

If you are least 50 years of age, when you see the condition the world is in today do you ever wish you could go back to a time when life was much simpler, and much safer. There was a time, right here in our country, when you could walk down the streets of our major cities alone, at night, and not have to fear for your safety. Even in the more recent past, there was a time when you did not have to get to the airport two hours early so they could search your luggage and your person and the vast majority of our citizens were honest and trustworthy. America is still the best place on earth to be, and to be from, but I believe any rational person would agree that the erosion of our traditional values has caused all of us in the older generation to wonder where we are headed as a nation.

These are just some of the thoughts that came to my mind a while back when I heard a wonderful gentleman by the name of Joe D. Ward, read something he had written titled, "If I Could Go Back." Several years ago he and some of his siblings and their families formed a musical group, called The Ward Family Singers, and they are good, really good. In fact, I have one of their CDs in my player at this very moment. The children of this family have deep spiritual roots, as their father Roy was a minister and their mother Mamie was a great influence in their lives as well. Like so many families back then, they didn't have much, but they had love and parents who taught character values by example. The old home place where they were reared came to be known affectionately as "Old House," and here are some of the things that Joe recalls from those days.

"What I would really like to do today is go back to the farm to Mother and Dad's house and this is what I would do. I would greet them as always, but this time it would be different. I would place my hands on their shoulders and look them straight in the eye so they could not fail to understand what I said. Then I would say, ÎI love you, I respect you and I appreciate the way you raised me. You taught me right from wrong, what a family is supposed to be, and what makes character in a person. You taught me that everyone's important, and Mom, you taught me not to be critical of people because there are things I don't know about which causes them to act the way they do. You taught me loyalty, responsibility, honor, integrity, and honesty, and you worked to build those character traits into my life.1 "To Mom I would say, ÎYou gave me your always-present optimistic attitude that no kind of circumstances could dampen, and also taught me to love the little wildflowers at the first of springtime.1 To Dad I would say, ÎYou taught me sportsmanship, the love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing, the thrill of finding game or catching fish and you also taught me the fun of simply being in the outdoors whether we found game or not. I can't name all the things you taught me, but the most important thing of all was that there is a God, that He loves me, and how to trust Him. You taught me by your faith how important it is in my life."

There is more, but, due to space limitations, I can't share it all. When I heard Joe Ward read this, it was along about the time the state of Florida was experiencing the hurricane season of 2004, the worst ever in the history of this state. Like millions of other people across our country, I was deeply saddened by the loss of life and the billions of dollars of property damage these hurricanes caused and the months or even years of disruption in people's lives. A disaster of this type always brings out the best in people, but sadly it also brings out the worst in some people as well. When thousands of people had to flee their homes and seek shelter in a more secure location, it was necessary for many of them to check into hotels and motels.

When the word came to me that many of these hotels and motels were jacking up rates three or four times what they normally charged, it just blew my mind. Do these people have no compassion for others? Do they never stop to think that someday the shoe could be on the other foot, and they could be the one who needs help? I hope you will keep this column and if you ever hear or know of anyone doing this, send it to them with my simple words, "Shame On You."

When I had time to think about what Joe Ward had said, obviously the people in our country who would rip others off, who steal, who take advantage of the misfortune of others, did not have parents who taught them values, real values like kindness, love and compassion. I was always taught, and you probably were too, that when people are down and out and hurting, you donÕt take advantage of them, you go the extra mile to help them.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 474 - THE TRUE SPIRIT OF "GIVING BACK"

No. 474

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF "GIVING BACK"

When it comes to giving gifts to others, the old Roman philosopher Annaeus Lucius Seneca once said, "A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer." As you ponder this thought, I want to tell you about a lady here in my community who has really been a blessing to me. One of the reasons she has been such a blessing is because she has the true spirit of "giving back," something I have been advocating almost from the time I started writing this column. What many people have never come to realize is that by giving something of value away, with the right motive or attitude, the more they will receive in return. The only requirement is that we must give first, and the blessings will follow, though sometimes much later.

Some time back Marie Richardson and her husband Miles or "Bug," as he was affectionately called, began to attend the Sunday school class where Viola and I attend church. In 1970 Bug had a heart attack and then a continuing serious of heart problems that became so severe that about 10 years ago the doctors said he would not live for more than a year. Well, he beat the odds considerably but passed away on July 27, 2004. For months before his death he was in and out of the hospital so many times that I lost count. He would have fluid build up around his heart, Marie would take him in, stay a few days, and then she would take him back home.

Quite often, Bug would get home from the hospital on Friday and they would show up for Sunday school on Sunday. But that's only part of the story. Several years before Bug had also developed a severe case of macular degeneration and had almost lost his eyesight. Couple this with a case of severe hearing loss and you will understand why I was so inspired by this couple, especially Marie, as she would have him hold her arm and then lead him almost every step of wherever they went. The night before the funeral I was in their home and Marie asked me to come back to the bedroom.

When I got there, she showed me a Reading Magnifier that Bug had used to read for the last several years of his life. This Reading Magnifier costs a lot of money, was paid for by the Veterans Administration, but came from the Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock. Marie said she and Bug had talked about it before his death and they wanted someone to have it that could benefit by being able to read. In case you don't know, a Reading Magnifier consists of a large TV unit that is hooked up to another unit with a flat surface where you can place words or articles with small type and magnify them up to big bold letters that can be read by the visually impaired.

Marie told me that she knew I was a member of the Lions Club and I might be able to find a good use for it. At this point I sprung into action and put the word out on our group e-mail list to all members of our club about this opportunity. Within a few minutes I heard from our president, at the time, who is also vice president of one of our three local colleges. He told me their library did not have a Reading Magnifier and they would like to have it. Our club had already purchased two other units at a cost of about $2,600 each and presented them to one of the other college libraries and the county library.

A few weeks later, there was a presentation made to the head librarian at the college, and Marie was there to be a part of it. The next day there was a big, above the fold, story with a picture, in our local paper, the Log Cabin Democrat. It was so well written by Rachel Parker, one of the paper's staff writers and also a member of our club. We also had Marie as our guest at one of our weekly meetings where we presented her a framed certificate to thank her for her generosity. At my invitation, she also joined our club and has already worked in one of our projects. What is so ironic is that Marie didn't know any of this was coming, or that I would be doing a column about her and her sweet spirit of wanting to help others. She also loaned one of Bug's power chairs to another member of our church who has cancer, and this will help him to get around during the remaining weeks or months of his life.

One of the reasons I wanted to do this column is because there is so much negative news that has to be printed each day but there are so many good things happening in every community too. We need to read about the positive things as well. While I don't know about you, stories like this inspire me to want to do better and to help others. If you know of true stories of people helping others in the spirit of "giving back" in your community, send them to me. I would like to share some of them in future columns.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 475 - IS IT TIME TO DROP THE POP?

No. 475

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IS IT TIME TO DROP THE POP?

In the interest of good health, both yours and mine, here is something that should be of interest to you and your family. A few days ago I got a press release titled, "Arkansas Children's Hospital's Pediatricians Advise Children to Drop the Pop." This release contains some great information for parents who have children, but it also contains some real solid information for adults as well. I am just going to share the release as I received it, and then I have some comments of my own to make regarding the consumption of too many soft drinks.

It begins, "Many children and teenagers see that 2-liter plastic bottle of cola in the fridge as a sugary-sweet, liquid temptation. It's no secret that our children are drinking too much soda, but how is it really affecting their health? Pediatricians at Children's Hospital (ACH) caution that an unhealthy amount of soft drinks can lead to an unhealthy child or teen.

"A common place for parents to discover their child has been drinking too much pop is the dentist's office. Sodas contain a lot of sugar, acid and carbonation. When these three mix in your mouth, they make your saliva acidic and that accumulates on your teeth. The acid then eats away at your teeth and allows bacteria in, which leads to cavities. "Children and adults should diminish the intake of sodas and increase the intake of water and natural juices," says James Koonce, DDS, MSD, director of dental services at ACH. "Sodas often take the place of fruit juices and water in children's diets, and that's unhealthy for anyone."

Hot weather, outdoor play, and soft drinks are not a good combination.

With football, marching band, cross-country, and many other activities, parents should pay close attention to the amount of soda their children are consuming. Soft drinks contain no nutritional value except for the 150 calories of refined sugar in a single can, which can lead to dehydration.

ÎIt's important for teens to understand how certain foods and beverages affect their systems and how they can take charge of their developmental process,1 says Brian Hardin, MD, director of the Adolescent Center at ACH and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

"ÎWhen your body tells you it's thirsty and you feed it 150 calories, it confuses your system. Your body says, I'm thirsty, and you give it a small meal.1 Hardin says once a child understands how to be healthy, he then gives them advice on healthier options. ÎNatural juice, milk, some sports drinks quench thirst and provide nutritional value, but the best thing to drink is lots of water,1 says Hardin. So how much soda is too much? Koonce suggests one can or less per day is reasonable, but both doctors agree that Înone1 is the healthiest choice.

"Parents should be sure to make children brush their teeth after drinking sodas, and after meals for that matter. Encouraging your child or teen to take responsibility for healthier living; providing facts about soft drinks and alternative beverages; and setting an example by limiting sodas for all family members, are the best ways to focus on good teeth and good health."

Well, that's the end of the press release. I don't normally pass along releases of this nature, but this one hit home with me and maybe for you too, so I decided to make it the exception to the rule.

In thinking about what this release said and how it affects my own health, the thing that hit a nerve with me is that part about drinking one can or less a day of soda pop or cola, as it's now called, is reasonable.

However, this goes against my nature. My nature is to go all out in whatever I do. In the past I've started out slow but over time found myself swigging one cola after another until bedtime, which could add up to six to eight a day. When I was diagnosed as borderline diabetic and had to go on medication, I knew the sugar I was consuming in soft drinks was a big part of the problem, so I switched to diet drinks.

Then a few months ago I hit a period where I couldn't sleep, and finally my wife, along with a golfing friend, tipped me off that the aspartame in the diet drinks was causing it. The footnote to what I'm saying is that I have switched to water, unsweetened tea and fruit juices and now I am sleeping much better. What we eat and what we drink does make a difference in our health. When we are young, we think we are invincible, but as we grow older we learn that is not the case at all. Wish I had been a lot smarter several years ago and I might not have had to have heart bypass surgery. As they say, "There is no fool like an old fool." Hope you will think seriously about what these doctors are saying about drinking colas. It may be time to DROP THE POP.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 476 - ULCERATIVE COLITIS IS "BAD" NEWS!

No. 476

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ULCERATIVE COLITIS IS "BAD" NEWS!

Did you hear about the elderly man who woke up one morning and thought he was dead? He didn't "hurt" anywhere. That's the way a new friend of mine felt a few months ago when he woke up one morning after having surgery to remove his colon. However, this man was not elderly, but rather in his 40s, which is really the prime of life.

My new friend is Phillip Van Hooser and he lives with his wife Susan and their children, Joe, Sarah and Sophie, in the small community of Princeton, Ky. Phil, as his friends call him, has just written a book that he did not want to write but felt it was one that he had to write titled, "It Takes More Than Guts." Unless you are terminally ill, this book will really make you appreciate your health.

This fantastic book is destined to help hundreds, if not thousands, of people across our nation who suffer from Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. These two diseases collectively have come to be known as IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. No one knows what causes it, but Phil developed the disease Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the colon and rectum. The only known cure is a complete removal of the colon. Crohn's, on the other hand, also affects the small intestine, and because of this there is no cure. According to recent statistics, there are more than a million people in our nation who suffer, and I do mean suffer, from these two debilitating diseases.

Phil is a professional speaker and leadership trainer with more than 700 clients, and many are among the top companies in the nation. He has traveled more than 150 days a year for the past several years speaking to audiences all across the country. Like so many other wonderful people, he came into my life when he wrote to me after reading this column in his hometown newspaper. He also sent me a copy of his book, "You're Joe's Boy, ain't Ya?" A few weeks later, while talking with Chip Hutcheson, the local publisher, I learned that Phil had recently been to the world famous Cleveland Clinic to have his colon removed and had written this later book, "It Takes More Than Guts." When I later e-mailed him, he said he would be happy to send me a copy.

If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease or any other chronic illness, you have got to buy and read this book. Phil is a fantastic writer and he takes you step by step, in very minute detail, through the long painful days and sleepless nights of having stomach cramps, diarrhea and making from five to 20 trips to the bathroom. In the later stages he spent most of his time making sure there was a bathroom nearby. Like most of us hardheaded men, Phil resisted going to the doctor, but one night after finding the commode full of blood, he knew the time had come to do something about his problem. He could no longer just "tough" it out.

At the time he and his family were living in Ocala, Fla., and his family doctor sent him to a specialist, Dr. Richard Truesdale. After a complete examination, Dr. Truesdale said to Phil, "I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. The good news is that you don't have colon cancer, but the bad news is you have Ulcerative Colitis." They first treated his condition with medication, which helped for a while, but 18 months later his condition was getting worse. It was at this point that he made the decision to have his colon removed, which would require wearing an appliance or a "bag" for at least a while.

This is when the decision was made to go to the Cleveland Clinic, where they specialize in this type of surgery. After a successful surgery, he returned three months later and the "bag" was removed and the reconnect made. Today he has had to change his diet some but still eats most of the foods he enjoys. He is so grateful, like any of us would be, because as he says, "These people gave me my life back." After the surgeries he and his family moved back home to Princeton, where he has resumed his speaking schedule and Susan, who has to be a fantastic lady, stays home and takes care of their home and the business.

There were many touching moments in Phil's book, "It Takes More Than Guts," but three things stood out for me. Namely, his faith in God, the closeness of his family and the many, many friends who were there when he really needed them. Of course, you and I know the only way to have friends is to be a friend. If you would like to have copy of this deeply motivating and inspiring book, go to www.ItTakesMoreThanGuts.com or contact Phillip Van Hooser at 1-270-365-1536, P.O. Box 643, Princeton, Ky., 42445.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 477 - HOW TO BECOME TRULY HAPPY

No. 477

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO BECOME TRULY HAPPY

Have you ever thought about the fact that today is a gift? It's true. That's why it's called the present. Today is the only day we have. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has not yet come, but we can ruin this great gift by our attitude and how we treat other people. Like most people, I get down once in a while but not often. Basically I'm an "up" person and look on the bright side of life, most of the time. In dealing with people, day in and day out, I have found there are a lot of unhappy people out there in the world. When I run across people who are really unhappy, I do my best to cheer them up and brighten their day a little. I might add, this does not cost anything except a little of our time, and it will pay all kinds of dividends.

Unlike joy that springs from deep within the human soul and heart, happiness is an emotion that lies just below the surface of our everyday experiences. We can be happy one moment and sad the next because of events, circumstances and people who come along. If you are not basically a happy person, I want to share something that one of my readers, in the great state of Mississippi, sent me a few weeks ago. I might add, this could have a great impact on your thinking, especially if you would like to experience more happiness in your life.

What Mrs. Moselle Lewis sent me was a story of two men, both seriously ill, who occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's window. The other man had to spend all his time flat of his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service and where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing all the things he could see outside the window to this roommate.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm and arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band, he could hear it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. One morning, the nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you." Here is the Epilogue, and it's something I hope you will really think about: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just think of all the things you have that money can't buy.

This brings me to the secret of how to be truly happy. Other people will forget what you said. In time they will forget much of what you did for them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. A few years ago I knew a young lady who had a child out of wedlock. I made a special point to befriend her and make her feel that she had true and lasting value as a human being. While today we don't see each other often, she is happily married and you would not believe the way she hugs me when we greet each other. God is so good and His love is everlasting. The more happiness we give away, the more it comes back to us.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 478 - AUNT MOLLY WAS QUITE A GAL!

No. 478

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AUNT MOLLY WAS QUITE A GAL!

Here is a question I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. Do you like to hear or read good human-interest stories? Well, I sure do, and I've finally figured out why. The main reason is because I am a human. To be sure, I love stories about animals and other creatures, but not nearly as much as I do about other people. I especially like those stories that contain a moral or a principle that can teach me something. As a part of my core values, I love people and I love to learn new things, and to me that's a combination that is hard to beat. As my friend, Dr. Charles Jarvis from San Marcos, Texas, often says, "If you don't love folks, you are in sad shape."

A few weeks ago I got a long handwritten letter from Jenny Frantz, a reader who lives in Waynesboro, Pa. Her letter contained a great human-interest story that I felt would be of interest and value to you. I say this for two reasons. First, her letter for the most part was about a lady whose name was Molly, a maiden aunt, who lived with their family back in the 1920's. Now this was a long time ago, but one of the things we all need to have, regardless of our age, is a link to our past. If we don't know where we have been, then we have no frame of reference for where we are now, or where we are going in the future.

The other idea that I got from Jenny's letter that I thought was very interesting is the contrast in people's lives who live in the North, especially so in the winter when it's much colder, than for those of us who live in the South or in the Southwestern part of our country where the climate is much warmer. Have you ever thought about how much difference the temperature can impact our lifestyle? Just think about the winter time, when people up in Minnesota are ice fishing while people who live in Florida and South Texas are lying on the beach getting a tan. Also when you go back in time, you can realize that people who lived in the 1920's had virtually none of the modern conveniences that we take for granted today.

In her letter, what Jenny said she was doing was adding a little folklore to one of my earlier columns titled, "A Great Wash Room Reminder." Keep in mind, this was in the North in the winter time, and back then people had no washing machines or clothes dryers. She even gave her comments a title, "Washday In The Winter." Now if you have the picture, let me share with you what she said, which to me is a great human-interest story. She begins: "My maiden Aunt Molly lived with my family. She also said, ÎRinch the clothes.1 When it was raining or snowing, my mother and Aunt Molly would carry baskets of clothes up two flights of stairs to the attic to hang them up to dry. You have to understand, when washing by hand they were very heavy with water and took days to dry.

"On Tuesdays, this was ironing day. This was also an all-day job, as the material in the clothes was so stiff the clothes had to be dampened, rolled up and sit for a while until they could be ironed. You did not plug in an iron. We had several flat irons, very heavy. It was the weight and heat and a strong-arm that pressed the clothes, no electricity for an electric iron, which we have today. Another use for the flatiron was wrapping one in newspaper when it was very hot and placing it in the bed at a spot that was just right for your feet. On a really cold night, with no heat in the bedrooms, my Aunt Molly would do this for two sisters, my brother and me. This was wonderful and the iron stayed warm for a long time. What a simple, kind and generous thing to do and it sure made me happy.

"We didn't have luxuries when we were growing up, but I still remember the simple pleasures. Even though I love my nice warm bedroom, I remember like it was yesterday, beautiful windows in the morning with the sun coming in, highlighting the frosted designs of ferns. It was true art, and often when we had real cold winters, the windows stayed frosted over all winter. With all the years of prosperity, the simple things in life mean the most to me. Again, thank you for taking me back to my younger years. I am going to have these instructions copied for my daughter to hang in their washroom, excuse me, their laundry room. With Thanks, Jenny Frantz. PS. Keep writing. I like your wisdom. I am going to have copies made of your personal philosophy for all six of my grandchildren."

After reading this letter several times, I came to the conclusion that Aunt Molly was quite a gal. I hope Jenny's comments have taken you back to an earlier time in your life, and you have also been reminded of how blessed we are in this nation, from a drudgery standpoint, than we have ever had it before. In many parts of the world today, many people still live as they did in America, only a few short decades ago.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 479 - SORRY H_ _ _! I’M GOING TO SUE YOU!!

No. 479

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SORRY H_ _ _! IÕM GOING TO SUE YOU!!

There is an old saying I hear quite often that goes, "Time flies when you are having fun." This is certainly true for me. When I got to thinking about something I wanted to share with you today, I suddenly realized that it had happened over 25 years ago. Back then, I had a unique experience as a public speaker that I have never had before or since. I had been invited to be the motivational kick-off speaker for the annual convention of the Southwest Bowling Proprietors, and the convention was being held in Little Rock, Ark. These were the folks who own bowling alleys in Arkansas and several surrounding states. Most I would say, were from Texas.

My talk went great and I had a lot of fun, and I was invited to attend the banquet later that evening. The speaker was going to be Dr. Gerald Fisher, educator by profession but also a great after-dinner humor speaker. Since I had heard Gerald speak on several occasions and knew a little about him, the program chairman asked if I would be willing to introduce him, since he had never met him. I gladly accepted. That evening when it came time for the featured speaker, the program chairman got up and said, "To be honest, I donÕt know anything about our speaker for our banquet, but there is a fellow out in the audience who does, and I'm going to ask him to introduce Dr. Fisher." That was neat. Never happened before or since.

That was a long time ago, but I still remember one of the stories Gerald told that evening. He said there was a family with several small children shopping in a grocery store. One of the children, a boy about 7 years of age, wandered off and was checking things out about two aisles away. About this same time an elderly gentleman was also shopping and did not see this young boy who had walked up behind him. When he turned around to move on, he accidentally knocked this lad down. Realizing what he had done, he quickly leaned down and said, "I'm so sorry." To this, the kid replied, "Sorry H_ _ _, I'm going to sue you." We all laughed, but unfortunately this was the sign of the times and would become more so in the years to come.

A good and humorous example of this happened some time back out in the state of California. The staff of the Pacific Palisades High School voted unanimously to record the following message on the school's answering machine because they wanted to implement a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework. This came about because the school and teachers were being sued by parents who wanted their childrens1 failing grades changed to passing grades though those children were absent 15 to 30 times during the semester and did not complete enough school work to pass their classes. Again, this is the actual answering message for the school.

"Hello! You have reached the automatic answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting the right staff person, please listen to all your options before making a selection. To lie about why your child is absent Ü Press 1. To make excuses for why your child did not do his work Ü Press 2. To complain about what we do Ü Press 3. To swear at staff members Ü Press 4. To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you Ü Press 5. If you want us to raise your child Ü Press 6. If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone Ü Press 7. To request another teacher for the third time this year Ü Press 8. To complain about bus transportation Ü Press 9. To complain about school lunches Ü Press 0."

And here is the way the message ends: "If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework, and that it's not the teacher's fault for your child's lack of effort Ü hang up and have a nice day!"

When I read this thing, I chuckled a couple of times, but I also realize that the education of our children is serious business. In most cases, most people who will read this can see right through the motives of the parents who had filed the lawsuit.

When we fail at something, what is the first thing we usually want to do? Transfer or fix the blame somewhere else, right? I am a parent and a grandparent and I care about the quality of education we have in our nation's schools, especially our public schools because I am helping to pay the bill. The truth is, schools and teachers need our help. We will only have better schools when parents take responsibility for their childrens1 discipline and behavior and prepare them to learn in their formative years. It must be a team effort.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 480 - THE LASTING VALUE OF BUILDING BOYS

No. 480

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LASTING VALUE OF BUILDING BOYS

Soon after I went into the motivation business, back in 1970, I learned a valuable truth or lesson that has served me well for the past 35-plus years. The attitude of any organization, whether it is a business, a home, a government agency or even a civic club, always starts at the top with the leader and then filters down to all or most of the others in the organization. Now this does not happen overnight, but slowly over an extended period of time, like three to five years. Here is an example of what I'm saying. Consider the civic club that elects new officers every year. If the club elects a weak leader or president, if they don't go under, the members just wait until the next year until a stronger leader can be elected. This is why good leadership is the key to success for any organization.

Keeping this in mind, I want to tell you about a true business leader that has made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of people. I've talked about him before and his name is S. Truett Cathy, founder of the billion dollar Chick-fil-A* restaurant chain based in Atlanta, Ga. Truett came up the hard way during the Depression, but has gone on to build the second-largest quick-service restaurant company in America. Believe me, his 80-plus-year-old leadership handprint is there, all over the business.

One of the things that sets Truett Cathy apart from many business people in America today is his strong faith in God. The Bible says, "Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy," and because of this he does not open his restaurants on Sunday, one of the busiest days of the week for fast-food restaurants. He has also taught a 13-year-old boys Sunday school class for more than 50 years. Truett's love and compassion for others has helped to provide a wholesome work environment for thousands of employees, and many of these employees are young people. Who could be so lucky to work for Truett Cathy's company?

But the application of Truett's faith is certainly not limited to his business. He has also established the WinShape Center Foundation that provides 14 foster homes, a summer camp for boys and girls and college scholarships. As I was writing this, I thought of another truth you might wish to ponder. It's not so important how much money you earn or accumulate, but what you do with it that money is what really counts. I might add that Truett's foster children call him "Grandpa" and he has helped 135 of them in addition to his own. To me that's a heartwarming story that has some substance and one that any successful businessperson would do well to emulate.

In addition to his business success and his philanthropy, Truett has written a number of books that will serve to continue his legacy when he is dead and gone. His most recent book is titled, "It's Better To Build Boys Than Mend Men." This book published by Looking Glass Books and released in September 2004, is available in bookstores and through online retailers nationwide. Because of his love and concern for children, here is why he wrote the book. While doing research, he found that the United States is the worlds1 leader in fatherless homes. The resulting effect on society is staggering. More than 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes, 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes, 85 percent of youth in prison grew up in fatherless homes and 75 percent of all adolescent patients in drug treatment centers come from fatherless homes.

The book, "It's Better To Build Boys Than Mend Men," lays out a simple model for readers who desire to build their children's character into responsible adults. Truett tells stories from his experience as a father, grandfather, foster grandparent, and as a Sunday school teacher to illustrate the principles of discipline, trust, reputation, generosity, common sense, peer pressure, and family stability. He says, "Children all around us are growing up without strong positive guidance from their parents who are busy, distracted, absent, or choose to be buddies instead of parents to their children. My hope is that by reading about the experiences of some children I have known, readers will be inspired to reach out to a child nearby Ü to a child full of potential who needs the guiding hand of a wise adult."

The late Art Linkletter, television star, speaker and author of "Kids Say The Darndest Things," wrote the foreword to the book and says, "Truett Cathy is one of the extraordinary people of my generation. Our shared commitment to children and our crusade for creating positive role models for children has made our friendship significant to me. I hope parents will find great truths and much encouragement in Truett's book." Why not order your copy today?

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 481 - CAN YOU REMEMBER THESE THINGS?

No. 481

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAN YOU REMEMBER THESE THINGS?

Have you heard the new "Senility Prayer" for old folks? It goes like this, "God grant me Ü the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference." While I'm not there yet, I have a deep respect for old folks. These are the people who built our country and they are also the ones who defended it. I might add, there are also young people today who are serving in our armed forces, helping to defeat the threat of terrorism and many of them are putting their lives on the line, and some are dying, to insure the blessings of freedom for the rest of us. To be sure, young people are the future of our nation and one of my goals in writing this column is to bring us together for the common good.

Based on the mail I receive from readers, I know that I have lots of young readers but would like to have many more. One of the saddest statistics I know for the newspaper industry is that we are losing readership in the 18- to 35-year-old age bracket. I don't know all the reasons, but many young people today are getting their news from alternate news sources where you don't have to be able to read to be reasonably well informed. Of course there is also a large group of our young people who cannot read well enough to justify subscribing to a newspaper. These are the people IÕm most concerned about because the community newspaper, along with hometown radio, is the only way to get local news. To say it simply, we all lose when people don't read.

To be very honest, young people today are missing something those of us in the older generation had, that served to build a solid foundation for a nation that has gone on to become the greatest success story in the history of the world. What young people are missing today can be summarized in something a reader sent me a while back titled, "Older than Dirt." It begins, "Hey Dad, what was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" "We didn't have fast food when I was growing up," I informed him. "All the food was slow." "C'mon, seriously, where did you eat?"

"It was a place called at home1," I explained. "Your Grandma cooked every day and when Grandpa got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it." By this time he was laughing so hard that I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it.

Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore Levis, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was only good at Sears Roebuck, or maybe it was Sears AND Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. Maybe he died. My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we had never heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow).

We didn't have a television in our house until I was 11, but my grandparents had one before that. It was, of course, black and white, but they bought a piece of colored plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day. Some people had a lens taped to the front of the TV to make the picture look larger. I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called, "pizza pie." When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had. We didn't have a car until I was 15. I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know were already using the line." This reminded me of the column I did some time back titled, "When Lighting Stuck the Coon Creek Party Line."

Here is the essence of why I wanted to share this with you. If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children and grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing. Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it? By the way, if you can still remember all these things, it just means that you are Older În Dirt. Have a great day.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 482 - DOES ANYONE KNOW THE HELLMAN?

No. 482

Jim Davidson Ü NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE HELLMAN?

If you have ever found yourself in a position where you wanted to die
laughing but couldn't because of the circumstances, you will really
appreciate something that my wife Viola observed several months ago. She was
attending a luncheon with a group of ladies from our church and they had
just sat down to eat when one of the older women in the group got choked on
a piece of meat. As she struggled to free the food from her throat, one of
the other ladies said, "Does anyone know the Hellman?" After several more
seconds, with no response, she asked her question again, but this time
louder and in a more shrill voice, "Does anyone know the Hellman?" Viola
said, "I really felt for the lady who was choking, and it could have been
much more serious and that's why I couldn't laugh." You would just have to
know this lady to get the full impact, but what she was referring to was the
world famous Heimlich Maneuver, discovered and perfected by thoracic surgeon
Dr. Henry J. Heimlich.
Back when Viola told me about this experience, I never dreamed that I
would have the opportunity to personally interview Dr. Heimlich on the
telephone and have him tell me, first hand, how his discovery came about and
some of the other significant medical achievements that he has accomplished
in more recent times. Apparently he had read some of my columns on the
Internet, saw that both our wives have Parkinson's, and he had his
publicist, Bob Kraft, drop me a note to see if I might like to visit with
him. What a blessing it has turned out to be. Dr. Heimlich was a delightful
person to talk with and so very knowledgeable. He is still quite active in
medical research and spends time at the Heimlich Institute in Cincinnati,
Ohio. He turned 85 back on Feb. 3, 2005.
Dr. Heimlich has been married for 50 years to Jane Heimlich, the
daughter of dance legend, Arthur Murray, and a long-time advocate of natural
medicine. She is the author of "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You." She sent
Viola a personally signed copy of her book and it is fantastic. I plan to
write a column about Jane's book in the future. Viola and Jane have since
talked on the phone and they plan to stay in touch in the future. She is a
wonderful, gracious lady and we are honored to have these good people as our
new friends. But let me get back to what Dr. Heimlich shared with me,
because there is a possibility that it could save someone's life.
In response to one of my questions, he told me that he was first and
foremost a thoracic or chest surgeon. He said, "I must have been one of the
first because my license is No.139." The Heimlich Maneuver was discovered
because he often saw patients who were choking and he wanted to find a way
to prevent it from happening. With a great deal of experimentation, he
discovered that when someone was choking, another person could wrap their
arms around them from the back, place their interlocked hands above the
belly button and apply a series of quick upward jolts to cause the diaphragm
to force air from the lungs at a rapid rate. This rapid force of expelled
air is what causes foreign objects or matter to be dislodged from the
throat. One quick side note, according to Dr. Heimlich, never slap or beat
someone on the back when they are choking. This just causes the foreign
object to go even deeper.
Dr. Heimlich went on to tell me that he worked on developing the
Heimlich Maneuver for two years. In 1974, Dr. Heimlich reported the Heimlich
Maneuver in a medical journal and it quickly spread throughout the world. By
1985, it had saved so many choking victims, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. C.
Everett Koop, officially approved it and stated the Heimlich Maneuver was
safe and effective and could be used on adults and children. More than
100,000 people worldwide have been saved by using the Heimlich Maneuver,
including many celebrities. Among these are Ronald Reagan, Ed Koch,
Elizabeth Taylor, Goldie Hawn, Walter Matthau, Dick Vitale and Jack Lemmon.
Although Dr. Heimlich is best known as the developer of the Heimlich
Maneuver, he has been a medical pioneer for more than half a century, and he
is an advocate of natural and low-cost medical solutions whenever possible.
He developed a treatment for trachoma, a bacterial infection that can lead
to blindness, while serving with the U.S. Navy in China in World War II. He
invented the Heimlich Chest Drain Valve, which saved the lives of thousands
of U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. He also performed the first esophagus
transplant surgery in the U.S., using a tube created from the portion of the
stomach, and which today helps overcome esophagus birth defects. These are
only a few of the things this outstanding physician has contributed to the
betterment of his fellow man. When I asked him how he would like to be
remembered, he said, "As someone who really cares about others. I am
presently involved in AIDS and cancer research and the emphasis of the
Heimlich Institute is 'A Caring World'." For more information, please visit
his Web site www.heimlichinstitute.org. He and Jane are wonderful people.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 483 - THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER!

No. 483
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER!

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 484 - THE DAY OF THE SMOKEHOUSE!

No. 484
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE DAY OF THE SMOKEHOUSE!
Back in the early 1970s, I got to know a man by the name of Bill Rosa. At the time he was superintendent of schools in Mountain View, Arkansas. If you have never been to my home state, and have never been to Mountain View, I can truthfully say you have really missed something. Practically everyone in Arkansas is at least familiar with this quaint community, where folk music is played, weather permitting, almost every Saturday in front of the Stone County Courthouse. A trip to Mountain View will certainly take you back in time and it's also home to the Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns, a deep underground cave operated and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. You can also catch your limit of rainbow trout in the nearby White River with no problem at all.
One year, back when I knew Bill Rosa, he invited me to be the speaker for his high school commencement exercises and they held the event at their beautiful Folk Center. Unfortunately, I had a previous commitment in another school district and could not accept. To this day, I have always regretted not being able to be there with Bill and his people. The reason I am sharing these thoughts with you is to give you a little background on a topic that hopefully will give you some insights into where we are, economically speaking, in this country.
Along about this time, I was president of the men's club at a church in Little Rock and I invited Bill Rosa to come and speak to our club. He graciously accepted, drove 150 miles down in the evening, back home the same night and would not accept a penny for his time and expenses. During his talk he told a compelling story that has stuck with me to this day. Anyone who knows anything at all about the history of mountain people, also know there is a code of the hills that is very real. There are certain things you can do and again there are certain things you had better not do. There is an independent spirit among these people that you don't find in other parts of the country. In the early days they not only made moonshine whiskey, some still do, they more or less lived off the fat of the land.
Times have changed, but even today there are still vestiges of this lifestyle in this part of the country. This story really has its roots in an earlier day when westward expansion began in our country and most of their forefathers migrated from the mountains, hills and hollers of Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas. These were rugged pioneers who forged a trail in the wilderness that provided a way for others to follow in the coming years. There was a stark contrast to the lifestyle these people lived and the way flatlanders lived on the plantations of the Deep South. Of course this goes back to the days of slavery, when labor was free. Gladly, those days are long gone.
Bill told of a time when the early mountain pioneers lived in small communities to have protection from the Indians, and to survive the long harsh winters. He said each community had a smokehouse and everyone contributed to the smoking and curing of meat, especially wild game, and they all shared in the bounty. In essence, they were all putting something in and doing their part to survive. Then one day, one of the mountain men decided that he could take something out of the smokehouse without putting anything in. As he continued this practice, one of the other mountain men observed him doing this and said to himself, "If he can do that, I can do it, too."
Before long there was another, then another, then another and before long this honest, workable system was destroyed. It was then decided that each individual would have his own smokehouse. This way if they did not put anything in, they could not take anything out. Now it does not take a rocket scientist to see the principles involved here and how they affect life in America today. We have gone from a simple system in the early days of our nation's history where all able-bodied people took care of themselves, to now millions of Americans who look to our government to take care of them and to meet most of their needs. Our government not only takes care of the widows, the orphans and the homeless, but our national and state politicians also use our collective resources for diplomacy, fighting wars and more unnecessary pork-barrel projects than you can name.
There is so much "wiggle" room in a national budget of more than a trillion dollars and state budgets that run into billions of dollars, that it actually invites graft and corruption. That night, many years ago, when Bill Rosa came to speak to our men's club, he helped me to understand the simple principle of not taking something out if you don't first put something in, and what the consequences will be, if too many of our citizens do that. This is what has happened to our Social Security system.
When you have 20 people riding in a wagon and only three pulling it, something has to give and there will be a day when our government can no longer print fiat money. Before we can ever have a stable economy, as an individual or a nation, we must first get out of debt.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 485 - WITCH WAY YAZOO?

No. 485
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WITCH WAY YAZOO?
On May 25, 1904, the small delta community of Yazoo City, Mississippi, literally burned to the ground. Only one livery stable, one drug store, and two black churches were left standing in the entire area. At least 3,000 people, almost half of the town's population, were directly affected by the disaster, either as owners, tenants, or employees. As soon as the area had cooled enough for them to draw close, people began to sift through the ashes of their property, making plans to rebuild. With the help and cooperation of the Keystone Lumber Yard and the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad, Yazoo City was rebuilt within a year.
The stately buildings that line Main Street today have a continuity that enhances, yet are all different. In 1979, the entire downtown business district and some of the residential area, 174 structures, were placed in the National Register of Historic Places, the largest area then so designated. These same stately buildings serve as a constant reminder to Yazooans, of the spirit of the people of Yazoo. While coming very close to losing everything, the town of Yazoo City was alive and well a year later.
Following the fire there were a lot of rumors about what had started it. No story was more prominent than the story of a mean and ugly woman who lived in carefully guarded seclusion on the banks of the Yazoo River. It was rumored that on stormy nights she would lure fishermen into her house, poison them with arsenic, and bury them in a densely wooded hill nearby. One late afternoon in 1884, a boy named Joe Bob Duggett was passing by her house on a raft when he heard a terrible, ungodly groan from one of the rooms. He tied his raft to a cypress branch and ran to the house and looked through the window.
What he saw chilled his blood and bones. Two dead men were stretched out on the floor of the parlor, and the old woman, wearing a black dress caked with filth and cockleburs, had turned her face up to the ceiling and was singing some dreadful incantation, waving her arms in demented circles all the while. At this point, Joe Bob Duggert ran to his raft, untied it, and raced to tell the sheriff and his men what he had seen. The sheriff quickly arrived at her house, chased the old woman into the swamp where she became mired in quicksand. As she was sinking to her final reward, she pointed her finger at him and said, "Everyone always hated me here. I will break out of my grave and burn down the whole town on the morning of May 25, 1904."
When they buried the old woman in the town cemetery, they placed the heaviest chain they could find - "Some 30 strong and solid links" - around her grave. Twenty years later, the day after the big fire of 1904, several citizens visited her grave. The chain had been broken as if by some supernatural strength - like the old woman who was "half ghost and half scarecrow - but ALL witch!" This legend has been detailed in the book, "Good Old Boy" written by the famous Yazoo City author Willie Morris. Some think it's pure fiction but others quickly point to her grave in Glenwood Cemetery that was there for many years before Willie Morris was born, and also to the chain that has been broken for a long, long time.
Besides Willie Morris, there are many other famous people who hail from this small, historic delta community. They include country comedian Jerry Clower, actress Stella Stevens, former secretary of agriculture Mike Espy, famous train engineer Casey Jones, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, professional football players Willie Brown and "Gentle" Ben Williams, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and many others. While Yazoo City has a rich and storied past, it also has some modern-day problems as well. These include a very high illiteracy rate, teenage pregnancy, illegal drugs and the almost daily incidents of crime.
These problems are certainly not unique to Yazoo City, or even the delta, because every community in America, to some degree, is also affected by these problems.
The root of the problem is illiteracy, because the educational level of a community determines its quality of life. I was deeply honored on Nov, 4, 2004, when I was invited to speak to the annual Yazoo City Chamber of Commerce banquet. At this meeting we officially kicked off a communitywide Literacy Campaign, sponsored by the Yazoo Herald newspaper. There are many warm and gracious people in Yazoo City and I was privileged to meet some of them. After my speech, I have no doubts that these people know that I care and will work side by side with them, over time, to improve literacy in their community. We are going to encourage parents to start reading to their kids, to teach them respect, manners and courtesy. Simple things that make life better for everyone.
As I drove out of town the next day on Jerry Clower Boulevard, no less, I said to myself, "Witch Way Yazoo?"
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 486 - THE ULTIMATE HIDING PLACE!

No. 486
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE ULTIMATE HIDING PLACE!
Sometimes before a man will let himself look up, he has to get all the way down. Sometimes only the bottom leads up. Some of us have let pride, fear, anger, hopelessness, and an infinity of other negative emotions conspire to keep our faces turned toward the darkness. For us, only rock bottom offers the opportunity to turn our faces toward the light. This is a heart-wrenching commentary. Nonetheless it is true. Rock bottom came for me in November of 1986, in a jail cell in Louisville, Kentucky. Jail was nothing new for me. Rather jail was the norm in my life. I was 40 years old, but I had spent less than four years outside of prison since I had turned 21. More than 15 years in prison - in some of the harshest prisons in the world - had forged me into a terrible crucible.
Sitting in a filthy, stinking jail tank in Louisville in 1986, I knew that I faced the very real possibility of spending the rest of my life locked away from society. I was facing a new bank robbery charge that carried up to 25 years in prison and I was also facing a 20-year parole violation term. The probability of my spending the next 25 years, or more, in prison was great. The emotions tearing me apart and torturing me were indescribable. Mixed in with the fear and rage, mixed in with the bitterness and hate, mixed in with the resentment and frustration, mixed in with the hopelessness and false pride was the self loathing. Self-hatred was the terrible foundation that propped it all up. Self-disgust was the mortar that bound it all together.
What you have just read are words that can be found in the prologue of a book titled, "Fear Runner," written by Joe Mosier, who now lives with his wife, Alice, in North Pekin, Ill. Joe contacted me after reading one of my columns in the local newspaper, The Pekin Daily Times. With his letter he included a copy of the aforementioned book, and after I read it I concluded that his was one of the most tragic and heart-wrenching true-life stories that I have ever read. What is so tragic is not that he has spent a great deal of his life in prison; a lot of men and women do that for crimes they have committed. What is so tragic is why Joe went there in the first place. If the thoughts I share here save even one Joe Mosier from going to prison down the road, it will be worth it all.
Joe Mosier was born and grew up in a middle class family in a small town in Ohio. His mother had a son before his father married her, but she was killed when he was 3 years of age. Later his father remarried and his stepmother was very good to him. What set Joe on the wrong path is that he had an abusive father, not abusive in the physical sense but abusive emotionally and psychologically, which can often be far worse. When Joe did things in school that were outstanding, his father rather than praising and supporting him would be highly critical. One time after their little league baseball team had won the city championship, at the supper table Joe said, "I'm so happy I could tell the whole world."
At this point his father threw his fork into his plate and screamed at Joe, "The whole *##!*@ world doesn't give a #%!$#!. Just shut up and eat your food, or go to your room." You have the picture. Over time Joe developed a tremendous fear of his father. Unfortunately, his father thought respect and fear were the thing. Joe's reaction was to run. To run away and hide. Over time he became very good at running away and hiding and he developed many creative ways to do this. Fantasizing and daydreaming, bragging and lying, game playing and wall building were all ways he ran away and hid as a child, and on into his adult years. Later in life, alcohol and marijuana came along.
Finally, prison became the ultimate hiding form of running away. Prison became the ultimate hiding place. There were obviously many stops in between Joe Mosier growing up, getting out of school, getting married, having children and the day he made the decision to commit his first crime that over time escalated to being a seasoned bank robber and long stints behind prison bars. The message here is simple. As parents, especially fathers, we have the power over our children's lives to make them champions or to make them prison inmates. In my book, that's really something to think about. Fear and emotional abuse is never a good motivator.
Fortunately Joe's story has a happy ending. In that jail tank in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1986, he surrendered his will and his life completely to Jesus Christ and began to live for Him. In addition to allowing the Lord to completely control his life, he had a woman who had a Godly, selfless love and who drove thousands of miles to visit him in prison and to wait till he was free to enjoy life together. He has been out of prison now for more than 10 years and he told me, "I will never go back." That, my friend, is the power of God at work in someone's life.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 487 - POLICEMEN HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR?

No. 487
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
POLICEMEN HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR?
There is a group of men and women in every community of any size in the country who deserve our respect and appreciation, because they put their lives on the line every day for our safety and well being. I'm talking about the men and women who have chosen a career in law enforcement. Many people refer to them as "cops" but I prefer the words "police officer" because I believe these words are more respectful and more clearly define who and what they are: officers who are sworn to uphold the law.
We have a great police force here in our community as well as the officers who serve our county as deputies, whose beat is the county outside the city limits. One of my good friends is Conway Police Chief Randall Aragon, who has been very helpful and encouraging since the day I first met him, and later as I began to really know him. Hopefully, he would say the same about me.
While enforcing the law is serious business, there are lighter times that come along in the course of a police officer doing his job. A friend sent me some quotes that will illustrate what I mean. Before I get to those, my all-time favorite police story is about this officer who had been on a long, tiring shift and it was about time for him to be off duty. As he was driving down the highway on his way home, he clocked a motorist coming in the opposite direction, driving 86 miles per hour in a zone clearly marked as 55 miles per hour speed limit. So he whipped his car around and, in hot pursuit, finally caught up with the speeding motorist.
As he approached the male driver, he asked him for his license and as he stood there going over it, everything seemed to be in order. Because he was in an unusually charitable mood he said, "I clocked you at 86 in a 55-mile-per-hour speed zone. Now I know you were in a hurry, and I will let you go with a warning ticket if you can give me just one good reason I have not heard before for going that much over the speed limit. This fellow thought for a moment and said, "About three weeks ago my wife ran off with a policeman. When I saw those blue lights in my rear view mirror, I thought you were bringing her back." At this point the policeman just smiled and said, "Have a nice day." While this may not be a true story, in some circumstances it does not hurt to have a sense of humor.
Here are those quotes and as you will see, some police officers do have a sense of humor. In each case an officer is speaking. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they are new. They will stretch out after you wear them for awhile." "Take your hands off that car again and I will make your birth certificate a worthless document." "If you run, you will only go to jail tired." "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in monkey poop." "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."
While these may not be funny to you, I really chuckled the first time I read them. I might add, nothing was funny the day I got stopped for speeding down in Louisiana many, many years ago. Here are a few more that might at least evoke a smile: "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC." "Just how big were those two beers." "No sir, we don't have quotas any more. We used to have quotas but now we are allowed to write as many tickets as we want." "I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail." "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here." "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? In case you don't know, that's the average speed of a 9 mm bullet fired from my gun."
"So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?" "Yes Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think that will help. Oh - did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?" And finally here is the last one. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?" And so ends the quotes that were funny to some of you, but not funny at all to the people who were apprehended by a policeman when they were caught breaking the law.
As the Greek philosopher Socrates once said, "I have never taught anyone anything. All I can ever hope to achieve is to make men think." That is the attitude I would like to leave with you as I close this edition. When we take time to observe and obey the law, those who wear the uniform of our nation's law enforcement agencies should be viewed as some of our best friends. Not necessarily personal friends, but those who are sworn to protect us and to insure our safety. So many of these people go beyond the call of duty to collect toys, raise money and a multitude of other things in their local community. The next time you meet an officer of the law, why not take a moment to let him know how much you appreciate the good job they do!
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 488 - WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE BIRD LADY!

No. 488
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE BIRD LADY!
One of the hot topics of our day is something called faith-based charities. As this relates to the United States government, this is the simple concept of using organizations that are faith based to deliver services to the poor and the needy. The idea behind this concept is that people of faith, and the organizations they represent, can do a better, more efficient job of delivering these services than some agency of government can or will do. With certain guidelines in place, I certainly go along with this. As a general rule, people whose lives are governed or based on faith will not only do a better job but will not be as susceptible to graft and corruption. I might add, even outside the organizations they represent, people whose lives are faith based will give you more value, more effort and more loyalty than you can get anywhere else.
As I thought about this, I remembered seeing a quote by the Russian novelist Leon Tolstoy (1828-1910) who really hit the nail on the head. He said, "Charity is with one hand I take thousands of dollars from the poor, and with the other I hand back a few dimes." With recent revelations about the United Nations and all the other foreign governments around the world who are receiving government aid from us, we begin to see even more clearly that faith-based organizations could also help distribute this aid more efficiently in many of these countries as well. Of course, this will never happen because it's the biggest system of payola ever devised. Even in our nation, where there is an abundance of faith, much of the money intended to help the poor and needy goes to something we call administration, money skimmed off the top for salaries, rent, telephone, printing and other routine expenses.
The other day a friend sent me a little simile that really gets to the heart of what I am saying. It begins, "The 'Bird Lady' was a difficult, independent, 75-year-old who sat in the park feeding the pigeons every day. One morning she brought with her a whole bun of fresh bread just to feed her daily-feathered friends. Little by little, pinch by pinch, she fed each pigeon with joy. She sat there without being noticed by anyone in the rich, suburban neighborhood. Then suddenly, a man in his early 40's rained on her parade by telling her that she shouldn't throw away good food on a bunch of pigeons that can find food anywhere - when there are a lot of people starving in Africa. Without hesitation the Bird Lady replied angrily, "But I can't throw that far!"
We have all heard the saying, "Charity begins at home." Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I am not talking about never helping people who are in foreign lands, but I do think we should take care of the poor and needy in our midst as our first priority. I hope you will not take what I am going to say next as bragging, because God knows that I certainly don't mean it that way. We had a major fire in our community several weeks ago that I believe really gets to the heart of how charity or helping others should work. This fire burned down a city-owned apartment complex and left many, many elderly people without a place to live.
The main thing is that everyone got out safe and there were no injuries or loss of life. Praise the Lord, that's first, but most of these elderly people lost everything they owned, including their purses, medication, personal mementos and anything else of value. In most cases all they had were the clothes on their backs. Here is what happened that I believe is the best way to handle any major need in any community, in any country, across the world. We had the best of both worlds: we had the fire and police directly involved, along with our city government plus local agencies, the business community, churches and countless individuals to meet this need.
We all came together, as a community of caring, sharing people and we are still helping these dear folks to get their lives back together. On a personal note, I was so pleased when our mayor and newspaper publisher realized that many of these people had also lost their Bible in the fire and needed to have one at this most difficult time in their lives. I made a few phone calls and learned that the Gideons had already met this need. That's the kind of community we have and I am proud to live here.
If you don't have this kind of community, you can, and all it takes is good leadership and people who really care. Faith based, if you will. What I am saying is the best of all worlds is when the public sector and the private sector can work together to meet the needs of its people. On a larger, worldwide scale, send your money to the mission field in the hands of some faith-based organization you know will give the greatest amount of the gift possible to the people where it was meant to go. The bottom line is to just do what you can. Remember the words of the Bird Lady, "I can't throw that far" and meet the needs where you are.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 489 - A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO SPORTS!

No. 489
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO SPORTS!
One time I heard a story about this old Texan who was bragging about how much land he owned. He said, "I can get in my pickup truck at daylight and drive all day and I still won't get to the other side of my property." The fellow he was talking with said, "Yeah, we used to have a pickup truck like that." To me this says the old Texan's pickup needed an overhaul. In another realm, this is exactly what professional sports needs, because in many cases the players have become terrible role models for our young people. Millions of Americans who follow sports were shocked back in November 2004 when a near riot took place between players and fans during a Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers basketball game. The consequences of this event will be felt for a long time to come.
In many respects, college sports also needs a serious attitude adjustment. The day following the near riot in Detroit, a football game between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University was marred by an on-field brawl between rival players. While both of these events were tragic, the saddest thing of all is that no one was really surprised. The reason is because over the past couple of decades we, the American people, have allowed those in big-time sports to create a culture that diminishes the fine art of basketball to rewarding the biggest, the meanest and the fastest players still standing at the end of the game. The way we reward them is going to the games, watching them on television, soaking up the sponsors' commercials and paying $500 for a pair of sneakers.
Do not think for a moment that I am condemning everyone who plays professional sports, because that is certainly not the case. There are many fine human beings who can be found playing professional basketball, football, baseball, hockey and all the rest. We are only talking about a small percentage of people here, but the real culprit is the sudden wealth that comes to an athlete who never had anything when growing up and was never taught social graces, respect, manners and courtesy. This lack of training comes from the home environment, but sadly many colleges also give their athletes a "bye" when it comes to getting a quality education. Many colleges in our country have graduation rates for athletes that are deplorable.
In short, big money in the hands of uneducated people can often have tragic consequences. This is really the heart of what I am trying to get across here and I know that many people will disagree with me. My real purpose is to talk with parents and grandparents who have students in school who are spending all or most of their time playing or practicing sports. At this point, allow me to get something else out of the way. The public and private schools of the United States of America were never intended to be training or recruiting grounds for professional or college sports. The purpose of our nation's school system is to prepare young people for a productive and successful life and a rewarding career.
This being the case, if you or your children are wrapped up in sports, does it not make sense to change your focus more to academics and less to sports? Personally, I believe you can do both. A young person involved in high school sports can be a great student and a great athlete. I've seen countless young people who prove this is true and you know them as well. Here are a couple of reasons to support what I am saying. First, the odds of a young athlete making it in professional sports are off the chart, and there is also the real possibility of a career-ending injury. However, the greatest reason of all for a young person putting academics first is life after sports. In most cases, the young athlete who leaves either high school or college is going to have 40 years of their life before them with a great education, or with the one he acquired while he was just sliding by, while playing or practicing sports.
For parents and grandparents, here is the real question. When you see or read about a riot or brawl that takes place between professional athletes, fans or other players, or even unacceptable on- or off-field behavior on the part of college athletes, is this the future you want for the people you love most? Like most of my readers, I grew up in a day before "big money" was the biggest part of the equation. We competed and we competed hard, just for the thrill that came with victory.
Unfortunately, that day and time is gone. Parents who have children wrapped up in sports should decide which road to take. They can insist on their children getting a quality education as their top priority, or allow them to pursue the goal of professional sports, although in the vast majority of cases, it won't come true. Sadly, most great high school athletes think they are going to be the exception to the rule.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 490 - THE GREATEST BARRIER TO COMPREHENSION

No. 490
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE GREATEST BARRIER TO COMPREHENSION
When it comes to understanding, the Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) had this to say: "Not the logical, argumentative, but the intuitive; for the end of understanding is not to prove and find reasons, but to know and believe." There is another word for understanding, while not used too often in our society, but nonetheless has a tremendous impact on our ability to communicate and also on our individual prosperity. The word I am referring to is comprehension. According to the dictionary, this word means, "The mental grasping of ideas, facts, etc., or the power of so doing; understanding." While it may not be recognized in most circles, lack of comprehension is one of the greatest barriers to a young person acquiring a top-notch education. .
Several months ago I was watching the CBS Evening News and there was a feature about this topic that caught my attention. It was by me so fast that I did not have a chance to write down all the details, but in essence the report stated that the majority of students in our nation's schools could read fairly well, but a high percentage could not comprehend or understand what they had just read. If you would like to verify the validity of this report, if you have school-age children around, ask them to read a chapter of a book, at their own reading level, and then write a brief one- or two-paragraph summary of what it was about. This exercise would involve the big three - reading, writing and comprehension.
Now if what I am saying makes sense to you, I want to share the benefits of some educational ideas I learned several years ago while working for the Nightingale-Conant Corporation, the world's leader in motivational recordings. If you don't already know, in the process I believe I can help you have a better understanding of the greatest barrier to comprehension and what can be done about it. In a nutshell, here is the problem. Let's say we are reading a very interesting, but very challenging, book. We move along at a good pace, but every so often we come across a concept word, one that is not in our workable vocabulary, and we don't know what it means. Unless we take time to stop and look it up in the dictionary, we have had a disruption in the continuity of the flow of ideas.
This is the process that destroys our comprehension or understanding. A survey was conducted several years ago that discovered the average person uses 400 words or less, 80 percent of the time in their everyday conversations. When we consider the fact there are more than 800,000 words today in the English language, it begins to become clear why millions of people in our prosperous nation are not very effective communicators. It is often said that a great communicator knows big words, but uses little words. This is true, but the key to success is to know and understand the educational level of the audience or person with whom we are communicating. You would not use the same words speaking to a group of college professors as you would speaking to a class of fourth graders or with factory workers.
Please understand that I am not talking about the value of a human being, because in God's eyes we are all equal, but I am talking about our ability to have a rewarding life and career and to earn the kind of income we need to live a comfortable lifestyle.
This brings me to another very important point and I hope you will really tune me in. Another one of those tidbits I learned while working with the Nightingale people is the correlation between executive position, income and working vocabulary. This was another one of those surveys these people conducted, because this was their business and what they were getting paid to do. Believe me, this does have a bearing on your future, as it does mine.
A part of the survey with a number of major corporations was a test of the working vocabulary of all employees. Here is what they found. Presidents had the best vocabulary, mid-level managers were next, and then supervisors, foremen and right on down the line to the hourly or lowest-level employees in the company. While a number of things on the survey differed from one level to the next, without exception the only thing that was consistent was the individual's level of vocabulary and his income and position in the organization.
Based on the information I have just shared, you will have to be the judge as to whether or not you need to improve your vocabulary and are willing to spend a little time each day to do it. Here are a couple of suggestions that will pay you great rewards for the small investment of your time. First, when you sit down to read, have a good dictionary close by and look up the words that are not in your vocabulary. Next, use your dictionary to learn five new words each week. Copy the meanings down on a sheet of paper, because we retain so much more when we use a dual sensory input. Good luck!
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 491 - DROPPING OUT CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE!

No. 491

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DROPPING OUT CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE!
Someone once said that education is one of the few things a person is willing to pay for and not get. Keep that thought in mind, because it's central to the long-range success of a nation, a state, a community and to individuals who live in a free society. As I have been traveling around the country speaking to groups about the importance of literacy, one of the statements I always make is, "the success of a community, the economy, the standard of living and the quality of life is known." By and large, the educational level of the majority of the citizens who live there determines this. While there may be exceptions, this is the main reason a "college town" usually fares much better in times when there is a downturn in our nation's economy. When people are highly educated, they just do better, and that's a fact of life.
In our community we have three colleges, all doing well, but the University of Central Arkansas is bursting at the seams because we have a dynamic college president who is innovative, hands on, and has a passion for people in today's times getting a college education. At my invitation, Lu Hardin came to speak to our local Lions Club and he made a statement that we would all do well to think about. He said, "An individual with a college degree, over their working lifetime, can expect to earn a million dollars more than a person with a high school diploma." You need to understand that he was grading on the curve, but there is no question that education opens the doors of opportunity that many high school and even college dropouts fail to enter.
Bearing in mind what I have shared, it should be easy to see that when a person drops out of college, it hurts the individual, the community and the nation. Come to think of it, in our family tree there is only one member of our family who ever finished college. Ironically, my uncle, Dr. Bill Humphrey, recently retired from the University of Central Arkansas. He was an accounting professor. I started to college, got about 50 hours and dropped out and that is the essence of what I want to share with you today. Make no mistake, there are millions of Americans in our society today who are tremendously successful who don't have a college degree. The reason is because they never stopped learning. Personally, I have always regretted the fact that I dropped out of college, but who knows where I would be today if I had finished.
With all the benefits of getting a college education there is an alarming fact that you might do well to think about, if not for yourself, for members of your family who are coming along. I got a news release sometime back from ACT, the non-profit organization that serves millions of people in schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses and government agencies with programs and services that have one guiding purpose - to help people achieve education and career goals by providing information for life's transitions. Any high school student knows about ACT, because these people give the tests and provide scores for college entrance requirements.
The alarming news is that statistics reveal that up to 25 percent of all students who enter college drop out after the first year. And even more alarming, according to the results of a new ACT survey of officials at more than 1,000 two- and four-year colleges and universities, a high percentage of these schools have no specific plan or goals to improve student retention and degree completion. Now here is the kicker, and if you work for a college it's something you may want to think about seriously. The findings also suggest that colleges tend to put the blame for dropping out primarily on students rather than on themselves.
According to Richard L. Ferguson, ACT's chief executive officer, "It's one thing to admit students to college, it's quite another thing to retain them. Colleges spend a lot of money and effort recruiting students, but many need to do a better job of following through after they get them on campus." Here in Conway, the university I mentioned earlier has spent a lot of money on television commercials recruiting and now has more than 10,000 students, but it will be interesting to see how many of these new students drop out after the first year. I'm betting that our college president and other school officials have a plan and some goals to retain these new students.
One of the ways to retain students is to incorporate them in campus life so they don't feel isolated and lonely because they are away from home. The college can also designate a senior-level individual on campus to coordinate retention activities and then analyze student characteristics and needs and implement a formal retention program that best meets students' needs. There is much more information on these two surveys that can be found at www.act.org/research/policy/index.html. Hope this information has been helpful in some way.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 492 - WHAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE?

No. 492
Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE?
Since the beginning of recorded history, one of the most perplexing questions that has ever confronted human kind is whether or not there is a literal heaven or a literal hell. This is to say a place where we are going to spend eternity. No doubt you have your own personal views and convictions, and my purpose here is certainly not to question what you believe. We are each free to think and believe as we choose. As I've said many times before, I am not a minister and I don't attempt to preach in my speaking and writing. However, I do care about every human being because I believe we are created in the image of God and our purpose on earth is to serve Him.
The topic of our eternal destiny is not reserved for the rich, the poor, the strong, the weak, the successful, the unsuccessful or any person regardless of gender, nationality or social status, so it should be worth thinking about for a few minutes today. You could be like me, a born-again Christian, or you could be an atheist, an agnostic, or subscribe to any of the other world religions, but where we are going when we die is very important. I might add, a person who is beautiful, wealthy or famous does not get a pass here either. When we near the time of our death, we are going to at least think about where we will spend eternity.
What got me to thinking about this topic is something a friend sent me the other day titled, "What a Wonderful Way to Explain It." Please allow me to share it with you and see if you don't agree.
"A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, 'Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.' Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.' 'You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?' The doctor was holding the handle of the door, on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
"Turning to the patient, the doctor said, 'Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing - I know my master is there and that is enough'."
The bottom line of what this doctor was saying is that he had faith - and when he died, God would be there waiting for him. As a Christian, I believe the same way. For most of my life I lived without the peace that passes all understanding. That changed back in 1984 when I put my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Again, who and what you believe in and where you place your faith is your own personal affair, but in addition to my deep faith in God, I have also reached a practical way of viewing the question about where I will spend eternity. For me personally, I had much rather live like there is a God and find out when I die that there isn't than to live like there is no God and find out when I die that there is. When it comes to my faith, here is another conclusion that I have reached that may also merit some consideration. Even if my faith is misplaced, I still believe the Christian lifestyle is the best way on earth to live.
The Bible teaches in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." This simply means that none of us is perfect and I often tell those in my audiences, "I am just a sinner who has been saved by God's amazing grace." One reason we need to get back to the Bible is because it contains the truth, and is the standard for right living. Over the past several decades, in our country we have gone way too far with this idea of political correctness. In today's culture it may be politically correct to say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" when we celebrate the birth of Christ, but for me, it is "Merry Christmas" the way it's been for more than 2,000 years.
When I hear about people in our country who are trying to change this, I ask myself the question, "What are these people thinking?" On a television talk show a while back I heard the former mayor of Boston say, "These people make up about 3 percent of our population and they want to remove Christ from the very mainstream of American life for all the rest of us." If you believe as strongly as I do, it's not going to happen. I'm not going to spend my money with any store or organization that advocates that, either. They say they are simply trying to be sensitive and not offend people who have a different faith. Really? I mean, is that really their motive? I am certainly not a radical, but this is one of those cases where I believe every true American should take a stand.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 493 - DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A COMEBACK?

No. 493
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A COMEBACK?
This past week I received one of the most touching letters from a reader that I have received since starting this column almost 10 years ago. It was from a reader in Virginia and it begins, "Dear Sir: I am a 73-year-old man. I have had a heart attack. I am also a diabetic, but that is not my problem. I lost a 19-year-old grandson in a car accident 2 1/2 years ago. I raised him since he was in diapers. This is my problem, I am in depression over him and I cannot seem to cope with losing him. But since I read your article in the Bluefield, W.Va. Daily Telegraph (How to Become a Truly Happy Person) it has helped me. Thank you for the article. I have also ordered your book. Thank You," and he gives his name.
Here is one sad Grandpa, and if my column has helped him cope with his loss, then I say, "To God Be The Glory." It also serves to remind me of my responsibility to all of you who read this column. I try to have fun in writing these articles, but I continually remind myself there are people out there whose heart is breaking for one reason or another. If I can share a word of comfort and even cheer, I am honored to have the opportunity the people at this fine newspaper have given me to do that. You know that I would not be here each week were it not for them. If you like my column, let them know. I'm sure they will appreciate the feedback.
Allow me to go back to my new friend's letter for a moment. In the column he referred to, I talked about how to become a truly happy person. The only way to do this is to forget ourselves and think of others and how we can help them. It's not always easy, but it's a road we must travel if we are going to be happy and fulfilled as a human being. While grieving for the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things for some people to overcome, there are many other areas of life where we lose our enthusiasm and our performance suffers, at least for a while. When this happens we need to make a comeback and this is the essence of what I want to share with you.
Allow me to begin with this somewhat personal question. Do you need to make a comeback? Is there some area of your life, when at one time you experienced superior performance, but you allowed your enthusiasm to wane to the point this activity, job or career is no longer challenging or rewarding? As you know, most professional sports have an award they call "Comeback Player of The Year." There is an old boy from Arkansas who plays golf that won this award back in 2004. Of course I'm talking about John Daley. Big John sure has had his ups and downs but he's likeable, plus the fact he can hit the ball a mile, and everyone pulls for him. A while back I was talking along these lines and a friend told me, "Don't forget, you can't have a comeback if you ain't ever been anywhere."
If we have been superior in something at one time only to see it go downhill, in most cases all we need to do is rekindle the fires of enthusiasm, get back in good physical shape and redouble our efforts. A while back I read something in the book, "Enthusiasm Makes The Difference" written by the king of enthusiasm, the late Norman Vincent Peale. This man inspired millions of Americans through his wonderful little magazine called, "Guideposts.:
The portion I read that certainly applies to what I have been saying, was titled "Seven Steps To A Comeback." As I share them, see if you don't agree there's something here for any person who may be depressed, discouraged or just wants to get back in the groove again.
No. 1. Stop running yourself down. There's a lot of right in you. You have the same capacity you had before. Empty your mind of your failures and mistakes and start respecting yourself. No. 2. Eliminate self-pity. Start thinking of what you have left instead of dwelling on what you have lost. List your assets on a piece of paper. No. 3. Quit thinking of yourself. Think of helping others. Actually go out and find someone who needs the kind of help you can give and give it. You will never have a continuing flow of abundance if your thought is only for yourself. No. 4. Remember Goethe: "He who has a firm will molds the world to himself." Almighty God put a tough thing into human beings called the will. Use it. No. 5. Have a goal and put a timetable on it. No. 6. Stop wasting your mental energy on gripes and post-mortems, and start thinking about what you can do now. No. 7. Last, but not least: Every morning and every night of your life articulate these words: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me."
That's the end of the "Seven Steps To A Comeback," and I believe you will agree there is something here for all of us. If you are hurting because of the loss of someone precious, grieve for a little while and then move on with your life. If your performance is suffering, rekindle the fires of enthusiasm and make a fresh start. You have more than enough power to do that.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 494 - ARE YOU KIDDING YOURSELF?

No. 494
Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
ARE YOU KIDDING YOURSELF?
One of the nuances we often encounter in this life is something we call kidding. The word kidding is slang and means, 'To make fun of; to tease. To deceive or try to deceive someone; fool." We often hear statements or questions such as "Are you kidding me," "I'm just kidding," "No kidding," and "You are just kidding yourself." Another expression that has a similar connotation is "He is just whistling past the graveyard." Here is a practical example of what I am saying. Once in the while someone will have the words "Not dead but sleeping" inscribed on the tombstone of a loved one. Believe me, this person is dead and they are not sleeping. In other words, the person who had this inscription placed on a tombstone is only kidding himself or whistling past the graveyard.
This is just my personal opinion, but I believe good-natured kidding can play a positive role in our society. When I am playing golf with my friends, we kid each other all the time. It's the only way some of us can keep from losing our religion. In the case of good-natured kidding, if it's intended to foster positive relationships and make people feel comfortable around each other, it can be a very good thing. On the other hand, if we kid someone to the point of ridicule and become painful, it crosses the line and becomes a destructive trait and I would be very much opposed to that. Some people can take kidding and some can't, and all of us need to learn to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. That is, if we wish to be a happy, well-adjusted person.
From my perspective, it's fine to kid someone if we know they can take kidding and it serves to build a good relationship, but the essence of what I want to share with you here that may be worth thinking about is to answer the question, "Are you kidding yourself?" When we kid someone else, there are guidelines we should follow, but when we kid ourselves, that's an entirely different matter. Another one of those practical examples occurred several times when Viola and I were first married. While she always denied it, quite often I had the feeling that she would get jealous of some pretty lady who I was especially friendly to, give a hug or say a flattering word.
Back then, and believe me things have changed, when she later confronted me, I would have a little silly grin come over my face. On a number of occasions she has said to me, "I'm going to slap that silly grin off your face." Now, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I figured out a long time ago that it was easier to change my facial expression than to suffer the embarrassment and pain of a good slapping. In other words, if I thought I could win that one, I was only kidding myself. I might add that I have matured to the point that I take great pains not to make her jealous about anything, because we are not only a team but we would never do anything intentional to hurt each other. If you are married and donât have that kind of relationship with your spouse, you are missing one of the true joys of this life.
What I have just shared is only one small example of how we can kid ourselves. There are countless other examples, but one in our society that affects many people in a negative way, and sadly these people are only kidding themselves, are those people who believe they are superior, especially intellectually; to the point they believe they are better than most of the people around them. I'm here to tell you that some people may be smarter, some may be richer, some may be shapely, beautiful or better looking, some may be descendants of the bluebloods of a country, a state or a community, but no person as a human being is any better than another. When we learn that our time on earth is brief and that we can't take our superior knowledge with us, we should strive to use that time wisely.
I remember a passage in the Bible where Jesus talks about the sin of partiality. He said, "Do not say to the rich man, you come and take this good seat and he says to the poor man, you stand over there or come and sit at my feet." What I am saying here is simple. If you have any tendency at all along these lines, you are only kidding yourself. The Philippino people have a saying that really sums up what I have been trying to impart to those who have never gotten the word, "The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends." This means the higher we get up in society, the more humble we should be.
We are each a unique creation, made in the image of God and when a true understanding of our own self-worth produces humility and a deep respect for all those about us, we have then become a true citizen of the world. We should strive to be kind and gracious. If you have never come to that point in your relationships and the way you deal with others, you are only kidding yourself. The great thing about us human beings is that we have the power to change. Sometimes a self-inventory is painful, but after that first slapping I was on my way.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 472 - WHAT DID THE CHICKEN DO?

No. 472

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT DID THE CHICKEN DO?

Someone once said, "The last of the human freedoms is to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances." When it comes to our personal success in life, attitude is everything. A truth that I have passed along many times goes like this, "It's your attitude and not your aptitude that will determine your altitude." Unless you are talking about a brain surgeon or the equivalent, in most any endeavor you can name, give me a "C2 student with a great attitude over an "A2 student with a bad attitude every time.

Now this question please. Have you ever had an attitude adjustment? Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's quite difficult, depending on the circumstances. I got a note from a friend the other day that contained a story that will illustrate what I mean.

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious, and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got even angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he had hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions.

I am sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the chicken did?" Without a doubt, seeing this dead, frozen chicken in the freezer had a profound and lasting effect on the parrot's attitude.

This story reminded me of another example along these same lines. When it came time for the annual United Way drive, there was an outstanding company in this community that had always had 100 percent of their employees participate in the drive. Sometime along about the first of the year this company hired a fellow name Gus to run the shipping department. When it came time for Gus to make a commitment to participate in the annual United Way drive, he said, "I have worked for a lot of other companies and I have never participated in this type of thing, so I am not going to give." When the company president heard of Gus1 comments, he went to him and said, "Gus, if you don't participate in our United Way drive this year, I am going to fire you." When the president make his direct and forceful statement, Gus said, "I'll give." A little later a fellow employee who knew of Gus1 decision not to participate said to him, "Gus, why did you change your mind about participating in the United Way drive?" Gus said, "I had never had anyone explain it to me that way." After you have had a chance to reflect on these two stories, I believe you will agree there are some lessons that can be learned here. The reason the parrot and old Gus each changed their mind is because they were faced with an unacceptable alternative. While not as dramatic, each of us, in many ways, is also faced with unacceptable alternatives every day of our lives.

For the parrot, it was bad language and rude behavior, for Gus it was the lack of a giving spirit. What would it be for you or me that would cause us to change our behavior and our attitude? If you were a drinker, would you change your behavior if you knew there was a good chance that you would become an alcoholic? If you were a smoker, would you quit if you thought there was a good chance you would develop lung cancer? If you were a gambler, would you give it up if you thought there was a good chance you would become a gambling addict? Same for drugs, pornography and other vices that cause untold problems in the lives of millions of people each year.

If you have read my column very long you know that I don't preach to other people. This is mainly because when I point one finger there are always three pointing back at me. I just care. I want the best for every human being because we only have one life to live. I just believe with all my heart that our life should count for something. The good news is that we can choose our attitudes and our behavior and rise above our circumstances.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 720"4.)

NO. 1154 -- NEW KIND OF TOY!

No. 1154

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NEW KIND OF TOY!

The American author Clarence Day (1874-1935) once said of books, “A book is the most remarkable creation of man; nothing else that he builds ever lasts … monuments fall … civilizations grow old and die out … but in the world of books are volumes that live on, still as young and fresh as the day they were written, still telling men’s hearts of the hearts of men centuries dead.”
What an awesome thought when you think about it, yet books are all of that and more. And believe it or not, today I have a novel idea that may be new to some people as to how books can be put to good use, where they may do the most good.
The idea is that a book can be a terrific toy in the hands of a very small child, even before the child begins to walk. As you think about that, please allow me to tell you from where this idea came. At this time I am waiting on the final proof for a new book that I have written titled, “My Heartfelt Passion – Saving Our Nation One Child at a Time.” My publisher is Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC USA/Singapore, and the director of acquisitions is a man by the name of Tom Wallace.
When Tom learned that my book was all about improving literacy in our nation, it hit his hot button. For years Tom was a teacher of preschool children and beyond, ranging from 1 to 7 years of age. Here is what he said in an e-mail to me following our first telephone conversation: “If you want the answer, by the way, you have to incentivize the parent (s) at about 6 months to let kids even play with a book as a toy … read to him/her regularly, no matter how short the time. Book habits can be developed early and the longer you wait, the less likely the habit will take.”
Thanks, Tom. Since your e-mail came to me, I have given your idea a great deal of thought and believe you are so right, especially in these days when electronic gadgets begin to vie for our children’s attention when they are still in diapers. Even here in our community, as we give 4-year old children in our Head Start program a personalized bookcase and a starter set of books, it may already be too late in some cases. The idea is simply the “sooner the better” as babies begin to identify sights and sounds that are around them. In fact, I know a young couple here in my community who read to their baby while he was still in the womb. If a child develops a love for books and learns to read early in life, they will have a much brighter future.
To be sure, most of you who are reading this column will not have 6-month-old babies, or even very young children, but there will be many of you who have children or grandchildren and do have this opportunity to really make a difference in a child’s life. Again, I had never thought about this until I heard from Tom, but I do believe it has merit. All I am asking you to do is help to spread the word to those who do have young children. For sure, there can and should be a new kind of toy under the Christmas tree or when you blow out the birthday candles. Again, the idea is the “sooner the better” when we can expose our children to the wonderful world of books.
As I bring these thoughts to a close, I want to also point out the importance of the kind and quality of reading material you buy for your children. Just make sure it is wholesome and teaches the concepts and values that will produce a child, teenager and an adult who will be a credit to you, your good name and one we can all be proud to have as a good neighbor.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1155 -- HOW DO YOU PLAY THE GAME?

No. 1155

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW DO YOU PLAY THE GAME?

Have you ever thought about the many things that successful people and failures have in common? Well, there are many. They both have 24 hours in each day. They both have two parents. They both put their pants and dresses on the same way. You could continue to build on this list until it was a mile long.
However, there are also many different or contrasting things that successful people and those who fail in life have about them. Successful people, as well as failures, come in all sizes and shapes. They come from different backgrounds. They have different interests, different values, different likes and dislikes. But I believe there is one basic difference that separates these two groups of people. It could be stated in many different ways, but it is simply this -- how they play the game.
Recently, I found something in my files that I had stuck back and forgotten titled, “You, Not Your Ancestors” that explains it pretty well. At least it did for me, and I hope it will for you, too. It begins, “You are neither a born winner, nor a born loser. The way you play the game determines that. It’s your general behavior, not your genealogy, that adds up the points. It’s not the blue blood your parents gave you, but the briny sweat you give that runs up the score. It’s not who your forefathers were, but what you are that makes the difference. This generation won’t let you hang on to your ancestors’ coattails. Neither will it deny you a coat, because they didn’t have one. Rather, you will have to earn it.”
Now, I realize you did not ask for it, but here is my personal opinion. I believe one of the greatest needs we have in America today is for more people to accept responsibility for themselves. We have far too many people who feel the government, their parents, or someone else should be responsible for them. I heard a humorous speaker tell this story a while back. He said, “When a lot of people are born and their umbilical cord is cut, they spend the next 50 years looking for some place to plug it back in.” Sad, but true!
Now, with your permission and hopefully your blessing, I would like to elaborate on these thoughts because I think this is so important to the future of our nation. Certainly, when it comes to how our citizens play the game, there are several million people who are born with two strikes against them – those who are handicapped either mentally or physically -- and they cannot take care of and provide for themselves. We must help these people because this is both the Godly thing to do and also the humanitarian thing to do.
But there are millions of others who are healthy, both mentally and physically, who have an entitlement mentality when it comes to meeting their needs. For some reason they are content to let others provide for them, in fact they think they deserve it. Here is what a lot of people who have this outlook fail to understand. When our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence back in 1776, it was not the “Declaration of Dependence”, it was “Independence.” This says to me that we should be “independent” and not “dependent.”
For all of my life I have been fiercely independent and have said many times, “Give me opportunity and then get out of my way.” My message here is simple, and I realize some people will not like it, if you are a “free-loader” get a job and take care of your own needs and not depend on someone else to take care of you. For each of us, here is the real question: How do we play the game?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1156 -- SENIORS READING TO PRE-SCHOOL GRANDCHILDREN!

No. 1156

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SENIORS READING TO PRE-SCHOOL GRANDCHILDREN!

One time I remember hearing a story about this lady who said to a friend, “Did I ever tell you about my grandkids?” To which her friend replied, “No, and I sure want to thank you.” There is no doubt about it, for those of us who have grandchildren, they are the apple of our eye and we love them more than anything in the whole wide world. It is in this vein that I would like to share a positive idea with you today that could make a real difference in the lives of thousands, perhaps millions, of grandchildren all across our great nation.
Over the past several years you have heard me talk many times about the importance of literacy as it relates to a person’s future success and happiness. Whether you realize it or not, we have a crisis in relation to literacy in our country and it is not getting better. In fact it is getting worse, and there are many reasons why this is true. One of the main reasons is that very young children in low-income families do not have any books to read in their home. These children grow older and enter school with no literacy foundational skills and become candidates for dropping out of school. Here in my community we have been giving personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to children in the Head Start program for the past 13 years. When they receive a bookcase, these children are 4 years of age, and in many cases it is already too late for many of them.
As I thought about this situation, I began to realize there is a great source of educated, talented and loving people in our nation who can change this from being negative to being positive. Of course I am talking about those grandparents who love their grandchildren and can spend some quality reading time with them. Here let me be quick to say that the responsibility for preparing children to enter school lies with the parents, but in many cases both parents work and come home too tired to spend quality time with their children by reading to them on a regular basis. In many cases, this is when grandparents can be most helpful.
Almost from the crib, all children need to begin to develop foundational literacy skills and be exposed to books and other quality learning tools. For parents who can afford to purchase a small bookcase, even with a child’s nameplate affixed to it, this would be a great investment to begin the child’s educational journey. In fact, there could be a bookcase in the child’s home, and grandparents could also have one in their home to read to their grandchildren when the opportunity comes about. Schedules could and should be worked out to make reading a priority with grandparents on a regular basis.
In the future I will be talking with the director of our Senior Citizen Center about our bookcase project and helping them with the cost of a children’s library. This would make books available to members to check out and use to read to their grandchildren, and perhaps even to other children in low-income families. At this point let me say that I certainly don’t have all the answers, but this is an idea that has merit and can be fine-tuned to get loving, willing grandparents in a position to read to their grandchildren several times each week. I hope you will give this idea some thought, because the need is real and we can contribute greatly to improving literacy all across our great nation. If you have ideas along these lines, please share them with me.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1157 -- GREAT THOUGHTS THAT INSPIRE!

No. 1157

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GREAT THOUGHTS THAT INSPIRE!

According to data compiled by The New York Times, drug overdose deaths in 2016 most likely exceeded 59,000, the largest annual jump in United States history. This death count is the latest consequence of an escalating public health crisis: opioid addiction now made more deadly by an influx of illicitly manufactured Fentanyl and similar drugs. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50 years of age.
On a personal note, this information is completely foreign to me. Being from the older generation, I was never exposed to this when I was growing up. The kids in our small town who were considered “the wrong crowd” went to a nearby “wet” town to have a beer.
However, there is one thing I do know a little about, and that is human nature. The individuals who see themselves as having a bright future and who have spiritual and character training as they are being reared, are far less likely to get involved in drugs later on in life. While we all get discouraged from time to time, and misery loves company, we have to be on guard as to the kind of people with whom we choose to spend our time. Hanging out with the wrong crowd will definitely lead to trouble.
What brought these thoughts to mind is something I ran across in my files a while back titled, “Thoughts That Inspire” edited by J. Richard Drake and printed by American Greetings Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio. These thoughts just set my thinking on a much higher plane. The people who are “up” and see themselves as having a bright future, are far less likely to get involved in drugs that can eventually lead to death. As William James of Harvard University has so famously said, “Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” Here are those thoughts I mentioned, and see if they don’t inspire you as they do me.
“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.” – (Henry David Thoreau)
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.” (Thomas Moore)
“During times of trial when our inner strength and faith are tested, the comfort of God manifests itself to us. At the moment our strength becomes insufficient to face the day and life’s importance wanes under the weight of our distress, He suddenly springs open the gates of Heaven and pours out blessings so abundantly that there is hardly room to receive them all.” (Anonymous)
“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.” (Chinese Proverb)
“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming convictions that I had nowhere else to turn. My own wisdom and that of all the people about me seemed insufficient for the day.” (Abraham Lincoln)
“A brave man always knows the way, no matter how intricate the roads.” (Henry David Thoreau)
“The word that has been written on the brow of every man is hope.” (Victor Hugo)
“But nothing can take the place of love. Love is the measure of life only so far as we love, do we really live.” (John Burroughs)
My final thought to you today my friend is one of concern. I hope you will be sensitive, as I plan to be, towards those who seem to be depressed on a long-term basis. We all get discouraged from time to time, but deep depression is entirely another matter. The main thing is just to care.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1158 -- ILLITERACY IS SILENTLY KILLING AMERICA!

No. 1158

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ILLITERACY IS SILENTLY KILLING AMERICA!

In our modern American society, the child who grows up without learning to read does not have a prayer when it comes to achieving true success in life. Unfortunately, this is the case for several million of our nation’s children. According to a 2017 study by the Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, 32 million adults can’t read. A large part of the reason for this statistic is that 61 percent of low-income families have no books in the home for their pre-school children to read, a crucial time when reading development takes place.
According to the Department of Justice, “The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence and crime is welded to reading failure. The stats back up this claim: 85 percent of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate and over 70 percent of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level, according to BeginToRead.com. The inability to read is silently killing America, ruining lives, costing billions of dollars and pulling down the ability of the United States to compete with the rest of the world.”
Now, here is the real tragedy. The vast majority of the American people have not heard this, and even if they have, feel powerless to do anything about it. When I share this information with others, I hear this comment all the time, “I knew we had a literacy problem in our country but I had no idea how bad it is.” Well, my friend, it is bad, and unless we take action now and do something about illiteracy, the consequences will be even greater than what I have already shared. For the sake of future generations, we just cannot afford to let this happen.
In 2005, here in my community of Conway, Arkansas, we started a literacy project that we call The Conway Bookcase Project. The objective of our project is to provide a personalized bookcase and a starter set of books to pre-school children being reared in low-income families. We are “All-Volunteer – Giving Back” and no one personally earns a penny for their good work. To date, we have given over 700 bookcases locally, have projects in five other states, and the total nationwide is over 2,000 bookcases and books. The feedback has been tremendous as our project is making a real difference in the lives of these children. One of the reasons is that these children and their parents know that someone cares.
As the founder of this project, and now almost 80 years of age, I know that my days are numbered, and I have written a book titled “My Heartfelt Passion: Saving Our Nation One Child at a Time.” This book is available from Amazon.com and gives a complete chronology of our copyrighted project, where any motivated literate person can begin a literacy project just like ours. When we have 10 to 12 copies in the hands of leaders in communities all across our nation who will begin bookcase projects, we will make a difference – a big difference. People who have read this book tell me they couldn’t put it down.
If you believe in what we are doing and are willing to help, here is what I would like to ask you to do. Go to Amazon.com and order a copy of my book, and read it. Then write a book review that Amazon can post on their website that will be included with several others. If you are on Facebook, post this article and ask your friends to share it, and keep sharing all across America. If you are on Facebook, you know the power of social media and what we can accomplish, working together, over the coming months and years. To God be the glory.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1160 -- WHAT DO YOU GET EXCITED ABOUT?

No. 1160

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT DO YOU GET EXCITED ABOUT?

There is a wonderful power that operates in the universe that appears to be almost magic when it’s understood and used in the proper way. This is the Magic Power of Enthusiasm.
The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek “Enthous” and means “The God within or a supernatural inspiration or possession.” It also means “intense or eager interest; zeal; fervor.” The point that we should not miss is that the Magic Power of Enthusiasm is already there, within each of us, just waiting to be used. When we use this wonderful power to rise to new heights, achieve greater success or improve a relationship, it is often manifested as excitement, zeal or fervor. As Ralph Waldo Emerson has said, “Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm.”
In addition to the fact that it is already there, there is another important reason why enthusiasm helps us to get more done. While love is the strongest human emotion, enthusiasm is the most contagious. Most of us had rather be around someone who is enthusiastic, upbeat and positive than someone who always seems to be down. In a sense, our enthusiasm is almost like a magnet as it attracts other people to us and more often than not, they will help us in whatever we are doing. Many times I have stood back watching someone doing something that was highly enthusiastic, and before long I was right in there with them.
There is another element regarding enthusiasm, however, that we need to guard against. This is when our enthusiasm becomes misguided, which is to say we get enthusiastic about things that have little or no lasting value. One of the best stories I have ever heard along these lines is about three men who were sitting in a coffee shop and they heard the whistle of an approaching train.
Upon hearing the whistle, they all jumped up and started running toward the train depot. The first man was about 6 foot 6 and after a few yards he was out in front. The next man was about 6 foot 2 and he was not far behind. The last man in the trio was only 5 foot 8 and a little overweight and he had two bags to carry. When the first man reached the platform at the depot, as the train was just pulling away, he managed to grab on to the railing of the observation car. The second man was close enough that he managed to reach out and grab the first man’s hand and pull himself on as well.
The train had already cleared the platform and was leaving town when the last man, huffing and puffing, finally arrived. When he looked down the tracks, he saw his two friends on the back of the observation car waving at him. Needless to say he was very discouraged. A man who was standing nearby had witnessed the scene. He walked over and said, “Mister, I sure am sorry you missed your train.” After he caught his breath the little short fella said, “Fella, that ain’t the half of it. Do you see those two guys waving at me from the observation car?” He said, “Yeah I see them.” The little short man replied, “Well, those two guys are friends of mine and they came down here to see me off.”
Now, the moral of this story should be obvious. If we are going to get enthusiastic about something, let’s make sure it is the right thing. The Magic Power of Enthusiasm is one of the greatest powers we have if directed towards things that really matter. And here is a question for you to ponder: What do you get excited about?

NO. 1159 -- A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!

No. 1159

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!

It took me a while, but I finally came to realize why so many people in America love their pets and they actually become members of the family. Back in 2015, when I started seeing my wife Janis, one of the first questions she asked me was, “Do you like dogs?” Looking back, I suspect that I may not be married to her now if I had said NO!
Over the years I have had a number of dogs, but they were all outside dogs, and the two most recent got run over by a car. When we have an emotional attachment it is very difficult to lose a favorite pet, one that you have come to love. But in this case, having an “inside” dog was a new experience for me. However, I have always loved animals so I could say, “YES,” and after the fact, live with my answer. If you are an animal lover, then you know where I am going with this. There is a reason why it is said that a dog is “man’s best friend.”
The dog Janis was talking about was her little white Maltese lapdog named “Toby”, that had been hers for 11 years at the time. When she was alone for several months after her husband passed away, Toby was a great source of company and companionship, and she was really glad to have him around. While I will never know and understand why, Toby took a real liking to me. He slept at the foot of our bed, in the mornings would get up when I got up, and went to bed when I went to bed. In the evenings when I would come home, Toby would be sitting in the front window waiting for me. When I would get out of the car he would almost go crazy barking and waiting for me.
I can tell you for sure, when you have an “inside” dog that is always waiting for you when you come home, life is never the same again. You make preparations when you leave -- water, food and always put down one or two pads for him to do his business -- and then take care of the mess when you come home. But as time goes by and you continually feel the love and devotion from your pet, you don’t mind at all. You are glad to see him just like he is glad to see you. One thing I loved doing from time to time was taking Toby for a walk, get him hooked up in his little ‘harness’ and go up and down the street for a few blocks.
Another thing Toby liked to do was go for a ride in the car when we were going to take him to have his hair trimmed or down to the Village for a short stay. Over time, I can tell you truthfully that what started out as just a relationship with a pet became much more close and personal, and I began to feel and treat him differently, again like a member of the family. I just naturally talked with him more and gave him those positive strokes like we all need.
Something funny happened one evening recently. Our next door neighbor Rebecca has two large dogs, and she walks them on the road almost every evening. One day she was coming back from her walk and observed Janis and me getting out of the car. When she saw us she said to her dogs, “Oh look, there is Toby’s mommy and daddy.” Well, maybe we were.
If you have an inside dog, then you know there is considerable expense involved, including food, trips to the vet, grooming and most recently shots and medicine when he was diagnosed with diabetes. The crowning moment came for me when I went to the pharmacy and the medicine bottle had a label that said, “Toby Davidson.”
Now, if you are a pet lover you know you can’t get much higher than that. All good, and was worth it, but sadly we lost Toby as he passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 13, and we miss him terribly.

NO. 1170 -- YOU ARE TRULY UNIQUE!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS QUINCE

No. 1170

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU ARE TRULY UNIQUE!

If you have ever struggled with your self-esteem, your identity as a person and your value to yourself and others, I believe you will be interested in what I have to share with you. Because I have been blessed with loving parents, great teachers and pastors, and others through the years who have helped me understand my own self worth and value as a human being, I count it among my greatest blessings to, in turn, help others realize just how special they really are.
Make no mistake, what I am talking about here is a real sales job! If you don’t like yourself as a person, don’t feel like you have much value as a human being, and don’t have much self-confidence, then I am going to do my dead-level best to help you change that. First, let’s understand that you are indeed “unique” as a human being. Science has proven that of all the approximately 8 billion people in the world today, there is no other person just like you. Your fingerprints, voiceprint, DNA and other forensic tests prove this is true. Yes, you are special and truly unique, whether or not you believe it.
Next, according to the Bible, in Genesis 1:27 you were created in the image of an all-loving, all-wise and all-powerful God, and that He loved you enough to send His only Son to die for you. Perhaps knowing this will help you view yourself and others in a way that you have never viewed them before. While there are those who will disagree with what I have said, listen to these words reportedly said by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower: “It takes no brains to be an atheist. Any stupid person can deny the existence of a supernatural power, because man’s physical senses cannot detect it, but there cannot be ignored the influence of conscience, the respect we feel for moral law, the mystery of first life on what must have been a molten mass, or the marvelous order in which the universe moves us about on this earth. All of this evidence is the handiwork of a beneficent deity. For my part, that deity is the God of the Bible, and of Christ, His Son.”
Please understand that your worth to God is already assured. You count and you matter to Him. It’s wonderful if you were fortunate enough to have loving parents, but if you weren’t or don’t, they will be held accountable, and the same is true for all other members of your family. As the saying goes, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your kinfolks.” Now it really comes down to your worth to yourself, to others and to society. At this point it is up to you to take the ball and run with it.
To demonstrate what I mean, I want to share something titled, “What’s Your Worth?” Think about this for a moment: “A small bar of iron is worth about $5 to start with, but made into horseshoes, this same bar is worth about $10.50; made into screw drivers, it may be worth about $250; made into needles, this same bar could be worth about $3,250; while made into balance springs for watches, it’s worth could go up to $250,000.” The same thing is true for another kind of material – Y-O-U. Your value is determined by what you make of yourself.
When you know and understand who you are and truly believe that you are very special, you will have that inner peace that will help you deal with the negative things that come along. You will have a genuine self-respect, which means to be mentally faithful to yourself. When you can do that, you are on your way to a much happier and richer life and IT’S SELDOM TOO LATE TO START!
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS QUINCE

NO. 1169 -- OUR ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

No. 1169

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

The other day a friend handed me something titled “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING,” written by Francie Schwartz. At the end of the article were these words: You now have two choices. Either you can throw this away or you can share it with people you care about. As a reader of this column, I do care about you because you are very special to me. You may say, “How can you care about someone you don’t even know?” To be sure, I may not like the attitude, behavior or actions of some people but I still have a genuine love and concern for every human being.
It is in this spirit that I wanted to share “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” and I hope it blesses you as it has me. It begins: “Jerry was the kind of guy you loved to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, ‘If I were any better, I would be twins’. He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there, telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
“Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, ‘I don’t get it. You can’t be a positive person all the time. How do you do it?’ Jerry replied, ‘Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.’
“Yeah, right, it’s not that easy.” I protested. “Yes it is,” Jerry said. “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. It’s your choice how you live life.” I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something that you are never supposed to do in the restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intense care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.
I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was he replied, “If I were any better I would be twins.” At this point I asked him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. “The first thing that went through my mind is that I should have locked the back door,” Jerry replied. “Then as I lay on the floor I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live. When I was rushed to the trauma center and they began to operate on me, I told them to operate on me as if I were alive and not dead.”
What is amazing is that we all have that power because, after all, Attitude is Everything, and we do have a choice.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1168 -- THE TRUE JOY OF SERVANTHOOD!

No. 1168

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TRUE JOY OF SERVANTHOOD!

If you are a caring, sensitive person, you have probably noticed there is an industry in our country that is growing by leaps and bounds. I am referring to the greeting card industry. Go into most any discount store, drug store or novelty shop and you will find a rack of greeting cards that cover most any occasion and relationship you can name, and many you have never thought about before. Some are the old traditional ones, but many are far out. The people who sit around and dream up all those cute, funny and inspirational sayings … well, they just have to have one of the most interesting jobs in the world.
What brought these thoughts to mind is the central idea I want to share with you in this column. Do you ever feel like you need to get a new grip on life? On one of those cute greeting cards there was a picture of a cat hanging from a limb extending out over a high bluff … I mean one of those that looked like it was 1,000 feet to the bottom. The cat’s paws were dug into the bark as he hung suspended in space, looking down at the fate that awaited him had he let go. The caption on the card read, “HANG IN THERE, BABY.”
Now, in light of this illustration, let me pose my question again: Do you need a new grip on life? You realize of course that the odds are a million to one that I don’t know you personally, or your situation in life, especially if you don’t live here in my community. You may have the world by the tail on a “downhill drag” and be a winner and the “cream” of the crop. I truly hope this is the case, but I know from my own personal experience that there are millions of people in our nation who no longer feel that they are masters of their fate. Mentally, these people have given up and are hanging on for dear life, just like that cat I mentioned a moment ago.
If you or someone you care about needs to get a new grip on life, I would like to share a few insights: First, you can’t see much hope in the world until you first feel hope for yourself. The most important thing is to never forget that God loves you and that you were created in His image. You have latent potential and talent that He has given you and you can develop and use it. While I have no way of knowing if you read my column very often, if you can have faith in what I am saying, it will give you the strength and determination to press on. Don’t ever, ever give up. If you happen to be on drugs or have become an alcoholic, you need to seek professional help. Let’s face it; we all need help at some time in our lives.
The main problem is that sometimes we let pride get in the way. The Bible says that “pride goeth before the fall,” and this is true. If you or someone you love has a problem that you can’t handle by yourself, the first step is to admit you have a problem and then, as I’ve already said, get some help. Sadly, most people never learn a profound truth that can be found in the Bible in Matthew 23:11 where Jesus says, “The great among you shall be your servant.” Only when we learn to forget ourselves and think of serving others can we find our real calling and achieve success, and even greatness, that will produce rewards unexpected in common hours. Then, and only then, will life be fulfilling for us as we experience the True Joy of Servanthood. And the great thing about it, it is seldom too late to begin.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1167 -- ARE YOU A HELICOPTER PARENT?

No. 1167

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A HELICOPTER PARENT?

The greatest basketball coach of all time is Coach John R. Wooden, who coached for 29 years and had a record of 664 wins and only 162 losses, this being a winning percentage of over 80 percent of all the games he coached. He coached at Indiana State University for two years before moving on to UCLA, where he would win 10 national championships, seven of those in a row, a feat that will probably never be duplicated. He is also the author of a number of books, and his wisdom is still being promoted and shared today, long after his death in 2010 at age 99.
One of those books is titled “My Personal Best” with Steve Jamison, and is chock full of wisdom that is great reading for the sports fan. However, the book is much more than that, as it could also be a manual for successful parenting. One of his favorite quotes is “Ability is a poor man’s wealth.”
In the book he describes the home he grew up in near Martinsville, Indiana, as “a white farmhouse with a sparse living room and a kitchen, a black potbelly stove in the former and a wood burning stove for cooking in the latter. There were two small bedrooms for the six of us; my brothers and I slept two to a bed. Near our old barn was a smokehouse for curing meat, and next to that, a well where we pumped our water by hand. Over to the side, all by itself, was the outhouse … We had no electricity, plumbing or conveniences. For my brothers and me, growing up on that little farm in Centerton was almost perfect.”
It was on this little farm where he grew up that John Wooden began to develop his greatest wealth -- his own ability. Later in his coaching days he said, “We can either help or hinder those we love or supervise to develop their own ability.” One of his greatest heroes was Abraham Lincoln, who he quotes as saying, “The worst thing you can do for those you love are the things they can and should do for themselves.”
The “helicopter parent,” who soars in to the rescue every time their child makes a mistake or has a problem, is stopping the child from developing their own ability. He also quotes famous motivator and entrepreneur Zig Ziglar, whose father died when he was age 5. Ziglar was the 10th of 12 children and was selling peanuts on the street at 6 years old in Yazoo City, Mississippi, in the heart of the Depression. Zig had a favorite quote that motivated him that goes: “God don’t make no junk.”
While the coaching exploits of Coach John Wooden are legendary, he always said that he was not a coach but was really a teacher. Could this be why he was so successful because he also excelled at teaching? Now, please allow me to spend the rest of our time -- especially if you are a parent of a young teachable child -- on ways your child will become a happy, productive and successful human being. It has been said that if you are looking for a helping hand, look at the end of your arm. In other words, look first at your own ability, what you have and what you can develop.
To develop our own ability, there are only two requirements: first, we must like what we are doing, and next, work hard at it. This wealth (your ability) is waiting for you and me. It is a wealth no one can take away. Now, I know this does not apply to everyone, but if you or a loved one has young teachable children, don’t be a “helicopter parent” and rush in before giving the child a chance to learn something truly worthwhile. It could become a wonderful habit.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1166 -- A PRAYER FOR HURTING PEOPLE!

No. 1166

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PRAYER FOR HURTING PEOPLE!

You know, there is one thing I have learned that is truly exciting. It is simply this: if I am willing to spend time reading quality material in addition to talking to and listening to quality people, there is no limit to what I can learn. Here especially in my later years, I read a lot and associate with and listen to quality people.
Today I am blessed to share many worthwhile ideas with you and other readers because I take the time to prepare. To be sure, not all of my material is original but I always try to give credit to the author if I use quotes or ideas from others. I also understand that it is important to be reminded of things we may have known but have forgotten.
Some time back I received a letter from June Hawks Goins, who reads my column in The Southwest Times, published in Pulaski, Tennessee. She was responding to one of my columns and said it reminded her of a poem she had written, and she just wanted to share it with me. It is titled “THEY”. She went on to say that she was 85 years of age and had been writing, mostly poetry, since she was 16. With her permission I wanted to share the poem with you because it contains a very meaningful and important message.
It begins: “When others are unkind to me or sometimes downright rude, if I am met with stinging words or actions that are crude, Lord, do not let me react in kind and get my anger up. Please empty me of my response and fill me from your cup. When negatives assault me, Lord, with burdens hard to bear, help me to take them to your cross and gently leave them there. I’ll bet sometimes within the night THEY worry or THEY cry, and those of us who pass their way don’t know the reason why. So, Lord, today I pray for them -- for hurts I cannot see -- I ask you to bind up their wounds and set their spirits free.”
Thank you, June, that was beautiful and your poem carries such a deep and profound message. It reminded me of a prayer by the French Christian Monk Brother Lawrence (1614-1691), who said, “Prayer is the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen.”
But if I may, back to the sentiment of the poem as it pertains to conditions in our nation today. To be sure, there are millions of hurting people in America, and we come across some of them each day of our lives. I am thinking now of those people who are so mixed up and deranged they want to take the lives of as many people as they can. They shoot innocent people at a school or some other gathering where they can inflict the most pain and heartache. Obviously these people must be stopped before they get there or as soon after as possible. It is a sad day in America when we must have people with guns to confront these people and hopefully take them out before they kill someone. If you are an older person like me and June, you know we did not have any, or very little, of this when we were growing up.
From my perspective, again sadly, we are reaping what we have sown. Back in the 1960s we took prayer out of our schools and removed the Ten Commandments, and that began the downward spiral of removing God from the mainstream of public life. We have created a society where no one feels safe anymore. While it is guns that kill people, in every case it was a human being who pulled the trigger. Let’s love people more, add value to them, treat each other with dignity and respect we all deserve, and help to restore the values that made America the greatest nation in the history of the world.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1165 -- MAMA PUT HER FOOT DOWN!

No. 1165

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAMA PUT HER FOOT DOWN!

Have you ever heard this comment about some woman, she is a “Proverbs 31 kind of woman.” Well, whether you know it or not, this is about as high a compliment as any woman could ever have.
Before moving on, let me pause here and say that I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the women and mothers of our country. In fact, it was the women who got our nation started on the road to great success back when the men were away fighting World War II. The women did the work, and have made tremendous contributions in so many other ways.
But back to my reference as to some woman being a “Proverbs 31 kind of woman”. Let me read just a few verses from Chapter 31 of the book of Proverbs and you will have the picture. Verse 10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Then verses 26 through 31: “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” The reason I share this is because of a discussion Janis and I had some time back. We were talking about our own mothers and how they were strict in so many ways, especially in the right ways.
I was telling her about a time when I was growing up and still in school, along about the 10th grade as I remember it. This was also about the time I got interested in girls. There was a girl in the small town where I grew up that did not have the best reputation, and somehow it worked around that I wanted to go see and spend some time with her. When my mother found out about it, she put her foot down. She said, “You are not going to her house and spend time with her.” And that ended the conversation, and to be sure, I did not go to her house.
At this point Janis told me about a time her high school-age son had a similar experience, with the same type girl. This girl was fairly new in their town and her son, not going to tell you which one, decided he was going to start dating her. Janis nipped it in the bud. She told him, “You call her back and tell her that you can’t go.” Now that is somewhat embarrassing, but that is the way it was because Janis had his best interests at heart and she put her foot down.
This brings me to an obvious point, and let me be quick to add -- my mother and Janis as well, are not perfect people, nor perfect parents, but they understood human nature and wanted what was best for their children. While this action may not have been the popular thing to do, they took action to keep their sons on the straight and narrow. My question is simply this: do we need more mothers today who will put their foot down? To be sure, a “Proverbs 31 kind of woman” is the kind that every mother wants her son to marry.
My mother is gone now, but quite often I look back to the days of my childhood. While I made many mistakes, they were not because my mother did not care for me and want the very best for me. My mother was the kind of mother who, when I needed it, made me cut my own switch. That lasted until I finally got old enough and fast enough to outrun her. If you are a parent or grandparent raising children today, when you need to, just put your foot down. They may hate you now but love you later.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1164 -- BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

No. 1164

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

There is one thing I always try to do as I write these columns, and that is spend some quality, alone time to just think about you and what I might be able to say that could make a difference in your life. As I was thinking the other morning, my mind took me back to a good friend who has now gone on to be with the Lord. While he was here, we spent some quality time together.
As I sat alone during the early morning hour, my mind took me back some 15 years ago to about 6 a.m. one Monday morning when I found myself on Interstate 40 making a trip to St. Vincent Medical Center in Little Rock to be with a friend who was scheduled to have surgery. Mondays are always a busy time in my office and I had a thousand things to do, but when I learned of this friend’s surgery, I realized that I may never have this opportunity again.
This friend was a retired 80-year-old pastor who I had met previously but had not been around until we hooked up at an RV park in Hot Springs that had a nine-hole golf course. Well, Brother David Hankins and I began to play golf together. We had a great time of fellowship, and while some people may have a hard time understanding this, we didn’t even keep score. When either one of us would make a good shot, which was rare, we would say “Praise the Lord.” We were not related in any way, and he was never my pastor. We were just good friends and I loved him very much.
In addition to his sweet spirit, one of the things I loved about him was his sense of humor. Without fail, he always had several good stories to tell me. While I don’t know if this is true in every case, as we get older various parts of our body tend to wear out. As a result, many of us are in and out of the hospital on a regular basis. After his successful surgery, Brother David was alone in his hospital room and called me that night. He said the doctor told him, “Working on you is kind of like working on a car. We can’t make you new again but we can patch you up and get you back on the road again.”
As I thought about my busy schedule and how for once I had placed my priorities in the right order, I remembered something I had read that is special to me. It is titled, “Before It’s Too Late” by Deanna Edwards. There are many decisions we face every single day and we must make choices as to how and where we will spend our time. You know, time is really the most precious commodity we have. During the prime of life, our career and making money is very important, but when we get near the end of our days, I have found that my priorities began to change. Here is one important truth that we should never forget. In His infinite wisdom, God did not reveal to us exactly how and when we will leave this earthly body. In this context, maybe “Before It’s Too Late” will touch your life as it has mine.
“If I should wake up some soft summer morning … with only one day left to live, I’d cherish the moments and notice each color. If I had just 24 hours for living, the things that don’t matter could wait. I’d play with the children, and hear all their stories. I’d tell you I love you, before it’s too late. I’d light one small candle to brighten the darkness, and shine in the heart of my friend. I’d take time to notice the view from my window, and walk in my garden again. If I had just 24 hours for living, the things that don’t matter could wait.”
In closing, I just want to say how much I enjoy sharing these ideas with you. Let’s both resolve to do the things that matter … before it’s too late.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1163 -- WE CAN'T WIDEN THE PLATE!

No. 1163

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE CAN’T WIDEN THE PLATE!

One day back in 1996, there were over 4,000 baseball coaches assembled at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 52nd annual American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) convention. The keynote speaker for this event was an old retired baseball coach by the name of John Scolinos, who at the time was 78 years old and five years into retirement from a coaching career that began back in 1948. When he was introduced and strolled to the microphone, he had a most unusual prop hung around his neck -- a full-sized, stark-white home plate.
He spoke for about 25 minutes and never mentioned his unusual prop. Everyone began to wonder where he was going with all this. Then finally he said, “You’re probably all wondering why I’m wearing a home plate around my neck. Well, the reason I stand before you today is to share with you baseball people what I’ve learned in my life, what I have learned about home plate in my 78 years.” When he asked how many Little League coaches were in the room, several hands went up. Then he asked this question, “Do you know how wide home plate is in Little League?” Then someone offered “Seventeen Inches?” more of a question than an answer.
“That’s right,” he said, “How about in Babe Ruth’s day? Any Babe Ruth coaches in the house?” Again more hands. After another long pause a quiet voice said, “Seventeen inches?” a guess from another reluctant coach. “That’s right,” said Scolinos. Then he said, “How many high school coaches in the room?” Hundreds of hands went up after this question, as the pattern began to appear. “How wide is home plate in high school baseball?” “Seventeen inches,” they said, sounding more confident. “You’re right!” Scolinos barked. “And you college coaches, how wide is home plate in college? Seventeen inches!” they said in unison.
He then repeated this process with Minor League, and Major League coaches who were there. The bottom line was always the same -- home plate is exactly 17 inches, no more and no less. And then he asked this question, “What do they do with a Big League pitcher who can’t throw the ball over 17 inches?” Pause. “They send him to Pocatello!,” he hollered, drawing raucous laughter. “What they don’t do is this: they don’t say, ‘Ah, that’s OK, Jimmy, if you can’t hit a 17-inch target, we’ll make it 18 inches or 19 inches, and then keep expanding it all the way to 25 inches, where you can hit it.”
Here is the bottom line, as he asked some very pointed questions, “What do we do when your best player shows up late for practice? Or when your team rules forbid facial hair and a guy shows up unshaven? What if he gets caught drinking? Do we hold him accountable? Or do we change the rules to fit him? In other words, do we widen home plate?”
The old coach went on for another 25 minutes talking about areas in our society where we have now made the plate wider: the Home, the American Flag, the Church, our Government. He laid down the law about what happens when we make home plate wider and what the consequences have been.
In summary he said this: “If we fail to hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right; if we also fail to hold our spouses, children, pastors, politicians and others in leadership positions to a higher standard” -- then he turned the home plate on his chest around to reveal its black back side - “we have dark days ahead because we have widened the plate.” That was in 1996. Was he right? Have things drastically changed since then?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1162 -- THE BUSINESS OF MAKING SILK PURSES!

No. 1162

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BUSINESS OF MAKING SILK PURSES!

There is a very important word in the English language called “Insight.” It means, “Perception into the inner nature or real character of a thing.” For example, it is necessary to have insight into sayings such as, “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
While I am confident that you have heard this saying before, do you truly know what it means? My readers are highly intelligent and you probably do know, but just in case there may be a few around who don’t, here is what it means. In this case, a “silk purse” refers to a person who is refined, educated, has good manners, good hygiene, high morals and character values and has all the social graces. The “silk purses” of this world are usually people we love to be around.
On the other hand, the term “sow’s ear” refers to a person who is crude, has no manners or social graces, very poor hygiene, unkempt, very little education, low morals and character values and they are often addicted to alcohol or drugs. Obviously this is the kind of person most of us do not like to be around, at least for very long. And this person usually suffers in another way, because most employers do not want to hire them.
At this point you may wonder why I am taking this road. It is simply because we have seen a steady decline in the Godly, wholesome values that have been the bedrock of our society for the past 200-plus years. Most observers will agree with that statement. In other words, today we see more “sow’s ears” than we do “silk purses”. If you doubt what I am saying, just get on Facebook for a while. I can’t even repeat a lot of what I read there. Of course I can’t see these people in person, but if what comes out of their mind and mouth is reflective of the others, I will rest my case. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not putting other people down, because I love people. I am just tired of seeing people who are low class when they don’t have to be.
Now, to be sure, I can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but I know someone who can: His name is Jesus. I am excited to tell you that a lot of people are finding this out, and it is making a tremendous difference in their lives. There is good evidence to back up my claim. The one thing that happens when Jesus truly comes to live in our heart is that we change drastically for the better. Here is what it says in II Corinthians 5:17 -- “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold all things are become new.”
While it is sad for a person -- man or woman -- to become addicted to alcohol or drugs, we have seen some amazing things happen over the past several years because of an addiction recovery program here in our area called Renewal Ranch. A residential treatment center for men in Perry County, Arkansas, Renewal Ranch has a two-step program that teaches about Jesus and having a new life because of a personal relationship with him. Renewal Ranch has a 70 percent success rate and is operated without any government funds, as it is faith based and most support comes from area churches.
Quite often the men in the program come to our church, and I can tell you it’s a very moving thing to see about 30 of them lined up across the stage holding large signs that have a message on both side of the sign. As they come across in single file, they hold up a sign that says such things as “addicted, lost, broken, separated from family.” Then they turn around the sign to where it says something like “found, restored, sober, back with wife and children.” Jesus can change us to also make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1161 -- AN ALL TOO-OFTEN STORY!

No. 1161

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ALL TOO-OFTEN STORY!

Someone once said, “Despair is a mental state which exaggerates not only our misery, but also our weakness.”
This past week I received a letter from a lady in Northern California who, regardless of the definition, is really and truly in the throes of despair. If you have ever faced a problem where the possibility of a solution seemed very remote, then you will be able to relate in a personal way to her dilemma. Her letter begins, “I saved your article on ‘faith’ that appeared in our local paper some weeks ago. I read it often. Some days it encourages me, some days not. This is a ‘not’ day. My third son, now 39, has suffered from paranoid schizophrenia for 17 years. For all those years my husband and I have been members of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and for all those years I have been searching for something that would help our son.”
This lady then goes on to tell me that he has been hospitalized eight times, seen 14 different psychiatrists and had trials of eight different medications, none of which have ever really worked well. They don’t stop the voices -- they just quiet them for a while. In addition to these things, she has also sought help from agencies of local, state and federal government and even written letters to various “philanthropic” organizations, over 1,300 letters to the Moose Association alone. Up to this point, no one is willing to help.
However, she has discovered something that has given her a little spark of hope. Along with her letter she included an article titled, “Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.” After reading the article I learned the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is located on three-fourths of an acre in Lions Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is the only botanic garden in the country whose primary purpose is social work. All the others are basically educational plant museums. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens was started over 30 years ago and is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. The list includes senior citizens, troubled youth, juvenile offenders performing community service, and physically and mentally handicapped adults. The gardens are solar powered, and these people grow all kinds of things including vegetables, melons, flowers, and fruit. They even grow all the bulbs to maintain the parks, buildings and roadways for the city of Cheyenne. When I called and talked with the nationally acclaimed director Shane Smith, he said the therapy for the individuals involved was fantastic and had made a real difference in their value and self worth.
After talking with Shane, here is the conclusion I reached. Why couldn’t there be something like this botanic garden in this lady’s area that could help her son and others with similar needs? It would be great for senior citizens as well, not only in Northern California but also in your area. We have the Master Gardeners group here that does great work, and I know our public library has a garden spot where members of our community can plant vegetables and harvest them for their own needs and to share with others. Certainly there are lots of opportunities for those who have the time, energy and a servant’s heart to get involved.
In closing, Mrs. Raabe’s letter says that she is now 67 years of age and still suffers each day from the burden of her son’s mental illness. Sadly, not all stories have a happy ending. But it did open my eyes to the real problem of mental illness in our country. It is really an all-too-often story.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1145 -- THE SECURITY OF A SAFE HARBOR!

No. 1145

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SECURITY OF A SAFE HARBOR!

There is an issue in our nation that is affecting the lives of millions of our citizens, and unless you are personally involved, you may not think much about it. I am talking about domestic violence and abuse.
Several weeks ago, Janis and I were invited to a fundraiser for a ministry called “The Harbor Home” at one of our local restaurants. We just went in, had a nice meal, added a little extra money to the ticket and left. However, I picked up a little brochure that told about this ministry, and it was most revealing to me.
More about this ministry in a moment, but this experience motivated me to go to the Internet and do a little research about domestic violence and abuse. If you don’t know, I would invite you to do the same. As one who has never been involved in this type of behavior, I was completely ignorant on the subject.
Here is what I learned:
* 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (CDC, 2017)
* 1 in 10 women in the United States will be raped by an intimate partner in her lifetime. (CDC, 2010)
* Approximately 16.9 percent of women and 8 percent of men will experience sexual violence other than rape by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
* An estimated 9.7 percent of women and 2.3 percent of men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
* Nearly half of all women and men in the United States will experience psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (CDC, 2017)
To be sure, these are very sad statistics, and I can see the need for programs like “The Harbor Home” all across the nation. There are many programs, including www.SafeHorizon.Org, which is a national program that seeks to meet this need. Since “The Harbor Home” is here in my community, this brings it closer to home and involves people that I know personally and care about. However, I care about all people, and this is the reason I am sharing this especially for you readers in another part of the country.
The thing I love about “The Harbor Home” ministry is that it is faith-based. I truly believe that Jesus is the answer to the problems these people are experiencing. He is the One who can put broken lives back together again. Here is the Mission Statement that is on the front page of the brochure: “This is a faith-based residential community that provides training and assistance to women whose lives are in crisis due to addiction, behavioral and lifestyle struggles.” I love the fact they call it a “home” and not a house. They offer programs that “provide support, structure and Biblical principles for living a successful life along with help in finding employment, housing and the reuniting of children.”
This program is all about these women launching a successful new life and, in turn, impacting other communities in the state. The residents are called “Harbor Girls” and they learn to love, to serve, to pray and give back to the community. They minister to churches, civic groups, ministries and organizations by bringing uplifting programs that challenge and bring out the best in others. The “core” beliefs of this ministry include: (1) Every person has redemptive value and worth. (2) The infallible Word of God and a relationship with Christ has the power to transform lives. (3) That Character and Integrity are Key. (4) That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the One and Only Higher Power. You may contact them at theharborministry.com.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1146 -- HOW ABOUT A FREE HAIRCUT?

No. 1146

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW ABOUT A FREE HAIRCUT?

A while back a friend sent me a very interesting story that contains a real moral that I would like to share with you. It begins like this: One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the barber finished, the man asked “How much?” The barber replied, “I cannot accept money from you. I have decided to do community service this week. There is no charge for your haircut.” The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a “Thank You” card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
The next day a city policeman came in for a haircut. After the barber finished, he asked “How much?” The barber replied, “I cannot accept money from you. I’ve decided to do community service this week. There is no charge for your haircut.” The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up there was a “Thank You” card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at the door.
Then a Congressman came in for a haircut. After the barber finished, he asked “How much?” The barber replied, “I cannot accept money from you. I’ve decided to do community service this week. There is no charge for your haircut.” The Congressman was very happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up, waiting for a haircut and a free shave.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it. As Ronald Reagan once said, “BOTH POLITICANS AND DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON.”
As I stated when I began this column, there is a real moral here and I would like to share it with you. However, before I do, let me say this example is certainly not true for all politicians. I personally know some very good ones who serve for the right reasons and have America’s best interests at heart. On the other hand, we often elect both men and women who are self serving and only look out for them and their friends. These politicians should be changed often.
Here is the moral, and it does not paint a very pretty picture. We tend to vote for people who have the same values we have. If we want “free” stuff, we will vote for those we feel will give it to us. I might add that this is why our national debt is now over $20 Trillion. If we want people who understand that there is no free lunch (someone has to pay for it), these are the kind of people for whom we will vote. The saddest news of all is the vast number of our citizens stay home on election day and do not vote at all. In reality, we only get concerned about our “freedom” when we think there is a good chance we may lose it. Several years ago I wrote a column titled, “You can’t sink half a ship.” The whole ship stays up or the whole ship goes down, and we are ALL on it.
Without a doubt, the United States of America is the greatest nation to ever grace this planet. From this point forward, let’s all pull together and elect leaders who will put our nation first and preserve the freedoms we all enjoy -- and turn those we discover are only self-serving out during the next election. What I am saying is non-partisan. Let’s get the crooks out of both parties, and give our country back to the people who built it. Don’t listen to what politicians say -- watch what they do.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1147 -- YOUR RESERVOIR OF TALENT!

No. 1147

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUR RESERVOIR OF TALENT!

The noted American newspaper executive William P. Steven (1908-1991) once said of talent, “You cannot define talent. All you can do is build a greenhouse and see if it grows.” For me personally, it is truly sad to know and observe people who have a tremendous amount of talent but somehow they have never been motivated to develop and use it. They are missing the boat, because we each have a reservoir of talent when we are born.
Do you know people who have a lot of talent but never develop it? Now here is a personal question that gets a little closer to home -- by chance, are YOU one of these people? Do you have talent to burn, but somehow you’ve just never developed or used it to become the successful human being that God intended for you to be? If you are, I hope you will mentally join me for the rest of this column, because I may have some insights along those lines that could help you.
I have a good friend who is a radio announcer, and he has more talent than he knows what to do with. For years he worked for a station that ran my “How to Plan Your Life” radio program and used to do spots for me. However, he’s apparently content to just bump along with a “Ho-hum” attitude. I have pointed this out to him a number of times, but so far I’ve been unable to inspire him to any greater heights.
Of course, you know that what he does with his talent has to be his own choice. As is often the case, other people can see our talent, but we ourselves often overlook it because we are so close to it. Most of us tend to take ourselves for granted, at least where our talent is concerned. There is also the problem of the Psychology of Success. Many people who have talent are afraid of what success might do to them and they are not sure they could handle it. Rather than taking a chance, they just go on hiding their talents under a bushel and letting their creditors wait another month.
Now, please allow me to ask my question again: Do you know people like this? And once again, are YOU one of them? If what I am saying has any bearing on your life and your future, I would like to give you a mental picture to think about for a moment. At one time or another, most people in this country have seen a large dam that has been constructed to hold back water. We know that water is released from this dam by using gates to control the volume and the flow. Water has tremendous power when it’s released and channeled like the sound of a mighty rushing river.
Believe it or not, our talent is somewhat like that. When we release and channel it in the right direction -- namely being of service to other people -- we have an unlimited source of power. What a lot of people do not realize is that it is much easier to be a success than it is to be a failure. But there is something we must understand if we are to use our talents, developed or otherwise, for personal gain, and that is the economic side of the issue. We can develop our talents and use them for our own satisfaction, or we can develop and use them for others to pay us money to perform them.
Here is the secret for using our talent to the maximum, whatever our talent may be and in whatever field of endeavor. It’s a simple principle but it’s true - we must develop our talent so well that other people will pay to see us do it. Just think about it.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1148 -- JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!

No. 1148

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!

If you will come, I would like to invite you to take a little journey with me today, one that could open up all kinds of possibilities in your thinking. When you stop to think about it, one of the greatest gifts we as unique individuals have been given is our marvelous human mind. But what is the mind?
When I did research for this column I discovered a quote by Sir Joshua Reynolds -- British painter and teacher (1723-1792) -- that really hit the nail on the head. He said, “The mind is a barren soil -- a soil which is soon exhausted and will produce no crop … unless it be continually fertilized and enriched with foreign matter.”
As I read this quote, the question that came to me was, what kind of foreign matter does it take to get the greatest amount of good from my mind? It has been said, and rightfully so, that the greatest power we have is the power to choose. Something that each of us should truly understand is that the mind is impartial, it does not care what kind of foreign matter we choose or permit to enter our minds. You, no doubt, have heard the old saying, “garbage in, garbage out.” While this is a computer term, it works exactly the same way with our mind.
A good example of this happened just this past week when we learned that a young girl in our community, one who had her whole life before her, had hung herself over a boy. To be sure, the foreign matter that entered her mind was not good, or good for her. Now, her family is left to grieve over the loss of one taken way too soon, one that will never live a full life and use the tremendous mental potential and talents that God had given her.
As the years have passed in my own life and I have come to understand more of the tremendous power that is in my mind, I have also come to appreciate the blessing of good music. My favorite kind of music is Gospel, as the words offer hope and encouragement even on a dark and dreary day. A good example is a song by Bill and Gloria Gaither titled, “Joy Comes in the Morning.” Here are the words for the first verse and chorus: “If you’ve knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart - when the things you gave your life to fell apart - you’re not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain - but the Master promised sunshine after rain.” And now the chorus, “Hold on my child - joy comes in the morning - weeping only lasts for a night - hold on my child - joy comes in the morning - the darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.”
Here is the obvious point I am attempting to get across to you. When we deliberately choose to put good, positive and uplifting thoughts into our mind, our actions and moods follow and we see the hope of living a better and more productive life. When you have hope for a better day and a better life, you certainly don’t think about giving up or, heaven forbid, taking your own life,
Every once in a while I have someone pull up beside me in a car with their radio blaring wide-open, playing a song that has words that make me want to run for cover. The words they are listening to are certainly not words of hope and encouragement but rather words that are on the first block of a dead-end street. This is a free country and we can read the books we choose to read and listen to the music we choose to hear. My only purpose here is to point out the power of the human mind and enable us to make better choices by choosing better fertilizer and better foreign matter.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1149 -- DO YOU EVER FEEL OVERWHELMED?

No. 1149

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU EVER FEEL OVERWHELMED?

Every once in a while I feel completely overwhelmed. Do you ever feel this way? Well, take heart, because this is the case for most people, at least part of the time. When things pile up on us, too many to handle with ease, it is only natural to feel this way.
This happens to me most often when I have a busy, hectic schedule, too many things to do, and not enough hours in the day to get them all done. I am pleased to say that most of the time I am able to work to a point that I know that I have done my best, taken care of the most important things, and then I just trust the Lord to take care of the rest. These are thoughts I had recently when a friend sent me something that really helped place this in perspective. It is titled, “The World Is Mine” by an unknown author. Please read the following thoughts and see if they don’t help you as well.
“Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman and wished I were as beautiful. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and used a crutch. But as she passed, she passed with a smile. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.
“I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm. I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it’d do no harm. And as I left, he said to me, ‘I thank you, you’ve been so kind. It’s nice to talk with folks like you.’ You see, he said, ‘I’m blind’. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.
“Later while walking down the street, I saw a child that I knew. He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do. I stopped a moment and then I said, “Why don’t you join them dear?” He looked around without a word. I forgot, he couldn’t hear. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.
“With feet to take me where I’d go … with eyes to see the sunset’s glow … with ears to hear what I should know. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine.”
If this poem makes you feel thankful, just take a moment and share it with a friend. This is how I received it. After all, it is just a simple reminder that, in most cases, we are blessed with so much for which to be thankful.
Please allow me to pause here for a moment and say “Thank You” for taking your time to read my column, and especially if you are a regular reader who joins me each week to read what I have to share. Over the years, I have had thousands of friends who have been so gracious to write, call, e-mail or tell me in person how much they enjoy my column and look forward to it each week.
Now, back to the purpose for my column today. In addition to the poem “The World Is Mine,” it would be a disservice not to leave you with something more to think about. You know, life is filled with good days and better days. I say this because all days are good days, especially when you consider the alternative. If you are having or have had a rough day, please consider these words by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. The day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on yesteryears.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1150 -- SOME NUGGETS OF TRUTH!

No. 1150

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME NUGGETS OF TRUTH!

When it comes to “truth,” it is often said that we should always be willing to throw our most cherished beliefs into the trash can, if we can find something that comes closer to the truth. But what is truth? The dictionary has several definitions, but one I like is “conformity to rule, standard, pattern or ideal.” The Bible says that we should know the “truth” and the truth shall set us free. But to me, here is the meat of the coconut: If you tell a person a lie long enough, what happens? Of course the answer is: They begin to believe it. And what they believe may not be true at all.
In our society today, especially in the area of politics, I see and hear people all the time who are obviously convicted and committed to what they are saying, when there may not be an ounce of truth in what they are saying. The bottom line for me, and to simplify things, is that the “Word of God” contains truth and we can put stock in it, trust it, and apply it to our lives day by day. Even here we have to be careful to “keep the text in the context,” as our pastor often says, and not take something out of context to prove a point or to justify actions that are clearly wrong or ungodly.
What you have just read is my introduction to something that I am calling “some nuggets of truth” that I can promise you will pass the smell test. Several years ago there was a feature in the Holiday Inn magazine titled, “A thought for each day of the month, beginning in January and proceeding for the remainder of the year.” They are very good, and I believe do contain a good deal of truth. See if you agree.
“You may think Mondays are awful, but just remember that they comprise one seventh of your life.”
“It is true that we need more optimism in this ole world but that does not mean that we should blind ourselves to reality.”
“You had better watch out for the friend who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and asks for it back when it rains.”
“If you want to become a perfect guest, then try to make your host feel at home.”
“The reason a gossip is so quick to pass on a rumor is that he feels he must tell it before he finds out it isn’t true.”
“God measures us by what we know and what we are doing with what we have.”
“Money will not buy everything. It will buy amusement but not happiness.”
“It is a simple matter to see both sides of an argument if you are not really concerned about it.”
“Happiness is not something earned, but it is the byproduct of an attitude – an attitude toward others.”
“Once upon a time, it was true that a fool and his money were soon parted, but now it happens to everybody.”
“Mothers write on the hearts of their children what the world can never erase.”
“Sometimes we forget to turn off the sound when our minds go blank.”
“We recognize that patience is usually bitter and difficult to take, but let us never forget that the fruit of patience is extremely sweet.”
“Someone very aptly described life today as a jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing.”
“The real secret to being somebody is to work diligently at being a no-body.”
“Many people are friends simply because they claim the same enemies.”
“If we are going to claim God as our father, then we should act as God’s children.”
“There are a lot more counterfeit people than dollar bills in this world of ours.”
And to close, “One of the greatest enemies we can ever face in life is the illusion that there will be more time tomorrow than there is today.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1151 -- DO YOU NEED TO START OVER?

No. 1151

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU NEED TO START OVER?

As I write my columns, there is an age-old question that comes to mind from time to time. The question is, “Can history teach us anything?” Well, I am pleased to say the answer is yes, if we go back far enough and seek out those individuals who can teach us something worthwhile. These are people who have had their life’s work examined in the clear light of day, day after day, and on down through the ages.
In this respect, I would like to nominate Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Scottish essayist, historian and moralist who has left his mark on history. In his day, when England had fallen into moral and social corruption, he said, “The downfall of England can only be remedied by a wise, strong, ruling class that is spiritually qualified to rule. The existing emphasis on temporal things – power for its own sake, money, pleasure, reform by law, popular suffrage, popular education, trust in machines – would have to give way to an emphasis on the eternal principles of obedience, reverence, veracity, sacrifice, the sacredness of work, the obligation of duty, and the eternal rightness of God-inspired authority.” He was quite a man and I encourage you to read about him when you can.
Thomas Carlyle was one of the literary geniuses of history and a positive thinker who had worked six long years on writing a book about the French Revolution. Finally, after years of struggle, he gave the finished manuscript to his friend, John Stuart Mill, and asked him to read it. It took Mill all of five days to read Carlyle’s book, which would later become one of his many classics of literary history.
The morning after completing his reading at his home, Mill came downstairs to find that the maid had thrown the precious manuscript into an open fire and destroyed it. Crushed, Mill went to tell his friend that his work of six years was gone. “That’s all right, Mill,” Carlyle said sadly. “Those things happen. It’s part of life. I’ll start over.” When John Stuart Mill left, Carlyle turned to his wife and said, “Well, my manuscript is gone, so I’d better start writing again.” Of course the rest is history.
Here is the point that I hope to bring into very clear focus for you today. There is no doubt about it, this was a very bitter and disappointing experience, even for the likes of Thomas Carlyle, but it did not let it dominate him. He put the experience behind him and pressed forward. This is how a positive thinker handles problems -- even problems that appear to be insurmountable at the time.
Unless you can see how this experience can help you overcome some of your problems and press on toward your goals, then I have wasted some of your precious time. I hope this is not the case. We all have problems, and we can let them get us down or we can use some of that positive, God-inspired, thinking to rise above them. The simple words, “I’ll start over” may be exactly what you need to think about today. I know this true story about Thomas Carlyle has inspired me. It is just another small example that history, indeed, can teach us something. It makes me even more determined to do what I have set out to do.
As I begin to wind down this column, regardless of what your problems or needs might be, simply take stock of yourself and say, “I’ll start over.” To me, there is almost magic in those words. You can never completely defeat someone who always says, “I’ll start over” when they experience a setback or disappointing loss. The one who has determination is the one who succeeds and becomes a real winner in the game of life. And personal best wishes from me.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1152 -- BE A BETTER HUMAN BEING!

No. 1152

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE A BETTER HUMAN BEING!

Over the years as I have written this column, one of the things I have sincerely tried to do is to always include some personal benefits for you, the reader. This is not always easy. Unlike a large group of people who show up at a meeting knowing ahead of time what the topic will be, my readership is very diverse. My readers are of all ages, have various interests and backgrounds, and are people from all walks of life. While I am not naive and know that I don’t always succeed, I welcome the challenge and do my best to help as many of you as I possibly can. This came to mind when I thought about what I want to share with you today. While most of us seek to be better at something, there is one thing we can all work on -- including yours truly -- and that is to be a better human being.
And boy, do I have some good news for you. I have already soaked it in. A while back a friend shared something with me that was printed in a Quaker newsletter several years ago. When I read it, I could not believe how good it was. You be the judge, but I believe that learning, using and being reminded of the following information will help any of us live a little closer to heaven and prepare us for better things to come.
Please carefully and thoughtfully consider each one: “Live beneath your means -- Return everything you borrow -- Stop blaming other people -- Admit it when you make a mistake -- Give clothes not worn in three years to charity -- Do something nice and try not to get caught -- Listen more; talk less – Every day take a 30-minute walk -- Strive for excellence, not perfection -- Be on time -- Don’t make excuses -- Don’t argue -- Get organized -- Be kind to kind people -- Be kind to unkind people -- Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Take time to be alone – Re-read your favorite book -- Cultivate good manners -- Be humble -- Realize and accept that life isn’t fair -- Know when to keep your mouth shut -- Go an entire day without criticizing anyone -- Learn from the past -- Plan for the future -- Live in the present -- Don’t sweat the small stuff -- It’s all small stuff.”
Well, how about that? This little short piece contains as much good and solid information as anything I have ever run across in my entire life. I am going to keep this in my wallet and pull it out and read it from time to time. I will be a better human being if I can just learn to do most of the things on the list.
At this point I am pleased to tell you that this information came from the late Coach Don Meyer, who came here to Conway to speak at a basketball clinic coordinated by my friend, Coach Cliff Garrison. The day following his presentation, Cliff brought him to our prayer breakfast and I had the chance to hear him speak and meet him in person. Later, I wrote a column about Coach Meyer, and it ran in newspapers all across the nation, including his hometown paper, The American News, published in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Coach Meyer was the epitome of what a successful coach and a terrific human being should be. During his career, he coached at three universities as men’s head basketball coach, winding up at Northern State University in Aberdeen. His combined record at both NAIA and NCAA schools was 923 wins and 324 losses. When he retired in 2010, he had won more games than any coach in history, until being surpassed by Duke University Coach Mike Krzyzewski the following year. As good as he was he was a better human being. Thanks, Cliff, for bringing him our way.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

NO. 1153 -- A MILLION DOLLARS OR DEATH!

No. 1153

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MILLION DOLLARS OR DEATH!

Several weeks ago I received a letter from Col. Mike Miller, senior pastor of Family Day Ministries in Shepherdsville, Ky. Col. Miller is truly a unique individual. He is a retired police officer, with more than 22 years of experience as a street cop and 28 years in the ministry. He is also the founder of two non-profit ministries that have reached thousands of families.
He was writing me in regards to my column titled, “Your Decisions Will Affect Your Family” that had just run in their local newspaper. He went on to share with me that 10 years ago he wrote a book titled, “Family Day, A Day That America Needs Again.” And after reading his book of only 80 pages, I totally agree.
In his book he explains many concepts that have tremendous merit in helping our nation get back on the right track of rebuilding our families. He said, “When my wife Melissa and I started to preach about this, it was not well received in the church because it had always been preached, God, Church and Family.” He in turn, preached God, Family and then the Church, because without the family, you don’t have a church. If you will think about this a moment, I believe you will agree that he is right.
Mike goes on to say that here, years later, preachers began to catch on to his message of God, Family and Church. His book has gone across America, thousands of families are being led back to a committed relationship with Jesus Christ, and their families are being restored. He said, “Last year one preacher bought 3,000 copies of my book and sent them to every one of his supporters, not only in America, but around the world.” He tells me, and I know he is sincere, that he is not trying to promote his book but rather he is thanking me for “telling the truth” with regards to my column, “Your Decisions Will Affect Your Family.”
What I have just shared with you is the backdrop for an important decision that Mike and Melissa made in relation to their own family. They were both so caught up in their jobs and ministry -- sometimes over 80 hours a week -- that they were not spending quality time with each other and with their two teenaged children. After some time of soul-searching and praying about this matter, they made a decision to begin to have a “Family Day” each week, to do things together, and not let anything take precedence on this special day.
At this time they were involved in a ministry they had started in Louisville, Ky., called “River City Love Squad,” where they met the needs of the homeless and needy people on the streets of downtown Louisville. It reached a point they had 40 churches of all backgrounds coming together to feed the poor every Monday night at an outside camp meeting service. This ministry has been in just about every newspaper in the area, and has been the top story on every local news channel in Louisville many times. They also had the privilege of being invited to speak about the ministry on Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest Christian TV network in the world.
When the Millers started their “Family Day,” they made a commitment that only a million dollar gift to their ministry or death of a family or staff member would disrupt their quality time together. Any informed person knows that the breakdown of the family has caused most of America’s social problems, and Col. Mike’s “Family Day” concept could make a real difference.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1186 -- THE INFLUENCE OF COUNTRY CHURCHES!

No. 1186

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE INFLUENCE OF COUNTRY CHURCHES!

There is a famous Bill Gaither song that goes, “I am so glad that I am a part of the family of God.” To me, this is so wonderful. It means that anyone who is a believer and knows Jesus as their Savior is a part of God’s family. This has nothing to do with denomination or what church we attend, but more so with our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The church is the body of Christ and it is left to each believer, with direction by the Holy Spirit, to decide where we want to worship and fellowship.
As I often tell people who want to give me more credit than I deserve, the ground is level at the foot of the Cross. Regardless of our success or station in life, we all come to Him the same way at the end of our days here on earth and we meet Him face to face, whether we are red, yellow, black, white, or brown. There is no U-Haul behind a hearse.
These thoughts came to mind after we attended the 127th “Homecoming” at Bethlehem Baptist Church north of Conway back on June 10, 2018. Sometime following this service I got to thinking about the influence that small country churches all across our nation have had on our society. When it comes to a good example I did not have to look too far. This is the church where my wife Janis grew up and would also, along with her late husband, raise her family. She and her mom served for a number of years as the church pianist/organist, and her son Roy would choose to serve the Lord and go into the ministry. He is presently the pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Warren, Ohio, and has more than 1,000 members in his congregation.
It is safe to say that small country churches have provided a good percentage of ministers of the Gospel, along with entertainers, business executives, educators, statesmen and others from all walks of life. A good example is the late Mr. Arch Ford, who served under several governors as Commissioner of Education in my state for 26 years. Arch or Archie, as he was called, also served as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon at Bethlehem, along with Janis’s late father. Because I am part of God’s family they have been so good to me. Obviously, in smaller churches everyone knows everyone else; unlike mega churches where you only really get to know those in your Sunday school class.
But the thing that really comes home to me is that people are so much friendlier in small country churches and they come around and shake your hand and tell you how glad they are that you are there, and really mean it. Another benefit of churches of this kind is that they have some really great cooks, and following this special “homecoming” service everyone left the sanctuary and went to their fellowship hall for a fantastic meal. Again, there is just a real spirit of love and harmony there that makes you want to come back. Of course, the real reason you feel this way is because you are family; you are a part of the Family of God.
As I bring this column to a close, I have wondered many times over the years why the church has been so much more a part of community life in the Bible belt than other parts of the country. I know our nation’s history pretty well, and our Forefathers’ deep faith, but as I have traveled across our land I don’t see the same level of participation in church life. Of course, God is present everywhere and so is His church. Now, I am wondering out loud, could it be that less sunshine and bitterly cold winters could be some of the difference? In America we all have so much to be thankful for and I am grateful for our heritage. Thanks for allowing me to share this.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1187 -- TOO GOOD TO LEAVE!

No. 1187

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TOO GOOD TO LEAVE!

I have an idea that would go a long way in helping the United States of America solve our massive immigration problems, but to be sure it would be a whole lot easier said than done. The idea is simply this: Use some of our great resources and brightest people to help improve the economy, safety and living conditions for the citizens of Mexico to a point where they would no longer want to leave.
Now that sounds simple enough, but what a challenge it would be. When you consider the billions of dollars we are spending each year on interdiction, fighting the war on drugs, and the heartache of parents being separated from their children, why not at least give it some thought.
The country of Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, has a population of just over 120 million people and is bordered on the north by the United States, on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea, and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico. The capital is Mexico City, the official language is Spanish and the government is a Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic. The legislature has a Congress made up of a Senate (upper house) and a Chamber of Deputies (lower house.) Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1810 that was officially recognized in 1836, with the First constitution being adopted in 1824.
Now the problem with our neighbor to the South is something that either directly, or indirectly, affects every single American. It is nothing other than the massive amounts of money being spent every year. All I am asking you to do is give my idea some thought, and who knows, this idea may find its way to someone who can move it forward and put the wheels in motion. I truly believe our great country has the people and the resources to make a difference in the culture and the thinking of the Mexican people over a long period of time. I would like to see a national campaign in our southern neighbor to instill a new sense of patriotism and pride that makes Mexicans want to stay home and help improve their own nation; to improve it to a point they no longer want to leave.
This is a county that has a history of graft and corruption in the government, and only the people can change the situation. This could be followed by a nationwide movement to improve education, where the very poor are lifted out of dire living conditions, and jobs become available to improve their standard of living.
Big job? Yes. Possible? Yes. How? American ingenuity. According to Forbes Magazine, as of January 4, 2018, there were 574 billionaires in the United States. I have to believe that many of these people would be willing, if called on, to lend some of their key people and resources to develop a long-range economic plan to bring this about.
Further, if we were to develop a plan to bring this about over time and reach out in the spirit of being a good neighbor, officials in the nation of Mexico would embrace it. While we know that we only get good for good, we just have to make sure our motives are right, and helping these good people would come back to our nation many times over.
While I realize this idea sounds like a pipe dream, with the right people behind it, it could happen. Further, wouldn’t it be fantastic if the people of Mexico, with help from the United States, could catch the spirit of the late Walt Disney when he said, “It’s kind of fun doing the impossible.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1188 -- AN ALL-AMERICAN WITH A BIG SMILE!

No. 1188

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ALL-AMERICAN WITH A BIG SMILE!

If there is such a thing as being able to “smile” your way to success, I have a good candidate that I feel honored to be able to tell you about. His name is Lawson Pilgrim, a two-time All-American basketball player when he played basketball for Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Lawson came into my life several years ago when he was introduced to me by Cliff Garrison, who was Lawson’s coach. Lawson was not only a winner on the court but he is also a winner in the game of life. His mama always told him, “Success comes from hard work.” This is so true, and this principle has real-life application for any of us.
Today, Lawson Pilgrim is an International Peak Performance speaker, trainer and author, and is known in the business as Mr. Smiley. He is one of those people that when he smiles it covers his whole face. During his high energy presentations, Lawson knows how to motivate and inspire individuals, helping them to improve their lives both personally and professionally. He believes that everyone is blessed with a special gift. His mission is to help others realize their maximum potential through the power of having a positive attitude, deciding on a definitive goal and pursing that goal with pinpoint focus.
Here is what Randi C. Ballard, senior vice president of Selected Life Insurance Company had to say about one of his presentations: “Lawson Pilgrim, with his practical tools and humorous delivery, was able to assist us in accomplishing our mission of inspiring our sales professionals from all over the country, and to focus on techniques which could be used immediately to increase sales.” It has been my privilege to hear Lawson on a couple of occasions, and I know that what Randi Ballard said about him is true.
One of the things that has endeared Lawson to me is that he is also a giver. Several years ago I was chairman of a fund-raising event for the Conway Noon Lions Club. The event involved a group of local basketball players, stars in their former playing days, pitted against a national touring team called the Harlem Ambassadors. Lawson lives in Dallas, Texas, and came that evening, at his own expense, to play in the game. We did not win the game. In fact, no local team has ever beaten the Harlem Ambassadors. They play above the rim, if you know what I mean. It was a fun night, we raised money to help the blind, and Lawson was a big part of it.
If you have an interest in securing any of his books or hiring him to speak, e-mail him at Lawson@lawsonpilgrim.com or call him at 501-247-4535. Or on the short term, you can purchase one of these books: “The Secret is You” and “Mastering the Art of Success,” which is an easy read book, compiled by 15 well-known authors and speakers, including Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, co-founders of various Chicken Soup for the Soul products. Lawson’s website: www.lawsonpilgrim.com.
Now, I realize the last thing most people who read my column each week have on their mind is purchasing a self-improvement book. But as I heard Earl Nightingale say one time, “An investment in our own self-improvement will always pay the highest dividends.” Lawson is a Christian and his books are written from the heart and the soul, along with his passion to serve and help other people. To be sure, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of the ideas we bring into our wonderful mind that God has given to each of us. As the wise old sage Confucius once said, “Success depends on previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1189 -- WHAT MAKES AN IDEA TAKE OFF?

No. 1189

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT MAKES AN IDEA TAKE OFF?

It has often been said, and rightfully so, that the world runs on good ideas. If you will give this some thought, I believe you will agree that every single invention, product or service in the history of the world was at one time just an idea in the mind of some human being. As I began to think about this, I asked myself the questions, “What makes an idea take off? Why are some really great ideas short circuited and never get off the ground, while others defy all odds and become very successful, useful and productive?”
To answer my own questions, I have been on a journey of discovery for the past several days, and it has been truly exciting. You know, when God created the human mind He did a wonderful thing. I am grateful to Him. As I thought about this, I recalled the one invention that really started it all. The invention of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg in the late 1430s is truly one of the most important inventions of our time. If you doubt that this is true, just think of what life would be like to today without the existence of printed material in all of its forms.
Of course, you realize that something had to exist before the printing press could be invented. This was the existence of letters cut on blocks of wood that would later become a “movable type machine.” Now this process, my friend, is the forerunner for all ideas, because everything we see around us today was piggy-backed from some earlier model or product. From this point I did a little research on some of the other important forerunners, such as the automobile, the steam engine and the computer. I am sure you can think of many, many other examples.
When it comes to the automobile, many people think this was invented by Henry Ford. Not so, as this honor goes to Karl Benz, a German who invented the automobile in 1885. The computer was invented by Englishman Charles Babbage in the early 19th century. He is known as the father of computing. The first programmable computer, the Z 1, was created by German Konrad Zuse in his parent’s living room, circa 1936-38. Of course, we know that computers have come a long, long way since then.
Now, back to my original question, “What makes an idea take off?” Well, thanks to the American free enterprise system, we have a political system and an economic system in our country that allows private citizens to create products and services and sell them for a profit to improve their (our) standard of living. The key to business and economic success comes down to a simple concept -- FIND A NEED AND FILL IT. Whether it’s an idea or a product, we are all selling something and there must first be a need or a perceived need because NO NEED – NO SALE. When we can do a better job than our competition and earn a profit, we will be successful, at least financially.
Ever hear of Walmart? This company is now the largest in the world, and started when the founder, Sam Walton, lost his lease in Newport, Arkansas, and moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 1950. There he started a new company, Walton’s Five & Dime. The first Walmart opened in 1962 in nearby Rogers.
Do you have a good idea that you would like to develop? Well, thank God you live in the greatest nation in the world where you have freedom and opportunity to try it out. This is where the rubber meets the road. Good luck.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1190 -- A LITTLE SNIPPET IN TIME!

No. 1190

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LITTLE SNIPPET IN TIME!

The Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) once said, “One life: a little gleam of time between two eternities; no second chance to us for evermore.” One thing for sure, none of gets a second chance to do life over, so it is the wise person who wishes to make the most of his or her life the first and only time around. As I thought about this I realized that each of us is really a snippet in time, which means a small portion or share. We presently share this planet with about seven and a half billion people, and of course there were billions more who were born, lived, and have now passed on from this life and gone out into eternity.
Sometime back a friend sent me something titled “An Old Farmer’s Advice” that will serve to place things in perspective. Since you are probably not a farmer, you may not be able to relate to many of these thoughts, but many of you will. “Your fences need to be horse high – pig tight – and bull strong. Keep skunks and lawyers at a distance. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble-bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. Words that soak into your ears are whispered – not yelled. Meanness doesn’t just happen overnight. Forgive your enemies, it messes up their heads. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.”
“It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. You cannot unsay a cruel word. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Most of the stuff people worry about will never happen anyway. Don’t judge folks by their relatives. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. Live a good honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time. Don’t interfere with something that is not bothering you. When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got. The biggest troublemaker you will probably have to deal with watches you from the mirror every morning. Always drink upstream from the herd. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. Letting the cat out of the bag is a lot easier than putting it back in. If you get to thinking you are a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.”
And to end this advice, here is probably the best one: “Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.” Now for me, and I hope for you as well, this piece really puts life into perspective. As I said earlier, we are just here for a snippet of time – and some people live longer than others.
To amplify what I have been saying, there are some things in this life that we can control and many we can’t, such as an accident or an inherited terminal disease. When we are blessed to have a sound mind and body, we should strive to make the most of our opportunities. It has always been my conviction that we are each here to serve, to help other people and to make the area where we spend our time a little better than when we found it. Hopefully you are happy with your life and how you spend your days, but if not, make some changes, as someday they will come to an end. Attitude is really gratitude, and we should always be grateful for our blessings.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1191 -- COTILLION CLASSES PROVIDE A LEG-UP!

No. 1191

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COTILLION CLASSES PROVIDE A LEG-UP!

There is an old saying that goes, “If we are willing to settle for less than the best, that is exactly what we will have.” Of course, this is true in many different areas of life, but it is really a mindset that being the best at whatever we do is our heartfelt desire.
A while back there was an article in our local paper announcing that Cotillion Classes were now open for sixth graders. Now, if you are not familiar with the word “Cotillion” it means, “A formal ball at which young ladies are presented to society. It also means a lively quick dance.” Now to be honest, this is a little out of my league. We certainly did not have Cotillion Classes in Gould, Arkansas, when I was growing up. But I can definitely see the value in today’s times, especially for young people who are not willing to settle for less than the best, and are encouraged and supported by parents who know the long-term benefits for their children to be involved.
What hooked me on writing a column about this subject was the opening paragraph of the article I mentioned a moment ago. It says, “For 26 years, Susan Humphries has been helping to instill honor, dignity and respect in the next generation through her cotillion classes.” Now, I ask you, is this something we need in today’s society? The article written by Hilary Andrews continues, “Growing up, Humphries participated in cotillion but it was completely different back then.” Regardless, she said that when she had her own child, she wanted him, please note him, to learn the same skills – such as manners and dance -- that she did.
After looking around, Susan found little or no opportunities to enroll her son. Shortly after, living in Hot Springs, she stumbled upon an article about the need for a cotillion director. After a two-week training period, she became a licensed director and began her first National League of Junior Cotillion Chapter in Hot Springs in 1993. Quickly after this she started chapters in Arkadelphia, Saline County, Hot Spring County, Faulkner County and Texarkana as well. Twenty-six years later, she is still going strong. As one who also has a passion about something important – literacy -- this is what attracted me to her.
It was not the dance part that attracted me to this program, even though that is important for some in society. The thing that hooked me was what else they teach in addition to being comfortable on the dance floor. Her classes are instructive in etiquette, covering topics such as telephone courtesy, paying and receiving compliments, acknowledging gifts, making polite conversation, table manners, introductions, receiving lines, first impression skills, dress code for all occasions, manners in the home and public places, being a good guest and host, respect, sports etiquette, interview skills and self-confidence skills.
Susan goes on to say, “These types of skills promote dignity, respect, fairness, a caring attitude, accountability and citizenship.” Now, one more time, is this something we need for young people in today’s society?
Now to be sure we can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear but human beings are not swine or hogs, and this kind of character education should never be the sole purview of those in high society. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some sensitive, caring women who read this column would say, “We need this in our community,” and get cotillion classes started there. Just go to the website: www.nljc.com for more information. I can promise you this -- any young person who goes through a cotillion class will have a leg-up!
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1192 -- A GREAT MONEY SAVING IDEA!

No. 1192

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT MONEY SAVING IDEA!

The other day I read a statement about health that is so true - it is the one condition taken for granted by those who have it. If you have good health then we have something in common, and I am grateful for mine and I am sure you are grateful for yours as well. We know from all accounts that there are millions of Americans who do not have good health. They seem to constantly be in the doctor’s office or the hospital and paying through the nose for medical insurance. The person who first said, “When you have your health, you have just about everything,” really hit the nail on the head. When it comes to our health, genetics has a good deal to do with it, as we only have to look at our parents and other family members to have a pretty good idea of what our health future holds.
While my doctor tells me that I am in good health now, I can look back 20 years or so when I had to have triple bypass heart surgery not once but twice, and had to have a stent on another occasion. The reason this was necessary was due to some poor choices I made, like eating greasy steaks from the grill and all those mushy fried potatoes with artery-clogging grease that tasted so good. This brings me to the purpose of what I want to share with you during our time today. There are two basic things that can help most of us have a much better quality of life, especially in our later years, and these two things are diet and exercise.
When we really watch what we eat and do at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, our chances of feeling good and living longer are greatly increased. When I started going to the gym three days each week and really watching what I was eating, my life improved greatly. As I am sure you know, most of our diet habits were formed when we were young, especially when we were in school.
These thoughts came to mind when I received some correspondence from Ashley Pontius, who is a publicist for Chef Zipora Einav, a private chef who has cooked for some of Hollywood’s most notable celebrities. Among the clients are Bob Hope, Jack Nicholson, Mariah Carey and professional athlete Donovan McNabb. What Ashley sent me was titled, “Four tips for packing a healthy school lunch that’s also cheap.”
She says, “When kids are in school, most parents have to pack a lunch for them. Planning a menu and shopping with a list each week helps to manage your budget because you only buy what is needed rather than going to the store each day. When they are old enough, it is also good to let them help prepare their lunches. This is an excellent time to talk with them about nutrition.”
Here are those four tips:
• For a healthier snack, offer baked vegetable chips or sweet potato fries rather than the packaged chips.
• Make home-baked chicken fingers or bake chicken to create a sandwich on whole wheat bread. Add lettuce.
• Include seasonal fruit such as apples, pears and strawberries.
• Does your child have a favorite vegetable like carrot sticks or celery? You can include a hummus dip (which is offered plain or comes in several flavors). You can also add whole-wheat crackers such as Wheat Thins or Breton.
Well, that is all I want to share from what Ashley Pontius shared with me. I realize this is not very exciting, but getting our children started out early in life with good eating habits can make all the difference in the world, and they will be healthier when they get older. And who objects to saving some money?
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1193 -- THE POWER OF THIRTEEN WORDS!

No. 1193

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF THIRTEEN WORDS!

Perhaps the greatest natural law in the universe is something we call Cause and Effect. This simply means that “for every cause there is an effect, and for every effect there is a cause.” In practical terms, a good example would be the actions, habits, attitudes and words we use that are “good” will come back to us good -- and the actions, habits, attitudes and words we use that are “bad” will come back to us bad. Now that sounds simple enough, but there are thousands, perhaps millions, of people in our nation who never truly understand this natural law, or if they do they misuse it. Otherwise we would not have so many highly educated people sitting in a prison cell.
A while back my good friend Cliff Garrison had the program at our weekly prayer breakfast (which would not be a bad thing for all of us to be involved in). He shared something on this occasion that got me to thinking about this great natural law and how it relates to several public officials being sentenced to prison over the past several months. When I did some research on this, I found a whole host of former state legislators from across the nation, including my state of Arkansas, sitting in prison for committing various crimes while they were in office -- nine in the state of New York alone.
Cliff shared some information he had saved from the late Don Meyer, and he talked about why this coach was so successful. Coach Meyer was not only a great coach but also a great human being. To be sure, he understood the law of Cause and Effect. One of Cliff’s handouts was titled “Two Sets of Threes.” This consisted of just 13 words that are powerful. I’m going to give you the words, and I would ask that you please clear your mind and focus on them because they can make a big difference in your life and the lives of those with whom you share them or teach them.
Here they are: Never Lie. Never Cheat. Never Steal. Don’t Whine. Don’t Complain. Don’t Make Excuses.
There is a most important point that I can promise you, my friend: You can have 10 college degrees and still not understand these 13 powerful words and what they mean, and in return you are not going to be successful in life. One time I heard my former employer, the late Earl Nightingale, say, “We can’t be any better than we know how to be.” The problem for many people is simply this: they hear or read these 13 words but don’t really believe them. Rather they live by a rule they see as a “matter of expediency.” If it is expedient for them to shade it a bit, cut a few corners, tell a white lie or think it does not matter just this once, that is what they do to achieve their objectives. They find out too often, sometimes sitting in jail or prison, that such actions do not work.
When my own children were growing up there were basically two things I tried to teach them. First, to always respect other people and their rights, and next, to always be willing to work and earn the things they wanted in life. While these are very simple and basic concepts, they contain the foundational ingredients for a successful life. To the glory of God, I am pleased to say this has worked out well. In closing, may I share those powerful 13 words again? They are: Never Lie. Never Cheat. Never Steal. Don’t Whine. Don’t Complain. Don’t Make Excuses.
You have great worth and value.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1194 -- WE ARE REAPING WHAT WE HAVE SOWN!

No. 1194

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ARE REAPING WHAT WE HAVE SOWN!

As you can suspect, as a nationally syndicated columnist I get all kinds of offers of books, products and ideas from publicists, authors, news organizations and others asking me to consider writing a column to inform or promote their favorite cause. In most cases I have very little interest, as my main concern and objective is, first and foremost, to present topics I feel will be of interest and benefit to you. Every once in a while a topic comes across my desk or screen that I do have an interest in, and during our visit today I want to tell you about an issue that makes my blood boil and I just bet you feel the same way.
I am talking about the proliferation of sex offenders in our nation, from one end of our great country to the other. This is something that was not on the front burner even a dozen years ago, but we are seeing more and more evidence that this has become a national problem. The real question is, “What can we do about it?” In most cases, sex offenders, mostly men, are not only violators of the opposite sex, but increasingly they are killers as well. When you think about it, this is a real tragedy that there are people out there who lie in wait or invade the privacy of others for the purpose of gratifying themselves.
Some time back I got an e-mail from a young lady who sent me data and other details that backs up what I have been saying. Apparently the problem is worse in some parts of the nation than in others. Here is a list of the 10 states that have more than their share. This ranking is determined by how many convicted sex offenders there are per 100,000 in population. The worst states, according to a variety of different websites and databases, include Oregon, Delaware, Michigan, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, and my state, Arkansas.
When you admit you have a problem, there is a logical process that must take place to find a solution. When it comes to the problem, I personally believe we are reaping what we have sown. When you have sex used to sell products, almost fully naked women on countless television programs day after day, porn sights on the Internet where men can lust after women without being seen or known about, and a continual effort to remove God and accountability from our schools and public life, you have hit the jackpot. Is this what we want in our country? If it’s not, we have to make some serious changes.
Our criminal justice system, courts and nation’s lawyers do not get a free pass either. What I am talking about is not partisan, as a man with rape on his mind does not ask what political party his victim belongs to before committing his dastardly act. Now, I am talking from my heart and my emotions, as I believe this is where most people live after they have been the victim of a sex offender.
Of course, on the short term, we do want to know if a convicted sex offender moves in next door. There is an organization called Family Watchdog with a website where you can become better informed and it covers the entire country. Their website is www.familywatchdog.com. Many police departments and sheriff’s offices also have databases with this information. Now, again, this is personal, but my solution would be something that is very painful and widely publicized for those convicted. I can promise you, a few times of this and the rate would go down.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1195 -- CAREGIVERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!

No. 1195

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAREGIVERS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE!

Back in 1976, I wrote and published a little booklet titled “How to Plan Your Life” for school and college use only. This booklet was designed to help students touch all the bases by answering questions like, Where Am I?, Is It Possible For Me?, Where Do I Start?, Now What?, and Is That All There Is To It? We also wanted to make sure they had every opportunity to be successful in these four major areas of life: Spiritual, Family, Work or School, and Income. However, at that time in life, I really did not know how important it was to plan, especially in the later stages of life.
The reason this is so important, especially for people who live a long time, is that the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are greatly increased. Knowledge and pre-planning can make all the “quality of life” difference in the world.
Because the Lord has been so good to me with good health for over 80 years, I have not been too concerned about this, but recently a good friend by the name of Joe Heird really opened my eyes. Joe had the program at our weekly prayer breakfast, and he has been the caregiver for the past several years for his wife, who has the conditions I just mentioned.
In 2015 there were 2,712,630 deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the leading causes are: 1. heart disease, 2. cancer, 3.chronic lower respiratory disease, 4. unintentional injuries, 5. Stroke, 6. Alzheimer’s disease, 7. Diabetes mellitus, 8. influenza and pneumonia, 9. nephritis, 10. suicide.
As you just read, Alzheimer’s is number 6 on the list and it really and truly affects the elderly. We need caregivers, and to have some personal knowledge and pre-planning as this will make a big difference. Here are some facts you may not know: 16.1 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These caregivers provide an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care valued at over $323 billion. Between 2000 and 2015, deaths from heart disease have decreased 11 percent, while deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 123 percent. Today, one in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. While currently there are 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, by the year 2050 that number is expected to rise to 14 million. This is due to the fact we are living longer. As you may know, centenarians are the fastest growing age group in our country.
If you are an older person or have older parents or relatives, and have not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, here are some signs to look for: Memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation to time and place, poor or decreased judgment, problems with keeping track of things, misplaced things, changes in mood or behavior, changes in personality and loss of initiative.
On a personal note, when I knew very little about Alzheimer’s, I had a friend who was developing it and I would hear about him getting in his car and leaving home and not being able to find his way back. Joe told us that his wife has a family history of this dreaded disease and they began to get prepared early on, which has been a big help. They also have four daughters who live close by and they have been a big help by fixing meals and being there for them.
If you want to help someone, other than family, in this condition, take them meals or do other things to help relieve the caretakers, they are very special people.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1196 -- DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS RICE

No. 1196

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

When it comes to spending our hard-earned money, I do not know of anyone, including me, who does not want quality in the various products or services we purchase. You know, “quality” is a wonderful word in the English language. Among other things it means, “The degree of excellence, and a moral or personality trait or characteristic.”
If we want or desire quality in the products and services we purchase, does it not also make sense that we want quality in the people we choose to be around or spend our time with? This list not only includes our family, friends and associates, but especially the one person with whom we choose to marry and spend our life.
What precipitated these thoughts was something I saw on Facebook the other day. There is a woman I know, while not well, who is beautiful, talented, has a tremendous singing voice and is also a Christian. This particular day one of her posts included a very crude and demeaning comment about her husband. In this case, it was only one word that was offensive, but one that defined character, and in this case one was more than enough. To be sure, I had this woman high on a pedestal, and I realize we all fall off from time to time, but in reality I can never look at her the same way again. And a feeling of sadness carries over to her husband as well. Let me be quick to add, these are really good, honest and law-abiding people.
My Bible tells me that I am not to judge other people, and please understand that I am not judging, but I am terribly disappointed in her. In time I am sure I will forgive her, as my Bible also tells me to do that as well. However, this brings me to a much larger issue that affects millions of people in our nation every single day. In this case, what this woman has actually done is to “shoot herself in the foot.” Now I am sure you know this simply means anything we say or action we take that does not have our own best interest at heart. When we strive to do things right, honest and good, it makes life so much easier and more rewarding.
To validate what I am saying, there are thousands of examples we could use, but one that is offensive to me is people who use profanity. I see this all the time on Facebook, and quite often when I am talking directly to some person they use profanity. Over 50 years ago when I first went into sales, I made the decision to quit using profanity, and it took me over six months to stop completely. Each time I would catch myself using a swear word, I would say, “Forgive me Lord.” Now to God be the glory I can truthfully say that I don’t use profanity at all. I personally believe that people who have “class” do not use profanity.
What people who use crude or off-color language fail to realize is that each time they use a four-letter word, or make a vulgar or offensive comment about another person they are actually “shooting themselves in the foot.” Of course, it does not matter to a lot of people, but to many it does, and this could include that one person who might be in a position to give us a job, a raise, a better position or place a huge profitable order with us, or even consider becoming our wife or husband.
What I am saying is that it does matter, and making the effort to improve could pay dividends and have benefits that could completely change our lives for the better. We should be able to fall in love every day with the person looking back at us from the mirror, and this is so much easier for the person who has class. You know, quite often it’s the little things that make the most difference.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS RICE

No. 1171 -- YOU EVER BEEN IN CAHOOTS?

No. 1171

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU EVER BEEN IN CAHOOTS?

While I don’t know about you and yours, at our home we laugh a lot and just have fun doing things together as a husband-and-wife team. There is always something exciting happening, and we have events come along quite often that help to keep our sanity and our perspective. This makes life truly worth living. We are truly blessed.
From my perspective, we all need to laugh and have more fun and humor in our lives, because as the Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle once said, “Humor is the essence of love; it issues not in laughter but in still smiles, which lie far deeper.” One thing is for sure -- it is impossible to be mad at someone when we are laughing. It has been said that if you meet someone who does not have a smile, give him one of yours, as no one needs a smile so much as the one who has none left to give.
These thoughts came to me when I began to think about what I wanted to share with you in this column. Recently, a friend who knows I am always looking for new ideas and good material handed me a brief article titled, “The Story of My Life,” and it was very humorous and thought provoking. See if you agree.
It begins, “I have been in many places, but I have never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been Incognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore.
“I have also been in Doubt. This is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I have been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I am getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! I may have been in Continent, but I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it’s very wet and damp there.”
This last part of the story reminds me of a joke they used to tell on Sen. Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton. The story goes that President Clinton always wore boxer shorts instead of briefs. When they asked Bob Dole if he wore boxer shorts or briefs he said, “Depends.” If that is true, and I am not sure if it is, Bob has no doubt spent some time in Continent.
Well, my friend, if you have not cracked a smile or two by now, we need to have a talk. Life is just too short to not see the humor in things. I know there are times in my life when I am under stress that I don’t take time to stop and smell the roses.
As human beings, I think we all need to get away from time to time from the pressures of everyday life, and we should never go too long without taking a break or stopping to count our blessings. If we can afford it, even a short vacation can do wonders to help us gain perspective and recharge our batteries. Janis says she likes to go to the beach, and I will take her or go with her, but I love the mountains and especially the beautiful country and the fall foliage up in New England. She has never been there, and maybe we can go before too long. Something else we like to do is go to Branson, Mo. There are lots of good, wholesome shows and music there, and hopefully we can see our friend Shoji Tabuchi. I had sure rather be there than in Cahoots with anyone.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1172 -- A BIRD’S NEST ON THE GROUND!

No. 1172

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BIRD’S NEST ON THE GROUND!

As you may know, there are several million people in America who love to go to Flea Markets. Since I married a woman who owns a couple, it has been my good fortune to learn a good deal about them over the past few years. One of the reasons people come, even flock to them, is because they contain so many items that touch our roots of an earlier era when life was much simpler. In a good Flea Market you can find most anything you need -- and a lot of stuff that you don’t need -- usually at a greatly reduced price.
Several weeks ago we had a couple by the name of Jeff and Carla Hillian lease one of our Flea Markets, and it now contains some of the most beautiful and unusual items that I have ever seen. Jeff does most of the keeping shop, while Carla babysits. For many years Jeff had his own big truck rig and hired out to deliver a number of different things across the country. As he grew older he began to tire of this life -- big trucks will beat you to death. He and Carla had already been going to Flea Market shows, and they wanted to have their own place.
The reason I share this with you is because Jeff is a craftsman and has literally created a “Bird’s Nest on the Ground” here at Pickles Gap Village. When I looked up the definition it simply said, “A bird’s nest on the ground describes some thing or some situation that is rewarding to the owner in a very big way.” What I am saying is very true, beginning with their very unique name, “Rustic Revival Vintage Market.” Being a little slow, it took me a while to figure out what the name actually meant, and it is a take-off on the first two words.
Who among us does not like things that are “Rustic” or old, starting with old barn wood that can be transformed into beautiful furniture? And the word “Revival” means a new birth or new beginning. Here is how it plays out for Jeff and Carla. Jeff goes around to estate sales or places where they have old used furniture, chests, headboards, dressers and the like, and buys them for a song. He then takes these pieces that look like they need to be in the city dump and literally transforms them into a beautiful piece of furniture. He truly revives them.
The other day when I stopped by his place he had an old wooden door outside on his saw horses and was cutting it into two parts. When I went inside there was a large wooden chest with the top half open and 3 or 4 drawers at the bottom. Jeff said he was going to take the top of the door and fill in the top part and mount it using a set of hinges and a clasp to close it and keep it secure. When I went back in a few days, there sat a beautiful piece of furniture, painted and ready for sale. The next day he put it on Facebook, and the following day someone drove over 50 miles to pick it up. The price was right, I think he said around $175, and I am sure it fit nicely in the new owner’s home.
Now, let me get back to the purpose of my column today and something that may apply to you and your situation at this time in your life. The reason Jeff Hillian now has a “Bird’s Nest on the Ground” is because he created it. He took his talents as a woodworker, his love for serving and his creativity to develop a good situation that can provide a good income and also a sense of personal satisfaction. When he has customers in his place, he takes care of them, but when things are slow, he is working on one or more masterpieces that people will drive many miles to purchase. In most cases, all we need to do is use the talents God gave us. Great ideas are priceless.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1173 -- THE ODDS OF WINNING ARE MINISCULE!

No. 1173

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ODDS OF WINNING ARE MINISCULE!

If you are a betting person, and all of us are on some things, how would you like to place your hope of winning on something truly important when the odds are miniscule? Now, when I say something truly important, I am talking about your children and grandchildren, specifically those who play sports.
As an interested observer, I have noticed that in our nation over the past few decades we have become a sports-crazed society. In many cases we start kids out when they are barely out of diapers and take our children to play in athletic events across state lines several times. Why? Again, my observation is that many parents are reliving their childhood through their children and many have hopes that their son or daughter will be good enough to get a college scholarship that will pay for all, or most, of their education.
At this point I want to depart from “my observations” and quote some hard facts that may help some people who will read this column make some different choices. What I am saying has nothing to do with who plays what sport or when they start. I am just interested in our children and seeing them grow up to be productive American citizens who will leave behind the same great nation they inherited when they were born. I will also add, the following statistics come from The College Board and the Arkansas Activities Association, the organization that oversees all sports in our state’s public and participating private schools. Every state has one and the statistics will be comparable.
For starters, let’s look at the cost of a college education today. The College Board, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions, reports those college students who attend a public university in their state of residence will pay $25,290. The average cost for a private college averages $50,900. And here is where it gets interesting. Recent data from the NCAA reveals that the average Division I athletic scholarship is worth only $10,400, and if that is not enough to give us pause, the same study shows that fewer than 2 percent (1 in 54) of all high school athletes ever wear a uniform of a Division I school.
Instead of getting involved in a sport that has some type of year-round club program -- a $15-billion-per-year industry by the way -- they recommend that athletes play sports at their high school. In education-based high school sports, student-athletes are taught that grades come first, which is what I have advocated for the past 40 years. Many Division I football and basketball coaches have recently stated that they are committed to recruiting student athletes who have played multiple sports within the high school setting.
And here is something to consider when it comes to making wise choices for your children and grandchildren. In addition to focusing on academics and other talents while playing sports in school, the odds of securing financial help is greatly increased. While $3 billion per year is available for athletic scholarships, more than $11 billion per year is awarded for academic scholarships and other financial assistance. While what I have been saying may not change many minds, it just makes sense, at least to me, to have the facts when making choices that will affect your children for the rest of their lives.
If you really want your children to succeed in life, even those who become great athletes, read to them while still in the cradle and expose them to good books where reading will become a lifelong habit. It’s true, most really good readers are winners.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1174 -- A GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!

No. 1174

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!

Albert Schweitzer, who was a Nobel Peace Prize winner, missionary and doctor, once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Well, Doctor, you have been gone a long time and I certainly agree with you, but if you were still around you would see a much-changed world. From my perspective, I believe the single most destructive element in our society today is something we call “greed” on the part of far too many people who have the desire to win at all costs and wanting much more than their fair share.
While we see a lot of people today who are greedy and pile up massive amounts of wealth, I have yet to see one single person who took it with them when they died, and from all indications, many are not happy when they passed from this life. As the saying goes, “I have never seen a U-Haul behind a Hearse.” This is just something to ponder as I share what is on my heart today.
To be sure, I have been so blessed to be able to share thoughts, ideas and mostly positive information through this column for the past 20-plus years. My goal and greatest hope has always been to share information that will help you in some way.
As I look back over the years, my greatest satisfaction came during the years when I was working as a businessman with our schools, and working with teachers and students. I did not earn a lot of money, but the satisfaction was wonderful. As a result of this experience, back in 1976 I wrote a little booklet called “How to Plan Your Life” for school and college use only. It was during this time that I conducted over 50 life and career planning seminars, and actually went through this workbook, step by step, to help students plan their short-term future and help them prepare for life after they graduated from high school.
During this time I was making several speeches each week, and this activity helped to prepare me for producing a daily radio program, a weekly newspaper column, and then in 2005 to found a unique, all-volunteer giving back literacy project. All of this time I was earning a good income, not getting rich, but my needs were more than being met each year. The one thing I was able to do, thanks to my mother, was to become a “saver,” and over time save for a rainy day. The biggest mistake that I believe couples and individuals make today is they don’t save any money. I read somewhere that if they had an emergency, 40 percent of the people in America do not have even $400 in cash to meet their needs.
To be sure, our needs are different at the various stages of our life. In my book titled, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back,” I break life down to three 25-year periods of time. The first period is Learning, when we get most of our education. The next period is Earning, which is when we use what we have learned to earn a living with a job or a career. The last period is Giving Back, where I am now. It’s my belief that we should “give back” every step of the way, but if we have succeeded financially we can do more when we are older.
This was my goal when I founded the literacy project “A Bookcase for Every Child” and our committee and others helped greatly. We give personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to children being reared in low-income families. To date we have given 700 personalized bookcases and books here in Conway, Arkansas, and over 2,000 total in five other states.
My attitude is the same as Dr. Schweitzer’s -- the only reward I seek is for the Lord to say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1175 -- THE DOLLARS & CENTS VALUE OF EDUCATION!

No. 1175

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DOLLARS & CENTS VALUE OF EDUCATION!

The famous English essayist and poet Joseph Addison (1672-1719) once said of education: “Education is a companion which no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate, no despotism can enslave. …Without it, what is man? A splendid slave, and a reasoning savage.” Obviously things have changed a lot since Joseph Addison was around, but getting a good education today is a must if a person has any real hope of being a success.
In a general sense, the more education a person has, the more money he or she earns. There is also the sense of worth and fulfillment that only comes to the person who has a quality education. A few weeks ago I decided to reread a book that is one of my favorites titled, “The Thread That Runs So True” by Jesse Stuart, a rural Kentucky mountain school teacher. In his book he tells about a man by the name of Burt Eastham, 50 years of age, who could not even write his own name. But the sad part is what Burt’s lack of education was costing him every day of his life in terms of dollars and cents.
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because the story involves some economic principles that are just as true today as they were many years ago back in the hills of Kentucky. It was during Jesse Stuart’s first teaching job at the Lonesome Valley School when a man by the name of Burt Eastham passed his school each day with a wagon load of coal on his way to sell it. One day Jesse asked him, “How many bushels do you have on this wagon?” Burt replied, “Twenty-five bushels.” And the conversation proceeded like this, “You weigh your coal,” I asked. “Nope,” he said. “Then how do you know how many bushels you have?” “Guess at it,” he said.
“I believe you have more than 25 bushels on your wagon. You got any way of finding out? Do you know the length, width and depth of your wagon bed?” “Nope!” Then Jesse said to Don Conway, one of his students who was standing there listening to the conversation, “Go fetch the yardstick from my desk.” Don did the measuring and Jesse put the figures on paper. Jesse said, “According to my figures you have 39 and a fraction of bushels. Since the coal is stacked a little higher on your bed, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have over 40 bushes on your wagon.” “What, I have been selling this wagon bed of coal at 25 bushels for the past seven years. How do I find out how much I really have?” “Have it weighed down in the Valley, they have scales there.”
Burt Eastham, greatly excited, climbed onto his coal wagon and drove down the road. That afternoon just before it was time to dismiss school there was a knock on the wall beside our open school house door. There stood Burt, his face beaming. His face was so dirty with coal dust that his not-too-white teeth looked white as dogwood blossoms in April. His smile was so broad he was showing nearly all his teeth. “Thank you a hundred times, young man,” were his first words. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you. I had 43 bushels of coal on my wagon. Here,” he exclaimed showing him the weigh bill. “Something told me to stop here and take a look at you,” Burt Eastham said. “I am glad I stopped. I’ve been swindled for seven years.” End of story.
Now, my friend, if that won’t get you to stop and realize the importance and value of education, I don’t know what would. And this is just one small example to demonstrate the importance of it. If you have children or grandchildren, and can influence them, just make sure they know the value, in dollars and cents, of education.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1176 -- DISTRACTED DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY!

No. 1176

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DISTRACTED DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY!

If you are guilty of using your cell phone while you are driving, please raise your hand! You could not see mine, but it was raised, too.
Probably 95 percent of those of us who have a cell phone use it while driving, at least some of the time. Of course, this has not been an issue until more recent times, as now practically everyone – about 81 percent -- has a cell phone or a Smart phone. You have probably observed, as I have, that when you sit in a doctor’s waiting room with many other patients, practically everyone is on a cell phone or mobile device.
Because of the widespread use of these devices, we now have a major problem of accidents because of distracted driving. It’s kind of hard to drive an automobile at 70 miles per hour and talk or text on the phone at the same time, and yet many of us are bound and determined to try. There are two primary considerations with regards to having an accident because of distracted driving. The first is loss of life, and the second is the cost of tangible property as the result of an accident.
The real question now becomes: What would it take to get us to change our habits and not talk or text while driving an automobile? The first obstacle we have to overcome is human nature. It is just human nature to think it will happen to the other guy, but it won’t happen to me. And then we would need to observe the misery of those who have cried their eyes out due to the loss of a loved one killed or seriously injured in an automobile crash because of distracted driving.
To add to what I have been saying, here are some statistics that may cause all of us to change our habits. I try to be so careful and I know you do, too, if you are guilty of talking or texting while driving an automobile. I might add, my sin is just talking, as I have never texted while driving and never plan on it.
According to a federal study, distracted driving crashes in the U.S. cost as much as $175 billion per year. The National Highway Safety Administration says ALL highway crashes add up to $871 billion -- $277 billion in costs and $594 billion in societal harm. Factors contributing to the price tag include productivity losses, property damage, medical and rehabilitation costs, congestion costs, legal and court costs, emergency services insurance, administration costs, and the cost to employers, among others.
Needless to say, distracted driving on the part of millions of Americas is very, very expensive. However, the loss of human life should be motivation for any of us to change our ways. The latest statistics show that one in four automobile accidents is caused by distracted driving.
Here in my state, they have pulled out all the stops by having former National Football League Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre do a series of public service announcements about the hazards of distracted driving. This is a campaign paid for by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and the Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas. An automobile accident caused by distracted driving hits them in the pocketbook, but they are also the ones in the best position to know the real cost in terms of human lives and dollars and cents.
Regardless of the numbers, writing this column has been very sobering for me, because when a person is dead from a distracted driving crash, they are dead. Hope you will also give some serious thought to what I have been saying. Life is too short anyway, and we should not have it cut short by someone on a Smart phone or cell phone. Be safe!!
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1177 -- IT’S TIME FOR PARENTS TO STEP UP!!

No. 1177

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S TIME FOR PARENTS TO STEP UP!!

When it comes to the tragic shootings in the schools of America, we have confused the issue. We do not have a gun problem, we have a kid problem.
This was never made more clear to me, than from something my good friend Dale Brown sent me some time back. It was a rant posted on Facebook by Kelly Guthrie Raley, who is the 2017-2018 Florida Teacher of the Year. Kelly teaches in Lake County, Florida, and this was posted the day following the shooting that took 17 lives at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This post went viral -- 823,000 people “liked” the post and agreed with it, and more than 649,000 shared it with others. When you read the following, you will see why.
Here’s what Mrs. Raley had to say: “OK, I’ll be the bad guy and say what no one else is brave enough to say, but wants to say. I’ll take all the criticism and attacks from everyone because you know what? I’m a TEACHER. I live this life daily. And I wouldn’t do anything else! But I also know daily I could end up in an active shooter situation. Until we, as a country, are willing to get serious and talk about mental health issues, lack of available care for mental health issues, lack of discipline in the home, horrendous lack of parental support when the schools are trying to control horrible behavior at school (oh no! Not MY KID. What did you do to cause my kid to react that way?), lack of moral values, and yes, I’ll say it - violent video games that take away all sensitivity to ANY compassion for other’s lives, as well as reality TV that makes it commonplace for people to constantly scream up in each other’s faces and not value any other person but themselves, we will have a gun problem in school. Our kids don’t understand the permanency of death anymore!!!
“I grew up with guns. Everyone knows that. But you know what? My parents NEVER supported any bad behavior from me. I was terrified of doing something bad at school, as I would not have had a life until I corrected the problem and straightened my ass out. My parents invaded my life. They knew where I was ALL the time. They made me have a curfew. They made me wake them up when I got home. They made me respect their rules. They had full control of their house, and at any time could and would go through every inch of my bedroom, backpack, pockets, anything! Parents: it’s time to STEP UP!
“Be the parent that actually gives a crap! Be the annoying mom that pries and knows what your kid is doing. STOP being their friend. They have enough ‘friends’ at school. Be their parent. Being the “cool mom” does not mean a damn thing when either your kid is dead or your kid kills other people because they were allowed to have their space and privacy in YOUR HOME. I’ll say it again. My home was filled with guns growing up. For God’s sake, my daddy was an 82nd Airborne Ranger who lost half his face serving our country. But you know what? I never dreamed of shooting anyone with his guns. I didn’t bring up gun control, and I will refuse to debate it with anyone.
“This post isn’t about gun control. This is me, loving the crap out of people and wanting the best for them. This is about my school babies and knowing that God created each one for greatness and wanting each one to reach their futures. Violence was not this bad 20 years ago when I started my teaching career and hopefully this will help you understand why. Those 17 lives mattered. When are we going to take our own responsibility seriously?”
Janis and I plan to send this article to each of our children and grandchildren. Won’t you join us?
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1178 -- FREEDOM & OPPORTUNITY FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE!

No. 1178

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FREEDOM & OPPORTUNITY FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE!

One of my all-time favorite world leaders is former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I am reluctant to use the term “politician” because it has such a negative connotation these days.
During a speech sometime before she left office, she made a statement that hit the nail on the head with reference to the success of the United States of America. She said the reason America is so great is that it stands for “freedom and opportunity for ordinary people.” Now, please give this some thought because she is right, and also because this was true for over 200 years. In recent times, however, it has become under assault and now we are in grave danger of losing it.
In times past, ordinary people came to America pursuing their dreams for themselves and their families. They created products and services that improved the lives of their fellow Americans and, in the process, built the greatest nation in the history of the world. Basically this is no longer true. Today the dream of the “little man” has evolved into a system of big government, where only the well connected to Washington get in on the action.
Our Founding Fathers warned us about this because they were highly suspicious of government. Living under the king’s heavy hand taught them that big government is tyrannical in nature. Whether it was being forced to pay heavier taxes, host the king’s soldiers, or writs of assistance, the founders realized that tyranny is always around the corner. Today we are truly a divided nation, and the primary reason Donald Trump got elected is because he was able to tap into the anger felt by millions of Americans who feel disenfranchised.
Now, let me pause here for a moment and give you a practical illustration so you will know what I am talking about. The nature of a politician is to want to stay in office, and in order to do that they are willing to promise anything and everything to as many people as possible to get reelected. Of course, this takes massive amounts of money that takes shape as the federal budget. If they don’t have enough money to do all they want to do, then they borrow it. Today we have a national debt of over $21 trillion, which means the politicians have borrowed that much money in addition to the massive taxes we all pay to run the government.
Human nature says that once we get something free, we want to keep on getting it, and our politicians are willing to keep borrowing to keep giving it. You should understand that I am not talking about political parties here. They both do it and then try to make it appear that it’s the other party’s fault. All the while, the well connected to Washington are making out like a bandit, and the ordinary people Margaret Thatcher was talking about are more and more content to take the handouts and give up their freedom and opportunity. The tool that the well-connected use is called “regulations,” where they can effectively shut out competition. This serves to widen the gap and adds to the anger so many in our nation are feeling today.
At this point we may ask the question: If big government is the problem and threatens our freedom and way of life, what can we do about it? Personally I will always support the candidates who advocate a smaller, leaner government and are willing to be held accountable. Make no mistake, our liberty and opportunity is at stake. Thomas Jefferson had it right when he said, “When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1179 -- THE BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK!

No. 1179

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK!

Here at the beginning of my visit with you today, I am going to admit something that may be a positive rather than a negative. I am going to admit that I am a very simple-minded person. I just think America is so beautiful that any person living here who does not appreciate what we have should have their head examined.
When I thought about this, I recalled the famous song by Katherine Lee Bates titled, “America the Beautiful.” The first verse goes, “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain. America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.” Man, what a great country.
One morning some time ago when Janis was visiting her son in Ohio, I had trouble sleeping and turned on our PBS television station. There I saw a program that was so thrilling to me. It was about the Big Bend National Park down in West Texas, bordering Mexico. You talk about variety: this park contains more than 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and 75 species of mammals. The highlight of the park, on the Southern border, is the Rio Grande River that begins in the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado and travels 1,865 miles to the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville, Texas. For 1,250 miles it is the boundary between the United States and Mexico.
What I saw that morning was through the eyes of a man and his wife who lived in South Texas but who had never seen this park. The program began with a trip across the river in a row boat, for $5, and when they arrived on the Mexico side they mounted donkeys that took them another couple of miles to a remote village, where life was about as slow as you can get. It was so peaceful and quiet and the inhabitants acted like they did not have a care in the world.
Then the program really got interesting, and so beautiful. They took a river float trip that took them through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep, where sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days. As in other parts of the park, your ears may tell you more than your eyes. Listen for beavers crawling through the brush, catch a glimpse as one slides down the riverbank into the water. Turtles, especially red-eared sliders, often sun themselves on rocks and logs just above the waterline. Great blue herons and green kingfishers are just some of the many birds you may see flying along the river.
Along the more open areas of the Rio Grande, you may see local people fishing, farming, and engaging in other traditional activities. And here is where it was so beautiful that it is impossible to describe to you. These quiet stretches of the river offer expansive views of the colorful buttes, mesas, and mountains in both the United States and Mexico. Far fewer people float the open water, much more thrilling through the fast rapids, so it is possible to go for days without seeing another boater.
As I bring this brief journey to a close, obviously it is impossible to give you anything but a cursory view of this fantastic national park with so much to offer and beauty unsurpassed. However, it is typical of the real beauty we have all over this country. Whether it’s Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, the Redwood Forrest, Mount Rushmore, Portland Head Light, the Gateway Arch, Carlsbad Caverns, or the Grand Canyon, we have a fantastic country. I would like to see more of it, including the Big Bend National Park. We must preserve this beautiful land for future generations of Americans to enjoy.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1181 -- TEACHING BIBLE IN OUR SCHOOLS!

No. 1181

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TEACHING BIBLE IN OUR SCHOOLS!

There is an old saying that goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Of course the flip side of this coin says, “If it’s broke, then fix it.”
I believe it’s safe to say that today our schools are broke, and it’s high time that we fix them. When we have school shootings on the average of one a week during the first five months of 2018, then you know something is terribly wrong. While there are those who disagree, I believe it is high time we teach the Bible in our public schools. There are already a few states that allow the teaching of the Bible in some form, and I predict there will be many more in the near future.
Please understand that I am not advocating an evangelistic approach to teaching the Bible to students, but rather an historical approach, especially the Ten Commandments. Here they are in the short-form, and especially note number six.
1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
It is safe to say that desperate times require desperate measures. The Separation of Church and State and its many ramifications is an issue that has been debated from the Supreme Court, to the halls of Congress, and into every state house and court room in our nation, and I am not going to debate it here. I just know that all of our children must be taught that murder (save for capital punishment court decisions) is wrong, and what better place to teach it than from the Bible? If you have read my column for very long you know that I don’t propose a lot of things from an intellectual standpoint, but rather just some plain ole common sense.
For the past several decades we have had people more interested in profit than the loss of human life, and we now have a moral crisis that must be corrected for the sake of future generations, even those yet unborn. And yes, our government does this to collect tax money. People, let’s wake up. We must teach our children morals, character and ethics, and the sanctity of human life. We must not wait any longer to get started. Our future depends on it. There are many curriculums already developed that will accomplish these objectives without infringing on anyone’s personal rights, and there are many qualified teachers who can achieve the desired goals that I have been talking about.
Here is one suggestion: teach it as a course of “Bible Literature” and make it an elective class. Here are the goals for such a class. 1. To equip students with literacy forms and symbols in the Bible, that is constantly referred to in art, music and literature. 2. To give the student understanding of the influence of the Bible on history, law, community and cultural life. 3. To give insight into the founding father’s world views taken from the Bible promoting human rights, women’s rights and social justice. 4. To provide knowledge of Middle-Eastern history (Jewish-Arab), conflicts, geography, and religions. 5. To teach students how to learn and use multiple and complex reference skills.
My prayer is that the right people will read this and have the position and authority to take action. One school shooting is too many, and we must take positive steps to end them, because we all have a stake.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1182 -- A BOOK THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

No. 1182

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BOOK THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

From 1932 until his death in 1993, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale served as the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. He is probably best known for his best-selling book “The Power of Positive Thinking” and the little inspirational magazine “Guideposts” that he co-published with his wife, Ruth.
One day a man made an appointment with Dr. Peale at his church to come and discuss his problems. After exchanging greetings, this man poured out a mass of negative and unhappy thoughts and fulminated bitterly on how “absolutely lousy everything and everybody is.” He said he had made the appointment to get Dr. Peale’s advice, but instead of giving him a chance to do any advising he went into a tirade against the church -- religion in general and preachers in particular.
Dr. Peale responded, “How come you take the time to come and talk with me if you dislike preachers so much?” “Oh, you are different,” the man replied. “You’re not religious; you are a positive thinker. And let me tell you, I’m not going to have anyone telling me that I need God. So please tell me what I need to get some meaning out of this no-account life.”
“God,” Dr. Peale said. “What’s that you say?” the man sputtered. “God,” he repeated. “You need God, for only He can straighten out the mess in your mind. Only God can give you healing and peace and joy, but He can do all that and more, that’s for sure.” Again, Dr. Peale repeated, “You need God.”
The man glared at him and, jumping to his feet, said, “So, you are just like all the rest — just a God talker! I thought you were a better, intelligent, and sophisticated man, same as I am.” Dr. Peale responded, “I guess you don’t know what the word sophistication means. It means to know your way around in the world. Obviously, you don’t know your way around very well, for you are mixed up, hurt and unhappy. So once again I say you need God.” At this point, Dr. Peale said, “My visitor apparently was angry with me but perhaps even more so with himself.”
“God, God — always God,” the man muttered. Growling a short good-bye, he stomped out into the late afternoon winter darkness. An hour later, just as Dr. Peale was about to leave his office, his secretary called him on the intercom and said, “That man is back, and he looks wild and says he has just got to see you.” Dr. Peale said, “Send him in. The man came rushing in and, indeed, he was rather wild-eyed and bewildered. “For God’s sake,” he exclaimed, “What has happened to me? Am I going nutty? Help me, Dr. Peale, please help me!”
To make a long story short, the man broke down and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ right there in his office, and went on to live a productive life as a changed man. This true story was taken from a fantastic book titled, “The Positive Power of Jesus Christ.” It contains countless stories just like this of wayward individuals who found a new life because they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. From a personal standpoint, in a day and time when people of faith are under attack, I can tell you that I have lived life both ways, without Jesus and with Jesus, and there is no comparison.
The book I have told you about was written at the suggestion of Dr. Peale’s publisher to emphasize the spiritual side of life, and not just positive thinking, attitude and motivation. If you feel the need, pick up a copy, as it most definitely has the power to change your life for the better and give you a true sense of peace, joy and contentment. It is available from www.amazon.com.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1183 -- A REALLY “COOL” IDEA!

No. 1183

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A REALLY “COOL” IDEA!

Let me ask you a question please: What is the “coolest” place in your home? Now you may have to think a moment, but I believe you will agree that the coolest place in your home is inside your refrigerator. If I had said, “What is the coldest place in your home?” of course the answer is your freezer.
What I have just shared is the introduction to a great idea that could make a real difference in the lives of some very special people. This idea came from a friend at my church. One day several of us were sitting around the table enjoying our Wednesday evening meal, and the subject of reading came up, as it often does since I am the founder of a literacy project.
My friend said he knew a family who taught their children to read by using the bottom half of the outside of their refrigerator. You think about it, and this is space that is basically wasted in a home. It appears to me, after thinking about it a great deal, that this is also a wasted opportunity. Very seldom do you see a home where the top half of the refrigerator is not used to place various things, using these little magnets that stick to metal and you can still slide them around and keep things in place. We have them at our home, and I bet you do, too.
But using the bottom half of the refrigerator to teach a young child, from 2 to 5 years of age, to read is something I had never thought about before. As I pondered this unique idea, I recalled that this past year we had a book drive in our community and collected hundreds of good, mostly gently used children’s books. We had enough to give each child in our preschool program two books each. It was quite a sight to see more than 260 4-year-old children sitting on the floor in their large cafeteria. Dr. Greg Murry, our school superintendent, Dr. Charlotte Green, our Gifted and Talented Director, and I talked with them about the importance of reading and encouraged them to become life-long readers.
As I continued to think, I was reminded that there are three keys to learning. The first one is repetition, the second one is repetition and, you guessed it, the third one is also repetition. When a young child is mature enough to go to the refrigerator and sees some interesting things at eye level that appear interesting, their curiosity will begin to take over. Here is where the opportunity to do a little teaching comes into play. Start slowly, and gradually increase the level and quantity of information. Soon this exercise can become very helpful and rewarding.
As you may know, most elementary schools have some type of bulletin board mounted on a pole in front of the school to post various pieces of information, such as registration dates, holidays, and dates for school breaks. Many have a “character” word of the week.” As this activity progresses and children become more proficient, this new refrigerator bulletin or information board can be increased. Not only will this begin to teach reading, but organizational skills as well. Character words could include kindness, respect, honesty, responsibility, truthfulness.
Off the top of my head, here are some different things that could also be placed there: Daily Chores, such as pick up toys, make bed. Hygiene: comb hair, take bath and brush teeth. Names of family members: siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Birthdays, Upcoming Events, the Child’s Name, the Alphabet. There is no limit to ways a creative person can use this idea. The reason I called this a “cool” idea, is to help everyone remember it.
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(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1180 -- S. TRUETT CATHY: A STERLING EXAMPLE

No. 1180

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

S. TRUETT CATHY: A STERLING EXAMPLE

If there is one thing we need in these trying and tumultuous times, is to have more good role models -- men and women who are doing it right or have done it right, and provide a sterling example the rest of us would do well to emulate.
One of these individuals, in my mind and hopefully yours as well, is the late S. Truett Cathy (1921-2014), founder of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain. While I never met Mr. Cathy personally, I had the opportunity to interact with him several years ago when he wrote the foreword for one of my books. This came about when the Chick-Fil-A ad agency in Atlanta contacted me about doing a column on one of his books titled, “It’s better to build boys than to mend men.”
This was about the time I was wrapping up a book I had written titled, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back,” and was thinking about who I wanted to write the foreword. It occurred to me that no one could do it better than Truett Cathy. As a result, I invited Mr. Cathy to do this for me and he accepted my invitation. It was during this process that I learned more about his background and knew that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, I had made a wise decision. The success of his highly acclaimed national restaurant chain is pretty widely known, but not many people know much about his personal life and how it all got started.
Truett grew up in the West End section of Atlanta. As an 8-year-old boy during the Depression years he had a Coca-Cola stand in his front yard and also delivered the Atlanta Journal newspaper to subscribers on his route in the downtown public housing neighborhood. It was here that he began to realize that putting “People First” would help him achieve the kind of success he desired. I might add this philosophy has enabled his company, Chick-Fil-A, to have the highest same-store sales and is the largest quick service restaurant chain in the United States, based on annual system wide sales.
Mr. Cathy’s business experience began in 1946 when he and his brother, Ben, opened an Atlanta diner known as the Dwarf Grill, and later changed the name to the Dwarf House. Through the years the philosophy that he learned early in life putting “People First” helped him prosper and led him to further the success of his business. In 1967, he founded and opened the first Chick-Fil-A in an Atlanta shopping center. His slogan was, “We didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich.” As his company grew and God blessed his business, it gave him and his employees an opportunity to give something back.
Because of his faith and the regular teaching of God’s Word (he taught a 13-year-old boys’ Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Ga., for 50 years) he made the statement, “I see no conflict between Biblical principles and good business practices. I believe corporate America needs something more than the bottom line and our restaurants are not open on Sunday, as they have been since 1946. It is important to me that our employees have a day of rest to spend time with their families or to worship if they choose.”
While Truett Cathy never attended college, his company gives over $1 million annually in college scholarships to their employees, over $35 million since 1973, and the company is involved in many other ways to help young people. He was truly a sterling example. By the way, if you have enjoyed today’s column, “IT’S MY PLEASURE.”

(Editor’s Note: THE DEAL OF THE CENTURY – Begin your day on a positive note – 365 days for $12. This will benefit the Bookcase for Every Child project. Go to www.apositivemomentwithjim.com to subscribe.)

No. 1184 -- A VERY UNIQUE WEDDING!

No. 1184

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VERY UNIQUE WEDDING!

It has been said that marriage is a deal when a man gives away half of his groceries to get the other half cooked. You may or may not think this is funny, but it is nevertheless true -- after I finish this column I am heading to the grocery store.
Here in my later years I am happy to say the Lord has given me a fantastic wife with whom to spend the rest of my days. Both of us lost our mates later in life, and on September 8, 2015, Janis and I were married. We truly complete each other. We are from the older generation, and a Godly marriage where we are totally committed to each other is very important to both of us.
Apparently this is not the case, I am sad to say, for millions of the younger generation who are opting to live with each other without the traditional marriage vows, those that say, “For better or worse till death do us part.” According to Demographic Intelligence, an organization that keeps track of things like this, the marriage rate in America has hit a record low as one-fourth of millennials are likely to eschew marriage entirely. However, a lot of people would like to see marriage remain strong. It offers benefits to children, says Sam Sturgeon, Demographic Intelligence president.
It is with this backdrop that I would like to tell you about one of the most unique weddings I have ever attended. Over the past 20 plus years I have had the very best next-door neighbors that I have ever had in my life. They are Tom and Crystal Voegele, and Crystal has three beautiful daughters from a previous marriage. Her oldest daughter Canyon married Ryan Baker on June 9, 2018, in a ceremony at their home. Tom is a retired school principal and now has a tree service with employees who use “boom” trucks, chain saws, stump grinders and other equipment to perform a valuable service for people and companies all over our area.
Here is what made this wedding so unique. A few years back, Tom had a pond dug and stocked it with fish. He also built a dock, with benches and a beautiful pavilion on the pond bank like in the parks, where they can have family gatherings, barbecues and other outings even on rainy days. For seating at the wedding under the pavilion, they had a friend bring bales of straw to use rather than traditional chairs, and covered each one with a beautiful quilt to protect clothing. Out on the dock they had a beautiful altar with floral decorations, where Pastor Todd Vick could give the rites for Canyon and Ryan.
Another touch they added that I had never seen before: before the ceremony they had captured several beautiful butterflies. As the ceremony began, a number of participants released each one in honor of a deceased relative who had been special in Canyon and Ryan’s life. One I remember was Crystal’s father and Canyon’s grandfather, Bo Blankenship, who had recently passed away. I was privileged to know Bo personally. When everyone was seated, the ringbearers, the best man, the bridesmaids, and everyone involved had walked down the aisle between the bales of straw, the minister performed the ceremony and they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Baker.
After photos were taken, and smiles were all around, it was time to walk across the road to where a great tent and bar had been set up and some delicious food was ready for everyone to enjoy. What a day. God speed, Ryan and Canyon. You did it right.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1185 -- AN INVITATION FOR THE AGES!

No. 1185

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN INVITATION FOR THE AGES!

In April of 2016 we had a young man by the name of Jovoni Johnson come to our 12th annual Bookcase Awards Ceremony to tell us about a bookcase and some books he received when he was 4 years of age and enrolled in the local Head Start program. Jovoni told us that he would pass by the bookcase with his name on it, and soon decided he wanted to read some books. However, his mother told him that the only books he could put in his bookcase were those he had read. So he started to read, and he kept reading over the coming years. When he came to speak to us he was in the 10th grade and was already getting academic scholarship offers from colleges because of his excellent grades.
All of us associated with the Conway Bookcase Project were so proud of him, but had no idea what the future would hold for this young man. Not only was he an excellent student, but he was also the backup quarterback for the high school football team. Now, fast forward a couple of years to August of 2018. There was a wonderful article in our local paper about the upcoming football season and the prospects for the Conway Wampus Cats. The article said Jovoni Johnson -- with his 34 ACT score -- was the starting quarterback for the team’s first game against rival El Dorado. Well, the game is history and Conway won in double overtime. Jovoni threw two touchdown passes and then ran the ball in for the winning touchdown.
A few weeks later I had the opportunity to speak to about 250 employees of the United States Department of Agriculture at their annual training conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Little Rock. During my talk I told them about Jovoni and his success, because reading and academics were important to him.
It was also my privilege to give them a little of my personal background, as I could really relate to these people who served famers across our state. I was reared in cotton country and my folks owned and operated a small-town restaurant. This was back in the mid-1950s, and I remember on several occasions taking a washtub of 300 10-cent hamburgers to the field to feed hungry cotton choppers or pickers. However, something would soon happen that would change the face of small farming communities all across America, and the economy would never be the same again. This was the invention of the mechanical cotton picker, and thousands and thousands of low-income, often poorly educated people, would be out of work and would be forced to leave the farms. This was a time when a mass migration took place to large cities in the North and Midwest, and in many ways we are reaping the fruits of this era in our nation’s history. It has been my privilege to speak in 72 of our state’s 75 counties, so I have seen this first-hand, and with God’s help, I am going to do my best to do something about it.
The key to rebuilding a community starts with having superior schools, as this is the first thing that potential employers look at when they consider locating in a given town or city. This is why literacy is vital to making this happen. Our Bookcase for Every Child project can make a difference, and my new book, “My Heartfelt Passion: Saving Our Nation One Child at a Time” provides all the details to begin a project. My goal, and I don’t earn a penny from sales, is to have 10 to 15 copies in the hands of leaders in communities all across America. Order it from www.amazon.com. This is an invitation for the ages as good readers, like Jovoni, become good students.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 500 - A GLARING OMISSION FROM THE NEW WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

No. 500

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GLARING ŒOMISSION¹ FROM THE NEW WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

There are many people in our country who are really upset, and I believe
justifiably so, because of something that was left off the new World War II
Memorial in Washington, D.C.
If you recall, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole and Fed/Ex Chairman Fred Smith
headed up the fund-raising efforts to erect a monument to our nation¹s armed
forces that defeated the Axis powers in World War II, the most costly war in
terms of the loss of life in the history of the world. Unlike most of the
other wars during the course of our history, this was a war where our very
survival was at stake. Rather than elaborate here, I would like to share
selected passages from President Franklin D. Roosevelt¹s Infamy Speech after
the Japanese attacked our military base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
I would hope my young readers would take special note of what President
Roosevelt had to say.
³Yesterday, December 7, 1941, ‹ a date which will live in infamy ‹ the
United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and
air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that
nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its
Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the
Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing
in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague
delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American
message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the
existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or
armed attack.
³It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it
obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks
ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately
sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of
hope for continued peace.²
After more details about the cunning pre-planned action, loss of human
life and property, and targets they had already been determined in the
Pacific, President Roosevelt continues:
³As Commander-In-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all
measures be taken for our defense. Always we will remember the character of
the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this
premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win
through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of Congress and
of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the
uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never
endanger us again. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that
our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With
confidence in our armed forces ‹ with the unbounded determination of our
people ‹ we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God. I ask that the
Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on
Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United
States and the Japanese Empire.²
After the monument was erected, a group of people with the title,
³American Battle Monuments Commission² was charged with the responsibility
of choosing the copy to be inscribed on both sides of the World War II
Memorial. Here is the complete inscription for the Pacific side:

PEARL HARBOR ‹ DECEMBER 7, 1941, A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY ‹ NO
MATTER HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE US TO OVERCOME THIS PREMEDITATED INVASION, THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE, IN THEIR RIGHTEOUS MIGHT, WILL WIN THROUGH TO ABSOLUTE
VICTORY.

Did you notice what was left off? Well, the four little words that were
left off, and have so many people upset are ³So Help Us God.² Apparently,
the American Battle Monuments Commission has caught so much flak they have
issued a formal statement trying to clarify their reason for leaving this
off. They say the entire speech contains more than 450 words, and with so
little space they had to select words that would capture the essence of what
President Franklin Roosevelt (the only president elected four times in our
nation¹s history) was saying.
Make no mistake, there was plenty of space on the monument for those
four important words that our nation¹s president used to invoke the help of
Almighty God in our nation¹s life-or-death struggle. I suspect they are
going to hear from many patriotic Americans in the coming weeks, months and
years. Since it¹s their monument, I would like to know how the veterans of
World WarII feel about it. Thanks, Clyde, for doing some research for me on
this.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 501 - THE DOCTRINE OF ENLIGHTENED SELF-INTEREST

No. 501

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE DOCTRINE OF ENLIGHTENED SELF-INTEREST

A few weeks ago at one of our Lions Club meetings, I was pressed into
service as the Tail Twister. The regular Tail Twister could not attend and
called and asked if I could stand in for him. Wanting to serve and to help,
I said yes, and I must confess it¹s always fun to get our meetings started
off on a positive note and add to the wonderful spirit of camaraderie that
is already present in our club.
If you don¹t know, the Tail Twister¹s job is to be the first rattle out
of the barrel and set the tone for the meeting by sharing some information
meant to enlighten or by telling a joke or doing something that creates a
lively atmosphere for the meeting. Since we have a very large Catholic
church and school here in our community, and some great people I might add,
I told a wonderful story I had run across, and is was well received.
It seems a young nun had worked for a local home health care agency and
was out making her rounds, when she ran out of gas. As luck would have it,
there was a gas station just one block away. She walked to the station to
borrow a can with enough gas to drive to the station for a fill-up. The
attendant regretfully told her the only gas can he owned had just been
loaned out, but if she would care to wait, he was sure it would be back
shortly. Since the nun was on her way to see a patient, she decided not to
wait and walked back to the car. After looking through the car for something
to carry to the station to fill with gas, she spotted a bedpan she was
taking to the patient.
Always resourceful, she carried it to the station, filled it with
gasoline, and carried it back to the car. As she was pouring the gas into
the tank of her car, two men watched her from across the street. One of them
turned and said to the other, ³If that car starts, I¹ll become a Catholic
for the rest of my life.² Now, I don¹t know how this story hits you, but to
me and my fellow Lions, it was really and truly funny. You understand, of
course, that when I tell a story like this I never mean any disrespect. In
fact, one member of our club is Catholic and I think he enjoyed it more than
anyone.
In these stressful days when everyone seems so busy, I often develop a
mindset of trying to squeeze one more call, one more column or one more
activity into an already jam-packed day, and I forget to stop and smell the
roses. Do you also find this to be true in your own life? Whether it is
sooner or later, we are all going to run out of those days and if we don¹t
take time to have a little fun and to enjoy life ‹ well, we are just paying
too big a price for it. One thing is for sure, we are not going to take
anything out of this world with us when we leave.
Now, before my space is gone, I want to amplify on a word I have already
used. That word is ³enlighten² and means, ³to give revealing or broadening
knowledge; cause to know.² Several weeks ago my wife Viola ran across an old
Dr. Ken McFarland cassette we had stuck back and forgotten about. In past
years we had both enjoyed listening to him so much. Dr. McFarland passed
away several years ago, but at one time was America¹s most famous public
speaker, and served as a guest lecturer for General Motors for many years.
In this tape he talked about the ³Doctrine of Enlightened
Self-Interest.² What he was referring to, and something we would all do well
to ponder, is the acquisition of knowledge and the development of the skills
that will enable us to be successful and productive human beings. The
essence of what he was saying can be summed up in three key words. These
words that have been highlighted are 1. We have to Know. 2. We have to Be 3.
We have to Serve. First, we have to know, that is, to have the proper
knowledge, the necessary experience, the right expertise and develop the
right skills to excel, in whatever we choose to do in life.
Next, we have to Be, that is, we must possess the right character values
that will carry us through the good times and the bad, to be able to relate
to other people in a way that brings lasting credit to our good name and
lets others know that our word is our bond. In short, our life must be a
classic example of what integrity is all about. People with integrity always
do the right thing, even if it costs them money. We either have it or we
donÕt.
And finally, we have to Serve, that is, to truly understand in the very
depths of our soul, that the only way to truly succeed over the long haul is
to serve the customer, or the one who pays our salary, better than the
competition. There have been millions of words written about this subject,
but the person or company who succeeds best, is the one who serves best, and
thatÕs the bottom line for the entire American Free Enterprise System.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 502 - ALWAYS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE!

No. 502

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ALWAYS ³PLAN² FOR THE FUTURE!

There is one thing I have learned to never do as a speaker. That is,
never tell your audience that you are not prepared, because they will find
it out soon enough. This is also true for many other areas of life as well.
A good example is showing up late for your first day at work on a new job.
This reminds me of the fellow who thought he wanted to be a boxer, until he
got in the ring with a fellow who really wanted to be a boxer. Life is
exciting when you face each new day, with all its promise, and learn to take
adversity in stride and keep a positive mental attitude. Sometimes this is
hard to do, especially if you live in the midst of a negative situation for
a long period of time. This can be even more dramatic when you think you see
the light at the end of the tunnel, only to find out it was the headlights
of an oncoming train.
These thoughts came to mind when I began to dwell on the best way to
tell you a true story about a lady from Southern Indiana who wrote to me
recently. She said, ³You may use my story if it helps others.² Obviously, I
believe it will or I would not waste your valuable time.
This story has to do with an elderly parent, a 53-year-old single
daughter who has taken care of her for years, then hospitalization, medical
bills, long-term care and siblings who are concerned about their
inheritance. Of all the correspondence I have received over the years, the
most tragic is when I read about the way siblings treat each other,
especially when there is property or money involved.
I want to give you some of the details so you will have a better mental
picture of this family ³squabble² as I will call it. The one point I would
like to make clear here in the beginning is that if you even have the
slightest possibility of something like this developing down the road, make
plans and take steps now to avoid this kind of family crisis. Usually this
can be taken care of in a legal way, if everyone agrees, and if they don¹t,
get an attorney anyway and deal with it now before a crisis comes along and
you are forced to deal with it. At this point it usually becomes an
emotional issue and respect, courtesy, kindness, logic and common sense go
out the window.
This 53-year-old single lady had lived with her mother, now 87, in the
old homeplace for all of her life. Not long ago her mother suffered a series
of strokes and had to be hospitalized. After three months she was forced to
leave the hospital and go to her own home or to a nursing home. We all know
what a nursing home costs these days. This lady has two brothers and two
sisters. The older sister insisted the mother not be sent to a nursing home
but go back to their old homeplace where the family could care for her. She
went back complete with hospital bed, wheelchair, IV pole and all the
nursing equipment. Now, here is where the picture becomes a little unclear.
This single 53-year-old lady needed to work to have some income, so a
couple of home care providers were hired to come to the home each day. The
retired older sister, who lived seven miles away, would also come to help
take care of her mother. Well, this arrangement only lasted for one week, as
the older sister took the mother to her home and very quickly ran up a
$1,000 bill and wanted the family to pay her. She then got the younger
sister to file for ³guardianship² so they could take out a $20,000 loan
against the house to pay the debt and future bills. I¹m sure by now you are
getting the picture, but to make a long story short, the older sister had
made $75,000 a year when she worked full time and had a husband who was a
mail carrier with a good salary. The 53-year-old single daughter could not
afford to pay the utilities and other expenses, so a decision was made to
sell the house. Interestingly enough, the older sister¹s son has purchased
the house and is turning it into a bed and breakfast. This single lady, who
took care of her mother most of her life, has now moved out, bought a
trailer and is starting her life over. She says, ³I don¹t know if I can
forgive my sisters, even though the good book says we should.²
In relation to this story, I have jotted down a couple of things I would
like to leave with you. First, it¹s been said we are made in a crisis. This
is not true. We are revealed in a crisis. This goes for everyone in this
tragic but true story. Secondly, what happens to us is not nearly as
important as how we handle or react to it. And here is the best advice that
I could ever give someone in this situation. Always do the right thing.
Above all, don¹t try to get even. Your peace of mind will be worth more than
the value of any material possession you could ever receive.
I would simply say to this young lady, and 53 is young for me, always
remember this verse of scripture that has helped millions of people over the
hump, who have found themselves in a similar situation. Phil. 4:13 says, “I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.² God keeps the score
and I¹ve found that He is good at it.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 503 - A SOLDIER'S LETTER FROM IRAQ!

No. 503

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A SOLDIER¹S LETTER FROM IRAQ!

If your life is in grave and constant danger and you are under stress
that just won¹t go away, here is a special verse from the Bible that will
bring you great comfort. This verse can be found in Jeremiah 29:11 where it
says, ³For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans
for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope²
Over the years I have read this particular verse at least 20 times, and
when compared to so many other verses, it has never been that special to me.
It may be because I am not in our nation¹s Armed Forces, fighting in the war
in Iraq, and not knowing if this will be my last day on the earth to be
alive. Can you imagine what it must be like for thousands and thousands of
our nation¹s soldier citizens to be there and face real and present danger
every moment of every day and with every bend in the road?
Not having been there personally, I can¹t, but I do have a deep respect
and admiration for those who have been there and those still there today. I
believe every true American owes them a deep debt of gratitude. Politics
aside, the vast majority of the American people support our troops who are
in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting a war against terrorism. Only those who
have a short memory and are terribly naive do not believe this threat is
real. It is in this context that I would like to share a hand-written letter
from a soldier who is currently serving in Iraq.
As an assignment several months ago Mrs. Barger¹s sixth-grade class at
the Greenbrier Middle School in Greenbrier, Arkansas, wrote letters to our
troops in Iraq as a way to express their gratitude and to let them know they
were praying for their safety. This letter is addressed to Kala Mavity, and
is dated January 16, 2005. It begins: ³Hello from Iraq. How are you doing?
I¹m good here. I just read your letter and decided to write you back. I¹m
glad your teacher gave y¹all this writing assignment. My fellow Joes and I
have really enjoyed reading the letters. It¹s so great to hear from folks
back home, especially from the future generations.
³I tell you this. I think of all the Œstuff¹ I¹ve been through and
experienced here. The many sacrifices I¹ve given up and then I think of
young people like you who are back home taking time to write us. You and
your class have made it all worth it. I would do it again so you guys can
grow up in freedom. I hope you will remember things like ŒU.S. soldiers
going to war¹ and let it motivate you to always excel in life and to always
trust in Jesus to take care of you. I will. I encourage you to finish school
and go to college. Thank you so much for writing me. I hope you get good
grades. Never give up on Jesus or yourself. P.S. This is a Bible verse that
has brought me great comfort. Jeremiah 29:11 ‹ A U.S. soldier, SPC Arthur
Mahan.²
When I read this letter the second time, a number of thoughts came to
mind that I would like to share with you. You may agree or you may disagree,
but when it comes to politics, I consider myself to be an Independent. In
any political race, I just look at the issue involved or which candidate I
believe has America¹s best interest at heart, and that¹s the way I vote. In
the case of the war with Iraq, I had much rather not have our troops over
there, and I agonize each time I hear about one or more of our soldiers
losing their lives. What a sad day for the loved ones of these individuals
who have made the supreme sacrifice? With that said, I support our
president¹s decision to be there, to be able to rid the world of a tyrant
and to give a terribly oppressed people a chance at freedom.
Just remember what SPC Mahan said, ³I would do it again so you guys can
grow up in freedom.² To this date, our military people and others have not
found weapons of mass destruction, but the thing that convinced me that we
had done the right thing is when the nation¹s first election was held. Even
with the threat of death, more than 80 percent of the Iraqi people lined up
and voted because the human spirit longs for freedom, the same freedom most
of us in this great country take for granted.
It¹s not that I want to stir up controversy, but I think we have a group
of people in our nation that poses a far greater threat to our freedom than
the terrorists who would do us great harm. Let me elaborate a bit. In his
letter when SFC Mahan talked about Jesus, I realized he was not being
politically correct. After all, he is a member of our Armed Services and
gets paid with taxpayer money. That¹s the climate that has been created by
our courts by case rulings brought about largely by the ACLU. The ACLU Web
site says there are more than 400,000 card-carrying members of this
organization. Here is a question that every American would do well to think
about ‹ How many of these people do you think have served in the military
and have fought on the battlefield, in any war, to preserve our freedom?
Thanks SPC Mahan. God bless you.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 504 - THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RIGHT WAY!

No. 504

Jim Davidson ‹ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE IS ŒMORE THAN ONE¹ RIGHT WAY!

Have you ever witnessed someone doing something that you just knew was
not right? If so, how did you know? What was it that told you it was not
right? I am going to suggest for your consideration that you knew it was not
right because you have a set of standards. Those standards, whether they are
high or low, came from your parents, your teachers, your total life¹s
experiences and the culture in which you live. My standards are based on the
Bible, but this is not the case for millions and millions of people in the
world today.
I saw a good example of this when a young lady was being interviewed on
³Larry King Live² a while back. This young lady attends one of the colleges
in the Northeast and she has started a pornographic magazine. She was
personally the star attraction, with her own, almost nude, body on the front
cover.
As Larry King interviewed her in reference to her pornographic magazine,
she said several times there was nothing wrong with it. However, I got the
feeling when she said this she was trying to convince herself more than
those of us in the television audience. She also said she had the total
support of her parents, which told me a lot about where she got her
standards.
Please understand that I am not sitting in judgment here. Only God has
the right to do that. Needless to say, the concept of right and wrong is an
interesting one. Here is what William McKinley, 25th president of the United
States, had to say about it: ³Right action follows right purpose. We may not
at all times be able to divine the future ‹ but if our aims are high and
unselfish, somehow and in some way the right end will be reached.²
In most cases we know innately, like the positive and negative poles on
a battery, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. What is not so
well known, however, is there is more than one right way to do most things,
and putting this simple concept into practice will bring all kind of good
rewards.
I heard a true story a while back that will illustrate this concept. It
seems a man and his wife in one of our western states had a horse farm and
raised Tennessee Walking Horses. Working part time, after school and on
weekends on the farm for this couple was a young boy by the name of Jimmy.
Jimmy loved to be around the horses, was earning a little extra money and
having the time of his life.
Then one day Jimmy came to work crying. When the man who owned the horse
farm asked what was the matter, he said, ³I didn¹t even know it was up for
sale, but my parents have sold our house and we are going to work all night
tonight loading a moving van, and will move to another state far away, and
never come back.² He went on to say, ³I never told you this, but I would
have worked here for nothing. I just loved to be around the horses.² He then
began to name off all the colts, and he went on to say that he didn¹t know
how he could live without them.
That same afternoon the man who owned the horse farm was down at the
bank and he got a brand new $50 bill and then went to a nearby store and
bought a little billfold and had Jimmy¹s name engraved on it. Then he had it
gift-wrapped. Later, when he paid Jimmy his final wages, he gave him this
little gift and told him that maybe during the summer if his parents would
let him, he could back and live with them and work with the horses again.
Well, this fellow said he didn¹t know how long it took Jimmy to unwrap
his gift, but the next morning the moving van was parked out in front of his
house. There was Jimmy sitting on the steps, waiting for him to get up. He
said he wanted to thank him ³personal.² Jimmy thanked him ³personal² and
said, ³You may not believe this, but this is the first $50 bill I ever saw.
I bet there aren¹t many of them, are there? I bet that¹s the reason it¹s so
new.² He was so proud of his gift, the money and the personally embossed
billfold with his name on it.
A few days later, the wife of the man who owned the horse farm commented
about how much happiness this small gift had brought Jimmy. Much more so
than five old $10 bills in a wad, with a rubber band wrapped around them.
This simple story clearly demonstrates the principle that there is more than
one right way to do something. One way has style, class and dividends. The
other way, while still the right thing to do, has no style, no class and no
dividends. We just naturally remember those people who do things right, with
that little extra measure thrown in. These people have class and style and
this sets them apart from the crowd.
When it comes to the fact there is always more than one way to do the
right thing, begin to look for opportunities to add to the happiness of
others. We can apply this in so many different ways. This may sound corny,
but it¹s just corny enough to work.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 505 - VANDALIA, IN THE LAND OF LINCOLN

No. 505

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

VANDALIA, IN THE LAND OF LINCOLN

There is an old story that you may have heard about the man and his wife
who moved to a new community, and soon after they got settled in, he asked
one of the locals what kind of people lived there. The local said, ³Well,
what kind of people did you have in the community where you lived before?²
He went on to say, you will find the same kind of people here in this
community.²
While this may not be true in every case, it is certainly a good rule of
thumb that warrants consideration. If the people in the former community
were warm and friendly, there is a better than average chance the people in
the new community will be warm and friendly, too. If they were unfriendly,
clannish, arrogant or just plain mean, the odds are good the people in the
new community will be that way as well.
You understand, of course, the most important thing in determining our
relationship with other people depends on our own attitude and what kind of
person we are. In most cases, our lives are much like a mirror. The image or
picture we see of others is really a reflection of us. Now, what I have just
said is basically true because of human nature, but there are distinct
differences in people in different parts of the country, and this is
especially true if the community has a large ethnic population. Over the
past several months, I have been privileged to speak in a number of
different areas of the country and have really and truly enjoyed the people
in each one of them.
In addition to meeting some great people, one of the things that really
interests me is the history of each community and the unique landmarks that
preserve the past for future generations. Such was the case back on January
27, 2005, when I was privileged to speak to the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce
Banquet in Illinois. I make this distinction because there is also a
Vandalia, Missouri, and Vandalia, Ohio. I found some genuine and wonderful
people in this community and I am grateful to the chamber officers and staff
who made me feel at home. Also Publisher Dave Bell, Editor Rich Bauer and
the fine people at the Leader-Union newspaper, who run my column.
One thing I certainly didn¹t know before going to Vandalia is that this
community served as the second capital of the state of Illinois. It was
founded in 1819, became the capital for the ³new² state and the present site
was in the midst of a wilderness on the fringe of land still claimed by
Indian tribes. This state Capitol building, which is the community¹s most
historic landmark, is where President Abraham Lincoln began his legislative
career as a state representative from 1834 to 1839. During this time he made
his first protests against slavery and he also received his license to
practice law. Looking at the size today, it¹s hard to believe the new city
of Chicago received its city charter from the state Capitol in Vandalia.
There is a statue of ³Honest Abe² across the street in a park where one
can sit on a bench and have his picture taken with President Lincoln, with
the old state Capitol building in the background. The old state Capitol is
open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including Sunday. Free-guided tours are
provided and tour buses are welcome. There are other tourist attractions to
see, such as the Madonna of the Trail statue donated in 1928 by the
Daughters of the American Revolution in memory of the pioneer mothers of
covered wagon days. This famous statue marks the terminus of the Cumberland
Road. The Cumberland Road was the first highway built by the federal
government and opened up the interior of the country for development.
There are many other historic sites in and around Vandalia. The area
also provides great recreational things to do, such as hunting, fishing,
golfing and skydiving, and Ramsey Lake State Park is nearby. I met a lot of
warm, friendly people at the meeting and I am highly optimistic some of them
are going to get involved as leaders in our nationwide Literacy Campaign,
which is one of the primary reasons I was invited to be the speaker for the
chamber banquet. The theme of our effort is ³Reclaiming Literacy for America
‹ One Community At A Time.² It should be pointed out the problem of
illiteracy and the resulting social and economic issues are no different in
Vandalia, Illinois, than in other towns of this size across the country.
To their credit, the leaders of this community understand that their
future growth, employment and quality of life, and the future of their
children and grandchildren, will be determined by the quality and level of
education in their community. It should be clearly noted we can never have a
great educational system unless we have high rates of literacy. The only
people who can drastically impact this situation are the people who live
there. I am pleased to report to you we have a number of communities who
have literacy campaigns already under way and some great things happening as
more tutors get face to face with people who want to learn to read.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 506 - AN ANTIDOTE FOR LOW SELF-ESTEEM

No. 506

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ŒANTIDOTE¹ FOR LOW SELF-ESTEEM

One of my relatives, who shall remain nameless, has told me many times
she suffers from low self-esteem. Because I don¹t walk around in her skin, I
don¹t know all the reasons for this malady, but I do know that millions of
Americans suffer this same fate each day of their lives. The other day I got
a letter from a reader in Kentucky who passed along a little article about a
$20 bill that is in actuality an antidote for low self-esteem. If you or
someone you love suffer from low self-esteem, I believe the moral or
principle this article contains will help you. Really and truly, life is too
short for anyone to go through it with feelings of inferiority and
inadequacy, and that they don¹t have value and self worth. If you will think
about it, there are millions of people in our prosperous nation today who
have pushed themselves to the outer limits of what they consider ³success,²
trying to overcome their feelings of not being good enough.
First let me share the contents of this article and then I have some
comments that hopefully will put it into perspective.
A 20 Dollar Bill
A well-known speaker started off his seminar to a group of 200 people by
holding up a $20 bill and asking, ³Who would like this $20 bill?² Hands
started going up. He said, ³I am going to give this $20 bill to one of you,
but first let me do this.² He proceeded to crumple up the $20 bill. He then
asked, ³Who still wants it?² Still the hands were up in the air. ³Well,² he
replied, ³what if I do this?² And he dropped it on the ground and started to
grind it into the floor with his shoe. Picking it up crumpled and dirty, he
said, ³Now, who still wants it?²
Still the hands went into the air. He continued, ³My friends, we have
all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still
wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many
times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by
the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as
though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will
happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely
creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our
lives comes not in what we do or who we know but it comes from knowing who
we are.²
Now that¹s a good story, but apparently the person who wrote it did not
understand something we call inflation. That $20 bill may still look the
same as it did 15 to 20 years ago, but it does not still have the same value
in terms of purchasing power. You can probably remember the days when our
kids used to ask for $5 and now they ask for $20 or $100. There is another
consideration, as it relates to low self-esteem, that may be worth thinking
about. What actually gives that $20 bill its value? The value of that $20
bill comes because it is backed up by the full faith and credit of the
United States government.
I can still remember the days when we used to say ³Save your confederate
dollars, because the South is going to rise again.² My point being that, at
one time, confederate money had value, but it¹s worthless today. As the
article points out, $20 is still $20 and it has value because it is legal
tender and can be used to purchase $20 worth of products and services, based
on the Consumer Price Index, at any given point in time.
There is something else that makes our nation really and truly unique.
In the history of mankind, we are the only nation ever conceived. where we
as citizens derive our power from an all loving, all wise and almighty God.
While some may doubt the truth of what I have said, nevertheless this is
a historical fact. The United States Constitution is framed by devout
Christians ‹ in fact, 53 out of 55 signers of the Declaration of
Independence were orthodox evangelicals whose godliness laid the foundation
for 200 years of blessings and prosperity. Any enlightened person knows our
nation has steadily gone downhill since we have decided to go it alone. But
you may ask, ³what does that have to do with self-esteem?² Well, more than
you may realize. As unique, one-of-a-kind individuals, our value and
self-worth also comes from God.
Several years ago, in the field of education we witnessed something
called the ³Self-Esteem Movement.² This was an attempt to make students feel
special by continually giving them praise and positive strokes, but in
recent times many educators have come to realize this approach has little
lasting value. This is because we are already special and have all the worth
we will ever have because we are created by God and in His image. Just
knowing that is really the foundation for setting about the task of becoming
what He wants us to become. In short, to become a success in anything takes
time and hard work This is what having healthy self-esteem is all about.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 507 - DOES YOUR SCHOOL TEACH INVENTIVE SPELLING?

No. 507

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DOES YOUR SCHOOL TEACH INVENTIVE SPELLING?

Several weeks ago a reader in Illinois sent me a used copy of a book
titled, ³None Dare Call It Education² by John A. Stormer. This book contains
page after page of documented accounts of how education ³reforms² are
undermining academics and traditional values. Reading this book has been a
real eye-opener for me and I thought so highly of it I ordered 50 copies to
share with some of my most influential friends.
If you are a regular reader of this column, you know education is
something close to my heart. This is true for two very basic reasons. First,
because our nation¹s public schools are charged with educating our children,
our nation¹s most precious resource. When it¹s all said and done, between 80
and 85 percent of our children attend public schools. Second, because we
invest billions of dollars of tax money each year in this most important
endeavor. Because of my innate desire to always get the most value for the
money I spend, I feel like we as parents, grandparents and taxpayers deserve
the best educated children in the world.
We deserve the best, but are we getting it? Not according to the 2003
Final Worldwide Education Standings, which is the most recent statistics I
have. I might add, the educational standings of worldwide countries,
including the United States, was compiled by the Campaign for America¹s
Children, a non-profit organization that includes such members as William
Bennett, Robert Straus, Jack Kemp, Henry Kissinger, Andrew Young, John
McCain, Martin Luther King III, Dr. Dorothy Height and Lynn Forester. The
United States finished a dismal 18th of the 21 industrialized countries
named in the survey, which included studies in reading, math and science.
There is good reason for this and what John Stormer¹s book does for
open-minded readers is to help us confirm or reconfirm these facts for
ourselves. As I said earlier, it was certainly an eye opener for me.
Here is just one example in this book that will give you some insights
into what I have been saying. The teaching of basic spelling has undergone a
quiet revolution in the United States within the past 15 years. Drills are
out. Learning to spell by reading is in. Teachers have become increasingly
reluctant to ³stifle² the efforts of young writers by correcting their
spelling or marking errors as wrong. This is because a fad has been sweeping
the country called ³Inventive Spelling.²
In a story headed ³Bad Spelling Now Viewed As Inventive,² The San
Francisco Chronicle reported the following: After hearing the story ³Jack
and the Beanstalk,² 6-year-old Pablo wrote a story of his own and read it to
his summer school teacher in a halting voice. ³If I would have magic beans,
I would save the beans. And when I save the beans, then I will give them
away. The end.² Teacher Michele Chabra smiled at her student¹s brief
recital. Then she looked at what he had written. ³If I wd mg ics I wd save
the bses and one I sav the bes then I wi g thmn way the end.² The newspaper
article then explained as follows.
Known as ³inventive spelling,² such creativity is permitted, even
encouraged, in many American classrooms. Although Pablo has completed first
grade, like thousands of elementary school children he has never studied
vocabulary lists, never used a spelling workbook and never spent a morning
at the blackboard writing corrected sentences. Now I¹m not picking on
California, because there are many school districts around the nation in
other states using the same teaching methods, but here is a letter to
parents from one school district that the state legislature has on file.
³Dear parents: Once we start doing more creative writing on our own, we
will be using Œinvented spelling.¹ Invented spelling is when the child
sounds out the word and writes it as it sounds. This is an important part of
fostering a positive attitude for writing in your child. Please do not
correct their spelling when they write at home. Correcting all of their
spelling mistakes at this point will only discourage them and keep them from
writing their true thoughts.² Believe me, I am not making this up and I
certainly would never belittle the thousands of fine teachers across our
nation, but that¹s what¹s going on in some school classrooms and some
districts across our nation.
When you magnify this problem millions and millions of times, is it any
wonder that our nation has fallen so far behind in reading, math and
science, which are the building blocks for a truly successful career and
life. As I have said many times, one of my greatest joys was working with
educators in my home state. Most are doing a great job, but here is a
question we should all ponder: ³Does my school teach inventive spelling?²
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 508 - A POLICE CHIEF WHO CARES

No. 508

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A POLICE CHIEF WHO CARES

You may or may not have thought about this before, but one of the most important people in your city or town is the chief of police. This man or woman is the leader of a group of people who are sworn to uphold the law. Quite often these officers put their lives on the line to protect us. I may be disappointed once in a while because of the actions or behavior of a few policemen or other law enforcement personnel, but as a whole I have a deep respect for these professionals and shudder to think where we would be as a society were they not around. If your own community is relatively free of crime and things are peaceful there, you can be sure this did not happen by accident. Someone is there, day and night, looking out for your best interests, and in most cases we call these people the police.

Here in our community we are fortunate to have a very fine chief of police by the name of Randall Aragon. In the past five years since he came to our city, he has made some controversial decisions, and for the most part these just come with the territory, but in my heart I really and truly believe he is a man who cares about others, especially our children. He is directly involved in our literacy project to build "A Bookcase for Every Child' and what he is doing is far above the normal scope of his duties. With your permission, I would like to tell you about this project, because you may have the same high quality leadership in your community that we have here.

First, let me tell you how I got to know Chief Aragon. In the fall of 2000, when he was chief of police in Lumberton, N.C., he applied for the Conway job. As the interview time came closer, his lovely wife, Ramona, had been reading my column online. She made the suggestion that he call me and invite me out to dinner as a way to learn more about our community. He did that and we had a wonderful time as I gave him a tour of our community and told him what little I knew about our city government and some of the problems (opportunities) we were experiencing. To make a long story short, he got the job and we have been friends ever since.

Over the past several months we discovered that we both liked to read and began to share books with each other. One of the first was "The Tipping Point" that the superintendent of schools had recommended when I was up in Waynesboro, Pa., a few years ago. There have been others, but when the idea of building bookcases and giving books to children of low-income families came along, I asked Chief Aragon if he would consider being the co-chair with me. He not only accepted, but also has been the driving force in getting our campaign off the ground. He talked with our mayor to get his support and we had our first committee meeting at our City Hall.

If you are reading this column in another community where it runs, the names are not important, but I can tell you that when we invited some of the outstanding leaders of Conway to be involved, the enthusiasm was nothing short of amazing. In addition to the chief and the mayor, we have the newspaper publisher, the directors of the Head Start program, Public Housing, head librarian at Hendrix College, a retired executive of Entergy, former head of the Conway Corp. utility, representative of the Chamber of Commerce, a minister and several others, 14 members in all. Because these people are all leaders and already knew the need, you would not believe the way they each got behind this project, to do the things that were compatible with their interests and skills.

Here is why I believe this project is so important and why I believe our Chief of Police is playing such an important role. As I've stated before, the National Center for Education Statistics (1996) reports that 61 percent of low-income families have no books in their homes. Without books to read, and someone to read to them, these children enter school with two strikes against them already. The time to get them hooked on reading is when they are very young, and in the home environment. But in many cases, without parents who are strong believers in education, they don't have the proper foundation. We want to change that here by giving them a bookcase with their name on it, good books to read and a follow-up plan to have college students and other adults work with them.

Here is why this is so important. I get copies of many other newspapers that run my column. A recent paper had the headlines "Police arrest three in purse snatching" along with pictures of the suspects. One thing I saw in the eyes of each one was anger. To be sure, people who are illiterate and failing in life cause many of the problems in our society. Failure is one of the many reasons these people are angry and we all pay a high price. Thanks to Chief Aragon, we are going to make a difference. If you would like more information, feel free to contact me.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 509 - WHEN PROVIDENCE MOVE'S TOO!

No. 509

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN PROVIDENCE MOVES, TOO!

From the first crack of the bat, I want to tell you that I have some good news to share with you today, especially if you have a tendency to procrastinate from time to time. To be sure, procrastination may not be all bad when it comes to taking out the trash or mowing the lawn, but it can have serious and negative consequences for our lives when it comes to making career choices or getting started on an exciting project of some kind. Since the earliest days when we became a nation, there have been literally millions of people who have had a dream or great idea that would have brought them all sorts of good rewards and would have been a service to mankind, but they did not have the courage to get started. These people procrastinated until the opportunity had passed. Do you know anyone like this? Could I be talking about you?

Back in 1981, I traveled down to visit my friend Tom Longfellow in Montgomery, Ala. Tom is originally from Siloam Springs, Ark., but back in those days he owned the Alabama Radio Network. The evening I arrived, Tom and his lovely wife, Wannie, took me out to dinner. The next day we were visiting in his office and I saw something on the wall that caught my eye. It was a framed quotation by W.H. Murray. Since that day I have tried to learn something about W.H. Murray, but have been unsuccessful. Anyway, the quotation was so good that I asked Tom for a copy and he was kind enough to take it down off the wall, remove it from the frame and make a copy for me. When I share it with you I believe you will understand why I was attracted to it and why it has become a very important part of my personal philosophy.

The quotation begins: "Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of imitation (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

The one word in this quotation that jumped out at me is the word providence. While I had read or heard it many times, this is a word that was not in my working vocabulary. I did know that Providence, R.I., is the capital city of that state. When I went to my encyclopedia to do a little research, I learned some things that will shed a little light on this word and how we can use it to our mutual advantage. Providence, R.I., is the second largest city in New England. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams after he was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and named in gratitude "for God's merciful providence to him in his distress," it was incorporated as a city in 1832. This dictionary says that providence is the "care exercised by God over the universe." As it's used here, in practical terms, this means that when we have the courage to make a definite commitment to a plan, a goal or a project, then a loving, caring God will bring forces into play that will work in our best interests.

In other words, we have unseen powers and resources working for us that cannot possibly come into play so long as we don't have the courage to make a definite commitment. To restate part of Mr. Murray's quotation will make this very clear Ð "A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." When we do make a commitment and get started, then we have providence on our side and actually working for us.

The most exciting and rewarding thing I have ever done is when I made a commitment to spend the rest of my life working to improve literacy in our country. You would not believe the great number of people who have stepped forward to help, but they are not doing it for me. The reason is because there is a tremendous need to help children and youth from low-income families who don't have books, to acquire a passion for reading. When these children become successful adults, we all win. It is so exciting to see what God is doing, because we have providence working on our side. Now, I'm not suggesting that you quit your job and risk everything, but if you have a big goal or an unfilled dream, make plans, then make a commitment and providence will move for you, too.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 510 - SPUNKY RIDES AGAIN

No. 510

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SPUNKY RIDES AGAIN!

We can't hold it in our hands, see it, or touch it, but one of the greatest possessions we could ever have is something we call hope. It's been said that a human being can live three weeks without food, three days without water, three minutes without air, but we cannot live for three seconds without hope. The famous American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807_1882) had this to say about it, "The setting of a great hope is like the setting of the sun. The brightness of our life is gone." What I want to share with you in today's column will perhaps mean more to me than anyone else, but I have a message of hope that could inspire thousands of people across this great nation, especially those who are battling a chronic or debilitating disease.

If you have read this column very long, you may know that my wife, Viola, has Parkinson's. The symptoms began to show up about seven years ago and she went through some very rough times, especially from severe pain that most Parkinson's patients do not experience. I had reported to you in several other columns that she had become so immobile that we got a motorized scooter and I had a carrying basket built for the van so we could take it with us when we went to church, the grocery store or other places around town. We never went very far from home, because the pain was so great that she could not stand to ride for any length of time.

As someone who is not retired, of course this affected me greatly. Not only was I doing the regular office work, writing and other duties, I also found myself doing most of the household chores as well. If you have ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know there is an old saying that applies: "You just do what you have to do." That I did, from cooking, grocery shopping, making the beds, doing the washing and whatever else needed to be done. During those early days we laughed a lot, and still do, but I began to wonder how long the Lord was going to leave her here on this earth. She always said, "I don't mind dying, but I'm not into pain."

Then one day several months ago, one of my aunts told us about how a drug called Sinamet had helped a friend of hers with improved mobility. Viola had tried Sinamet several months before and it just knocked her for a loop. We later learned the problem occurred when she went "cold turkey" and stopped taking one drug and started taking another one the same day. After talking with her doctor, Viola tried Sinamet again, but this time it was phased in over a period of several weeks. She had been taking a very expensive drug called Mirapex ($7,300 of unreimbursed prescription drugs in one year) and it had helped her some.

What happened over the following weeks is almost a miracle, and this is the hope that I talked about earlier. At first, Viola began to see little improvements. Previously, she came up to the office very seldom, and then only by hanging onto the railing beside the steps. When she went back down, she had to have me help her, one step at a time. It gradually got easier for her to make the trip and then one day she was at the computer and noticed all of a sudden that she was typing with both hands! Before this, she had to hunt and peck using only one hand. Things continued to improve, as she got more and more mobile. One of the real blessings came when she bought a fancy-type walker that has wheels, brakes, a seat and a wire basket to carry all the things that women carry. Don't ask me to explain what all is in there.

As I said before, we laugh a lot and when she got to the point she was getting in her van, loading up the walker by herself and going to the grocery story, lunch with friends and other places around town, I made the comment "Spunky Rides Again." This nickname came about because our friend, Stanley Russ had read her little book titled, "Who Me?" and made the comment, "Viola has spunk." Another friend, the late Bud Lippincott, picked up on this and began to call her "Spunky." To me, this word says a lot to describe the amazing lady I am married to. If you have read her book, I believe you will agree that she does have spunk.

As I've said before, there is not a lazy bone in her body. While not at the same speed, she is back to doing most of the things she was doing before the Parkinson's came along. There are a couple of things I would like to say before I go. With a little experimentation, with her doctor's blessing, Viola found that taking two Sinamet tablets and one Mirapex three times each day works best for her. Please understand, we are not practicing medicine and treatments vary from patient to patient based on many factors, but this is what has worked for us. For this we praise the Lord. Also, I would like to express my deep appreciation to each of you who have sent her a card, called or asked about her during conversations with me. Thanks so much for your friendship.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 511 - A "GENTLY USED" BOOK DRIVE

No. 511

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A 'Gently Used' Book Drive

From the earliest days of our nation's history, the favored class of people has always been those who were the best educated and well read. In the beginning, when most people lived on the farm and produced most of their own needs, education for the masses was not that critical. However, as we moved from an agricultural society to an industrial society, to a technological society and now to the age of information, education is at a premium and the person without a good education is severely penalized.

Today in our country there is a group of several million people who, through no fault of their own, are severely penalized when it comes to getting a quality education. All of us who are literate and have achieved some measure of success can do something about it. I'm talking about children and young people who are reared in low-income homes. If literacy and education is indeed the key to success, here is a statistic that may surprise you. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, (1996) 61 percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes. I realize this stat is a little out of date, but I doubt that it's changed very much up to the present time.

The community where I live is a leader in many ways, but what I'm going to talk about can be done anywhere in our country and I hope you will give some serious thought to what I am going to say. As I write this column, we already have a committee of 14 of our leading citizens who are committed to building a quality bookcase for a large group of these children and youth and each bookcase will be personalized with the child's name on it. Obviously, to give them an empty bookcase is not enough. We want to provide them with some quality children's books to add to or begin their own personal library.

The idea here is not to give a child or young person a bookcase filled with books, but rather to provide a starter set and the beginning of a personal library that will be built and developed over a period of several years as the child matures and grows into adulthood. We also want to develop a program where college students who are interested in community service can work with these children along with older adults who can provide love, leadership and encouragement. I can see the day when we have an adopt-a-grandparent program in place where senior adults can buy their special child a book for Christmas or their birthday.

Those of us who are working on this project are realistic enough to know that we won't reach every child with the message of reading for success, but my good friend Mickey Cox gave me an insight that I had never thought about before. He said if we just reach 20 percent of these children in the next generation we will reach 40 percent as these children grow up, become parents, and understand what reading has meant to them in their own life. I might add that Mickey Cox, along with a number of others, are great craftsmen and we have a good number of beautiful, oak bookcases already produced, so this is not something we are just thinking about. It's something we are doing.

But back to my focus for this column, a "Gently Used" book drive. The idea came from Jaletta Desmond, our literacy chairperson over in Bluefield, W. Va. She has already conducted a "Gently Used" book drive there and the results have been fantastic. As she points out, "Like a pair of shoes or a winter coat, our children outgrow books and we probably have books on our shelves that are collecting dust, because we won't read them a second time. These books can certainly be put to good use by many families who are struggling to put food on the table and shoes on their feet, and books, unfortunately, have to take a back seat."

Regarding the "Bookcase for Every Child" and "Gently Used" book drive under way here in my own community, the response has been wonderful. Everyone I have talked with has all kinds of good children's books for ages 2 to 18 they are finished with and say they would be delighted to contribute them. One quick word about quality, we want wholesome books, not necessarily religious books, although they should be welcome, but books that have stories and concepts that embody character and moral values. What good does it do to teach a child to read, if later in life they wind up in prison because we did not care enough to teach them the importance of character.

When it comes to helping children and young people from low-income homes acquire a thirst for reading, learning and getting a good education, here is something we would all do well to remember, "A hundred years from now it will not matter ... what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, what kind of car I drove, ... but the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child."

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 512 - THE FINE ART OF CULLING

No. 512

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FINE ART OF CULLING

A while back I had a small building project at our home and had to make a trip to the lumberyard to get some lumber. In this case I was able to drive my truck down to the bins where the lumber was kept and was allowed to sort through the boards and pick out the ones I wanted. If you have ever done this, you know that every once in a while you will run across a board that is as crooked as a dog's hind leg. This is mostly because the sun has warped the board so much that it's almost worthless and you sure would not want to pay good money for a board like that. This is a process called "culling" and means "something picked or sorted out, especially something rejected as inferior," and this same process goes on daily in many areas of our lives.

Another good example is when we take a trip to the grocery store, especially the produce section. How many times have we all stood in front of the lettuce, the bananas, the apples, the carrots, the tomatoes, the squash and all manner of other fruits and vegetables and tried to pick out the best of what was left? Usually what is left after everything has been picked over is a pretty sad sight. As I said, this "culling" process goes on all the time in many different areas of our lives, and in most cases we are simply trying to find the best for our money or what we are going to have to live with for a long time to come.

While "culling" is a normal everyday process, there is another area of our lives that most people may not think about, but is far more important than picking out the best apples or bananas. What I am talking about are the ideas we run across and either use, reject or ignore. They can make a tremendous difference in our lifestyle, income, health and personal relationships. A few days ago a friend sent me something titled "An Old Farmer's Advice" and I would like to share it with you here. Rather than just reading the words, please slow down and read each thought or statement and think about how it could impact your life in a positive way.

Since you are probably not a farmer, you may not relate to many of these, but there are some you will and this is the process of "culling" that I have been talking about.

Here they are: * Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong * Keep skunks and lawyers at a distance * Life is simpler when you plow around the stump * A bumblebee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor * Words that soak into your ears are whispered - not yelled * Meanness doesn't just happen overnight * Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads * Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge * You cannot unsay a cruel word * Every path has a few puddles * When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty * The best sermons are lived, not preached * Most of the stuff people worry about will never happen anyway * Don't judge folks by their relatives * Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer * Live a good honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time * Don't interfere with something that is not bothering you none * Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging * Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got * The biggest troublemaker you will probably have to deal with watches you from the mirror every morning * Always drink upstream from the herd * Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment * Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in * If you get to thinking you are a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around * Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Well, that's the end of the Old Farmer's Advice, and without a doubt, there is a lot of truth here that could help any thinking person. To be honest, there were some of these ideas that I related to and some I did not, but that's the idea behind being able to "cull" and keep only the best and most helpful. Here are a few that hit me where I live. You cannot unsay a cruel word. Do not judge folks by their relatives. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. Words that soak into your ears are whispered - not yelled. The best sermons are lived, not preached.

In the future, I hope you will think about what I've been saying here and learn to "cull" the ideas that come along and keep and use only the best ones. The quality of our lives very much depends on the quality of the ideas that we permit to enter the marvelous mind that God has given to each of us.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 513 - "A LITTLE BIT OF AIRLINE HUMOR"

No. 513

Jim Davidson " NEWSPAPER COLUMN

"A LITTLE BIT OF AIRLINE HUMOR"

Several months ago I got the sad news that my friend Bob Murphy from Nacogdoches, Texas, had passed away. Bob will be greatly missed because he was a fine human being, a great humorist and someone who made a tremendous contribution to his fellow man. Over the years I have retold many of his stories in this column because the stories he told were always clean as a hounds tooth, down to earth and had a way of making you laugh that started at your head and went all the way down to the soles of your feet. To be sure, Bob made a difference in people"s lives and was a credit to his family, his fellow speakers and his God.

When I thought about writing this column I thought of Bob and one of his stories as a way to introduce it. It seems two Texas preachers were talking about going to a session that was going to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the preachers said to the other one, "We can get on a plane in Houston and be up there in three hours." The other one said, "If we are going to fly, I"m not going." The first one said, "You must not believe what the Good Book says," Then the second preacher responded, "Yes, I believe it, but I have read it very carefully. It says that low the Lord will be with you always. It doesn"t say that high He will be with you."

While I don"t fly a great deal, I have to do some of it in my work. However, I"m like the old boy that said, "I never did put all my weight down on it." For people who fly all the time, it"s no different than getting in a car and taking a trip, and it"s safer, plus the fact you get there a whole lot quicker. To be sure, there is another world for people who earn their living in the flying business, and I"ve observed that most of these people really enjoy their work. While the pilots are in charge, it"s interesting to see the flight attendants and stewardesses perform their routine tasks with seemingly little effort.

As a speaker, I am always interested in hearing the flight attendant who makes the announcements over the intercom with regards to FFA regulations and what to do in the event of an emergency. I"ve found that most of these people, mostly ladies, have a pretty good sense of humor as well. Here are some actual announcements that have been reported over the past few years. On a Southwest flight (SW has no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we"re not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it." The last one in this column to me is really funny, so I hope you won"t leave me here.

On landing, the stewardess said, "Please take all of your belongings. If you are going to leave anything, please make sure it"s something we would like to have." "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one child, pick your favorite." And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!" Heard on a Southwest Airline flight, "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light "em, you can smoke "em." "Your seat cushions can be used for floatation, and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and keep them, with our compliments." "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we will try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember nobody loves you or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good, and therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax ... OH, OH, OH!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking with you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of very hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants." A passenger in coach yelled, "That"s nothing, you should see the back of mine."

Have a great day and I hope you have at least cracked a smile. You probably have a lot to be thankful for.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 514 - WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE SAID OK....

No. 514

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE SAID OKÉÉ

It's just human nature to want to read and hear things that make us feel better, things that are positive and things that give us hope for the future. Unfortunately, there are times in each of our lives, and the collective lives of the American people, when we need to face reality and to understand where we are as a nation. Sometime back I got a personal note, along with a very disturbing article, from a faithful reader by the name of John Millett, who lives in Minneola, Kan., and reads my column in the Dodge City Daily Globe. Good people in this part of our country, and I was out there and met many of them a few years ago.

What John sent me was a letter from a concerned student addressed to God. To be sure, there is a message here that we should all think about on a regular basis. It begins, "Dear God: Why didn't you save the school children at ... Moses Lake, Washington 2/2/96; Bethel, Alaska 2/19/97; Pearl, Mississippi 10/1/97; West Paducah, Kentucky, 12/1/97; Stamps, Arkansas 12/15/97; Jonesboro, Arkansas 3/24/98; Edinboro, Pennsylvania 4/24/98; Fayetteville, Tennessee 5/19/98; Springfield, Oregon 5/21/98; Richmond, Virginia 6/15/98; Littleton, Colorado 4/20/99; Taber, Alberta, Canada 5/28/99; Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99; Deming, New Mexico 11/19/99; Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 12/6/99; Santee, California 3/5/01; El Cajon, California 3/22/01; Red Lake, Minnesota 3/22/05." The letter is signed, Sincerely, Concerned Student.

God''s answer is very brief and to the point. "Dear Concerned Student: I am not allowed in schools." Sincerely, God. Then the article continues: How did this get started? ... Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools. And we said, OK. ... Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school, the Bible says "thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal, and love your neighbors as yourself," and we said OK. ... Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said, an expert should know what he's talking about so we won't spank them anymore.É

Then someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued. And we accepted their reasoning. ... Then someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, that's a grand ideaÉ

Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they are going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, that's another great idea. ÉThen some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And we said, it doesn't matter what anybody, (including the president) does in private, as long as we have jobs and the economy is goodÉ.

And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet. And we said, everyone's entitled to free speech. ... And the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex. ... And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes. ... And we said, it's just entertainment and it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead. ... Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, classmates and even themselves. Undoubtedly, if we thought long and hard enough, we could figure it out. I'm sure it has a great deal to do with ... "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." (Gal. 6:7)

Most of the points this article contains are no big deal, that is, until it happens to us or our loved ones. When I present material of this nature, I realize that I alienate a lot of readers who do not share my values. Believe me, the last thing on earth I want to do is make people unhappy, but what we should all stop to realize is that when we have another school shooting in America, it causes heartache for those directly affected, but also strikes at the very freedom that we all cherish so much. We should all stop and ask ourselves why we are having these shootings that we never used to have in this country. The answer is not technical and it's not that hard. Thanks, John.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 515 - CONTINUE THE VISION

No. 515

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CONTINUE THE VISION

When things hit close to home, it's no longer a matter of feeling sorry for someone else, as that someone else may be you. While I have never been one to feel sorry for myself, I had a real struggle a few months ago when I developed a case of double vision. To top it off, it happened just a few days before I was to travel by automobile to Branson, Mo., to make a speech. In this case, since I was going to be traveling alone, I was presented with a double problem. First, I had to get there, and I have enough trouble trying to dodge one car at a time, much less two. Then I had to be able to read my brief speaking notes at the engagement after I arrived. It was not a good feeling. Fortunately, my eye doctor was able to see me and have some new glasses made a couple of days before I was to leave. If you wear glasses, you know that trying to get used to them is another matter all together. To make a long story short, I made the trip fine but could not focus and pick up my notes at all, so I just had to wing it. If they were not pleased, at least they were kind enough not to say so. What this experience really did was to remind me again of just how precious our sight really is. If you are visually impaired, wear glasses or even if you are blind and have someone reading this to you, you can well appreciate what I am saying.

In this light, one of the most rewarding and satisfying things I have ever done is to be a part of our local Lions Club. As you may know, the main focus and purpose of Lions International and the 1.3 million Lions all over the world is to help the blind and visually impaired. In fact, we are the largest "service" organization in existence today, and our clubs can be found in almost 190 countries. At our state convention this past May, I had the privilege of presenting our Nationwide Literacy & Bookcase for Every Child Campaign to my fellow Lions. I am very optimistic that we will have many of our clubs involved in literacy over the coming months and years.

Having said that, I want to tell you about something far more important, in terms of helping the blind and visually impaired. Preceding my part on the program was a presentation by the Lions World Services for the Blind of Little Rock, Ark. After you hear about a new project they are undertaking, if you wear glasses or have family or friends who are blind or visually impaired, you may want to be a part of it. Before I tell you what it is, please allow me to give you a little background information. In 1939, Roy Kumpe began a program to train and employ people who are blind to operate vending stands in government buildings. In 1947, that program developed into a comprehensive blindness rehabilitation center in Little Rock, now known as Lions World Services for the Blind.

The center provides counseling services, personal adjustment training and vocational training in 13 career areas, ranging from computer programming to small engine repair. In its 58 years, LWSB has served more than 8,800 people from all 50 states and 57 other countries. It is the largest, most comprehensive adult rehabilitation center in the world and is fulfilling the mission of enabling the blind and visually impaired to live full, productive lives with dignity and self-respect. Now, here is the exciting part of what I am sharing. In order to continue to grow and be an industry leader, the Board of Directors has decided to pursue the process of building a new, state-of-the-art training facility that, much like our current facilities did in the early 60s, will set the standard for rehabilitation facilities all over the world.

The new facility will be on a hill just south of the Clinton Presidential Library, and will continue to shine a beacon of hope for those who are blind and visually impaired. The new campus will be built in three phases. The first phase, estimated to cost $17 million, will consist of 132,185 square feet, including dormitories that will house up to 100 trainees in private rooms with Internet access, a large 300-seat auditorium, and advanced state-of-the-art training facilities. The second phase, estimated to cost $3 million, will consist of an additional 22,935 square feet and will expand the dormitories to house up to 150 trainees.

The third and final phase of the campus, estimated to cost $2 million, will add 14,007 square feet for a total square footage of 167,126, including housing in private rooms for up to 200 trainees

If you are a Lion or someone who has a family member who is blind or visually impaired, if you will go to their Web site www.lwsb.org and click on CONTINUE THE VISION, you will be thrilled to see what they are building. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost their sight. This new facility will give all caring, giving Americans an opportunity to help them.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 516 - HE DIDNT' SMILE THIS TIME

No. 516

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HE DIDN'T SMILE THIS TIME

Did I ever tell you about the time the high school principal gave me 27 licks with a paddle for mocking the English teacher? His name was Bill Little. Some of my friends who read this column in the Lincoln Ledger in Gould and Star City, the county seat town where it's published, will probably relate to this true, but painful story. In fact, some of them probably traveled down the same road. Those were the days when you sure did not want to go back to the principal's office for the second or third time. I was slow in many things, but I was a fast learner when it came to taking that short trip, just down the hall to the principal's office. However, I can truthfully say he was always nice about it.

This incident came to mind as I was reading a recent e-mail from Brenda Strickling, a faithful reader of my column in Centerville, Iowa. Brenda is working hard to get our literacy campaign started in her community and recently she sent me something her husband Larry had written. It was titled, "The True Board of Education." I will share his article in a moment, but ironically Larry and I both graduated from high school the same year, but he graduated from Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Ohio. Now, granted, this was from a different era, but I can tell you from experience, if we went back to those days we would not have the discipline problems many of our schools are having today.

Here is what Larry Strickling wrote and titled it, "The True Board of Education:"

"In days gone by, the Board of Education ruled supreme in all schools. All students were in awe of its power and the administration of this power; some were even in fear of this supreme power. Most schools had an in-house administrator who exerted this power when required; usually the principal of said school. As you have probably surmised by now, the "True-Board" was literally a board hand-crafted for a perfect fit to the hand of the administrator, about two feet in length with many holes drilled into the business end of the board. Anyone who met this board was never anxious for another meeting! Woe be unto the repeat offender. (This is what I was saying earlier.)

I must confess my days in school were in the 1940s and 1950s, graduating in 1956. I still remember Mr. Stewart, the grade-school principal at West Main. He was the sixth-grade teacher and had an office on the second floor. Anytime he took a pupil into this office, you could hear a pin drop until they finally emerged. Everyone was expecting the usual "WHACK-WHACK." Mr. Watters, our junior and senior high principal commanded a similar authority over all students and was also well represented by the Board of Education.

The event burned into my memory is an incident that happened in shop class; the teacher was also the head football coach. A cardinal rule in shop was absolutely NO horseplay. One day the coach was late getting to class and two classmates were playing tag around the workbenches. One of them heard the coach coming and stopped dead in his tracks, the other did not. Needless to say the coach was not happy when he entered the shop and one of his football players was running. He called him in front of the whole class, told him to grab his ankles and administered the board of education (he had a paddle hand made personally, the best there ever was.). Bill stood up and smiled at the coach. Mr. Gilchrest told him to grab his ankles again, for he must not have gotten the message. Another lick was applied that lifted Bill at least a foot off the floor. To Bill's credit he never shed a tear when standing back up Ð but he didn't smile this time." He concludes by saying, "Our Boards of Education, properly applied, kept many students toeing the line."

Now I ask, is it time to bring back the TRUE Board of Education? Thanks Larry, for sharing your memories from a bygone era. For many people who will read this column across the country, this kind of thinking is old fashioned. However, you and I both know that it works.

Unless we have some drastic changes in our nation's court system, these days are gone forever, but there may be hope down the road. When conditions reach critical mass, more and more people begin to look for solutions to our social and economic problems. Outside of the spiritual realm, the answer lies in education and the values we are teaching our nation's young people. This will determine the kind of nation we will leave to future generations of Americans. Even if it means that my own grandchildren would get a few licks here and there, I would love to see our schools return to this system of discipline. Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 517 - AN ANGEL...DRESSED LIKE A BUM!

No. 517 Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ANGEL ... DRESSED LIKE A BUM!

If you ever get to thinking that you are someone who is really important, I would like to invite you to conduct a little experiment that will place things in the proper perspective. Just get a bucket of water and stick your hand down in it all the way to the bottom. Now, without removing your hand, slosh it around and really cause it to stir. Now, take your hand out. The hole that's left is some measure of how much you will be missed, by most folks, after a few weeks or months have gone by. Of course we are all important in the eyes of God, and He is the only one who really counts.

Almost every day I get letters from readers from somewhere in our country. I am grateful for each one and, while it may take a little time, I try to personally respond to each one. It is such a blessing to hear from each person who has taken their valuable time to write, and the vast majority are very encouraging. However, every once in a while I do hear from someone who takes me to task over some column or position I have taken. These letters hurt, but even here I try to learn something and respond to these as well. Everyone has a right to their opinion and I do my best to always respect that.

Many of you readers share your heart, but also things that are worthy to pass along. I try to be selective and only use those that contain a moral or a principal that I believe will help you in some way. None of us has a corner on the market of good ideas, and as long as they are not copyrighted I am delighted to pass them along. The other day a friend sent me a "true"story that gets to the very heart of who we are as an individual. The bottom line is that we all need help, like the man in prison who wrote me this week, and another reader who wanted a copy of a previous column, and another from a school curriculum coordinator who was looking for a speaker.

Here is a story about a man who is a little more humble now: "I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get off work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would call a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There are times when you feel generous, but there are other times when you just don't want to be bothered, and this was one of those times.

I hope he doesn't ask me for money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That''s a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged, but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard kept more than his face warm. I said, "Thanks," and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "Ask him if he needs any help."

I was sure that he would say "yes," but I held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. "Don''t we all?" he said. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me. I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a 12-gauge shotgun. Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help, too. No matter how little you have, no matter your problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets, but maybe he was more than that. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Hope you will remember those three little words. Don't we all? You can easily judge the character of anyone by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 518 - IS THIS REALLY YOU?

No. 518

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN IS THIS REALLY YOU?

As I begin this column, here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. One day you were walking down the street alone, and no one else was around, you came upon a wallet that apparently someone had dropped. After opening it up and looking at the contents, you discover that it contains $1,000 in small bills and it also has the identity of the owner, phone number, street address and all. What would you do with it? Well, I would have to believe that you would return it to the rightful owner, and so would most other people. The credit goes to you, not to me, but I do stand for character values, because they are very important.

This is not to say that I am anywhere near perfect because I definitely am not, but I do know right from wrong and I do my dead level best to always be honest. This is the way I was reared and it stuck, and since becoming a Christian and studying the Word of God for many years, I now have a basis for morality, character and integrity that I did not have before. The reason I wanted to share this with you is because I am deeply concerned about the total lack of honesty and character on the part of an increasing number of the American people. We tend to associate with people of like mind and values, so I don't very often see this in the circle of people I know. This is another way of saying that birds of a feather flock to together.

To get to the point, I am hearing more and more stories about identity theft and computer hackers. An individual can work hard for years, manage his finances well and be fixed for a secure retirement, and along comes someone who gains access to his personal information and steals his identify. By the time the theft is discovered, it's too late and his bank account is wiped out, his credit is ruined and it will take several months or even years to clear it up. We both know that this situation is just not right and it will continue to erode the quality of life we have in our great country, if we don't take steps to correct it.

What's the answer? Having stronger laws on the books and enforcing them will help, but the problem is much deeper than that, because a person who is a crook at heart will find another way. Incidentally, if you have a computer and have not already done so, go to www.google.com and one at a time type in the two phrases "computer hacker" and "identify theft" and you will get an education in a hurry. You will also discover just how pervasive this problem really is and how devastating it is to our society. As I was thinking about what I wanted to share here, I had this question cross my mind that every retail clerk in America at any business could ask each time they are asked to charge something by whatever method.: "Is this really you?"

Apparently, what a lot of these people don't understand who are into computer hacking and identity theft, is that this crime is no different than walking up to someone and sticking a gun in their side and lifting all of their valuable possessions, car, money and jewelry. Really, identify theft is worse because this goes on for a long period of time and most everything is stolen before the victim ever finds out about it. As I'm presenting my case here I want to focus on character values in three areas: the home, the school and the church. I am confident you will agree with me. We must teach our children and grandchildren by precept and example at home that it is morally and ethically wrong to steal, to lie and to cheat.

For example, a young person in school must understand that it is not only morally wrong to cheat on a test, but when they cheat they are stealing opportunity from themselves. I saw something on TV the other day that was the most absurd thing I have ever heard: parents paying someone to help their kids cheat. The kid is going to get out of school with a warped set of values and have to look in the mirror at themselves for the rest of their lives. While I may be too old fashioned, I come from a generation when a person's word was their bond and a good name was one of the things most desired and sought after.

As part of the "Bookcase for Every Child" literacy campaign in communities across the nation, one of the things our volunteers are going to stress to parents is to teach children character values like honesty, truthfulness, kindness, sharing, respect for authority, common courtesy and good manners, as we teach them to become avid readers. This will be a great help to our nation's teachers, as well. If enough of us believe this is important, we can make a difference. We should care enough to want the very best our children and future generations of Americans.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 519 - ANGELITA'S FLOWERS ARE STILL FRESH

No. 519

Jim Davidson Ð NEWSPAPER COLUMN ANGELITA'S FLOWERS ARE STILL FRESH

During the early morning hours of 22 January 1944, troops of the Fifth Army swarmed ashore on a 15-mile stretch of Italian beach near the prewar resort towns of Anzio and Nettuno. The landings were carried out so flawlessly and German resistance was so light that British and American units gained their first day's objectives by noon, moving three to four miles inland by nightfall. The ease of the landing and the swift advance were noted by one paratrooper of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, who recalled that D-Day at Anzio was sunny and warm, making it very hard to believe that a war was going on and he was in the middle of it.

The location of the Allied landings, 30 miles south of Rome and 55 miles northwest of the main line of resistance, running from Minturno on the Tyrrhenian Sea to Ortona on the Adriatic, surprised local German commanders, who had been assured by their superiors that an amphibious assault would not take place during January or February. Thus, when the landing occurred, the Germans were unprepared to react offensively. Within a week, however, as Allied troops consolidated their positions and prepared to break out of the beachhead, the Germans gathered troops to eliminate what Adolph Hitler called the "Anzio Abscess." The next four months would see some of the most savage fighting of World War II.

What I have just shared with you is background information for the Battle of Anzio that took place in Southern Italy between January 22 and May 24, 1944. During this time, there were 16,200 casualties (2,800 killed, 11,000 wounded and 2,400 prisoners or missing) and there were 26,000 Allied non-combat casualties. Today, the largest World War II cemetery is at Anzio. In tribute to these brave American and Allied soldiers, we owe our freedom to them for the tremendous sacrifices they made for us.

While I did not know the details of this campaign, I was deeply honored when Clyde Easter, president of the Anzio Beachhead Veterans of 1944, wrote me a letter extending an invitation to be the keynote speaker for their national convention. This meeting was held April 9 at the Welk Hotel in Branson, Mo. There were about 125 people in attendance, and 72 of these were World War II veterans, some as old as 90 years. I was in awe to be in the presence of these American heroes and I did my best to let them know that our nation and our people are deeply grateful to them and what they did for us.

The meeting went wonderfully well, but one of the highlights for me turned out to be a CD that was given to me along with the story of Angelita Rossi, a young 5-year-old girl who was at Anzio at this time. Apparently her parents were on vacation and had been killed by the bombing and she was alone on the beach when the Allied forces came ashore. When the first wave of troops found her, she was crying and they finally found out her name and then figured out that her parents were dead. The CD I received told the story, set to music, and the title was "Angelita's flowers are still fresh." The message said that Angelita met General Clark at the beachhead with flowers and the general gave her popcorn.

The thing that touched me so deeply is that the American GI's adopted her and did their best to make a home for her, all during the months they were there on the beachhead. What I did not tell you earlier is that after the first few days when they landed, General Lucas did not push on for fear of getting trapped. This gave the Germans time to bring in extra forces, ultimately 135,000 troops. The Germans fully intended to push the Allies back into the sea. What they did not know or understand is just how tough the Yanks were. The battle raged for weeks, but finally came to a standoff where neither side had much punch left. Most of the damage done to the Allies was by "Anzio Annie," a 280mm German railway gun, which fired from the Alban Hills.

What this battle accomplished is that it tied up a good part of Hitler's forces and allowed other Allied troops to advance. After four months, Rome was liberated, and what a glorious day it was.

We hear all kinds of stories today from the war with Iraq, about prisoners and prisoner abuse, and no doubt some of it is true. The compassion of the American troops toward little Angelita Rossi for me really captured what the true spirit of America is all about. Sometimes, if a person does not have compassion, especially if there has been brutality against us, they feel justified in inhumane treatment. While some may disagree, this is not what our country is about. As a matter of principle, compassion for all human beings is really what has always set our nation apart.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 520 - A PICTURE YOU CAN NEVER ERASE

No. 520

The next password is ralph

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PICTURE YOU CAN NEVER ERASE

Have you ever thought about what kind of person would go off and leave a toddler or a small helpless child in a hot car, van or other vehicle for any length of time? In my thinking, I may have overlooked something, but I am going to give you my answer to that question. A person who would do something like this is either high on something, not playing with a full deck or is a minimum wage employee who is not the child's parent.

Each year at the beginning of summer and throughout the following months, it seems there are always several cases reported in the news where an adult has gone off and left a small child in a hot vehicle and returned to find the child dead or suffering from serious heat exhaustion.

While I can't give you all the details about this all too often tragedy, my friends at the Arkansas Children's Hospital can. Recently, I received a press release about this very thing, and with the hope and prayer that it might save a few precious lives, I want to share this information with you. After you read and think about it, if you are a responsible adult, I believe you'll think more than twice about ever doing something like this in the future. To be sure, to come back to a hot car where you have left a toddler all alone, for even a short period of time, and find him dead will evoke a mental picture you will never be able to erase, as long as you live.

Please consider this information and the consequences of not heeding it. "Though it may not seem that hot outside to you, children left alone in a parked car on a hot day can suffer permanent disability or die very quickly. During the summer months, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 130 to 170 degrees in as little as 15 minutes," says Donna Parnell, R.N., M.N.Sc., trauma coordinator at Arkansas Children's Hospital. "Direct sunlight and a dark-colored car can speed up the process. Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke may occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees."

When in a hot car, a child loses body fluids and salts through perspiration, causing heat exhaustion. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which prohibits the body from perspiring. Body temperature then rises, causing severe damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, and even death. "A parked car is like an oven. With the doors closed and windows up, the temperature inside increases and it becomes like an oven in a matter of minutes on a hot summer day. You should no more leave your child in the car, even with the windows rolled down, than you should allow your child to sit in the oven in your home," adds Parnell.

Parents need to be cautious of leaving their vehicles unattended, especially in the summer months. Deaths can occur from a variety of situations, like children gaining access to vehicles themselves, to children who were left behind by adults including parents, caregivers, daycare providers, van drivers and babysitters. These deaths are preventable. Here are some things for parents and caregivers to consider:

* Children playing, who let themselves or others into unlocked vehicles. Many toddlers can wander off and into cars with open doors. These children can easily shut themselves inside the vehicle.

* Children who are left in vehicles by adults. In many cases, parents will leave a child, who is usually sleeping, for a brief time but can become preoccupied and leave the child longer than intended. Parents might not want to wake a sleeping child, so instead leave him or her in the vehicle.

*Children who are left in vehicles by adults who are unaware that they are leaving a child. Anyone transporting children needs to be aware of the children in the vehicle. Children can fall asleep or get out of their seats and hide in small places.

Parnell recommends the following tips to keep children safe: Always keep your car doors locked even when the car is in the garage. Children may play in the car and can become trapped when they are not strong enough to open the doors. Teach children that the car is not a playground. Check the temperature of child safety seats and seat belts before buckling up kids. The metal can become hot enough to cause burns. Call 911 immediately if you find a child left alone in a parked car or your child becomes locked in your car. The child's life may depend on it. Ensure that children drink plenty of fluids. Never leave your child in a vehicle to run an errand, even for a few minutes. Cars are not babysitters."

Most people are thoughtful and careful, but a brief mental lapse can be tragic. As I said before, a lifeless child discovered in a hot car would create a vivid mental picture that you can never erase.

(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

The next password is ralph

No. 495 - A BOOKCASE FOR EVERY CHILD

No. 495

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BOOKCASE FOR EVERY CHILD

In a documented study, the ABC television affiliate, KATV in Little
Rock, Arkansas, recently reported that 50 percent of America¹s college
students had admitted to ³binge drinking² at least once in the past 30 days.
This study also revealed one fourth of the female binge drinkers were
victims of date rape or an attempted date rape. It was also discovered a
female student who had consumed at least seven beers was 10 times more
likely to be date raped than someone who had not been drinking.
When I heard this report I said to myself, ³What¹s going on here?² Then
I asked myself this question: ³Is this the kind of society that I want my
children and grandchildren to grow up in?² Well, I believe you know the
answer to that question and I also believe the answer would be the same for
millions and millions of other Americans.
This is a great nation. God has blessed our nation in a mighty way over
the years and I¹m sure He would not be pleased with what is happening in our
country today. Make no mistake, date rape is a very serious offense and if a
man is convicted of this crime, it carries a lengthy prison sentence. These
staggering numbers also make it clear to me that far too many college-age
young people did not have the right kind of character and moral training
when they were growing up. If you share my personal convictions that we must
get back to practicing and teaching the kind of values that will provide a
bright future for all of our people in the months and years to come, I have
some ideas to share that I believe will really be of interest.
First, let¹s understand the negative influence television has had on our
culture, on parents as well as their children. By the time a young person
enters college, they have seen thousands and thousands of beer commercials
that glamorize an irresponsible lifestyle. I don¹t know about you, but I
detest the unbridled number of ³male enhancement² commercials that flood
almost every channel on the set and it¹s getting worse. I also get them on
my computer. Just think of what this is doing to the mind set and culture of
our nation¹s young people. What¹s even more deplorable is the number of
major companies who used to never use anything off color or suggestive to
advertise their products but are now doing it on a regular basis.
I have a friend who has taught fourth grade here in our community for
more than 25 years. Recently she conducted a survey of her 21 students to
see how many television sets they each had in their home. One student had
two, most had three and some had as many as five to seven. As she said,
³These kids are spending hours playing video games, surfing the Internet and
watching trashy television programs.² As a nation, we must take even more
seriously the negative influence the television is having on our culture.
While it may appear to be too simple, I may have a part of the solution.
We must give our children an alternative to the television set, something
they enjoy more. This past Christmas I did something I have never done
before in my life. There are 19 people in my immediate family and I gave
each one a book as a Christmas gift. I¹ve already gotten some great
feedback. I got a report that one daughter and her husband, who have two
beautiful daughters, had read their books and had made a decision to not
turn on a television set during the entire month of February. I¹m told the
girls are now reading books in their rooms and are not interested in
watching television. They are also playing games and doing things around the
kitchen table during family time.
Here is an idea that I have been developing for some time. Why not have
a ³Bookcase For Every Child² and then personalize it by putting the child¹s
name on it? Then we can start buying good character and morality building
books at their own reading level. Churches can do this as well and maybe
even have the men of the church build the bookcases and purchase some
quality books for the children¹s own personal library. Something else to
consider is that while the courts have removed spiritual training from our
public schools, our Bible-believing churches can teach our nation¹s young
people those spiritual and character values that made us the greatest nation
on earth.
Just think about what we can do together, in the months and years to
come. I¹ve always believed it is better to light one small candle than to
curse the darkness. In addition to the Bible and Bible stories, I would like
to see more of our children taught respect for others, courtesy and good
manners. I love to see and be around children who always say, ³Yes Sir, No
Sir, Please and Thank You.² Believe me, this will make a tremendous
difference when they leave school and enter the real world. If you would
like more information, drop me a note.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 496 - BUILDING OUR LIVES ON TRUTH

No. 496

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILDING OUR LIVES ON TRUTH

It¹s been said that unless we are building our lives on truth we are
building on sand, and a life built on myths, speculations, lies and
half-truths cannot stand. Regardless of our age, where we live, what we do
and who our ancestors were, we should all seek to live by the truth, because
in the end that¹s the only thing that will endure. The dictionary defines
truth as ³The state or character of being true in relation to being,
knowledge or speech.² Unfortunately, when it comes to knowledge and truth,
our mind operates much like a computer. It is impartial. What we
deliberately put into our conscious mind or permit to enter into our
subconscious mind is what comes out in our lives. The computer term we have
all heard G.I.G.O. is true. Garbage in ‹ Garbage out. This is why many of
the lyrics of songs in our secular culture are so devastating to those who
continually listen to them.
Along these lines, a friend sent me something the other day by an
unknown author that I believe to be the truth. As you read these, please
weigh each one carefully in relation to ³truth² and determine if these
statements will help you make better decisions. When you come right down to
it, success in life is being able to make wise choices and decisions most of
the time. We can¹t do that unless we operate on the basis of truth. While
the odds are good that I don¹t know you personally, I do care and my heart¹s
desire is to help you regardless of your age, where you live and what you
do. One thing to keep in mind is that people who are in prison are there
because they made bad choices.
It¹s True!
1. No matter how good friends are, they are going to hurt you once in a
while and you must forgive them for that. 2. True friendship continues to
grow, even over the longest distances. Same goes for true love. 3. You can
do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. 4. It is
taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. 5. You can keep
going long after you can¹t. 6. We are responsible for what we do, no matter
what we think or how we feel. 7. Either you control your attitude or it
controls you. 8. Regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at
first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its
place.
9. Heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be
done, regardless of the consequences. 10. Money (and all the stuff it can
buy) is a lousy and immature way of keeping score. 11. My best friend and I
can do anything or nothing and have the best time. 12. Sometimes the people
you expect to kick you when you are down, will be the ones to help you get
back up. (Boy that¹s true) 13. Sometimes when I am angry I have the right to
be angry, but it doesn¹t give me the right to be cruel. 14. Just because
someone doesn¹t love you the way you want them to, doesn¹t mean they don¹t
love you with all they have ‹ they may not have as much as you do.
15. Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you¹ve had
and what you¹ve learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays
you¹ve celebrated. 16. It isn¹t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. 17. No matter how bad your
heart is broken, the world doesn¹t stop for your grief. Pity parties are
never large events. 18. Our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are fully responsible for who we become. 19. Just because
two people argue, it doesn¹t mean they don¹t love each other. And just
because they don¹t argue, it doesn¹t mean they do.
20. You shouldn¹t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your
life forever. 21. Two different people can look at the exact same thing and
see something totally different. 22. Your life can be changed in a matter of
hours (even minutes) by people who don¹t even know you. 23. Even when you
think you have no more time to give, when a friend cries out to you, you
will find the strength to help. 24. Schools attended and credentials on the
wall do not make you a decent human being. 25. The people you care about
most in life always seem to be taken from you too soon. 26. You should tell
and show people you love that you love them as often as possible, because
you never know when your last chance will be.
The Greek philosopher Epictetus (AD 50-130) once said, ³When you have
closed your doors and darkened your room, remember never to say that you are
alone, for you are not alone. God is within, and your genius is within ‹ and
what need have they of light to see what you are doing. Jesus said, ³I am
way, the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father but by Me.² John
14:6.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 497 - WHERE ARE THOSE MISSING COMMANDMENTS?

No. 497

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE ARE THOSE MISSING COMMANDMENTS?

If you are at least 50 years of age, may I ask you a couple of somewhat
personal questions? When you were growing up, did you know clearly what was
right and what was wrong? And here is the second question: Do you think the
vast majority of our young people today clearly know right from wrong?
Just ponder those important questions for a little while, and as you do,
permit me to tell you about a fantastic lady I met a few months ago. After
speaking to the Chamber of Commerce banquet in Vandalia, Illinois, Randy and
Patty Sprague came up and purchased a copy of my book, ³Learning, Earning &
Giving Back.² I signed it and they went on their way.
A couple of weeks later I received a very kind letter from Patty and she
included some samples of her writing. She is a very talented freelance
writer and she told me about an unpublished book she has written, titled ³No
Tears For Tabitha,² that is about her daughter who has Downs Syndrome. I
read her manuscript and I predict that someday it will be published and can
be found on bookshelves all across the nation. Patty also desires to write a
weekly column that would be published in the newspaper. We will just wait
and see what develops for her.
The reason I have given you this background is because of something else
she sent me just recently titled ³Where Are the Missing Commandments?² Her
work will speak for itself.
It begins: ³I am fed up! Tired of hearing it! Mad! If I hear another
report about taking the Ten Commandments down again, I’ll just ‹ just
scream! Then the Lord spoke to my heart. For every one that has been taken
down, 1,000 should have taken its place! Why hasn¹t every God-fearing,
Bible-believing Christian in America posted their own Ten Commandments in
their yards? Why hasn¹t every God-fearing Bible-believing church in America
put up their own Ten Commandments monument on their own property?
Here are three extreme reasons why we must replace what has been torn
down:
€ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto
the simple. Psalm 119:130
€ For thou has magnified thy word above all thy name. Psalm 138:2
€ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that
we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24
Every single person who walks by and reads those words receives light!
Every man who gazes upon it receives understanding. Every woman reading
those words is being taught by the Lawgiver Himself! Every child would
clearly understand right from wrong.
From the Web site Adherents.com: Here are the top 10 religious bodies
and their memberships: 1. Roman Catholic Church: 66,407,105 (2002) 2.
Southern Baptist Convention: 16,400, 000 (2003) 3. United Methodist Church:
8,251,042 (2002) 4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 5,503,192
(2002) 5. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: 5,038,066 (2002) 6. Church
of God in Christ: 5,000,000 (1991) 7. Presbyterian Church (USA): 3,595,259
(2001) 8. National Baptist Convention of America: 3,500,000 (1987) 9.
Assemblies of God: 2,687,366 (2002) 10. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod:
2,512,714 (2003).
Approximately 119 MILLION people here in this list claim membership to a
church body! Let¹s just divide that by half and that would be 59.5 MILLION
people that could take a stand for the Ten Commandments. Wouldn¹t you like
to see that many Ten Commandments signs in those yards? And what about the
church property itself? WHERE are those missing Commandments?²
Well, Patty I don¹t know where all of them are, but I do know where two
more are. Soon after I shared this idea with Viola, she went to the computer
and typed them up on a letter-size sheet of paper, put them in frames and
hung them outside of both the front door and the back door.
A few days later I went to my graphic artist and had him put them in a
professional format, with a shadow box effect, showing an American soldier
with our nation¹s flag in the background. It really looks sharp and it
contains a clear message for anyone who comes to visit us in the future.
When it comes to yard signs, I would never recommend anything that is gaudy,
cheap or distracting, but people who are talented and creative can produce a
design so attractive and blends in so well that it not only gets a message
across, but actually enhances the property.
The millions of my fellow Americans who value freedom and know our
heritage understand what is at stake here. Just consider these words that I
ran across recently, ³The Bible is a collection of different legends,
mutually contradictory and written at different times and full of historical
errors, issued by churches as a Œholy¹ book.² Dictionary of Foreign Words,
Soviet Government, 1951.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 498 - A RECIPE FOR HANDLING ADVERSITY

No. 498

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A RECIPE FOR HANDLING ADVERSITY

Thank you for taking the time to read my column today. It is my sincere
hope that I can share some thoughts with you that will make a difference in
your day. You may also have come to the conclusion that each day of our
lives is special because it means we have one less day to serve others, to
achieve a greater measure of success and happiness and to make a lasting
contribution for those who will follow after us. In this regard, here is my
sincere wish for you. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough
hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people do not necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything that comes along their way. If we are
to be truly happy, and please understand there is a difference between
happiness and joy, we must learn to handle adversity. This is to say, the
trials and tribulations that come along in each of our lives. It has been
truthfully said that into every life a little rain must fall, not will fall,
but must fall. If you are not facing some adversity at this time in your
life, you can just thank the Lord, because there is adversity coming down
the road. This is just a part of life.
The other day my dear friend, Lippy, sent me a little story that I would
like to call, ³A Recipe For Handling Adversity.² There are several
principles in this story that if understood and applied can help us deal
with adversity when it comes along.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life, her
marriage and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was
going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and
struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her into the kitchen. She filled three pots with water
and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first
she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and in the last she placed
ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In
about 20 minutes she turned off the burners. She then fished the carrots out
and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a
bowl. She then ladled out the coffee and placed it in a bowl.
Now, here is the object lesson that will be obvious as it is revealed.
Turning to the daughter, she asked, ³Tell me what you see?¹ ³Carrots, eggs
and coffee,² she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to
feel the carrots. She did and noted they were soft. The mother than asked
the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she
observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip
the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted the rich aroma. The daughter
then asked, ³What does it mean, mother?²
Her mother explained that each of these objects, the carrots, the eggs
and the coffee beans, had faced the same adversity ‹ boiling water. However,
each reacted differently. The carrots went in strong, hard and unrelenting.
However, after being subjected to the boiling water, they softened and
became weak. The eggs had been fragile. Each one, with its thin outer shell
had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling
water, its inside had become hardened. The coffee beans were unique,
however. After they were in the boiling water, they had actually CHANGED the
water, to a liquid drink that was delicious. .
After this little demonstration, the mother asked the daughter, ³When
adversity knocks at your door, which one are you, a carrot, an egg or a
coffee bean?² Obviously, this is a question we could each ask ourselves when
we are facing a time of adversity.
There are a number of great object lessons here, and with God¹s help I
will do my best to make them clear. Please ask yourself these questions,
when adversity comes along in my life, do I react like a carrot and become
soft and weak, or do I react like an egg that starts with a malleable heart,
but soon becomes hard and inflexible?
Do I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial
hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my
shell look the same, but on the inside I am bitter and tough with a stiff
spirit and a hardened heart?
And finally, the best solution to handle adversity is to be like the
coffee bean. It actually changes with hot water, the very circumstances that
bring the pain. When the hour is the darkest, you just elevate yourself to a
higher level.² And may the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always
at your back. May the Lord always hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old
Irish Blessing.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 499 - HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR STATE?

No. 499

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR STATE?

One time I heard a story about this man from Texas who was bragging
about how big his state was, and a man who was from Alaska overheard him.
This man from Alaska said, ³Mister, if you don¹t quit bragging about how big
Texas is, we are going to divide our state in half and then Texas will be
third.² I¹ve shared this before, but having traveled a good deal in Texas,
it¹s hard to imagine that another state could be more than twice the size,
in terms of square miles, than this giant state. Yet, it¹s true. Texas has
268,851 square miles while Alaska has 663,267 square miles, making it more
than twice the size. You will have an even better picture when you consider
the population of Alaska in the last national census was 626,932 and for
Texas it was 20,851,820.
Over the years I have always wanted to travel to Alaska and view the
pristine wilderness areas, see the wildlife and fish in some of those remote
places for many different species of game fish. Many of my friends have gone
to The Last Frontier, but somehow a trip like this has eluded me. Who knows,
maybe someday I will be invited up to this great state to kick off a
literacy campaign. But back to the state of Texas and a central question for
you. Regardless of where you were born or reared, how much do you know about
your state? To carry this question a step further, how much do you know
about the United States of America?
Since I have personally marketed this column for the past 11 years, I
have been blessed to talk with newspaper publishers and editors in every
state in the nation. By looking at state maps and seeing where the major
cities and towns are located, I have a pretty good education along these
lines. This sure comes in handy when I watch the national news and hear
about newsworthy events and can mentally see and have some knowledge of the
people, state and community. One thing is for sure, we have a great country
here. I feel so blessed to have been born here and be able to enjoy the
blessings of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness our forefathers
talked about.
The other day a reader sent me something titled, ³Some little known
Texas facts,² and I would like to pass them along to you. If you live in
some other state and have some information along these lines, please share
it with me and I will do my best to pass it along in a future column. I
believe you will agree it would serve our mutual interests if every American
would seek to learn more about their community, state and our nation. More
people would come to truly understand that America is worth fighting for,
and would be on guard to defeat those people and influences, both external
and internal, that seek to destroy us.
Here are those Texas facts: Beaumont to El Paso: 742 miles, Beaumont to
Chicago: 770 miles. El Paso is closer to California than Dallas. World¹s
first rodeo was in Pecos, Texas, July 4, 1883. The Flagship Hotel in
Galveston is the only hotel in North America built over water. The Heisman
Trophy was named after John William Heisman, who was the full-time coach for
Rice University in Houston. Brazoria County has more species of birds than
any other area in North America. Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home
of North America¹s only remaining flock of whooping cranes. Jalapeno jelly
originated in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1978.
The worst natural disaster in U.S. history was in 1900, caused by a
hurricane in which more than 8,000 lives were lost on Galveston Island. The
first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was ³Houston.² The King
Ranch is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Tropical storm Claudette
brought a U.S. rainfall record of 43 inches in 24 hours in and around Alvin,
Texas, in July 1979. Texas is the only state to enter the U.S. by treaty
instead of by annexation. This allows the Texas flag to fly at the same
height as the U.S. flag, and also gives Texas the right to separate from the
U.S. A Live Oak tree near Fulton, Texas, is estimated to be 1,500 years old.
Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.
Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no period after Dr in
Dr Pepper. Texas has had six capital cities: Washington-on-the-Brazos,
Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, West Columbia and Austin. The Capitol Dome
in Austin is the only dome in the U.S. which is taller than the Capitol
Building in Washington D.C. (by seven feet). The name Texas comes from the
Hasini Indian word ³tejas,² meaning friends. Tejas is not Spanish for Texas.
The state animal is the armadillo. The armadillo always has four babies!
They have one egg which splits into four and they either have four males or
four females. The first domed stadium in the U.S. was the Astrodome in
Houston.
While this is a little different type column, hope you learned something
today. I sure did.
(Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You
may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 535 - I'M 39 AND HOLDING

No. 535

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I'M 39 AND HOLDING

The other day I ran across one of the most comforting thoughts I have seen or heard in a long time. Here it is. If you laugh a lot, when you get older, your wrinkles will be in the right places!
While I don't know about you, every once in a while I need to stop what I am doing and take a laugh break. It's been proven that laughter relieves stress and I feel sure you know that stress can do all kinds of things to your body, and most of them are not good.
The other day a friend sent me a number of humorous stories and I would like to share them with you. To me, they are just great, but you may not think they are funny at all. Every once in a while my wife Viola says, "You have a weird sense of humor." I never have figured out exactly what she means when she says that.
Along these lines, it might also be good to remind you of a couple important points when it comes to humor, especially when it comes at someone else's expense. To me, a story is never funny if it ridicules other human beings and causes them to feel pain, shame or is demeaning in any way. It's also good to understand that some people can take kidding, while others can't, so we should always be sensitive when we are kidding or telling humorous stories. While it should go without saying, we should never tell jokes or stories that are vulgar, crude or off color. I used to tell an off color story once in a while, but learned better, as any of us can.
With that said, here are those stories that may give you a chuckle or two, as they did me. The first one has to do with Grandma's age, which can sometimes be a very sensitive subject. Little Johnny asked his grandmother how old she was. Grandma answered, "I'm 39 and holding." Johnny thought for a moment and then said, "How old would you be if you let go?" If you attend church, from time to time your minister may do something that is called a children's sermon." One Easter Sunday morning as the preacher was preaching the children's sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?" "I know!" a little boy exclaimed, "Pantyhose!"
Have you ever heard the story about the mood ring? The wife is speaking, "my husband bought me a mood ring the other day. When I am in a good mood it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a red mark on his forehead." And here is one of my favorites about life after death. "Do you believe in life after death?" The boss asked one of his employees. "Yes, sir." The new employee replied. "Well, then, that makes everything just fine," the boss went on. "After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you."
If you have ever been around someone that rubbed you the wrong way and made you want to climb the walls, you will enjoy this. "Oh, I sure am happy to see you," the little boy said to his grandmother on his mother's side. "Now maybe daddy will do the trick he has been promising us." The grandmother was curious. "What trick is that?" she asked. "I heard him tell mommy that he would climb the walls if you came to visit," the little boy answered. If you have a tender heart and love children, you will appreciate this one. A little boy in church for the first time watched as the ushers passed around the offering plate. When they came near his pew, the boy said rather loudly, "Don't pay for me daddy, I'm under five."
In these days when more and more grown children are leaving home only to move back, here is one that is very timely. The prospective father-in-law asked, "Young man, can you support a family?" "Well, no. I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves."
Laughter is good medicine. Hope you have enjoyed our laugh break today.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 536 - HOW SERIOUS IS OUR NATION'S LITERACY PROBLEM?

No. 536

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW SERIOUS IS OUR NATION'S LITERACY PROBLEM?

If you have read my column on any kind of consistent basis over the past several months, you know one of the things I am deeply concerned about is the declining rates of literacy in our country. I am concerned for several important reasons, and one of the most important is the individual who is hurt or affected most because they cannot read or write.
In our society today, just think about the kinds of opportunities an illiterate person has, as opposed to others who have these skills. Needless to say, we are all paying a high price for the millions of our citizens who cannot perform even the most simple literacy tasks. We live in a high-tech world and the words high-tech and literacy are synonymous.
In light of what I have just said, here is a question I would like to ask you to ponder for the next few minutes. How serious is our nation's literacy problem? Before you answer that question, please allow me to share some information I just received that may shed a little more light on this subject. An article written by Louis Romano that appeared in the Washington Post in December 2005 stated, "Literacy experts and educators say they are stunned by the results of a recent adult literacy assessment that shows the reading proficiency of college graduates has declined in the past decade with no obvious explanation."
The article continues with a quote by Michael Gorman, president of the American Library Association and a librarian at California State University at Fresno. "It's appalling Ñ it's really astounding. Only 31 percent of college graduates can read a complex book and extrapolate from it. That's not saying much for the remainder." Sadly, what is even more astounding is that this number was 40 percent back in 1992 and now it's down to only 31 percent. I believe you will agree that something has to give or we, as a nation who must participate in a global economy, are not going to fare well in the future.
To move a little closer to home, I have a good friend by the name of Amanda Moore, who is director of the Bailey Library at Hendrix College here in Conway. Hendrix is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. When I shared this Washington Post article with her recently, here is her response: "Having worked at four respected higher education institutions over the last 20 years, I do not find anything in this article very surprising. In the last several years, colleges and universities nationwide have spent considerable time coping with the many college freshmen that are ill-prepared for college. The level of academic remediation is horrifying."
"As the standards have gone up in American high schools, the knowledge of students seems to have diminished. Somehow, as a nation, it seems we are 'dumbing down' our students." She adds, "Of course, that's my interpretation, and the phenomenon could also be explained by changing learning styles."
After she shared this with me, I wrote her back to say that I really respected and valued her comments, because she is on the firing line and living it every day.
In a later visit with Amanda she said, "Yes, I'm definitely on the firing line, and many of us nationwide have noticed a steady decline in students' ability to read critically, approach their studies responsibly, and treat other members of the academic community considerately. Many educators believe and have observed that the problem has a lot to do with parenting: many parents nowadays want to befriend their kids rather than guide, mold, and teach/expect standards of appropriate moral and humane conduct. Having kids who are out of control makes the classroom completely impossible Ñ whether it be elementary, high school or college."
Here is that question again that is certainly worth thinking about, "How serious is our nation's literacy problem?" Your answer does matter a lot.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 537 - TAKING THINGS OUT OF CONTEXT

No. 537

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TAKING THINGS OUT OF CONTEXT

There is a word in the English language, though not used very often, that is very important when it comes to achieving personal success in our lives. The word is "Context" and it means "to weave together." We have all heard someone say, "He tried to prove something, but in doing so he took some things out of context." Have you ever done this or had it done to you? If you have, then you know how frustrating it can be. To be successful, we must be able to communicate effectively, and we can't do that if we habitually take things out of context as we interact and relate with others, whether in a personal, business or professional setting.
If you have never thought about this, I have some things to share that could prove very helpful as you deal with the people who come into your life. To establish a solid foundation, let me go to the dictionary and tell you what it says. Context: To weave together. The parts of a sentence, paragraph, discourse, etc., that occur just before or after a specified word or passage and determine its exact meaning: as, it is unfair to quote this remark out of its context.
There are countless examples to illustrate this, and I want to give you one of the most famous a bit later, but here is one that is very simple that I believe will insure we are all on the same page. First, let's count to 10: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine and 10. Now let's count to 10 again, but this time we will place one of the numbers out of context: one, two, three, five, six, four, seven, eight, nine and 10. It is easy to see that the number five is out of context. Believe it or not, this is what a lot of people do when they are communicating with others, especially when they are trying to prove something that is to their advantage.
When we take something out of context to prove a point, the real victim is truth and, to be more specific, we cannot succeed over the long haul if we don't tell the truth. In reality, a half-truth is still a lie. This question, please. Have you ever known people who tried to use the Bible in an attempt to prove something, but they took some key points out of context? Here is that famous example that I mentioned earlier: "He (Judas) went away and hanged himself. Go and do the same."
What we have here is two separate sentences from different passages of the Bible. The first sentence is taken from Matthew 27:5b and is the account where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and was paid 30 pieces of silver by the chief priests and elders. After he did this, he felt remorse and went back to them and said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself." And he threw the pieces of silver into the sanctuary and he departed: and he went away and hanged himself.
The last sentence in that statement is taken from Luke 10:37b and is part of the story of the Good Samaritan. In part it says, "There was a man traveling down the road and he was beaten and robbed by some unsavory men and left on the side of the road to die. Over the next several hours three different men came by, a Priest, a Levite and a Samaritan. The first two passed by on the other side of the road but the Samaritan (half-breed) stopped, put the man on his own beast, took him to an inn and paid for the innkeeper to take care of him. He also told the innkeeper that if he owed more, he would pay him when he returned."
Then Jesus, who was responding to a lawyer's question, said, "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" And the lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." And Jesus responded, "Go and do the same." Here we have two true statements when taken separately, but when they are linked together, they become untrue. That's what it means to take things out of context.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 538 - A FIRE JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN

No. 538

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A FIRE JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 532 - STEALING IS WASTED OPPORTUNITY

No. 532

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

STEALING IS WASTED OPPORTUNITY

Several years ago I heard a story about a man named Joe who decided to take his preacher fishing. Joe loved to fish and knew that his preacher had been under a lot of stress lately and it would be good for the two of them to get away for the day. Early the next morning Joe picked his preacher up at his house, and before long they were fishing. After a few minutes this preacher hooked into what had to be a 10-pound bass, the kind that will pull your boat along, even without a motor. At this point the fight was on. He fought that fish for what must have been 15 or 20 minutes and finally got him up to the edge of the boat ready to land him. At this point the big bass made one last lunge and broke his line. When this happened it made this preacher so mad that he threw his rod down in the middle of the boat, looked at his friend and said, "Joe, one of us ought to say something."
This is an old story, and you have probably heard it before, but it seemed to be a good way to introduce a topic where both of us, you and me, ought to say something. I'm talking about the destructive behavior of an increasing number of our citizens who are taking money and other objects that do not belong to them and claiming them as their own. There is another word for this in our language and it's called stealing. We have always had people in our society who have "sticky fingers," but apparently it's getting much worse, and the increasing cost is a matter that must be dealt with if we are to have law and order and maintain a civil society.
What motivated me to share these thoughts is a conversation I had recently with the marketing director of one of our largest banks. She told me she had been in banking for more than 20 years, but in the past two years she had seen more cases of fraud than in the other 18 years put together. She said her bank had to hire a full-time employee just to deal with the problem of fraud, which comes in many different forms. The bottom line is that more and more people are dishonest, have no ethics or morals, and they are willing to run the risk of getting caught and going to jail or prison.
As you well know, it's not just bank fraud that's getting worse. Shoplifting is a major problem that costs American business billions of dollars each year and is simply passed on to the consumer. Add to that employee theft, identity theft and simple looting, like we saw after two major hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast.
Here are a few questions that we would all do well to ponder. Why are more and more of our citizens resorting to stealing? Is it because there is a breakdown of moral and ethical character in our society? Is it something we should be concerned about? Is it possible that many people, especially young people, are stealing without being made aware that what they are doing is stealing? What can we do to put an end to it?
Some time back, at my printer's, I picked up an "Employee Handbook" developed by a major restaurant chain that may give us some insights. In one section it states, "So there can be no misunderstanding, the following is a list of actions that constitute "Stealing." 1. TAKING MONEY Ñ Taking money from the register or failure to put all cash into the register É constitutes stealing. 2. FREE FOOD Ñ Giving away any item for which (name of restaurant) should receive payment in full É constitutes stealing. 3. UNDER RINGING Ñ Failure to ring up on the register the full amount that (name of restaurant) should receive for any and all items given out É constitutes stealing. 4. FOOD OUT REAR Ñ Taking any food or paper or other items out the 'rear' of the store É constitutes stealing."
Now is that clear? The saddest thing of all is that people who steal are really stealing opportunity from themselves. Regardless of whether or not they get caught, that marvelous mind between their ears knows and can see what they are doing. We must teach that.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 539 - A VERY CANDID HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR

No. 539

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A VERY CANDID HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Have you ever been severely chastised about something, especially when you really didn't think it was your fault? If you have, then you know how I felt the other day when I got a letter from a female reader who really took me to task over a recent column. The column in question was one I had written several months ago about teaching "Abstinence Sex Education" in our nation's public schools. The letter was unsigned with no address, and since it was very brief, I will just share it with you. There is certainly a valid reason for sharing this, as you will see later.
It begins, "I am absolutely appalled that you would preach abstinence for girls and not once mention the same for boys. Talk about a double standard. Morals are for both sexes." When I said earlier that I didn't think it was my fault, it was because of my heart and my intent and not what I said, which was my fault. I am 100 percent in agreement with the basis for this lady's letter. Morals are for both sexes, and boys have the same or more responsibility in this matter than girls. I was just so focused on what I was saying I just assumed this would be understood. So there is my correction, along with my apology.
I heard from a good number of readers regarding this column, and one that really stood out was from a counselor at our local high school. Again a lady, and her name is Linda Hammontree. I have heard from Linda before on other columns, and I have really come to appreciate and respect her, because I know she really cares about students. We need more like her all across the nation. I would also like to share with you what Linda had to say, because she was very candid and because she is the voice of experience, having interaction with students day after day.
Linda begins, "I read your article recently about abstinence. We need the message to go to boys as well as girls. Boys put a lot of pressure on the girls. After talking with today's teens, I don't think the word abstinence is in their vocabulary. They are so open about their sexual experiences. There is no shame, no regrets; it is an unbelievably common occurrence among them. I wish it were as simple as just saying, 'Abstain.' Until we get the smut off the Internet and television and we get parents to stop being babysitters and actually be parents, I don't see the situation improving. Most of the pregnant girls that I see have a poor or no relationship with dad. These boyfriend/lovers become the dad figure in their lives. So sad, but so true."
For most of us this subject is very uncomfortable and I don't wade-in because I think I have all the answers. I wade-in because, like Linda Hammontree, I care about boys and girls and also understand that an unwanted pregnancy severely limits the chances of success and a long and happy life for most of these young girls. Like the Internet and television, there are other forces at work that makes it much more difficult to help our young people develop good character and moral values and to make wise choices.
As I stated in my previous column, one of these is the ACLU, which over the years has become "America's Bully." While I am not a big fan of Bill O'Reilly on Fox News, he has taken these people to task and compiled a list of things they support and the things they oppose. You can check this out by going to google.com and placing the words, "ACLU opposes" in your search bar. If you don't already know, you might read and consider carefully a few of the things on his list. The ACLU is opposed to parental notification for minors having abortion, filters on public library computers, sex offender registries, broadcast decency laws, prayers before high school football games, parental consent laws, "Abstinence before marriage," sex education and many others.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 540 - SOME 'GOOD' NEWS AND SOME 'BAD' NEWS

No. 540

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME 'GOOD' NEWS AND SOME 'BAD' NEWS

Do you ever feel like you are in the wrong business? If my primary goal in life was making or earning money, I would sure feel this way. I say this because I have figured out the group of people in our country today who are making the most money.
Before I share this little bit of wisdom with you, let me tell you this money-related story about a friend of mine. This friend, even though I have not seen him in a long time, is Grover Cooper. For many years Grover was a school superintendent in a number of eastern Arkansas school districts. By mere chance, he happened to be the superintendent of schools at Westside Public Schools near Jonesboro, Arkansas, on a very fateful day.
If you don't recognize this name, it's one of those unfortunate schools where two young boys ambushed and killed a teacher, four students and wounded 10 others on March 24, 1998. That was a sad day for millions of Americans. Anyway, back to Grover Cooper and my money story. Grover said he was being interviewed by a school board for a new job and he told the members of the board, "money is not the most important thing to me, but it is in the top five."
To continue with my earlier thought, the people I think are making the most money today are bankers. In our community there is a bank, branch or ATM on every corner, and several under construction as I write these words.
The reason I have given you this background is because of a story I heard the late Bob Murphy tell many years ago, and I heard my pastor tell it again just recently. This story happened many years ago, before the days of bank deregulation, and there were only a couple of banks in this small Texas community. One day Sam, an old farmer, went into the bank and asked to speak to the president. After he was ushered into the president's office, Sam shut the door behind him.
He said, "Bill, I've got some good news and I have got some bad news. Which do you want to hear first?" Bill said, "Why don't you give me the bad news first?" Sam said, "OK, you remember the $400,000 loan you made me to buy my farm?" Bill acknowledged that he did. Sam continued, "Well, we have had an awful tough year and I am not going to be able to pay anything on that loan. I can't pay you any interest or anything on the principal."
Sam continued, "Do you remember the $200,000 loan you made me to buy my equipment, the tractor, combine, disks and the other stuff?" Bill said, "Yes I remember and I have the paperwork right here." "Well Bill, I'm sorry to tell you that my cotton and soybean yield was down to almost nothing this year and I can't pay you anything on that loan either. I can't pay you anything on the interest or the principal." At this point Bill had a sad, dejected look on his face and he said, "Is that all the bad news?"
Sam said, "Not quite. Do you remember the $80,000 loan you made me to buy seed and fertilizer?" Bill said, "I sure do." Sam said, "Well, same sad story. You know that things have been terribly dry around here this year, and after getting the seed up and applying the fertilizer, that hot sun just wilted it all right there on the stalk. As a result, I'm not going to be able to pay you anything on the interest and I'm not going to be able to pay anything on the principal."
Bill said, "Is that all the bad news?" Sam said, "Yeah, that's it." Bill said, "Well, what's the good news?" Sam said, "The good news is that I'm going to keep on banking with you."
I have a lot of friends in the banking business and I'm sure every one of them would tell you that you just can't beat those loyal customers. When I think of banks, it reminds me of the theme of our state parks system, "Aren't you glad we got-em?"
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 541 - PAUL HARVEY'S

No. 541

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PAUL HARVEY'S "ON AIR" PRAYER

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 542 - A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

No. 542

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

I shall always be grateful to the good people of Altus, Okla., who really made me feel at home when I spoke to their annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Nov. 3, 2005.
Each year at the annual banquet, this community honors area farmers who make such a vital contribution to their economy. I also learned that this is "cotton country," which is near and dear to my heart. This banquet was the 28th annual and the theme was "Farming, Flying and Community:" The Pillars of Southwest Oklahoma. The flying refers to the fact that the Altus Air Force Base is located there. More about this a bit later because, for me, this proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The chamber Executive Director Holley Urbanski picked me up in Lawton and drove me back to Altus, where she gave me a tour of the community. It was very impressive and I could see and tell they have a lot going for them. The banquet was one of the best organized I have ever attended. One of the highlights was the decorating of the tables and you would not believe how well they were done. I later learned the reason the tables were so beautiful is that they invite different companies to take one table to decorate as their own, and this created some friendly competition. Every company or group was trying to out-do the others. And they did!!
The master of ceremonies was Maurice King, and he did a fabulous job of entertaining the 300-plus attendees before I was ever introduced. All in all, it was a wonderful affair and I commend Board Chairman Riley "Nub" Smith and the other officers and directors, for making the farmers in the area feel so special. Also, I would like to thank publisher Gary Jackson, editor Mike Bush and NIE coordinator Sandy Graham, for running my column in the Altus Times. I sure enjoyed the time I spent with you.
Earlier I mentioned the once-in-a-lifetime experience, related to the Altus Air Force Base. At the banquet I was seated next to Col. Dewey Everhart II, who is the base commander, and we had a wonderful visit prior to my appearance on the program. I learned that for a number of years, he was also stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, which is near my home. When we were making arrangements for my trip to Altus, Holley Urbanski told me that a number of area farmers and business people had been invited out to the base the following day to fly on the planes, and the invitation was extended to me, if I wanted to stay over.
I thought to myself, this is an opportunity I may never have again, so I decided to accept her offer. What followed the next day was something really special. We boarded busses for the base, were greeted by Col. Everhart and other officials and given a briefing and a box lunch. Then we loaded on the buses again for the trip out to the flight line. They have two primary aircraft at this base, the C5, which is the largest in the U.S. fleet, and the KC 135 Tankers, the planes that refuel in mid-air. I was one of 25 or so that was assigned to the KC 135 tanker. Didn't know how lucky I was at the time.
We all toured the C5 and you cannot believe how big this plane is. We later boarded the KC 135 Tanker and took off. I got to sit in the "jump seat" in the cockpit and put on the headphones to hear the tower and pilot talk back and forth. We got up to around 20,000 feet, doing 400-plus miles per hour, and actually refueled the C5 in flight. They let us go, two at a time, back to the rear of the plane, lie on a mat and watch the airman control the refueling line to the plane below.
I could not believe what I was seeing, as I looked out the small hole in the rear of the plane and could see the pilot of the C5 below us. Awesome! A once-in-a-lifetime experience, to be sure.
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(EDITORÕS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book ÒLearning, Earning & Giving Back.Ó)

No. 543 - A NEW SYMBOL FOR LITERACY

No. 543

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A NEW SYMBOL FOR LITERACY

If you will help me, over time, together we can solve our nation's literacy problem. If you will tune me in and really give some thought to what I am going to say, I believe you will agree with me.
It should be pretty well established in the minds of most Americans that we do have a tremendous literacy problem. We have gone downhill in the past 50 years to a point where now even our college people tell us that only 31 percent of college graduates are literacy proficient; this is to say they can read a complex book and extrapolate from it. There are many reasons for this, but it is a direct reflection on our nation's high schools. However, don't give up on them or me yet, because I am going to tell you why this is true.
Over the past several decades, we have pumped billions upon billions of dollars into public education and the numbers continue to decline. While we are making progress in some areas, and some schools, the numbers don't lie and are borne out by the statistics I just gave regarding college graduates. The primary reason for our nation's literacy problem is because parents and grandparents no longer read to their children as they did 50 years ago. In 1955, 81 percent of parents read to their children. Today that number is around 21 percent, and this goes a long way in explaining why our public schools are lagging behind most other industrialized nations.
If you accept my premise, the real question becomes, what are we going to do about it? In Conway, Ark., where I live, we have begun the process. We have a project called "A Bookcase for Every Child" and have built 50 quality oak bookcases, had more than 6,000 "gently used" books donated, had an awards ceremony to give the bookcases to children and parents in low-income families, and have started reading to these children each week and will continue into the future. We are planning to make a difference in the lives of these children, who according to statistics, do not have books in their homes.
by volunteers, and the funding for the wood to build the bookcases comes from donations and the sale of my book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back." What I want you to see here is that this is "grassroots" at its best. We don't need another layer of bureaucracy where you have salaries, rent, telephone, postage and other expenses, but rather we need parents and grandparents, along with others in the community who want to help win the battle against illiteracy.
We can do this with the sale of my book, as the funding vehicle, because I am giving ALL the profits from book sales to this cause. The way it's broken down is the book sells for $15.95, and $3 goes to buy wood for bookcases, $3 for the Newspaper in Education program in our schools, $3 to state press foundations to fund journalism internships (my way of giving back) and the rest of the profit being used to spread the project to other communities. It will take a long time and a lot of hard work, but when "Learning, Earning & Giving Back" becomes a symbol for literacy in America, and each time someone buys a book they know where the money is going, we will begin to win the battle.
They tell me that with the number of papers that run this column, and the combined circulation, that I have close to a million readers. I know most of my readers are parents and grandparents, and I want to challenge you and to plead with you to get involved. Buy one or more books, volunteer to help in your community and help us by telling family and friends about what we are doing.
Also read to your children and grandchildren. People who know me will tell you that I am not motivated by money. The reward I am seeking is simple. When I come to the end of my days, if the Lord will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" that's more than enough for me.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 544 - WATER — THE AGELESS MIRACLE WORKER

No. 544

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WATER THE AGELESS MIRACLE WORKER

If you love to cook, here is a thought I believe you will find very comforting. The next time you drink a glass of water, or use water in your cooking, you might get a kick out of remembering that it's used water and as old as the planet itself.
The other day I was poking around in my files and ran across an old radio transcript of The Earl Nightingale Program about water, and after reading it I'm calling it the "ageless" miracle worker. When you think about it, few things have been around as long as water, and it is also one of the few things in nature that can be used over and over again.
We live in a day and time when many things are recycled over and over again, but none can hold a candle to water. Water covers three-fourths of the earth's surface, with most of it too salty to drink. The oceans provide the gigantic reservoirs from which water constantly evaporates to fall back upon the earth. Here is something from the late Earl Nightingale that I certainly did not know. Evaporation from the oceans has been estimated at 80,000 cubic miles of water a year. If you can get a mental picture of a cubic mile of water and multiply it by 80,000, you can get an idea of how much water comes to us each year from the oceans of the world.
As stated earlier, water is one of the few things that can be used over and over again. Just think for a minute Ñ we are drinking and using the same water now that existed when the earth was born. And what's more, this water is just as good now as it was back then, however long the earth has existed, even though it's been used over again in every conceivable way since then. Again, here is one of those comforting thoughts. This is true even though it may have been polluted thousands of times by wastes or made undrinkable by ocean salt, water becomes clean and fresh again as soon as it evaporates into the atmosphere.
Here is something else I have learned that will shoot down my theory of snow ice cream being safe to eat, before the days of rocket probes, satellites and space exploration. There is no such thing as pure water in nature. Rainwater picks up traces of ammonium salts and gases from the air, and sulfuric acid given off by burning fuel in countless factories all across the world. Since I have never heard of anyone dying from eating snow ice cream, I guess it's one of those cases of what you don't know, won't hurt you. Hope you know that I'm just kidding
While we are on the subject of factories, you might be interested in knowing that water is the largest raw material used by American factories. Of course, this would also hold true for factories in other parts of the world. It takes 65,000 gallons of water to produce one ton of highly finished steel Ñ 70,000 gallons to wash away impurities and assist the refining process of one ton of high-grade paper. Our bones are 22 percent water, our muscles are 75 percent water, and our blood serum is 92 percent water. Even the enamel on our teeth is 2 percent water.
The rainiest place on earth is Kauai Island, Hawaii. The average is 489 inches of rain per year. The driest spot is Iquique, in Northern Chile Ñ it averages four hundredths of an inch a year, except for those years when none falls at all.
While water is the ageless miracle worker and we can't live without it, my prayer would be that we, as needy people throughout the world, could get the right amount of rainfall when we need it. As I write this, we have mudslides in California and lives, homes and property being lost in Texas, Oklahoma, my home state of Arkansas, along with other parts of the nation where it's been terribly dry. As we have all learned, the one thing we can't control is Mother Nature. All we can do is pray, adapt, conserve, make use of technology and use some common sense.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 545 - WHY GRANDPA READS THE BIBLE

No. 545

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY GRANDPA READS THE BIBLE

In our community, like most others across the country, we have public housing for people who need assistance to be able to make ends meet in these inflationary times. Up until recently, we had a high-rise apartment building for elderly people and it was called East Oakwood Apartments.
Tragically, a year ago it burned to the ground and 56 of these dear people lost everything they had except for the clothes on their backs. We are all grateful for one thing: no one lost their life as a result of the fire. Within a few hours our community began to come together, and we met the basic needs of those who did not have family in the area and had nowhere else to go. You would not believe the outpouring of love and support that soon followed, and all of these elderly people were taken care of.
This came to mind when I began to think about what I wanted to share with you in today's column. Within hours of the fire, our mayor realized that these elderly people had lost something very precious to them: their Bible. I was blessed to play a small role in getting them replaced, and a phone call to the Gideon's is all it took. I might also point out that this type of ministry is not part of the Gideon's Distribution Plan, but a number of Gideon's purchased the Bibles with their own funds. As a postscript, construction to rebuild Oakwood Place Apartments will soon begin.
The Bible is very precious to me because it is God's infallible Word, and I have been reading it through each year for almost 20 years. However, like millions of Americans, I stumbled around in the dark for most of my life, before fate or providence came calling. While I have no way of proving this, I feel like older people who grew up singing hymns like "The Old Country Church" and "I'll Fly Away" read the Bible a lot more than most of the younger generation. This is why our mayor realized these elderly people would miss their Bible greatly and he wanted to make sure they had one.
If you do not know the power of the Bible, allow me to share this story a reader sent me a while back. It's about an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early, sitting at the "kitchen table" window, reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson, who wanted to be just like him, tried to imitate him anyway he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don't understand it and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"
The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. At this point he realized it was impossible to carry water in a basket.
After one more attempt he said, "See, Papa, it's useless." The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized it looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out. That is the work of God in our lives. To slowly transform us in the image of His Son."
Well, I don't know what you think about this story, but being able to live a long life does have a way of teaching us some important things.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 546 - OUR NATION'S HISTORY IS THRILLING!

No. 546

The next password is sandy

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION'S HISTORY IS THRILLING!

For many children in school, history is a dull, boring subject. For others it is thrilling and exciting. Have you ever thought about what makes the difference? While I have no scientific proof to back this up, I suspect many children are predisposed to history because of their heritage. They come from a line of historians, teachers and others where history was discussed in the home when they were growing up. I also suspect that many other children are turned on to history because of a creative, exciting history teacher who literally made the subject come alive.
A few months ago I learned something about our nation's history that I had never heard before. Here in my late '60s, I guess this proves the old adage we have all heard, you never get too old to learn. I was watching a television news program and they had a guest on the program whose name is Eric Metaxas, and he has written a book titled, "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving." The story he told about the earliest days of the settlement of the land that was later to become the United States of America was thrilling to hear.
Since that time I have talked with a good number of people about the story of Squanto and they, like me, had never heard it either. You may be way ahead of us, and if this is the case, congratulations. If you have not heard it, this little "snapshot" may be of interest and something you can pass along to others. To quickly set the stage, we have all heard the saying, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." This is the year that Christopher Columbus, sailing under the flag of Spain, discovered the New World. Later, in 1607, the English would establish the settlement of Jamestown, now in the state of Virginia, as the first permanent settlement.
In a few short years, in 1620, the Pilgrims sailing on the Mayflower would land at Plymouth Rock. However, during the intervening years there were other ships that came up and down the Atlantic coastline. On many occasions some of the native Indians would trade with them. In 1608, men from one of these ships, while at first acting friendly, captured a group of Indian braves and took them to Spain, where they sold them as slaves. One of these braves was Squanto. Unlike the other braves, Squanto was bought by a group of monks who were kind to him, taught him their language, and taught him about God.
Squanto's dream was to return home, and the monks began to make plans to help him. In about five years they sent him to London to a family they knew there. During the next five years Squanto learned their customs and learned to speak perfect English. Finally, the big day arrived when he would board a ship sailing for the New World. When the ship arrived, it landed at Massachusetts Bay, not far from the place he had been taken captive 10 years earlier. After searching for his tribe for several days, he learned they had all died from a terrible illness.
He was all alone, until he finally found another tribe nearby, where he stayed for a short period of time. He decided to return to his home area and stayed in the woods by himself until he came upon the Pilgrims, who had landed at Plymouth Rock a year earlier. Needless to say they were greatly surprised to see an Indian brave come out of the woods and be speaking perfect English. Tragically, more than half of the Pilgrims had died because of the harsh winter.
Squanto began to teach them how to plant corn by putting a fish under the kernels for fertilizer, how to catch eels in muddy streams and the best places to look for lobsters among the sea rocks. The following fall the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving and Gov. William Bradford prayed, "Thank you Lord for sending Squanto to us. We know your hand has been upon him and he is Your living answer to our tears and prayers."
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

The next password is sandy

No. 521 - THE POWER OF ONE

No. 521
Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF ONE

The famous motivational writer, the late Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) once said, "If you are successful remember that somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a lift or an idea that started you in the right direction. Remember also that you are indebted to God and others until you help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped." Without having the benefit of knowing this quotation, I have been trying to do that for the past several years of my life. You would not believe the number of people who have written, called or come to see me in person seeking information to help them become a syndicated writer.
I always tell these individuals that it is not easy but will help them any way I can, and as a result of this commitment, have spent a great deal of time doing my best to help them. To my knowledge, only a few have achieved even limited success, mainly because they lack the commitment to throw caution to the wind and stay with their goals long enough to reap the rewards of success. If you will keep what I have just shared in the back of your mind, I would like to share a few thoughts with you that could completely change your life for the better.
Based on more than 35 years of working with people in the field of human resources, I have observed that the vast majority of people I have been privileged to know and serve have far more power to succeed than they realize. It's kind of like having an automobile with 120 on the speedometer but always driving it about 10 miles an hour. All that power under the hood but it's never used. A friend of mine, Scot Morrissey, the newspaper publisher here in our community, often talks about the power of one in relation to some project, goal or topic we are discussing. As I have thought about this simple statement over the past several months, I have come to realize just how true it is.
This thinking was crystallized even more when a reader over in Lenoir, N.C., told me about a book titled, "How To Be Like Women of Influence." This book is about the lives and success stories of 20 of the greatest women who have lived in modern times; this is to say over the past 200 years. I won't take time to mention all of them, but here are a few names you will recognize Ñ Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Mary Kay Ash, Mother Teresa, Helen Keller, Oprah Winfrey, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony. As I read about each one, I noted that all had a few things in common.
One of the things that stood out, that is also a passion for me, is that they were all avid readers. You can't really succeed in anything if you can't read or won't read. But I guess the thing most prominent was the fact they did their best at the time, in whatever set of circumstances they found themselves. To be sure they did not start out as prime minister, cosmetic guru, human rights activist, and what couldn't you say about Helen Keller, as well as the others. Life is a process, and if we do our very best right where we are, goals will begin to appear, and in time we will find our calling or purpose.
The central idea that I would like to impart to you is that you have that same power, the power of one, that will help you achieve things that at one time you did not think were possible. This column is about you and not about me, but I want to tell you what happened a couple of years ago when I made a commitment to spend the rest of my life trying to improve literacy in our nation. The only way to ever achieve anything truly worthwhile is that other people must be willing to help you. These wonderful people have come along, at just the right time, so I know God is in it and we are making progress I never dreamed possible.
"One person, totally committed can achieve more than a hundred who have only a passing interest." Author unknown.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 523 - HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A $2 BILL?

No. 523

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A $2 BILL?

My aunt sent me something the other day that would have been hilarious if the subject matter had not been so serious. It is the story of a young man working in a fast food restaurant who was given a $2 bill by one of his customers. The only problem was that this young man had never seen a $2 bill and he did not know how to handle it.
If you work in a fast food restaurant and you don't know how to handle something, what is the first thing you should do? Go to your manager, right? What if the manager has never seen a $2 bill? What do you do then? Now that you have the picture, allow me to give you a portion of the conversation that followed.
It begins, "I am still laughing!! Many of today's youth are terribly challenged without a calculator or computer to tell them what to do." To restate a point I made earlier, the story is funny, lack of education is not funny. "On my way home from work, I stopped at Taco Bell (may as well give them some free advertising but it could have been any fast food restaurant) for a quick bite to eat. In my billfold are a $50 bill and a $2 bill. I figure that with a $2 bill, I can get something to eat and not have to worry about anyone getting irritated at me for trying to break a $50 bill.
Me: "Hi, I'd like one seven-layer burrito please, to go." Server: "That'll be $1.04. Eat in?" Me: "No, it's to go." At this point, I open my billfold and hand him the $2 bill. He looks at it kind of funny. Server: "Uh, hang on a sec, I'll be right back." He goes to talk with his manager, who is still within my earshot. The following conversation occurs between the two of them: Server: "Hey you ever see a $2 bill?" Manager: "No. A what?" Server: "A $2 bill. This guy just gave it to me." Manager: "Ask for something else. There's no such thing as a $2 bill." Server: "Yeah, thought so."
He comes back to me and says, "We don't take these. Do you have anything else?" Me: "Just this fifty. You don't take $2 bills? Why?" Server: "I don't know." Me: "See here where it says legal tender?" Server: "Yeah." Me: "So, why won't you take it?" Server: "Well, hang on a sec." He goes back to the manager, who has been watching me like I am a shoplifter, and says to him, "He says I have to take it." Manager: "Doesn't he have anything else?" Server: "Yeah, a fifty. I'll get it and you can open the safe and get change."
Manager: "I'm not opening the safe with him in here." Server: "What should I do?" Manager: "Tell him to come back later when he has real money." Server: "I can't tell him that! You tell him." Manager: "Just tell him." Server: "No way! This is weird. I'm going in back." The manager approaches me and says, "I'm sorry, but we don't take big bills this time of night." Me: "It's only seven o'clock! Well then, here's a $2 bill." Manager: "We don't take those either." Me: "Why not?" Manager: "I think you know why." Me: "No, really É tell me why." Manager: "Please leave before I call Mall Security." Me: "Excuse me." Manager: "Please leave before I call Mall Security."
Me: "What on earth for?" Manager: "Please, sir." Me: "Uh, go ahead, call them." Manager: Would you please just leave?" Me: "No." Manager: "Fine É have it your way then." Me: "Hey, that's Burger King, isn't it?"
At this point the manager calls security and a few minutes later a security guard arrives. At this point the customer is in luck. The security guard finally convinces the manager that there really is a $2 bill and the customer gets his burrito, a small drink and he even throws in some cinnamon thingies for free."
For young people who may not know, there really is a $2 bill. Over the years I have had a lot of them, although it's been a while since I have seen or owned one. While this is not a life or death issue, if you work in a retail business of some kind, it would be helpful to know that.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 524 - WE CAN'T PICK OUR KINFOLKS!

No. 524

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE CAN'T PICK OUR KINFOLKS!

If you will take time to read this column and really think about what I am going to say, you may never look at other people the same way again. There is an old saying that goes, "We can pick our friends, but we can't pick our kinfolks." Every time you look at another human being in the future, just stop to realize that this person had absolutely no control over who their parents were, where they were born, the color of their skin and all the other factors that distinguish this individual for all others, and makes them a unique one-of-a-kind person. If you are healthy, wealthy and wise, just count your lucky stars, but never look down on others because they were not so lucky.
Several months ago, Eva Easley, one of my faithful readers in Bluefield, W.Va., wrote to tell me about a wonderful book titled, "Gifted HandsÉThe Ben Carson Story." Knowing about our "Bookcase for Every Child" project, she suggested I get a copy of this book and read it. That same day before the sun had set, it was already ordered and on its way. In relation to what I said earlier about not being able to pick our kinfolks, after reading this book I determined that it was really a textbook for any project like the one we are conducting here in our community.
Ben Carson grew up in a ghetto in Detroit, Mich. When Ben was 8 years of age, his mother learned that his father had "another" family. After the divorce, things were really hard for Ben, an older brother, and his mother, who had only a third-grade education, but she worked two or three jobs to provide for them. The school Ben attended in the early years was made up of mostly white students, and Ben was black. Because he was not doing well, some of the other students called him "dummy." Ben's mother was a strong believer in the value of education, and when she learned of this she laid the law down to him.
She said, "From now on, you can watch only two or three television programs a week and you must read two books." While he grumbled for a time, Ben followed his mother's instructions. One of the things that motivated him was a television program that was on back in those days called "College Quiz Bowl." Ben wanted to be on that program, but he knew he would have to have a well-rounded education to compete successfully. Soon he began to listen to classical music, go to art galleries, attended plays and other cultural events. He also read books on everything he could find that would broaden his range of knowledge.
While he never made it to the College Quiz Bowl, here was the payoff. In high school, many of the same students who used to call him "dummy" were now coming to Ben asking him for help with their studies. He also became involved in the ROTC program at his school and made it all the way to the rank of colonel before he graduated. As a result, Ben was offered a full scholarship to West Point, but turned it down because he had decided that he wanted to become a doctor. He was also offered a full scholarship to Yale University, where he graduated and would then go on to the Michigan School of Medicine.
Today, Dr. Ben Carson is head of the pediatric neurosurgery department of Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Md. He also led a team of surgeons who performed the only, at the time, successful surgery to separate Siamese twins who were joined at the head, where both lived.
Several times in speeches I have told this story and it's hard for me to keep from being emotional. I just realize that there are millions of young children like Ben Carson in low-income housing units all across the nation who have the same potential if someone could reach them with the message of reading and literacy. That's what we are tying to do with our bookcase project.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 533 - THERE IS SOMETHING

No. 533

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE IS SOMETHING "FISHY" ABOUT THIS!

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 525 - THE HARMONY PROJECT

No. 525

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HARMONY PROJECT

A few weeks ago I received one of the most rewarding letters that I have received since I started writing this column back in 1995. This letter was from Peter Carroll, Linda Cobb, Linda Halvorsen, May Rutherford, Sara Spoerri and Bea Tolson. These individuals live in and around Tyler Hill, Pa., and they wrote to tell me that one of my columns had inspired them to begin something called "The Harmony Project." The column titled "Getting Serious About Character" appeared in February 2004 in the Wayne Independent, published in Honesdale, Pa.
Over the years I have received thousands of letters from readers all across the country who have shared a wide range of things, but this one was special because it means that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people's lives will be changed for the better. I can tell you that nothing is more rewarding than that. In addition to sharing my enthusiasm for what these concerned people are doing, I have another reason for sharing this with you. In view of the declining character, ethics and morals of far too many of our citizens, wouldn't it be wonderful if readers in other communities would follow their example.
Most people just give lip service to the problems related to declining character, but these people are actually doing something about it. Please allow me to share their stated objectives and I believe the picture will come into a little sharper focus. The Harmony Project is a program developed to "campaign" for continued character development and awareness within our community. The creators of the project believe that character development begins in the cradle and never ends. Every action we take as human beings teaches those we influence about our character. One of the most important things for us to understand is that we are all powerful role models, all of the time, in whatever endeavors we undertake. By "campaigning" for Respect, Acceptance, Compassion and Gratitude we call attention to the fact that every member of our community has a responsibility and a role in creating the level of civility and quality of life with which we live.
Now here is where this "campaign" takes a departure from the norm. Modeled after a political campaign, they have actually developed brochures, buttons, lawn signs, bookmarks, window signs and billboard(s) and here is a level of commitment that really touches me. The people I mentioned at the beginning of the column did not have a lot of money to get started, but they followed through and put the plan into action anyway. These six people meet each weekday morning at 6:45 a.m. At these meetings each person contributes $3 per day into the "kitty" based on the belief that small contributions can significantly impact local needs.
I must say that I feel deeply honored to be involved in this project in a small way, but the thought or idea is only a small part of making something happen. The real payoff comes to the people who are actually doing something positive to make a difference in their community. This is the way it has always been and always will be.
One of the group members, Linda Cobb, a retired New York City schoolteacher, really sums it up when she says, "We are all very much 'works in progress' and this campaign is really adult education; unfortunately we often blame kids for being disrespectful. The truth of the matter is, they learn it from us. We're their models." If you can help, they are needing financial help to get even stronger.
As I've been saying for several years now, character development is very important to the future of our country. If you and some of your friends would be interested in a similar project, why not contact The Harmony Project, P.O. Box 66, Tyler Hill, Pa. 18469, and thank you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 528 - THE CONCEPT OF OWNERSHIP!

No. 528

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CONCEPT OF OWNERSHIP!

Several years ago, Smith Barney had a commercial on television that said, "We make money the old fashioned way, we earn it." There are several different aspects of this statement, and I have never been exactly sure what they meant by that, especially in light of the fact that companies who manage other people's money are not earning it by splitting wood, pouring concrete or doing some other form of physical labor. While I have never had anyone explain it to me, I believe this commercial was touting the fact that Smith Barney was doing the research, making wise decisions, investing in solid companies and building a base of financial wealth for their clients, slowly over time.
With that said as prologue, I want to share a concept with you that is taken for granted by the majority of people in our country. This is the concept of "ownership," which means in our free country we have the right to own property, buildings, material possessions and all the various forms of wealth, including money, which is really a medium of exchange. Have you ever thought about the fact that the majority of people in other countries do not have this right, and if they did, other than raw land, there is very little wealth for them to own. We are certainly blessed with opportunity here in America, but in recent years we have seen an erosion of this basic concept of "ownership" that will cause us even more serious problems down the road.
One of the best examples I have discovered to illustrate what I am saying is the emergence of something called Interest Only Home Loans. For the most part, this type of loan has not made it to our part of the country, because the average cost of a home is still within reach of most working people with an equity-based loan. This is a loan where a portion of the monthly payment goes to pay on the principal, in addition to the interest. But take Southern California, for example, where the average cost of a home is around $600,000. Even a person earning $100,000 per year would be hard pressed to make a monthly payment on a home like this, with an interest rate of 6 percent to 9 percent.
So what is the solution? It's a product like I just mentioned, an Interest Only Loan where the homeowner just pays the interest each month and pays nothing on the principal. There were two questions that came to my mind as I thought about this, so I called a banker friend and asked him to explain it to me. The questions were: Who actually owns the home and who gets the profit when it is sold, if it has increased in value? He said the homeowner owns it and keeps the profit when it's sold. Now that sounds pretty good, but there are sure a lot of downsides to a real estate deal like that. Incidentally, the real winner here is the real estate agent, because she gets her commission on the front end.
The downside is trying to find another affordable home when it's sold, or being unable to make even the interest payments and having to go through foreclosure and bankruptcy. However, here is the real point of this column and why individual "ownership" is in real danger. What has caused the average price of a home in Southern California to go up to $600,000? Is it supply and demand, inflation or a combination of both? Or is it reckless spending by our government that has created a national debt, including borrowing from other countries, that is so high that interest payments on this money is depleting money for all other types of loans?
We are literally choking on pork. Billions of dollars added to spending bills in Congress is simply a way for politicians to look good back home and to reinsure their reelection. We should never forget that it's our own money they are giving back to us, and operating on the theory that we only have to give a little to get a lot back is not a sound way to insure the concept of "ownership" will be there for our children and grandchildren.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 526 - BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LITERACY!

No. 526

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LITERACY!

Here is a trick question I would like to invite you to ponder with me a few minutes. Have you ever seen a new building that was being constructed with the foundation built on the top? If you have, you are ahead of me. All the buildings, new or old, that I have ever seen, the foundation was on the bottom. This is a thought I would like to use as a basis for discussing a very important topic: Literacy in your community. If you live in a university or college town, the odds are good that the literacy rate is much higher than if you live in a town or community where one or more institutions of higher learning are not present.
If you don't think literacy is important, I can tell you the first thing a new industry or major employer looks for when considering building a plant or expanding an existing one is the quality of education in the community. There is no substitute for good, quality schools and even better if there is a college, university or trade or technical programs offered. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that plentiful and high-paying jobs not only improve the quality of life, but also mean that students who graduate from these institutions do not have to leave the community or the state to find a good job.
To be sure, there are many people in every community working to improve literacy, but allow me to tell you about an approach we are using here in our community that may be of some value to you. A group of business, professional and community leaders are building quality oak bookcases and giving them to children of low-income families. National statistics say that 61 percent of low-income families do not have any books in their home. So in addition to giving these children a personalized bookcase, we are also giving them a "starter set" of books. We call these "gently used" books, and the good people in our community are donating them.
After building 50 bookcases, and before a single one was given out, we already have more than 5,000 books contributed, which will supply as many as 250 bookcases. Our next step is to develop a plan for college students looking for community service and seniors who have the time and a love for children, to read to them on a regular basis. We want these young children to develop a passion for reading and to prepare them for academic success in school. What I have talked about up to this point is building a solid foundation, beginning with the very young and those who have few books in their home, where there is a great need.
To continue, let's build another floor to our mythical building. What I want to recommend is that parents who are in the middle and upper income brackets either build or purchase a bookcase for their children, as well. Yes, some children have a bookcase of their own, but many do not. However, they all have a television set, and in most cases this does not improve literacy. I saw a report on CBS Television a while back that the average child spends four hours a day watching television, one hour on video games and one hour on the computer. How about talking on a cell phone?
At one time our country led the world in reading, math and science. Today we rank 18th out of 21 industrialized nations in these important skills. There are many reasons why this is true, but a child does not have to be able to read to watch television, listen to music, dance, play video games or throw, kick or bounce a ball. I love sports, but I feel strongly that in most cases a child's future is not well served by spending a disproportionate amount of time in sports. This is especially true in light of this fact: The NCAA reports there are 350,000 student athletes in America, and 95 percent of them will be turning pro in something other than sports. Now I may not get a lot of AMENS here, but at least it's something to think about.
When you think about buying your children something special in the future, why not buy them a good book?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 522 - THE REWARDS OF ABSTINENCE SEX EDUCATION!

No. 522

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE REWARDS OF ABSTINENCE SEX EDUCATION!

There are few things that can severely damage the future of a teenage girl like an unwanted pregnancy. Yet, this is the plight of thousands upon thousands of young unmarried girls in our nation each year. In fact, I know of one small community where there are 35 to 40 young girls in the local high school who are pregnant. Sadly, many of these young girls and their babies will become wards of the state, which means that every taxpayer in the country will be called on to foot the bill. It's always a case of where many people suffer because two people made a poor choice.
While this is a very complex issue, there is an answer to this dilemma. It's called "abstinence," which means we teach teenage girls in our schools that they should not engage in sex until after they are married. While it's not realistic to think that every young girl will follow this teaching, in schools that teach abstinence as part of their sex education program it has proven to make real progress in reducing unwanted pregnancies. One would logically think that because this approach definitely reduces the number of unwanted pregnancies and thereby increases a teenage girl's chances for success in life, that everyone would be for it.
This is certainly not the case, as many groups are opposing this program of teaching abstinence sex education. One of these groups is called SIECUS, which stands for "Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States." In a recent annual back-to-school briefing in Washington, D.C., to gain support for further funding for so-called "comprehensive" sex education, they did their best to malign "abstinence" programs that have proven effective in reaching girls with the message of no sex before marriage.
The content of the programs SIECUS recommends was too graphic and age inappropriate for them to discuss, even at their own briefing. I have read what they advocate and it's so graphic that I would never share this kind of language in one of my columns. There is another group that is committed to helping this organization get this kind of sex education taught in our schools and they are totally opposed to the teaching of abstinence education in our nation's public schools. Would you care to guess the name of this group? You are right! It's the ACLU, which stands for the American Civil Liberties Union.
If you will check out their Web site at www.aclu.com you will find a pre-written letter to all public school administrators in the nation touting their philosophy, and it's called "Not In My State." All a member has to do is download the letter, place the name of the school and the superintendent's name and sign their own name and send it out. In the past this has been a very effective method of intimidating our local school officials. But wait a minute. Do people in local communities all across our nation really need the ACLU to tell them what kind of sex education programs to teach in their schools?
I'm just one person, but I say we need to return the control of our local schools to three important groups. First, the taxpayers who pay to build the schools. Next, the parents who send their children to our nation's public schools. And lastly, the voters who elect the school board members, who hire the administrators and teachers.
Here is a point that many people may not realize. In our judicial system, every citizen has the right to petition the court just as much as the ACLU or any other group.
The problem for most of us is that we don't know the law. There are thousands of fine attorneys across our land who do not approve of what is happening to our schools and many of them would represent us, pro bono, to begin to restore control of our local schools to the hands where it belongs.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 527 - DO "NOT" EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

No. 527

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO "NOT" EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

It seems like the dark ages, but can you remember back in the days when we didn't have computers or word processors? It has not really been that long ago. Like I said, it just seems like it. In those days there were millions of times when a secretary would labor over a long letter, and after getting it neatly typed would discover a mistake that could not be corrected and would have to type it all over again.
Along these lines I remember the late Dr. Ken McFarland telling about turning down a speech in Alaska, but when he read the letter his secretary had typed, she left out the little word "not." When he confronted her, she said, "You want me to type that whole big old letter over just because I left out that one little word, not?" He said, "You think about it. What would have happened if Moses had left that one little word out of the Ten Commandments?"
To be sure, the word "Not" is a powerful little word when used in the proper way. A while back my good friend Charles Rosson sent me something by an unknown author that will demonstrate the truth of that statement in a powerful way. What is even more significant is the tremendous message the article carries and how it applies to each of our lives. As you read this, I hope you will stop for a moment between each thought and ponder it, give it time to soak in, and think about the way it could be meaningful to you. Have you ever thought about the fact that what we choose to put into our minds comes out in our lives? If we want greater success and happiness, we must think better thoughts. It's as simple as that.
This article is written in "first person" so I hope you can see yourself as I go along.
"Do not (there is that word "not" so begin to look for it) undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special." "Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you." "Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless." "Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life."
"Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other." "Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave." "Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly." "In addition, the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; to be without hope is to be without purpose."
"Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way."
Well, that's the end of it, but I have an observation or two I would like to share. When I was much younger, void of life's valuable experiences and not having acquired a passion for reading and learning, I looked at life in a completely different way. As many young people living today look back over their lives, I suspect that will also be true for them when they get older.
To me, and I may be completely wrong, I believe the problem for many young people today is that they are too shallow. This is to say, the things they are spending their time doing will not produce the kind of life they desire when they get older. To be sure, young people today have pressures and choices that my generation did not have to deal with. My sincere prayer is that the vast majority of them will turn out to be fine people and continue to mature into responsible leaders that our nation will need in the important years ahead. Let's hope so.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 529 - THE "COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY" OF THE NEA

No. 529

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE "COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY" OF THE NEA

The National Education Association is the largest teachers union in the United States. This organization has affiliate chapters in every state in the nation, made up of a vast number of teachers and exerts a powerful influence over policy, curriculum and programs in the public schools in our country. Here in our state, and I assume it's the same all across the nation, when a teacher belongs to the local teachers union they are automatically a member of both the state and national organizations. Over the years, the stated objectives of the NEA have been to advance the quality of education for students and to improve the standards for teachers, including higher salaries, better benefits and better working conditions. As a quick sidebar, some of the best years of my life were spent working with teachers and students in our public schools, mostly here in my home state, but I have also been invited to speak to educators in many other states, including Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, New Jersey and North Carolina. I count many teachers and administrators among my best friends and I love teachers, so keep that in mind when you consider what I am going to say. Over the years I know that things have changed in our schools, but a reader sent me a "Letter to the Editor" from one of the newspapers that carries this column that at least raised a red flag. Allow me to share this letter with you, and then you consider whether or not it has merit. It is titled, "Be Involved in Schools" and begins, Dear Editor: School used to be where a child learned "reading, writing and arithmetic." Before all you parents celebrate too much about finally getting your children off to your neighborhood public school after the long hot summer É realize just who will be in charge of filling their minds and what they will be filling them with. The NEA Teachers Union convention this past summer passed a proposal to "develop a comprehensive strategy" to deal with the attacks on gay curricula, policies and practices by what the NEA calls "extremist groups" (NEA's term for parents). A big victory to its large gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caucus. Other resolutions passed by the convention: 1. Boycott Wal-Mart. 2. Statehood for the District of Columbia. 3. Affirmative action. 4. Opposition to private accounts in Social Security. 5. Opposition to capital punishment. 6. Gun control. 7. "Single-payer health care." (ie. socialized government medicine). 8. Endorsement of the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. 9. Promote all feminist goals, including abortion for minors and taking over the baby sitting of children "from birth through age 8" whom the NEA wants to provide with "diversity based (homosexual) curricula" and "bias-free screening devices." Along with these additional education resolutions: 1. Teaching of global, multicultural, suicide, environmental education. 2. Home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools. 3. Home-schooled students should be taught only by people who are "licensed" by the state and use a curriculum approved by the state. Somehow resolutions about the need for improvement in the teaching of phonics or basic mathematics or sciences didn't make the cut. Be involved! Carl L. Steplock III It has been a number of years since I have worked directly with our schools, and I know things have changed in the recent past. I also know the quality of education has drastically declined when compared to other industrialized nations. My hope is that the dedicated teachers of America will make their voices heard and insist the leadership of the NEA drop their social agenda and get back to a strategy of teaching reading, math and science. ÑÑÑ (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 530 - THE FORKS IN THE ROAD

No. 530

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FORKS IN THE ROAD

One time I heard a story about this petite Catholic girl who fell in love with a Methodist boy and she began to worry about the differences in religion that might be a problem or a barrier to a successful marriage. She kept griping and complaining, and one day her mother said to her, "Why don't you just sell him on Catholicism and there won't be a problem any more and you may rest assured, he will never be in a better mood to buy." The girl said, "I'll just do it," and she went to work on him. She kept reporting progress and her mother said, "That's good, that's fine. See, there won't be a problem any more."
Then one day a few weeks later, the girl came in crying, and as soon as she got in the front door she said, "It's all off. It's over. We can't be married." Her mother said, "But I thought you told me that you had him sold on the Catholic religion." She said, "I did have him sold mother, but I oversold him, and now he's going to become a priest."
We can all oversell if we are not careful. When I heard this story it reminded me of the failing of most sales people. The average sales person spends five minutes selling and 25 minutes buying it back.
To be honest, this is one of the major considerations I had early this morning when I was thinking about writing this column. Sometimes writers, like parents, have a tendency to drone on and on about something they believe to be important, when the results would be better if we dispense with an eyedropper and not a fire hose. With that in mind, I want to share something with you that I am calling "The Forks in the Road." Of course, you know there are many different kinds of forks, one of the reasons the English language is so hard to master.
The kind of fork I am talking about can be found in the road we travel through life. We may be humming along until we come to a fork or a branch in the road and we have to make an important decision as to which way to go. This reminds me of the late Bob Murphy, who used to tell a story about this country boy who was so tall that if he had grown another inch he would have forked, which is another one of those forks. In reality, there are constant literal forks in the road of life and most of these are clearly marked so we know which one to take, but many are not marked, and that is where we can go wrong, very wrong.
Let me tell you about a group of people who wish they had taken the other fork or made a different decision at a critical time in their lives. These are the men and women who are in prison, and especially those who are released from prison, now with a criminal record, who are trying to make it out in the real world. Some of the saddest letters I have ever received were from readers who had been convicted of a crime, were later released, only to get in trouble again, because as a result of their criminal record they couldn't find a job.
You may be saying to yourself, this does not apply to me because I have never been in trouble with the law, much less spent time in jail or prison. In one sense, however, what I have been saying does apply to every man and woman in our nation. This is because we are all role models for someone. Our very lives are on display for others to see. Most of the people who wound up in trouble with the law came as a result of the influence of their so-called friends. Peer pressure is a very powerful thing, especially for a person with low self-esteem.
For the sake of our young people, if not for yourself, please ponder these questions: What changes do I need to make in my life to become a better role model for those around me? Do I have personal habits that are influencing young people in a negative way? We all come to those forks in the road. The late John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960) once said, "I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 531 - SMART CHOICES FOR PACKING SCHOOL LUNCHES!

No. 531

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SMART CHOICES FOR PACKING SCHOOL LUNCHES!

Many years ago someone said, "Obesity is the great equalizer. The more body weight carried around the shorter the time left to carry it." If you are a people watcher like I am, you will see more overly obese people walking the streets today than ever before in our nation's history. The sad news is that this condition is killing a vast percentage of them prematurely. While I am not a genius, I do know this condition is brought about because these people are consuming more calories than they are burning. To impart another little gem, which is certainly not original, most of our eating habits were developed when we were young.
This is the main reason a press release I received recently from the Arkansas Children's Hospital caught my eye. The title of the release was "Solving the School Lunch Dilemma: ACH Offers Healthy Selections for Your Child's Lunch." Of course, information like this is readily available on every hand, but still many people, including parents with school-age children, miss it or don't take it seriously. This is my motivation for sharing this information with you, and even if you don't have children or they are already grown you might save it and share it with family or friends who can benefit from reading it.
The article begins, "With the start of school each year, comes time for parents and caregivers to once again pack school lunches. (While many children eat in the school cafeteria, having the following recommendations as a guide could also be very helpful.) Packing a healthy lunch every day can be a chore for parents, especially when children are begging for unhealthy items. But a healthy lunch is an extremely important part of a child's day.
"Children are still growing and they need adequate vitamins, minerals, calories and protein every day. Studies show that eating balanced meals affects school performance. Children can't think on an empty stomach. Also, if children skip lunch or do not get enough food, they are more likely to overeat when they get home," says Lisa Emmert, R.D., CDE, diabetes specialist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. When packing school lunches, Emmert suggests uses of a variety of foods so children do not get bored with the same items.
"I would recommend including some type of lean protein like chicken, turkey, peanut butter, low-fat cheese, yogurt or cottage cheese. Protein helps fill children up so they won't get hungry as quickly. If parents keep an assortment of items on hand, they can offer children different choices each day." Emmert also encourages parents to pack complex carbohydrates. "It is important to give your child fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes or baby carrots with dip." (I solved this problem with a product called Juice+ that contains 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains that provides all of our daily requirements.)
"I always suggest whole wheat over white bread, and I also urge parents to try new items besides the standard sandwich. Pita bread, tortillas, Triscuits, bagels and other whole wheat products can add variety to a child's lunch." When it comes to packing a beverage, Emmert says parents should avoid including soda, sports drinks and other sugar-laden choices. She recommends milk, water or a small amount of 100 percent fruit juice.
For a treat, she suggests parents come up with healthier alternatives to cookies or cake like yogurt, sugar-free pudding and Jell-O or trail mix. "If parents do want to include sweet treats, it's a good idea to cut back on the portion size. For example, include a small cookie or a two-inch by two-inch piece of cake. Also, children do not need dessert every day. This will help to cut back on the amount of sugar they receive."
What I have shared with you may be old hat, but a reminder could teach children about smart food choices and will help them form habits that will carry them into adulthood. This will show your children you care.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)

No. 534 - WE LIVE BY GOD'S GRACE

No. 534

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE LIVE BY GOD'S GRACE

Sometime back I ran across a very interesting quotation about death by the famous American actor, Joseph Jefferson (1829-1905) and he said, "We are but tenants É and shortly the great Landlord will give us notice that our lease has expired."
To be sure, that's a novel way of looking at death, but it's true; at some point in time our lease will be up and we will all die.
One of the disadvantages of getting old, is that, as the years pass, many of our best friends will die before we do. You know, in one way death is a funny thing, not laughing funny, but peculiar or hard to understand. One day you are with someone and even make plans for the future, but they die and you never see them again, unless you see them in Heaven.
One of the reasons death is on my mind, is because over the past few years we have witnessed more death and destruction, all across the world and here in our country, than I can ever remember in my lifetime. We have lost some close friends to death here in our community, also the tragedy of the World Trade Center, war in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, the tsunami in Southeast Asia, the earthquake in Pakistan and the major hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast, especially the city of New Orleans, have all taken a great toll in human life.
What this says to me, and I hope it's something that you will at least think about if you have not already, is that we live by God's grace. In addition to being a feminine name, the word grace means "unmerited favor" or something we didn't do anything to earn. From the moment we were born, save for the tragedy of abortion, we have no guarantee that we will live another hour, day, week, month or year. We just live by God's grace. To me, and this is something you will have to decide on your own, we should be grateful for each day we have and do our best to make the most of it.
There are a couple of verses in the Bible that talks about this, and if you are not familiar with these verses I hope you will take a few minutes and look them up. In James 5:13-14, it says, "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that'."
I heard one of the announcers during the 2005 Sugar Bowl football game make a statement that really hit the nail on the head. The Sugar Bowl has been played in New Orleans every single year, without exception, since 1935, but Hurricane Katrina changed that and the 2005 game was played in Atlanta, Ga. The announcer said, "Next year, God willing, we will be back in New Orleans." The announcer understood that if God had other plans, the game would be played somewhere else, if it would be played at all.
Now I am not saying that we should make the statement "if God wills" every time we say something or make a statement about our future plans, but we should always have an awareness that God is the One in control, and we only live by His grace. When it comes to death, it's hard for me to understand why He takes Godly, righteous people and leaves those behind who are vile and evil. The only thing I have ever been able to come up with is He is leaving them behind to give them a chance to repent, and come to Him before it's too late.
Every so often I get letters from atheists and agnostics who do not believe in God and I always respect their views and respond in kindness. However, all the polls I have seen indicate that more than 85 percent of the American people do believe in God. We are people of faith. That's our heritage and also where our hope comes from. While this is personal, and you do not have to agree, when it comes to my hope, these words to a song say it all, "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness."
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(EDITORÕS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book ÒLearning, Earning & Giving Back.Ó)

No. 1212 -- DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

No. 1212

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

It’s been said that if we want to know a lot about a person’s character, just watch how he or she acts. But I’m here to tell you, if we really want to know about their character, watch how they react, because this is the real test. In these days of shades and pastels, it’s the best way on earth for us to see a person’s true colors.
Sometime ago, I ran across a terrific article that was printed in the Readers Digest way back in 1960 titled “Do You Act or React?” and I want to share it with you. As you read it, think about how you would act or react in a similar situation.
“I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn’t even acknowledge it. ‘A sullen fellow, isn’t he?’, I commented. ‘Oh, he’s that way every night’, shrugged my friend. ‘Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?’, I asked. ‘Why not’, said my friend, ‘Why should I let him decide how I am going to act?’
“As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me the most important word was act. My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us. He knows who he is, what he stands for and how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct.
“When we are enjoined in the Bible to return good for evil, we look upon this as a moral injunction, which it is, but it is also a psychological prescription for emotional health. Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. His center of emotional gravity is not rooted within himself where it belongs, but in the world outside himself. His spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around him and he is a mere creature at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives him a feeling of euphoria, which is false, because it does not last and it does not come from self-approval. Criticism depresses him more than it should, because it confirms his own secretly shaky opinion of himself. Snubs hurt him and the merest suspicion of unpopularity in any quarter rouses him to bitterness.
“A serenity of spirit cannot be achieved until we become the masters of our own actions and attitudes. To let another person determine whether we should be rude or gracious, elated or depressed, is to relinquish control over our personalities, which is ultimately all we possess. The only true possession is self-possession.”
As I thought about this article, I realized just how much this affects us every day of our lives. It’s not too difficult for most of us to act nice, especially if we had the proper training when we were growing up. But it’s just human nature to react to others in a negative way when they are rude, thoughtless or ungrateful toward us.
The Apostle Paul gave us the answer to this problem in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
The key to improving our human relations is to renew our thinking each day with good, honest and positive thoughts until it becomes a habit. Then when someone is rude or thoughtless, we will act toward them in a manner that is in their own best interest, as well as in our own best interest. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “Action is the only road to knowledge.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1222 -- WE MUST IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS SQUASH

No. 1222

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE MUST IMPROVE RACE RELATIONS!

Dale Brown, former head men’s basketball coach of the LSU Tigers, is a friend of mine. He sends me quality thoughts and ideas almost every single week and has given me blanket approval to share any of it with you. Dale has always been a champion of the underdog, and was the first coach in the Southeastern Conference to include blacks on his teams. In recent days he has mounted a serious campaign to improve race relations in our country, something we must do not only because it is right but also because America will never achieve true greatness until this comes about.
Recently he sent me something titled, “Ten facts to improve race relations in America,” and it contains information that every citizen in our nation should know and understand if we are to achieve this noble objective. One thing that most Americans do not know is that the founding members of the NAACP in 1908 were made up of four blacks and four whites. There are so many loving and caring blacks and whites who constantly interact with each other as brothers and sisters, however we seldom hear about these because the media accentuates the negative and diminishes the positive.
Here are those 10 facts. No. 1 – History: African-Americans have had to suffer through 250 years of slavery, 90 years of Jim Crow, 60 years of separate but equal, and 35 years of racist housing policies. No. 2 – Fear: Many of my black friends from all over the nation have told me they fear the violent dysfunctional behavior that has made murder the number one cause of death for black males between ages 15 and 34. Sadly 90 percent are killed by other black men. No. 3 – Fathers: What helps to perpetuate the problem in the African-American community is that 75 percent of births are out of wedlock. Nearly 70 percent of these children are growing up in single-parent households. A former NFL player bragged about having 11 children by seven different women. What a shameful and lousy role model he became.
No. 4 – Education: Education is another major problem. Less than 50 percent of black males graduate from high school and 75 percent of all crimes are committed by high school dropouts. No. 5 – Freedom: Martin Luther King said, “There is a danger that those of us who have been forced so long to stand amid the tragedy of oppression that we will become bitter. But if we become bitter and indulge in hate campaigns, then the new order that is emerging will be nothing but a duplication of the old order.
No. 6 – Excuses: George Washington Carver grew up in a slave family and became inventor and professor at Tuskegee University. He said, “Ninety percent of the failures come from people who have the habit for making excuses.” Benjamin Franklin supports that theory: “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” No. 7 – Evaluation: The four P’s – Prayer, Politicians, Police and Prison - cannot solve these problems. Our system needs a total evaluation and overhaul. No. 8: Saviors: We have built the idea of saviors into our entire culture. If you are looking for a helping hand, look at the end of your arm.
No. 9 – Conversations: Until blacks and whites reach out to each other and have an honest and candid discussion, nothing will change. No. 10 – Teamwork: The world must learn to work together or it will not work at all.”
Thanks Dale, I say, a-men to all that.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS SQUASH

No. 1217 -- MY HEART HURTS FOR “OBESE” PEOPLE!

No. 1217

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MY HEART HURTS FOR “OBESE” PEOPLE!

My wife Janis is a terrific cook. In fact, she has written four cookbooks that have been sold in stores and gift shops all across the nation. Almost every week I see her with her finger on a page in one of them, selecting ingredients for a dessert or some other dish that is sure to please. We eat most of our meals at home, but because of our busy schedule we also eat out two or three times each week. Our favorite place to go here in our community is Cracker Barrel, I guess because they serve a lot of meals that are almost like home-cooked.
While sitting there eating we see a number of other dining guests pass by. Some of them are overweight, and occasionally we see someone who is terribly obese. I can tell you for sure my heart hurts for this person because I know, based on statistics, they are not going to live a long life. It has to be a terrible burden to have to carry around an extra hundred or more pounds everywhere they go. This scene also plays out each week when I go to the grocery store.
This condition is not only present in the general population, but there is another area in our society that has reached critical mass in terms of our nation’s security. I am talking about those individuals who have a desire to go into military service. My eyes were opened recently at our weekly prayer breakfast when Gen. Ron Chastain had the program. He talked about obesity as it relates to service in the Army, the branch where he served and spent a year in Iraq. One thing for sure, he got our attention.
In part, here is what he had to say. “If your doctor says you are overweight, it means you are slightly over what is considered healthy. Obesity is defined as being grossly fat or overweight. The Army defines obesity as greater than 30 percent body fat, for those 40 years of age and older. The Army also has height and weight standards, and note that the limits increase with age. Further, obesity has long threatened our nation’s health; as the epidemic grows, obesity is posing a threat to our nation’s national security as well.
“Nationwide, 71 percent of young people between ages 17-24 do not qualify for military service. The main reasons for disqualification are: 1. Lack of education. 2. History of crime or drug use. 3. Being overweight. Obesity disqualifies 31 percent of youth from serving, if they wish to serve. Ineligibility rates are a major reason why the Army did not meet its recruiting goal last year. The Army’s recruiting goal was 76,500 soldiers, however only 70,000 enlisted. This is why I guess they always say, ‘The Army is looking for a few good men, and now women as well’.
“Based on the numbers I have given you, of the remaining 29 percent who qualify, only 13 percent of these would qualify, be available, and pass the Armed Services Qualification Test. These numbers are particularly of concern, because as the recruitable population has declined, so has the interest in serving in the military. Last year only 11 percent of the 16- to 24-year-olds said they would definitely or probably be serving in the military. So with interest in military service declining, it is critical that those willing to serve are prepared to meet the standards for eligibility.”
Well, there was much more in Ron’s talk, but I believe I have given you the gist of why our nation is at peril from the standpoint of youth serving in the military because of obesity. If your children or grandchildren are interested in serving, tell them they need to get in shape. Another great benefit is that they will live longer.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1218 -- THE MAN OF THE HOUR!

No. 1218

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MAN OF THE HOUR!

The “Man of The Hour” has been defined as a person who is the center of attention for a specific reason. Well, I have a good candidate for this noble honor to offer to you today -- for one hour back on January 7, 2019, immediately following the 2018-2019 National Championship football game that took place in Santa Clara, California.
With millions of people tuned in from all over the world, Clemson University head football Coach Dabo Swinney gave glory to God and to Jesus Christ for their win, making his Tigers the only team in history to finish the season as National Champions with a perfect 15-0 record.
To be honest, I did not think they would win and I was pulling for Alabama, because they are in our Southeast Conference. But according to Dabo, “Only God can do this and that’s a fact.” To be sure, I am not the only one who was thrilled at what he said during the post-game interview, because he left no doubt about his priorities and said some things that every American, and especially those in the sports world, needed to hear. In a day when we have lost our moral compass and are being swallowed alive by the secular culture, God came through by having one of His own remind us of the Gospel truth.
In an article in The Christian Post, following what was his team’s second National Championship in three years, the 49-year-old didn’t mince words about who he thought was responsible for the blowout victory against Alabama, his alma mater. Dabo stated, “A guy like me, I said this two years ago, can’t write a Hollywood script, only God can do this. And that is a fact. People think I’m crazy or quacky or whatever, but only God can orchestrate this.”
Swinney was also asked in his post-game interview about how he describes the “joy” he felt at the moment. He said, “That’s been my (joy) all year and I have had to be intentional with that. For me personally, joy comes from focusing on Jesus, others and yourself. There are so many great coaches that are so deserving of a moment like this that never get the chance to experience it. To get to do it once and now get to do it again, it’s a blessing. It’s simply the grace of the good Lord to allow us to experience something like this.”
Well, to be sure, I am grateful for what he had to say, and there are probably several million other people who are grateful as well, because so many young people look up to coaches at all levels, and especially a coach who has twice won the coveted National Championship. Sometime later I ran across a quote by Dabo that I used in my “Moments” feature that is managed by our local newspaper, The Log Cabin Democrat. He said, “A coach can win, win, win, but unless he equips young men to be great husbands and fathers, he loses.”
My friend, what I have just said is the reason I am writing this column, because this is where we have dropped the ball in far too many cases. A coach in any sport who curses a blue streak, yells at and berates his players, is not equipping them to be good husbands and fathers or even good people, and is a very, very poor role model. To be sure, I am an eternal optimist. I love and believe in people and I believe with all my heart that Jesus is the answer to save our Soul and can help any of us become a better person. Dabo and I share the same values and the same Lord, I thank God for him. Next time I will be pulling for his team.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1211 -- CHOOSE YOUR “MENTORS” CAREFULLY!

No. 1211

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CHOOSE YOUR “MENTORS” CAREFULLY!

There is a little six-letter word in the English language that has far more impact on people’s lives than most of us ever realize. The word is “mentor” and means “a wise and trusted teacher or guide.” This truth was brought home to me some time ago when my good friend Coach Dale Brown sent me some excerpts from a book by Joey Green titled, “Famous Failures.”
Coach Brown and I have a wonderful relationship because we have a common bond: we both want to encourage others to be the best they can be. The book “Famous Failures” lists a plethora of well-known individuals in a variety of fields who were told by others that they would never make it, yet later went on to become a household name because of their outstanding success.
If you have been around awhile, most of the following names of people who achieved outstanding success will probably be well known to you, but maybe there is a story behind the story that will be both interesting and revealing. The most important thing in the life of each individual is that they did not quit when another person, who had the role of a “mentor,” sold them short. Here are some good examples: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, but was later named the greatest athlete of the 20th Century by ESPN. Marilyn Monroe was dropped in 1974 by 20th Century Fox after one year under contract because production Chief Daryl Zanuck thought she was unattractive.
The famous children’s author Dr. Seuss’s first book was rejected by 27 publishers, and Seuss considered burning the manuscript. The book that was eventually published sold six million copies. Barbara Streisand’s Broadway debut opened and closed on the same night. Humphrey Bogart was fired from a job reading playets for laxatives. He then earned a living playing chess for 50 cents a round. Walt Disney’s first cartoon production company went bankrupt. The Beatles were rejected in 1962 by Decca, Pye, Phillips, Columbia and HMV labels. And here is a shocker: Elvis Presley’s music teacher at L.C. Humes High School in Memphis gave him a “C” and told him he couldn’t sing.
In Joey Green’s book “Famous Failures” the list is almost endless, but without the specifics here are other well-known names of individuals who failed one or more times before they achieved great notoriety: Lucille Ball, John F. Kennedy, Dustin Hoffman, Steve McQueen, Mick Jagger, Gen. Douglas McArthur, Albert Einstein, Wilma Rudolph, R.H. Macy, Henry Ford, Randy Travis, Rudyard Kipling and best-selling author John Grisham, whose first novel was rejected by 16 agents and a dozen publishers.
By now, the message here should be loud and clear. We should be very careful to whom we listen, even those in authority, if we believe in ourselves and are willing to make a personal commitment and stay the course. Over the years I have developed a simply philosophy that has been very good to me. If it is worth my time, it is worth doing well. The great thing about this simple philosophy; the more we succeed, the stronger our commitment will be to do our very best and to stay the course. No one can ask more of themselves or others. Now, if I may, let me bring this a little closer to home. What kind of talent, ability, or passion do you have that you need to develop and use to become more successful?
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1197 -- MANNERS & TIPS FOR CARING KIDS!

No. 1197

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MANNERS & TIPS FOR CARING KIDS!

There is an old saying that goes, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” If you doubt the truth of this old saying, just go into a forest some time and notice how many of the trees are leaning. This old saying not only applies to trees, it is also true for us human beings as well. It is in the latter context that I would like to spend some quality time with you today.
A few weeks ago I got a letter and a children’s book in the mail from Ramona Wood, a children’s author who lives in El Dorado, Arkansas, and reads my column in the El Dorado News-Times. The book she sent me is titled, “Manners & Tips for Caring Kids.” As the old saying goes, she “hit it out of the park,” as her book contains more truth and wisdom in a brief 30 pages than I have ever read on this subject before.
What Ramona has done, in words along with some fantastic graphics, is take the nine fruits of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23, and applied each one to the serious business of child rearing. In case you are not familiar with this Bible passage, the nine fruits are: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Before I proceed, please allow me to pause here for a moment and talk about the value and importance of our children and grandchildren. Any responsible and loving parent wants his or her children to turn out good and be successful, and will spend thousands of dollars on each one as they move from birth to the age of accountability. Not only this, but children are also the hope of America, and in coming years they will hold all the leadership positions and be responsible for our freedom and the quality of life in the decades and centuries to come. This book is so good and the issue so important that Janis and I plan to order a copy for each of our children and grandchildren who have small children of their own.
But back to his fantastic book, as I want to give you just a sampling of what you can expect as you read it. Ramona masterfully takes each of the nine Spirits and fills two or three pages chock full of good, solid information. She begins with number one “Love” and says, “Care for others by showing love. If you have love, you probably: look for ways to help out – tell your family you appreciate them – share your stuff with friends.”
Number two is “Joy” and she says, “Share your joy and if you are joyful you probably: have an attitude of gratitude – know God’s big plan has a happy ending – chase away each bad thought with a good one.”
Number three is “Peace” and she says, “Practice the ways of peace and if you are a peacemaker, you probably: can see the other person’s point of view – are careful when someone is in a bad mood – admit it when you mess up.”
Number four is “Patience” and she says, “Care for others by having patience. If you are patient, you probably: are good at teaching little kids – can wait your turn – look forward to better times.”
Now, with your permission, because of space limitations, allow me to skip ahead to number nine which is “Self-control” and she says, “Care for others by having self-control and if you have self-control you probably: save money instead of wasting it on little junk – think before you speak – say ‘no’ when something spells trouble.” And here is a bonus that she says at the end of the Spirit of self-control. “Resist Temptations, and then pat yourself on the back for making excellent choices.” They will serve you well.
You can order this great book from www.amazon.com or directly from the author at www.RamonaWoodBooks.com.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1198 -- THE STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES

No. 1198

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE STRANGER WITHIN OUR GATES

Several years ago I had the privilege of flying to Savannah, Ga., to be the keynote speaker for a Guidance Conference sponsored by the Georgia State Department of Education. The conference was to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Savannah, and this is where they made a reservation for me. I have done quite a bit of traveling in my work and have stayed at some really nice hotels before, but the Hyatt Regency just has that little extra “touch of class” that makes it stand out as one of the very best.
First, the hotel was new and it had elaborate furnishings. It also had those bubble elevators with glass, so you could look out and see folks in the lobby as you go from the ground floor all the way to the top. The hotel also has a couple of very nice restaurants and the food was great. Since the hotel was right on the Savannah River, the view was fantastic. You could look out over the city in one direction, and see the river and the large ships in the harbor in the other direction. Just these things alone would have been enough to make the Hyatt Regency a fine place to stay, but as I said, “they had that little ‘touch of class’.”
After a long hard day, I went to my room to turn in and was surprised to find the maid had come by and turned down the covers. Propped up on my pillow were two small bars of chocolate wrapped in foil and a little card with this message written on it: “To our guest: In ancient times there was a prayer for the Stranger Within Our Gates. Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof. May this room and hotel be your second home. May those you love be near in your thoughts and dreams.”
“Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be as comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house. May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive, add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe. We are all travelers from birth till death as we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.”
When I boarded the airplane the next day for the flight home, this little card was tucked safely in my briefcase, and as I have looked at it from time to time it has reminded me of that wonderful experience. To the management and staff of this hotel, I was just another sojourner passing through, but as I have thought about the message on the card, I realized once more that it’s the little things that often make the difference.
In short, they made me feel “special,” and in doing so they also made me feel at home. In a general sense, the people all over Savannah were the same, and the grace and charm of this historic old city has touched my life. The people of the South have a word for this kind of treatment. They call it “hospitality.”
There is an old Greek proverb that says, “The chief thing is good will.” While it’s hard to put a price tag on “good will” if we are to succeed in business, it is something we cannot do without. The lesson for each of us should be obvious: if we wish to succeed in business or any area of life, we must take the time to do those little things to make those we serve feel special. When we do, they will come back time and time again. Until next time, please understand that this is not a commercial plug for this fine hotel, but rather an example that all business people would do well to emulate.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1208 -- HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES!

No. 1208

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES!

Someone once said that “our memory is what holds the past and present together and gives continuity and dignity to human life. It is the companion, the tutor, the poet, the library with which we travel.” To be sure, the capacity to remember in vivid detail and recall facts, data, events and circumstances of the past is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us.
There is one area of our memory, however, that causes real problems for many people, and this is the perceived mental condition that they are unable to remember names. In regards to this, one comment I have heard more than any others over the years is “I’m terrible with names” or something to this effect. If this is an area of concern for you and you would like to do something about it, I will do my best to try to help you.
While this may or may not apply to you, we see many individuals in our society who are motivated to remember names because of business or economic reasons. On a personal level, how successful would a salesperson, a teacher, a minister, a banker or a public speaker be if they could never remember your name? It would not take long before you begin to feel they really do not care about you as a human being, which is exactly the point.
We must care about other people and respect them as one of God’s special creations if we are to be able to remember and recall their name, even if we have not seen them in months and run into them 1,000 miles from home. In other words, their name is important because they are important as a person. In reality, the only people we are going to help very much are those we really care about.
Apart from this “caring” factor, the biggest obstacle to remembering names is that about 95 percent of our waking hours are spent thinking about ourselves, our goals and our own personal problems. When we are introduced to another person and they give us their name, we hear what they say but our mind is thinking about something else and we simply never “get it.” When trying to recall it later, we say, “I’ve forgotten their name,” which is not really the case at all. It is impossible to “forget” something that we never “got” in the first place. In other words, we must get it before we can forget it.
Here is the key. The next time you are introduced to someone, try to slow your mind down and really focus on their name and get it firmly lodged in your mind. If you did not get it the first time, don’t be embarrassed to look this person straight in the eye and ask them to repeat as often as necessary until you really get it. While this may seem like a failure on your part, the other person will view it as a sincere compliment because you care enough to want to know their name.
Please understand that some people can remember best by hearing it, while others can remember best by writing a name down on paper. In many cases, it may not be possible to write it down, but by repeating it several times in your mind and using it in your conversation, you will be able to remember it and you can always write it down later. There are many techniques that space does not permit me to give you, but one that has really helped me is association. Get the new name lodged firmly in your mind and then associate it with some close friend or famous person or someone you know real well. As in most things, the key to success is practice, practice and more practice.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1201 -- THE FOUR PLANTS!

No. 1201

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FOUR PLANTS!

The famous educator Horace Mann once said, “A habit is a cable. We weave a thread of it every day and at last we cannot break it.” There is little question that our habits wield a tremendous influence over our lives, and when the day comes when we write the final chapter, they can literally make the difference between our success or failure.
In this column I would like to share some thoughts and ideas about “habits.” If you aren’t happy with some of yours, then hopefully these suggestions will enable you to develop new and better habits that will make you happier and a more successful person.
To illustrate the power of “habits,” I would like to share this story which I have had tucked away in my files for some time. It begins with these words, “One day a wise old teacher was taking a stroll through a forest and a youthful companion was by his side. The teacher suddenly stopped and took the time to point out four plants that were close at hand. The first plant was a tiny sprout, just coming up out of the earth. The second plant had rooted itself in the fertile soil. The third plant was a small shrub. The fourth plant had grown into a well-developed tree.
“At this point, the teacher said to his youthful companion, ‘Pull up the first plant.’ The youngster pulled it up quite easily with his fingers. ‘Now pull up the second.’ The young lad obeyed and with a slight effort the plant came up, roots and all. ‘And now, the third.’ The young lad pulled with one hand and then the other, but it would not come. And then he took both hands and the plant finally yielded to all of his strength. ‘And now,’ said the wise old teacher, ‘try the fourth.’ The young lad grasped the trunk of the tree and pulled with all of his might, but hardly a leaf moved to acknowledge the best he had to give. At this point, the wise old teacher said, ‘My son, you have just demonstrated the power that your habits will have on your life.’ Then the young lad understood the principle he was trying to teach him.”
While I am sure many of you already know this, for the benefit of other readers, let me define the word “habit.” A habit is any action that we have performed often enough and long enough so that we repeat the action without having to think about it. When it comes to developing new and better habits, there is one element in the process that is very important to understand. As a general rule we don’t break habits, we replace them. When we quit doing one thing, something else comes along to fill the void.
Psychologists and others in the behavioral sciences have determined that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Here is how to go about forming a new habit. First, determine the new desired habit and perform the action while it’s fresh in your mind, then repeat it as often as possible throughout the day. Make yourself a little note and place it where you will be sure to see it first thing in the morning. Again, repeat the desired habit when it’s practical to do so and continue this process as often as possible in the coming days. Do this for 21 consecutive days and it will become a habit, and in the future you will just do it without having to consciously think about it.
While it may be too obvious to mention, the key to success is to form “success habits” and it’s certainly worth the effort. As the English novelist George Eliot puts it, “A habit is the beneficent harness of routine, which enables silly men to live respectably and happy men to live calmly.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1203 -- THE ONE IN THE GLASS!

No. 1203

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ONE IN THE GLASS!

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a communications seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. During this time I met and got to know a wonderful gentleman by the name of Cavett Robert, who was one of the founders of the National Speakers Association. Sitting around the table at the Camelback Inn in nearby Scottsdale with Cavett, he said something in regard to accepting responsibility for ourselves that I have never forgotten. He said, “When many people are born and their umbilical cord is cut, they spend the next 50 years trying to find a place to plug it back in.”
While they would never state it in this way, today there are millions of people in our nation who believe it’s their parents, the government or someone else’s responsibility to provide for their needs and take care of them. When it comes to legitimate needs, through no fault of their own, there are also millions of people who are mentally and physically handicapped and they cannot provide for themselves.
Since the politicians in Washington have changed welfare “as we know it,” many of the people who are being forced off welfare are having a hard time dealing with it. Rather than being down on these people, what most of us need to realize is that this kind of thinking goes back to the earliest days of their childhood, and it’s so deeply ingrained that it will take many years to change. The rest of us can provide positive encouragement to these people who are getting off welfare, and in doing so are helping our country. While it has to be on an individual case-by-case basis, when many of these people are trained and have a good paying job, they will see things differently and have a sense of pride and self-respect they have never known before.
Along these lines, I discovered a poem several years ago titled “The One in the Glass,” that has been a blessing to me. I hope you will think about it as it relates to your life.
The One in the Glass
As you go through life in your struggle for self, and the world makes you King or Queen for a day, just go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what that person has to say. For it isn’t your father or mother or spouse whose judgment upon you must pass, but the one whose verdict counts most in your life, is the one staring back in the glass. Some people may think you are a straight shooting sort and call you a wonderful gal or guy, but the one in the glass says you are only a bum, if you can’t look him straight in the eye. He or she is the one to please, never mind all the rest, for they are with you clear up to the end, and you have passed your most dangerous, difficult task, if the one in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life and get pats on the back as you pass, but your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you have cheated the one in the glass.” Author Unknown
If you have family or friends who could benefit from this poem, why not clip it out, make copies and share it with them? The United States of America is a great land, and our economic and political systems are based on the merits of the individual. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “An individual is a bundle of possibilities and he is worth what life may get out of him before his is through.” It’s not what we get; it’s what we give that really counts.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1202 -- THE DOCTOR “YUM” PROJECT!

No. 1202

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DOCTOR “YUM” PROJECT!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9 out of 10 children do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Considering these foods are nutritional powerhouses that are key in the health of a developing child, one pediatrician has set out to change that. Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure was created specifically to help children gain an appreciation for fruits and veggies and get them to increase their intake of them at school and at home.
“Many children are not exposed to a lot of fruits and vegetables, and many parents don’t have the information on how to cultivate an appreciation for them” says Dr. Nimali Fernando, a Fredericksburg, Va.-based pediatrician who developed The Doctor Yum Project. “If we can reach children at the preschool age and help them develop a good relationship with these foods, it can benefit them for the rest of their life.”
Dr. Fernando, along with Melanie Potock, a world-renowned speech language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding, developed The Doctor Yum’s Preschool Adventure. The unique specialized curriculum was piloted in variety of early childhood centers in Central Virginia and is currently being used in more than 40 classrooms and with more than 600 preschoolers in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The interactive curriculum has been designed to introduce preschoolers to the joy of eating fruits and vegetables, and uses multi-sensory experience to help make that happen.
Through the use of fun characters used in the curriculum, Dr. Yum, Coach Mel and My Munch Bag, there are 18 lessons that can be used over a period of two years. The lessons are each presented by the preschool teacher once a month. Each lesson introduces children to a fruit or vegetable, its nutritional benefits, and guides them in preparing a sample snack using that particular item. This way they get hands-on experience, are able to try the food they are learning about, and will have a positive connection with it that will last for years to come.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that advertisers spend more than $12 billion per year advertising to the youth market, and that children are exposed to around 40,000 commercials per year. A good portion of those commercials are for unhealthy foods, such as sugar cereals, treats, and fast food. The CDC recommends that childcare centers make an effort to provide children with hands-on experience and learning opportunities regarding fruits and vegetables. Some of the benefits of using the Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure program include:
• The fun characters that will help to get children’s attention and keep them interested in the curriculum.
• The life skills they will be gaining by learning how to prepare a snack with the food. Additionally, the lessons have been designed to include using such skills as language, fine motor, and numbers.
• Drawing from Montessori-style teaching methods, students are exposed to the information through a practical life lesson they can re-create at home.
For more information: check out their website at – www.doctoryum.org.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1200 -- JOVONI JOHNSON: A TRUE SUCCESS STORY!

No. 1200

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JOVONI JOHNSON: A TRUE SUCCESS STORY!

As my pastor, Don Chandler, often says “It is important to keep the text in the context.” This simply means that we are able to correctly interpret a particular passage of scripture if we know the author, understand the times, conditions and circumstances for when it was written, and know to whom it was written.
This is my heartfelt desire as I share something that is very important with you today. Now to the context: Back in 1980, I began a daily radio program and have written more than 1,400 radio programs. In 1995, I began a weekly newspaper column and have now written more than 1,200 of these. Please understand that I say this to the Glory of God and never to boast.
Now to the text: The reason I share this is because in all of my writing I have never before singled out a high school student to say that he is a true success. I want to do that today, because there is a young man here in my community who is very deserving of this honor. His name is JoVoni Johnson, and before sharing the details I want to make a full disclosure. Back in 2005, when he was 4 years of age and a Head Start child from a low-income, single-parent home, JoVoni received a personalized, oak bookcase and a starter set of books from our Conway Bookcase Project.
Fast forward to our project’s Awards Ceremony in 2016, where JoVoni told a story about his bookcase. He told us that as a child he would pass the bookcase with his name on it, and he decided he wanted to have some books in his bookcase. He said his mother told him the only books he could have in his bookcase were those he had read.
Later in an interview with Tammy Keith for a newspaper article, JoVoni stated that he attributes much of his academic success to a love of reading inspired by the Conway Bookcase Project. He says “I think it got me off to a jump start as far as me learning to like to learn. You learn to search for knowledge.” He remembers getting the bookcase. “I think we went to a church and I remember me thinking it was a big deal, and my mom dressed me up for it. The bookcase came with some books to get started reading, and my mom had a deal -- I couldn’t put books in there till I read them. I’d read a book, put it in there; read a book, put it in there.”
Well, he continued to read, and when he came to talk to us in 2016, he was already getting scholarship offers from colleges because of his grades. He was also the backup quarterback for the Conway Wampus Cat football team.
JoVoni has grown to be an outstanding young man. He is a senior in high school with a 4.21 grade-point average, an ACT score of 34, president of the senior class, and one of only seven in the county to be named as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. He is also starting quarterback for the football team, leading them to a record of 10-3, winning one game in the playoffs, in our state’s highest classification.
Now, you can see why we are all so proud of him and how he has become a “poster child” for our bookcase project. What makes me feel so good about him and why I consider him a true success is that, while he is a great athlete, if he gets hurt and can’t play football down the road, his academic success will carry him anywhere he wants to go for the rest of his life! He says he wants to major in economics and minor in history.
Now for the conclusion: When we started our bookcase project back in 2005, we had a vision that we could help preschool children being reared in low-income homes by inspiring them to read, and keep reading until they charted a course that would change their lives forever. There are children like JoVoni all across America waiting for us to help them. Please join us.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1207 -- THE “JAPANESE TOMATO RING” METHOD!

No. 1207

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE “JAPANESE TOMATO RING” METHOD!

My wife Janis loves home-grown tomatoes, and if you do too, I have a terrific idea to share with you today. First, a brief explanation of where I got the idea and a disclaimer, which I know is not a good way to begin a column.
At our home we both read a daily devotional book that is printed by Thomas Nelson Company and organized by Dr. Johnny Hunt, senior pastor of Woodstock First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Ga. This is a terrific devotional book, as Dr. Hunt commissions 50 different pastors from all across the nation to write for one week, using a different scripture passage each day. We heard Dr. Hunt speak in Branson, Mo., a few years ago and he is one of the best I have ever heard. Our motivation is a little deeper than that, as Janis’s son Roy, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Warren, Ohio, is one of those 50 pastors and has been writing for Dr. Hunt for many years.
Now that is my source, and the disclaimer is that I have never tried what I am going to tell you about, but I plan to as soon as the growing season comes back around. While that is still several months away, I may let you know how it turns out, especially if it is as good as I think it’s going to be. This idea came from Tim Sizemore, pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Macon, Ga. Tim says, “I once planted some tomato plants in my yard using the Japanese Tomato Ring method. The plants grew more than six feet tall, and I could not give the tomatoes away as fast as the four plants produced.
“The most interesting thing about this method is that I did not water the plants themselves. I planted them, four plants, in a circle and the fertilizer and water went in a ring in the center of the plants. The roots of the plants would seek the nutrients and grow toward the center. I watered the roots only, not the leaves or stalks. As a result, the branches produced beautiful, delicious fruit because I provided proper nourishment to the roots.”
Well, how about that? I can’t wait to try it. Of course, Pastor Tim used this example to make a spiritual application. As we feed and water our heart each day and understand who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we will have bountiful and beautiful fruit in our lives. I know this is true because of what He has done for me. As I often tell people, I am just a sinner who God has saved by His amazing grace.
In relation to what I have shared here, there is a much larger application of the principals involved that we can use in so many ways. First is to understand the concept of the Japanese Tomato Ring method. I had never heard of it before, even though I have been putting out tomato plants for years. This was new for me and maybe for you as well.
Today as I look back over my life, I realize that I wasted a lot of time on things that did not serve me well, as it relates to making a contribution to my fellow man. This is especially true in the early days before I got plugged in and turned on to learning. This is one reason I spend a good deal of my time today encouraging young people to read worthwhile things that will help to build a solid foundation for their future success.
As the late Earl Nightingale often said, “We can’t be much better than we know how to be. Our job is to work hard to be the best person we can be.” And it is very important to understand that almost all real winners are readers. This is why continuing education is so important and really vital to our future success and happiness. I love the theme of our state’s educational television network, “Where Learning Never Ends.” This theme can become a mindset with great benefits.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1205 -- THE RATCHET PRINCIPLE!

No. 1205

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE RATCHET PRINCIPLE!

The person who achieves real success in any area of life seldom travels in a straight unbroken line, because he or she has setbacks and reversals along the way. It is often said that success is taking two steps forward and one step back. But what happens to the person who continually takes one step forward and two steps back? Unfortunately, this person is going backwards and losing ground.
Today, this is happening to millions of people in America, especially in the area of personal finances. Perhaps the American railroad builder and financier James J. Hill (1838-1916) said it best in relation to financial success: “The test is simple and infallible: are you able to save money?”
If you or someone you love is losing ground financially, and you would like to do something about it, perhaps a good understanding of a little-known principle called the “ratchet” principle may help you. The ratchet principle refers to something or someone moving in a given direction for a period of time, then falling back to a solid position to regroup, then doing what is necessary before heading out again. To be able to see this principle very clearly in your mind, just visualize a socket wrench set that can be purchased at any store where tools are sold. A socket wrench set consists of a set of sockets and a ratchet with a little button on top of this device to turn if you want to go in the opposite direction. As you turn a tap or bolt and then back it up to get more leverage, you can hear the little “clicks” of the ratchet as it is being brought back into position for a fresh start. These little clicks of the ratchet are what keep it from losing ground.
When it comes to achieving personal financial success, I might say here in the beginning that the most important ingredient is self-discipline. Without having the self-discipline to stick with a plan, everything else is lost. When it comes to using the ratchet principle to help you or someone you love to achieve personal financial success, there are four simple steps to follow that will definitely help you to improve your present circumstances. The first step is to REGROUP, which is what happens when you pause using the ratchet principle; just sit down where it’s quiet and list all of your expenses item-by-item so you will know exactly where you are in relation to your income. You must know this before you can proceed.
The second step is NOT TO LOSE GROUND, which is what the little clicks of the ratchet are designed to do. Eliminate unnecessary expenses, and if you have credit cards and other loans with a high interest rate, pay them off before buying anything else that is not absolutely necessary.
The third step is to GET ON SOLID FOOTING, which means you must have the ratchet sitting firmly on the tap or bolt you are going to turn. This is the point where you develop a financial plan that includes goals, and it’s vital that you establish a savings and investment account that will begin to compound your earnings for the future.
The fourth and final step is to HEAD OUT AGAIN, which is when you begin to turn the ratchet to achieve real financial success. At this point, with peace in your mind and heart, you can go to work with real determination and enthusiasm that will make your plans and your goals come true.
Remember, when you follow this simple four-step plan, the chances of your losing ground have been greatly diminished and you have the plans to help you achieve. It’s the ratchet principle. Until our next visit, just remember, you cannot be defeated if you take the long range view. What many people do not realize is that “perseverance” is just another word for success.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1199 -- THAT IS FOR THE BIRDS!

No. 1199

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THAT IS FOR THE BIRDS!

If you are old enough to remember the days in our country when the majority of people did not have indoor plumbing, you will appreciate and may even be amused at what I want to share with you today.
When I was growing up, my parents owned and operated a restaurant in a small town in Southeast Arkansas. We lived in two rooms in the back of this restaurant and did not have an indoor bathroom. We had a privy or outhouse out back. I still remember those days, and I can promise you that it was no fun having to travel to the outhouse to use the bathroom on cold winter days. I also remember the stories of Halloween when some of the boys in town would turn over a privy with an occupant inside.
The big deal back then was whether a family had a one-holer or a two-holer. To be sure, you were really up-town if your family had a two-holer with a Sears & Roebuck catalog. As time passed, technology increased and we came to have a higher standard of living, more and more people installed indoor plumbing, which included a bathroom. Again, in the early days, most homes and families just had one bathroom, but you could lock it from inside. This was important, especially when you had company.
What brought these memories to mind was something that happened to us a few weeks ago in one of our local fast-food restaurants. I might add, this particular restaurant is part of a chain that has restaurants all across the nation. My wife and I were sitting in this restaurant eating, and I happened to notice that both of their bathrooms, unlike most restaurants, had a unisex symbol on both doors. Of course this meant that regardless of whether you were a man or a woman, you were free to go in either one. I might add that this is the first time I had seen this in our community, as other restaurants (including the chains) have two clearly marked bathrooms, one for men and one for women. If a restaurant just had one bathroom, it could be locked from the inside where only one person at a time could use it.
Now clearly this restaurant chain was trying to make a statement, and after thinking about it I decided that I would like to make a statement, too, and as a result, we have not gone back. Now granted, I am old fashioned. I do not want my wife, daughters or granddaughters to go into a restaurant that has unisex bathrooms and have some man come in the same bathroom, occupy the adjacent stall and then have them seeing his shoes or hairy legs while they are having a very private moment.
Here is a thought I had after thinking about this for a little while. This is for the birds. When birds, and all other creatures out in nature, have to use the bathroom they don’t have to worry about where they are or who is looking.
Not so with human beings. When we became educated and enlightened, we know that privacy and discretion is one of the distinguishing characteristics that set us apart from all other creatures that inhabit this planet. This is just plain decency.
I must be pretty dumb because I fail to understand why they have their bathrooms labeled in this way and alienate a good number of their customers. Apparently they fail to realize that many Americans like myself not only vote with the ballot, they also vote with their wallet. Only time will tell if they wise up and join the human race, but as I said earlier, what they are doing is for the birds. Now, to be sure, I don’t get on a soap box often but this is one of those times.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1206 -- WHY I WRITE BOOKS!

No. 1206

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY I WRITE BOOKS!

Each morning for the past several months I have been blessed by a wonderful little program that comes in on my I-Phone called “Minute with Maxwell.” It features John Maxwell, a well-known author, speaker and trainer who is making a tremendous difference in the lives of people all across the world. He started out as a minister but soon left his calling to expand his career to the other areas previously mentioned.
However, he often talks about his faith in his expanded career. The author of more than 40 books, one morning recently he talked about why he writes them. The bottom line for John is that he writes them to expand his influence. It is just common sense to realize that while John can’t be everywhere, his books can be, and they are.
As the author of six books, 1,400 radio shows and 1,200 columns, naturally my ears perked up, and his comments later got me to thinking about why I also write books. While certainly not on the same stage with John Maxwell, I came to the conclusion that I write, in each area, as a way to help other people. For me it began back in 1976 when I wrote and published a little 24-page booklet titled “Life Plan.” While the quantity was fairly small, this booklet was reprinted four times and was used mostly in the six-hour seminars I was conducting in high schools across our state.
As a businessman motivational consultant working with our schools, soon after I began working with students I discovered that the vast majority of high school seniors had no idea of what they wanted to do with their lives after they graduated. Back 75 to 100 years ago there were a limited number of career possibilities, but even in 1976 with increased technology there were more than 50,000 career possibilities. You could see why with this scenario that a young person could be frustrated, confused and even bewildered. What I was able to do for these students in six hours was help walk them through the goal-setting, planning process by answering six very important and very personal questions.
These questions are: Who am I? Where am I? Is it possible for me? Where do I start? Now what? Is that all there is to it? We also talked about achieving success in these four major areas of life: Spiritual, family, work or school, and income. We ended with these areas that were also important if they were to achieve success: time management, the importance of habits, the importance of communication, and change and continuing education. I told them that school is just the beginning and not the end.
Well, so much for my first foray into writing. In the coming years I would also write six books that included two editions of “How to Plan Your Life,” a book of my radio shows titled “You Can Be the Best,” and still later two editions of “Learning, Earning & Giving Back” that contained selected newspaper columns. The second edition of this book was funded by 143 individuals and organizations who gave $100 each to have it published, and this book had the focus on our Conway Bookcase Project that I founded in 2005.
What was a true blessing for me is that over the years I received thousands of letters and phone calls from listeners and readers who stated how much they enjoyed my writing. And then comes my most important work of all: my latest book, “My Heartfelt Passion: Saving Our Nation One Child at a Time. This book was written from my heart as a way to help spread our bookcase literacy project all across the nation. Pre-school children reared in low-income families truly need our help.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1209 -- WITH ME: IT IS NOT ABOUT MONEY!

No. 1209

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WITH ME: IT IS NOT ABOUT MONEY!

Writing in the Fourth Century B.C., the Greek teacher and philosopher Aristotle ((384-322 B.C.) had this to say about money: “Money is a guarantee that we may have what we want in the future. Though we need nothing at the moment, it insures the possibility of satisfying a necessary desire when it arises.” The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Now take note, not money but the love of money. All through the ages, since money came into existence, it has been a source of contention. People have counterfeited it, killed for it, lied about it and spent their lives trying to get more of it.
Well, I am here today to tell you that I have been so blessed. With me, it’s not about money and never has been. I need money like everyone else to pay my bills, live comfortably and have a little left over for a rainy day. When I was younger, I set goals to have more money, but I also understood what money is and how to morally and ethically get more of it. To be honest, I guess the die was cast for me in 1970 when I left a job with a great income to start a new career with no guarantees that I would succeed and have sufficient income to have the standards that I mentioned a moment ago.
First, understand that money cannot be sought directly. It is simply a medium of exchange, something we have that we can trade for products and services that we do not presently have. If we want more, we must provide others with high quality products and services they desire and will exchange their money for it. At this point I would like to make a simple statement, and I hope you will really tune me in if you are ready to enter the work force or still working in a job or career. The key to financial success is not necessarily having more money, it is what you do with the money you are earning or presently have.
To validate what I am saying, the only time I ever had a job with a regular paycheck was the seven years from 1957 to 1964 when I worked for a printer on the east side of Little Rock and started at $1.35 per hour. Ever since that time I have been on straight commission or owned a small company, where I had one man that I paid to narrate my radio program. This action came after I strained my voice and had to have someone do my talking for me. I am like the old boy who said he started with nothing and still has most of it.
At this point, please allow me to tell you that I have saved the best for last. In 1984 I confessed my sins, repented and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Shortly after I was baptized, I was asked to teach a junior high school boys Sunday School class. It did not take me long to realize that I did not know the Bible, and I made the decision to read it all the way through in one year. Well, I continued the following year and did not stop until I had read it for 25 straight years. One of the verses I learned has truly turned my life around in the area of money. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
One of the things I soon learned is that you can’t out give God. The more you give and do for Him, the more He will bless you. I started serving, giving and helping others and He has blessed me with more than 300 radio stations to carry my radio program, more than 375 newspapers to run my column, and all the income needed to meet our needs. I don’t have a lot of money but more than enough for that rainy day. Don’t worry about the money -- just serve, earn and save a part of it, and He will bless you, too.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1204 -- SHE WAS ONE MEAN MOTHER!

No. 1204

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHE WAS ONE MEAN MOTHER!

In the Bible, you will find these words in Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge lest you be judged yourselves. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it shall be measured to you.” In view of the continuing debate in our nation over the right or best way to rear children, I wanted to share some thoughts with you that may be of value.
The reason I decided to begin with this passage in Matthew is because I wanted to amplify the word “standard” and how it gives us a basis or justification for the way we do things. Just as a youngster grows up to accept or adopt many of the attitudes and values of his or her parents, we also tend to judge the actions of others in light of our own standards.
If you can accept what I have just said as being true and can also see some tremendous opportunities all around you to help our nation’s youth, I would like to share an article titled, “The Meanest Mother in the World.” I don’t know who wrote this article, and she is not my mother, but after you read it I believe you will see why I wanted to share it with you.
THE MEANEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD
“As a child, I had the meanest mother in the world. She was real mean. When other kids ate candy for breakfast, she made me eat cereal, eggs and toast. When other kids had Coke and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my dinner, too, was different from other kids. My mother insisted on knowing where we were and what we were doing. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour that we would be gone for one hour or less. She was real mean. I was ashamed to admit it, but she actually had the nerve to break the child labor laws. She made us work! We had to wash the dishes, make all the beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she lay awake at night thinking up mean things for us to do. She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates come to the front door to get us! I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 or 13, my old-fashioned mother refused to let me date until I was 15 or 16. Boy! Was she mean!
“My mother was a complete failure as a mother. None of us have ever been arrested or beaten by a mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of his country willingly, not protesting. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You’re right. Our mean mother. Look at all the things we missed. We never got to take part in a riot, never burned draft cards or got to do a million and one things our friends did. Our mean mother made us grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults. Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me ‘mean’. You see, I thank God that He gave me The Meanest Mother in the World.”
This was written some time ago, but the message it contains still applies today. When we don’t care enough to train or discipline our children in right conduct, honesty, respect for the rights and property of others, and how to perform domestic skills to meet their own needs, we are neglecting our most basic duty as parents. As Henry Ward Beecher once said, “A mother is the child’s schoolroom.” The article you have read is so very true.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1210 -- THANK GOD FOR DALE CARNEGIE!

No. 1210

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THANK GOD FOR DALE CARNEGIE!

While it is much too late to tell him in person, I am thankful and truly indebted to the late Dale Carnegie. This “icon” of the public speaking profession passed away back in 1955 in Queens, New York, but while he was here on earth for 66 years, he made a difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of people who took his famous Dale Carnegie Course.
Born into poverty in 1888 in Maryville, Missouri, he overcame an unbelievably harsh childhood and early life to discover that success comes from people skills and public speaking ability more often than knowledge acquired from a formal education. His book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” has sold more than five million copies.
What follows is just one story of what can happen in a person’s life when he can overcome the fear of speaking in public and, over time, become very proficient and skillful in this desired attribute. Back in 1935, 2,500 men and women packed the grand ballroom of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. These people had been lured there by a newspaper ad that appeared two days earlier in the New York Sun. The ad said that 18 people who had taken the Dale Carnegie Course would be marshalled in front of a loudspeaker and given precisely 75 seconds to tell his story about what the course had meant to him.
Here is the 75-second story of Godfrey Meyer, who was a gray-headed banker and the father of 11 children. The first time he had attempted to speak in class, he was literally struck dumb. His mind refused to function. His story is a vivid illustration of how leadership gravitates to the person who can talk. He worked on Wall Street, and for 25 years he had been living in Clifton, New Jersey. During that time, he had taken no active part in community affairs and knew perhaps 500 people.
Shortly after he had enrolled in the Carnegie course, he received his tax bill and was infuriated by what he considered unjust charges. Ordinarily, he would have sat at home and fumed, or he would have taken it out in grousing to his neighbors. But instead he put on his hat that night, walked into the town meeting, and blew off steam in public. As a result of his talk of indignation, the citizens of Clifton, New Jersey, urged him to run for town council.
For weeks he went from one meeting to another, denouncing waste and municipal extravagance. There were 96 candidates in the field. When the ballots were counted, lo, Godfrey Meyer’s name led all the rest. Almost overnight, he had become a public figure among the 40,000 people in his community. As a result of his talks, he made 80 times more friends in six weeks than he had been able to previously in 25 years.
You may or may not know that the Dale Carnegie course was what gave me my start and has been very good for me. As a college drop-out, I took the course back in 1968 and won the “gavel” as the leader of the course. Two years later my instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, came to me and asked me to go into business with him to distribute the Earl Nightingale Attitude Motivation Courses on cassette tape. Happy to say, I accepted his offer.
This provided me the opportunity to give hundreds of speeches and the rest is history – over 1,700 speeches, the “How to Plan Your Life” daily radio program, a nationally syndicated newspaper column, and my greatest joy, the Bookcase for Every Child project that is all volunteer and “giving back.” To this I can only say, “To God be the Glory and Thank God for Dale Carnegie.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1216 -- FOUR MARKS OF AN EDUCATED PERSON!

No. 1216

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FOUR MARKS OF AN EDUCATED PERSON!

Over the past two-plus decades since I started writing this column, and as time has passed, I have had the opportunity to think a lot about what I really believe and what is important to me. From the very beginning, and is still true today, my purpose has been to share useful information and ideas that are positive and encouraging that will bring glory to God and help you achieve greater success. When I make a decision to share something with you here, my first consideration is: Is it right or is it wrong, and next, will it build up or will it tear down? My heart’s desire has always been to earn your trust and to make a positive difference in the life of every person who reads my column.
One word in the English language that I have come to appreciate more and more is the word “discernment.” According to the dictionary, this means “destiny, keen perception or judgment.” This word can help each of us if we truly understand and use it properly. When it comes to discernment, we instinctively know that it is wrong to yell “FIRE” in a crowded theater or to continue to talk when someone is asking the blessing. We also know that it is right to stop and help someone who has had a serious accident and to obey the laws of the land, even though we may not agree with some of them.
Using these thoughts as a backdrop, I would like to share something with you titled “The Four Marks of An Educated Person,” written by Grayson Kirk. It appeared several years ago in the Rotarian magazine.
Mr. Kirk says: “No. 1 -- The educated person speaks and writes clearly and precisely, no matter how much information he may have stored away in his brain. A person is not educated until he learns to use his mother tongue with grace, precision and clarity. No. 2 -- The educated person has a set of values and the courage to defend them. Knowledge and experience have given him the capacity to discriminate, not only between right and wrong, but also between the trivial and the significant, that which is cheap and that which has integrity. No. 3 – The educated person tries to understand his society and how it differs from others. He views these differences with compassion and respect, where the uneducated person sees them as evidence of his own superiority, regarding the customs of others with condemnation or contempt. No. 4 – The educated person looks squarely at the world and all its problems, but always with hope. He neither fears nor rejects the trials and tribulations of modern life, but accepts them as his responsibility, the task of making order out of complexity and opportunity out of danger.”
While I don’t know how you feel about it, to me, Mr. Kirk’s article is a fine piece of writing. You will note that he did not single out any one subject or specific area of knowledge, but rather has given a general outline of what a good education is supposed to accomplish. If we leave out any of “The Four Marks of An Educated Person,” we will be out of balance. This was summed up pretty well when someone said, “An educated man is one who can entertain a new idea, entertain another person and entertain himself.”
As you think about what I have just shared here, please ask yourself this question: What does the moral or main idea mean to me and how can I apply it to my own circumstances? This leads me to ask myself this question: Am I truly educated? It really does matter.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1215 -- THE BLESSINGS OF AN ORGANIZED LIFE!

No. 1215

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BLESSINGS OF AN ORGANIZED LIFE!

Sometime back I read a statement that has had a tremendous impact on my thinking. The statement goes, “Be kind to unkind people, as they probably need it the most.”
If you will think about this for a moment, I believe you will agree that we can’t be kind to unkind people if we are not organized, live a balanced life and are at peace with ourselves. This statement, contained in a wonderful article sent to me by a friend, was only a small part of a larger group of statements that, taken together, are some of the best I have ever read.
While I don’t know about you, I am always distressed when I see a dysfunctional person or family, because they are missing out on a quality of life that only a small group of people in our society ever attain. I will be the first to say that we cannot live our lives based on a list of rules or advice from others, but there is quality information all around us that would be very helpful if we would just slow down a bit, meditate on it, and then apply it in practical ways.
With that said, I would like to share the other statements in the article my friend sent to me. Please take a moment and ponder each one. Here are the statements, and they are numbered so we can place the emphasis where it belongs. 1. Pray. 2 Go to bed on time. 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. 4. Say “no” to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or will compromise your mental health. 5. Delegate tasks to others who are capable. 6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is not enough, two are often too many.) 8. Allow extra time to do things and get to places. 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things together. 10. Take one day at a time. 11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it. 12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13. Have backups: an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut) This simple piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the kid in you every day. 16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line. 17. Get enough rest. 18. Eat right. 19. Get organized so everything has its place. 20. While driving, listen to a tape that can help improve your quality of life. 21. Write down thoughts and inspirations. 22. Every day, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people. 25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank You, Jesus.” 27. Laugh. 28. Laugh some more. 29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all. 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31. Repeat this line often - be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.) 32. Sit on your ego. 33. Talk less, listen more. 34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you are grateful for that you have never been grateful for before.” – Hey, I am grateful for you. God bless!
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1214 -- THE ONLY REAL BOSS!

No. 1214

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ONLY REAL BOSS!

When it comes to doing business in these highly competitive times, every once in a while I hear something that just floors me. I was talking with a lady the other day who told me about a recent shopping trip to a major department store. She said when she got ready to check out at the register, she was the only one there at the time, and two female clerks were engaged in conversation. She went on to say, “I stood there for over a minute and neither clerk offered to check me out. At this point I cleared my throat to let them know I was there.” With this, one of the clerks turned to me and said, ‘Would you mind?,’ indicating she would check me out when they finished their conversation.”
More about this in a moment, but first I want to tell you another true story along the same lines, but with a completely different attitude. There is a lady who used to manage a dress shop here in our community who used a simple and effective concept to train her new sales people. When the store was empty and the clerks were engaged in busy work, if the front door opened and a potential customer came in, this lady would turn to her clerks and say in a low voice, “Don’t look now, but your paycheck just came in the door.”
As it relates to both of these examples, there is a lot I could say, but the bottom line is that the store manager knew who her real boss was, while apparently the two sales clerks who were engaged in conversation did not. My friend, I am here to tell you that regardless of whether you are a manager or an employee, if you don’t know and understand who the real “boss” is, you are going to suffer economically for the rest of your life.
While I realize that you may not fit either of these categories, as a customer or consumer, I know you want the very best service and treatment you can receive. In fact, every person deserves this when they spend their hard-earned money. Here is something that I discovered in my files that makes it very simple. “There never has been, there is not now, and there never will be any boss but the customer. He is the one boss you must please. Everything you own, he has paid for. He buys your home, your cars, your clothes; he pays for your vacation and puts your children through school. He pays your doctor bills and writes every paycheck you will ever receive. He will give you every promotion you will ever obtain and he will fire you if you displease him.”
If I may, I would like to amplify these thoughts with something that you may or may not have heard or read before. It’s titled, “The Customer”. “The customer is the most important person in our business. The customer is not dependent on us, we are dependent on him. The customer is not an interruption of our work, he is the purpose of it. The customer does us a favor when he calls, we do not do him a favor by serving him. The customer is part of our business, not an outsider. The customer is not someone to argue or match ‘wits’ with. The customer is someone who brings us his wants. It is our job to supply those wants. The customer deserves the most courteous and most attentive treatment we can give him. The customer is the person who makes it possible to pay our salaries. The customer is the lifeblood of this and every other business.”
Well, that pretty well says it all, and it never hurts to be reminded of just how important this special person really is.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1220 -- GOD’S PLAN FOR AGING!

No. 1220

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOD’S PLAN FOR AGING!

Back in the days before I married my beautiful, talented and creative wife Janis, I had a regular, go-to-the-gym, exercise program. Now, not so much, as I seem to stay busy doing other things these days. We kid each other a good deal about this, but she says I get plenty of exercise with my current routine.
Here is the reason I am sharing this with you. A few days ago a friend gave me something titled, “God’s Plan for Aging” and it helps me see her point. Now, I am not sure who wrote this but it makes a lot of sense, and it is also quite humorous.
So, without further ado, here is “God’s Plan for Aging.” See what you think. It begins: “Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things, thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom God made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things, requiring them to bend, reach and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.
“Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature, requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good. So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember its God’s will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.
“And here are nine important facts to remember as we grow older. #9 -- Death is the number 1 killer in the world. #8 – Life is sexually transmitted. #7 – Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. #6 – Men have two motivations: hunger and hanky panky, and they can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eye, make him a sandwich. #5 -- Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years. #4 -- Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing. #3 -- All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. #2 -- In the 1960s, people took LSD to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal. #1 -- Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow. Please share this wisdom with others while I go to the bathroom.”
Well, that’s it. I am not sure how much wisdom is there, but there are some good points and it does give one something to think about, at least from my perspective. However, on a more serious note, most of us who are blessed to have good health can thank our parents for giving us good genes, when it comes to living a long life. I have said many times that I want to stick around as long as the Lord has something worthwhile for me to do, but I never want to be a burden to anyone, especially my wonderful wife.
Along these lines, I heard a preacher awhile back say that when it comes to a purpose in life, there are only two things to make sure we do – to glorify God and to serve other people. Now, that is a good measuring stick for any of us to consider: Is what we are doing with our work and our days glorifying God and does it truly benefit others?
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1221 -- THEY ARE “REARING” HIM RIGHT!

No. 1221

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THEY ARE “REARING” HIM RIGHT!

There is an old saying that I have heard all my life that goes, “You raise corn but you rear children.” This saying has helped to remind me many times over the years -- especially after I had used the wrong word -- that habits are hard to break. What brought this saying to mind was a recent encounter I had with a young boy who epitomizes what I believe to be a role model for other parents who truly care and wish to rear their children right. If you are a parent or grandparent of a young person still in the formative process of learning to make their way in the world, I hope you will really tune me in, because what I am going to say could make a real difference in their future.
This young boy’s name is Layne Faulk. He is 13 years of age, lives in Damascus, Arkansas, and is the son of Travis and Sancy Faulk. If memory serves me right, I have only been around this youngster three times. The first time was a couple of years ago when he was visiting relatives, who are our neighbors. Another neighbor had invited several couples over for lunch, and Layne came with them. The second time was at a Mexican restaurant in Damascus. He and his family were having lunch there when Janis and I stopped in for a bite as well.
The third time, and the reason for this column, was at another restaurant in Conway, and Layne came in with some of his extended family members. When Layne saw me he waved at me and we exchanged greetings. Then, when they were ready to leave, Layne came over to our table, shook hands with me and told me he was glad to see me. I told him I was proud of him. And they left.
You may say, “There is nothing special about that” and you would be right, but he made a great impression on me, and that is my point. The bottom line is that his parents are “rearing” him right. Good manners, along with old fashioned values like character and respect, will serve him well all the years of his life.
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” To be sure, in today’s times, it takes a lot of time and effort to rear a successful, happy and well-adjusted child. There are so many forces out there that are unhealthy, and most of the programs on television these days have little or no character building values and content that will sustain him in tough times that are sure to come. I shudder to think about the challenges that will confront my children and grandchildren when I am gone and no longer here to counsel them.
There is one thing that I hope you will take away from what I am saying. We should be concerned about the welfare of all children, but when it comes to our own, we are responsible for them and should do everything we can to prepare them for a successful life. One way to do this is to establish a relationship where you have long talks with them. Talk about life and real values that are important, like treating others with dignity and respect, always being honest and telling the truth, and always being willing to pay their own way.
While we should always be friends, we must establish a parent/child relationship where there is never any doubt about why sometimes you have to make hard choices that are in their best interest. And tell them often that you love them.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1219 -- A FANTASTIC GRADUATION GIFT!

No. 1219

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FANTASTIC GRADUATION GIFT!

Several weeks ago I spoke to our local Kiwanis Club, and after the customary greetings and salutations, I posed this question: Do you ever feel like God has blessed you more than you deserve? Well, I sure do and I give Him all the glory. I was blessed to have good parents who loved me, taught me right from wrong and, by example, taught me the value and importance of hard work.
Let me begin our visit today by saying that in 1968 I took the Dale Carnegie Course, and at the end of the course, my classmates voted for me to receive the “gavel” as leader of the class. A couple of years later my instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, came to see me when I was a printing salesman. He asked me to consider going into business with him to distribute the Earl Nightingale attitude motivation programs that were produced on cassette tape. At the time I was earning really good money, but I saw an opportunity to help a lot of people who were traveling the same school-of-hard-knocks road I had been traveling. This would also give me the opportunity to do a lot of public speaking, which I loved to do.
After a short period of time I learned that “Attitude” was the buzz-word in education, and schools and colleges were the best prospects to purchase my materials. At this time my new school administrator friends began to invite me to speak to their students and teachers. Over the next 10 years I would speak to more than 500 school faculties plus many commencement exercises, state conferences and also many out-of-state engagements. It was during this time, as I traveled in my car over 50,000 miles each year, that I really got an education. I had a cassette player installed in my car and would listen to all those great Earl Nightingale recordings over and over again, and this filled my mind with the wisdom of the ages.
Here is how fate works. I am sure that because of Earl’s influence, I decided to have my own radio program, and in 1980 I launched my program and called it “How to Plan Your Life.” My first station was KARN in Little Rock, and over the next 10 to 15 years the number would grow to over 300 stations coast to coast that would carry my program. During this time I got thousands of letters from listeners and decided to publish a book of my most requested shows. The title was “You Can Be the Best.” After three printings, I let it fall by the wayside when I started my weekly newspaper column.
A few weeks ago I got this book out and reread it, and realized that it is the best work I have ever done. At this point I decided to reprint, and the title would be, “The Best of Jim Davidson.” To confirm my thinking I asked a good friend, Kim Siegel, who works for an international book publisher, to also read it and give me some feedback. Here is what she said, “As I was reading through some of the sections, I kept thinking how your book would make a perfect gift for high school and college graduates. It is the type of book that someone could, at any point in their life, pick up and find a section that speaks to them. I did not get quite as far into it as I had planned because I found myself wanting to stop and ruminate on each story before starting the next. It really is a special collection and I thank you so very much for sharing it with me.”
This book is now published and is available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and from the publisher www.sbpra.com/JimDavidson Thank you.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1213 -- THE FAMOUS BLACKWOOD BROTHERS!

No. 1213

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FAMOUS BLACKWOOD BROTHERS!

The famous news anchor, Walter Cronkite (1916-2009), had a famous sign-off saying that went, “And that’s the way it is: these are the events that tend to alter and illuminate our times, and you were there.” The reason I share this is because there was another event where famous people were involved, and I was there. I am talking about a recent concert at our church, where Janis and I were blessed to be in attendance. We had the famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet perform for us, and it was such a blessing that I would like to tell you about it. In the event they appear in your area, you might want to go see them.
And it is not just me who says they are famous, as they have the commendations, history and awards to prove it. In all of Southern Gospel Music there is no name bigger than the Blackwood Brothers. They are eight-time Grammy Award winners in addition to winning a good number of Gospel Music Dove Awards, and five All-America Music Awards. They are also members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
The quartet was formed in 1934 in the midst of the Great Depression, when preacher Roy Blackwood (1900-1971) moved his family back home to Choctaw County, Mississippi. His two brothers, Doyle and James, were part of the original group as well as other family members. They began to travel across the country to perform, and in 1950 relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Then tragedy struck. Due to demand for their performances they began flying to shows in their own private plane. They were using their plane when they flew to New York to appear on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, which they won.
However, on June 30, 1954, the group was scheduled to perform with the Statesmen Quartet in Clanton, Alabama, during the town festival. Prior to the start of their show; R.W. Blackwood, Bill Lyles and Johnny Ogburn, a local friend, decided to take a quick ride on the plane around dusk. Soon after takeoff the plane got caught in an upward position and could not pull out, and then it fell to the ground and killed everyone on board. After the funerals and a lot of sad times, the group decided to continue, and a lot of changes had to be made. While the Blackwood name has always been the centerpiece and at least one member of the family has been part of the group, they still perform and bless people everywhere they go.
When they came to our church several weeks ago, the group consisted of Billy Blackwood, Wayne Little, Butch Owen and Jonathan Mattingly, and trust me, they were good. After their performance they had tables set up for people to purchase their CDs and other products. It was here that I had the opportunity to meet Billy Blackwood and to tell him that I wanted to do a column about their appearance so my readers who are not familiar with them might wish to attend one of their performances. Over the next few days we exchanged e-mails and I will send him this column.
Here is another very important reason I wanted to share this with you. We purchased several of their recordings, and I listen to them very often as I travel in my car. To be sure, Southern Gospel music is my favorite because it is the gospel message in song, and there is nothing better when performed by a fantastic group like the Blackwood Brothers. With all the negative things happening in our country, I need hope and encouragement, and this provides it like nothing else can.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 564 - THE CROSSROAD CONNECTION

No. 564

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE CROSSROAD CONNECTION

Several years ago I remember the late Fred Herman telling about this man who was making a speech and he said, "If I were God, I would do a much better job of creating the universe." Then a fellow out in the audience spoke up and said, "Mister, this is not to say that I doubt you, but would you mind creating a rabbit, just to establish a little creditability." It's hard to argue with success, and I would like to share some thoughts with you along these lines.
All the surveys I have ever seen indicate that more than 90 percent of all Americans say they believe in God. Personally, I am a born-again Christian, so there will be no doubt about where I am coming from. A reader sent me some literature the other day about an organization that I believe holds tremendous promise for thousands of people who are incarcerated in our nation's prisons. The name of this organization is Crossroad Bible Institute, and its located in Grand Rapids, Mich. After reading one of the brochures and learning that Dr. David Schuringa is the president, I called and had a nice visit with him over the telephone.
David and his staff shared with me, through the power of the printed page, that now more than ever prisoners need the light of God's truth. That is why Crossroad Bible Institute has been working since 1984 to equip churches to deliver the only knowledge that can bring true freedom. These inmate students, who are referred by many organizations, embark on a spiritual journey with Bible study lessons and letters of discipleship that help them grow dramatically in a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
Here is how the program works. 1. An inmate contacts a ministry affiliated with CBI to request more information about something he or she has heard. 2. That ministry sends the inmate a CBI enrollment form. 3. The inmate completes and returns the enrollment form to CBI. 4. CBI mails Bible study lessons to the student one at a time. 5. The student completes and returns the lessons to CBI for correction. 6. Trained volunteer instructors correct and return the lessons to the student, along with personal letters of discipleship. 7. The student is awarded a handsome certificate when the course is completed.
If you recall, I said earlier that it's hard to argue with success. Remember, these are inmates, human beings locked away from society in our nation's jails and prisons. Unless you have been locked away in a dark, smelly prison cell at some time in your life, regardless of your faith, please don't judge what I am saying. Here is what research shows. Barna Research shows that 85 percent of all inmates will be released and 75 percent of these inmates will commit another crime. However, only 14 percent of released inmates will commit a crime, if they studied the Word of God while they were incarcerated. That's pretty amazing.
One thing I do know from even a practical standpoint, if I had a father, mother, brother, sister, other family member or even a good friend in prison, I would sure want them to study the Word of God while they were there. You understand that I am not talking church or some particular denomination here; rather I am talking about the cleansing of a person's heart and the change in their life that comes when they truly understand that God loves them, in spite of everything they may have done.
Here is what a couple of inmates have had to say:
- "This Bible study has cleared up any doubts that I may have had about God's love for me. I thank you all for helping me." Kanika, Calif.
- "I thank God for Crossroad, being a part of my life É thank you so much for your lessons, prayers and love." Dana, Va.
Many inmates read my column and you can also help someone you love who is spending time in prison by getting in touch with Crossroad Bible Institute, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49509, or visit their Web site at www.crossroadbibleinstitute.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 565 - BUILDING A NEW GENERATION OF READERS

No 565

Jim Davidson Ñ NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILDING A NEW GENERATION OF READERS

The English criminologist, psychologist and writer, Havelock Ellis (1859-1939), once said about crime, "It is a name for the most obvious, extreme, and directly dangerous forms of É departure from the norm in manners and customs." He's got that right! Anyway you slice it, crime is bad news. If you consider yourself to be a person with a great deal of common sense, I want to share something that I believe will hit you where you live.
In recent months, we have started a project titled "A Bookcase for Every Child." To this date we have built 100 quality, personalized oak bookcases and given them to children in low-income families. We also had a community-wide book drive that netted more than 6,000 volumes and have given each of these children a "starter set" of books. Add to this the fact that we are also reading to these children each week in our local Head Start centers. These children are all pre-school, which means they are 3, 4 and 5 years of age.
What we are attempting to do is build a new generation of readers, which is the best hope I see for our nation's long-term literacy problem. You may know that we have between 30 and 40 million adults who cannot read at level one, or the 5th grade. Here in my home state, the number is 20 percent of the adult population. This is having a very negative effect in many different ways. Just think, all of these adults were 3, 4 and 5 years of age back when they were children.
Here is the insight that I want to share, and with God's help I hope I am successful in making this very clear. We are reading to these children each week, but we are not really teaching them how to read. The Head Start teachers, staff and, in some cases, their parents are doing that. What we are really doing is affirming them as very special human beings. When highly successful people in our community take their time and go to read to these children, it says they are important and we care about them.
This is also why having an "Awards Ceremony" is vital as part of this process. When we have 50 quality, personalized oak bookcases at our local public library and have statewide television coverage, our local newspaper, cable and college stations and a well-known keynote speaker, again it says to these children from low-income homes, you are special and we care about you.
Regardless of your age or where you live, as you read this column, here is why you should get involved. We know from national statistics that 71 percent of America's arrested are illiterate or have trouble reading or writing. What we have created in this country is a sub-culture of people who are mostly in that 20 percent that I talked about earlier. These are the people who are causing most of the problems for society. Not to be confused with white collar crime, because these people can read. They just flunked potty training.
What I am talking about is the drug culture, those who are shooting people in broad daylight, the robbery, burglary, domestic violence, rape and on and on. When we hear about 38 murders committed in our capital city in the first six months of the year, five young people killed in New Orleans at one time, we always think gangs or drugs, or both. We can say that, but really the problem is ignorance, for the most part these are people who failed in school and in life.
We must do something about this problem now, and that's why our "Bookcase for Every Child" working with children 3, 4 and 5 years of age in low-income families offers such promise. Help us by getting involved in your community. We are on the Internet at www.jimdavidsoncolumn.com/bookcase. These young children are precious and we must help them before they grow up, by building a new generation of readers.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 566 - THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

No 566

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

Ain't it funny É how time slips away? Back in 1962, I was down in Fort Polk, La., having been called up as "filler" personnel from my National Guard Unit during the Berlin Wall crisis. One day when I was out on the artillery firing range, I received an emergency telephone call from my mother to let me know that my Aunt Melba Paladino, her husband Andy and their eight children had all perished in a fire. This tragedy made the national news and I learned later that the funeral service was covered live by statewide television. By the time word came and the distance involved, I was not able to make it back to attend the service.
My Aunt Melba, my mother's sister, was a beautiful young lady and, shortly after graduating from North Little Rock High School, she married Andy Paladino, a member of a large, prominent Catholic family who lived near Center Ridge, Ark. When I was just a young lad, I used to go up to their farm in the summers and help (I use the word lightly) haul hay and do other chores around the farm. My Uncle Andy was a tremendous young man, hard worker, a model husband and father and one year they were named the "Conway County Farm Family of the Year." Needless to say, this tragedy was a great loss to the whole community.
Well, as I said, time has a way of slipping away and I had never been back to this community in all these years, not even to visit the gravesite. This all changed a few months ago because of a chance meeting with a lady here in Conway by the name of Lori Paladino Ross. Lori is in top management with the Conway Regional Medical Center and she is also the daughter of Joe Paladino, brother of my late uncle Andy. When Lori spoke to our Lions Club recently she told me in a few weeks they would be having the annual spaghetti dinner at Catholic Point, where the church and the former school are located
At this point, Viola and I decided to go and we invited Bill and Elizabeth Humphrey to go with us. Bill is Melba's brother and knew the location of the cemetery, where Melba and Andy lived before moving to the old home place, and where the fire happened. When we pulled up to the old school cafeteria across the street from the church, we could not believe the large number of cars. We learned later that this annual spaghetti supper takes place the third Saturday in June, starting at 2 p.m., and they feed more than 2,500 people.
You talk about a meal! It was "family" style, large bowls of spaghetti, sauerkraut, corn, Italian sausage (the real thing), homemade bread and desserts. As they say, if you didn't get enough to eat, it was your own fault. I did. What Lori told me in a later e-mail was very touching. She said, "I'm very proud of that heritage. Now that I'm older and live in another community, I can truly appreciate the effort it takes to put on that event. That parish has only about 50 families and look at what they can do."
I've been in groups before where people grumbled about bringing one cake to a fund-raiser. If they only knew how this little community pulls together to create such a wonderful, incredible meal and make money to keep that church going. They have been doing it long before our uncle and aunt were a part of that tradition. It's pretty amazing. While it's still pretty emotional for me, I want you to know that I came away that day with much more than a full stomach.
I saw a small community where people have real values, like hard work, cooperation and a genuine concern and love for each other. These are the kinds of values that have built and sustained America over the years. While the odds are good that you don't know any of these people, regardless of where you may be across this great country of ours, I hope you will think about the value of your family and what they mean to you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 567 - WINDOW CORD SAFETY

No. 567

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WINDOW CORD SAFETY

You may find what I want to share with you in this column about as exciting as watching paint dry, or you may learn or be reminded of something that could save the life of one of your children or grandchildren.
The other day I got a letter from Peter Rush, executive director of the Window Covering Safety Council in New York City, and he asked me to share some information about window cord safety. I will confess, before I received his letter, I had never thought about window cord safety, but when I learned that since 1991 more than 175 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling on window cords, it got my attention.
As a quick aside, windows have been around almost since the beginning of recorded history. In the Bible there is an account in Genesis 26 where Isaac, son of Abraham, had lied to the Philistine, King Abimelech, when he told him that his wife, Rebekah, was his sister. Like father, like son. She was very beautiful and he thought the King would kill him for her. However, the jig was up when King Abimelech looked out a "window" and saw him caressing her. The King knew then that she was Isaac's wife. The key word in this true story for my purpose, being window.
Rather than just having solid walls, windows serve a number of useful purposes.
They allow the sunlight to come in and they allow living creatures to see out. They also allow those on the outside to see in, and this fact has given rise to a whole new industry, the window covering industry. The amount of money some people spend on window treatment is astronomical and runs the gambit from simple shades to Venetian blinds, drapes, head coverings and many other arrangements. Up until the year 2001, when manufacturers got the message and began to build in safety features for window shades, blinds and other coverings with long cords were just an accident waiting to happen.
While I did not think about it at the time, my wife recently purchased a small Venetian blind for a window in our bedroom, and it carried instructions to cut the cord, loop it at the top and install those little plastic caps that would prevent a baby or young child from wrapping it around his neck. If you live in a brand new home, the chances are good that you would not have to worry about this, but in older homes where the window coverings have been there for several years, this could be a problem.
Today, the Window Covering Safety Council will even provide free retrofit kits and information to help change from the old style to the new designs that are much safer.
If what I am saying saves the life of just one precious child, it would be worth it. Don't you agree?
Here are some tips contained in their brochure: First, do a survey and check all windowed areas of the home for potential window-cord hazards by following these rules. 1. Move cribs, beds and other furniture away from windows, preferably to another wall. 2. Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short, that continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall and that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords. 3. Lock cords into position when lowering horizontal blinds or shades, including when they come to rest on a windowsill. 4. Consider using cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms and play areas. A wide variety of cordless products are now available. 5. As mentioned before, retrofit window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with retrofit cord repair devices, or replace them with today's safer products.
If you would like free retrofit kits and other information, please contact the Window Covering Safety Council, 355 Lexington Ave., Suite 1700, New York, N.Y. 10017, phone 1-800-506-4636 or visit their Web site www.windowcoverings.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 568 - SETTING GOALS THE S.M.A.R.T. WAY

No 568

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SETTING GOALS THE S.M.A.R.T. WAY

There is a wonderful couple over in Centerville, Iowa, by the name of Ray and Jane Cassatt. I got to know them through a mutual friend and, in a recent phone conversation, learned about an organization that I would like to tell you about. The name of this organization is the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and they have more than 82,000 members in all 50 states and 52 foreign countries. In fact, the Gold Wing Association is known as the "world's largest family."
The reasons I wanted to tell you about these motorcycle riders are threefold. First, they are the complete opposite of the stereotype most of us have about people who ride motorcycles. Next, they do a lot of good work to help other people in need. Lastly, something Jane sent me in the mail titled "Setting Goals the S.M.A.R.T. Way" could be a valuable tool to help you achieve greater success in your own life.
Even at the risk of being misunderstood, these good people defy the image of most motorcycle riders who wear a black leather jacket, a blue or red bandana wrapped around their head, scraggly hair and beard and look like they have not had a bath in six months or more. Rather, these are just good family people who love to own and ride motorcycles, and they have something in common with thousands of others who love to do the same.
00020000085900000572?853,They have strict rules. They must take a CPR course each year and a First Aid and a Riding Safety Course every three years. They pay yearly dues and are set up by chapters that meet each month. They also raise money and support worthwhile causes, such as the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. As I said earlier, Jane sent me some literature about the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. I learned that they have training sessions at their state conventions each year and part of this training is goal setting.
None of us, young or old, can succeed without goals, so I thought this information may be of interest to you. There are a number of good points here, so I hope you will study and apply them to your own life. As you will note, each letter in the word SMART is given an acrostic with appropriate goal setting information that applies to each one. Read it several times and let it soak in.
*S Ñ Specific: What are you going to do? Why is this important to you at this time? How are you going to do it? (Express your goals positively.)
*M Ñ Measurable: Include dates, times and amounts so that you can measure your achievement. If you do this, you will know exactly when you have achieved the goals and can take complete satisfaction from having achieved it.
*A Ñ Attainable: It is important to set goals that you can achieve. You should set goals that are slightly out of your immediate grasp, but not so far that there is no hope of achieving them.
*R Ñ Realistic: Break large goals into "smaller step" goals. If a goal is too large, then it can seem that you are not making progress toward it. Keeping goals small and incremental gives more opportunities for reward.
*T Ñ Timely: Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work toward. Without a time limit, there's no urgency to get started. Always remember that getting started is the most important step in attaining any goal.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 569 - LANDSCAPE TIMBER HOME NOW ON WEB SITE

No 569

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LANDSCAPE TIMBER HOME NOW ON WEB SITE

We certainly live in a mobile society today. There are millions of people who live in mobile homes and there are millions of others who travel across the country, across the world and all points in between. There are also thousands of folks who spend their working lifetime in one area and plan to retire somewhere else.
I had a chance encounter with one of these people several months ago that has prompted me to provide a new service that may be of some interest to you. First, just a little bit of background information.
In 1993, my wife and I made the decision to construct a landscape timber home where we presently live near Conway, Ark. It turned out far better than we ever dreamed and we were able, within a year of moving in, to have it paid for and not have a house payment. To be sure, a house constructed from landscape timbers is non-traditional and certainly not for everyone. One of the main reasons is because it is labor intensive and requires a good deal of physical labor. However, because the timbers are relatively light, most any person can carry them to the spot where they need to be nailed in place.
Several months after moving in, I decided to write a column about our landscape timber home and gave a good number of the details. I also offered to send a set of basic instructions and a few photographs, if any reader would send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope. At the time, my wife Viola said we would get about a dozen requests. I quit counting when it got to be 1,000. There was far more interest in this type of non-traditional house than I ever dreamed. Then I began to get requests from areas of the country where this column does not run, and I began to wonder why.
I soon learned that Google had picked up my column, posted it on their site, and anyone who typed in the words "landscape timber home" would have this original column pop up in a New York minute. In fact, I just checked this site, and would you believe the very first listing was my original column. Now, along comes a reader who makes a suggestion that makes a lot of sense and I have followed through on it. Please don't overlook this point. There are vast numbers of people who get great ideas every day, but they seldom, if ever, follow through on them.
In an e-mail to me, here is what this reader, whose name is Irv, says: "I live in Arizona but have 45 acres north of Lenoir, N.C., and plan to retire there in five or 10 years. I enjoy your column in the Lenoir News-Topic. You should have your bright young Web Designer, Robyn Green, convert your plans for a Landscape Timber Home to a PDF and post it on your Web site. That would save you the cost of printing and handling and allow your readers to instantly download the plans."
In subsequent conversations, I told Irv about our Conway Bookcase Project and he made another suggestion. He said, "Why not allow any interested person to download your instructions and photos, free of charge, and if they feel they have been of value make a contribution to your bookcase project or buy copies of your book." Since we use only volunteers and no tax money or government grants, this made a lot of sense. To fund this important project, we receive donations and I give 100 percent of the profits from the sale of my book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back."
In case you don't know, what we are doing by building bookcases for children in low-income families, giving them a "starter set" of books and reading to them each week, is "Building A New Generation of Readers."
While we would invite your help, there is absolutely no charge for the instructions that have been greatly expanded, and my good friend, Dennis Schick, came to our home and made some great new photos that we have also included. You can view this information at www.jimdavidsoncolumn.com by clicking the link, Landscape Timber Home.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 570 - A GREAT FINANCIAL PLAN FOR CHILDREN

No 570

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GREAT FINANCIAL PLAN FOR CHILDREN

Someone once said that "Finance is the art of passing money from one hand to another until it finally disappears." You may have to stop and think about that for a moment, but here is the real question: Where did this money go?
When I was growing up I would often hear a comment about someone who had just come into some money. The comment was that the money burned a hole in his pocket. Well, that's where it went. To be sure, that old saying, "A fool and his money are soon parted," is true.
What brought these thoughts to mind was something I learned recently about a plan to teach young children the value of money. Before I share it with you, I might add that parents who give their children large amounts of money without them having to earn it are doing them a great disservice. I am always pleased when I learn of or hear about a high school student working to earn money for college or other goals because I know this is preparing them for the real world, one they will face soon enough.
When it comes to children earning money, something my friend Jim "Hangman" Ballagh, over in Mystic, Iowa, told me recently really made sense. He and his rag-tag army of kids, mostly from poor families, have literally cleaned up their small town. He pays them $6 per day, just for the days they work, from the donations he receives from his supporters. This money is deposited to the "Hangman Army" account and the treasurer is 10-year-old April Walker, who has worked her way up to the rank of two-star general. She gets an extra $5 per month for writing checks and keeping the records straight.
Here is the plan and how that $6 per day is used by members of the army. Keep in mind that this is mostly a summer program; however, they do work some in the evenings and on weekends when they are not in school. The first $2 is for the child's spending money. The next $2 goes into the account in their name, to be used when they need some extra money during the school year. The final $2 goes for charity. One month they write a check to the Legacy Foundation at the hospital and to the Salvation Army in Ottumwa the next month.
Here's the payoff. Instead of buying prizes with the money members of "Hangman's Army" had saved up, they voted to have April Walker write a check for $417 to the Hurricane Katrina Victim Relief Fund to help homeless children. This plan is effective because they don't make a big deal of what they are doing, as they learn from actual experience. When you start with children, some as young as age 5, you teach them values from this concept that they can't get from other experiences. Jim says his army does not go around town or anywhere else with a hand out saying, "We are poor kids, will you help us?"
He is teaching members of the army to earn what they get and these kids learn values such as money management, hard work, compassion, good citizenship, personal responsibility, pride in self and community and a whole host of others. I also had a letter from a reader in Griffin, Ga., about my column on the $2 bill that is worth passing along. In response to my question, have you ever seen a $2 bill? George responds, "Yes, I have. In fact I have about 80 in a folder right here in my desk.
"A couple of years ago my grandson's other grandpa showed him one he had and Nick (8 years old) thought it was very neat. I told Nick that I would give him a $2 bill for every 'A' on his report card, but he could not spend them. I did this hoping to help him develop a habit of saving money. So far it has worked. He is in the 4th grade now and is running about $14 every grading period. Two years ago we inherited two more grandchildren when our daughter remarried and both of them are very smart. The 12-year-old boy is getting $10 a pop at grade time and the 14-year-old girl gets about $4 to $6 each time. I believe it is money well spent."
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 572 - A "Y'ALL BE CAREFUL" SOCIETY

No. 572

The next password is tudor

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A "Y'ALL BE CAREFUL" SOCIETY

When I get to thinking about our society today, I'm reminded of a story I heard several years ago. The story goes that a pilot was approaching an airport in a small Southern community ready to land. This airport was so small they only had one runway. The pilot radioed the control tower for landing instructions, and the controller told him he was clear to land, and to come in from the north. As he was about ready to let his wheels down, he heard another pilot also request landing instructions.
This controller also told this pilot he was clear to land and to come in from the south. At this point, the first pilot radioed back and said, "Didn't you just tell me to land on your one and only runway and to come in from the north, and now you have just told another pilot to land on your one and only runway, and to come in from the south?" At this point the air traffic controller said, "Yeah, y'all be careful, hear?"
For me, this pretty well sizes up what is happening all over our country today. Wherever we turn, while not in these exact words, people are saying "y'all be careful, hear?" and here are a few examples of what I mean by that. A person who deliberately sells alcohol to underage drinkers and watches them drive away in an automobile is saying, "y'all be careful, hear?" The company that manufactures and sells tobacco products, knowing full well these products are responsible for thousands of premature cancer-related deaths in our country each year, is also saying in essence, "Y'all be careful, hear?" The people who peddle smut and pornography are in the same class.
The people who are flooding our airwaves with gambling programs serving to create a new generation of gamblers are also saying, "Y'all be careful, hear?" While some people can afford to gamble and have self discipline, millions can't afford it and will become addicts. There are thousands of college students today, along with millions of other people, who are addicted to gambling and this will ultimately ruin their lives. Personally, I don't gamble but I respect the rights of those who do.
The point I am making is the people who are involved in these things could care less for the lives they are destroying when they say, in essence, we want you to do it but, "y'all be careful, hear?"
While I am at it, I may as well target another group that is devastating our nation. I'm referring to those who are involved in illegal drugs. There is no way to calculate the cost in terms of the loss of life and human suffering the drug peddlers are wreaking on our people. Again, especially when they become addicted themselves, they don't care about how many lives they are destroying. These people are saying, in essence, "y'all be careful, hear?"
At this point I would like to pose a very simple question, and I hope you will stop and think about it. What is happening to our country? The answer lies in one single verse in the Bible. In 1 Timothy 6:10, it says, "The love of money is the root of all evil." Notice that this verse does not say that money is evil. It's the love of money that causes most of our problems. In short, the people who are involved in enterprises and activities where people's lives are destroyed are more interested in the money they receive than the potential harm they are causing other people.
Over the past several years we have gotten out of balance when it comes to earning money, even money from legitimate sources. Our whole economic system is based on earning a fair profit, and that is what has made us the greatest economic success story in the history of the world. However, when you buy a ticket and attend a major league baseball game and they charge you $4.50 for a bottle of water, you just know something is wrong.
In writing this column I am not pointing a finger at anyone because when I do that there are three pointing back at me. I just encourage you to think about how you can make a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

The next password is tudor

No. 547 - AS YOU WERE, DEAR READER

547

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AS YOU WERE, DEAR READER

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column. Thank You!

No. 548 - SOME INSIGHTS FROM A TELEVISION INTERVIEW

No. 548

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME INSIGHTS FROM A TELEVISION INTERVIEW

Did you hear about the man who quit smoking and found out he had been eating some things he didn't like? While not original, when this thought came to mind I was reminded of hearing the late Earl Nightingale tell about a television interview he had several years ago. This was one of those live interview type shows where the host sits in an easy chair and poses questions for the guest to answer. The idea being to create an informative and interesting dialogue the people in the television audience would enjoy. Earl said before they went on the air the host greeted him warmly and they enjoyed a nice casual conversation.
However, once the cameras were turned on, and remember this was live television, his nice cordial host turned on him. His first words were "Mr. Nightingale, being the positive person you are and being known as the Dean of Personal Motivation, surely there are some things you don't like." I'm equally sure that Earl's answer was one of the biggest shocks he had ever had, since getting into the interview business. Earl said "Yes, there are a lot of things I don't like. One of them is this television program and you are another." With this he calmly unhooked his microphone and walked off the set, leaving his host with 25 minutes of live air time to fill.
While I have never had anything in my career that would even remotely compare to this, I saw another television interview a while back that has had a profound effect on my thinking. If I may, I would like to share the essence of this interview with you, as it may also affect you in a positive way. This interview was being conducted by a well-known television personality, and her guests were Linda Randall, an award-winning African-American gospel singer, and her mother. Linda is a tremendously talented singer and she blesses my heart every time I hear her sing. She was reared by two Godly parents and she has such a sweet spirit.
Her father is deceased but her mother said, "When Linda was growing up there were two things we always stressed to her. One was honesty and the other was humility." As I sat there and continued to watch the interview, and I saw the tremendous respect that Linda had for her mother, a feeling of love just swept over me. It was at this point that I discovered a way to express some deep feelings that I had possessed for a long time, but had never been able to crystallize my thoughts and put them into words.
Linda, her mother and I have a lot of things in common, but the color of our skin is not one of them. They are black and I am white. At this point, I realized the magnitude and the truth of what Dr. Martin Luther King said many years ago. He said, "It is not the color of a person's skin, but rather the content of his character that matters most." When you think about it, none of us had any choice in the matter of our parents, the color of our skin, where we were born, the social status we were born into or any of those things.
Personally, this has helped me to better understand some things that are happening in our society today. Millions of us in our nation were appalled during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when we saw hundreds of people, mostly black, looting stores in downtown New Orleans. Taking food when people are hungry I can understand, but not taking plasma, television sets and anything else that was not nailed down.
What I better understand now, is that the vast majority of these people were not as fortunate as Linda Randall. They do not or did not have Godly parents who taught them respect and humility. It's not skin color, but the actions, attitude and behavior we should dislike.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 571 - THE GOLDEN APPLE AWARD

No. 571

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GOLDEN APPLE AWARD

The American poet, Robert Frost, once said that there are two kinds of teachers: "The kind that will fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just give you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies." I'm proud to say that here in our community we have an abundance of teachers who prod students to jump to the skies! It has long been my contention that we should reward good teachers for their work, not only monetarily, but also with well-deserved recognition.
For the past 21 years, the Conway Noon Lions Club has honored the best teachers in our community with a "Golden Apple Award" and has had them as our guest to tell them how much we appreciate the good work they are doing. The recipients are selected each year from each of the 14 campuses, by their peers from the Conway School District; St. Joseph High School, Elementary and Primary schools; and Conway Christian High School, Junior High, Elementary and Primary Schools. A plaque with the name of the "winner" hangs in each school and a framed certificate is awarded to each individual.
This much-anticipated annual event is a great time in the life of our club and we all look forward to it each April, prior to the end of the school year. From the very beginning, this special day has always been coordinated by Lion Ritchie Howell, but this past year he was out of the country, and Lion Dr. Deborah Walz stepped in, and we did not miss a beat. One of the things I personally look forward to is when our three top administrators Ñ James Simmons, superintendent of the Conway School District; Susie Freyaldenhoven, principal of St. Joseph Schools; and Gloria Gwatney, administrator of Conway Christian Schools Ñ introduce the winners.
This past year it made me proud to sit there and listen to each teacher's philosophy of education and what was important to them. In short, the focus was on academics. While athletics and other school activities are important, academics more than anything else will sustain students over the coming years and enable them to succeed in whatever they choose to do. If some civic club or other organization in your community is not making the effort to honor your teachers each year, you are missing a real opportunity. When you think about our nation and our future, it is really in the hands of our teachers.
For about 20 years of my life I worked with our nation's schools as a businessman consultant, primarily here in Arkansas where I live. One of the things I observed was the vast disparity in the quality of education from one community to the next. From my perspective, if you want to improve your community, your economy, your public safety and your quality of life, improve your schools. When a major employer looks at a community as a prospect to build or relocate, the first thing they look at is the quality of education.
This is why college towns have the advantage when it comes to quality of life issues. If you live in Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Florida, New York or any of the other 20 states where this column runs, please consider this Ñ the fastest growing area of our state is Northwest Arkansas. Is it more than coincidental that Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville and Springdale are all within 20 miles of the University of Arkansas? This did not happen overnight, but over several decades, and that's the point. Can you see this in your own state and where you live?
The "Golden Apple Awards" our Lions Club gives each year are special, because they are presented to special people: our teachers. If what I have shared today has done nothing more than to remind all of us that teachers are very important people, it will be time well spent. We should support our teachers, help them and let them know we appreciate the commitment they have made to our children.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 549 - THE PRICE OF CHILDREN

No. 549

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PRICE OF CHILDREN

If you have children or grandchildren you will appreciate something a friend sent me the other day. It's titled "The Price of Children," and whether it's truth or fiction I'm not sure, but it contains a wonderful, heart0warming message, something we need a lot more of these days.
If there is one redeeming thing that could come from reading this, it could be to soften the blow of the cost of a college degree these days. Can you believe $200,000 to put a child through four years of college? Sure is a long way from that $60 a semester, plus room and board, that my parents paid for me back in the mid-50s. A lot of other things like this have changed as well, but that's another column.
"It seems the government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition, a reference point I made earlier. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: $8,896.66 a year, $741.38 a month, or $171.08 a week. That's a mere $24.24 a day! Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice is to not have children, if you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite.
Just consider what you get for your $160,140. You get naming rights, first, middle and last! You get glimpses of God every day and giggles under the covers every night. You get more love than your heart can hold. You get butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. You also get endless wonder of rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. You get a warm hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate. You get a partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites and someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
,For $160,140 you never have to grow up. You get to: finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, and catch lighting bugs. You have an excuse to: keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies, and wishing on stars. You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray-painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for: retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off a bike, removing a splinter, filling a wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins, but always gets treated to ice cream regardless. You get a front row seat to history to witness the: first step, first word, first bra, first date and first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications and human sexuality, no college can match. In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits. So, one day they will like you, love without counting the cost."
My friend who passed this along to me did so because he thought it was good and I'm sharing it with you for the very same reason. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 550 - A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

No. 550

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

You no doubt have heard the old saying, a rose by any other name is still a rose. This is true as it relates to "Any of a large genus of hardy, erect or climbing shrubs, with rod like, prickly stems: the national flower of New York, North Dakota and Iowa."
However, Rose is also a feminine name, and I would like to tell you about a terrific lady whose name is Rose and lives in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. She reads my column, published each week, in the town of Hawley, Penn. This lady wrote to me a few weeks ago and you will never believe the reason why. It was not to receive accolades for herself, but because she wanted to help other people.
She was responding to a couple of my columns that had to do with prison inmates who were looking for a job and a plan to improve literacy. If you can add, you will really appreciate what I am going to say next. She said, "For the past 13 years (since I retired as a chemistry teacher of 47 years), I have been tutoring as a volunteer for the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program." Now, unless she graduated from college when she was about 10, you can tell how old she is and she is still out there giving her time as a volunteer, trying to help adults learn to read or improve their reading skills.
We have an adult literacy program here in our community and they help a lot of deserving people. What I am going to tell you about Rose is meant as a tribute to volunteer literacy tutors all across our nation. In most cases these people don't get a lot of credit, but they are making a great contribution. If you would like to know how much, just ask any person they have taught to read. To be sure, this is a life-changing experience that will help them have a better life and it also has a great impact on future generations.
But back to Rose Robacker for a moment. This past year she was presented the Tutor of the Year Award by the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program. Here are just a few of the reasons why. Rose has worked at both county jails, having helped 15 men learn to read or improve reading skills, and about 180 obtain a GED certificate. At the present time, she has three students who are not in jail and all this work is on a one-to-one basis. Last fall she created a course on "how to get a job and keep it" once these men were released back into society.
Ten men signed up. Then the men asked for a course on how to behave when they got out. She then created a 12-week course (grew to 15 weeks this spring), called "Survival Skills." About 20 men signed up for this. At the moment, she says she is working to create, at the request of the men, a course on how to be a better dad while they are incarcerated. There are no women in this county jail as there is no room, so they are placed in other jails. Rose went on to tell me that this is a real challenge.
There was lots of other information, but she ends her letter by saying, "I am writing to let you know, that in some small way, the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program is addressing some of the problems and needs of the communities. This is true across Pennsylvania, as there are programs that deal with these needs in every county in the state." And here is her reason for writing to me. She says, "It would be wonderful if sometime you would address the work of the Adult Literacy Program, especially those whose tutors are all volunteers. These men and women do a wonderful service for their community."
Well, there you go, Rose! My best shot to inform my readers across the country, and my prayer would be that many would be inspired by your example. Helping others is the greatest satisfaction of all.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 551 - EVERY TOWN NEEDS A HANGMAN'S ARMY!

No. 551

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY TOWN NEEDS A HANGMAN'S ARMY!

Here is a question I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. Are there children growing up in your community without the guidance it takes to be good neighbors, let alone good citizens? If your answer is yes, then I have a true story to tell you that could make a real difference in your community.
In the small town of Mystic, Iowa, there is a group of rag-tag kids known as Hangman's Army, who have helped to clean up the community and nurture good behavior on the part of the other children. Hangman's Army was started by a self-described beatnik from Los Angeles, Jim "Hangman" Ballagh, who is a retired graphic artist. He is now 73 years of age, and sporting a waxed handlebar mustache and a goatee.
I first heard about "Hangman's Army'" from Brenda Strickling, who lives in nearby Centerville, Iowa, and who has worked tirelessly to get a "Bookcase for Every Child" literacy program started in her community. Over the next several weeks, as I learned more about the good work of "Hangman's Army," I felt this would be of interest and a benefit for other communities in our nation. At this point, I asked Brenda if she would get his permission to tell their story. Jim was gracious to grant it, and I'm so grateful that he did.
The nickname "Hangman" was given to him by a former mentor and it stuck. He moved to Mystic back in 1982, when his mother-in-law became ill. He might have settled into old age as a local character, if Mystic had not been confronted with juvenile crime in the summer of 2001. Too tiny to easily afford law enforcement protection, the town was at the mercy of teens that broke car windshields, slashed tires, stole bikes and tore up the park. At least one family moved out. The violence started Jim to thinking; what occurred in his town, as far as life for the other kids who lived there, was not any fun, either.
In 2002, Jim Ballagh met with the county sheriff and floated the idea of creating an "army" of local children who would be rewarded for helping out around town. The first task was to pull together a disparate group of boys and girls, some still in kindergarten, others already vying for neighborhood terror status. At this point Jim used a great leadership technique when he turned to a 12-year-old, high-energy redhead, and asked if he would serve as co-founder of the army. The first thing the army did was to pick up trash on the nearly empty streets of the downtown, in the little city park, and on gravel roads surrounding the members' homes.
The first year there were many detractors who said, "This is never going to work. These kids are all juvenile delinquents." But Jim and his "Hangman's Army" did not quit and slowly people's attitude changed as they saw these kids making Mystic look cleaner. Besides picking up trash, members have painted curbs, handicapped parking spots, painted the shelter house in the park and even the telephone poles, as least as far up as they could reach. There are also standards of behavior these kids must meet: Obey the law. Don't beat up other children. Share. Throw away trash. If you see trash, pick it up. Watch your mouth. It's nice to say thanks.
Should you go to Mystic, Iowa, today you will see many positive changes. Jim says these kids are actually starting to feel proud they are from Mystic. On a recent Sunday around dawn, he went out for his usual walk around town. He did not see one pop or beer can. (Special note of credit: Much of this information came from a wonderful article that ran in the Des Monies Sunday Register.) This article also contains "How to build an 'army' in your community." If you would like to have a copy, drop me a note.
Thanks Jim! We need more real men like you.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 552 - A LESSON FROM THE CREEK BANK

No. 552

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LESSON FROM THE CREEK BANK

A few weeks ago I went fishing with a friend and saw something that really got me to thinking. We were fishing in an old ox-bow lake, just off the Arkansas River. My friend, who had been fishing there many times before, took me through a narrow shoot or creek that led to the main river channel. As a result of being connected, the water level in the lake was always determined by the water level of the river. There is a reason for sharing this with you, as you will see in a moment.
As we continued to fish along in this creek that ran between two high bluffs, I began to notice the trees along the bluff, several feet above us. Every once in a while I would see a tree that had toppled over and was lying in the water below, actually impeding our way. Upon closer examination I could see why. When the river was up, the swift running water had actually eaten back into the roots to a point that the principle of momentum took over. Little by little, as the swift water had caused erosion, dirt was being swept away until more and more of the roots were exposed and then the tree would give way and come crashing down.
Now I see a correlation, and I believe you will too, of this example and what is happening in our nation. When you think about the fact that these trees did not topple all at once, but rather came down slowly over a long period of time, you will better understand the decline of our nation in many different areas over the past several decades. I might add that I am an eternal optimist and believe we can do something about most of our problems, and want to do everything possible for us to have an even brighter future than we have today.
At this point, I would like to pose a question and ask you to think with me about some possibilities. Working together, can we solve or greatly improve the problems we have relating to crime, poverty, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, the sale and use of illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol and gambling addiction? On the other hand, are we to just accept these massive problems as being normal, and there is no way we can improve or do anything about them? I don't know about you, but I am not willing to accept the latter and just throw in the towel and quit trying.
As you may know, we have a "Bookcase for Every Child" literacy project going here in my home community of Conway, Arkansas. We have built and continue to build quality oak bookcases that we are giving to children in low-income families. We are also giving these children some good "gently used" children's books, and also have a group of volunteers who are reading to them each week. Now if I could go back to the example of the creek bank that I shared earlier, here is what I would like for you to see. Quality education, along with teaching character values, manners and good morals, will go a long way in helping to solve the problems I mentioned earlier.
Working with young children in low-income families, who for the most part do not own any books, is the best way I know to shore up or stop the erosion of America's future. We, as American citizens, must do this and stop looking to the government to meet all of our needs. We only use volunteers and to not use any tax or government grant money.
Are you old enough to remember the days when someone's barn or house burned and neighbors would show up, help them rebuild, and go back home without any thought of getting paid for what they did? Neighbor helping neighbor is a spirit that is still very much alive in our nation today. If you would like to get involved, start a "Bookcase for Every Child" project in your community.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 553 - COLLEGE GRADUATE — LOOKING FOR A JOB?

No. 553

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COLLEGE GRADUATE Ñ LOOKING FOR A JOB?

Do you know the best time to catch an airplane? The correct answer is, before the airplane takes off. Now this is an old joke, but the thought it brings to mind has a direct bearing on a problem that many college graduates face today.
These graduates, or in most cases their parents, have paid up to $200,000 for a four-year college degree, but now, after graduation, they can't find a job. The most obvious reason is the lack of research done before they entered college. A little extra time spent in research and planning as to jobs that will be available in the future would go a long way to insure a happy and rewarding career.
This last statement is general in nature, but for parents who have children in high school who plan to enter college, don't wait until they have graduated from college to start thinking about a job. Before I offer a potential resource that may be helpful for college graduates who are looking for a job, let me say by all means, young or old, if you can, go to college and graduate. The College Board reports that a college graduate will, in all likelihood, earn over a million dollars more over their working lifetime than a person who has a high school diploma.
For what it's worth, I want to share a press release from a firm in Haverford, Pa., that specializes in helping "New College Grads Start on the Right Career Path." It's well written and dated March 21, 2006, so you can put it into context, regardless of when you read this column.
This release begins, "You've spent more money on your child's college education than you did for your first home. You even deferred your retirement savings so she could go to the best schools. You also kept your mouth shut when she switched from majoring in biology to dance. But now that she's finally graduating, is she prepared to find a job?
"The National Association of Colleges and Employers note that more than 1.4 million students will be graduating from college this year. Employers expect to hire 14.5 percent more college graduates in 2005-2006 than they did in 2004-2005 Ñ all very encouraging figures. However, when you take a look at a recent issue of the 'Occupational Outlook Quarterly,' which claims that over the past 10 years the number of college graduates exceeds college-level jobs, you get a little dismayed.
"To help meet this need, Ford Myers, M.Ed., president of Career Potential, a Haverford, Pa.-based career consulting firm and author of "The Ultimate Career Guide," has developed a five-part "Career Academy" to help new college graduates and first-time job seekers start Ñ and Ñ stay on the road to success. In a recent interview, Mr. Myers stated that this new 'Career Academy' approach will give graduates real, tactical steps to finding a job and a true 'leg up' on their competition.
"Each step can be used independently or as part of the complete campaign. Here are the five steps and if you are searching for a job, I believe you will see that they really make sense. No. 1 Ñ Looking For a Job? Look Inside First! No. 2 Ñ You'll Need More Than a Resume to Land That First Job. No. 3 Ñ Networking: Other People Really Do Want To Help You. No. 4 Ñ Interviewing For Success: Better Interviews Get Better Offers. No. 5 Ñ Salary Negotiations: The Rules of the Game."
After receiving this press release, I checked it out on their Web site and it looks legitimate and the cost is reasonable. If you or someone you know has spent more than $100,000 getting a college degree, but can't find a job, this may be worth looking into. You can find this information on the Internet at www.careerpotential.net.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 554 - TWO BOOKS THAT WON'T PLAY IN PEORIA!

No. 554

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TWO BOOKS THAT WON'T PLAY IN PEORIA!

Are you familiar with the saying, "Will it play in Peoria?" For the uninitiated, this saying is traditionally used to ask whether a given product, person or promotional theme will appeal to the mainstream or "Main Street America." The belief was that if a new show was successful in Peoria, it would work anywhere in America.
Since that time, the idea has expanded to other products and services to use as a test market. It is in this context that I would like to tell you about a couple of books that have been playing in other parts of the country, but I don't think they represent the values of Main Street America. The title of these books are "Conversations with God" and "Conversations with God for Teens" both written by Neil D. Walsh. These books sound harmless enough by their titles and have been on The New York Times best seller list.
However, once you look inside and read some of the content, these publications make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Let me say up front that this is a free country and, under the guise of "freedom of speech," an author is free to write what he or she chooses to write. As a Christian, the problem I have, and you may have it as well, is when someone presupposes to speak for God. To be sure, if a writer does make this choice, I would like for them to be consistent with what the Bible says and not come up with their own personal desires or choices. After all, the Bible has been around for more than 2,000 years and this writer has been here for less than a hundred.
Allow me to give you some examples and you be the judge.
The author purports to answer various questions from kids using the "voice of God." For instance, when a girl asks the question, "Why am I a lesbian?" his answer is that she was born that way because of genetics. He then tells her to go out and celebrate her differences. Another girl asks the question, "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents (now there is the rub), say I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?" Again Mr. Walsh's answer is, speaking for God, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong."
Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply, "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "judge not lest ye be judged."
He's right about that one, but did you notice the switch. The Bible does tell us that we should not judge one another, lest we also be judged. But remember, he is speaking for God and God alone has the right to judge others. You understand when I wade into a subject like this that I am not a preacher and I'm not a perfect Christian, but there comes a time when you have to take a stand for what you believe. It's been said that the Bible is a book that everybody owns, but no one reads.
This has never been more obvious than when a book like this makes The New York Times best seller list. What's even sadder is that books like this, and others like them, are being sold to school children through The Scholastic Book Club. I have a good friend here in our community who has taught elementary school for more than 25 years. Some time ago I asked her what she thought about Scholastic Books. She said, "Some are very good, but you have to watch them." I know now what she meant by that comment. Is it any wonder that millions of kids in our country are so mixed up, when they are fed this kind of mental diet?
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 555 - BOUNCED CHECK BRINGS CREATIVE RESPONSE

No. 555

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BOUNCED CHECK BRINGS CREATIVE RESPONSE

To my way of thinking, there should be an exclusive club in this country for women who have spunk. These are the women who say in essence, I may go down, but I'm not going down without a fight.
I'm married to one of these women. My wife, Viola, has been battling Parkinson's for about eight years now and, Praise God, she is doing so well. In fact, at times she is a little feisty. This is what I thought of the other day when a friend sent me something titled, "Bounced Check" that was printed in Christian Voices. It was written by a 96-year-old woman after her bank had bounced one of her checks. The bank manager thought her response was so good that he sent it to The New York Times and they published it.
Let me share it with you and see if you don't agree. At least it should be worth a chuckle.
It begins, "Dear Sir: I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check, with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month. By my calculations, three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my entire income, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank.
"My thankfulness springs for the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways. I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded faceless entity which your bank has become. From now on, I like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan repayments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank, by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate.
"Be aware that it is an offense under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public. In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me.
"I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required for me to access my account balance on your bank phone service. As they say, imitation is the sincerely form of flattery. Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press the buttons as follows: 1. To make an appointment to see me. 2. To query a missing payment. 3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there. 4. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.
5. To leave a message on my computer, a password to access my computer is required. Password will be communicated to you at a later date to the Authorized Contact. The contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call. Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement. Your Humble Client."
My friend, if you didn't know before, now you know what spunk looks like.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 556 - AGAINST THE WIND

No. 556

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AGAINST THE WIND

If you have thought much about life and what it takes to succeed, you have probably also come to the conclusion that things that come easy or don't cost anything, over the long run do not have much lasting value.
I was reminded of this in a wonderful way the other day when a friend sent me something titled, "Against the Wind." This piece did not list an author, so I checked it out on the Internet. All I could find was the song "Against the Wind" performed by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, and the words were a far cry from being the same.
Read these words and see if they don't also inspire you. "The faster you move forward, the more intensely you will feel the wind against your face. The more progress you make, the more resistance you're likely to encounter. When the challenges become more formidable, it's because you have become strong enough to handle them. Failure rarely meets much opposition. Success, on the other hand, is often challenged at every turn.
"When you are meeting up with resistance, it's because you're having an effect. That's one of the strongest signals you could ever receive to keep on keeping on. Achievement does not come easy. That's why it is so celebrated and valuable. Each challenge serves to further prove the value of your pursuit and the depth of your strength. Persist and endure, for the challenges confirm that you are already making it happen."
Wow! That's about as much solid, inspirational prose as I have ever seen packed in a few lines. Wish I could say that I am the original author. It's wonderful. Every once in a while, I have a reader take me to task because I use a good deal of the writings or ideas of others in some of my columns. I don't make any apologies for this. So long as the information is not copyrighted and I acknowledge that it's not mine and give the source, I definitely think it makes for a much better column. To me, this is much better than always talking about myself, our kids, our family, our in-laws, who we went to visit or who came to visit us and so on.
When I first started this column about 11 years ago, I set forth my purpose and what I hoped to accomplish in writing it. My goal is to always try to provide some benefit for you, the reader. While it may sound corny, my heartfelt desire is to help other people to live a better, happier and more rewarding life. I don't succeed every time. I am aware of that, but it's still my hearts desire. If I find, or someone sends me, a great idea that I believe will be helpful, I want to pass it along. It's just that simple.
Well, that's enough of that. I'm sure you get the message. But back to the piece "Against the Wind" for a moment, as it clearly demonstrates the more you succeed the stronger the resistance will be. To quote from the article, "Failure rarely meets much opposition. Success, on the other hand, is often challenged at every turn." Now, to the obvious. Are you doing something really important in your life where you are challenged to do your very best work and to overcome obstacles that would cause the lesser committed, to throw in the towel?
If you are, I hope you will clip out the piece "Against the Wind" and keep it handy where you can read it often. To really succeed in anything, we must have or develop self-confidence in our abilities that will cause us to keep going, when everyone and everything around us says to give up Ñ to quit trying. It's a whole lot easier to sit back and complain or pick someone else's ideas apart than it is to put our shoulder to the wheel and make a positive contribution.
Over the years I have found there are two groups of people Ñ the givers and the takers. The takers are the real losers, because when most people find out, they don't get invited back.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 557 - BE YOUR BEST, REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE!

No. 557

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE YOUR BEST, REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE!

In 1959, I came to Conway, Arkansas, to attend a football game. This was the year after I had dropped out of Arkansas A&M College in Monticello, and the Boll Weevils were playing their AIC (Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference) host rivals, the State Teachers College Bears. If I recall, the score was Bears 55, Boll Weevils 18.
That night the Bears had a back by the name of Henry Hawk, and the Boll Weevils just could not stop him. He literally ran wild. I think he could have taken a handoff from the quarterback, run up into the stands, had a Coke, and still have scored. At that time, I had no idea that later in life I would get to know Henry Hawk, and would be blessed to call him a friend.
Over the past several years, as I have gotten to know Henry, I have developed a deep respect for him, because of his attitude and approach to life. He believes in being your best, regardless of where you are. After his college days, he went on to distinguish himself in a number of different fields, most notably as a marathon runner. He has run the Boston Marathon 10 times, with a personal best of two hours and 42 minutes. When he was 61 years of age, he set the World Indoor Mile Record with a time of 5:13.27 (60-65 age group.) In February 2006, he was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
There is much more that I could tell you about Henry Hawk's athletic, business and civic background, but here I want to focus on a relatively new career that enables him to use his education, skills, training and approach to life to help other people. He is currently serving on the Baptist Health 55-Plus Board and conducts fitness and weight management classes on a regular basis at this leading hospital. Again, Henry Hawk is making a difference because his personal philosophy, "be your best, regardless of where you are," is a part of him.
Several months ago I got a phone call from Henry to tell me about a patient he was really excited about, who had made remarkable progress. This was a 64-year-old lady who was confined to a wheelchair because she fell in 2002 and suffered a spinal cord injury. He says, "When she joined our class it was difficult for her to get out of her chair and lean against the wall. She shuffled her feet along, as she leaned on an extension placed on top of her walker. She could not lift her right leg at all, and could lift her left leg only a couple inches."
Earlier, this lady, whose name is Imogene, had received a notice about Henry's classes but thought to herself, "I can't get to the classes and would not be able to do the exercises if I did." Still, she prayed for God to send someone to help her. It was not long after this that she received a second notice about the fitness classes, so she took this as a sign from God that this is where she should be.
When she first came to his class, Henry shared with her his definition of a commitment that consists of four factors: "1. Decide what you want to be or do. The majority of your interests and talents should be in this area. 2. How far do you want to go into this venture? You set your goals based on this decision. 3. Have a plan. A written plan can keep a person from being distracted from whatever they need to do. It's "plan your work, work your plan." 4. Change your lifestyle. This is difficult for most people and prevents many from making a commitment. What you are doing may not allow you to do the necessary work to become your best."
Today, Imogene is using a walker and taking small, independent steps, something they thought would be totally out of the question when she first began. Here is that thought once more, "Be your best, regardless of where you are." Helping others do that, and service beyond self, is what true happiness is all about.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 558 - WHAT HAPPENED TO THE UNION LABEL?

No. 558

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE UNION LABEL?

Joe Smith started his day early, having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA), he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today.
After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN job. At the end of another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA) É. and then wondered why he couldn't find a good paying job in America.
A friend sent this piece to me sometime back, but a few weeks ago I experienced some of the same feelings Joe Smith had when I went to a local department store to buy some clothes. After trying on several suits, slacks, shirts, underwear, socks, neckties and a belt, I began to look at the labels of where the different items were manufactured. It did not take but a few minutes until I felt like I had traveled all over the globe. I said to Viola, who usually goes with me because she has much better taste than I do, that you could just pick your country. Sadly, I did not find one garment or accessory that had the label "Made in America."
It had been several months since I had been shopping for clothes, and while I had noticed the Made in China and Korea labels in the discount stores, I had not noticed it so much before when I had shopped in the major department stores. Over the past few months and years I have been writing and speaking about our nation's trade imbalance and the fact we are importing about $500 billion a year more than we are exporting, but the reality of this fact did not really hit me until I saw all those labels that said "made in some other country".
Now granted, I am not an economist, but I do have some common sense and, like you, I know those labels saying "made in some other country" means a loss of jobs here in America. That's a given, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why this is true? Why has our nation lost millions of jobs to other countries over the past 10 to 20 years? You can beat around the bush forever, but the answer is cheap labor. You really can't blame a manufacturer who is trying to compete in the world marketplace for going overseas to produce a product where they can make a profit.
We used to hear a lot about the "Union Label" and "Buy American Made," but we don't hear much about that anymore. The nail in the coffin came some time back when both General Motors and Ford announced they were each laying off 25,000 to 30,000 employees over the coming months. No one likes to lose his or her job and the only reason these companies have taken such drastic action is to survive. You know you have problems when the eight top selling automobiles in America were all made in Japan.
The important question that I would at least like for you to think about is this: Why have we, as a nation, lost our manufacturing base? From my perspective, we are victims of our own prosperity. When unions bargain for $20 to $30 per hour, which drastically increases the price of the product, American companies cannot compete. What happened to the Union Label?
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 559 - JROTC PRODUCES OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE!

No. 559

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

JROTC PRODUCES OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE!

After graduating from high school, I went to college for a couple of years but did not graduate. Back then I used to tell folks that my degree was ROTC, which stood for Right Off the Top of the Cultivator. Of course, now that I have gotten older and more sophisticated, I don't tell folks that anymore.
If you have been around for any length of time you know that traditionally the letters ROTC stand for Reserve Officers Training Corps. To carry this thought a step further, there is also a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, where high school students can participate in a military style program that teaches character, teamwork, leadership, discipline and patriotism.
A few weeks ago I was watching the evening news on a Little Rock television station and I saw a feature story that really inspired me. It was a story, complete with interviews, of the Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) program at nearby Beebe High School. As I listened to the instructor, SMSgt (Ret) Wayne Trout Jr. and students Cheyenne Stephens and Dustin Lavender tell about this program and what it meant to them, I knew that I wanted to learn a lot more about it. Since Beebe is only 35 miles from my home, I called Sgt. Trout and asked if he would visit with me and share some information that I might be able to pass along to you.
One of the things that my time with Sgt. Trout, and some of his students, cleared up for me is the misconception that many people have about this program. Many people believe the purpose of a JROTC program is to prepare young people to go into the military, and nothing could be further from the truth. After leaving high school, only a very small percentage of students go into the military. The major purpose is to develop better citizens. I might add, the other branches of the service, Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard, also have Junior ROTC programs.
If you don't have a Junior ROTC program in your schools, after you hear what I am going to say you might want to consider it. This program is available to students from the 9th through 12th grades and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color or national origin. The AFJROTC program at Beebe High School has been in existence since 2001 and has about 130 students enrolled. These students march in parades and make other public appearances, and Sgt. Trout told me their "Color Guard" has displayed the colors about 25 times at various events this school year. He said they looked so sharp when they came to an event to present the colors, that members of the audience would often give them applause.
When I asked him the benefits of having a JROTC program, he said, "Pride of belonging for the students and also community pride." He went on to say that most communities are patriotic, all should be, and these students have a better opportunity to grow up and become great citizens. The three primary objectives of the program are: 1. Integrity. 2. Service before self. 3. Excellence in all we do. When you consider young people growing up in today's culture, here is a positive experience that can make a tremendous difference in each of their lives.
What this program really does is teach accountability and responsibility. Instructors like Sgt. Wayne Trout can take a group of students from the rank and file and teach them, over time, to conduct themselves in a professional manner as they learn to perform as a unit. Here is the point. When they are marching as a unit, if just one student is out of step, everyone knows it. No waiting. Learning to stay in step in JROTC will help them stay in step for the important challenges that will come down the road. A really great program.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 560 - ARE YOU 'RUSTING' OUT?

No. 560

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU 'RUSTING' OUT?

We have all heard the saying, "It's better to wear out, than to rust out." For the most part this saying applies to anything that is made from metal with moving parts, but it also applies to people. As you probably know, any of us, young or old, can get rusty if we don't practice or use the skills that we have honed over the years. Personally, I experience this each year in my golf game. After the winter layoff, when the sap starts rising and I go out to the course in the spring, I am terribly rusty and lose a good number of balls in the water or the woods.
It is right here that I want to make a distinction between the person whose performance suffers because of a prolonged layoff, and the one who simply quits doing the things they used to do and allows the forces of gravity and nature to take over. When we lose our enthusiasm and zest for living is when this process usually begins. While this happens to millions of people in our prosperous nation, believe me it does not have to happen. I'm 68 years of age and feel like I am just now getting started.
Please allow me to tell you a true story about a man named Fred, who is well past 80, that may light your fuse, that is, if you feel like you are rusting out and just waiting on the undertaker. A few months ago I got a letter from Fred, who wanted some advice. It seems he had moved here from another state and when he left his previous residence, because of several factors, he left some of his most prized possessions with another man he thought was a friend. He has known this man for 25 years and thought he could be trusted.
To make a long story short, when it came time for Fred to get his valued possessions back, his former friend would not let him have them. My advice didn't help. This man still has them to this day. In our correspondence, I sent Fred some information about our bookcase literacy project. A few months later he wrote me back and what he told me was thrilling. He has been involved with a local literacy council and was asked to meet once a week after school with two high school freshmen students that needed some help improving their grades.
One student was facing the prospect of having to attend summer school. After meeting with both of them individually they began to realize that it was important to apply their intellectual abilities in a more serious manner and think along the lines of where they would be in three more years and beyond. What they were learning now had to be applied to how they were going to make a living in whatever career they may choose.
Fred goes on to say, "The results were productive and gratifying. The first student's grades improved to where it would not be necessary for him to attend summer school. Since he was planning to work in construction this summer, I bought him a construction worker's pouch and belt, and since he liked to work on cars, I also bought him a shop apron. He also received a baseball cap that was donated by a local sports store.
"The other student also improved his grade standing. Since he has a special interest in baseball and did research on Babe Ruth, I gave him a book on the New York Yankees, a box containing a dozen regulation big league hard balls and a donated baseball cap. This student plans to work as an 'ump' at Little League and at a turkey farm during the summer. I also had each of them sign a short pledge that they would promise to continue their efforts and do their very best in all things, especially their school work."
Fred sent me a copy of the pledge that was signed by each individual student. Here is the point: this 80-year-old man is certainly not "rusting" out but rather he is wearing out doing something that will have a lasting impact on these two young boys, and no doubt for their children and grandchildren, as well. Thanks, Fred, for the sterling example.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 561 - WHAT’S IN YOUR BACK POCKET?

No 561

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHATÕS IN YOUR BACK POCKET?

It was a sad day around our house a few weeks ago. I sold my boat, motor and trailer. My fishing rig had sat, unused, under the boat shed that I had constructed to protect it from the elements, for the past four or five years. With money in hand, Viola made a suggestion. She said, "Why don't you enclose the boat shed and make us a storage building?"
I know just enough about constructing or building things to be dangerous, but I took her suggestion and went down to Lowe's and purchased all the necessary building materials. After a few weeks, and a lot of sawing, cutting and nailing, it is now complete. I must say, it looks pretty good.
When it comes to building projects, my problem is that I don't have many tools, and since this is not my primary interest and I don't want to tie up the money, I just use what I have and do the best I can. In this regard, we get a program here each Saturday on our local PBS television station called, "The New Yankee Workshop" and it features the craftsmanship of Norm Abram. Perhaps you have seen it. Norm is a master craftsman and builds the most detailed and beautiful pieces of furniture you could die for. Many are from the early colonial era, when woodworking tools were very crude and limited. None were power driven, except by elbow grease.
There has never been a piece of furniture that I watched Norm turn out that I did not say or think to myself, "What a fabulous workshop and, man, the tools that he has to work with." Having the right tools is really the key to success in a lot of things.
Today I want to tell you about another kind of tool that may be of great benefit, especially if you have young children who plan to attend college. The other day a good size package arrived in the mail and it turned out to be a terrific new product called, "The Back Pocket College Planner and Organizer."
I wish you could see it, because my word description may not do it justice. This product is a book, with four tabs, bound in the front with an accordion-type expandable series of pockets in the back. The pockets are held together with a fancy string that wraps around a plastic button which prevents material stored in the pockets from falling out.
The physical make up of this product is very impressive, but that's not the point here. It's the information it contains that really makes it special.
The author, Ricki de Wolf, is a certified independent college counselor and has worked in college counseling for nearly a decade. She knows from personal experience that collecting and organizing all the various materials for a high school graduate to apply for college is a foreboding experience. She says, "I became aware of the disorganization when I started working with my own two sons and the students who had come to me for help. This new product, BPCPO, came about because I wanted my students to have an edge when it came to college admissions."
Now, let me tell you what's in this new product and you will understand why it's so valuable. Among the 18 brief chapters you will find: College Counselors, Understanding the College System, Understanding Standardized Tests, Personal Achievement, Admission Timelines, Financial Aid & Scholarships, College Application Checklists, Personal Data, How to Prepare for A College Visit and several others.
If you have a need, here is the key that will make this product so practical for you and your child. In the front of the book, and also the pockets in the back, it begins with the 9th grade and goes through the 12th grade with all the pertinent information you will need. The pockets are labeled to keep them organized and all together. Trust me, it's fantastic. You can get more information on their Web site at www.planforcollegetoday.com. We are only talking $25 and it could save you thousands.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 562 - THE ABUNDANCE PRINCIPLE

No 562

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ABUNDANCE PRINCIPLE

If you had the opportunity to purchase a book that had the potential to change your life for the better, would you want to know about it? Today I would like to tell you about such a book, that I can enthusiastically recommend to you. After you learn about it, I believe you will agree that this book needed to be written years ago, because it gets to the heart of the matter of why millions of people struggle through life and miss most of the real joy of living.
The name of this book is "The Abundance Principle É Five Keys to Extraordinary Living," and was written by Dr. Jeff Standridge and Rev. Tim Kellerman, two gentlemen I am blessed to know personally.
Jeff is a former college professor, and currently serves as an award-winning business consultant and Sunday school teacher. He has been invited to be a speaker, trainer and consultant for numerous businesses, organizations and institutions of higher education across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Tim is the lead pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene here in our community, and has been serving there for the past 10 years. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in pastoral ministry with an emphasis on church management. Additionally, he is a graduate of the School of Large Church Management.
To be sure, Jeff and Tim bring a special blend of talents to the writing of this much-needed book. They have captured the essence of success principles, based on a solid Biblical foundation. What makes this book so valuable is that it is a self-help, counseling, planning, people building, financial management and giving-back book, all rolled into one.
Several months ago, I got a call from Jeff asking me if I would be willing to read the original manuscript and make suggestions that would improve it. I was honored and pleased to do this, and they have incorporated a good number of my suggestions and ideas in the finished product.
If I may, I would like to go back to something I said earlier. There are millions of people in our nation today who struggle through life and miss most of the real joy of living. This is what Jesus was saying to his followers in John 10:10: "The thief comes not but for to steal and to kill and destroy; I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."
Please understand that this is not a religious book, but it is based on a solid Biblical foundation. These two talented writers have combined their unique backgrounds to produce a book that I believe is destined to become a classic.
It is an accepted fact that the vast majority of people fail because of their thinking. The reason is because they have a Scarcity Mentality. This is to say, as a basic philosophy of life, there is not enough to go around. If I get more, you get less. If I win, you lose. It also says, get all you can before someone beats you to it. What I am saying here is never to be confused with the Prosperity Gospel, where some preacher will tell you, "Send me $100 and God will bless you with $1,000 in return." That is not Biblical.
Rather, "The Abundance Principle" is based in right thinking, right attitudes, right actions, right planning and hard work. We are creatures of habit, and when we take the time to form the right habits we will enjoy the Abundant Life. The gist of the book is based on Five Keys to Extraordinary Living and, step by step, Jeff and Tim cover these important keys: 1. Master your thoughts and change your life. 2. Plan your life and live your passion. 3. Build and maintain strong relationships. 4. No matter how much you earn, spend less. 5. Give more and you will live more.
This is a wonderful book and any of us would do well to own it, read it and put the ideas and concepts it contains into practical use in our lives. This book can be purchased from The Abundant Life Project, 813 Oak St., Suite 10A-310, Conway, Ark. 72032, or online at www.AbundantLifeProject.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 563 - THE VALUE OF TEACHING CHILDREN RESPECT

No 563

Jim Davidson NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE VALUE OF TEACHING CHILDREN RESPECT

Here is a question that I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. Why do we see so many children in our society today who show so little respect for themselves, their parents and others? We might also follow this up with another question: is it important for children to be taught respect? You may or may not agree, but I think it's terribly important to teach a child respect when he is very young, because the old saying, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree" is true. The reason this is so vital is that respect is the basis or foundation for character.
You show me an adult who has genuine respect for themselves and others and I will show you a good, law-abiding citizen who does not take unfair advantage of others, is upright, honest and fair in all his dealings. In view of the scandals we see everyday in the news on every front, I believe you will agree that teaching young children respect now will save many, many heartaches in the future. In fact, I believe it's critical to the future of our nation.
Several times each week I get a press release from the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, and once in a while one really hits me as something that would be of value to share with you. One came this past week that meets these criteria. It was an article titled "Teaching Children Respect," written by Dr. Betty Lowe, Arkansas pediatrician, past medical director of Arkansas Children's Hospital and professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Lowe is well respected and you can take what she says to the bank.
Here is what she says, in part, on this important subject. "Respect between two individuals Ñ whether parent or child, student and teacher, etc. Ñ cannot be demanded nor legislated; it must be earned. Children must be respected by their parents and, perhaps even more importantly, they must feel they are respected. Even 3-year-olds respond to being considered as an important individual. Parents should listen to their children, talk with them, pay attention to what they are saying and give credence to the child's opinion and viewpoint.
"Once the child understands and feels he is respected as an individual and respected by his parents, he is much more likely to show respect for his parents and his siblings and understand the parents' role in discipline and family rules. Another element in maintaining respect within the family is for parents to respect each other. Each parent must show respect for the other and in no way should they belittle, criticize or disregard their spouse in front of their children. Parents need to present their children with a firm consensus in regard to family values and discipline.
"If children see that parents respect each other, they are much more likely to be respectful of their parents and each parent's role in the family structure. Children more often repeat the actions they see in adults, rather than behave the way they are told. Children almost always respond better to example than to verbal instructions. Parents can also gain insight into this topic by discussing it among themselves or perhaps by talking with their minister or a respected family member or counselor."
Well, that's the end of Dr. Lowe's comments. Due to space limitations, I could not include them all, but you got the gist of it. When she talked about parents, which refers to two people, she did not address children who are being reared in single parent homes in our country. We have a rising crime rate in our nation today, especially murder. You may rest assured that criminals are, for the most part, not being taught the value and importance of respect. People who truly respect other people do not shoot them, rob them or treat them inhumanely. Education is the answer.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 1223 -- A TIP FOR TRAINING EMPLOYEES!

No. 1223

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TIP FOR TRAINING EMPLOYEES!

Back in the early days, Truett Cathy, founder of the Chic-fil-A restaurant chain, had a very special tip for training employees. When he had them seated before him he would pose this question: “How do you know when someone needs encouragement?” After a bit, and a few puzzled stares, he would answer his own question. The answer is, “It is when they come in the door.”
Now that is pretty simple, but it is also true. This is just another way of saying that we all need encouragement every day of our lives.
When it comes to training or setting someone up as a role model, I only have one criteria, that is if they have actually been successful doing it themselves. When it comes to the late Truett Cathy, there is little doubt that his training methods worked. At the time of his death, Chick-fil-A had more than 1,800 restaurants in 40 states (plus the District of Columbia). But it was not always that way. In 1946, Cathy and his brother Ben were the only staff manning the Dwarf Grill – later known as the Dwarf House. It took more than 20 years for the first Chic-fil-A to open in an Atlanta mall in 1967. From those humble roots, Truett Cathy and his family made restaurant history -- and made a difference in the world as well.
From the generations of teaching a 13-year-old boys’ Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Georgia, to the team members he inspired across the nation, to the customers who trusted his brand, Truett Cathy never wavered from his commitment to serve people. According to Dave Ramsey, one of his disciples, Truett had seven principles that guided his business and personal life. They are:
No. 1. - Define your values and stick to them. One of those was being closed on Sunday. In some communities this has gotten him in hot water, but he never wavered on this commitment. No. 2. - A little customer service goes a long way. If you have ever been to a Chic-fil-A restaurant you know the employees always say, “It’s my pleasure.”
No. 3. - Make family a priority. This is why they don’t open on Sunday. This is a day to give his employees an opportunity to spend time with their family, and to attend church if they so desire. No. 4. - Know why you exist. Unlike most restaurant chains that focus on quality and service, Truett’s statement reads, our priority is “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chic-fil-A.” No. 5. - Plan ahead. From the very beginning, Truett began to groom his family members to take on leadership roles in the company.
No. 6. - Invest in others. He always said that he was not in the chicken business he was in the people business. To live out this commitment he started the WinShape Foundation, which encourages leadership development and offers academic scholarships for team members. No. 7. - Don’t be afraid to start small. I have already given you his background, and it does not need to be repeated here.
Back to that unique tip I started with, “We all need encouragement.” I believe this simple statement has been amplified wonderfully well by sharing these seven principles that guided Truett’s business and his life. For most of my life I have been an encourager, but I never realized until now just how important this personal trait really is. For the rest of my days I plan to do that as often as I can. Will you join me by being an encourager for other people? God bless, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1224 -- RURAL AMERICA IS DYING!

No. 1224

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

RURAL AMERICA IS DYING!

There is an old joke about this man who heard that 80 percent of all accidents occur within 25 miles of home -- so he moved. Well, apparently a lot of people are moving, but not for the same reason.
There is an alarming trend taking place in America today that is cause for concern, at least in some circles. This is the loss of population in rural areas that has caused the majority of our citizens to believe that “rural America is dying.” The 2020 census is likely to show the extent of this trend, expecting the share of the population living in rural counties will be less than it was in 2010. A majority of rural counties saw their populations dwindle, including 54 percent of rural counties in the Northeast and 68 percent of those in the Midwest, according to a study by Pew Research.
You might ask, “Why is this happening?” Well, a number of reasons, beginning with the exodus of jobs and youth. For example, 73 percent of rural counties had more people move out than move in, and again this was most notable in the Northeast and Midwest. Of the 1,969 rural counties Pew Research studied, 1,197 have fewer people employed today than they did in 2010. Then there is also the issue of birth rates vs. death rates. Young people tend to move out of rural areas at a rate higher than people move in.
Rural areas are overwhelmingly white – only 2.3 percent of the population in rural counties is foreign born, to nearly 15 percent in urban counties, according to census data. And then there is the issue of opioids. Higher death rates for 18- to 64-year-olds in rural counties are often attributed at least in part to the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged many rural areas in the U.S.
Now, please allow me to bring this issue a little closer to home and talk about where I live, as this is where I am most knowledgeable. Back in the 1970s when I was working with our schools in Arkansas, I made speeches in 72 of our 75 counties. Over the past 50 years I have seen a tremendous amount of change in this basically agricultural state. As farms became more mechanized, thousands of people were forced to leave the state as there were no jobs. Thanks to aggressive campaigns to promote tourism and attract business and industry to Arkansas, we have slowly turned that around.
However, today it is sad to travel the eastern and southern parts of Arkansas and see so many store fronts boarded up and very little taking place in many of these small towns that were once thriving. Again, what is the answer? Well, from my perspective, it has to be education. Good schools are what people look for when they decide to move or relocate. The reason jobs and factories can’t and won’t locate in these communities is the lack of skilled labor.
As it relates to education, we have a community just 10 miles north of where I live that is a sterling example of what I am saying. The little community of Greenbrier, Arkansas, is experiencing rapid growth, along with an increasing quality of life for its citizens. This small town of 5,500 people has a tremendous school system. In fact, this community is growing faster than 94 percent of similar-sized cities since the year 2000, and it is 10 times safer than other towns of similar size. I have been privileged to be a part of their bookcase project to give pre-school children a personalized bookcase and some books to foster a love of reading.
Here is my recommendation: If we want to stem the tide of losing population, work on having better schools. It’s the best investment we could ever make.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1225 -- THE PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY IS TRUTH!

No. 1225

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY IS TRUTH!

While I don’t know who said it first, there is an often repeated truism that goes, “We don’t miss the water till the well runs dry.” And I might add, you don’t miss your community newspaper until you don’t have one.
Back in the prime of my weekly column in the late 1990s, I had more than 300 newspapers running it, and more than 375 in 35 states that ran it at one time or another. But due to the Internet and other electronic media, plus more than 32 million Americans who can’t read at all, our nation’s newspapers have fallen on hard times. Where they were hit first and hardest was in ad revenue, as this has been a major source of income.
While the market factors of supply and demand will always prevail, the major television networks, plus the cable channels, are left to be the guardian of our democracy and our best hope for getting the truth. Here is a pertinent question for you. Do you think we are getting it? You may think so, but I truly have my doubts. One thing the newspapers have going for them that may not be common knowledge is something we call the Freedom of Information Act. Because of FOI laws, newspaper reporters cannot be denied access to public meetings or public records, and I can tell you that they shine a bright light when it comes to reporting the truth.
A recent article by Sonny Albarado, who is the projects editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, our only statewide newspaper, makes a strong case for what we lose when a newspaper is forced to close its doors. The first thing Albarado does is quote the motto of the Washington Post which is “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” and my friend that is the truth. It does die when our citizens are not told the truth. Sadly, in recent years our television networks have left the days of Walter Cronkite, who just reported the news and left it up to the viewers to decide how they felt about it.
Whatever you think about newspapers or the hardworking, underpaid journalists they employ, the decades-long decline of hometown newspapers is creating what researchers call “news deserts” – towns, counties and even larger areas that no longer have regular local coverage of events and issues that affect real people. More than 1,400 cities in the U.S. have lost their main source of local news over the past 15 years, the Associated Press found in analyzing data compiled by the University of North Carolina researchers.
A good case in point, here in my home state since 2015, GateHouse Media has closed 10 newspapers found in North Little Rock, Lonoke, Cabot, Carlisle, Sherwood, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Arkadelphia, Prescott, and Hope. On top of closures, the economics of the newspaper business has reduced many publications to shells of what they once were.
Here is something to consider that does affect you and me. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Notre Dame found that municipal borrowing costs increase after a newspaper ceases publication. It seems that the demise of a newspaper leaves readers in the dark and emboldens elected officials to sign off on higher wages, larger payrolls and ballooning budget deficits. It’s just human nature and it is one of the main reasons we need a local newspaper.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1226 -- THE POWER OF INFLUENCE!

No. 1226

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF INFLUENCE!

The late W. Clement Stone is a personification of America’s self-made man. He started with less than $100 in capital and built a multi-million-dollar organization. If you started at the bottom of the rung or may still be there, you will appreciate and be thrilled with his story. By the way, he was born in 1902 and died in 2002, living to be 100 years of age.
As you read along, you will see the power of his influence. He was born on the south side of Chicago, his father died when he was 3 years of age, and he was reared by a single mother. To help support the family, he began selling newspapers on street corners when he was 6. When the older boys ran him off of all the good spots, he came up with a great idea.
Hoelle’s Restaurant was near the corner where he tried to work, so he decided to go inside to sell his papers. He made a lucky sale at the first table. The diners at the second and third tables all bought papers. When he came to the fourth, however, Mr. Hoelle pushed him out the front door. But he had sold three papers. So when Mr. Hoelle wasn’t looking, he walked back in and called on the fourth table. Apparently the jovial customer liked his gumption -- he paid for the paper and gave him an extra dime before Mr. Hoelle pushed him out again. But he had already sold four papers and got a “bonus” dime besides, so he walked back in and started selling again. There was a lot of laughter as the customers were enjoying the show.
One of the customers whispered loudly “Let him be,” as Mr. Hoelle came toward him. About five minutes later he had sold all his papers. The next day when he came back, Mr. Hoelle ushered him out the door, but when Clement walked back in he threw his hands in the air and exclaimed, “What’s the use?” Later they became great friends, and a career in selling was launched.
But here is the power of influence. When he was 12, an older boy invited him to attend a Boy Scout meeting. He went and enjoyed it, so he joined his troop –Troop 23, under a scoutmaster named Stuart P. Walsh, who was attending the University of Chicago.
W. Clement Stone said, “I’ll never forget him. He was a man of character. He wanted every boy in his troop to become a first-class scout within a short space of time and he inspired each boy to want his troop to be the best in the city of Chicago.” Perhaps this was one reason why it was. Every scout in Troop 23 made a weekly report of the good turns he had done each day in the week without receiving compensation of any kind. This made each boy look for the opportunity to do a good deed – and because he looked, he found the opportunity. Later, when he was 19, Clement started selling insurance for his mother’s company and this launched a career that would lead him to the top in the insurance industry.
He founded the Combined Insurance Company of America and a number of other insurance companies. He also became president of the Chicago Boys Club, a member of the Board of Directors of Boys Clubs of America, and was involved in many other worthwhile organizations. It was estimated that during his lifetime he donated more than $275 million to various charitable organizations.
I am pleased to tell you that this information came from a book titled “The Success System that Never Fails” that he wrote back in 1962, and I found a copy in my library. Back in 1923 he married his high school sweetheart, Jesse Verna Tarson, and they had three children. A wonderful story, and the book is still available from Amazon.com.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1227 -- THE REWARDS OF PLANTING TREES!

No. 1227

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE REWARDS OF PLANTING TREES!

One of the main reasons America has become the greatest nation in the history of the world is something we call volunteerism. This is simply people helping other people with no thought of personal gain.
Here in my later years one of my favorite sayings has become, “A community becomes great when its citizens plant trees whose shade they will never sit in.” For most of my life I have worked hard to earn enough money to meet our needs, and to save enough to have a little left over for a rainy day. With God’s help I have done that, and this just reinforces what I learned a long time ago -- I won’t take any of it with me.
When it comes to volunteering, here is something worth thinking about. A new federal study shows that volunteer service is a core American value that can help build bridges among Americans. The annual Volunteering and Civic Life in America research shows that 1 in 4 Americans volunteered through an organization and nearly two-thirds helped their neighbors last year, demonstrating that service to others continues to be a priority of millions of Americans. This year’s report found that 62.6 million (24.9 percent) volunteered through an organization last year.
Your fellow American citizens volunteered nearly 7.8 billion hours in 2015 worth an estimated $184 billion, based on the independent sector’s estimate of the average value of a volunteer hour. And here is something that will boggle your mind: Over the past 14 years Americans have volunteered 113 billion hours of service worth an estimated $2.3 trillion. As I said in the beginning, this is one of the main reasons our nation has become the greatest in the history of the world. When we have our literacy banquet and awards ceremony, I spend most of my time thanking those who are involved because they are all volunteers and receive no monetary compensation for what they do.
If you are a volunteer, or even if you are not, here is something I hope you will consider. Since we only have one life to live, my prayer is that each of us will give some serious consideration, or even pray about, how we are going to spend our time and what causes we believe will do the greatest amount of good. Certainly civic clubs like the Lions, Kiwanians, Rotarians, Optimists and others play a major role in our society, and each one is dedicated to helping others where there is a real need. We also need to do some research on the various organizations where we invest our time, to make sure the money raised, is actually going to those who need the services and not to line some executives’ pockets.
When we started our Bookcase for Every Child project back in 2005 we developed some specific guidelines for our project: that it would be all-volunteer (giving back), no one would receive any money for their involvement, we would target pre-school children from low-income families because they had the greatest need, and that we would be committee-led and not a 501C3 corporation. As I said, we are all giving back and do not accept tax money or grants of any kind. We have been very successful and have an annual banquet fundraiser where we earn more money each year that more than meets our needs. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer where people have real needs and when you think about future generations you are truly “planting trees whose shade you will never sit in.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1228 -- WHEN HE OPENED HIS MOUTH!

No. 1228

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN HE OPENED HIS MOUTH!

Well, it happened again. How many times have you attended a conference or a seminar and some really big names are on the program, and at least one other person’s name is there that you have never seen or heard before. This is what happened to Janis and me several weeks ago when we attended The Jubilee Conference in Branson, Mo. We had heard the names of Bill Gaither, Dino, The Melody Boys, Karen Peck & New River and The New Speer Family, but had never heard the name Charles Billingsley. This was a three-day conference, and the last evening Charles walked out on the stage all by his lonesome, opened his mouth and started to sing. For the next hour he captivated the audience of 3,000 people with one terrific song after another. He was so good that he just left me speechless.
Well, believe it or not, today’s column is not about Charles Billingsley -- it’s about you. What was so interesting to me, and it’s what I want to talk with you about, is that Charles was not someone you would pick out of a crowd to have the kind of talent that he has. To be sure, he is just an ordinary looking guy, but when he opened his mouth and began to sing, everything changed. He demonstrated very quickly why he was on the program, and we were all glad he was. Now, to the obvious: what changes about you, for people who don’t know you, when you open your mouth? None of us have to be a world-class talent to make a difference. We have the power to make a real difference in the lives of others by what comes out of our mouth.
What is important to understand is that this man did not have a polished talent when he was born, but he had to go through a process of developing his raw talent by practice, maybe voice lessons, and years of developing his on-stage presence to become what he is today. What is important to understand is that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Personally, I can’t sing a lick; in fact I mess up people when I stand next to them. But God did give me a clear strong voice. In time I discovered that I loved to speak, and over time became what I believe to be a better-than-average speaker, at least good enough to get paid for it.
Please understand, God don’t make no junk. As we explore other possibilities, just realize the ability or talent we are given may be to use our hands, legs, feet, eyes, and especially our mind to contribute something special in our service to others. Just think about all the different ways we can use our legs to become highly successful, maybe as an athlete, a postman, a model or a salesman. The same applies to our hands as a painter, an artist, a fashion designer or a dentist, and a thousand and one other things. And we can also include our feet and eyes. When we think about our marvelous human mind, the possibilities are limitless.
My friend, here is my point. When we think this way, our future is very bright indeed as we all have talent and ability just waiting to be discovered and used. Over the past few months I have been hearing about all the suicides and the great number of deaths from opioids, and other tragic outcomes for God’s special people that He created in his own image. We all have worth and value in His sight, and this is the message that desperate people need to hear. When we encounter others who are down on themselves and even consider ending it all, make them feel loved and that they have worth and value as a precious human being. And thanks, Charles.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1229 -- SENIORS NEED TO WISE UP!

No. 1229

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SENIORS NEED TO WISE UP!

There is a scourge that is attacking our land today and it needs to stop, or at least be reduced to a minimum. This is the scourge of fraud, people being victimized by others, and it is particularly hard on the elderly, who in many ways are the most vulnerable of all our citizens. This is because the elderly among us, including yours truly, come from a generation when the vast majority of our citizens were people who had integrity and good morals, and telling the truth was a virtue that was practiced on a daily basis. Sadly, somewhere along the way we have lost a good deal of what we once had, and we need to get it back. But how?
From my perspective, we need to restructure the curriculums in our schools to focus on what is most important, and that is character education. The child who has good character will be far more successful in life, in most cases, than the brilliant academic student who has poor character. It is great for a student to get a good academic education, but the focus needs to be on character, as this is where our society is hurting most these days. What I am saying does not give the homes of America a pass because this is where, as a nation, we are hurting the most. You may have heard it here first: character education must be a top priority in our nation’s schools.
While my own mother was victimized before she passed away, I have been very fortunate to not have this happen to me. There are a couple of simple rules that have been most helpful in this regard. First, I understand that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And the most important thing is, and I highly recommend it for your consideration: I don’t gamble, go to the horse races, play the lottery, or enter any kind of contest where you have to win something or get something for nothing. I have always been willing to just earn what I wanted in this life. It is not whether we win or lose that’s important, it is the mindset that opens us up to becoming a victim of fraud.
As a result of this thinking I did a little research and found that “senior fraud” is much more pervasive than I ever thought possible. There is a company based in Great Britain, but heavily involved in America, called Comparitech that has released the following statistics. One in 10 elderly people in the US were victims of elder fraud in the last year. More than 5 million incidents of elder fraud occur every year in total. The average loss per case reported to Adult Protective Services is $2,415. In total, losses due to elder fraud total $27.4 billion each year. A total of 38 percent of fraud cases target the elderly. Debit cards were the most common product involved with elder fraud cases (32.9 percent) followed by credit cards (11.6 percent) and bank deposit accounts (10 percent).
There is much, much more, and if you have a little time and can get online, go to their website www.comparitech.com and check it out. This might pay you handsomely for your time at some point down the road. As one who has always been one who tries to be ethical and honest in all my financial dealings, it is a sad state of affairs that we have people around who will take unfair advantage of others, especially the elderly. I have a simple message for people like this, “Shame on You.” Didn’t your mother teach you anything?
And then this message for seniors from someone who does care: We have to wise up and realize that there will always be scammers and crooks in our midst and we just have to be on guard to not let them take advantage of us. But just keep helping people who need help and do not let crooks steal your joy.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1230 -- WHERE GRASS GROWS HIGH!

No. 1230

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE GRASS GROWS HIGH!

If you would like to expand your knowledge, especially in the area of the Civil War, I have a suggestion for you: buy and read a copy of Nancy Glenn Powell’s terrific book “Where Grass Grows High: And Slavers’ Hounds Don’t Howl”. I can promise this will do it, at least it did for me.
To begin, please allow me to pass along the “Author’s Note” at the beginning of the book. “This creative nonfiction novel is based on the life of Samuel Glenn, and contains family stories passed down through the years, as well as history surrounding the Civil War. Samuel was born November 6, 1810, in Franklin County, Georgia. Striving to avoid the effects of the anticipated war in the southeast, and keep his sons out of battle, he took his wife Catherine and 10 children to Arkansas in 1852. Most of the accounts were told to me by Roy Glenn, my dad, and to him by his dad, William Bart Glenn.” The author, then Nancy Glenn, was a very young girl when she heard most of these stories.
Before proceeding, I might add that the reason this book is so interesting, and even vital, is that it is real life as told by people who were actually there, and not some author or historian who read and did research to write a novel. The story begins with Samuel Glenn returning from Arkansas where he filed for a homestead near Greenbrier, a small community in the central part of the state. After a brief time, they have two Conestoga wagons loaded with essential items for survival and head out in a wagon train with a good number of other families who are making the same trip, headed for a new life in another state so far away.
To his credit, Samuel and three of his sons had been there several weeks before. When he returned home he left two sons in Arkansas to finish building a cabin and a corral for the livestock, so they could set up housekeeping when they arrived. While living in our modern times it is almost impossible to even think about how hard life was for these people. They had no modern conveniences, no cars or trucks, no form of communication, poorly trained doctors, no hospitals, no paved roads or any one of a thousand other things that we just take for granted. Samuel Glenn did have two things going for him: first, he was a blacksmith, a trade that was to be most useful in the coming days and years, and the fact that he was a devout Christian and reared his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
While slavery is an ugly issue, and in many ways still divides our nation today, it is nothing like the life that slaves endured before the war that was to free them. On a return trip to Arkansas, Samuel witnessed a slave auction that made a lasting impression on him. It became very clear why slave owners did not want to give up “free” help that made life better for them. As I mentioned earlier, this is a terrific book, and you would be blessed if you could follow the Glenn family, their children who married and had families of their own, the war that came, the six sons who fought (losing one), and how they survived to make our nation better.
For me, a story at the end of the book captured the essence of a better day when Samuel came upon a former slave family with a broken wagon wheel. He took the four of them home with him, fixed the wheel, and then went to their homestead where he helped kill a wild hog that provided meat for the winter and also helped to build their cabin so they could start a new life. This was done all out of the goodness of his heart. He understood that we are indeed “Our Brother’s Keeper.” This book is available from Amazon.com.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1231 -- TODAY’S POLITICS MAKES US SAD!

No. 1231

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TODAY’S POLITICS MAKES US SAD!

When you think about the state of national politics in America today, it makes millions of us very sad. There are a number of words I could have used instead of “sad” but when you think about what is happening in our nation today, in both political parties, it is truly a sad state of affairs, and somehow it has to improve.
I have some suggestions that may help. First, let me say that as a syndicated columnist I have been very careful not to take sides because I don’t think this is my job. While I am first a Christian, then a conservative, I have never been a member of any political party. I am proud to say that I am an American, one who proudly stands and, hand over my heart, salutes the flag, and who has a deep respect and love for other people.
For me, the overriding issue comes down to a point I made in a column I wrote several years ago titled, “You can’t sink half a ship.” The story goes that a ship was far out to sea and the First Mate rushed up to the Captain and said, “Sir, the ship is sinking.” The Captain calmly replied, “Let her go, she ain’t ours.” The point I am making is that the ship IS ours if we are on it.
Apparently a lot of people think that the United States is too big and too powerful to ever go under, but this is not true. While we are so busy fighting each other, there is an element in our nation that is far more deadly than anything we have ever faced before. In the past few months the authorities have discovered two alleged Islamic training camps, right here on our own soil, and these people are dedicated to our destruction.
Now, let’s get back to the sad state of affairs in American politics. We have a man who is president of our country, Donald Trump, who I never thought would be elected. However, the reason he was is that he was able to tap into the anger that is felt by millions of Americans. And he is brash enough, independent enough and bold enough to make much-needed changes. This is a threat to those who have been in power, not just those who have been elected but those in the establishment. With the help of the media, these people are dedicated to removing him from office, or at least defeating him in the next election.
It is really a case of Nero fiddling while Rome burns. It would be humorous if not so sad - the issues and line of thinking that so many, especially political candidates, are promoting today. You just wonder where all these ideas come from, especially when it comes to promoting Socialism. As Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has said, “The only thing wrong with Socialism is that pretty soon you run out of other people’s money.” Most of the American people have a television set and can very plainly see what is happening in Venezuela. We have a great country here, the best in the world, and I want to help preserve it for future generations.
In the past we have always respected the office of President, and while there have always been sharp disagreements, we have been able to work together to serve the American people. For me, this is where our real hope lies: that we can put aside the anger and resentment and put the best interests of America in first place in our hearts and our votes. We simply won’t win if we continue the path we have been on for the past several months. Therefore I am calling for a spirit of harmony to invade the halls of Congress, the White House, the President’s Cabinet and all Government Offices and let’s remember, it is our ship if we are on it. We all win together or we all lose. God Bless America.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1232 -- KID’S WITH SUPER-STRONG THUMBS!

No. 1232

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

KID’S WITH SUPER-STRONG THUMBS!

After you read what I have to share today, you are probably going to say that Jim has quit preaching and gone to meddling. Well, what I am going to say may not be popular in some circles, but it is still something that needs to be said.
To be sure, I am part of the older generation; you know the one whose tithes and offerings pay most of the bills for our churches, and I am not as efficient on using IPhones, social media and most of the other electronic devices that our children can multi-task in their sleep. We are now in the modern age of technology, and if we older adults are going to join the conversation, we have to learn how to use these new devices.
But there is also a down-side to this issue that has developed, and that is what I want to talk with you about, especially if you have children and grandchildren. In the past few weeks, on several occasions, I have heard older people, mostly grandparents, tell about having their children and grandchildren come to visit them and they reported that there was scarcely a word exchanged between them. They say the grandkids just sit over in the corner with their eyes glued to their smart phone and their thumbs texting a message that goes back and forth, almost as fast as one can talk.
This is not good, because over the past 200-plus years, grandparents who love their grandkids have been able to establish a relationship with them, have long talks and share a lifetime of wisdom they learned the hard way. Now I believe you will agree that this is a lot better than kids learning from other kids. But there is a lot more involved than this. It goes back to the economic principle I mentioned earlier, and it really comes down to a matter of respect. When you think about the thousands of dollars grandparents spent to rear their children and the love they have for them, they deserve more than to be ignored when grandkids come to visit. And it is up to the parents of these children to make sure this happens. Almost all kids are smart enough to understand this if parents will sit down and talk with them about this issue.
On a somewhat humorous note, a conversation around the kitchen table went like this. Grandpa said he came from a long line of farmers and his son became a very good teacher. One of them ventured the question, “What will our grandkids be?” At this point Grandpa spoke up and said, “Well, it had better be something that requires super strong thumbs.” Will Rogers once said, “It is just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated.” There is no doubt about it: our children will be the leaders and the future of this great nation. What we teach them and what they learn is vital to our very survival as a nation.
As I thought about this, I was reminded of a poem written by Dorothy Law Nolte titled “Children Learn What They Live,” that is very germane to this conversation. “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to fight. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.” When we teach our children the right things, they will make us proud.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1233 -- OUR NATION’S SADDEST DAYS!

No. 1233

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION’S SADDEST DAYS!

When I started reading Carl Barger’s new book, “Sons of War,” I had no idea what was in store for me and how thrilled I would be with my decision to read it. Carl is a master storyteller, and in this book he is able to capture the essence of America’s bloodiest war, the Civil War. From a historical family perspective, he transports his readers back to the years leading up to and during a war that would take the lives of 620,000 Americans, wound 475,000 more and have more than 400,000 missing in action.
If you can imagine a time when there were no modern conveniences, and most people survived by tilling the soil, producing their own needs and having large families where every member pitched in to help, you can begin to understand what life was like here in America during the 19th century. These forefathers also provided the family, spiritual and character values that helped to make our nation what was to become the greatest in the history of the world.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Barger family immigrated from Wurttemberg, Germany, in the 1770s, coming to the state of Pennsylvania, and then spreading out to Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, and then to Reynolds County, Missouri, the place where our story really begins. The central character is Allen Barger, who marries Nancy Bullock on Nov. 10, 1833, and what a beautiful love story it is. At this point the clock starts ticking, children are born, farms are bought, and families are reared. As the years go by, it becomes painfully obvious to everyone that a great Civil War is coming to our land.
The issue of slavery would divide even families, who were torn apart by those who were unwilling to compromise their convictions. This was made even more painful as this heartfelt story is set in the state of Missouri where the slavery issue was particularly volatile. Allen and Nancy’s three sons -- James, Jesse & Henry -- all joined the Missouri 26th Infantry Regiment and fought for the Union.
At this point, please allow me to just talk with you for a bit. One of the hardest things to do is condense a whole book into one page and I have done my best to set the stage so you can appreciate the tremendous true-life story that unfolds here. As I said earlier, Carl Barger is a master storyteller, and he uses words to create mental pictures so vivid that you feel you are actually there in person. When it comes to the actual chapters about the war, he includes many details that make it so personal. What I was reminded of, and have thought so little about it in the past, is the tremendous amount of suffering and sorrow that came to people who lived in this sad era of our nation’s history.
Just think about all the mothers who grieved when their sons left home to fight in the war, and even a sadder time when they learned they would never come home where they could hold them and tell them how much they loved them. Then think about the sadness of those slaves who were freed but had to endure the work of the KKK, slave owners, and other forces in society who were bitter because they had lost the war. If there has ever been a sadder time in our nation’s history, I don’t know what it would be. Carl’s book “Sons of War” is available at Amazon.com, and I recommend it.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1234 -- ARE YOU A FALL RISK?

No. 1234

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A FALL RISK?

As a general rule, we don’t get too excited about something bad or negative until it hits close to home. This happened to me just recently, and it is so important that I want to share it with you in the hopes it will help you or someone you love.
I have a dear friend by the name of Dr. C. Dennis Schick, who was director of the Arkansas Press Association for 25 years. Dennis has been retired for several years and he has helped me in so many ways, including editing a couple of my books without charging me anything for his talent and time. One of the things I have tried to do to reciprocate is take him out to lunch from time to time. We both like barbecue, and there is a great restaurant near his home where we enjoy the food and the fellowship.
I called him a few weeks ago, and we set a day and time when we could get together. When I got to his house, his sweet wife Jan called me aside and told me that Dennis had fallen a couple of times recently. He had not broken any bones but he was moving slower, and with the use of a cane could make it pretty well. It hurt me to see him in this condition, and I told him that I had been fortunate to have not suffered a similar fate. While I have been concerned about this for both my wife Janis and me for some time now, we just do our best to be careful and trust the Lord to look out for us.
Over lunch while Dennis and I were visiting, he showed me something that I had never seen before. It was a little arm bracelet with the words “Fall Risk” stamped on it, obviously a good reminder and a good thing to have. As a result of this experience, I decided to do this column about it, because it might help someone else avoid a similar fate. When I went to the Internet to do some research I learned just how far behind the times that I have been. One of the problems, and a good one to have, is that we are living much longer. Due to the fact that I have not been able to exercise as much as I need to, I noted that my steps are not nearly as steady and sure as they once were, again a symptom of age, now over 81 years.
Here are some of the things I have learned that may be of interest to you or someone you love. Every 11 seconds in the U.S., an older adult ends up in the emergency room due to a fall. “It’s the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly,” says Dr. Cathleen Colon-Emeric, chief of geriatrics at Duke University School of Medicine. Falls can result in a variety of injuries, including hip fractures and head trauma – which can have lasting consequences. “There is such a high risk of dying during the first year after a hip fracture,” says Dr. Leah Witt, a geriatrician and pulmonologist who is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Another thing I learned from my research is to watch out for medical side effects. Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can affect balance. For instance, diuretics may lower blood pressure too much and lead to dizziness on standing. Some allergy drugs, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl and generic), may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Well, there is so much more – and if you have the need, I encourage you to do some research on your own. To be sure, “falls” are bad news, and my prayer is we can take steps to avoid them. For all of us in the older generation, it should always be “steady as she goes.” God bless, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1235 -- IT’S TRUE: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

No. 1235

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S TRUE: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

While it’s true, and it has not always been this way, today knowledge is power. If you want to learn just how true this is, just become a contestant on “Jeopardy” sometime and you will find this out in a hurry. In this case, not knowing something could cost you several thousand dollars. These thoughts came to mind sometime back when my friend Joe Lehmann sent me a group of old sayings that I had heard often but did not know where they came from. This was so interesting that I wanted to share them with you.
Here they are, and I bet there are some of them you didn’t know either.
A SHOT OF WHISKEY – In the old west a .45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a “shot” of whiskey. BUYING THE FARM – This is synonymous with dying. During World War I, soldiers were given life insurance policies worth $5,000. This was about the price of an average farm, so if you died you “bought the farm” for your survivors.
IRON CLAD CONTRACT – This came about from the ironclad ships of the Civil War. It meant something so strong it could not be broken. RIFF RAFF – The Mississippi River was the main way of traveling from north to south. Riverboats carried passengers and freight, but they were expensive so most people used rafts. Everything had the right of way over rafts, which were considered cheap. The steering oar of the rafts was called a “riff” and this transposed into riff-raff, meaning low class. COBWEB – The Old English word for “spider” was “cob.”
SHIP STATEROOMS – Traveling by steamboat was considered the height of comfort. Passenger cabins on the boats were not numbered. Instead they were named for states. To this day cabins on ships are called staterooms. SLEEP TIGHT – Early beds were made with a wooden frame. Ropes were tied across the frame in a crisscross pattern. A straw mattress was then put on top of the ropes. Over time the ropes stretched, causing the bed to sag. The owner would then tighten the ropes to get a better night’s sleep.
OVER A BARREL – In the days before CPR, a drowning victim would be placed faced down over a barrel and the barrel would be rolled back and forth in an effort to empty the lungs of water. It was rarely effective. If you are over a barrel, you are in deep trouble. BARGE IN – Heavy freight was moved along the Mississippi in large barges pushed by steamboats. These were hard to control and would sometimes swing into piers or other boats. People would say they “barged in.”
HOGWASH – Steamboats carried both people and animals. Since pigs smelled so bad they would be washed before being put on board. The mud and other filth that was washed off were considered “hog wash.” HOT OFF THE PRESS – As the paper goes through the rotary printing press, friction causes it to heat up. Therefore, if you grab the paper right off the press it’s hot. The expression means to get immediate information. And here is a bonus – Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty (50) years of age or older.
Hope you learned something new from today’s column. I sure did.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1240 -- THE HISTORY OF THE C.C.C.!

No. 1240

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HISTORY OF THE C.C.C.!

It has been said that “desperate times require desperate measures.” Today I would like to tell you about a national crisis during the Great Depression and how it was handled by our nation’s leaders.
Let’s go back to the year 1929. The stock market crash saw a drop of 89 percent in its value and plunged our nation’s economy into a tailspin from which it would take years to recover. If this were not enough, a prolonged drought affected most of the country and exacerbated the problem. To be sure, in 1933 when Franklin Roosevelt became president, our economy was in sad shape and income was less than half of what it was four years before. These were the days when hitchhikers were going either way.
Well, FDR developed a plan to put people to work -- you may have heard of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Looking back this was genius, because it accomplished a good number of things. First and foremost, it put able-bodied young men to work, helped to build character and work ethic, and involved agencies of our federal government. This work project would eventually employ 300,000 unemployed young men to work in our forests. The Labor Department would recruit, the War Department would run the camps, and the Agricultural and Interior Departments would organize and supervise the work projects. The act passed on March 31, 1933, and these CCC projects would last until 1942.
Early on there was resistance, as some thought it was socialism, others thought it would be militarization of labor, and still others thought it was too much like Hitler’s Youth Corps. The real cynics thought it would be too dangerous to put large groups of jobless and resentful men in the woods. Here is the good part that kept these young men humble. They were paid $30 a month, with $25 designated to be sent to a designated family member.
The recruits were told they could expect to use a pick, ax and shovel; pull one end of a crosscut saw; move rocks; build fences; and do other hard labor. They would be provided living quarters, food, clothing and medical care, which included inoculations against typhoid fever and small pox. CCC work projects fell under 10 broad headings: forest culture, forest protection, erosion control, flood control, irrigation and drainage, transportation improvement, structural improvements, range development, wildlife aid, and landscape development.
Each camp consisted of about 200 people. They would start out with tents that would soon be replaced with rustic buildings. Each one typically had barracks, a mess hall, bath houses, latrines, officer quarters and a water storage tank. A wood stove would be in the center of the barracks. Wake-up call was at 0600 and lights out was at 2200. There were three types of camps: Forestry, Soil (to combat erosion) and Recreation (to develop parks and scenic areas.) There were CCC camps in every state in the nation plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The type of camps in each state would depend on the terrain and the typography, and older people have seen their work. Here in my state much of the labor for our beautiful state parks was done by CCC labor – and we are grateful to them. This project helped us move past the Great Depression and we are grateful to all the workers. The total enrollment was three million men and the cost of the project was $3 billion, a real bargain. We got our money’s worth. Thanks to my friend Ron Chastain for supplying information for this column.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1242 -- WHAT CAUSES SLEEP APNEA?

No. 1242

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT CAUSES SLEEP APNEA?

There is a medical condition in our nation which most of us don’t know much about, yet it affects 18 million adults. This condition is called sleep apnea, and it happens when an individual stops breathing for brief periods of time during their sleep. In fact, this can happen for some sufferers up to 30 times or more in an hour.
One of the real blessings in my life over the past several years is attending a men’s weekly prayer breakfast at one of our fine local churches. In addition to praying for people who are hurting or having specific needs, the group has a program where a member presents a specific topic of interest to the rest of the men in our group.
Several weeks ago one of our members by the name of Paul Noesser presented a program on sleep apnea, a condition that he has had for several years. He brought along a CPAP mask to demonstrate how he deals with this condition. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and this is what a properly fitted CPAP mask, along with the proper machine, accomplishes. In short, this equipment supplies a constant flow of oxygen. As you can imagine, because this need is so real and affects so many people, there are all kinds of these masks available to the consuming public.
There are three types of sleep apnea: the first is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax. Next is Central Sleep Apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. And last is Complex Sleep Apnea syndrome, something that occurs when someone has both of the other two. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.
Here is what researchers say causes it: more than half of people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea are either overweight or obese, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 or 30.0 and above. In adults, excess weight is the strongest risk factor associated with this condition. However, this is not always the case, as my friend Paul Noesser is certainly not overweight. The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which one we may have.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms: loud snoring, episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep as reported by another person, gasping for air during sleep, awakening with a dry mouth, morning headache, difficulty staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty paying attention while awake, and irritability. Loud snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem, but not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver problems and possibly even dementia. Sleep apnea is often overlooked because its symptoms can be subtle.
The most obvious signs are snoring and waking up gasping for air (or being told by your partner that you do this). If you are having trouble getting blood pressure under control, even if you are on multiple medications, that is also a warning sign.
Thanks, Paul, hopefully this information will help some people to get help if they also have this problem.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1243 -- A PASSION FOR READING!

No. 1243

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A PASSION FOR READING!

My friend, here are three statements you can take to the bank. “If you are reading this, it is likely because a parent or teacher taught you to read early in life. Reading is the cornerstone of a successful education; without it, not much else matters. Reading benefits imagination, vocabulary, and unlocks the door to all other subjects.”
These statements were made by Arkansas’ Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin in a recent guest column published in our state’s only statewide newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. As I read his tremendous article, I realized we were kindred spirits, and if he is willing I plan on involving him in our Conway Bookcase Project.
It was just a few short years ago that the report came out that only 31 percent of our state’s third graders were reading at grade level, the benchmark that tells a lot about a child’s chances for future success. This is the grade where a child begins to use reading as a way to learn, instead of learning to read. We started our Conway Bookcase Project back in 2005, and I am happy to say that in the intervening years we have made great progress, especially in the area of “awareness” of our need to improve literacy in our schools. In the past several years I have seen more and more people join the battle to defeat illiteracy, especially non-profits like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
We certainly, as parents, can provide our children books in the home and read to them. However, children being reared in low-income homes have the greatest need of all because the problem for them is generational, and in most cases parents have no books for their children to read. When parents cannot read proficiently and do not see the great value of reading, their children suffer in the early years where most habits and values are formed.
We have something special taking place here in Conway and in a few other cities and towns across the nation. We are providing a personalized bookcase and a starter set of books to the children of these low-income families.
This is something they will value for the rest of their lives. And believe it or not, the thing that means the most for these children is the little gold-plated name plate affixed to their bookcase. These children do not receive many accolades or awards, and to see their name on a bookcase has special meaning for them. We have given more than 750 of these bookcases here in Conway, and more than 2,000 nationwide since we started. I just wish every community in America had a bookcase project, which is much more difficult to achieve than giving books and reading to children.
Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin is to be highly commended for his efforts to improve literacy for Arkansas children. In his article he concludes, “My parents and teachers instilled in me a love for reading and a passion for learning. I have worked hard to pass that love for reading on to my two school-aged children, and I want to share the magic of learning with every Arkansas student and help ignite the spark that burns for a lifetime. We should not rest until every Arkansas child is reading at grade level by the end of the third grade.” I might add: this should be the goal of every state, school and student throughout America.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1244 -- OUR NATION WAS FOUNDED ON COURAGE!

No. 1244

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION WAS FOUNDED ON COURAGE!

Did you hear about the most optimistic man in the world? He is the man who went down to the court house to see if his marriage license had expired. Now, I am highly optimistic but probably not that optimistic.
The reason I share this is because, like many of my readers, I am wondering how long our nation can survive if we don’t get our act together in Washington, D.C., with our current crop of politicians. Here is what Abraham Lincoln said to warn us back in the days of the Civil War. He stated that, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedom, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
Like you, I love our country and want to do everything I can to preserve the wonderful life and the freedoms we have here. When I look at what is happening on the national level I ask myself: how on earth did we get to this place, where there is so much rancor and bitterness? This is especially true when we stop to consider the courage our forefathers had and used to win our freedom. If you have young people living under your roof, please share this with them, as it’s their future we are talking about. Most young people in our country today probably do not know what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. It’s a heart-wrenching saga, to be sure.
Here is the true story: Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. You may ask what kind of men were they? Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners – they were men of means and well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British Gen. Charles Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged Gen. George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.
But wait, there is more. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside and she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
The kind of people I hope we elect in the future are patriots, who put their country before their party. We must do that if we want to save our country. To be sure, this will require courage.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1245 -- COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ARE IN CRISIS!

No. 1245

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ARE IN CRISIS!

In my new book, “The Best of Jim Davidson,” there is a brief paragraph that begins, “Fret not at small beginnings: the oak tree began as an acorn; the beautiful rainbow had its beginning as a drop of rain and a ray of light; the muscular athlete had trouble crawling; the university graduate started in the first grade; the massive international oil industry began with a small shallow well.”
The reason I share this allegory is to present a truth that affects every single citizen in our country. As you will soon see, this truth also presents a challenge like the story of David and Goliath in the Bible. However, if you know this story you know that David had something going for him that Goliath did not have. David had God on his side, and I claim that truth as well.
The story here is that our nation’s newspapers are in crisis, and this is the bottom line. The weekday print circulation in our nation has shrunk from a high of nearly 60 million in 1994 to 35 million for combined print and digital circulation today. As a result, the number of newspaper journalists has decreased from 43,000 in 1978 to 33,000 in 2015. Now it does not take a genius to figure out that, unless we reverse this trend, there will be a day in our country when there are no more newspapers. For me, and I hope for you, too, these are very sobering and tragic statistics, and we must take action. If you want more proof for what I am saying, just go to the Internet and check it out.
Now, you may ask why this is so important, as I can get the “news” from so many other sources. This is true, but that is not the end of the story. The major market newspapers are important but not as critical as community newspapers (small market dailies and weeklies) simply because there are so many more of them.
Here is why the local community newspaper is so important and even vital to our continued success and way of life. First, you get information from your local newspaper that you can’t get anywhere else, including obituaries, engagement and wedding announcements, stock market reports, local sporting events and scores, city council and quorum court news, syndicated and local columnists, team and conference standings, election reports and vote totals, and so much more.
In addition to these wonderful benefits, here is the main reason we cannot let our newspapers fail. These people serve as the community “watch-dog” and I don’t think I have to spell that out for you. What I would like to do, with God’s help and your help, is to begin a national campaign to save our newspapers, understanding what will happen if we don’t get involved and save them. Personally I prefer the printed page, as I love holding the paper in my hands while reading it. If your attitude is negative toward your local newspaper, please change it, continue your subscription and encourage members of your family, your neighbors and everyone you know to subscribe to your local newspaper.
When you consider the alternative, it is the best money you can ever spend, and when you consider that you have a “watch-dog” looking out for you and your interests, you will know that you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Thank you so much my friend. America is the greatest country in the whole world and together we can meet the challenge of saving our community newspapers. To God be the Glory.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1246 -- THE SOURCE OF HUMAN ENERGY!

No. 1246

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SOURCE OF HUMAN ENERGY!

When I was in the printing business many years ago, I remember working with some employees who moved about so slow that we had to line them up with a post to see if they were moving. To be sure, these employees were not in line for a pay raise.
The famous American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” This is so true. We are not going to accomplish very much on a job or in a lifetime if we do not have real enthusiasm in our lives. In this regard, have you ever wondered why some people act like a human “dynamo” while others are so lethargic that we wonder how they ever get out of bed? Well, believe it or not, the key word in this question -- and one that makes a lot of difference in our rewards and in our life -- is the little three-letter word “act,” as in the people who have enthusiasm act like someone who has enthusiasm.
While this may be hard to believe for some people, just acting like a person with enthusiasm can become, in time, a wonderful new habit. Having high energy is a wonderful thing if it is used and channeled in the right way. We have all kinds of energy in the world, but thankfully the source of human energy is known. It can be found in the little word “passion,” as our passion for something makes all the difference in the world in what we accomplish.
Please ask yourself this simple question, “What am I passionate about?” For me personally, I have come to realize that I am just passionate about life, and about serving other people and achieving true success.
It is here that I would like to share something with you that I have never shared in my columns before, and something that has motivated me more than anything ever could, because it had to do with my character. When I was in high school, I was a pretty fair basketball player and had an 18-point average my senior year. However, in one particular game I had a terrible shooting night – I shot 33 times (someone in the stands counted them) and hit only one of them. Sometime later a prominent member of the community, who was also a member of the school board, had some very disparaging things to say about me.
As luck would have it, my mother found out about his remarks, and as mothers will, she went and confronted him. He wound up by saying, “Well, I don’t care anything about Jim Davidson.” Again, as luck would have it, this got back to me, and his comment stuck in my “craw” for many years. At the time I said to myself, “I’ll show him.” He has been gone for many years, but with God’s help, and a lot of hard work, I believe I have shown him. Now, after living more than eight decades, I realize that God has blessed me far more than I deserve -- good parents, good genes, and tremendous opportunity --because I was born in the greatest country in the history of the world. This fires my passion and my enthusiasm.
Now, back to my earlier question, what are you passionate about? If you know, you are fortunate indeed. If not, you can learn by doing a mental survey to see what interests you. Where do you spend your time and your money? What is it that fires your imagination every time you think about it? Our bookcase project does that for me, and more recently my new book. This stems from my deep desire to be of service and to help other people. My prayer is that you have or will find something that causes you to want to serve others. It is the only way to succeed and be happy.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1247 -- VAPING IS “BAD” NEWS!

No. 1247

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

VAPING IS “BAD” NEWS!

Did you hear about the man who read so much about the harmful effects of drinking, smoking and gambling that he decided to give up reading? Unfortunately this is the same reaction that many people, young and old, have when they are warned about the harmful effects of doing or being involved in any number of harmful activities.
One of those activities that is on the front burner these days is “vaping,” or the use of E-cigarettes. According to a recent study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, E-cigarette use among teens is skyrocketing, as more than a third of high school students have tried it over the past year. One 15-year-old boy even landed in rehab after he said he got hooked on E-cigarettes and was spending $170 a week on vaping nicotine.
What these young people need to be taught before it’s too late is that choices have consequences. What most never think about or understand is the long-term consequences of using products that are harmful to their body. This includes alcohol, drugs and other things such as marijuana that are addictive to their body. If you have children in school or know those in this age group, here is a suggested dialogue with them, when you suspect or know they are using E-cigarettes. This dialogue will give them something positive to live for and think about.
Let’s say you have a young son named Bob. The conversation begins, “Bob, you know that a lot of young people today are using or at least trying E-cigarettes or vaping. This product has been proven to damage the lungs of teenagers. While I hope you are not one of them, here is something to think about. Let’s say you are involved and you go on through school, get out and go to college. Before long you get a great job, marry your high school sweetheart and start a family. In time you have three beautiful children and are really enjoying life. You are a typical all-American family.
“Then one day while in your mid-40s you have a pain in your chest and go to the doctor to have it checked out. The tests come back and the doctor has a very serious look on his face. He says, ‘Bob, I have some bad news for you. The test reveals that you have lung cancer and we think it was caused by vaping or using E-cigarettes when you were in school. We will treat it and do all we can but it does not look good’. Bob battles his lung cancer for several months but sadly he passes away, while still in the prime of life, leaving his wife and three beautiful children.”
This may be a little over dramatic, but make no mistake, it does happen to good people and good families all the time. To repeat, choices have consequences, and this fact must be taught to our precious young people before they get involved with the wrong people doing the wrong things.
To close, here is a “FLASH” bulletin. Because E-cigarettes and vaping are so new in terms of use, the authorities and medical people do not have a lot of data and research on which to base their findings. However, I saw something on the television news just a few weeks ago that paints a very bleak picture of the number of young people doing this and what the harmful effects on the lungs and body truly are. In your best interests, if your youngsters are doing this, use any means you can to get them to stop because this is bad news. It could shorten their life and cause irreversible harm.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1248 -- AMERICA’S FIRST GREAT ENGINEERING FEAT!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS TURNIP

No. 1248

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA’S FIRST GREAT ENGINEERING FEAT!

The date of May 10, 1869, was a very significant one in the history of our country. On this date the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. A gold spike was driven at Promontory Summit, north of the Great Salt Lake in Utah, linking the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads.
This could be called America’s first great engineering feat, even though it actually involved hard work, tremendous danger and great amounts of money. The idea was first promoted by a young engineer named Theodore Judah. He identified Donner Pass in Northern California as an ideal location for constructing a railroad through the formidable Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Now before I move on, let me pause here and share why this was so important. By 1850 there were more than 9,000 miles of railroad track built east of the Mississippi River, but other than a short span from San Francisco to Sacramento, Calif., there were none west of the Mississippi River. For people who wanted to travel from New York to San Francisco, the trip across country was very dangerous, time consuming and costly. Many instead chose to travel by ship around Cape Horn, a journey that took more than six months and cost from $600 to $1,250. Jumping ahead a bit, when this railroad was completed the time of travel was reduced from six months to two weeks for less than $200. This also opened up tremendous business and settlement opportunities as our population began to move west. Many had already traveled there because of the California gold rush of 1848, but they got there the hard way.
Now, that is the backdrop, so let’s get this railroad built, which is a lot easier said than done. After getting investors involved, getting Congress to approve, and with President Abraham Lincoln on board, two companies were organized -- one would proceed from the west, the other from the east -- and they would meet somewhere in the middle. Because the western part included tunneling through solid granite and fighting the Indians, the Central Pacific (west) built 690 track miles and the Union Pacific (east) built 1,086 miles. There were great financial incentives supplied by the government which created competition between the two companies.
This project started in 1863 for the Central Pacific. If you recall, the Civil War started in 1861, so not much progress was seen by the Union Pacific until the war was over in 1865, and then many of those who completed the east link were veterans of the Civil War. After Gen. Grenville Dodge, a hero of the Union Army, took control as chief engineer, the Union Pacific began to move westward in May 1866. The company suffered bloody attacks on its workers by Native Americans – including members of the Sioux, Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes. On both sides of the project, ramshackle settlements popped up wherever the railroad went, turning into hotbeds of drinking, gambling, prostitution and violence and producing the enduring mythology of the “Wild West.”
With all of this said, the real task now was building the railroad on both ends. The workers toiled through back-breaking labor during both frigid winters and blazing summers. Hundreds died from explosions, landslides, accidents and disease. One important note is the contribution of Chinese immigrants who performed most of the work on the western side but received little credit. I am grateful for those who built this railroad, aren’t you? Special thanks to Dr. Roger Lewis for his editorial help.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS TURNIP

No. 1239 -- ARE YOU WASTING YOUR LIFE?

No. 1239

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU WASTING YOUR LIFE?

The other day a lady who reads my column said something that really got me to thinking. She said, “Your columns are too deep for me.” You could have knocked me over with a feather. I have never seen my writing as too deep for anyone, but perhaps there are some readers who, from time to time, miss the point of what I am trying to get across.
Of course, you know the three rules of communication are: be clear, be clear and be clear. There are some of my columns that require a good deal of research and contain facts and statistics that may be foreign to the thinking of some people, because we all have our own frame of reference. Anyway, if I have ever left you in the dark, it’s my fault; please accept my apologies.
There is another aspect of writing columns that occasionally enters the picture. Many subjects are of a serious and far-reaching nature that must be documented and have evidence that confirms what a writer is saying is true, at least reported and backed up by some reliable person or organization. Then there are other subjects that are more subjective and contain the writer’s own views and attitudes. It’s hard to argue with someone who says, “This happened to me.” What I want to present for your thinking today is of the latter nature.
I would like to begin with this simple question: Are you wasting your life? This question really strikes at the very heart of who we are as people. It’s not for me or anyone else to say if you are wasting your life, but what is really important is if you are happy with your life. A friend recently sent me a quotation that hits the nail on the head. This quotation by James Van Praagh goes, “We have all been placed on this earth to discover our own path, and we will never be happy if we live someone else’s idea of life.”
This quote was followed by a Question of the Week: If you could trade places with one person for a week, who would it be? Now, you think about that. Does anyone come to mind? Is there some person who is living such a rewarding, fulfilling and happy life – maybe with a lot of money or talent, or a lofty position in society – who you would like to trade places with for just one week? Anyone come to mind?
For me personally, I can honestly say that there is no person on earth that I would like to trade places with for any length of time. The reason I would not want to trade places with anyone else is because I think I am the most blessed person on earth. I cannot say that this has always been the case. Over the past several years of my life, the life I have built has been the result of hard work, having a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, and a number of meaningful causes that provide all the satisfaction for which any person could ever hope. For the past 15 years our bookcase project (and I have had tremendous help) has been so rewarding -- just knowing we are making a difference in the lives of many, many precious children.
When it comes to whether or not we are wasting our lives, a quotation by William James, the father of modern psychology, has tremendous merit. “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” You may disagree, but to my way of thinking, a person is wasting their life if all they are doing is taking care of their own needs to eat, drink and be merry. The most rewarding thing we can do is what we do for others, what we leave behind when we are dead and gone. We only have one chance, so let’s do it right the first time.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1238 -- THE MENTAL POWER OF RUMINATING!

No. 1238

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MENTAL POWER OF RUMINATING!

There is a wonderful mental power called “ruminating” that most people do not know much about, but it can make a wonderful difference in our lives. The definition of this word means, “To chew on - meditate, reflect or ponder.” As I said, this word can make a wonderful difference in our lives if used in the right way.
To be honest, this word has not been in my working vocabulary until just recently. The lady who typed the manuscript for my new book used this word when she commented about reading it for the first time. She said, “I did not get as far as I meant to, because I stopped to ‘ruminate’ for a while, on each one, before moving on to the next chapter.”
You know, the thing that sets us apart from all the other creatures on this earth is our marvelous human mind, given by God so we can think, form words, and communicate with other human beings. As they say, the only thing a cat can learn from sitting on a hot stove is that he will never sit on a hot stove again. To use the wonderful mental powers we have been given, we need to have some quality thinking time. When we think about our lives, our futures, our service, our rewards, where we want to spend time and with whom, and where we will spend eternity, we definitely have a leg up. To say it very simply, to maximize our potential we need to stop and “ruminate” from time to time.
It is here that I would like to share something personal that may be of value to you, because it involves the process of learning. The other day I was talking with a college professor friend and told him that I was a college drop out. He responded, “Yes, and you have been trying to make up for it ever since.” He is right and the one thing that has helped me more than anything else is that I have never stopped learning. They say the three keys to learning are 1. Repetition. 2. Repetition. 3. Repetition. Without realizing it at the time, here is how I got an education that became the foundation for my speeches, books, radio program and column.
Back in 1970, I went into business with my former Dale Carnegie instructor to distribute the Earl Nightingale Motivation Programs that were produced on cassette tape. Soon after we started, I found that schools were the best prospects for our programs. What Earl had done several years before, based on his life as an omnivorous reader, was to record the “Wisdom of the Ages” on cassettes. This formed his motivational series. As I traveled from school to school over the next several years in my early career, I listened to those tapes over and over again, especially early in the morning when my mind was clear.
Now, let me pause here to make a point. Remember what I said about “ruminate”, and “repetition, repetition and repetition”. This is what I was doing with the “Wisdom of the Ages” as I drove my car 50,000 miles each year. And here is the icing on the cake. Several years ago Princeton University did a study on repetitive learning. They found that if a message was read or heard only once, 24 hours later it was practically out of the mind. However, a message read or heard several times a day for eight days was practically memorized, and 30 days later the mind had retained 90 percent of the message.
If you really want to learn something, just go over and over it in your mind and also stop and ruminate from time to time. My best wishes to you.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1237 -- A TELEVISION PROGRAM WITH CLASS!

No. 1237

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TELEVISION PROGRAM WITH CLASS!

You know you are getting old when your favorite television programs are reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show. Now, don’t laugh if you are a younger person, because after you read what I have to say about Lawrence and his music, you may want to start watching him too, if you don’t already.
My wife Janis and I love the Lawrence Welk Show, and we get it here on Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. on our local PBS station. Of course these are reruns, which means we get only the best. And they are all good, with first-rate quality, along with good-looking guys and gals who are terrific singers, dancers and musicians.
The thing we love about this program is that it has “class,” something very hard to find these days. You never hear anything suggestive or off-color in any way on any Lawrence Welk program. I can remember watching his show many years ago but had pretty well forgotten about him until Janis and I married back in 2015. She loves music, and is a great musician, so we started watching the show again. All this time I knew he was from North Dakota, and that he had ethnic parents, but that is about all. It was a blessing to do some research and learn all about his background.
Welk was born in 1903 in the German-speaking community of Strasburg, North Dakota, and passed away in 1992 at the age of 89. He was sixth of the eight children of Ludwig and Christiana Welk, Roman Catholic ethnic Germans who emigrated in 1882 from Odessa, Russian Empire (now Ukraine.) The family lived on a homestead that is now a tourist attraction. They spent the cold North Dakota winter the first year inside an upturned wagon covered with sod. Lawrence left school during the fourth grade to work full-time on the farm.
Lawrence decided on a career in music and persuaded his father to buy a mail-order accordion for $400 (equivalent to more than $5,000 today). He promised his father that he would work on the farm until he was 21 in repayment for the accordion. Any money he made elsewhere during that time, doing farm work or performing, would go to the family. He did not learn to speak English until he was 21 and never felt comfortable speaking it in public. This man became an iconic figure in the German-Russian community of the northern Great Plains — his success story personified the American dream.
On his 21st birthday, fulfilling his promise to his father, Welk left the family farm to pursue a career in music. During the 1920s he performed with various bands before forming an orchestra. He led big bands in North Dakota and eastern South Dakota and was also the station band for WNAX in Yankton, South Dakota. Over the years, his band and his career took many twists and turns, but always on an upward mobile basis. His work ethic and values would serve him well as he became an icon in the annals of American big-band music. His music was instantly recognizable, with his sound as “light and bubbly as champagne.” He would later have a “champagne lady” featured on his show, and Norma Zimmer had this distinction for many years.
So much to tell with so little space, but I hope I have whet your appetite just a little. Lawrence Welk’s music will cure what ails you, and provide a little touch of “class” for at least an hour of your week. Hope you have a station that carries it. Now, as Lawrence would say to close each program, “Keep a Song in Your Heart.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1236 -- GOING BACK TO SQUARE ONE!

No. 1236

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GOING BACK TO SQUARE ONE!

If you have ever worked on a project and had to scrap it because it was not working out and “go back to square one,” you will relate to what I want to talk with you about today.
To be very realistic, this is exactly where we are in our nation today. The recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, where more than 30 people lost their lives to senseless violence, have served to highlight the tremendous need we have to scrap many things in our current system and go back to square one. What follows are some ideas of how to do that -- just one man’s opinion.
In the 1940s and 1950s when I was growing up, we never, ever had anything close to what is happening in our country today. We live in a different age now, but there are some things we can use from that era that will make life, and our future, better for all of us. I believe we need both short-term and long-term plans and approaches.
First, we need a system of universal background checks for anyone purchasing a firearm, including at gun shows. We need to ban assault weapons for anyone except those in the law-enforcement community. We need to ban violent video games, movies and television programs that are poisoning the minds of our children. This would send a life-saving message to this industry. We also need to develop mental health programs to help those who have needs before it is too late. And for those convicted of a “mass shooting,” we need the death penalty carried out in less than one year. This would alleviate some of the mass fear that permeates our society.
Now, that is the short term, and here is the long term. Our real problems stem from the breakdown of the home and the family. This did not happen overnight and we won’t fix it overnight, but we must begin to encourage and focus on family values that were much stronger in the day when I was growing up. We have some of that today, but we certainly need much, much more.
Without shame, I am going to tell you about my new book “The Best of Jim Davidson” that contains many of the principles and values that were taught by parents and grandparents when they were rearing their children. One area specifically is the teaching of respect and manners. One of the chapters in my book is titled, “Teach kids to say ‘Yes Sir, No Sir, Please, Thank You, and You’re Welcome’.” This chapter was written from my first-hand experience.
Back in the decade of the 1970s, I taught more than 50 six-hour seminars to high school students, and when I would begin each seminar I could tell those who were willing and eager to learn simply by my interaction with them. If they answered my questions and other directives with the simple words, “Yes Sir, No Sir, Please, Thank You, and You’re Welcome,” I knew we were in for a great time of learning. The reason this was true is because this is what these students were taught at home, and their future was much brighter because their parents cared enough to do this. Unfortunately there were a few schools where students were not taught respect and manners at home, and administrators and teachers did not reinforce it. I had to spend a good deal of my valuable time preparing these students to learn. This is an age-old problem. Students who are disruptive are really stealing opportunity from the other students who want to learn.
Now, what I have just said is not easy but really simple, and most any parent or guardian can do it. Why not order a copy of my book from www.amazon.com and get started.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1241 -- WE TRULY ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

No. 1241

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE TRULY ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

Our local CBS television affiliate station in Little Rock has a terrific theme. It’s called “We are better together.” Each time I watch this I am truly inspired, especially when my friend Craig O’Neill has the closing line and employs that tremendously expressive face of his to end the jingle with the words “we are better together.”
As I thought about this, I realized that this is not only a “theme” but also a principle that any of us can use to make things better in our homes, our businesses, our churches and most importantly our country. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of all the bickering and slanderous conversation that is tearing our nation apart. All of us deserve better.
When we talk about being together, let’s make sure our purpose or objective is good and honorable and has the best interests of those involved. For a home, it should be harmony between family members who love and respect each other. For business, the objective is to earn a profit by meeting the needs of the customers, who pay all the bills. For a church, the single most important objective must be to honor and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. For a nation, while we will always have differences, we should seek to preserve the union by seeking solutions to our problems together, because the whole ship stays up or the whole ship goes down.
To enhance our thinking on this topic, here are some wonderful slogans on togetherness that will give you some ideas.
• Alone we can do so little, TOGETHER we can do so much.
• Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress.
• Working together is success.
• Growth is never by chance, it is the result of forces working together.
• If everyone is moving forward together, success takes care of itself.
• If we want to go fast - go alone, if we want to go far - go together.
• Individually, we are only a drop, but together we are an ocean.
When you see a successful home, business, church or nation, you will find a qualified, competent and compassionate leader. As every schoolteacher knows, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Now, if what I have been saying sounds like Pollyanna, it is really not, because these are just principles and ideals that have been around since the beginning of time. Our forefathers used them when they came to our shores to establish this nation. While not perfect, the U.S. Constitution has been called the greatest document ever written to govern the affairs of men and women. We have a great heritage and all we have to do is go back to it from to time to make sure we are on the right course.
When it is all said and done, the most precious thing we have is freedom, and that was won with blood, sweat and tears of those who served our nation in times of war. The greatest resource we have is our young people, because in time they will hold all the positions of leadership in our country. As adults, let’s give them something to be proud about, because we made personal sacrifices to build a spirit of harmony and togetherness, among our people. As individuals let’s work hard to do our jobs the very best we can, and hold our elected officials accountable to be productive and represent our people and do things “together” for what is best for America. We need men and woman of character to lead us.
---
(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 588 - BILL OF NO RIGHTS

No. 588

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BILL OF "NO" RIGHTS

One time I heard my friend, the late Bob Murphy, tell about this government agent who visited a farmer and demanded to inspect his livestock, his grain program and the general operation of his farm. The farmer said, "I don't have time to fool with you. Get off my place." Then the government agent pulled out his card and said, "I represent the United States government and I have a right to inspect your place, your livestock and your grain program." The farmer then said, "Go ahead and inspect what you have a right to inspect and then get off my place" and he turned around and went back in the house.

At this point, the government agent started walking around the barn and the fields, "big eyeing" everything, and he got over in a little trap that contained a bull that he did not see when he opened and shut the gate. As they say, "The bull taken to him." The closest thing to the government agent was a little tree, which he promptly mounted, just out of reach of the hooking horns of the bull. Hopefully, you can see this in your mind as the government agent started hollering to the farmer, "Come get this bull !"

The farmer came back out of the house, sized up the situation and hollered back, "Show him your card."

In reality, sometimes we may think we have a right to have something or do something and, afterward, we don't like the consequences. Along these lines, a friend sent me something titled, "A Bill of 'NO' Rights" that was written in 1993 by Lewis Napper from the state of Mississippi. It's worth sharing. Hope you enjoy it.

"We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid any more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby ordain this bill of 'NO RIGHTS'. We hold these truths to be self-evident that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim that they require a Bill of NO Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the unearned right to new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing you anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone and not just you.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, and do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all of your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need.

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. It would be nice to have it but that's not a right. That's a privilege.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods and services of other citizens, you are inviting time in a place where you will not have these rights.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to demand that your chldren fight in a foreign war just to soothe your aching conscience.

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to a job. Everyone wants you to have a job, and will gladly help in hard times but we expect you to get an education and make yourself useful.

ARTICLE X: You do not have the right to happiness, only the right to pursue happiness."Lewis Napper concludes by saying. "I just think it is about time common sense is allowed to flourish - call it the age revisited. Live each day with an attitude of GRATITUDE!" ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 589 - WHAT IS THE 23rd PSALM?

No. 589

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS THE 23RD PSALM?

If I were to ask you the question, "What is the 23rd Psalm?" What would you say? If you know anything about the Bible at all, you would probably say, "It's a chapter in the Old Testament, written mostly by King David of Israel."

Well, it's much more than that as you will soon see in something a friend sent to me the other day that I would like to pass along. The credit line goes to Kay Weaver, past president, American Bell Association.

Over the years I have read the 23rd Psalm hundreds of times but I have never seen it in the light of what will follow. I might add, the reason this short chapter is quoted so often is because it brings hope and healing to people who are hurting. To begin, allow me to pose my question again, "What is the 23rd Psalm," and please think about the true meaning of each thought as we go along."

The Lord is my Shepherd - that's Relationship! I shall not want - that's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - that's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters - that's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul - that's Healing! He leads me in the paths of righteousness - that's Guidance! For His name's sake - that's Purpose! Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - that's Testing! I will fear no evil - that's Protection! For Thou art with me - that's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - that's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - that's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil - that's Consecration! My cup runneth over - that's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - that's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - that's Security! Forever - that's Eternity!"

Now, allow me to follow up with another question. Do you know anyone who is hurting? I mean really hurting. Obviously, there are millions of people in our nation today who are hurting physically and in most cases these are the ones who are easiest to help.

However, in many cases they cannot be helped. We had a friend pass away a few weeks ago after a long battle with cancer. The cancer was on the inside and they could not cure it and he suffered excruciating physical pain for several weeks before he finally lost the battle.

On the other hand, there are also millions of people who are hurting emotionally. Quite often, these are the people who the most difficult to help, because the emotion is also on the inside, where it is more difficult to reach. Not too long ago I had another friend who took his own life because he was hurting emotionally, although it appeared that he had everything in the world to live for.

At this point, if you will go back and re-read the 23rd Psalm and what each separate thought really means, you will see hope and healing that you can't find anywhere else, other than the word of God.

Please understand, I don't share these thoughts to be religious. We see people killing each other all across the world every day in the name of religion and somehow they missed I Corinthians 13, which is known as the "Love" chapter. It boggles my mind as to how some human beings can be as cruel to take the lives of countless innocent human beings without any remorse or regret. If there is one thing I am sure of, religion is not the answer.

As you read this column anywhere across our great country, it does not matter if you are management or labor, black, white, brown or yellow, rich or poor, or even a college professor, I know someday we will all have to stand before a holy and righteous God and give an account of what we have done with what He has given us.

If you ever find yourself in need of a true Relationship, a real Purpose, some quality Rest and much-deserved Discipline, a great source to find these very things can be found in the 23rd Psalm. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 590 - BENEFITS OF AN ADVANTAGE

No. 590

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BENEFITS OF AN ADVANTAGE

While I could not verify this quote when I got to looking, I believe it was the late Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, who said, "To gain the advantage is the goal. You can't win without it." The definition of the word "advantage," according to the dictionary is: "Any circumstance, state or condition favoring success." When it comes to achieving success, which is the goal of most human beings in one way or another, we all seek to gain the advantage by maximizing our strengths and minimizing our weaknesses.

We see this principle personified in countless situations each day of our life. When it comes to digging a ditch, a backhoe is preferred to a shovel, a word processor is preferred to a typewriter, a car or truck is preferred to a horse and buggy and so forth. In athletics, the coach looks for natural ability, speed and strength in one player over another, especially when it comes to team sports. In the mental and physical realm, the greatest advantage of all is knowledge. This is why in a progressive society human beings go to school, college and beyond, to study, learn and work to gain an advantage.

Something I saw on television a few weeks ago got me to thinking about this principle when it comes to achieving real and lasting success in life. In nearby Little Rock, our state capital, located only a few miles from where I live, we have all the major networks. Again, to gain the advantage, they all have early morning shows, by one name or another, to get the day started off on a positive note. This past Christmas season, for 12 days leading up to the Blessed Event, one of these stations featured a different musical group from area schools.

On this particular day, there was a class of first-graders from Holy Souls School. They really looked sharp, the boys in their blue uniforms and the girls with blue tops and skirts that reminded me of a Scottish Bagpipe Marching Band. As I said, they were impressive and, for first-graders, did a great job of singing. The first number they sang was "Away in a Manger." I'm sure you are familiar with this Christmas song, but the first line goes, "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head."

When it comes to achieving success later in life, each of these adorable children has a tremendous advantage over many other children in our society. If you have never thought about this before, I would like to tell you why. First, Holy Souls is a Catholic school, and while their parents pay tuition, in addition to paying taxes, they are free to teach spiritual truths and principles that will help to prepare them for a successful life. As you probably know, public schools are limited in this respect.

Next, these children were up, dressed, probably had breakfast, and were in a television studio at 5:40 in the morning. In the vast majority of cases, these children come from a two-parent home where they have love, structure and discipline as a normal course of affairs. Less you misunderstand what I am saying, I am for these children 1,000 percent, because that's the American way. This tradition has helped to form the bedrock of our society for almost 200 years, and I pray that it will continue.

Here is my point, and the reason I am devoting most of my time and energy to helping some other children who do not have these advantages. Our "Bookcase for Every Child" project is designed for volunteers to reach children who are being reared in low-income families, and often in a single-parent home. While they are blessed to be living in America, where they are better off than two thirds of the rest of the world, they still do not have the advantages of millions of other children. These children had no choice in the environment in which they are being reared. If we don't help them, many will wind up in crime, prison, on drugs and even worse. The road we travel as a nation will be determined by what we do here. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 591 - ARE YOU PREACHING TO THE CHOIR?

No. 591

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU PREACHING TO THE CHOIR?

Every once in a while, when I am really animated and talking with someone about a subject I really believe in, this person will stop me and say, "You are preaching to the choir."

In our church services, almost every Sunday during the pastor's sermon, he will turn around and direct his comments to members of the choir sitting behind him. This is the normal and most applicable use of the term, and I'm sure you have heard this saying before, but here is the good news. You don't have to be a preacher to preach to the choir. There is much broader meaning, and if you will invest a few minutes of your time, I would like to share some positive thoughts along these lines.

In a sense, regardless of the subject, we are preaching to the choir when we are talking with others who believe almost or exactly as we do. This is not all bad. In fact, it's vital for success. If the cause is right and just, and will have a real impact on our society, the fires of enthusiasm will grow dim or even go out if left unfanned for a long period of time. Why do you think churches and other organizations hold regular meetings each week? It's so those who share a common goal will stay on the same page.

The Bible admonishes us to "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," and one of the reasons is to keep the fires of enthusiasm for our faith burning brightly. One of the best examples I have ever heard along these lines is about the pastor who went to see a member that had not been in church for several weeks. After chatting for a few minutes, and this member giving every excuse he could think of for not attending, the pastor walked over to the open fireplace and pulled a hot coal off by itself. Pretty soon it began to go out. After a few more minutes, this member said, "I'll be there Sunday."

But back to the subject, are you preaching to the choir? If all we do is talk with those who think exactly as we do, we are not making much progress. I'm pleased to say that the vast majority of letters, phone calls and e-mails, in relation to this column are very positive and complimentary, but occasionally someone will really take me to the woodshed and rake me over the coals. To be sure, I do make mistakes, and when I learn about them I apologize and do my best to set the record straight.

There are times however, when it's just a difference of opinion. If I feel I am right, I don't mind taking a stand for what I believe in and will state this in very clear terms. In cases like this, I usually say, "We can just agree to disagree, but I will always respect you and your right to think and believe as you choose." I'm not sure that I have ever changed anyone's mind, but at least we have the opportunity to have an honest dialogue. In these cases, I am not preaching to the choir, and that's the whole point.

To my way of thinking, in each case where there is a difference of opinion, the guiding principle should always be, is it the truth? While it's not always easy, we should be willing to throw our most cherished beliefs and opinions into the trash can, if we can find something that is closer to the truth. Over time, truth is the only thing that will stand. Those in our society who are dishonest, unethical and immoral may think they are getting away with something, but when they least suspect it and can ill afford it, the truth will come to light.

When it comes to preaching to the choir, we should strive to make sure our cause is just and right and will stand the test of time. We should always strive to be kind to those who may disagree with us, because if we are right, we don't need to do anything that would create a barrier that would prevent us having fellowship in the future. As I have said many times before, I am far from perfect, but I do love people and I love our country. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 592 - STAYING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

No. 592

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

STAYING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

There are days and then there are days. As my friend Dave McCree often says, "Some days are diamonds while others are stones." Life is made up of good days and not-so-good days. Some days are successful, while others are failures, that is in terms of being productive.

This brought to mind a wonderful little poem written by Heartsill Wilson titled, "A New Day." It begins, "This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. This day is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. Therefore, I want it to be good and not evil, gain and not loss, success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it."

In view of world events and the constant bombardment of negative news by the national media, I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to stay positive most of the time. I say most of the time, because I do not know of anyone who is positive every waking moment of the day. That is just human nature. However, I try to stay positive and look on the bright side of life as much as I possibly can. If you have negative or bad days and experience more than your share of down times, I have some thoughts along these lines that you may find helpful.

To begin, allow me to share something a friend sent me the other day about a cancer survivor titled simply, "Very Important." There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun-filled day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today."

Yes, our attitude is very important, even in the face of tragic circumstances.

But back to the subject at hand, "Staying Positive in a Negative World." In order to stay positive most of the time, I want to give you the bottom line first, and I hope you will ponder what I am going to say and let it soak in. Our attitude is controlled by our thinking and, to a large degree, our thinking is controlled by what goes into our mind. If we are thinking happy, positive thoughts most of the time, our attitude will reflect that. The reverse is also true. If we think bad, negative thoughts most of the time, our attitude will reflect that as well, and if not corrected we just become a negative person.

As human beings, we are affected to some degree by genetics and our environment, but by and large the human mind is impartial. That's the point we should see. The human mind does not care one way or another as to what we program or permit to enter our mind. It just acts on what is there and this is what controls our attitude. The old computer term G.I.G.O. certainly applies here: garbage in, garbage out.

We need to stay current about what is going on in the world, but when we spend hours soaking up bad news, it is going to affect us adversely. The same thing applies to people we spend most of our time with. If it's family, there is often little we can do about it, but we need to know what is happening so we can deliberately seek a source of positive news and relationships. Reading my Bible each day and spending time in prayer helps me.---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 593 - MY VISION FOR LITERACY IN AMERICA

No. 593

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MY VISION FOR LITERACY IN AMERICA

We have all heard the saying, "You must have a dream before you can have a dream come true." In my case, I have something far greater than a dream. I have a vision ... a vision for literacy in America. Only God knows if my vision will ever become reality, but I am working as hard as I can and many, many wonderful people are lending a hand. For this I shall be eternally grateful. In the national interest, if you will allow me to share it, I would like to tell you my thinking and how we are going about the uphill battle of improving literacy in this great nation.

You may or may not know that at one time the United States of America led the world in test scores of reading, math and science. Now, according to a study conducted by the Campaign for America's Children, we rank 18th out of 21 industrialized nations. There are many reasons for this, but based on my own assessment, we have fallen to this level because vast numbers of parents are no longer reading to their children in the home environment, especially in their formative years. In 1955, 81 percent of parents read to or with their children. Today, that number has plummeted to around 21 percent of parents who take the time to read to their children on a regular and ongoing basis.

The greatest at-risk children are those who are being reared in low-income homes because, according to statistics, 61 percent of these parents do not own any books. This is where our "Bookcase for Every Child" project that we started in 2005 here in Conway, Arkansas, is so vital. As an all "volunteer" project, we are building many of these children a quality, personalized, oak bookcase, giving them a "starter set" of children's books and then reading to them each week in our local Head Start Centers.

We are making a difference. I have just learned that in the very first year since our project began, the number of books checked out by parents from the centers' Lending Libraries has increased by 76 percent. That's three times as many books over the previous year checked out by parents to read to their children at home. Many of us on our committee believe we may have the best and most unique literacy project ever developed in America.

We can make this statement for several valid reasons. First, our project is focused on parents reading to their children at home. Secondly, we are focusing on children who are most at risk, those in low-income families. Thirdly, we have an annual awards ceremony to present the bookcases and books to the children and their parents. We demonstrate and show them our love, and this helps to build self-esteem and a sense of value in both children and their parents. The rewards to our community and our nation will come later down the road in terms of less crime, illegal drug use and much-improved civility.

And then, there is another valid reason why our project is so special. We only use volunteers and no tax money or government grants. This project is funded primarily by the sale of my book "Learning, Earning & Giving Back," as I am giving 100 percent of the proceeds to improve literacy. The book, with a gold literacy seal in the front of each one, serves to create awareness and also those who purchase copies knowing where the proceeds are going have a sense of "ownership" in the project. Our Web site: www.jimdavidsoncolumn.com.

My vision for literacy in America is to have a "Bookcase for Every Child" project taking place in hundreds of communities all across the nation, with the goal to have a more literate population in each one. In reality, just as a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, no communities' future is any brighter than its literacy rate.

We honor and support our schools and teachers and want to help these small 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children from low-income families have an opportunity to share in the American dream. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 594 - QUALITY PEOPLE ARE WINNERS

No. 594

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

QUALITY PEOPLE ARE WINNERS

Each year Money Magazine produces a list of the best places to live in America. This past year the best place, according to Money, was Fort Collins, Colorado. This small community, home of Colorado State University, is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and has a lifestyle that appeals to many urban dwellers who have moved to Fort Collins to escape the rat race of big city life. One of the things I noted about Fort Collins, along with all the other communities on the list, was a low crime rate.

In case you did not know, the murder rate in our country was up 11 percent in 2006 over the previous year. This is not something most of us think about on a daily basis, but it is becoming more of a problem in our nation, especially in larger cities, because we have trended toward a more violent society. During the past year, a University of Miami football player was murdered, along with another who played for the Denver Broncos. In the past year we had a young bank teller in Little Rock shot in the back during a robbery.

To be sure, no Chamber of Commerce likes to talk about crime, especially murder, because that kind of news won't attract many new people to come there to live. Yet, we know from all accounts that the "quality of life" is one of the things we would all look for in choosing a new place to live. Here in Conway, we even have a newly formed, Quality of Life Council.

While it's not a pretty thing to say, the quality of life only applies to those of us who are still living, and not for those who have been murdered.

With your permission, I would like to redirect my focus a bit and say that, rather than focusing our attention on the quality of life, we need to focus on the quality of people. It's the people in any given community that make it a great place to live, anyway. Over the past several decades we have become a nation of sports fanatics. We have gone from having a competitive spirit of always wanting to win to one of wanting to win at all costs. There are many reasons for this, but like most everything else, the major reason is money.

When both players and coaches are making astronomical amounts of money, you have changed the dynamics of the game itself. Please understand, I am not saying that it is sports that are causing an increase in crime, especially murder, but it is contributing to the increasingly violent society we are living in. When you combine this with illiteracy, illegal drug use, gangs, and a myriad number of addictions, you have a snapshot of what the future holds.

As a people, we just have to look ourselves in the mirror and say, "Is this what we really want? Are we content to continue on as we have in the past and see our society become increasingly more violent with more crime and more murder that reaches down into even the smallest communities?" To be sure, I can't change this. Only the American people can decide to do that. Over time, we can do that through our elected representatives.

It's just human nature to want to win, and we all want to be a winner. Let me tell you who the real winners are. It's not necessarily the ones who set the records or get the trophies, or even those who drive the Hummers and live in exclusive neighborhoods. The real winners are quality people, and you can find them in every walk of life. I believe we need to spend more time in the future producing quality people, especially in our homes.

Here are four character traits that I believe every quality person has. No. 1 - A deep and reverent respect for the rights and property of others. We must value human life. No 2 - Honesty. When we restore honesty in our national fabric, we will solve many of our problems. No. 3 - Hard work. We feel best about ourselves when we earn what we receive. No. 4 - A spirit of gratitude. We never achieve success all by ourselves. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 573 - I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER

No. 573

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER

The Bible says that "Pride goeth before the fall" and I am here to testify that this is certainly true. Several weeks ago I had an incident occur in my life that made me very humble, and if you will come along, I would like to tell you about it. My reason for wanting to share this incident is that it may keep you from a similar fate or even worse. I might add that all of life is a classroom, and we should learn and profit from our experiences, in both the small and large events and experiences that come along day by day.
To set the stage, I would like to tell you a humorous story that I heard several weeks ago. It seems there was a rural preacher who lived back in the hollows of Eastern Kentucky who loved to hunt. Some of his most prized possessions were three large black and tan hound dogs. He loved his dogs, and the days when he was not hunting you could find him, along with his dogs, at his church study, preparing his message for the following Sunday. After weeks of this routine, and because his dogs did not know what day it was, he began to let them come into the church and sleep under the first pew while he was preaching.
You can imagine the conversation by the church members the first Sunday they showed up, to see the preacher's three hound dogs all snoozing quietly under the pew. Some of the members didn't like this arrangement, but finally accepted it after the preacher assured them the dogs knew they were in a house of worship and always showed reverence and respect and never, I repeat, never forgot where they were. After a few weeks, the conversation died down and they became, more or less, one big happy family.
Then one hot July day, when the windows and the doors were all open, a big Tom cat walked down the center aisle of the church during the preaching service. You know what happened to those dogs? They forgot!
The moral of this story is that I also forgot something very important, following a round of golf with three members of my local Lions Club. I might say very candidly that none of us are very good golfers, but we enjoy the fellowship and just being out in God's beautiful world. We have a great time and I am the oldest member of the group, with a very inexpensive set of clubs.
It should be easy to understand, given this scenario, that I take a great deal of pride when I beat these fellow Lions, given my age and knowing their clubs are far more expensive than mine. Well, we had a round a while back and I was doing better than usual, when we came to the final hole, a long par four with an elevated green. When I teed off, I hit the ball a long way right down the middle. My next shot with a five wood was also outstanding and was just off the green. I then chipped the ball to within 12 inches of the hole and tapped in for a par, which was highly unusual for me.
Everything would have been fine if that had been the end of the story. However, at our next weekly meeting, I asked a member of our group, who is really good natured, to stand up and tell the club about what happened the week before on the 18th hole. True to form, he did and I sat back down filled with a great deal of pride. Here is where this story really gets interesting. You may know the saying, "God takes care of His own." And boy did He ever. The next week I had the worst round that I have had since I started playing golf.
There is no way to escape the reality that pride does indeed go before the fall. I re-learned a lesson that I have worked on for years. When I thought about this lesson is when I was reminded of the three hound dogs, when that big Tom cat walked down the center aisle of that country church. I also forgot. The sad thing is that I should have known better.
Have you ever said to yourself or even out loud to someone else, I should have known better? Let this story be a lesson for me and maybe for you, too.
---
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 595 - THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

No. 595

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

Several years ago, Hal David wrote a song titled, "What the world needs now is love." A portion of the lyrics say, "Lord, we don't need another mountain, there are mountains and hillsides enough to climb. There are rivers and oceans enough to cross, enough to last till the end of time. What the world needs now is love, sweet love."

One has only to look out across the world and view the human condition to know these words are not only true, but profound. While hope springs eternal in the human breast, I cannot remember a time during my 60-plus years when love was more needed as a guiding principle to help us live in harmony with each other, both here at home and abroad.

A few days ago I got a letter from a reader in Missouri who said something that really touched me. He said, "I read your column weekly and look forward to the varied topics you present. The educational, political, motivational and moral issues are blended in a very non-threatening way but 'you need to know this' manner." This has always been my heart's desire, and my prayer is that this may always be true. The subject of love is my topic for today, and hopefully I can share a few thoughts that will be helpful.

You know, love is the strongest of all human emotions, and it's ironic that it is one of those things that we don't have until we first give it away. We see people every day who obviously have a deep love for their spouse, their children, their parents, siblings and other family members. We can easily extend this list to include their church, jobs or careers, community, school or college, hobbies, sports teams and many other things. To love is to be loved. As I said, love is an emotion, and when expressed in a healthy and open way usually comes back to us with compound interest. Because God created us as unique human beings, we all need love, at least to some degree.

We see people every day in our society who are not loved and, as a result, often become resentful and bitter and even take their own life. If this most basic human need is never met or satisfied, serious problems will likely come about as a result. Our nation's jails and prisons are filled with people who were never loved. Those in our society who are involved in illegal drugs, gangs, prostitution and other undesirable activities are suffering from the lack of love by those who were important to them, at a critical time in their life.

As a healthy, happy and responsible human being, here are two questions that I hope you will ponder: "Is there someone in my life - family member, friend or co-worker - who really needs a friend and someone to love them? Can I make a difference in the life of this person, and in so doing receive eternal rewards, and also have that love returned to me?" As I'm sure you know, there are many different kinds of love, but the kind of love I am talking about can be seen in these words penned by the Apostle Paul more than 2,000 years ago.

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

These words are still just as true and fresh today as they were the day he wrote them. They are a portion of what is called the "Love" chapter of the Bible. After talking about faith, hope and love, the Apostle Paul ends the chapter by saying, "Now, these three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love."

We should all strive to love a little more and hate a little less and make this world a better place to live. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 574 - A TRIP TO "NATURE'S AIR-CONDITIONED CITY"

No. 574

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIP TO "NATURE'S AIR-CONDITIONED CITY"

If you are interested, I can tell you where you might be able to get a free glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. I say might be, because this offer is only good if the temperature gets above 90 degrees. This is a tradition that goes back to 1939 in Bluefield, W.Va., and her sister city of Bluefield, Va., as these two communities straddle the state line. As a result of this long-standing tradition, Bluefield came to be known as "Nature's Air-Conditioned City." They have served free lemonade a total of 179 times in 65 years. There were 33 summers during this time when the temperature did not reach 90 degrees.
This is a great community and I was privileged to return there for the second time on Sept. 19, 2006, to speak to the annual banquet for the Community Foundation of the Virginias held at the Fincastle Country Club. Incidentally, my first visit back in 2001 was a speech at Bluefield College. In this column, I would like to focus on two very important points that I hope you will consider for your community, in the event you are not already involved.
First is the good work of the Community Foundation of the Virginias. The foundation concept is very unique and beneficial, as local people and others with ties to the community give monetary gifts, both small and large, in a variety of ways. This money is placed in an investment fund to grow over time. As more gifts are received and the fund grows, a portion of it is then plowed back in the community in the form of grants and scholarships.
Executive Director "Bev" Blalock, along with his administrative assistant Lynn Forlines, oversees the operation, in concert with the foundation board. Grant applications are reviewed and recommended from the grants committee, Betty Bailey, chairperson, and then final approval is given by the board, headed by Nick Ameli Jr.
Here is a personal example that will give you a good feel for how a foundation works. In 2005, local citizen Tom Raub presented to the foundation a commitment of $500,000 to establish the Roy R. Raub, M.D., Education Fund to assist the children and grandchildren of the parents that his father had served since coming to Bluefield in 1952. In short, what the Raub family is doing is "giving back" to the community. The people who receive the grants and scholarships are those who need help. The community is meeting these needs through the combined efforts of local people who understand their community will not be any better than they make it. One of the founders of this organization is Richard Ammar, and it was a privilege for him to be seated at the head table during my speech.
Secondly, the "Bookcase For Every Child" literacy project that I presented to leaders of the Bluefield community. The managing editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Tom Colley, picked me up at the airport in Charleston, West Virginia's capital city, and drove me to Bluefield. This man has been around for a long time and personally knows all the state and national political leaders, and has made a great contribution to his community and state. I am proud to say we share the same passion for literacy. In reality, Tom may be more passionate than I, but we are both committed, along with publisher Randy Deason, to building bookcases and giving books to children in low-income families in the area. News editor Andy Patton is leading the bookcase project for their community.
One of the reasons I am so committed to our bookcase project is that we are putting the focus on reading back in the home, where we have lost it over the past several decades. The need is the greatest for children in low-income families, because most do not own any books or take the time to read to or with their children.
One of the things that really motivates me is that these children had no choice in who their parents were or the kind of environment they grow up in. They need our help and we are going to help them.
---
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 596 - HAVE YOU EVER HAD SHINGLES?

No. 596

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU EVER HAD SHINGLES?

While I have been lucky enough to escape the medical condition called shingles, I know many people who have had them, including my wife and mother, and from all accounts they are really painful.

Having knowledge of this painful ordeal, I really got a chuckle out of something a friend from North Arkansas sent me the other day. It's titled, "Bubba Had the Shingles," and there is an underlying message here that I would like to briefly discuss with you after I share it.

The story begins, "Bubba walked into the doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his name, address, medical insurance number and told him to have a seat. Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aid came out and asked Bubba what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his height, weight, a complete medical history and told Bubba to wait in the examining room.

"A half hour later a nurse came in and asked Bubba what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles.' So the nurse gave Bubba a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electro-cardiogram, and told Bubba to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor. An hour later the doctor came in and asked Bubba what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles.' The doctor asked, 'where?' Bubba said, 'Outside on the truck. Where do you want them?'"

Unless you have had perfect health all of your life, you can see the underlying message in this story, without me going into great detail. Over the past several years as I have gotten older and experienced some medical problems related to high blood sugar and cholesterol, I have found myself going back for a doctor's appointment on a regular and ongoing basis. Because of this fact I could really empathize with Bubba's story. What I am going to say from this point forward is not a put-down of the medical profession, because like everyone else who has ever had any serious medical problems, I'm grateful the hospitals, doctors and nurses were there to take care of me when I needed their help.

This is not to say there is not room for honest dialogue with those in the medical field and the health-care industry. My concern is this, and I bet you have said the same thing many times as well. Are all the tests and procedures that patients are required to have really necessary? In my mind, this is where each doctor's personal integrity really comes into play. In most cases, he or she is the one primarily responsible for this call. When you think about the sky-high cost of malpractice insurance, you cannot totally fault doctors for basing their decisions on the side of caution.

Again, without being critical, my concern is for the future, and especially for future generations. For the past several years, health-care costs have grown at double the rate of inflation. Another factor to consider is when an industry grows so fast, with new equipment and the latest technology, the number of people required to staff a 24-hour operation grows right along with the trend. These people must be paid week in and week out.

Most of our senior citizens, including Baby Boomers, are really concerned about our nation's Social Security system. In reality, our Social Security can be fixed without too much difficulty, and extended on out into the future, but not so with our nation's Medicare system. The reason is obvious. Social Security benefits are paid to the individual, based on what he or she had paid into their own account, but Medicare is paid by the federal government from money paid by taxpayers.

When we have abuses in the health-care industry, compounded over time it becomes a greater burden to a federal government, already deep in debt from runaway spending in other areas. The real question becomes, who can fix this problem? ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 575 - THE REAL TIPPING POINT

No. 575

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE REAL TIPPING POINT

A few weeks ago on a flight into Cincinnati, my seatmate was a man by the name of Jim Wood, who was from Wilmington, Del. We visited amicably for several minutes and then he pulled out a book and began to read. After a bit I caught a glimpse of the cover and it was "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell.
If you are a regular reader, you may recall that several months ago, after reading this terrific book, I wrote a column about the premise and the concepts it contains. This 280-page treatise advances the concept that often little things can make a big difference. The author gives a wide array of examples where seemingly small, insignificant events turned out to be the "tipping point" that opened the floodgates for the proliferation of new products, trends and even social and economic epidemics.
I shared a little of this information with Jim Wood, just enough to whet his appetite, and then I passed along what I believe to be the real tipping point, which is to say the Grandfather of them all. You may not agree with the theory that I have promulgated, but in my mind what I am going to say is in the national interest, as we are all affected regardless of our politics, our social status, our age, race or national origin. The comments that will follow are certainly not meant in a threatening way, but rather some from-the-heart information, to give you something to think about.
No doubt you have heard the saying, "The straw that broke the camel's back." This is that point in time when a camel has been loaded down with all the weight that he can possibly carry and then someone adds a little bit more, that straw that makes it impossible to continue and the camel collapses under all the weight. I believe the real tipping point in our nation has already come or is fast approaching, when our massive national debt reaches the point that economic recovery is no longer possible and we go under. According to Lou Dobbs, CNN News, our nation is currently paying $373 billion "interest" annually on our national debt, primarily to China and Japan.
Anyone who has ever made a house payment understands the interest must be paid on a loan before anything is ever paid on the principal. Something else Lou Dobbs said that really got me to thinking was when he told about a spot near the Los Angles Seaport where the sun sets two hours early. This is a spot where the sun can't get through because the massive pile of shipping crates is stacked so high, because of merchandise coming into our country, as opposed to those being used to ship things out of our country. In the year 2006, the projected balance of trade deficit is $800 billion. Do you get the picture?
Here is the real question. Is it possible for a nation to go under just like a business or an individual? To be sure, there are people making economic decisions for our country who are much smarter than I but I still wonder if we are getting perilously close to the tipping point. Here is another question you may want to ponder, if you love our country and want to see us continue to prosper. How did we get to this point in our history when the national debt is more than $8 trillion? The obvious answer is that we are spending more money than we are taking in. But why are we doing it? That's the real question.
To sum up what I have been saying, the real tipping point comes when we have more people working for the government on all levels, and those who are getting financial help from the government, grants and entitlements, and they vote to elect people who won't cut them off. Have you also noticed that members of Congress show up back in their home districts with the federal checkbook just before an election? You may know that Congress now has an approval rating of only 25 percent, which is really a national disgrace. There is a real tipping point.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 597 - EVERY DAY IS A CRISIS IN ISRAEL

No. 597

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY DAY IS A CRISIS IN ISRAEL

We have a good friend here in Conway who has a little sign in her home that says, "My boss is a Jewish carpenter." When I was growing up in Gould, a small community in Southeast Arkansas, I didn't know much at all about the Jewish people. My limited knowledge came from a couple by the name of Sandstein, who had a variety store next door to our restaurant. And then, I only knew that they were Jewish.

As a quick sidebar, I remember one Halloween night when several of us boys took their woodpile from the back and piled it all around in front of the store, blocking the entrance. The next morning when I got up and went outside, I saw Mr. Sandstein surveying the situation, and without telling him I was involved, I helped him move it back where it belonged.

When I shared this true story with Viola, she could not believe that I had done something like this. I told her that at least it was better than turning over someone's outhouse with them in it!

As a young lad, I attended church back in those days, but did not spend any time reading or studying the Bible, so I was really green. You understand this was back in the days before television, much less all the 24- hour, cable news channels we have today, that show the plight of the Jews since they came back into their homeland in 1948. It has been a constant struggle for the nation of Israel just to survive, with Arab leaders on every hand vowing to wipe them off the face of the earth. A little more than 20 years ago, when I began to study the Bible and read it all the way through each year, I began to better understand this centuries-old conflict.

In reality, the nation of Israel would not exist today were it not for the loyalty and support of the United States of America. We have a bond with this nation unlike any other in the world, and for good reason. As a Christian nation, this is our heritage. Our very spiritual roots are to be found in the struggles of the Jewish people for hundreds of years. There are volumes of work, both written and spoken, to support this statement, but probably none better than two verses of scripture found in Genesis 12:2-3: "I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you and make your name great, and you will a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Since I am not Jewish and have had no real interest in the modern-day history of Israel, I have just seen and heard bits and sketches of what the news was reporting, including sitting there a few years ago watching the Scud missiles coming in every few minutes. Thanks to a great book I received (unsolicited,) titled "Defining Moments" written by Gordon Zacks, I have learned more about the history of Israel by reading this book than all the other sources combined.

The author, Gordon Zacks, was born in 1933 - free-Jewish - in America, to wonderful parents of modest means. He became a highly successful businessman, retiring as CEO and president of the R.G Barry Corp. in 2004. Going back to 1948, his defining moment was when he decided to be a part of the rebirth of the Land and redemption of the People of Israel. In his wonderful and inspiring book he sets out to give detailed accounts of all the central players - including American, Israeli and other leaders - and the roles they have played in this ongoing saga. To be sure, every day is a crisis in Israel.

You will read about the defining moments, from first-hand accounts of people like David Ben Gurion, Moshe Dayan, Boris Yeltsin, George H.W. Bush, Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Bill Clinton and countless others who have played a role in the history of Israel. I can whole-heartedly recommend the book "Defining Moments" by Gordon Zacks. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 576 - IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY

No. 576

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Several years ago, there was a popular country song that contained these words, "How many arms have held you, and hated to let you go. How many, how many I wonder, but I really don't want to know."
I don't know about you, but there are a lot of things I don't want to know, like the man you ask the time of day, and he tells you how the watch is made. Of course, this statement pertains to the volume of information, and the specific details that tend to wear us out. There is also the fact that most people had rather hear good or positive news, as opposed to more negative news that saturates our social fabric every single day.
What I want to share with you in this column may be perceived as the latter, but in my mind it's so important that I am willing to chance it. This past week I was talking with a lady who attends our church, and she told me her husband was really shaken up because he had been robbed at gunpoint while walking to his car in nearby Little Rock after getting off work. If you have been there, then you know the feeling. When I considered what this lady had told me, combined with a number of lawless incidents that have occurred here in our community in recent weeks, in the interest of public safety I felt the need to inform you and my other readers of the increasing dangers lurking in our society.
To my way of thinking, this is not negative news. It's just common sense, and we can either stick our heads in the sand or take steps to prevent it. The essence of what I wanted to pass along came from a friend in an e-mail regarding a serial killer in a southern city. I have made several phone calls attempting to validate this story but could not, so I don't know if it's true or false. I do know the point that this story makes is something we should all keep uppermost in our minds.
This story comes from a man who lives in Alexandria, Va., but often works in this southern city. He said it was 5:15 a.m. and he was on his way to work and stopped at a service station to get $10 worth of gas and a soft drink. He said he took two $5 bills and a $1 bill into the store which was just enough to pay for his stuff. He went on to say that as he was ready to pull away from the store, a man approached his truck from the back side (an unlit area) and walked up to his window and knocked.
This man said, "Since I am paranoid and 'always looking for a rapist or killer' I didn't open my window. I just asked what he wanted. He raised a $5 bill to my window and said, "You dropped this." Since I knew that I had gone into the store with a certain amount of money, I knew I didn't drop it. When I told him it wasn't mine, he began hitting the window and door, screaming at me to open my door and insisting that I had dropped the money. At that point, I just drove away as fast as I could.
In retrospect, this man realized that this person could have been the serial killer that has been terrorizing this community for the past several months. He adds a P.S. "Ladies, really DO share this with everyone you know. Even if this man wasn't a serial killer, he looked nice, he seemed polite, he was apparently doing an act of kindness, but HE WAS NOT A NICE PERSON!!" People in law enforcement will tell you this is old hat, something they have heard countless times, but there are many unsuspecting women out there who have not heard it and may have their guard down.
Personally, I hate living in a society where we are held hostage by the criminal element. But other than just warning people to be careful, I seem powerless to do anything about it. From my heart, I try to see the good in everyone, but there are people out there who are not good and we have to stay on guard and do our best to never place ourselves in a position where we have few or no options for our safety. Just be careful.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 598 - THE POWER OF FILE THIRTEEN

No. 598

The next password is ucan

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF FILE THIRTEEN

In the days before the word processor and the computer came along, quite often we heard or used a term that I have not heard in years. The term was "put it in file 13." In case you are not familiar with this saying, file 13 is the waste basket. While I'm not sure where this saying originated, I suspect that when a piece of paper or other document could not logically be filed in one of the pockets set up for each of the 12 months of the year, it just went into a "catch all" or even a "junk" file, thus file 13. This is pure speculation on my part, and you may know the true origin of this term.

The reason I have decided to address this topic today is the tremendous amount of clutter that most of us are faced with each day of our lives. This clutter can come in many different forms, but if it's something that distracts us from achieving our goals or what's really important, we need to be as efficient as possible in dealing with it. This is the age of technology, and the computer has made life much easier for those of us in the information business and everyone else who wishes to communicate more effectively and efficiently.

The majority of us have learned, especially in light of the cost of postage these days, to send an e-mail rather than a typed formal letter. Several years ago, before I got a Web site, I used to e-mail this column to the newspapers that carry it. As you know, we don't live in a perfect world, and now there are many people out there who send us pure junk, and much of it filth, to clutter up the e-mail system as well. When I come to the office each morning, you would not believe the number of junk or clutter e-mails I have to delete before getting my day started.

We have learned from experience to never open an attachment from someone we do not know personally, because of the threat of a virus. I also get a lot of "forwards" from friends and acquaintances, and I am always grateful to be included, but because of the time factor, I delete most of these as well. I am also aware that many of my readers do not own a computer, and do not send e-mails at all. In reality, the computer, along with the option of having e-mail, is just a tool, and we can either choose to use it or not to use it.

In case you may have been wondering, here is my point. File 13 can be a powerful tool if we learn to use it in the proper way. For our emotional well being, we should not feel guilty when we delete an e-mail or throw something in the wastebasket that comes unsolicited, and takes our valuable time. It should be noted that our time really becomes "valuable" when we use it to help ourselves or someone else to improve his lot in life. It is even better still for those who work to improve the lot of humanity.

The late Earl Nightingale once said, "We are taught to save time, but we are raised to waste our lives." Over the past several years, I have really learned to appreciate a very special word in the English language. That word is discernment. When we learn to discern what is truly important and what is not, and can separate the wheat from the chaff, we are making real progress. As I have said many times since beginning this column, we can't really know what is important if we don't have goals.

Do you have goals? Are there still some things in your life that you would like to have or to be, that gets you fired up and presents a challenge, each day when you get out of bed?

Life is too short to not make the most of it, because the service we render is the rent we pay for the space we occupy. Keep looking up. Have faith in God, in yourself and others and do your very best at whatever you choose to do. That is where our real rewards come from and why we should learn to use the power of file 13. ---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

The next password is ucan

No. 577 - ARE YOU A TRUE AMERICAN?

No. 577

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU A TRUE AMERICAN?

At a critical moment during the Revolutionary War, when his army was surrounded and in danger of being destroyed, General Washington issued this order: "Put only Americans on guard tonight."
As I have studied American history over the years, I have come to realize that what the general was talking about were those volunteer citizen-soldiers who had left their families and farms and all they owned to risk everything for the cause of freedom. There were 55 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and here are the final words of that Declaration: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Using these thoughts as a backdrop, have you ever thought about what it means to be a true American? Our nation has survived for 230-plus years since the Declaration of Independence was signed back on July 4, 1776, and we have faced many challenges, including two world wars. Even with a bloody nose, we are still standing strong and free. One of the things that made us the greatest nation in the history of the world is a set of fundamental values that have evolved over time and have set us apart from all others.
These values can be seen very clearly in something a friend sent me the other day titled, "You might be a True American if." It goes on to list a number of character traits and values that are the bedrock of our society. This is really a take-off on the Redneck humor that comedian Jeff Foxworthy made famous a while back. If you are not familiar with Redneck humor, here are a couple of examples: You might be a Redneck if you mowed your front lawn and discovered three cars you did not know were there. You might be a Redneck if you took a gallon of paint and climbed to the top of the water tower to defend your sister's honor. There are countless others, but you get the idea.
As I share the following thoughts, I hope you will think about each one and what it means. You might be a True American if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." You might be a True American if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. You might be a True American if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." You might be a True American if: You bow your head when someone prays. You might be a True American if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a True American if: You treat Vietnam vets with great respect, and always have. You might be a True American if: You've never burned the American flag. You might be a True American if: You know what you believe and aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. You might be a True American if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same. You might be a True American if: You would give your last dollar to a friend.
Well, how about it? Using these values and traits as a standard, would you consider yourself to be a True American? As I said earlier, these did not come about over night, but rather they evolved slowly over time as part of our culture.
My purpose here is certainly not to question anyone's patriotism. Only God really and truly knows our heart. However, we are judged by our words, our actions and the company we keep. In these days as we face the global threat of terrorism, it really comes down to who we want to win.
If you don't think we are in a war, just try to get on an airplane, as I did a few weeks ago. Personally, I believe it's time to quit worrying about being politically correct and seek truth and righteousness, as this is the best hope we have for a bright and lasting future. To quote General Washington again, "Put only Americans on guard tonight."
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 578 - A MEDICAL ERROR CAN BE FATAL!

No. 578

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MEDICAL ERROR CAN BE FATAL!

When I thought about a way to introduce my topic today, I was reminded of a question a man asked one of his lady friends. He said, "Have you ever been real sick?" She said, "No, but I have never been real well."
The medical profession in our nation has a tremendous challenge each day, as they try to keep as many of us as possible "real well" or as well as we can be given our age, medical history and other factors that determine the longevity of our lives. Personally, I am extremely grateful to be living in these exciting times as medical advances and technology have moved us to a point where the average life expectancy is somewhere between 75 and 80 years of age.
In contrast, in the year 1900, it was around 48 years of age. However, like most things, there is still room for improvement, especially as this relates to individual patients who check into our hospitals and medical clinics each day. I say this in light of something I received a while back from The Catalyst Group, a public relations firm representing a new medical service called MedeFile. More about this service in a moment, but here is something worth thinking about, especially if you are in poor health and make frequent trips to the hospital or to a doctor's office.
Each year in the U.S., about 195,000 people die due to potentially preventable, in-hospital medical errors, according to a recent study of 37 million patient records by HealthGrades, an independent ratings, information and advisory services company. On average, medication errors alone increased costs by $2.8 million annually, and medical errors as a whole are estimated at $29 billion per year. According to Dr. Barbara Starfield of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, medical errors are the third leading cause of death, following only heart disease and cancer.
Forty-two percent of people believe they have personally experienced a medical mistake, according to a phone survey by the National Patient Safety Foundation. Medical errors can be fatal and cause "the equivalent of 390 jumbo jets full of people dying each year," according to Dr. Samantha Collier, vice president of medical affairs at HealthGrades. These preventable situations may have been averted if medical personnel had access to vital, up-to-date medical information.
MedeFile provides the solution to these medical technology needs. Cedar Knolls, N.J.-based MedeFile International introduces a new, cost-effective solution that is safe and secure for patients that desire to be in control of their vital lifetime medical records. For a fee, this new service provides customers, doctors, emergency room doctors, EMTs, etc., secure access to medical records 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from virtually anywhere in the world.
At this point, I would like to make a personal disclaimer. By sharing this information in a column, I am not endorsing this service. Rather, I am just passing along the concept and how it could potentially save the lives of many of the 195,000 individuals who die each year because of medical errors. No one in their right mind would think for a moment that this service, or any like it, could reduce all of these deaths but it is good to know that a service like this is now available for those who need or want it.
There is an old saying that applies here, "We all make mistakes, but doctors bury their mistakes." Most doctors and nurses are highly competent, but if you can afford it you may want to check out this service by going to their Web site www.medefile.com so you can make an informed decision. I believe the key word in what I have been saying is "preventable." No point in dying before our time because of someone else's mistake.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 579 - A UNIQUE "PET THERAPY" HOSPICE PROGRAM

No. 579

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A UNIQUE "PET THERAPY" HOSPICE PROGRAM

There just has to be a special place in Heaven reserved for people like Luba Cook, who has made volunteering her life's calling. Luba first wrote to me several years ago when she was serving as a volunteer for the animal shelter in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. Then she wrote to me again, just recently, to tell me about something exciting that she is now doing that is bringing a little happiness and cheer to Hospice patients in the area. In case you don't know, Hospice is a wonderful service that provides comfort and dignity to individuals who are terminal, and in their final days of life.
I believe you can find Hospice programs in every state throughout the nation, and I personally know they do great work. Several of our friends have passed away in the past few months, and Hospice was there to take care of them. There is a Hospice home care service as well as for nursing homes and rehab centers.
Here is Luba's story that was such a blessing to me and I believe it will bless you, too, especially if you are way up in years or have parents or loved ones who are nearing the end of their lives.
When Luba was a volunteer at the animal shelter, she adopted a 3-month-old stray poodle-terrier mix puppy, and named her Katie. She then proceeded to teach this young dog a number of tricks, and a few weeks later she became a hospice volunteer dog with two agencies, Hospice Home Care and Odyssey Healthcare. Some of these tricks include dancing, bowing, and waving hello and goodbye. Now I share this background because here is the picture I want you to see.
During Katie's two years of volunteer work she has made visits to nursing homes, schools, businesses, different programs and home visits. Katie will perform her tricks on an individual basis if she likes the individual or child. Once inside a facility, Luba transports Katie from visit to visit while riding in a stroller, with a leash attached. This past year she has made more than 400 visits. Now, you think about that for a moment. Here is an elderly lady, probably close to 80 years of age, who loads a stroller into her car, takes Katie and visits all these various people who have special needs, and does it as a volunteer.
As I said earlier, there just has to be a special place in Heaven reserved for the Luba Cooks of this world. Her service has become a big hit with the staff of these institutions, and Katie is now the official mascot of Fountain Lake Health and Rehab Center. Here is what Rebecca Thompson, volunteer coordinator for Hospice Home Care, had to say about Luba and Katie and the service they provide.
"Thank you so much for all that you and 'Katie' have done for Hospice Home Care Inc. You are such an asset to our pet pal program and I have really enjoyed working with you and Katie both. She's such a sweet-spirited dog and your dedication to our local nursing home patients is a true blessing. I know they love to watch 'Katie' smile and wave at them and dance around their rooms on her hind legs. She's done a great job as our only Pet Pal for the past year and I look forward to the years to come. Again, thank you for your time and dedication to our organization and our patients."
This past Christmas our Sunday school class went to visit some of the patients in a local nursing home. Many of these patients are "forgotten" people with no family and few, if any, visitors who come to see them. When I came away I simply said, "There but for the Grace of God go I." This is why Luba Cook and her little dog Katie are doing such a wonderful thing for those who won't be with us much longer.
If you have time and compassion for these people, please look into hospice or the different programs where you will make a difference. God bless you Luba!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 580 - WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALMIGHTY GOD

No. 580

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALMIGHTY GOD

The state of Pennsylvania was given its name, meaning "Penn's Woods," by Charles II of England in honor of Admiral William Penn, when the colony was granted to his son William Penn the Quaker. It is popularly known as the Keystone State, probably because of its central position on the Atlantic seaboard. The reason I share this is because of something William Penn said that actually forms the bedrock of American values that have sustained us up to the present time. He said, "Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
Our forefathers must have been listening and in complete agreement, because the Preamble of all 50 states contain a reference to Almighty God, a Supreme Being or other similar reference. When you think about the fact that the drafters and framers of every state constitution in our nation thought it was important to include God, you can see where we have been and compare that to where we are today. This reminds me of something President John F. Kennedy once said, "The great danger is not that the present generation will destroy our system, the great danger is that we won't transmit it."
We must never lose sight of the fact that our nation has a spiritual heritage and a deep reliance on Almighty God. That is one of the reasons I share things of this nature in this column from time to time. Just this morning as I was watching an early morning program on a Little Rock television station, a reporter was covering a "See You At the Pole" prayer meeting at a nearby high school. It was inspiring to hear some of these young people who were there before daylight, and had come to pray for our nation, our leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority and leadership.
Since this column runs in newspapers from coast to coast, I felt it may be of interest for you to read portions of some of the Preambles of various State Constitutions. The Alabama 1901 Preamble says, "We the people of the state of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..." The Hawaii 1959 Preamble says, "We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance, establish this constitution..." The Connecticut Preamble says, "The people of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy..."
The Kansas 1859 Preamble says, "We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, establish this constitution..." The Texas 1845 Preamble says, "We the people of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging with gratitude the grace and beneficence of God..." And lastly the great state of Wyoming 1890 Preamble says, "We, the people of the state of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political and religious liberties...establish this Constitution..."
Sometime back a thoughtful reader sent me a list that contained portions of all 50 State Constitution Preambles, and a reference to God or a Divine Being was found in each one. It should be noted that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God. That's what freedom is all about. However, it must also be pointed out that our forefathers believed it was important enough to acknowledge God and the role He played in their personal and collective lives.
One cannot read all of these, as I have just done, and not be faced with the prospect that maybe the ACLU and some liberal federal judges are wrong! If you found this to be "Food for Thought," why not make copies and send them to as many people as you think will be enlightened, as I hope you were. May we never forget the words of William Penn, "Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 581 - MOST VALUES COME FROM OUR PARENTS

No. 581

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOST VALUES COME FROM OUR PARENTS

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from Mary Kamp, a reader who lives in central Illinois, and what she had to say was such a blessing. Her words have tremendous application for parents and grandparents who are rearing children, and especially those who may be struggling.
From time to time when I am out in the community, I see young people who are out of control. I am always concerned, because I know where poor behavior will often lead them. However, I don't hold them completely responsible, especially if they are still quite young and living at home with their parents. It should be understood that if they are out of control as children or teens, they are going to be out of control as adults as well, unless they get some help.
With Mary's permission, here is what she had to say. "I love your columns, because they are based on values with that little 'twist' of humor from time to time. When I was a church youth group leader, I was able to use a lot of them. About 18 months ago, I was going through a tough time in my personal and professional life and was feeling like a failure. (We have all been there.) I read your 'Psycho Learning' column and it really spoke to me. I since then have started a new job and that column (now yellowed) hangs on my bulletin board. I have shared it with several employees.
"I live in a small town in central Illinois and work for the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois which is located in Peoria. Methodist became a 'Values based leadership' organization several years ago. As a new supervisor, I was required to take leadership in-services. They initially were puzzling to me. Wasn't everybody raised with values? To me they weren't values, but just a practical way to approach life that is taught to us by our parents, extended families, schools and churches. How naïve of me."
Now please listen up, because here is the whole point of this column and what I would desperately like to get across. Mary goes on to say, "Now that I supervise a number of employees, I sadly realize that no, not everybody was raised with values. In fact, some people just don't get them. I have now thanked my parents for the life that I had growing up. Because of them I have been able to share with my five children, children at church and now with employees here at work. I love working where values are the emphasis."
It was almost ironic that as I was writing this column, I heard from another reader who passed along similar thoughts that will serve as a great postscript to what Mary Kamp was saying. The second article was titled, "You are being watched" and it begins, "Our children are constantly watching us and they will imitate us, even in ways we least suspect. That can be a scary thought, but it can also be a powerful incentive for parents (and grandparents) to live in such a way that imitation will result in right and good things for their children. And children do imitate us."
For the sake of your children or grandchildren, here is a suggestion for you to consider. If you are not already active in a good Bible-believing church, why not take your children to a local congregation where you can get some help. A church home is better in so many ways than some alcohol or drug rehab treatment center, and the rewards will be fantastic. There they will find people who will love and care for them and they will be taught the kind of values that will prepare them for the rest of their lives.
If you read my column on a regular basis, you know that I never talk about my own church, by name or denomination. That's not my purpose. However, my wife, Viola, and I belong to a church like I mentioned earlier, and it's a real joy each Lord's Day to see more than 100 young people in our church service who are hearing values from the word of God.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 582 - THE KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE

No. 582

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

Note to the Editor: Some questionable content has been found in this column so it has been removed from our site. Please skip and proceed to the next column.

Thank You

No. 583 - A YOUNG "ROLE MODEL" FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

No. 583

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A YOUNG "ROLE MODEL" FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Have you ever thought about the fact that you are a role model? Well, you are. We all are, in one way or another. Some people are great role models while others are not, and those adults who are not good role models are providing a real disservice to our nation's young people.
Several years ago I made the decision to stop watching professional sports on television, with the exception of golf, because so many of the players were such poor role models for young people. It's just a personal thing with me and you certainly have a right to disagree, but you would not believe the extra time I now have to do other things.
One thing I believe we can agree on is that young people are also role models. As with adults, some are great, while some are not. The words "peer pressure" often come into play. As a general rule, when young people are involved in activities that are not in their long-term best interests, they will often put pressure on some of their "weaker" friends to also get involved. I don't have to name the activities because you know what I am talking about. It's right here that I would like to make a statement that also makes a very valid point.
There are millions of fine young people all across our country who are indeed wonderful role models. However, because of the nature of news, we don't hear nearly as much about them as we do those who are breaking the law or creating a nightmare for their parents. We have a very fine young lady who grew up here in our community, now enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, who has been and still is a great role model for young people. I consider it an awesome privilege to tell you about her.
This young lady's name is Mandy Talliaferro, a 2006 graduate of Conway High School. Mandy plans to be a teacher and was the recipient of four independent academic scholarships, but believe me, she was and is much more than a bookworm. Here are just a few of the many activities Mandy was involved in during her high school years: active in High School Student Congress, Future Politicians of America, Skills USA, vice president of her junior class, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, high school cheerleader for three years, All-American nominee, "Who's Who Among American High School Students," Miss Teen Central Arkansas 2006 and a whole host of other activities too numerous to mention.
While we had met many years before, I really got to know Mandy when she and her mom called me several months ago and wanted to get involved in reading to the young children who were receiving bookcases and books from our "Bookcase for Every Child" literacy project. As I mentioned earlier, Mandy plans to be a teacher, and her plan is to work with young children from low-income families with an emphasis on reading. In my mind, one of the hallmarks of a great role model is when they commit to do a job, they follow through and get it done.
Mandy and one of her best friends in school made a commitment to read to the children in our local Head Start program for the entire summer program. This is when a fewer number of children are there, but Mandy and her friend never missed a beat. It was so refreshing to see a recent high school graduate performing as a volunteer, like they were getting paid. Of course, they were getting paid in ways that money can't buy.
Since this time I have learned that the National Honor Society and several other student organizations stress community service as part of their character development. We are in the process of beginning a "Bookcase for Every Child" literacy project in many communities across the nation. If you are the parent or grandparent of a good role model-type student, why not get them involved in this project.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 584 - AMERICA'S CORPORATIONS SHOULD CLEAN UP THEIR ACT!

No. 584

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA'S CORPORATIONS SHOULD CLEAN UP THEIR ACT!

The American patriot and statesman, Samuel Adams (1722-1803), once said, "He who is void of virtuous attachments in private life is, or very soon will be, void of all regard for his country. There is seldom an instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, which had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections."
To be sure, this quote or statement was made a long time ago, but guess what? Man's basic nature has not changed. Wherever opportunity presents itself for selfish gain, there will be those who are more than willing to take advantage of it.
My nature is never to bash anyone unjustly or otherwise, but as you know we have a moral and ethical crisis in America today that should be discussed in both private and public forums. In most cases, we can't deal with a problem until and unless we get it out in the open or, as we say, on top of the table.
A few months ago I got a press release from the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA) encouraging me to make my readers aware of a survey conducted by the insurance industry. The organization just referenced is a watchdog group of the insurance industry.
According to this group, Corporate America is still not doing enough to clean up its ethical mess and a recent poll indicates that 60 percent of Americans believe corporations have done nothing to fix the problem. With on-going corporate scandals continuing to arise from Enron to WorldCom to Martha Stewart and most recently to Freddie Mac, the insurance industry believes it's high time someone did something about it.
While former Enron President Ken Lay is no longer with us, the bitter taste still lingers in the mouths of thousands of Enron employees who lost most or all of their life savings. Two years after the scandal broke, and a year after WorldCom declared bankruptcy, 92 percent of Americans say corporations must do more to improve their ethical behavior, with 56 percent saying corporations have done nothing to clean up the mess, based on the results of a nationwide Harris Interactive survey.
I am pretty perceptive, and here is the reason I believe this press release was sent to me. Today while there is widespread use of the Internet for researching and purchasing other goods and services, 79 percent of Americans say they do not go online to research life insurance and 88 percent do not purchase life insurance over the Internet. Wonder why? The answer is simple. In most cases, life insurance is not something people voluntarily buy; it's something that must be sold. As a life insurance salesman told me one time, "You have to strike while the iron is hot," and it's pretty hard to heat an iron over an impersonal computer screen.
While I could be wrong, the implication by the insurance industry is that the ethical meltdown by Corporate America is creating distrust on the part of consumers who will not purchase something as personal as life insurance over the Internet. While some people may purchase life insurance over the Internet, it's still a face-to-face business where a salesperson must sit down with a prospect, explain the cost and benefits of the policy and work for a company that has a long-standing record of trust and stability.
As I think about what I have been sharing, I realize that many of my readers are elderly people who are not prospects to purchase life insurance, but I am here to tell you that when more and more of our citizens have no morals and no ethics, it affects every last one of us. When we don't teach our children and grandchildren morals and ethics, by precept and personal example, and they wind up in jail or prison, or can't get or keep a job, every person in our country, in one way or another, pays the price.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 585 - HOW OLD IS THIS MAN?

No. 585

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW OLD IS THIS MAN?

One evening a grandson was talking with his grandfather about current events. The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age and just things in general. The grandfather's response was tremendously interesting and thought provoking, and I would like to share it with you. After reading and pondering it, I believe you will agree.
I would like to say that I am indebted to my good friend Carolyn Wilson, executive director of the Mississippi Press Association, for passing this along. In reality, that's what good friends do for each other, as it helps to fight off boredom and senility.
Now, back to the grandfather's response. As we go along, here is a question I would like for you to be thinking about: How old is this man? He said, "Well, let me think a minute. I was born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill. There were no credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens. Man had not invented: pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and man had not yet walked on the moon.
He goes on to say: "Your Grandmother and I got married first ... and then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, 'Sir.' After I turned 25, I still called every man older than me, 'Sir.' We were before gay rights, computer dating, dual careers, daycare centers and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
"Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft Dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends, not purchasing condominiums. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt or guys wearing earrings. We listened to Big Bands, Jack Benny and the President's speeches on our radios.
"And I don't remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey. If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5 & 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel and enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600 ... but who could afford one? That's too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
"In my day: 'grass' was mowed, 'coke' was a drink, 'pot' was something your mother cooked in and 'rock music' was your grandmother's lullaby. Aides were helpers in the principal's office, 'chip' meant a piece of wood, 'hardware' was found in a hardware store and 'software' wasn't even a word. We were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us 'old and confused' and say there is a generation gap ... and how old do you think I am?"
His answer may surprise you, and you may also be in for a shock. When you think about it, his answer is pretty scary and pretty sad at the same time. This man would only be 65 years old. Here is the real question: where will our nation be 65 years from now?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 586 - A TEACHER WHO WENT THE EXTRA MILE

No. 586

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TEACHER WHO WENT THE EXTRA MILE

Thanks to my good friend Dr. Roy Grizzell from Monticello, Arkansas, I want to tell you about a teacher who went the extra mile. Her name is Georgina Smith, and she is an elementary science teacher in Brooklyn, New York. I would never have known about Georgina, had Roy not sent me an article that appeared in the September 2006 issue of Guideposts.
More about her going the extra mile, in a moment, but first just a word about Dr. Grizzell and the occasion he had to write to me.Roy and I are fellow Lions, and when I was extended an invitation to speak to the annual Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce banquet, he and his wife, Virginia, invited me to stay overnight in their home. Unfortunately, because I had my friend, Mickey Cox, with me, and we both needed to return home to keep commitments the following day, it did not work out.
The purpose and central theme of my speech was to launch a "Bookcase for Every Child" project in this progressive community in Southeast Arkansas. This relates to what I was saying earlier about Georgina Smith and the reason Dr. Grizzell sent me the article. It is also a clear indication that one person can make a difference, if they are willing to get involved.
Here is the essence of the story. Every evening while driving home from Brooklyn College, while studying for a master's in education, she would pass a Clean Rite Launderette teeming with children, their parents doing the wash. As she said, "some were playing video games, others stared at the laundry's TV. All of them raced around, playing bumper cars with the laundry carts, until a mother would jump up and yell." Not once did she see a kid reading or doing homework. She went on to say that eventually she took a job teaching science at a Brooklyn elementary school.
Not many people would consider this a dream job, but it was to her. She had recently left a 20-year career as a corporate executive to do something more meaningful and fulfilling with her life. She says that now every day she has the opportunity to change children's lives. As she said, "My biggest challenge - one that every inner-city educator faces - is how can I get kids interested in reading outside the classroom? I might inject here, this is something that not just inner-city educators face, but every teacher in our nation, as they teach, mold character and foster the values of each of their children."
To make a long story short, here is what Georgina did that proves one person can indeed make a difference. She said the first thing she did was "get ahold of John Sabino, president of the 81-store laundry chain, telling him she had a great idea to help his customers." Within 10 minutes, she had sold him. A few weeks later she pulled up to a Clean Rite a little after 6 p.m. She then lugged 50 books inside and arranged them on tables that Mr. Sabino had provided.
Some were books the school was discarding, others were her own. Soon the kids and their parents began to arrive. At first, the kids did not know what to make of the "library." Soon their curiosity got the best of them. "Hey, here's one about planets and stars," said a boy, maybe 9 years old. Another boy plopped down next to him. They read the book together, surprising their parents. Many had never seen their children talk animatedly about a book before. Georgina went on to say, "This was as good as any learning miracle I had seen in a classroom.
My instincts had told me that these children, like all children, had learning potential. All we needed was to find a way to tap it." When she closed the "library" two hours later, the kids helped her pack up the books and demanded to know when she was coming back. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, she promised. Her idea has expanded tremendously.I hope this article will spark some interest in ways you can get involved to help solve our nation's literacy problem. ---(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 587 - LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

No. 587

Jim Davidson - NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

One time, after a man in a small community had lost his job and times were really tough, he told his wife that he was not going to be able to get her anything significant for Christmas. However, he did find an old X-ray picture of his chest from a previous operation and he gave that to her. He told her that he wanted her to know that his heart was in the right place.

Well, that is where my heart is today, as I want to share something that is very special. Sometimes it's not the big or large things that we give to others that mean the most but rather the small or little things that linger long in our hearts and minds.

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from a lady by the name of Amy Dunn who lives in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. One of her friends is involved in The Harmony Project that I told you about in a column some time ago. If you did not read that particular column, a small group of citizens have banded together and pooled their resources to promote harmony by stressing values like respect, acceptance, compassion and gratitude. To do this, they have printed and given away yard signs, buttons, T-shirts and even paid for a large billboard. Later, they wrote to tell me that one of my columns had inspired this project, for which I shall always be grateful.

To make a long story short, one of the members of The Harmony Project told Amy Dunn about my wife, Viola's, Parkinson's and the fact she was riding horses as a means of hippotherapy. Amy owns the Mountain Quiltworks in Honesdale, and she and her 85-year-old mother hand quilted a beautiful throw-covering with pictures of horses on every square. It is not only beautiful and useful, it is uncanny the way the colors match everything in our large family room, where we spend most of our time. During the winter months, Viola uses it almost every day and we often comment about how special it is that someone hundreds of miles away, that we have never met, would spend their time doing this for her.

As I thought about sharing this, the Lord brought another family to mind who live here in Conway and are good friends. For the past several years, during the holiday season, John and Sheila Berry, along with daughter Ashley, show up at our house with a little special heart gift. One that is extra special is a gift they picked up for me in a gift shop in Durham, England. You will appreciate this if you can remember back to the days of Laurel and Hardy. Oliver Hardy is stretched out on small piece of golf turf, with Stan Laurel standing over him with a golf club in his hand ready to take a swing. The only problem is that the golf ball is sitting on Ollie's ear. It's quite a piece and one I chuckle at often.

You won't miss my point and probably already know where I am going. In a day when we try to get more and bigger and better gifts, often at great expense, quite often the most meaningful things others give us come from the heart. The fact that Amy Dunn and her elderly mom took their personal time, and put a great deal of thought and love into what they were doing to make the throw-covering, makes it a hundred times more meaningful than if they had just bought something similar and mailed it. Yes, often it's the little things that mean the most when it comes to doing something special for others.

Sharing this experience from friends in Pennsylvania reminded me of another reader from Somerset, Pennsylvania, who wrote me some time back. Debbie Baker, project director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Somerset County, wrote to inform me about a great volunteer program that has as one of its goals to "Improve Literacy" across the state and nation. She says, "We're here, we're doing it, you believe in it and your voice in support of our mutual goals would be very welcome.

"Thanks, Debbie! I hope people will contact you who want to get involved in your worthwhile programs.---

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, "Learning, Earning & Giving Back.")

No. 1255 -- THE SCARS ON THE DOOR

No. 1255

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SCARS ON THE DOOR

One time I heard a story about a little boy who crawled under a big tent, thinking he was getting into the circus free, but when he got inside it turned out to be a revival meeting. Life is filled with surprises and disappointments of various kinds, but this is one facet of life which makes it so interesting. When you think about it, I believe you will agree that much of the drama of life would be destroyed if this were not the case.
From my perspective, it would be wonderful if there was always something good, exciting and worthwhile waiting just around the next bend in the road or in the next days’ mail or the next phone call, but we know this is not reality. Life is made up of good days and bad days, happiness and sorrow, and success and failure. Life is just this way.
We can, however, make personal choices to insure that the law of averages will work to our advantage to have more good days than bad days, more happiness than sorrow, and more success than failure. In other words, it’s not what life does to us, it’s what we do to life that counts. The reason this is true is because of the natural law that controls everything in the universe, called “cause and effect.” If we take care of the causes, in most cases the effects will take care of themselves.
We read in the Bible in Galatians 6:7, “Be ye not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Most of us believe this and know it’s true, but unfortunately we do not always base our actions on this great truth. Rather, we permit other factors to influence our decisions and, for the time being, forget that sooner or later we will reap the consequences of our actions.
Since most of our important values and habits are established when we are young, I felt the following story might be worth thinking about. It seems a farmer had a rebellious son. This youngster was forever getting into trouble. Not serious trouble, just things that were out of character for the way he was raised. Finally, one day the father suggested to his son: “Son, every time you do something that you know is not right, I want you to take a hammer and drive a nail in the front door of our barn.
Every so often during the next few weeks, the father would hear the tat-tat-tat of the hammer, as the son was driving nails in the barn door. This went on for several months, until the barn door was almost completely covered with nails. At this time, the farmer made another suggestion. He said, “Son, now every time you do something that you know is right, I want you to pull a nail back out of the door.”
At this point, the son took his father’s suggestion and, little by little, the nails began to come back out of the door. However, they didn’t come back out nearly as fast as they went in. Finally, one day when the nails were all out, the son said to his father, “Father, I see what you mean. I thought I would be happy when I got all the nails out, but I didn’t realize all the scars that would be left on the door.”
I hope you can see the point of this story, because while outside influences can help us change our values, attitudes and habits, in most cases the consequences of our actions will still be there. Everything we do in life has a consequence, and there’s always a price that must be paid. If you really want to do something that will make a difference in the lives of some young people, why not sit down and explain this principle to them. It could make a world of difference down the road.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1250 -- YOUR DECISIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

No. 1250

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUR DECISIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

Since the beginning of recorded history, the family unit has always been one of the essential building blocks in the success of an empire or a nation. The late William Thayer expressed it this way: “If well ordered, they are the springs from which go forth the streams of national greatness and prosperity, of civil order and public happiness.” As leaders in the homes of America, our decisions will often affect our family for years to come.
According to the Bible I’ve been reading for the past several years, not one of us is perfect. For example, in Romans 3:23 it says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and I know this is true. While I’m not perfect and certainly not a preacher, it’s my heart’s desire to share something with you that will help you become a happier, richer and more successful person. To do this, sometimes all we need is to be reminded of those things most important to us.
Some time ago I heard a true story that I believe can have a tremendous bearing on the traditional family in the years to come. In the 17th century there were two families in America by the names of Edwards and Jukes. As the head of the Edwards family, Mr. Edwards was a Godly man and he did his best to provide spiritual leadership and also be a productive and law-abiding member of society. Mr. Jukes, on the other hand, was more or less a common criminal, spending much of his time in jail, and was anything but a good example for others to follow.
Several years ago, someone did a study on the history of these two families, and here is what they found: the Edwards family produced the famous minister, Jonathan Edwards, who entered Yale University at the age of 13 and later became a great theologian, as well as an author of several books. Further research revealed the Edwards family tree contained a long list of ministers, college presidents and other prominent members of society. Research on the Jukes family revealed the virtues of the original Mr. Jukes were also passed on to his offspring. The Jukes family consisted of many criminals and others of unsavory character.
The point here should be clear: if you are the leader of your home, the kind of person you are and the decisions you make will affect your family. If you are living the kind of life, however, of which you are not proud and have personal vices and habits that would keep you from being a good role model, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your children will turn out the same way. People with this kind of background have risen above their circumstances to become outstanding successes. In no way do I want you to take what I’m saying too personally, because we all have problems, burdens and challenges, but there is a principle we should all consider. “What’s true in the root will be seen in the fruit.” There is a lot of truth in the saying, “Like father, like son.”
The one thing our children want from us more than anything else is our approval and they will often go to great lengths to get it. This is a free country where we have the opportunities to make our own choices and decisions that affect our lives. Keep in mind, however, your decisions will affect your family and they will often have consequences for many years to come. A good example is the two young men who killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. I’m sure if their parents had the chance they would like to do it all over again. This is something that will haunt them for the rest of their days. Hopefully we can all learn from this tragedy.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1251 -- ONE GOAL AT A TIME

No. 1251

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ONE GOAL AT A TIME

As it relates to personal success, have you ever heard or read this statement before: “The person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.” If you will stop and think about this statement, I believe you will realize that it’s true. More importantly, however, in terms of how it may benefit you, if you are not already a person who sets goals, this simple idea could make a real difference in your future.
To enable you to gain greater insights into what I’m saying, please consider this: If we simply untie a ship, give it no crew, no compass or destination, but just let it drift, if it gets out of the harbor at all it will likely sink or wind up on some deserted beach. On the other hand, contrast this with a ship that has a crew, a compass and a definite port in mind. The odds are more than 99 percent that it will safely reach its destination. Another important consideration is that a ship can only reach one port at a time, which is really the essence of what I’m saying here.
To back up a moment and place things in perspective, the main reason we see so much confusion in people’s lives is that they have not been taught how to set goals. As a result, they have no real purpose or direction for their lives. Sure, a lot of people have dreams, hopes and wishes, but they don’t have specific, written goals. They spend a lot of unproductive time going from one thing to another, being tossed “to and fro” like that ship I mentioned earlier.
For a goal to be valid or worthy, it should be specific and not general; it should be realistic with a definite time limit; and, it should be written down on paper. While working with thousands of people over the past 30 years, I’ve found that fully 95 percent of all people do not have their goals written down on paper. There are many reasons why this is important, the first being that it’s a commitment -- at least you have committed it to writing. This written form will allow you to review your goal often, and with each repetition drive it deeper and deeper into your subconscious mind. This is the reason, for the most part, that goal setters are positive people. You can’t be a winner in athletics or in life without a goal.
If you are a beginner in the business of goal setting, I want to make a very important suggestion. Beginners should set only one major or large goal at a time. After the process becomes second nature and you have achieved enough success and the resources to diversify, more than one worthy goal is something many people can handle, but not in the very beginning. Most of the confusion in people’s lives comes from trying to accomplish too many things at the same time.
After setting one worthy goal that is important to you, blaze it in your memory, burn it into your mind. When you first wake up, think of that one goal. When you sit down to rest for a few minutes, think about that one goal. As you think about it and visualize it, the goal will become crystallized and your focus, like a beautiful photograph, will be sharp and clear.
Since we become what we think about, soon you will reach that goal. At this point, set another goal and set out again. You will find this simple process of setting only one goal at a time will take most of the confusion out of your life and will bring order and self-discipline. As a result, your self-image and your attitude will definitely change for the better, and don’t you agree, this is what success is all about.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1252 -- A HARD LESSON TO LEARN

No. 1252

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HARD LESSON TO LEARN

Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Any government, like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns. But you and I know the continuance of that habit means the poorhouse.” How many people do you know in today’s society who spend more than they earn? Our nation’s collective massive credit card debt, amassed by individuals, should give you a hint.
From my observation, I think one of the hardest lessons for many people to learn in today’s times is how to do without. It’s not easy to do without, especially when we see so many people around us who seem to get everything they want. However, this uniquely American penchant -- which is often referred to as “keeping up with the Joneses” -- has pushed many people so far into debt that bankruptcy and financial collapse is a real possibility. The real problem with trying to keep up with the Joneses is about the time we think we get there, they refinance!
I’m fairly conservative. I don’t believe in people over-extending themselves, buying things they cannot afford, and putting themselves and their family at risk for the future. On the other hand, if people have the means or the wherewithal, as we say, to have all the things they want and do all the things they want to do, I think it’s wonderful, because that’s the American dream. So long as their incomes are derived from legal means, I wish them continued success.
We see thousands, perhaps millions, of people who want to live this kind of lifestyle, but they simply cannot afford it because they don’t have any money. As a result, many of these people suffer from tension, stress, high blood pressure and finally, a stroke or heart attack or some other calamity. I’m not talking about the person who takes a calculated risk when it comes to getting ahead financially, because that’s what financial success is all about. I’m simply talking about those people who have formed the habit of spending more than they earn month after month, and there’s a big difference.
There are many reasons why we see people in our society who want to live “high on the hog” without having the income to support it. It really comes down to the fact that they have never learned the habit of doing without. If you or someone you love happens to fit in this category, here are a few thoughts that may help:
Fret not at small beginnings; the oak began as an acorn; the beautiful rainbow had its beginning in a drop of rain and a ray of light; the muscular athlete had trouble crawling; the university graduate started in first grade; the massive international oil industry began with a small shallow well.
In our country, it’s still possible for most of us to have the things we want, but it may require a change in our thinking and our attitudes. Instead of buy now, pay later, we must save and invest now and then buy later. Most people who have gotten ahead financially don’t ever have to touch the principal of their assets, because they meet their monthly obligations from the income derived from investments.
What this kind of thinking and the resulting actions really does is move our possessions from one side of the ledger to the other. It moves them from the things we can’t afford to the things we can afford. Doing without is a difficult lesson to learn, but when we do, our financial future will be much brighter. P.S. Is the money you have burning a hole in your pocket?
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1253 -- DO YOU HAVE CLASS?

No. 1253

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU HAVE CLASS?

Some time ago, my wife and I attended a graduation exercise for a class of nurses at one of our fine hospitals in nearby Little Rock. Near the end of the program, the head instructor read something titled, “What is class?” It was so good that I went to her afterwards and asked for a copy of it.
In today’s times, we often hear it said of someone that they have “class”, but have you ever thought about what the word “class” really means when it’s used in this way? Well, in layman’s terms, the person who has class is just someone who has good manners in all situations, especially when they are hurt or wronged in some way. As you read this article about “class,” it might be well to think about it as it relates to your life.
CLASS
“Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident that you can meet life head-on and handle whatever comes along. Class never makes excuses; it takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes. Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices.
“Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class, while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore. Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.
“Class can walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch. Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class, because he is comfortable with himself.
If you don’t have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make much difference.”
To me, the contents of this article has a way of penetrating to the depths of my very soul. I especially like the thought “class never makes excuses, it takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.” Wouldn’t we all be better off if we could learn to do that?
I know many times when I have failed to do something, I usually try to find a way to justify my actions. Then I say, “I did it because ...” In some cases, I’ve said to myself, “I wouldn’t have done that if it hadn’t been for so-and-so.” All I was doing was trying to transfer the blame for my own failure to someone else.
We should never be too hard on ourselves, because if we do that on a regular basis all we are doing is putting ourselves down, and the result will surely be low self-esteem. We do, however, need high standards, because it’s the only way to improve.
When it comes to personal accountability and establishing a standard for personal behavior, I don’t believe you can improve on the qualities mentioned in the article on class. Ask yourself, “Do I have class?” If you don’t, would you like to have it? Of course it takes much more than just saying it to make it so, but the first step is to start acting like a person who has class. Who knows? It may be the beginning of a whole new way of living and a source of encouragement to those around us.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1254 -- SORRY I HAVEN’T WRITTEN

No. 1254

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SORRY I HAVEN’T WRITTEN

On a day-by-day basis, how we view our circumstances in life is often a matter of perspective, and this is especially true when it comes to raising children. Here is an example of what I mean: One time a woman said to a friend, “Our marriage would have broken up years ago if it hadn’t been for the children. We can’t get a divorce, because he won’t take them and neither will I.”
Children are a precious gift from God, but they don’t always perform or act in a manner we would like for them to act. As parents, we want the best for our children, and in most cases have high expectations of them. A good case in point is the story about a college girl who wrote her mother the following letter:
“Dear Mother,
“I’m sorry I haven’t written these last four months. The reason I haven’t is because of a brain operation I had, which was the result of a concussion I received when I jumped from the fourth story of the dormitory when it caught fire. Fortunately, a young service station attendant across the street saw the fire, called the fire department and the ambulance, and got me to the hospital in time.
“While I was in the hospital, the young man visited me regularly. When I was released, I had no place to go. He invited me to share his apartment. It wasn’t really an apartment, it was just a basement room. It was kind of cute. Yes, Mother, I am in love. I’m pregnant and we do plan to get married. The reason we haven’t already gotten married is because of some silly disease he had and he failed the blood test.
“Sincerely, Your Loving Daughter
“P.S. Now, Mother, this is just to let you know: I did not have the brain operation. There was no concussion. I did not jump from the dormitory. It did not catch on fire. I am not in love. I’m sure not going to get married! I did make a “D” in English and an “F” in history. I thought you ought to see these two things in their proper perspective.”
Now, I believe you’ll agree, after the first part of the daughter’s letter, the long-suffering mother was happy about a “D” in English and an “F” in history. After reading this story, I began to reflect on it and a couple of observations came to mind. Everything is relative, and only when we have the common sense to place things in perspective are we able to properly deal with them. When you think about that daughter away at college -- in all likelihood at her parents’ expense -- I’m sure her mother expected her to do better than a “D” in English and an “F” in history. The daughter knew her mother’s expectations. Why else would she have gone to such great lengths to compose her masterpiece?
As individuals, if we are to profit from this story, we should consider the underlying fact that sooner or later we will be held accountable for our actions. If we short change ourselves in taking full advantage of life’s opportunities, we are the ones who ultimately suffer the consequences. The message here is simple. Let’s make sure we do our best to take advantage of our opportunities when we have the chance. In many cases, real opportunity only knocks once. To make sure our ship comes in, we must first make sure we have sent one out. A good education is vital in today’s technological age.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1261 -- HEALING A BROKEN SOCIETY!

No. 1261

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HEALING A BROKEN SOCIETY!

There is an old saying that goes, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Well, what if it IS broke?
Sad to say, this is the case in our society today. The mass shootings, parents who pay big money to get their kids into prestigious colleges, newscasts that are dominated by horrific crimes, television shows featuring violence and bloodshed, and the list is endless. In our country we have always had crime and always will, but we can take action to slow it down. Perhaps we could even return to the days when I was growing up when we did not lock our doors at night, take the keys out of the car and society was mostly filled with good, honest, hard-working people who loved and cared for each other.
Here is a classic example of what I am saying: One evening this past week, my wife Janis handed me her smartphone and said, “Here, watch this.” It was a video showing a woman who had pulled into a self-service gas station, opened the door, got out and went to the other side of the car to pump gas. About the same time she pulled in, another car came into the driveway from the opposite direction. As she was on the other side of her car preparing to pump gas, a young man got out of the other car, squatted down, went to the driver’s side of her car, opened the door and reached in and took her purse that was on the front seat. He silently closed the door, went back to his car, got in and drove away. The woman pumping gas did not even know she had been robbed until she got back in her car.
If you agree with what I am saying, I have an idea that, over time, can make a great difference in our nation’s future. It is my honor to announce that a number of concerned people are currently working on a new educational curriculum titled, “Healing a Broken Society by Teaching Success Habits to Every Child.” We plan to target preschool children in our Head Start programs across the nation to teach the following: good character, personal integrity, respect for others, and polite manners. When the word is out, I believe there are millions of parents, and others, in America who will help us.
Here is why I am so optimistic. My new book, “The Best of Jim Davidson,” contains many of the values that were evident back in the 1940s and 1950s, and these were the days that I referred to earlier. Please allow me to share a review of my book by Dr. Arvil Burks, who purchased the book when I spoke for him at a retired teachers meeting.
He said, “Jim, the book is simply ‘out of this world’. I am on page 136 now about ‘My Fair Weather Friend’. I really like the way you begin each title with a quote from a famous person and then conclude with another quote or bit of advice. I found myself looking forward to each of these as I began to read each title. This is a very clever way to get one’s attention. So far my favorite titles are ‘Do You Have Class?’ (I wish I had written that!) ‘Smile It May Be Good for Your Health’ was appealing to me. Since I spent a good part of my career in educating young people about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and drugs, the ‘You Never Know Who Your Friends Are’ was really good. I will finish the book soon and will see that our three grandchildren read it! I will get in touch with you when I finish the book.”
Thank you, Arvil, I am grateful for your kind works. The book is available from www. Amazon.com. Why not order a copy and read it to get involved with our “Healing a Broken Society” initiative.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1260 -- THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL!

No. 1260

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL!

While there may be some argument from fans of other sports because of large television viewing audiences, I believe baseball is America’s favorite pastime. This is because baseball is the sport that generations have grown up playing. From the Industrial Revolution to the Cold War to our present day, baseball has survived countless economic endeavors and national hardships. To say it very simply, baseball has survived the test of time. One of the reasons this is true is because of American Legion Baseball, which began in 1925 in the most unlikely of places, the state of South Dakota.
To have a better understanding of this, let’s define “American Legion.” The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness and community service. They are organized by having Posts all across the nation. American Legion Baseball was first proposed at the American Legion South Dakota Convention in June 1925. The state commander invited a close friend to speak. The speaker was Major John Griffin, who also happened to be the collegiate commissioner of the Western Conference, which is now the Big Ten.
Instead of the traditional patriotic speech, Griffin spoke about the role athletics can play in the development of youth. He said the American Legion could well consider the advisability of assisting in the training of young Americans through our athletic games. Athletic competition teaches courage and respect for others. The South Dakota convention agreed and passed a resolution urging the American Legion to create an organized summer baseball league. The resolution later passed at the American Legion national convention, and American Legion Baseball was born.
In 1926, American Legion Posts in 15 states began to make Griffin’s vision a reality. They organized and sponsored teams, drafted schedules, and conducted tournaments. Post season tournaments at the state, sectional and regional levels culminated with a national championship. Few changes have been made since that original setup. Sixty-four teams play at eight regional sites, with eight teams going to the World Series. The winning team receives a trip to the Major League Baseball World Series and a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The first World Series was held in Philadelphia in 1926, with Yonkers, N.Y., beating Pocatello, Idaho. Today, more than 3,500 teams come from all 50 states and Canada. The purpose is to give players an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities, and to have fun. And here is the real reason why American Legion Baseball has survived and still thrives today: They developed a partnership with Major League Baseball and provide prospects for major league teams.
More than half of current major leaguers played American Legion Baseball. The list of former big-name Major League players is so very impressive: names like Bob Feller, Yogi Berra, Ted Williams, Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson and so many more.
For society today, one of the benefits for the rest of us is that young men playing on a great American Legion Baseball team are not likely to get into trouble. Over the years this program has kept thousands of 13- to 19-year-old youngsters off the streets and developing leadership qualities. A special thanks to Gen. Ron Chastain for sharing this information with me.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1259 -- TEXTING AND DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY!

No. 1259

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TEXTING AND DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY!

Here is something about as close to a sure thing as you can get: the vast majority of American parents love their children and would do most anything they could to protect them from harm, injury and certainly death. Yet many of these same parents do not take the time to talk with -- and certainly educate -- their children who are old enough to drive an automobile about the dangers of texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. And it is also a sure thing that many parents cry their eyes out when their child is killed in an automobile accident while texting or talking on a cell phone. I suspect the reason this is true is because these parents are also texting and talking on their cell phone.
Now, this is not the type of column that I like to write, but if it will just save one precious child from a horrible death caused by texting or talking on a cell phone it will be time and space well spent. Unfortunately, a lot of parents suffer from a malady called, “It won’t happen to me or my child” and just don’t give it much thought because everybody’s doing it. The reason I decided to do this column is because of a memo I received recently from Kyle Fretwell, who passed along some statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that documented just how dangerous this practice has become.
Let me begin by telling you that texting and driving among American teenagers is the second leading cause of death, only behind the leading cause which is suicide. Here are some eye-opening statistics: Nationwide, the percentage of teens who text and drive is 39.2 percent. Now, just think about that -- 4 out of every 10 teenagers do it. Is your child one of them? Annual teen traffic fatalities: 2,734 (7.36 percent of all traffic fatalities). Distraction-affected traffic fatalities: 3,166 (8.5 percent of all traffic fatalities). And total traffic fatalities, 37,133. Now folks, that is a lot of people killed each year on our nation’s highways.
There is another consideration here when it comes to this potentially fatal habit, and that is the deaths of so many innocent people who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and were involved in the accident. I will tell you that I have never been guilty of texting and driving, but I have been guilty of answering my cell phone while driving. I have taken the utmost caution while doing so, and then only for a short period of time.
It has been said that if we are lucky we will make it safely through life until death. I know one thing for sure, here in my 8th decade, I am more careful while driving an automobile than I have ever been before. Our home is located near Interstate 40 and we have to drive it from time to time, especially when we go south to Little Rock, our state’s capital. We have found that on the interstate, you will get run over if you drive the speed limit. I am well aware the number one cause for traffic fatalities is speed. When you are driving 80 miles per hour, your reaction time is so much less than when you are going 55 miles per hour.
As I come to the end of my visit with you, I hope you will consider this short heart-to-heart conversation about something simple that is very important. If you are guilty of texting while driving, please do not do this ever again for your sake, and also talk with your children about it. This is just common sense and I hope you have an ample supply.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1258 -- INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN!

No. 1258

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN!

In my column today I want to talk with you about a topic that was not even around when most of us were growing up: Internet safety for children. I wish it were not even necessary to write this column, but sadly it is, because there are some bad people in this world today. As a result of what I am going to say, if you have not already done so, please talk with your children and grandchildren about it and how they can keep from being a victim. If there is one thing we don’t need it is online predators, cyberbullies and content from people who need to have their mouth washed out.
My source for the content of this column comes from a website titled: www.safewise.com and this site contains a lot of other helpful information in addition to Internet safety. Here are the top online threats for children: Cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content. Here is what they say: almost 34 percent of children age 12-17 have been cyberbullied at some point in their life, and 11.5 percent have bullied someone else online.
Here is one that can be deadly: Online Predators. Adults who use the internet to entice children for sexual or other types of abusive exploitation are considered online predators. Child victims can be as young as 1 or as old as 17. When it comes to online enticement, girls make up the majority (78 percent) of child victims, while the majority (82 percent) of online predators is male. And 98 percent of online predators have never met their child targets in real life.
Exposure to inappropriate content: Inappropriate content is one of the most common online threats that children encounter. Everything from vulgar language and hate speech to graphically violent or sexual images can have a very harmful effect on an impressionable child.
Here are six ways to protect your child from cyberbullying: 1. Know the risks. Encourage your child to be on the lookout for any interactions that make them feel bad, scared or sad. 2. Talk about it. Make sure your child knows that it is safe for them to talk to you, if something makes them feel uncomfortable. 3 Keep a Watchful Eye. Place the computer in a common room and monitor all screen time. Use a shared e-mail account, and if you let children interact on social media, make sure you have full access to manage their accounts. Parental control software is a great way to stay in the know.
4. Set Boundaries. Put time limits on screen time: this should include all online activities from homework to playing games and surfing the web. 5. Build a Network. They don’t say it takes a village for nothing. The more people you have looking out for your children online, the more likely you are to keep them safe. 6. Be Prepared to Respond. Don’t wait until the heat of the moment to come up with your game plan. In case your child does get bullied online, learn what the proper responses are so you can keep your emotions in check and help your child deal with what they are going through.
In summary, please understand there is so much more help on the website that I gave earlier. While I understand that this is not a problem for most people, it is very real for those who are confronted with it and must deal with it. There is nothing more precious in the entire world than our children, and taking steps to protect them is a very important matter.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1257 -- THE BENEFITS OF HIRING YOUR TEENAGER!

No. 1257

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING YOUR TEENAGER!

If you are a small business owner and have one or more teenagers, there are a plethora of reasons why you should hire them to work for you. For clarity’s sake, rather than using him/her from this point forward, I have opted to use the female gender. There are a number of jobs she can do, including filing, database work, typing, cleaning, maintenance, warehousing and countless others. What follows are six good reasons why both you and your child can benefit from hiring her.
No. 1: She can develop a great work ethic from the very beginning, and see the importance of having a job, having a boss and having responsibilities. She can learn the value of showing up somewhere on time, doing what is expected and performing tasks under the supervision of someone else. And she will learn how to dress and behave in a professional environment. All of these are valuable life skills.
No. 2: In case you didn’t realize, $12,000 is the standard deduction on any tax return, so if she’s not earning more than that, she’s got no tax liability (this is assuming that she’s not doing any other work or earning other income). It’s quite possible that you won’t even have to file a tax return for her either.
No. 3: As long as she is under 18 (and you’re a sole proprietor or LLC) you won’t have to pay any Social Security or Medicare taxes. However, if you’re an S-Corporation or C-Corporation, you will have to withhold these taxes, but she will likely receive them back as a refund. You will need to talk with your accountant about this. Regardless, make sure you are keeping good documentation of her work hours and the work performed just in case the IRS raises a red flag.
No. 4: You can take a deduction due to the fact that it’s a legitimate business expense as long as your child is at a reasonable age and performing reasonable work that someone else would be paid to do. Not only that but you can still claim her as a dependent or receive the child tax credit if you qualify.
No. 5: You get to spend more time with her. It’s kind of nice having her around for the summer, isn’t it? Time flies, so every minute counts. And she can see you, too, in action, with other people, being the boss. You are not just that lump that sits in front of the TV watching sports. You’re a real person, a leader, the head honcho, at least during the day.
And finally, and this is where it gets tricky. No. 6: You get to take the check out of her hands. Yes, that’s right — out of her hands. As soon as you give her the paycheck, you grab it and immediately stick it in a savings account for her, at least most of it. The reason is because you know that she will spend that money at the mall or on an Xbox as soon as she can, right? Put the money in a 529 College Savings Fund so that it can grow tax free and be used for higher education expenses some day in the future. If you have not heard, college is kind of expensive these days.
In summation, my motto has always been, “Give credit where credit is due.” Most of this article was produced by the Hartford Insurance Company and developed by Gene Marks, who works for this company and is an authority on this topic. I just wanted to present this concept that has so many variables that a number of my readers may wish to explore.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1256 -- WHY WHO WE ELECT IS SO IMPORTANT!

No. 1256

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY WHO WE ELECT IS SO IMPORTANT!

The other day I received an e-mail from a good friend, and it really got me to thinking. The title of the e-mail was “Do we live in such a dumb country?” The text of the e-mail was all about the laws that politicians have made, and how the rest of us have to live with these laws. Here is a sample of the text that will give you a good idea of what I am talking about. The article begins: “If you can get arrested for hunting and fishing without a license, but not for entering and remaining in this country illegally, you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
“If you have to get your parents’ permission to go on a field trip or to take an aspirin in school, but not to get an abortion, you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If you must show your identification to board an airplane, cash a check, buy liquor, or check out a library book and rent a video, but not to vote for who runs the government, you might live in a nation founded by geniuses but run by idiots. If you believe that the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars in debt is to spend trillions more, you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but run by idiots.”
There is much, much more, but you get the idea. While I am a very positive person, there comes a time when we just have to call a spade a spade, and let the chips fall where they may. If you keep up with the news at all, you know that our nation is in serious trouble because of the division and discord taking place each day in our nation’s capital. The bottom line is that this is all about power, who is going to make the laws, and who is going to spend the money. The problem, as I see it, is that our nation’s politicians have let loyalty to their party override their loyalty to our nation.
What I am saying would almost be funny if not for the fact that we are talking about the future of our nation and the kind of nation we are going to leave to our children and grandchildren. You might ask, what is the answer? While the answer is not easy, it is very simple. At some time in the near future, our nation’s politicians must realize that their loyalty must be to America first, and do the right thing for her, and not for the party. As I have said before, I have never been a member of any political party.
Because of this stance, I have always been free to vote for the candidate I believe has America’s best interest at heart. I vote a split ticket because I vote for the person best qualified and not for the party. As I see it, it really comes down to a very simple question: are America’s best days ahead of us or behind us? I would like to think they are ahead of us because we have always been able to meet the challenges we face, whatever they are. While I am just one voice, maybe crying in the wilderness, I would like to challenge every American and every person serving in an elected office to take what I am saying to heart and put our nation first, and not to a political party.
Just realize that we all live under the laws and rules that those we elect to office make, and it does make a difference for whom we vote. As we look to the future and the upcoming elections, let’s look at each individual candidate and what he or she stands for, and make our choices for those who are loyal to our country. It is very important. God bless, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1262 -- A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART!

No. 1262

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART!

If we are going to make it in this old world, we need many things, and two of the most important things are encouragement and inspiration. I certainly need these things each day of my life, and when I don’t get them, my performance always suffers.
These thoughts came to mind when I decided to tell you about a man named Donn Wimmer, who owns and publishes the newspaper in Hawesville, Kentucky. He publishes my column in the Hancock Clarion. He had just read my column titled “A Real One Man Show” about Frank Datta, who owns the Wibaux Pioneer Gazette in Wibaux, Montana, and has been there for 63 years.
Here is what Donn said: “Reading your column about the newspaperman working at the same paper for 63 years reminds me of myself. But I’ve got that guy beat! While in high school I worked at the Hancock Clarion for three years. Afterwards I worked in newspapers in New Mexico and California as a printer. Later, with my mother and grandfather’s financial help, I purchased the Clarion in 1956, and I am still here after 64 years. I’ll soon be 85, am in good health and plan to remain so until it’s time to go. (He means to die).
“I absolutely love working with the community. Some of my history includes: being involved with the Jaycees, helped organize Hancock County’s Industrial Foundation, former president of our Chamber of Commerce, and as Hancock County’s Airport Chairman, I along with the help of our directors, led the way for our new airport which opened in 2008. Our airport has been very well accepted and with having 20 planes based here, this spring we begin the extension of our runway to five thousand feet. The airport is now self-sufficient, needing no financial help at all from the county.
“Over the years I’ve received so many awards that we can’t find room for them. Jaycee of the Year, Historian of the year, and the top award at the Kentucky Press Association Banquet sponsored by the Lexington Herald Leader; just to name a few. In 1967, I received my pilot’s license and advanced to my commercial license with an instrument rating. As of this month I’ve flown nearly 4,000 hours. My hobbies are reading, golf, hiking and of course my job at the Clarion. As you can see I’m patting myself on the back a bit. All be it, this is not for your column. (As you can see, I have overruled him.) Just thought it might interest you.
“Oh, and by the way I married the prettiest girl in school when we were both 16. They said, ‘That won’t last long!’ My wife, Juanita, and I celebrate our 69th anniversary next June. Juanita and I had three daughters and a son. Our oldest passed away May 19, 2018. What is the future of newspapers and the Clarion? The current outlook is concerning, but we fight tooth and toenail keeping it viable, and will continue to do so for many more years with our innovative circulation and advertising ideas. Thanks for reading. Donn.”
When I read that I thought to myself, “There is a man after my own heart.” There is so much in his story that inspires me that I can hardly restrain myself. He has so many things that I admire, like staying power, faithfulness, love of his community and her people, and being rewarded for doing something with his life other than making money. He told about having “innovative” ideas and that is what more of us need these days. As the old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, that is when the tough get going.” Thanks Donn. I will never forget you.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1263 -- BUILDING A “TRUSTWORTHY” ACCOUNT!

No. 1263

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BUILDING A “TRUSTWORTHY” ACCOUNT!

It takes many things to from a great relationship -- whether in a marriage, business, organization, or with a friend -- but one of the most important things is a simple word called trust.
The word trust means, “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability and strength of someone or something.” If we want to be successful in any endeavor, building a lifetime of trust is the best way on earth to do it. When someone says “I respect you”, they are also saying they trust you, and there is no greater compliment they can pay us than this. And further, trust is not something other people can give us; it is something that must be earned. Like many things of value, it takes a long time to build trust, and it can be destroyed almost in the blink of an eye.
Since trust is so valuable, it is well worth the time and effort it takes to earn it. The very best way to earn trust is to make sure our words and our actions always match and are consistent with our character and reputation. Here is a good example of what I am saying. Several years ago I attended church with a lady here in our community. Over a period of time, on several occasions, she was caught taking money that did not belong to her. This was not a lot of money, but it was stealing nonetheless. This caused me to always consider her as someone who had “sticky fingers.”
Well, as fate would have it, several years later we started attending another church together, and now when I see her the first thing that pops in my mind is “sticky fingers.” Obviously I would not trust her with handling other people’s money, or anything else of value for that matter, which is unfair to her because she may have changed. But too late, like closing the barn door after the horse had already gotten out, that is how the mind works.
Yes, trust is a very important thing because if we are not trustworthy it will cost us for the rest of our lives. But here is the good news, and something that we can learn and be an asset to us for as long as we live.
Because of human nature, we all make bad decisions or have poor judgment from time to time. What we need is a mental sign that says “STOP,” so we can remember the commitment we have made to ourselves to never violate someone’s trust again. In short, we need a “trustworthy” account that will benefit us, much like opening an interest-bearing savings account at a bank. Each time we remember this commitment, it is like making a deposit in our bank account. Over time, if we continue to do this, it will pay positive dividends for the rest of our lives. We are creatures of habit, and experts tell us that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. In time we will have formed a new habit that makes the impulse so strong that keeping trust will be our first priority.
The great thing about this plan is that being a person who is “trustworthy” will not only make us feel better about ourselves, but it will be evident to other people in our community that we are a person of high morals and character. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the benefits that will continue to be ours.
In America today we need men and women of character more than ever before, and this will also impact our children and grandchildren as they have something and someone to look up to. Yes, trust is a very important thing, and being “trustworthy” makes life worthwhile and much more rewarding. This is another case of where something so very simple can make all the difference in the world.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1264 -- WHO PACKS YOUR PARACHUTE?

No. 1264

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHO PACKS YOUR PARACHUTE?

Sometime back my friend Dennis Card sent me something that brought back some very fond memories. It was an article about Lt. Charles Plumb, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who was a fighter pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands, where he was captured and spent six long years in a Communist Vietnamese prison. He survived that ordeal, and today travels around to lecture about lessons learned from that experience.
Dennis was surprised when I told him that I had met Charlie Plumb when we appeared on the same program at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. This was shortly after Charlie was released by his Vietnamese captors. That same year, he was named the Outstanding Young Man in Kansas by the Kansas Jaycees. You will understand why I recalled the experience as fondly as you read the following true story that contains a valuable and important lesson for each of us.
The article says: “One day Charles Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant and a man came up and said, ‘You’re Lt. Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!’ ‘How in the world did you know that?’ Charlie asked? ‘I packed your parachute,’ the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, ‘I guess the chute worked!’ Plumb assured him, ‘It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today’.
“Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, ‘I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform … a Dixie cup hat, a bib in the back, and bellbottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor’. Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know. Today as he travels the country and makes public appearances, Charlie asks his audience, ‘Who’s packing your parachute?’”
The lesson here is simple, yet profound. Everyone has someone who provides what he or she needs to make it through the day. WOW! Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. You see, he called on all these supports before reaching safety. His experience should remind all of us to prepare ourselves to weather whatever storms lie ahead. Because of his own personal experience, he admonishes every person to realize that they have an opportunity to impact others, and to be aware as they go through life to recognize those people who pack their parachute. A friendly hello, saying please or thank you, or just saying something nice may often make their day.
As I have now had time to read and reflect on this article several times, I am grateful to my friend Dennis, who passed it along to me. Like most people, I need to be reminded on a regular basis to do those things that are really important, to acknowledge and appreciate those people who come into my life and help along the way. To be sure, while I often forget to tell them, I am grateful for so many good people who have been there for me. “Thanks and God speed, Charlie.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1265 -- EVERYTHING WORTHWHILE IS UPHILL!

No. 1265

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERYTHING WORTHWHILE IS UPHILL!

Here is a very sobering thought that will separate the winners from the also-rans: Everything worthwhile is uphill.
Now, make no mistake about it, what I am saying is that to achieve any real success in life requires hard work. The beautiful thing about this statement is that any citizen in our country has the opportunity to achieve success because of our form and system of government. We are guaranteed that right by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It is important to note that our forefathers never intended that we all achieve equal success, but that we all have equal opportunity.
Now, this question please: Do you really and truly know what that means? It simply means that if we are born with a healthy mind and body, the sky is the limit for us, and we can be and become just about anything we want to become. As I said earlier, to achieve anything truly worthwhile requires hard work.
Another question: Do you know what holds back most people? Well, the answer is limitations of various kinds, mostly self-imposed. As a quick aside, I believe the reason for our massive problem of addiction and suicide in America is our affluence and all the modern inventions we have today. These inventions, and sometimes gadgets, have removed most of the hard labor from our lives.
Back in the days when people had to work from sunup to sundown just to exist, we did not have that problem. Just think about that for a minute, and I believe you will see the truth of it. This may be where the saying, “An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop” came from.
Another reason a lot of people do not succeed is because they do not read and understand the Bible. It is full of truth and wisdom. Verses like Galatians 6:7 tell us our fortune: “Be ye not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.”
Now here is the purpose of this column: I hope you can and will think about your life and realize that every person who has a sound mind and body can achieve the measure of success they desire. This is regardless of your age, your family, what you do for a living (or even if you are retired), and whether or not you have achieved success or are still working on it. The most important factor of all is to realize that “hard work” will make the difference.
In light of what I have just said, I believe a fitting way to close this column is to share with you this poem titled “Don’t Quit”.
DON’T QUIT
“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh; rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns; and many a failure turns about when he might have won had we stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow. Success is a failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds no doubt. And you are near when success seems far, so stick to the fight when you are hardest hit. It’s when things seem worse that you mustn’t quit.”
And a final word: Just be grateful that you live in the greatest country on earth.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1266 -- A TEST FOR FIRST-TIME PARENTS!

No. 1266

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TEST FOR FIRST-TIME PARENTS!

It has been said that “children in a family are like flowers in a bouquet: there is always one determined to face in the opposite direction from the way the arranger desires.”
For the vast majority of parents, our greatest hope is for our children to grow up to be happy, healthy and successful human beings. In today’s times this is no easy feat, even for those parents who are the most qualified. But it is a monumental task for first-time parents who did not have a good role model of their own or were never taught parenting skills, but rather were allowed to grow up like weeds in a garden.
My good friend Max Heath of Kentucky sent me an article that really puts what I am saying into context. It was an article titled, “How to know when you are ready to have kids,” and it contained a series of tests for first-time parents. If you have successfully reared one or more children you will really appreciate this, but for you young couples who are expecting or thinking about having a child, this will definitely give you something to think about. Here are the tests:
No. 1: Mess Test, “Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch, and leave it there all summer.” No. 2: Toy Test, “Obtain a 55-gallon box of Legos (you may substitute roofing tacks if you wish). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold and take off your shoes. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.” No. 3: Grocery Store Test, “Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.” No. 4: Dressing Test, “Obtain one large, unhappy live octopus. Stuff into one small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.”
No. 5: Feeding Test, “Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a chord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.” No. 6: Night Test, “Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8 to 12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3 p.m. begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9 p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10 p.m. Get up and pack your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these until 4 a.m. Set alarm for 5 a.m. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for five years. Look cheerful.”
No. 7: Ingenuity Test, “Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and a pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a Ping-Pong ball, and an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower.” No. 8: Automobile Test, “Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player. Take a family-sized package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.”
No. 9: Final Assignment, “Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you have all the answers.”
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1267 -- WELFARE AND UNWED MOTHERS!

No. 1267

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WELFARE AND UNWED MOTHERS!

If you will tune me in for a few minutes, I would like to share what I consider to be the most disgusting thing I have ever presented in this column. This is a case of unintended consequences.
In his Union Address on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson proposed legislation that would create a “War on Poverty” in response to a national poverty rate of around 19 percent. His speech led the United States Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act, which established the Office of Economic Opportunity to administer the application of federal funds targeted against poverty.
Now to be sure, his intent was noble, but it has not turned out that way. He just wanted to take care of poor people. Now, five decades later, we are reaping what he has sown. Prior to the 1960s, nearly all children were born to married couples. When the War on Poverty began in 1964, only 7 percent of children were born to unmarried women. Now, that figure is closer to 60 percent. Historically, marriage has played a critical role in the raising of children. In most cases, the economic benefits of marriage are substantial. Marriage among families with children is an extremely powerful factor in promoting economic self-sufficiency.
The reason for this is simple. In most cases, two parents working together can support a child more efficiently than one. However, the benefits are far beyond self-sufficiency. When compared with children in a two-parent family, children raised by single parents are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems; be physically abused; smoke, drink, and use drugs; be aggressive; engage in violent, delinquent, and criminal behavior; have poor school performance; be expelled from school; and drop out of high school. Many of these negative outcomes are associated with higher poverty rates of single mothers.
Compared with girls raised in similar married families, girls from single-parent homes are more than twice likely to have a child without being married. It is no accident that the collapse of marriage in America largely began with the War on Poverty and the proliferation of means-tested welfare programs that it fostered. When the War on Poverty began, only a single welfare program – Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) -- assisted single parents. Today there are dozens of programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the WIC food program, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, child nutrition programs, public housing and Section 8 housing, and Medicaid.
The bottom line is simply this, and the main reason our country is in such a mess today. The family has always been the backbone of our society, and our welfare system actually discourages marriage by benefitting an unmarried woman who has one or more children than if she were married. They count the husband’s income against her in receiving help from the government. On a related note, experts have said that most of those committing mass shootings in our nation today were by men who grew up without a father.
Now I am not saying that it is a simple matter because the system has gotten so complex, but we have people smart enough to figure out how to encourage marriage for poor people, rather than to discourage it. Let’s turn it around and get our country on the right track again. To verify what I am saying, go to the Internet and visit www.Heritage.Org and type in War on Poverty.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1268 -- THE POWER OF WORDS!

No. 1268

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE POWER OF WORDS!

The English language is one of the most difficult in the entire world to master. This is because so many of our words have multiple meanings. For example, “When I look at you time stands still” has a completely different meaning than when we say, “You have a face on you that will stop a clock.” Words are powerful, and how we use them will determine our success or failure.
In my own personal experience, I have seen the power of inspiring words lift a very despondent person to overcome all manner of obstacles, and I’ve also seen the power of malicious and mean-spirited words tear another person down and make them feel worthless as a human being.
Here is what Leo Rosten, a noted authority on our language, has to say about words: “They sing. They hurt. They teach. They sanctify. They were man’s first, immeasurable feat of magic. They liberate us from ignorance and our barbarous past.”
There is no doubt about it: words are very powerful and we should be very careful how we use them, especially in relation to the worth and dignity of other people. This is even more important as it relates to members of our own family and others we have the power to influence. To illustrate what I mean, I’d like to tell you about an interesting experiment that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of those unfortunate people who spend all or most of their time in a negative environment.
One time some research scientists took a large glass tank and filled it with water. In this tank they placed a large fish and a good number of small minnows. I hope you can see this in your mind. What do you think happened? If you said the fish ate the minnows, give yourself an “A.” For several days the scientists kept adding more minnows to the tank, and the big fish had a good thing going because he just kept on eating them. Then one day the scientists placed a glass partition between the two, with the big fish on one side and the minnows on the other. If you have spent a good deal of your time in a “negative” environment, or this is the case now, here is the part of this experiment that may be of some benefit to you.
As the big fish got hungry and would start for a minnow, the glass partition was there to stop him. In essence the partition was saying, “No, you can’t.” Finally, after several more days, the scientists removed the glass partition. At this point, what do you think happened? Here is the answer. The fish was so conditioned that, as minnows swam all around him, he would not even make an attempt to go after them, and in a few weeks he literally starved to death! In a tank where a banquet was being served, a fish starved to death because he had been pre-conditioned by a clear glass partition that said “No, you can’t.”
Here is the moral or principle of this story that has the potential to change our lives for the better. If we aren’t using the wonderful talents and abilities that God has given us, it could be that at some time in our lives we were pre-conditioned by people who literally kept saying “No, you can’t.” If you hear those words often enough, like the fish, pretty soon you will begin to believe them. This will result in lower self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence, which affects everything we do. Remember, as it relates to inspiring others, “words are powerful” and we need to be very careful how we use them. Are you hurting other people? If you are, please stop it, and quit being negative.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1269 -- SELLING US DOWN THE RIVER!

No. 1269

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SELLING US DOWN THE RIVER!

It is not my nature to be critical of other people, and when I am, I try to do it in a way that it is not personal and do it in a way that criticizes the action and not the person. However there comes a time when we just need to tell it like it is, and this is one of those times.
There is a group of people in America today, who have been around for a long time, who I believe are selling us down the river. I am talking about liberal college professors who are biting the hand that feeds them, and the vast majority have not been to war or shed blood to preserve the precious freedoms that we all enjoy.
A brief disclaimer for what I am about to say: My father fought in World War I and I was a member of the Arkansas National Guard for eight years, and have a flagpole and the American flag flying in our front yard. While I am not a member of any political party, I am a Christian and a conservative, and believe our government should not be carrying a national debt of over $20 trillion. With that said, I still believe our nation is the greatest in the history of the world and am grateful for all of our blessings, including freedom and the rights of the individual citizen.
It should also be noted that I certainly believe in free speech, and would be willing to fight and die to preserve that right for all of us. But because we have the right does not mean that we should use it to undermine the very foundation that has made our nation the strongest and most powerful in the world. Some of the very people I am talking about want to change it, but our national motto is still “In God We Trust,” and the American free enterprise system is still the goose that lays the golden eggs.
It is very important what we teach our children with respect to values and policies that will help us always be the “home of the free and the land of the brave.” To be sure, this is a national problem and not a local one. Our liberal professors seem to be in some areas of our nation more than others, but those who advocate Communism and Socialism are doing our nation a great disservice. At this point you are either mad or saying A-men, and I understand that. However, I am willing to take a stand for those values that I believe are important and in our national interest. What I am saying is certainly not political but something that should be of interest to every American citizen, as we all have a stake.
For one, I am ready to get back to harmony and have all of our national office holders, from the President on down, get back to working for “We the People” rather than partisan bickering. This is because when there is constant bickering, very little is getting done to meet the needs of our nation. If you have an interest in what I am saying and are willing to take a stand, the best way to do that is get informed about what political candidates stand for and vote in all future national, state and local elections.
Let’s also identify those college professors who are teaching our children values and concepts that are un-American and will erode the foundation of our society. While I don’t advocate firing them, we can encourage them to change or at least discredit them. While I am sorry if what I have said offends you, I just care enough about the future of my children and grandchildren to take a stand.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1270 -- HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET!

No. 1270

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET!

The past several weeks have been truly exciting here at our office. Because of the success of my previous book “The Best of Jim Davidson,” which is a collection of favorite radio shows as determined by a panel of award-winning journalists, I have made the decision to publish another book this year. It will be a collection of my favorite newspaper columns from the 1,300 that I have written.
The title for this book will be “Better than the Best,” and it’s been an exciting process going through the titles and writing the acknowledgements, introduction, dedication, and something very special at the end of the book -- a tribute to my friends in the newspaper industry. I am also listing the 365 papers in 35 states that have run my column since its inception at the Log Cabin Democrat back in 1995.
If you are a regular reader of my column, you know that in the past I have talked about the demise of the newspaper industry through no fault of their own. Due to the Internet and electronic media, newspapers have had a sharp decline in revenue from advertising, which is the bulk of their income. It fact it’s so serious that since 2004, 1,800 newspapers in our country have gone out of business. Of course, those remaining have lost a good deal of their circulation as well. What many people do not realize is the true value of the community newspaper, as it delivers local news and information that you can’t get anywhere else.
Perhaps the most important thing is the fact that the local paper is the “community watch-dog,” as reporters fan out across the community and cover various meetings where tax money is being spent. They shine the light where it needs to be shone, and keep us informed about what is going on. In addition to some of them running my column for almost 25 years, I am truly grateful for this fact. This is why I pay tribute to them and do my best to let people know how very important they are.
Over the years one of the things I have done is to keep a scrapbook for the mastheads of many of the papers that have run my column. When a paper first begins, they run a nice front-page article to announce the column and tell where it will appear in the paper, usually on the Opinion Page. Soon after it begins they are kind enough to send me a copy of the paper and, as noted, I clip out the masthead and keep it in my scrapbook. As I went through this scrapbook recently, I was thrilled to see many of the papers that I had completely forgotten about, like The Southern Illinoisan, Enid News & Eagle, Duncan Banner, Altus Times, Canon City Daily Record, Dodge City Daily Globe, Juneau Empire, Lenoir News-Topic and so many more.
Back in the late 1990s, when newspapers as an industry were at the pinnacle of their success, they tell me that I had a million readers who read my column each week. Of course, since those days as their revenue declined I have lost most of my papers.
In addition to the decline in newspapers, in 2003 I made the decision to cease marketing so I could devote most of my time to the Conway Bookcase Project. I founded this project in 2005 to provide quality, personalized bookcases to pre-school children being reared in low-income families. We are just about ready to have our 15th annual awards ceremony to give 50 more bookcases to our children, and I have another exciting project that I will be telling you about. To God be the glory.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1271 -- A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESIDENT!

No. 1271

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESIDENT!

Have you ever known someone who, long after they were dead and buried, you would like to dig up and clone? If there has ever been a good candidate for this, former President Harry Truman would be at the top of my list.
I have always liked President Truman. In fact, he is one of my all-time favorites of all the men who have served in our nation’s highest office. To be sure, he was a different kind of president. He probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation’s history as any of the other 42 presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an “allowance” and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year. After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess Truman drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them. When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined stating, “You don’t want me, you want the office of the President, and that doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the American people and it’s not for sale.”
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, “I don’t consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.” As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food. Now, several decades later, considering what has happened since those days I believe you will agree that Harry Truman was indeed “A Different Kind of President.”
If you keep up with the news today, you know that modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their office. Personal offices are now for sale. Good old Harry was correct when he observed,” My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference.” And a quick aside, it is somewhat ironic that he was from Missouri. Over the years I have known a good number of people from this great state, and it is true that in most cases you do have to show them. In case you don’t know, Missouri is known as the “Show Me State.”
In light of Harry Truman’s great example, we might ask the question – Where have we gone wrong? I think most politicians want to get into public service for the right reasons, but then greed and ego seem to take over and WE THE PEOPLE are forgotten.
Personally, I believe those who came after Harry Truman simply reflect the values and attitudes of the society around them. When you have an ever increasing violent culture, more fraud, corruption and scams, and less character and integrity on behalf of most Americans, we are truly reaping what we have sown. As one from the older generation who relates to the values lived out by Harry Truman, I pray for America to have a spiritual revival. Franklin Graham is right: only when our nation returns to God, will things really change and get better.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1272 -- THE SLIGHT EDGE

No. 1272

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SLIGHT EDGE

In these modern times when millions of Americans are all wrapped up in sports, we hear a lot about “winning” and “losing.” But have you given much thought to the difference between the winners in life and the losers? Well, believe it or not, the difference is very little. In fact, it can be as little as 2 percent.
Some time ago I ran across a very timely article by Dr. Gene Emmet Clark titled “The Slight Edge - It Only Takes 2 Percent.” If you are striving to reach some goals that seem to be just beyond your reach, I believe this article will help you see that if you do just a little bit more, it could mean the difference between winning or losing, success or failure, mediocrity or greatness. The remarkable thing about the principle involved here, is that it’s true regardless of how well you are presently doing.
Dr. Clark makes a good case as he relates this principle to his own personal success. He begins by asking the question: “Have you been working like a horse?” Well, I’ve been thinking about that expression, and at least one horse I can name has earned a pretty fair hourly rate. Someone figured up that the race horse Nashua earned more than a million dollars in a total racing time that added up to less than one hour. Now I believe you will agree -- that’s pretty good pay!
Of course, we know that many long hours went into preparation for that winning hour of racing, but here’s something else that’s important to understand that makes this horse so valuable. You would probably pay a hundred times as much for a horse like Nashua as you would for just an ordinary race horse, but is this horse a hundred times faster? Of course not. What makes the difference is the fact that a horse of this caliber finished just ahead of the rest on a consistent basis. All he had to do is win by a “nose” a good share of the time to be worth a hundred times as much as an “also ran.”
Here is the reason I wanted to share this with you, and it’s the unmistakable point of Dr. Clark’s article. The principle we see illustrated here with Nashua the race horse is the same with human beings who are on top in the game of life. The difference between achievement and mediocrity is that extra 2 percent in study, application, interest, ambition and effort. It’s that one extra story for a writer, that one extra call for a salesperson, that one extra putt for a golfer, and it’s that extra hour of practice for the athlete who wants to compete in the Olympics. In short, it’s that little “extra” -- that 2 percent -- that often makes the difference.
When it comes to applying this principle to our own lives, the most important advice I could ever give you or anyone else is to use your common sense. The Bible says there is a time and a season for everything under heaven, and this is certainly true here. I want to make it perfectly clear that I never advocate having an all-consuming goal that drives an individual to work day and night at the expense of everything else in his or her life. The problem for most people is that they waste too much productive time. We should balance our activities in light of our current responsibilities, our age, our health and the commitments we have to God and our families.
As I’ve said before, we can never be defeated if we take the long-range view. We should view life over the long term and give that extra 2 percent all along the way. We should also take time off for a vacation on a regular basis. When we do that and keep our priorities in the right order, we can become a real “winner” in the game of life and still have good health to enjoy it.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1273 -- WHERE LEARNING NEVER ENDS!

No. 1273

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE LEARNING NEVER ENDS!

Our state’s educational television network (AETN) has a slogan that goes, “Where Learning Never Ends.” This slogan has come to mean the world to me.
In 1958 when I dropped out of Arkansas A&M College in Monticello and made my way to Little Rock where I had kinfolks, I did not have a very bright future. However, I did have one thing going for me: I was willing to work.
Before I continue, please permit me to share something that is most important: When I began this column in 1995 I made a commitment to you, and all my readers, that I would have one or more benefits and ideas in each column that would help you in some way. Since beginning the column I have received several thousand letters from readers, which has been a terrific encouragement for me.
Now, back to my story. After the move and getting settled, I found a job in a printing company in the production department, and would spend seven years there. Then I took a job in sales with another printing company. The man who hired me in the sales job was very active in the community and began to get me involved as well. In 1968, I made the decision to take the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking course. I was blessed to be chosen the leader of the class to receive the “Leadership Gavel.” Two years later the instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, came to me and asked me to go into business with him to distribute the Earl Nightingale Attitude Motivation programs that were produced on cassette tape. We started our company in May 1970 in Little Rock.
A full set of motivation tapes and the printed materials cost about $600, a real bargain for a good training program. Soon I discovered that schools were my best prospects, as “Attitude” was the buzz word for educators back in those days. Soon they began to invite me to speak to their faculties, student bodies, commencement exercises and statewide education conferences. Later, I counted up and found that in the decade of the 1970s I spoke to more than 500 different school faculties.
The late Earl Nightingale had a golden voice, and I listened to his “Wisdom of the Ages” recordings over and over again as I drove my car 50,000 miles each year. Earl’s radio program was carried by over 1,000 stations, and this inspired me to begin my own daily radio show. Because of my work with students I called it “How to Plan Your Life.” As was mentioned earlier, I began this column in 1995, and the rest is history.
Now, here is the reason I have shared this, and hopefully it will be of interest and value for you. Without even realizing it, I had chosen a career path that forced me to write and use my mind. I also continued to make speeches. During my career I have written more than 1,400 daily radio programs, 1,300 weekly newspaper columns, and seven books, and have given more than 1,700 speeches. To each of these activities I say, “To God be the glory,” because I could never have done it without His help.
Now you see why I love the AETN slogan, “Where Learning Never Ends.” I dropped out of college but I did not stop learning, and if I can do it, anyone can do it.
Since we need information, to keep up with new technology and changing times, it is important that we never stop learning and using that marvelous mind that God has given each of us. Thank you for reading this, and I hope it encourages you to continue or begin a regular reading program. Here is an idea that I hope you will consider. “By spending one hour each day reading and making notes in our personal notebook, we can become a national authority or expert in a year or less.” Good luck my friend.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1274 -- NO PLACE FOR ARROGANCE!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS UNICORN

No. 1274

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NO PLACE FOR ARROGANCE!

Have you ever personally known or been around someone who was just plain arrogant? If you have, how did you feel about this person? The dictionary defines arrogant as, “Full of or due to unwarranted pride and self-importance; overbearing; haughty.” Unfortunately, there are many people in the world who are like this. While they may not be aware of it, they are, nonetheless, paying a high price for it. Most people have no desire to be around someone who is arrogant, and given a choice they certainly do not want to do business with them.
One of my newspaper readers sent me something a while back that will serve to illustrate what I am saying.
ARROGANCE
“A few months ago we started dealing with a newly opened service station. Since the dealer was hurting to build up his trade, our business was greeted with open arms. The service was superb. Every stop for gasoline brought an automatic oil level check and window washing. We were impressed. As a regular customer, we became a familiar face and we marveled at how his business grew. But alas, we were disappointed by a change in his attitude.
“Arrogance began to be noticeable. The more the business grew, the more arrogant he became. We got the feeling that we were expected to pump our own gasoline. His interests in keeping customers happy and developing new business waned. We put up with his arrogance because it was the only station in the neighborhood. For him it was a seller’s market. It was, that is, until another station opened at the end of the block. We took our business there.”
One of my personal goals, and something I try to remind myself on a regular basis, is to never try to preach but rather to simply share ideas and concepts that will be of value to those I am privileged to serve. To my way of thinking, there are a number of things we can learn from this service station operator’s example. First, because of human nature, it’s much easier to be super nice to people when we “need” them. In his case, as he was trying to build up his business he needed every customer he could get. We must give him some credit, because he did have enough on the ball to realize the best way to build up his business was to greet people with open arms and also give them that extra measure of service.
He had put into practice the key to long-lasting business success, but he lost it. Why? Because he became full of unwarranted pride and self-importance. In other words, he finally reached the point where he felt he no longer needed new customers to meet his goals and standard of living where he was comfortable. In reality, his desire to serve and his love for people was not genuine or real at all. He just used people for his own selfish ambition.
When it comes to business, if you or someone you work for tends to be a little on the arrogant side, here is something you may want to keep in mind. We should always be nice to people as we climb the ladder of success, because the chances are good we will meet many of those same people on the way back down. There is no place for arrogance in business, and really there is no place for arrogance anywhere in the world. Shallow indeed is the person who is only nice to those people who they think can help them and rude to those who they consider as unimportant.
In dealing with people, regardless of where we find them, we should always treat every person as though their heart is breaking, because it very well could be.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS UNICORN

No. 1249 -- A REAL ONE-MAN SHOW!

No. 1249

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A REAL ONE-MAN SHOW!

In almost 25 years of writing this column, I have had the privilege of getting to know a great number of newspaper people across the country. But there is one thing I can say for sure, I have never known but one who spent almost all of his life, over 63 years, working at the same paper. The one I do know is Frank Datta, owner-publisher of the Wibaux Pioneer-Gazette, based in Wibaux, Mont. I am proud to say that my column has run in his weekly paper, on page two inside the front cover, for more than 20 years. He started in August 1955 as a printer’s devil when he was in junior high. Obviously, I thought this was worth sharing with you because it is so rare to find a person so committed to a calling or a cause that he spends his entire working life at the same place. And at this time he is the only full-time employee.
The people of his community are the real winners, because there are few small communities anywhere in the nation, population 649, that put out a quality product like Frank does to keep his people informed. He is a hometown boy, who is not just involved in the newspaper business. He has been the disaster emergency services coordinator for 30 years, involved in the emergency planning for the county, served as county coroner for 20 years, served on the volunteer fire department and the ambulance service, and served 10 years on the board of directors of the Montana Newspaper Association, being state president in 1988.
This is one aspect of his job that I thought was very interesting -- He says, “One time I was wearing four hats, sometimes five hats. I had to keep things to myself that I knew could not be put in the newspaper.” Being the coroner, he also wrote the obituaries and often he knew things the family didn’t. He said, “I always tried to be compassionate when I wrote the obituaries.” As a quick aside, I always feel sorry for preachers who sometimes find it hard to come up with something good to say, about a scoundrel they are laying to rest.
Frank admits that facing deadlines week after week does take its toll. While he has had three heart attacks, he never missed a publication. “Even though I had two stents put in on Thursday, I came back to work on Monday.” He is a lifelong resident of Wibaux. He got married to Lynda Utgaard of Glendive, Mont., moved half a block from his boyhood home and has been there ever since. Sadly his wife passed away with a brain tumor after 28 years of marriage. Frank had the opportunity to leave Wibaux when he was offered a pressman job for three newspapers near Guernsey and Lingle, Wyoming when he was 21 years old. “They hired me to work and I came back to pack up, I was staying at my grandma’s house. When I told her she said, ‘What am I going to do if you leave?’ It really changed my life, I stayed.”
As I bring this “A Real One Man Show” to a close, we have all heard the saying, “It really is a small world.” I had something happen several years ago that shows just how true this is. I had a couple in my Sunday class here by the names of Jimmy and Jean Acklin, and they have a son named Steve. Well, Steve married a girl from Wibaux, Mont. He said they were out there sometime back visiting her folks and they happened to stop by the Wibaux Hotel. While there he picked up a copy of the Wibaux Pioneer/Gazette and opened it up. He could not believe that my column was in there, over 1,300 hundred miles from home. P.S. The next time you see Frank, tell him how much you appreciate his good work.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states, making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 605 - IT'S TIME FOR A "MILTON" MOMENT

No 605

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S TIME FOR A “MILTON” MOMENT

When it comes to people, the Irish poet and novelist, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) had this to say about us: “There are only two kinds of people who are really fascinating — people who know absolutely everything and people who know absolutely nothing.”
We have a terrific fellow in our Lions Club by the name of Milton Davis. I don’t know where old Oscar would rank Milton, but he is absolutely fascinating. In fact, when I get through telling you about him, I believe you will agree that every club and every organization needs at least one Milton Davis. Milton is one of several stockbrokers in our community who represent Edward Jones Investments.
He and his wife Claudia would be considered “Pillars” of our community, as they have both served on countless boards and committees and are very active in their church. They also put their money where their mouth is. Enough said here. Milton also produces a caricature cartoon each week for our local newspaper and it has been picked up by about 20 other newspapers. The location of his office has come to be known as “Toad Suck Square," and right out front is where they hold the now famous toad races during our annual festival called Toad Suck Daze.
His cartoons are built around this theme, with a couple of toads leaning against a pole as if speaking to each other. What they have to say usually contains a bit of truth and is often very thought provoking. I say “often” because no one hits a home run every time. This information has been necessary to help you get the picture of what happens at our Lions Club meetings each week. Some time near the beginning of the meeting our president will say, “Milton, do you have a word for us?” What he has to say has come to be known as a Milton Moment.
It does not take long, and this is why it’s called a Milton Moment. Here are some examples: “If at first you don’t succeed, don’t parachute out of an airplane.” “The best way to make laziness respectable is to call it spring fever.” “The reason lightning never strikes twice in the same place is because it doesn’t need to.” “Live every day as if it was your last, and sooner or later you’ll be right.” “Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than proper upbringing, a sound set of values and … witnesses.” “People don’t need to be led into temptation. They can find it for themselves.” “It is easier to get older than wiser.” “If a man is talking in the woods and no woman hears him, is he still wrong?”
This one should be used just before Easter: “If you hide your own Easter eggs, wait till the last minute to do it.” And here is my favorite and the one that has motivated this column. “If ignorance is no excuse, what good is it?”
We have a barrel of fun, and this is why I said earlier that every civic club and organization needs a Milton Davis. In today’s society, with all the stress and pressures, we need a time to laugh, relax and place things in perspective.
One other highlight for our club is during Toad Suck Daze when we sell sausage-on-the-stick to raise money to help the blind and visually impaired. Each year at the beginning of the festival they have a big parade where bands play and various and sundry officials strut down the street, along with the official Toad Master. For several years, a good friend of mine served in this position and he actually looked like a toad. I won’t name him.
Milton Davis has organized a Kazoo, Drum & Bugle Corps to march in this parade. Most everyone is given a kazoo. That’s another column, but the big deal is that everyone has to be at the parade early to practice. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and practice starts at 9:55 a.m. You get the picture. Just clean fun.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 612 - OLD AGE IS NOT FOR SISSIES!

No. 612

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OLD AGE IS NOT FOR SISSIES!

Pardon me just a moment. What’s that sound I hear? Well, I do believe it’s the Sound of Music. My wife, Viola, has a beautiful voice, and before Parkinson’s came to call I could hear her singing and playing a CD or cassette almost every day. She still sings around the house, but not in public. She used to sing solos in church, and I guess that’s one of the things that I miss the most.
However, what I want to share with you today is not about my wife’s singing, but rather “The Sound of Music.” This 1967 movie by Rodgers and Hammerstein is my all-time favorite. Later it was made for television, and I have watched it all the way through several times, which is rare for me.
This movie, set in Salzburg, Austria, during the early days of World War II, is about a young woman by the name of Maria who is studying to become a nun. Maria, played by Julie Andrews, is not sure that a nun’s life is right for her and is sent to be the governess for seven children of a widower naval commander, Captain George Ritter von Trapp. Before the movie ends, Maria and Captain von Trapp fall in love and are married. While fiercely loyal to his native Austria, when the Germans come to power the captain and his family are forced to leave their homeland, and eventually make their way to America.
One thing that has made this movie even more special for me was when we were on vacation several years ago in New England we visited the lodge they established, Trapp Family Lodge near Stowe, Vt. The Trapp Family first started welcoming guests to their 27-room lodge in 1950. Thirty-three years later they increased the size to 93 rooms, and today the Austrian-style Main Lodge with an additional 23 new rooms and 100 guest houses are available on a time-share basis. The day we were there and strolling around the grounds, I walked in the front door of the Main Lodge, and there was no one around.
A table in the first room to the left was piled high with food, and it appeared they were going to have a banquet. I continued to walk around for several minutes, and still no one appeared. I finally left because I knew I had not been invited, without taking even so much as a grape.
Given this background, you can imagine how thrilled I was a few days ago when I got an e-mail telling me that Julie Andrews had made a special appearance at Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall to commemorate her 69th birthday, for the benefit of the AARP. When I checked it out, this e-mail turned out to be a hoax but still entertaining and worth reading.
This beautiful and talented lady and I are close to the same age, and obviously she has done a whole lot more with her years than I have with mine, but even in her later years, she is still very creative. As the story goes, the day she appeared, one of the musical numbers she performed was “My Favorite Things” from the previously mentioned legendary movie “The Sound of Music.” However, someone had changed the lyrics, and what was produced was hysterical. As you read on, in the plot you will see that Julie Andrews has the ability to laugh at herself. This is a wonderful quality to have, as this is one thing that has kept many older people from becoming bitter as they face the challenges that old age produces.
Here are the lyrics of the new version: “Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting. Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings. Bundles of magazines tied up in string. These are a few of my favorite things. Cadillacs and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, these are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak, when the bones creak, when the knees go bad, I simply remember my favorite things, and I don’t feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions. No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions. Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring, these are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, no need for sinnin’. Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’. And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames, when we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache, when the hips break, the eyes grow dim. Then I remember the great life I’ve had, and then I don’t feel so bad.”
After this performance, Ms. Andrews was reported to have received a standing ovation that lasted more than four minutes and repeated encores. Wish this story was true and I could have been there in person and could have heard her performance. What a blessing this lady has been for millions of people all across the world.
As I read these lyrics over a number of times, a lot of things came to mind, but there is one thing for sure: old age is not for sissies. Here is a special tribute to those of you who are hanging in there. Regardless of your age, I hope you have a great day.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 600 - THE OFTEN "UNDETECTED" READING PROBLEM

No 600

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE OFTEN “UNDETECTED” READING PROBLEM

If you have ever heard those old stories about why “Little Johnny” couldn’t read, you will really appreciate what I am going to share with you.
As you may know, for the past several years I have been deeply involved in a literacy project called “A Bookcase for Every Child.” Our goal is to provide a quality, personalized oak bookcase, along with a starter set of books, to children in low-income families. Here in our community, we also read to these young children, ages 3, 4 and 5, each week at our local Head Start centers.
The bottom line is that, for the most part, our volunteers are not educators. We love these children and want to help them grow up to be happy, successful and productive human beings. However, if a child develops a serious reading problem later in school, we have not been trained to detect it. If a reading problem goes undetected long enough, real problems may develop that will greatly affect this child's long-term future.
I was made aware of a learning disability recently, and though it’s been around for a very long time it goes undetected in the lives of many students in our nation’s schools. Several months ago I received a letter from Paul J. Fleming, PE, who lives in Marion, Ill., and is a regular reader of my column. Here is what Paul had to say, “As a retired civil engineer, émigré to Southern Illinois, and literacy volunteer, I have tutored one-on-one in a local GED program and have assisted in their classroom for about three years.
"It quickly became apparent to me that many (about 50 percent) of our students have dyslexia. When I asked the GED program staff about materials and training methods with which to help these students, I only received blank stares, so I did my own research.”
In case you do not know, the word “dyslexia” means that words are seen backwards, right to left, instead of the normal left to right. Would you believe that I could not find this word in either of my two dictionaries? This fact alone should tell us something.
Paul goes on to say, “I’ve read several books and purchased training materials on my own, and some of my work has been used in training new literacy volunteers. Some of my students were able to make very significant strides in reading and comprehension and most of them were able to make noticeable improvement. I might add that in discussions with a number of local grade and middle school teachers, I found none of them were familiar with dyslexia, its warning signs, or what to do about it. One middle school teacher of some 30 years' experience told me that she had students who could not read, but that she had never had a dyslexic student.”
Now, granted this is just the experience of one educated person, though not a teacher, who has spent considerable time tutoring students one-on-one, and who is deeply conscientious about helping them acquire reading skills. At the very least, his experience should raise some red flags when it comes to helping students who have difficulty in learning to read.
After I wrote Paul back, he was kind enough to furnish some information regarding dyslexia resource literature, notably: "Overcoming Dyslexia," by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Alfred A. Knopf, 2003; "Teaching Adults with Learning Disabilities," by Dale R. Jordan, Krieger Publishing Co., 1996; and "The Gift of Dyslexia," by Ronald D. Davis, Perigee Books, 1994.
When Dr. Shaywitz was doing research to write “Overcoming Dyslexia,” the results were shocking. About one in five students, boys and girls equally, have some level of learning disability — ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and all similar conditions are all related. There is also considerable information just by going to Google and typing in the word “Dyslexia.” As a teacher or a parent dealing with reading problems, you may want to check this out.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 607 - HAVE WE BECOME AN "UNINSPIRED" PEOPLE?

No 607

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE WE BECOME AN “UNINSPIRED” PEOPLE?

Several weeks ago I received an e-mail from Donald Tremblay, who is in the public relations department of Seton Hall Law School in South Orange, N.J. He wrote to tell me about a fantastic lady he thought would make a great column and who is making a difference in the lives of many people.
After reading about her, and a portion of a keynote speech she made during the New Jersey Small Business Administration 2006 Professionalism Awards ceremony, I completely agree. Her name is Paula Franzese and she is a law professor at Seton Hall Law School, a married mother of two children, chair of the New Jersey State Ethics Commission and is working on a book titled “Smart Snow,” which is about snow flakes that know where to fall.
These facts alone would not be enough to cause me to want to write about her, but here is a piece of information that did the trick and and is the main reason I wanted to share a bit of her work with you. Paula teaches a course, on her own time, at St. Catherine’s School in Cedar Grove, N.J., called "Civics, Character and Leadership." It is made up of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, and one of the course assignments is to create a fictitious corporation that is rooted in best practices and business ethics. She is an academic who is greatly disturbed by the cynicism infecting our nation.
Here is a portion of that keynote speech that I mentioned earlier that will give you some insight into her teaching philosophy and her passionate desire to motivate young people to be and become the very best they can be. After reading the following essay I said to myself, “God knows, we need thousands of teachers like her in the halls of academia all across the nation."
It begins: “We have become an uninspired people. Yet, to paraphrase Gandhi, we can be the inspiration that we want to see in the world. We inspire when we give people hope. We inspire when we are less concerned with our importance, and more concerned with our significance.
"Can we make real the promise of renewed optimism? I answer with a resounding yes. No matter how seemingly humble or modest our circumstances, we each have the capacity to do the work of the angels on earth and to close the gap between what is and what ought to be. Cynicism, wrote Phillip Van Munching, is a belief in nothing. He added that it takes courage to believe in things, because sometimes things will disappoint us and sometimes people will break our hearts. But we have to be willing to take that chance. If not us, then who?
"I tell my children all the time, we are who and what we choose to love, and not who or what loves us. True love looks for ways to make people’s lives better. And love is a choice. People can be mean and irresponsible. But getting stuck in judgment and resentment robs us of our power. It puts us at the mercy of another’s incivility. It diminishes us to the extent that we choose to respond in kind. Martin Luther King Jr. made plain, 'We have no morally persuasive authority with someone who can feel our underlying contempt.' We persuade only when we stay anchored in our integrity, our grace, our class, our kindness, our dignity, and our compassion, no matter the temptation to do otherwise.”
There is more that I do not have room to share, but she closes by telling about a trip her family made to Boston and they met The Oracle, a street performer who, for a dollar, will dispense your fortune. He caught her eye and called her over. She dutifully gave him her dollar and he handed her a scroll. Just at that moment, the sun emerged from an otherwise gloomy sky. She opened the scroll and on it was this message, “Kind Words Conquer.” My question to you is this. Have we really become an uninspired people?
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 608 - HOW TO "LAUNCH" OUR DAY

No 608

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO “LAUNCH” OUR DAY

As I have said before, one of the greatest things about writing this weekly column is the fantastic people that I have the privilege of meeting, through letters, phone calls, e-mails and occasionally even in person.
Just this past week I got a letter from a gentleman who lives in Kentucky and who is the second vice president of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II. He was so kind and was responding to a column about family values. He was also praising his wife, due to the fact that he had to be gone from home for months at a time and she raised their seven children in the right way. He said, “She taught them Godly values at home – I praise her for that.” Bob, to be sure, it does make a difference.
Over the past few years, I have gotten to know another gentleman by the name of Jerry Martino Morris, who I really respect. He lives in El Dorado, Ark., and reads my column in the El Dorado News Times. We have had a number of conversations about important topics, but something he wrote in a letter a while back is worth passing along to you. In all of my reading and research, I have never run across anything like what Jerry shared with me, and I believe you will find it helpful and interesting as well.
He begins: “When I was in the 12th grade, back in the early '60s, my Dad, then editor of the Daily Times, Salisbury, Maryland, was also the Associated Press photographer for the NASA launch facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. He took me down for a few launch attempts of a 75-foot, solid-fueled Blue Scout Rocket, whose mission was to test ablation materials to be used on the Apollo capsules later that decade. Ablation materials are those which burn off, thus cooling the capsule when it re-enters the atmosphere. Because the weather conditions near Bermuda were not suitable to permit spectrograph filming, the vehicle sat on the launch pad and was dubbed 'The Monument.'
"One night, everything was in place. One of the final things the launch crew did was to bring the rocket to 'Attitude,' measured in the number of degrees from the horizon. This act 'aimed' the rocket and set its trajectory, height it would reach, re-entry angle, and other factors on how it would behave during flight. Mr. Davidson, it took me over 30 years to catch on to the implications of that act. But more and more I am realizing the need for God to bring me to attitude each day before he launches me into the day. Saying Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) is part of the answer, but it is not complete.
"In his Lead The Field program, Earl Nightingale talks about sitting down with a legal pad to seek answers for the situations we face or the goals we wish to accomplish. I believe this is a vital part of bringing us to attitude. We are listening for God’s thoughts here. Though many of the ideas might be from us, God’s gems are there for us to discover and put to work. Jesus Christ will guide us in all this, including putting the ideas to work. According to Luke 14:28-33, Jesus advises us to rationally sit down to address our problems and then to count the costs.
"Many of us, including myself, do not calm ourselves down where we can examine what we face. We emotionally keep running around in circles, futilely trying what has been proved to be ineffective. With His help, we need to calm and open ourselves to the wisdom of the creator of all to learn how to best handle what challenges are facing us.”
After reading this, I have concluded that Jerry Martino Morris has hit the nail on the head.
It is one of the best analogies that I have ever heard or read to get our days started off on the right foot. Really, all any of us need to do before heading out for the day is pause, come to attitude, count the costs and use the talents and abilities that God has given us.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 609 - A STORY OF TWO WORLDS

No 609

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A STORY OF TWO WORLDS

How long has it been since you got down on your knees and thanked the Lord for your freedom? Freedom is not free, and if you are an American you should know that hundreds of thousands of brave men and women lost their lives over the past 200 years to insure that you and I could breathe the free air we all enjoy.
Freedom is something I believe most Americans take for granted. Something else I believe most of us take for granted is the economic opportunity we all have when we get out of bed each day. This is made possible because “we the people” have a system of self-government that allows and encourages capitalism characterized by bountiful land, water, raw materials, production facilities, transportation, sales and profits.
Now contrast this, please, with people who wake up each day in La Estancia, Mexico, where there is no running water, no modern conveniences, no paved roads, no doctors or hospitals and the per capita income is less than $50 per week. That’s not $50 per hour or $50 per day, but $50 per week, when there is work. The wages of most days are simply bartered for something to eat. Several weeks ago I was brought face to face with the plight and reality of these poor people by a dear friend of mine by the name of Luis Ortega Jr., who lives here in Conway.
Luis was born in La Estancia as the oldest of four children, under a covered shed that looks no better than those of the strawberry fields of North Central Arkansas. If you will come, I would like to take you on a brief journey that I am calling, “A story of two worlds,” one where Luis was born and spent the first seven years of his life, and the one where he lives now.
Luis was the oldest of four boys, and when he was 5 his father, Luis Ortega Sr., abandoned his family and moved to Houston, Texas. After a couple of years he wanted his wife and the two youngest children to move to Texas to be with him. This would have meant that Luis would have been left behind. However, his mother said, “No, either we all come or none of us will come at all.”
They all went and Luis would spend the next 12 years of his life in Houston. In his earlier life, Luis’ father was an alcoholic and a drug addict, but miraculously his life was changed when he came to know Jesus, and he is now the pastor of a Hispanic church in Dallas. When he was 19, Luis came to Central Baptist College in Conway, married a precious girl by the name of Lisa and is now employed by Lifeword Broadcast Ministries.
Luis has become a dear friend and he is brilliant, not because he chose me to be a friend, but because he is the speaker for Hispanic Missionary Radio for all of Latin, Central and South America. He is also a computer whiz and a Web site developer and is in line to be president of our local Lions Club. What I am saying is really a testimony to freedom and the value of education. Luis came from dire poverty and, when given the freedom and the opportunity, he made the most of it. He has developed countless Web sites, and if you have an interest, check out a couple of these and I believe you will agree with my assessment: www.conwaynoonlions.org and www.conwaypd.org.
Several months ago, Luis and a team of medical missionaries traveled back to his home village to provide much-needed medical attention for these impoverished people. During his trip Luis made countless photos. He shared them with our club recently, and it was really an eye opener for me. When a country has no “middle class” and a government that is corrupt and does not work to create an environment where its citizens can succeed, you have dire poverty. This is one of the major problems in Mexico, filthy rich or dirt poor, and this does not make for a high standard of living, except for the few who are filthy rich.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 604 - AN ODE TO AMERICA

No 604

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN ODE TO AMERICA

In my closet there hangs a heavy, black leather jacket. I mean real heavy, the kind you only put on when it is bitterly cold. This jacket was given to me as a gift by the family of the late Dowell Maxey soon after he passed away a few years ago. Dowell was a good friend and a fellow Lion. Because of our relationship, his family wanted me to have his jacket. They had asked me to say a few words at his funeral, and I was honored to do so. I didn’t feel worthy to accept this special gift, but I knew it was important to them, and to be honest, I had never owned a jacket of this quality before in my life.
Lion Dowell was a wonderful gentleman, loved by all and a true patriot. While rummaging through my files the other day I ran across an e-mail from Dowell that was dated Oct. 3, 2001. This was only three weeks after the terrorists had struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and there was a somber yet resolute mood that swept across our nation. We had been attacked, and we knew that we had to come together as a people. What soon followed was the greatest display of patriotism and resolve that I have ever seen during my lifetime. In spite of our differences, at this point we were all Americans.
What the late Dowell Maxey had sent me was an editorial that appeared in a newspaper in Romania. It is titled, “An Ode to America,” and as you read it I believe it will bring back memories of that awful tragedy that united us as perhaps nothing else could.
It begins: “Why are Americans so united? They don’t resemble one another even if you paint them! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations. Some of them are nearly extinct, others are incompatible with one another and in matters of religious beliefs, and not even God can count how many they are.
"Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, the secret services that they were only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed on the streets to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised the flag on the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag.
"They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a minister or the president was passing. On every occasion they started singing their traditional song: 'God Bless America.' Silent as a rock, I watched the charity concert broadcast on Saturday twice, three times, on different TV channels. There was Clint Eastwood, Willie Nelson, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, Cassius Clay, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Sylvester Stalone, James Wood, and many others whom no film or producers could ever bring together.
"The Americans' solidarity spirit turned them into a choir. I don’t know how it happened that all this obsessive singing of America didn’t sound croaky, nationalist, or ostentatious! It made you green with envy because you weren’t able to sing for your country without running the risk of being considered chauvinist, ridiculous, or suspected of who-knows-what mean interests. … Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes.
"What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases which risk of sounding like commonplaces. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion. Only freedom can work such miracles.”
While tragic things are happening in the world today, we all need to be reminded that freedom is never free.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 603 - DON'T FLOSS YOUR FALSE TEETH

No 603

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T FLOSS YOUR FALSE TEETH

One time an elderly couple went into a fast-food diner and took a seat in a booth near a window. The gentleman went over to the counter, ordered a hamburger and returned to the booth. A lady who was sitting nearby began to observe this elderly couple, and they were sharing the one hamburger. She also began to realize something else. You see, they only had one set of false teeth, and they were sharing those as well.
As the kids would say, “That’s gross," but it sure makes a good point. The point is: If we are going to have our original teeth when we get older, we have to take care of them when we are young. I will confess that I have not taken really good care of my teeth, and have lost some of them as a result. Like most people, I hate to floss and have paid the price for not doing it. The title for this column came to mind as I thought about this, “Don’t floss your false teeth” because it’s a little late then.
There is another consideration here. Data reveals there is a link between how clean teeth and gums are and overall health. There are many ways to clean one’s teeth — some better than others. Over the years we have developed a lot of great technology in different areas, and I was made aware of a new appliance called Dental Air Force that may help a lot of people maintain their teeth, even if they don’t like to floss.
According to a press release from this company, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reports that 80 percent of all adults have some degree of periodontal disease. The cause of this pervasive disease stems from plaque-producing bacteria found in the mouth. The excrement from these anaerobic (lives without air) bacteria provides a furry feeling on teeth upon awakening. The acidic bio-film forms a sticky hydrophobic (water resistant) shield around the tooth, called plaque.
Water alone (oral irrigating or swishing) cannot penetrate this grease barrier to remove plaque. In addition, gums act like a gasket around the tooth, further preventing air or water to reach the bacteria around the gum line, making cleaning especially difficult. The presence of restorations, crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, wisdom teeth, implants, periodontal disease, or not flossing, will sustain dangerous levels of bacteria even after brushing.
To reduce the plaque-producing bacteria population in the mouth, one must break through the sticky shield with an abrasive, aerate the site and neutralize the acid. Normal home cleaning methods, like brushing and flossing, have a difficult time accessing the sites between the teeth and doing this where the anaerobic bacteria thrive. The recently developed home appliance that I mentioned earlier, Dental Air Force, uses air, water and a dental cleaner to accomplish what tooth brushing and flossing cannot do.
The dental cleaner formula contains sodium bicarbonate, a natural cleaning agent, to promote a neutral environment. When used with hydrogen peroxide, the system will additionally aerate the environment and whiten teeth similar to professional bleaching. Studies show that Dental Air Force removes 62 percent more plaque between teeth than the leading power toothbrush. Most people brush their teeth, but only 5 percent of the population flosses their teeth, even though the American Dental Society recommends daily flossing.
The founder and inventor of Dental Air Force, Dr. P. Piero states: “What we want to do is provide a tool to use in the home that will provide a more thorough cleaning and change the environment in the mouth to insure the lowest plaque-count possible.” This product is FDA approved. For more information about this product, visit www.dentalairforce.com or call 616-399-8511.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 610 - RICH AND DEBT FREE BY FIFTY OR SIXTY

No 610

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

RICH AND DEBT FREE BY FIFTY OR SIXTY

Would you like to be rich and debt free by 50 or 60? This is highly possible, assuming you still have a few years to go before you get there. For folks like me who are pushing the top out of 70, we won’t make it. However, it’s all a matter of how we define rich and what our needs and priorities happen to be.
If you are like I am, these change with the passing of time. While I don’t have a lot of money in the bank, I am one rich dude when it comes to the love of family and friends and living in the greatest nation in the world.
For me, that’s being rich, but I know there are millions of people in our prosperous nation who are hurting when it comes to their finances. Here is a good example. A few weeks ago I heard that 40 percent of all new home loans Are made with no money down. You can see that picture without closing your eyes. First, there is the person or family who want to live in a new or different home, but have not been able to save any money for a down payment. In reality, all these people are doing is paying rent, and when they have a financial crisis and they can’t make the payment, they just move. But where will they move? Of course, the lender is the one holding the bag. They now have a house, or even dozens or hundreds of houses they don’t need, when interest rates rise and they have to foreclose.
These thoughts came to mind as a way to introduce you to a new book written by Bob Owens titled, “Rich & Debt Free by 50 or 60.” Bob is originally from Connecticut, but now lives in Mountain Home, Ark., where he reads my column in the Baxter Bulletin. He called me several months ago when he was writing his book and asked if I would be willing to read his manuscript and make some comments on it.
During our conversation I told him that I would be willing to do that, but would not endorse anything that I considered to be a “Get Rich Quick” scheme and was not based on Godly values. There are countless books like this on the market and I want no part of them. Bob assured me that this was not the case, and so began a relationship that is healthy and directed to helping people all across our nation who are hurting financially. I Just wish I had been privileged to read this book years ago when I had more productive time.
Bob’s book has now been published and contains 64 pages of large type, which makes it easy and short reading. I’m not concerned about the small number of pages, because some of the best books ever written have only a few pages but they are packed full of real nuggets of truth, ideas and solid information. Here is the purpose of this book as printed on the back cover: “This book was written for the nearly 80 percent of Americans that tend to be struggling paycheck to paycheck and month after month just to make ends meet. You know there has to be a better way and fortunately there is. This book should help you find it and achieve it, for yourself and your loved ones.”
Bob’s plan for financial success is broken down into seven simple steps. These seven steps will give you insights as to what is in the book, and I might add that it is chock full of charts, tables and graphs to help you see these steps visually. Step one: Save part of everything you earn. Step two: Spend less than you earn. Step three: Pay off your credit cards. Step four: Pay off your car, SUV, mini-van, or pickup. Step five: Pay off your home. Step six: Work with a good company. Step seven: Earn income that will pay you month after month and year after year.
The final chapter is directed toward helping us become a more balanced human being in the Spiritual, Social, Physical, Mental and Financial areas of our lives. As always, I don’t earn a penny from sales of this book.
Order from Amazon.com or Bob Owens Sales Co. P.O. Box 2323, Mountain Home, Ark. 72654 and the cost is $14.50 including S&H.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”

No. 599 - THE LEGACY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY

No 599

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LEGACY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY

It’s often been said that we should never forget our roots. This can be said of a person, a family, a business or an organization. To say it another way, when a person, a family, a business or an organization works hard and achieves outstanding success, they should never forget where they came from and how they got there.
I’m sad to say that a good example of this in today’s times is the troubling situation at Ford Motor Co. In 2006, Ford lost $12.7 billion, was in the process of cutting 45,000 jobs from the company’s 300,000 employees and was closing eight of its 108 plants and facilities worldwide.
Ford is based in Dearborn, Mich., just outside Detroit, and was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated in 1903. It was launched that year in a converted wagon factory with $28,964 in cash from 12 investors. In the early years, the company produced only a few Model As each day, as groups of two or three men worked on each car from components made to order by other companies. In later years Ford introduced methods for large-scale manufacturing of cars and large-scale management of an industrial work force, especially elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences typified by moving assembly lines.
In more recent times, something has gone terribly wrong, and what has happened not only to Ford but to the entire American automobile industry has had a great impact on us. We know that foreign competition, especially from Japan, has eroded the American market and it’s a very complex problem. We may be able to see a part of the answer in this modern fable that a friend sent me the other day.
It goes: “It seems a Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
“On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile. The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was that the Japanese had eight people rowing and one person steering, while the American team had eight people steering and one person rowing. So American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.
“They advised that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing. To prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team’s management structure was totally reorganized to four steering supervisors, three area steering superintendents and one assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the one person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the ‘Rowing Team Quality First Program’, with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower.
“There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The next year the Japanese won by two miles. Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the senior executives as bonuses and the next year’s racing team was outsourced to India.”
From my heart, it gives me no joy to share things of this nature, because the demise of Ford, and to some degree GM and
Chrysler, adversely affects so many American families. Hopefully we can all learn from our past mistakes and take time to remember our roots in every area of American life. There is no substitute for quality.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 611 - OUR NATION'S RISING CRIME PROBLEM

No 611

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION’S RISING CRIME PROBLEM

It has been said that into every life a little rain must fall. Not will fall, but must fall. There is nothing I enjoy more than a good clean laugh and sharing stories, ideas and concepts with you that are informative, motivating and inspirational. We all need a liberal dose of that. At least, I know I do. There are times, however, when we need to hear the plain, unadulterated and often painful truth, and any columnist worth his or her salt who is not willing to also share that with you is doing you a disservice.
The bottom line here is that our nation is experiencing a rising crime problem, and every law-abiding citizen in our country needs to work to combat and do something about it. If we don’t do something about it, we are going to leave our children and grandchildren a bigger mess than we have now. We know that the murder rate in the United States increased more than 10 percent this past year and it’s not just murder that we have to curb, but also lesser crimes like armed robbery, theft and vandalism that costs us billions of dollars each year.
Here in our community we are seeing rising crime as well. Our local paper carried a headline recently that read, “Business break-ins mount over weekend” and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The thing that has motivated me to share this with you is a true story a friend sent me about a crime that was committed in Memphis, Tenn., recently. This story was carried by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. What is unusual about this story is that it was committed by a woman, which is not too unusual, but this woman was carrying a baby, who was used to disarm the victim.
Here is a portion of what this article said, “One of my oldest dearest girl friends Heather in Memphis was carjacked and shot Monday night. She is in stable condition and doing fine after surgery Monday night, lucky to be alive. Please let this be a lesson to be wary of random crime. She offered a young woman and her baby, in a car seat, a ride outside a Walgreens near her house. This woman wanted to go up the street to the library. After getting in the back seat with her baby, she told her to drive to an ATM, now with a gun in her side.
"Heather drove several blocks and had the feeling that she was going to shoot her anyway, so at a busy intersection, she threw it in park and jumped out the door to run. The woman shot her in the back, which went through and exploded through her chest. Heather ran into the street bleeding as the young woman jumped in the front seat and sped away, hitting other cars in the intersection trying to get away. A passerby got to Heather and held pressure on spewing blood; she lost half of her blood on the street waiting on the ambulance as she heard her car speeding away.
The 20-year-old attacker was pursued by other alert motorists who were calling 911. The now-panicked woman sped a few blocks and wrecked the car into a house, upside down, left the baby, the gun and Heather’s purse, and ran. The police showed up and arrested her. It turns out the attacker had done the same thing the day before, holding a gun to the head of an old lady and stole her purse before jumping out and running. She had been spotted hanging around the Walgreens hours before Heather was there."
There are at least two important lessons here — The sad story of a young woman whose life has gone terribly wrong and the Good Samaritan who had stopped to help Heather when she needed help, otherwise she would have bled to death. The saddest thing for me is that someone reared this young woman and failed to teach her anything about character, compassion and earning an honest living. I just wonder what kind of person her baby will turn out to be.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 613 - A SPECIAL KIND OF FOOT-SOLDIER

No 613

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A SPECIAL KIND OF FOOT-SOLDIER

In 1973, soon after the Vietnam War, Congress enacted legislation doing away with the military draft. They replaced the draft with something called the AVA, which means an All Volunteer Army. This legislation or policy is still in existence today because we have enough young men and women, sometimes with healthy incentives, who volunteer to maintain troop levels for our nation’s defense. What I am going to say next is not meant to be a comparison or derogatory in any way between the different branches of the service and their value to our country, but rather as an example for my purpose in what I want to share with you.
While all branches of military service are important, the Army is especially so because these are the folks who fight on the ground. If you will check out any war, any place, any time, you will find that the taking of real estate is what determines success or failure, victory or defeat. That’s what is happing in Iraq today. Sometimes it’s called house-to-house, but the taking and holding of real estate is what it’s all about. Now, please let me change gears, because I just wanted to use this military example to establish the parameter for what I want to present to you, something I would like to ask you to think seriously about.
While we are fighting a war against terrorism in distant lands, and here, too, there is another war taking place that we must win if our nation is to survive. What I am talking about is the war against ignorance. Really, this is our greatest enemy, the enemy within. This past year we had more than one million students who should have but did not graduate from our nation’s schools. There are millions of others who did graduate but cannot read or write at least well enough to succeed in our highly technological society.
Illiteracy is really the culprit when it comes to our nation’s rising crime rate, illegal drugs and gangs of young people who are failing in life.
While it’s certainly long-term and will take a lot of hard work, we started something here in Conway in 2005 that holds great promise for preparing children in low-income families to succeed and make a contribution to our nation’s future. It should be noted that many of these parents do not have all the resources necessary for their children to succeed. I’ve talked about it several times before, and the project is called “A Bookcase for Every Child.” This is an effort carried out by all volunteers and using no tax money or government grants, to reach small children -- ages 3, 4 and 5 in low-income families -- with the message of literacy and education.
We have people here, and now spreading to other communities, who have contributed “gently used” children’s books, built quality oak bookcases, and helped to purchase the wood and materials to build the bookcases. This is the only cost with our entire project. There is one other phase of our project that is perhaps more important than any other. This is where we have volunteers go to our Head Start Centers each week and read to these children, and they have benefited as well as the children. These are the people I like to call “A Special Kind of Foot-Soldier.” Now, you see why my early reference to the military helps to set the stage, because I want to tell you why I think these people are not only important, but crucial, to our nation’s future.
The key person in this effort is someone we call the “Reading Coordinator,” and we have a lady here in Conway who is doing a fantastic job. Her name is Peggy McKaskle. You may rest assured that Peggy has a heart for children and a heart for literacy, but one thing that makes her so effective is she grew up here and knows most of the people in the community. At the very least she knows those people who are the “pillars” and will do most any task necessary to have a better place to work and rear our families.
I was amazed when I learned all the different people she has reading to our children. I won’t dare call names because I would miss some, and if you read my column in another town or state you would not know them anyway. However, it is important to note that she has had some of the most prominent and successful people in our community take time to read to these children, and that’s what it takes to be successful. Here is the bottom line: Many of the children we work with come from single-parent homes, and many do not have the kind of family and parental support to have a good chance to succeed in life.
In short, what most of these children need is love and to be taught character values that will be the underpinning for a long, happy and successful life. These days, I am learning more about gangs, and the one thing that always comes to light for gang members is that they did not have love in their homes and they turned to a gang as their family who would love them. For the sake of our nation and our children, this is a war that we must win.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 614 - DON'T EMBARRASS YOUR CHILDREN

No. 614

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T EMBARRASS YOUR CHILDREN

Would you believe that literally untold thousands of parents in America today are embarrassing their children to tears, in most cases, without even being aware of it? This is true, but fortunately there is something we, or rather they, can do about it. All it requires is a little behavior modification, which may not be easy but will be well worth the effort.
What I am talking about is the passion our nation has for sports, which is now a year-round affair, and parents who get too emotionally involved in their children’s games and “show out” to the point it becomes highly embarrassing to their own children. If you have this problem, even borderline, please read on, because I have some thoughts to share that may be helpful.
In Arkansas we have a state treasure in the person of Dr. Betty Lowe, a pediatrician, past medical director of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock and professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She writes a column titled “Ask Dr. Lowe” that is sent to me as a press release from Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The reason I share this with you is because I want you to know that what I am going to say is not just something off the top of my head, but shared by a person who has spent years in education, training and practice with children as her lifelong calling.
If you are a parent and have children or grandchildren involved in sports, please put yourself in the picture. A mother has a 12-year-old son who is playing Little League baseball and his father is extremely proud of him. She writes, “My husband gets so involved during the game that he sometimes yells and screams at the opposing team and occasionally gets angry and makes comments to the umpires and coaches. I’ve urged him to try to control himself more, because he embarrasses our son. I want my husband to be involved, but he just gets carried away. Can you offer any advice?”
As a parent or grandparent who is involved in your child’s sports, does this sound like anyone you know? The point that should not be overlooked here is that when adults get too emotionally involved, it becomes very embarrassing and it hurts the child because they have to be around and interact with the other children. Often they have to endure the stares that come when this takes place. Most parents would never do this intentionally, but they just get so carried away they don’t even realize what they are doing and the damage it causes.
Sports can offer many positive life lessons and experiences for children, especially when it comes to exercise in these days of high childhood obesity. In addition to this, sports teach teamwork, emphasize the principle of trying your best and improving with practice, and focus on how to win or lose with grace. Although all sports are competitive, three major reasons children, particularly pre-teens, indulge in sports are: 1. Sports are fun. 2. Children enjoy learning skills and improving. 3. Winning is rewarding and builds confidence.
Parents can taint these valuable lessons or enjoyable activities when they become unruly, negative or abusive. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Positive Coaching Alliance offer several suggestions to help parents act more sportsmanlike at their child’s activities. Here are some of these: 1. Tell your child that you are proud of him and will be pleased no matter how well he or his team plays. 2. Don’t give instructions during the game; that’s the coach’s job. 3. Cheer good plays by both teams. 4. Talk about good calls by the officials. If there’s a bad call, bite your tongue.
5. Rather than acting in the heat of the moment, consider that your excitement or anger may lead you to do something that will embarrass you and your child and his team. 6. Have fun and enjoy the game. 7. Thank officials and coaches. 8. Don’t give advice. Ask your child what he thought about the game and then listen.
For most children, sports can be a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Generally speaking, children who are involved in sports do better in school, have enhanced self-esteem, are better adjusted socially and experience less depression.
Parents must realize they cannot participate in sports through their child, but should relax and enjoy the activity and the obvious enthusiasm the child gets out of participating in sports. If your son or daughter is involved in sports at any level, why not clip out this column and place it on your refrigerator as a constant reminder to be a supportive parent, and to never ever embarrass your child by your behavior.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 615 - THE HAZARDS OF SENIOR DATING

No. 615

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HAZARDS OF SENIOR DATING

Years ago when someone first made the comment, “we are all different,” they made the understatement of the century. If there is one thing that characterizes human beings, it’s that we are each unique, as there is no other human being who ever lived who is just like you or me. What I have just shared is meant more or less as a disclaimer because of a topic that I want to share today: the hazards of senior dating. While there are some people who never marry, most do, and usually one spouse will live longer than the other. At this point we refer to these individuals as a widower or a widow. After several months have passed, depending on their age, a good percentage of these people will begin to date, and an even lesser percentage will marry again.
It should also be noted that a lot of these seniors never date, which is a personal choice. My wife has a beautiful sister in this category. Several years ago her husband passed away, and while in her mid-70s, still doesn’t date, and I don’t suspect it will change. She is in good health and has been invited out by numerous men. Up to this point, she always declines, being content with her church work and taking care of her grandkids. Now, I have said these things because I don’t want you to think that I am being disrespectful. However, there are a lot of men and women in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s who do date, and today I want to tell you about a good friend of mine and a fantastic guy by the name of J C Noggle.
J C, and he always tells me it’s without the periods, is a widower in his 80s, comfortable, has a doctoral degree and loves to take the ladies out. J C is in our Lions Club, and one day when I was out of town on a speaking engagement he told our club about an experience he had with a garage door opener. They said it was so funny that it brought the house down. I’m sorry I missed it. Later, J C recalled this story for me in an e-mail and, because of his good nature, he embellished it a bit. You are the judge, but I believe you will really enjoy his story, especially if you have had a similar experience in your own life.
He begins, “While riding my lawn mower around my plantation in Vilonia, I have been thinking about the significance of the garage door opener, other than its use to open the garage door. Remember the latch-string? It is a cord attached to a latch and often passed through a hole in the door to allow lifting of the latch from the outside.” In earlier times, there were no locks on the doors and a latch string was installed on the outside doors. At night, you would pull the latch-string into the house and no one could open the door from the outside. But during the day when someone was welcome to enter your home, you put the string through the hole to the outside and they could pull the string, thereby unlatching the door and letting themselves in without you having to stop what you were doing to answer the door.
Later locks were installed that required a key to open the door. With the increase of wives working outside the home, children often came home from school to an empty house. They were given a key to enter and are referred to as “latchkey-kids.” Now extend this to “senior dating” during modern times. After a few “dates,” the lady feels comfortable with the man and, in order to not have to stop what she is doing when he arrives, she gives him one of her spare garage door openers so he can enter the house without ringing the door bell. (Of course it is arranged previously as to the time he will be there.) Now after a period of time, the lady decides that the guy is a dud and would like to terminate the relationship.
If they were both young, she would write him a “Dear John” letter, but now she is a senior citizen so she just says, “Return my garage door opener and hit the road buster.”
Well, I won’t call names, but this actually happened to my friend J C Noggle, so you can see why his telling it brought the house down. This is just one of many hazards of senior dating.
He told me about another one that I would never have thought about in a million years. It seems if you are dating someone and love to talk on the phone you have “free mobile to mobile” if you both own cell phones and have the same wireless company. You can then talk all day, if you want to, without it counting against your minutes. Well, J C went to a wireless company to check this out and found this was indeed the case, but it would cost an extra $10 per month. J C said, “What if we break up? Can I go back down to the original rate?” Apparently, the answer is no, you just have to live with the deal you made when times were better in your relationship. This is yet another one of those hazards of senior dating.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 616 - WE SHOULD NOT BE MEAN-SPIRITED

No 616

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE SHOULD NOT BE MEAN-SPIRITED!

When I thought about what I wanted to share with you today, I was reminded of a story told by the late Bob Murphy several years ago. In addition to being one of our nation’s great humor speakers, he was also a lawyer. Bob told about this defendant at a pre-trial hearing when she was asked by her lawyer if she knew the opposing lawyer. She said, “Yes, I know him. He’s a crook.” Her lawyer paused for a moment because, as Bob said, “He was happy to get his adversary identified for everybody.” Her lawyer continues by saying, “In all fairness, I will have to ask you if you know me. She says, “Yes, you’re a crook, too.” At this point, the judge bangs his gavel and says, “Order, let’s have order. I would like to have both lawyers approach the bench.” The judge then leans over where no one else could hear him and says, “If either one of you lawyers ask that woman if she knows me, I’m going to hold you in contempt of court.”
For my purpose today I would like to focus on the word “adversary” for just a moment. According to the dictionary, this word means, “One actively hostile to another; an opponent; enemy.” Whether you believe it or not, we all have an adversary in the world today. He is called Satan. Satan is a fallen angel. While he was called Lucifer in Heaven, he is now called Satan or the Devil. The Bible says in I Peter 5:8, “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” While doing research for this column, I also learned a little more about the Church of Satan. Certainly I did not spend any time on their Web site, but I do think it’s important that we know our enemy or who we are facing.
As we look back over the pages of history, there have been many people I would call demon-possessed. These are the people who just had to be possessed with an evil spirit to do the things they did to other human beings. The names of Adolph Hitler and Charles Manson were the first two that came to my mind. You could probably add a lot of other people to this list. One thing for sure, Satan or the Devil uses other people to do his work. When we see people fall into the occult, Satan worship, animal sacrifice and doing things to other human beings that defies belief, we really need to be on guard against these influences.
These are the kinds of things that most people don’t think much about unless they are involved in a study on this topic, but as I said, it’s important that we know they exist and are in the world today. While it’s probably the mildest form of Satanism, there are millions of people who are around us each day who are mean-spirited. Most of these people are good people who have suffered real or imagined injustices to the point they have become bitter and are mad at the world and everyone around them. Years ago, I was riding in a car with the late Earl Nightingale, and he said something that really made me mad. Quoting someone else he said, “No one ever falls ill, save idle passersby secretly hope he dies.”
When this thought or saying is placed in context, it may be true. Earl was not talking about family or other loved ones, but rather the people who just knew about these individuals and had no emotional attachment. That is what the term idle passersby is meant to convey. I truly believe that it is worthwhile to consider this thought. We should not be mean-spirited, such as wishing some other person bad luck, tragedy, ill fortune or even death, and most especially when these people are still young and in good health. I share this last thought with the people in mind who are terminal, in bad health and terribly old, and for them to die a natural death would be a blessing.
While none of us likes to admit it, if we should ever find ourselves being mean-spirited, we should first recognize the source and realize that Satan is sifting us like wheat. The great law of cause and effect comes into play here. In life, we all, sooner or later, get back what we first give. When we take care of the causes, the effects will always take care of themselves. Because of this great law we can tell our own fortune, and not just in money. When we want more, all we have to do is give more and we can’t be effective in doing that if we are mean-spirited.
Here is something that really puts what I am saying in context: “Dear Lord. So far today I have done all right. I haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I am really glad about that. But Lord, in a few minutes I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I am really going to need your help.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 617 - WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD

No. 617

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD

If you have ever driven in a large city for the first time and made a wrong turn into what appeared to be a real rough neighborhood, what were your first thoughts? Were you scared, at least to some degree? While there are many exceptions, this is true for most people because of the fear of gangs or those who would rob or harm them in some way. This is a sad reality in today’s times, and more and more it’s not just the large cities, but even medium-size and smaller communities in some cases. Today it is estimated that more than 5,000 gangs prowl the streets of America, and murder is the second leading cause of death for youth 14 to 17 years of age. A bullet cuts down an American child every 92 minutes and one of three children in America will be the victim of a drive-by shooting.
Over the past few months I have gotten to know a fantastic human being by the name of Steve Nawojczyk (Nuh VOY check), who is working hard to change this. In 1987, Steve was elected coroner of Pulaski County, where Little Rock, our state capital, is located. He retired from this position in 1994 because of the death of a young person that so emotionally impacted him he could no longer continue. During the mid-1990s, a gang war took place in Little Rock, and one year there were 110 deaths, mostly at the hands of rival gang members. This particular year there were more gang-related deaths, per capita, in Little Rock than in the cities of Los Angeles and New York City.
After his retirement, Steve embarked on a mission to study gang activity, why a young person would join a gang and what could be done to prevent it. Because of his background and earlier experience, who better to understand the devastating problems of gangs than a former coroner? In a short period of time, Steve became a national authority on gangs and has made presentations in more than 40 different states. He was the subject of an HBO documentary titled “Gang War: Bangin’ in Little Rock,” a part of the America Undercover series that cast him into the national spotlight and made more people aware of his unique qualifications. As a result, more and more states, communities and agencies wanted to hear his ideas because he is a great resource person.
During these years Steve has produced a number of DVDs that graphically tell the story of gangs and their activities. After I viewed four different DVDs, I came to the conclusion that this man has tremendous courage. He has the ability to win the confidence of gang members who would allow him to come “inside” and who would tell him their story and why they joined a gang. Steve would literally go places and talk with these wayward young people, at times and places where angels would fear to tread. It was heart wrenching to hear what these young people had to say about their lives as a gang member.
A couple of things stood out for me. First, mainly because of their family situation, gang members have no hope that life will ever be any better for them. In most cases, gang members said they did not feel love from their parents or those who should have been there to help them. The gang literally has become their family, and it’s a life-long proposition, which is the main reason it’s so difficult for a young person to leave a gang. For more, visit his Web site at www.gangwar.com Steve would later become a special assistant to the mayor of North Little Rock to head up their Youth Services Division. I got to know him after writing a letter to the mayor to tell him about our “Bookcase for Every Child” project that we started in 2005 here in Conway.
We were invited to make a presentation at City Hall several months ago, and Steve chaired the meeting. Also attending were several department heads. This city of 60,000 people, sister city of our state’s capital, has a gang problem, and Steve and his fellow department heads immediately recognized the value of what we were doing with children 3, 4 and 5 years of age in low-income families. They immediately got on board and are now making plans to have a great “Bookcase for Every Child” project in the city of North Little Rock. We will still use our guiding principles of using all volunteers and no tax money or government grants.
This is a great approach, because this city with 900 employees will supply some of the resources to get the project organized while still looking to involve community leaders and volunteers from throughout the community. Illiteracy is everyone’s problem and it takes all of us working together to have a more literate population. Steve says, “While working with these 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children, we will be sowing seeds of hope for future generations.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 601 - DR. "DEAN" WAS A GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMAN

No 601

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DR. “DEAN” WAS A GENTLEMAN’S GENTLEMAN

It has been said that a human being is the only creature in all of God’s creation who can carry a message beyond the grave. We have the power to pass along our knowledge to future generations. On the other hand, if a cat or any other creature sits on a hot stove, all he learns is that he will never sit on a hot stove again. That knowledge dies, along with him, right there on the spot. This came to mind soon after attending a memorial service for a wonderful gentleman back on March 29, 2007.
This gentleman, who in my mind shall forever be known as a gentleman’s gentleman, was Dr. Dean William Blackburn, and he lived 102 years and 19 days. He was a fellow Lion, and members of our club were asked to serve as honorary pallbearers for his memorial service. When I attended this service I had no idea that I was going to pay tribute to him by means of this column, but something printed in the funeral bulletin that he wrote when he was 98 years of age inspired me to share it with you. I will share what he wrote in just a bit, but first this brief snapshot of his life.
Dr. Dean, as we called him, was born on March 6, 1905, in Harmony, Ark. He was an educator, having taught at the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville and later at the University of Central Arkansas here in Conway. He loved the soil, and my most vivid memories of him are seeing him in his straw hat out in his garden working away as I passed by his house in my car. What is so unusual about this is that he was well into his 90s when I first had any real contact with him. I joined our local Lions Club back in 1994 and Dr. Dean was already 89 years young by then.
When I thought about this, I did some research and found that Teddy Roosevelt was our president when Dr. Dean was born, and his life would continue into the second term of George W. Bush, a total of 18 different presidents. In retrospect, I did not know him long, and most of my contact was at our Lions Club meetings, but the one thing that stood out for me was that he was always soft spoken and always so kind. In short, this man was a perfect gentleman. He was someone that any of us would do well to pattern our lives after; he was truly a man we could learn from.
I mentioned earlier that there was something printed in the funeral bulletin that I wanted to share with you. It is titled “Lessons Learned in Life” and was written by Dr. Dean on Oct. 23, 2003, when he was 98 years of age. As you read it, I believe you will agree that this is one of those things you will want to clip out and pass along to those you love. It begins: “Eat a wide variety of food, but not too much. Exercise regularly. Get rest and sleep. Drink lots of water. Breathe clean air, and do some deep breathing.
"Get instruction; education. Be fair with others. Take care of teeth – brush, floss, etc. Pay your way. Don’t throw rubbish on the street. Garden, if you have a place and time for it. Do not smoke or drink. Be honest. Encourage private business. Conserve natural resources. Do not hold a grudge against anyone. Join a church. Aim to marry and have a family. Be patient but firm in parenting. Be active in government; vote. Plan to own a home. Care for your home and grounds. Do not be a drug addict.
"Take care of senses — seeing, hearing, feeling, etc. Expect competition. Save for a rainy day. Survival of the fittest. Finally, bear all burdens of life with courage and be thankful for the opportunity.”
Well, there you have it, some lessons learned in life by Dean W. Blackburn, a life that spanned 102 years and 19 days. Dr. Dean did not seem to be a deeply religious man, but during his memorial service I came to realize what that verse in the Bible truly means, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” He was a “doer.”
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 618 - MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME BETTER

No. 618

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME BETTER

For the sake of our children and grandchildren, especially for future generations, I hope you will really tune me in today, because I have some positive thoughts to share with you that could make a real difference.
Right from the top I am talking about the lyrics and music of the rap and hip-hip culture that has been eroding our basic family values that have served our nation well for more than 200 years. This lifestyle and culture was brought to the forefront soon after the 2007 national Women’s Basketball Tournament, when radio broadcaster Don Imus made a very derogatory comment about the Rutgers women’s team. There was such an outcry that it cost him his job, and I might add, rightfully so. While this is a very sad situation, there were some things that came to light that might be the catalyst to help us make some much-needed and overdue changes.
From the very beginning I will confess to you that I am not an expert on rap or hip-hop, but I have read a few of the lyrics and they are disgusting, to put it mildly. If you want to verify this, just go to google.com and type in H. Rap Brown and you will see what I am saying is true. For the uninitiated, hip-hop is a cultural movement that began among urban African-Americans in New York City in the early 1970s and has since spread around the world. Soon after its beginning the natural forces of economics took over and the motive for writing and producing this stuff turned to profit. Thousands of people got rich from producing this trash and are still getting rich. But the Don Imus incident turned the spotlight on them and apparently some effort is being made to clean up the image.
This is certainly not meant as a put-down of the African-American community. What came to light is the fact that millions of educated African-Americans are even more incensed than those of us who are merely spectators. These good people recognize that this culture is demeaning to women and causing great harm to all their people. The most significant thing I heard in all the discussion that followed the Imus incident was made by an African-American columnist with the Kansas City Star who was being interviewed on television. In reference to the whole discussion of Imus, rap and hip-hop he said, “My parents taught me better than that.”
I’m here to tell you, that’s the key, and also the reason our nation became the most powerful, most successful in the history of the world. When you have parents teaching their children family values like honesty, telling the truth, hard work, proper etiquette and language skills, cleanliness, good hygiene and, above all, respect for other people, you have a better family, neighborhood, community, state and country. That’s not hard to understand, but many young people never got this message because their parents never taught them. What we need in America today are more good parents who will teach these values to their children and grandchildren.
One of the things we must do, and our elected officials must help us, is to minimize the negative impact of the movies, television, video games and especially commercials we see that advertise various products and services. In a free country we know how precious our right is to vote, but what many people do not realize is that we actually have two votes. We can vote at the ballot box, but we can also vote with our pocketbook. Many times each week I see major companies who advertise their products and services using the most sleazy, raunchy, crude, sexually explicit and downright disgusting commercials you can imagine.
Whether it’s a fast food restaurant, tire company, automobile company, clothing company, cosmetic company or any other private business, all they care about is the bottom line. To be sure, these commercials do not promote family values. Being from the old school, it’s hard for me to understand why a company would produce a commercial that is going to alienate a good percentage of their prospect base. We have a lot of commercials produced locally that are just great. The truth is you don’t have to resort to sleaze or sexually explicit content to sell products and services.
As a result of this awareness, I started a practice that you may wish to consider. I call it “making mental notes for decency.” When I see a commercial that is highly offensive to me, I just make a mental note of it and, given a choice, I just don’t shop or trade with these folks. If enough of us would do that, before long they would get the message and begin to change. Sometimes it takes a sad story like the Don Imus incident to make us more aware of what has happened to our country. Like that fine columnist from Kansas City, I’m grateful that my parents taught me better. As a postscript, Don Imus went back on the air December 3, 2007. Stay Tuned.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 606 - SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

No 606

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

In the early 1960s, American newspaper editors were becoming very tired of their reporters being kicked out of meetings of elected state, county and city politicians. An example in my home state was the throwing out of reporters when a special legislative committee was meeting on how to buy a big apartment building in Little Rock for senators and legislators to stay there for next to nothing. As a result, a law was passed called the Freedom of Information Act. The bill was signed into law by then-Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller on Feb. 17, 1967.
We now have FOI Acts, under various and sundry names, in every state in the nation, and also a federal FOI statute. This simply means that agencies, committees and boards cannot meet where public money is being spent without the presence of the media. The Arkansas Press Association is the watchman of our state’s FOI, and usually it is able to kill any attempt to change or eliminate the law. Let us hope this continues. Without these laws across the country, secret meetings will again rule the day.
It is within this context that I would like to share some things with you that I think you should know. Of course you may already know everything I am going to share and more, but I believe there are some things that relate to our national security that are not common knowledge among rank-and-file citizens in our country. The information I am going to share is, for the most part, contained in a tremendous book titled “War on the Middle Class” by CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs.
I have just finished reading this book, and I thought I knew a little, but to be honest, I didn’t know the half of it. Lou Dobbs has a tremendous staff at this international news network to do his research that most journalists do not have. One of the questions Lou often poses is this, “Have you ever wondered why it takes two incomes in the family just to get by?” It has not always been this way, because I can remember the time when just one paycheck would pay the bills, with money left over. Of course, our consumer-oriented economy, where we are bombarded with thousands of advertising messages each day, has made a difference in what and how much we buy, especially when we can use a credit card, but a dollar will just not buy what a dollar used to buy.
The end result is that three major factors — the government, big business and special interest groups — have been literally waging war on middle-class Americans. You know, we are those people who built the country, the ones who worked and produced and the ones paying most of the taxes. In a general sense, the “Middle Class” would include those Americans who earn from $50,000 a year to $200,000 a year. That’s just my rough figures, but if you happen to be in the middle class and are getting squeezed, you probably know it.
You just know something is wrong when you hear that over the past 25 years median family income has risen by 18 percent, while the income of the top 1 percent — the very wealthiest families, has gone up by 200 percent. Our government is out of control in its spending practices, with a $9 trillion national debt and growing. The pay of the CEOs of major corporations increased 340 percent from 1992 to 2002, even at times when the corporations were losing money.
Just think about this: The number of lobbyists (people who get paid to lobby Congress and influence legislation) went from 62 in 1968 to more than 34,000 today, and they outnumber our congressmen, senators and their staffs 2 to 1. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
If you really want to know what’s going on and wrong in our country, beg, buy, borrow or steal a copy of Lou Dobbs' “War on the Middle Class.” You will be shocked.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 619 - LIVING A PROACTIVE LIFESTYLE

No. 619

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVING A PROACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Have you heard the story about the passive mountaineer whose house caught on fire? One day a man from the city was driving down the road in the mountains and came upon this house that was on fire. The first thing he noticed was this old mountaineer leaning up against a tree several hundred feet away. This man from the city stopped his car, went over to the old mountaineer and said, “Mister, your house is on fire.” The old mountaineer said, “I know it.” This man then said, “Why don’t you do something?” He said, “I am. I am laying here praying for rain.” Obviously, the scene ends with the house burning to the ground.
The key word in this story is “passive,” and it means, “Not acting, working or operating; inactive; inert.” Sadly, there are millions of people in our nation today who are living a passive lifestyle. In other words they are not acting, working or operating, and as a result they are paying a high price emotionally and in the loss of self-esteem, which may be the greatest loss of all. It’s often said there are three groups of people in this world: “those who make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those who wake up after it’s all over and say, what happened?”
What I have just shared with you is my way of introducing you to a very important topic that I am calling, “Living a Proactive Lifestyle.” There are many benefits to living this kind of lifestyle, and if you are not already sold on doing this I hope to sell you before the end of the day. A few weeks ago I had a chance encounter with a young African-American man that turned out to be a real blessing. If I can communicate with you on a deeper level, the following story may help you gain some insights that will make your life more enjoyable and rewarding. My goal for each of these columns has always been to help you in some way.
One Sunday afternoon several weeks ago I stopped by a local restaurant for some take-out and had to wait several minutes for my order to be prepared. There was only one other person in the restaurant, this young, African-American man, maybe in his mid-20s, who was sitting on a bench. There were many empty tables and chairs in the room. Instead of just speaking and going to one of the tables, I sat down beside him on the bench. After a few moments I began to chat with him and learned that he had moved here from Charlotte, N.C., and worked in auto body repair. His name was Kevin, he was married, and had an 8-year-old daughter in one of our elementary schools.
I then asked him if she liked to read. He said no, that she was doing very poorly in school. He also said, “To be honest, I don’t read much either, just the classifieds.” At this point I began to tell him a little about our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. We continued to visit and then he told me that he was originally from Wynne, Ark. Just by chance, this column has run in the Wynne Progress newspaper for the past several years and Kevin told me what when he was much younger he used to work there. A few minutes later his order was ready, but in the meantime he told me that auto body repair work in our community was very sparse and the next day he and his family were moving back to Charlotte, where he had relatives and a job waiting for him.
He also told me that he was really concerned about putting his little girl back in school in this large city, but at this point he had little choice, at least it was this way in his mind. I told him how glad I was to get to know him and wished him well. He said he was glad to get to know me, too. Kevin got his order and, before leaving, he shook my hand enthusiastically and our eyes met, and the one thing he knew from our brief visit is that I cared about him. Just a young man I had never met, and will never meet again, but nevertheless a human being who is searching for a better life for himself and his family.
To go back to what I said earlier about communicating with you on a deeper level, this story is not anything out of the ordinary, save for the fact that I was living a proactive lifestyle. This conversation and making a young man feel worthwhile would never have happened if I had just gone to one of the tables and sat there in silence. This is only the tip of the iceberg of what it means to live a proactive lifestyle, because it involves every fiber of our being. Most people do not act in their own best interests in advance of a need or a problem. Rather they don’t act; they react, to most every situation that comes along. The person who lives a proactive lifestyle is in the first group: These are the people who make things happen. Are you living a proactive lifestyle?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 620 - I'M WEARING PINK, IF THAT HELPS

No. 620

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

I’M WEARING PINK, IF THAT HELPS

You no doubt have heard the saying, “Clothes don’t make the person.” This is certainly true, but I’m here to tell you that if you wear clothes that fit, are color coordinated and appropriate for the season, they can sure make you feel better.
Every once in a while I see a man who is really a sharp dresser, and from my years of experience being married to my wife Viola I have learned something. When you see a man who really looks sharp, and if he happens to be married, you can be reasonably sure that his wife is buying his clothes or at least picking them out. My wife Viola has had Parkinson’s for more than 10 years now, but she is still very particular about what she wears. And as a result, she is also very particular about what I wear, too.
However, we have worked out a suitable agreement, pardon the pun. She just dresses me from the waist up, and other than the belt, slacks, shoes and socks, I get to pick out most everything else. Around our house we have a very simple philosophy: It’s better to laugh than to cry, and with the battle that she is waging with Parkinson's we find ourselves using it more and more each day. One morning a few weeks ago we were getting dressed for church and from her bedroom, where she could not even see me, she hollered, “I’m wearing pink, if that helps.” It did. Enough said.
It’s been a while now since I have given you an update on her condition, and if you will allow me to do that I would like to fill you in on some recent developments. Please understand, my purpose here is not just to tell you what a super fantastic lady I am married to, but if you are facing a similar health issue or any other crisis in your life, seeing how she deals with her problems may be an encouragement to you. To be sure, she has slowed down a lot, but she still helps me some in the office, drives, goes to the grocery store, does the laundry, does light house work and fixes most of the meals.
However, in the past few weeks she developed a problem in her knees that had become very painful, more so than usual. When we go to church, rather than using her cane or stroller, I have pushed her in a wheelchair to help her traverse the several hundred feet from our Sunday school classroom to the main sanctuary. I might add, people have been so supportive. As the pain continued to increase, when she was just walking around the house she would have trouble making turns and sometimes her knees would pop, causing terrible pain.
Well, she got an appointment and went to see her doctor who took some X-rays. The word was that she had some bone spurs on the back side of her knee caps. A friend, who did not have Parkinson’s, had a similar problem, and minor surgery had given him quick relief. We thought this would also take care of Viola’s problem. Wrong. When we went to see a surgeon, he gave us the bad news. Both of her knees were shot and she has to have total knee replacement surgery on both knees. The surgeon will do them one at a time because of the length of rehab necessary to become mobile again. After the initial shock wore off, Viola has a great attitude and is facing this ordeal with a gentle spirit that can only be attributed to the deep faith she has in God.
One thing we are going to do that may be helpful if you ever face a similar situation is prepare a great number of delicious meals and put them in the freezer so we can just pop them in the microwave and not have to cook or do the dishes. As I said earlier, we have a philosophy around our house: It’s better to laugh than to cry. Here is a good example. Before we learned that Viola would have to have knee replacement surgery, we decided to get a whirlpool in the hopes that the hot water action would help her regain her mobility. We ordered a new whirlpool that I will hereafter call the tub and had it installed. Now, here’s the funny part. She had mentioned earlier that she wanted to wear her bathing suit when she got in the tub.
I said, “No, that’s not necessary. I will be here with you.” Well, the first time she got in, the tub was deep and it was not easy getting her down. If you thought that was hard, you should have seen us trying to get her out! She is not a big lady, but she does not have to carry rocks in her pocket in a wind storm, either. Most tubs are set in a nook and you can’t get any leverage. It took all her strength and all of mine pulling on both hands to finally get her up to a point where she could crawl over the side. At one point there I was wishing she had put on her bathing suit, because I thought I was going to have to go to our neighbors and get some help. It is better to laugh than to cry.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 621 - THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL

No. 621

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL

There is a wonderful story in the Bible, in the book of Daniel, which contains a principle that, if completely understood and properly applied, can help any of us live a happier, fuller and more successful life. This story, found in chapter 5, has come to be known as “The Hand Writing on the Wall.” This is an account of a Babylonian king who forgot a lesson from history, and it would cost him his kingdom and his life. You may be familiar with this story, but as a reminder let me set it up for you so the principle involved will become crystal clear.
The Babylonian armies of King Nebuchadnezzar had invaded Jerusalem in the 6th century B.C. and carried many of her people into captivity, along with a lot of the valuable articles that were found in the temple. Long story short: The king, who was so proud and vain, had a dream one night that none of his astrologers, enchanters or diviners could interpret. God had given Daniel extraordinary powers to interpret dreams, so they called him. Daniel told the king that his dream meant he would be banished from his kingdom to live with the wild animals, eat grass and be drenched by the dew of Heaven. The dream came to pass and lasted for seven years until proud King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God as the Supreme ruler of the Universe.
Now, fast forward to his grandson Belshazzar, who had a weakened kingdom, and he was not only proud, but did not learn a lesson from history. He was having a drunken party for 1,000 of his nobles and remembered that he had all the golden cups taken from the temple. He ordered these golden cups to be brought to serve his guests and suddenly near a lamp a hand began to write on the wall where everyone could see. The words were these: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin. When the king saw this handwriting, he was so shaken that he trembled and shook violently, until he fell to his knees.
Once again, a search was made for someone to interpret the dream, and Daniel was called. Then he read the words off the wall before turning to face the king and solemnly announce, “This is what these words mean: MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought to an end. TEKEL: You have been weighed in the scales and found wanting. PERES: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” King Belshazzar was unaware that for days the Soldiers of the Medes and Persians had been diverting the Euphrates River that flowed under the walls of Babylon. That very night they crept under the walls, the king was slain and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.
Well, that’s quite a story, and it contains some important principles we all could learn. The first is to look back at events in history that may help us avoid the mistakes of others. I’m sure you have heard the saying that history has a way of repeating itself. In many ways, this is because we human beings do not learn from events or tragedies of the past. This is not to say we should not take risks and move forward, especially as it relates to technology. This is the upward pattern of civilization, but to thumb our collective noses as Belshazzar and his nobles did at an all-powerful, all-knowing God is just plain suicide.
The next thing we can learn is the true essence of what the saying “The Handwriting on The Wall” really means. At one time or another, we have all heard someone make the comment that they saw the handwriting on the wall. If you did not already know the background of this saying, hopefully I have shed a little light on this subject for you. This age-old saying literally means that events and circumstances have come to pass and reached the point where the outcome is obvious to everyone, whether good or bad. There are countless examples to illustrate this. Let’s say in sports that one team is behind 20 points or 10 runs with only two minutes or two outs to go, before the end of the game.
At this point it could be said that everyone in attendance sees the handwriting is on the wall, because they know which team is going to win. To be sure, sports are just games, even for those who gamble, but life is a very different matter. When it comes to winning or losing in the game of life, the one who is better prepared, works a little harder, gets up a little earlier, stays up a little later is usually the one who becomes a true winner. The time to change the handwriting on the wall is months or even years before it becomes obvious to everyone that you are a winner or a loser. We may be able to change or avoid the laws of man for a while, but there are greater laws that can never be broken.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 622 - A STORY WELL WORTH TELLING

No. 622

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A STORY WELL WORTH TELLING

A while back I heard an interesting story about this man who made a speech, and afterwards he asked a friend who was there to tell him how he did. This friend said, “Well, there were only three things wrong with your speech. First, you read it. Next, you read it poorly. And lastly, it was not worth reading.” I hope that is not the case today, because I want to tell you a true story that I believe you will find that is worth reading. As I’ve said many times, some of the best ideas I receive for these columns come from my readers.
Such is the case here and while not a topic that affects every person, the condition called Amblyopia, better known as “Lazy Eye” if undetected, can cause all kinds of physical and mental anguish.
For obvious reasons I will not provide the name and community of this reader, but let me share the content of her letter and you will get the picture. She begins, “While working in a public school system in Michigan, I had occasion to type my principal’s thesis for his doctorate. Every word I typed was an accurate learning description of my 9-year-old daughter. I was lucky in that the school system had teachers with Special Ed training. Since my child schooled in another town, I determined to find out all I could since I knew her to be smart. Unfortunately, not school wise. The result was very poor grades.
One look at her picture and the woman said, “She has a ‘Lazy Eye’ and she needed help” After receiving help, her grades did improve and she became an avid reader. It was a journey I never regretted setting out on. Alice is now 50 years old, has one daughter and one granddaughter who have similar problems, but teachers have been no help.” I might add, this was in another state. Her final words are really what motivated me to share this with you. “After all these years school systems are not addressing this problem and a lot of talented children are being wasted.”
After reading and thinking about this reader’s letter, I did a little research and found the problem of “Lazy Eye” is much more common than most people realize. Please understand that I am not a doctor and have no interest in practicing medicine, but if this information could help even a few people who suspect their child or grandchild may have a “Lazy Eye” it is certainly worth passing along to you. This information comes from the Internet and the Optometrists Network, and here is what sold me on sharing this with you. Amblyopia or “Lazy Eye” causes more visual loss in people under 40 than all other eye injuries and diseases combined.
You may say, “What is Amblyopia and what causes it?” It is an eye condition noted by reduced vision not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. For some reason, the brain does not fully acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye. This almost always affects only one eye but may manifest with reduction of vision in both eyes. It is estimated that three percent of children under 6 have some form of Amblyopia. It is a neurologically active process. In other words, the loss of vision takes place in the brain. If one eye sees clearly and the other sees a blur, the brain can inhibit the eye with the blur. The brain can also suppress one eye to avoid double vision.
If not detected and treated early in life, Amblyopia can cause loss of vision and depth perception. Improvements are possible at any age with proper treatment, but early detection and treatment offer the best outcome. Comprehensive vision screenings are needed for infants and pre-school children. While this may not be true in some cases, the Optometrists Network states that an eye exam by a pediatrician or the 20/20 eye chart screening is not adequate for the detection of Amblyopia (and other visual conditions.)
The American Optometric Association (AOA) encourages parents to include a trip to an optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at 6 to 12 months can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure your child has healthy vision.
To learn more about free infant eye exams through the AOA InfantSee Program (as announced by former president Jimmy Carter on the Today Show, June 8, 2005) go to InfantSee.org. When I set about writing this column I did not intend for it to be a commercial for the American Optometric Association, but these are the people who specialize in the treatment of eye problems, eye diseases and other vision problems. Obviously we have to use common sense, but for those people who have a history of “Lazy Eye” in their family, this would be worth checking out. Teachers should be on the lookout, too.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 623 - THE STORYBOOK PROJECT

No. 623

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE STORYBOOK PROJECT

Every once in a while I see, read or learn about something that helps to restore my faith in humanity. For the sake of good mental health, we all need that from time to time. Even before I tell you what has bolstered my faith, let me talk for just a moment about a very important word in the English language. That word is compassion. There are countless ways we can express compassion for others (including animals), but my favorite, and the reason I’m taking a moment to share this, is that true compassion is doing something for someone else when we know there is no way they could ever repay us.
Such is the case with a group of 18 people who live in and around Cherokee Village, Ark. A little more than nine years ago this group, led by Pat Oplinger and Donald Heern, started something called “The Storybook Project.” With no help from the government, these people raise funds, purchase children’s books and travel four times a year to Newport, Ark., almost 100 miles away, and meet with inmate-parents at one of our state’s prisons. Over the past several years I have heard from inmates in 15 states who read one or more of my columns and have written to me, usually to tell me their story and how prison life had changed them.
However, during this time I had never given much thought to the fact that 1.5 million children have a mother or father in federal or state prison. This figure has grown in step with the swelling of our nation’s prison population. Incarcerated parents, like all parents separated from their children, miss the intimate daily acts of family love, such as reading a bedtime story. Enter “The Storybook Project,” and at this point I would like to be more specific. For me, it started with a letter dated June 4, 2007. One of my readers in Hannibal, Mo., had read about our “Bookcase for Every Child” project and sent the column to Pat Oplinger.
At this point Pat wrote the following words to me. She said, “As a retired educator with 39 years of experience in several capacities and on different levels of education, I joined forces with volunteers from the Cherokee Village area a little over nine years ago to establish ‘The Storybook Project.’ Mr. Don Heern, a richly experienced businessman, is the co-chair. We raise funds to buy quality children’s literature books, then take them to the Newport State Correctional Facility. There we work one-on-one with inmate-mothers and inmate-fathers to help them choose an appropriate book to read to their child.
“We later mail the new book and cassette tape to the child as a gift from their parent. The inmate-parents, their collective children, and the caretakers of these children are most appreciative. Our motto is to keep families connected through reading during their time of separation due to incarceration of the parent(s). Our goal, hopefully, like yours, will be rewards of lower crime rates, less illegal drug use and improved civility in our communities.” Pat goes on to say in a later letter that at the close of their May 2007 tapings they had worked with 4,766 inmate-parents and reached 6,334 of their collective children who had an average age of 5.7 years. The national average of a child with a parent in federal or state prison is 8 years.
Now you know why I said earlier that these people have helped to restore my faith in humanity. At this point, packages have been mailed to children living in 45 different states across the country. To help support the project, an unexpected and wonderful development this past year has been that more and more of the caretakers of the children send donations to “The Storybook Project” in thanksgiving for how it has impacted their family’s lives. And inmate-parents themselves are sending personal money in appreciation of being able to remain connected to their children.
Every once in a while, Pat, Don or one of the other volunteers will hear a question like this, “Why bother to enter prisons with this program?” Their answers, while not complex, are very important. They bother because studies show that inmates who remain connected to their families have a lower rate of recidivism and do not return to prison. They bother because most prisoners are eventually paroled. They bother, in part, because they see firsthand how the program promotes literacy and benefits the inmate-parents, their children, and their families as a whole.
If you would like to get involved, either with financial support or to start a similar project in your area, contact Pat Oplinger, The Storybook Project, P.O. Box 985, Cherokee Village, AR, 72525 or call her at 1-870-257-4865.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 624 - THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

No. 624

The next password is vince

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

Since the beginning of recorded history, fables have been a popular method of giving instruction. Each fable contains a short narrative that seeks to illustrate a hidden message. Generally speaking, fables use animals or objects as part of the narrative, yet the message is designed to apply to humans. By doing this, the one who is telling or illustrating the fable is not perceived as a teacher and this reduces any bias listeners may have against this person. The most famous fabulist would be Aesop, who most historians date around 620 B.C. He is attributed with writing several hundred of his fables, and today they have many different translations.
With this little bit of background, I would like to give you two versions of the fable that most of us have heard titled, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” Here is the old version: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold. MORAL OF THE STORY – Be responsible for yourself.
Now, here is the new or updated version. Before I share it with you, I would like to make the following statement: I am not into calling names, putting other people down or partisan politics. What I would like to do is leave a blank where a name or organization would normally appear and let you supply this information based on newsmakers and current events in modern-day America. This should not only be very interesting but very revealing as to your own values and views of what is happening to our country. Really, this is the essence of a fable. This way you don’t see me as a teacher or someone who is promoting a certain person, political party or point of view.
The new or updated version of the fable “The Ant and the Grasshopper” begins: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be so warm and well fed while others are cold and starving. ____, ____, ____, ____ and ____ show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such wealth this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Kermit the Frog appears on ______ with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” ______ ________ stages a demonstration in front of the ant’s house, where the news stations film the group singing, “We shall overcome.” ______ then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper’s sake. ________ _______ and _______ _______ exclaim in an interview with ______ ______ that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Fairness to Grasshoppers Act, retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government. ________ gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that ____ ________ appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients. The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant’s food, while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant’s old house, crumbles around him because he doesn’t maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug-related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood. MORAL OF THE STORY – Be careful how you vote.
As I said earlier, I am not into name calling, putting people down or partisan politics. In every case involving an issue or a principle, I just want what is best for America.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

The next password is vince

No. 602 - THE "300 CLUB" FOR LITERACY

No 602

Jim Davidson — NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE “300 CLUB” FOR LITERACY

There is an old Chinese Proverb that goes, “If you are planning for one year, sow rice. If you are planning for a decade, plant trees, but if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”
Our forefathers must have understood this proverb clearly, because our nation’s educational system became the envy of the world. At the same time we were also becoming the most powerful and most economically successful nation in 6,000 years of recorded history. However, in more recent times, something has happened, and now the United States ranks 18th of 21 industrialized nations in test scores of reading, math and science.
While doing research over the past several years, I have learned that in this age of technology a nation’s success, a community’s success and an individual’s success is determined by and large by its literacy rate. A person cannot become truly educated until he or she learns to read. Today in America more than 20 percent of our adults cannot read at level one, the fifth grade. Something else I have learned is that our crime rate goes up as our literacy rate goes down. It follows that the most at-risk group of people in America are children who are being reared in low-income families, because they own few, if any, books.
This is the backdrop for the terrific literacy project we started here in Conway, Ark., called a “Bookcase For Every Child.” At this writing we have built 150 quality, personalized, oak bookcases and given them, along with a starter set of books, to these children who often grow up in single-parent homes and need help if they are to succeed in today’s society. Without help, many of these children will wind up on welfare, in gangs, on drugs and in jail or prison.
What is unique is that this project is conducted entirely by volunteers and uses no tax money or government grants. Our only cost is just to buy the wood and supplies to build the bookcases. We raise this money by selling my book titled, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back,” and I give all book sale profits to this project. This is my own way of giving back. I don’t personally earn a penny from these sales, so when I ask you to buy a book, I’m not asking for me, but for these children.
The ideal situation is for 300 people to purchase one book for $15.95, as this provides enough money to build 50 bookcases. Since improving literacy is a long-term problem, we are doing this each year. We have been doing this for the past three years, and now the concept is spreading to other communities, both here in Arkansas and to other states. Our goal is to help it spread to communities all across the nation.
The plan is simple. Every person who buys a book becomes a member of the “300 Club” for Literacy and we publish the names with a big thank you for supporting literacy in your community. We want to encourage you to purchase two books: Keep one and give the other to a friend and encourage them to pass it on to someone who understands the need to improve literacy, especially with these children from low-income families.
There are two major barriers to overcome if this “300 Club” plan is to work. First, most people do not see the link between crime and illiteracy. They think that a serious crime, brought about by illiteracy, will never happen to them. I have hundreds of friends and thousands of readers who can well afford a $15.95 book, if somehow we can help them see that buying a book is really an investment in the future of their children and grandchildren.
The other barrier is getting this word to enough people to make a difference. It takes time and effort for a concept like this to take root and grow, and here in our community we have had lots of help, not only in buying books, but building bookcases, giving children’s books and reading to these children. Our bookcase project committee deserves the credit.
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034. To support literacy, buy his book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 1280 -- THE HAPPY LOSER!

No. 1280

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HAPPY LOSER!

Some time back a friend told me a funny story about his wife that was so good that I wanted to share it with you. He said that one day he came home from a meeting and got the shock of his life. His wife told him that she had just returned from the liquor store.
There were two primary reasons why he was so shocked. First, they live in a dry county and the nearest liquor store is in Palarm, about 15 miles away on the Faulkner-Pulaski County line. Next, he teaches a couples Sunday school class and, needless to say, for his wife to be seen going in or coming out of a liquor store would not be a good witness for the Lord.
However, he gave her credit. She took great precaution and planned it out very carefully. She did not have much pocket money, so she went to the bank to get cash so she would not have to give the liquor store a check. She also took the back way in the hopes that no one would see her van, as it has a paint job that sticks out like a sore thumb and everyone knows and can spot it a mile away. At this point she told him the rest of the story. Because of some problems that she has been having with her arm, a medical diagnosis had revealed that she might have a slight case of arthritis. One of her friends told her that Paul Harvey had been touting a concoction of gin and white raisins as something that could help to relieve the pain. Not to leave you hanging, you mix a pint of gin with a box of white raisins and then stir it once a day for nine days. When this process is complete, you eat 10 raisins each day until they are all gone.
Because of this conversation we were both laughing and it reminded me of the fellow who had a race horse. At least he thought it was a race horse. However, when he got his horse out and ran him around the track he would just barely get out of a slow lope. Then the man remembered reading somewhere that you could dope up a race horse and he would run one last dying race -- he would really move out. At this point the man got to thinking about what kind of dope to use. He finally decided to use a little “white lightning”, which is to say a little moonshine whiskey. It took some doing, but he finally got about a pint down his horse’s throat.
About a week later he was telling a friend about the race. He said, “I wish you could have been there to see my horse run. They shot the gun and he bolted out of the gate, his tail was sticking straight out, his ears were back and when he came around the final turn dust was flying and rocks were breaking out windshields.” This fella said, “Well, did your horse win?” This man said, “No-o-o, my horse didn’t win, but he’s the happiest loser you ever saw.”
My friend concluded his story by saying, “In a way this story kind of applies to my wife. We can’t tell whether or not the gin-spiked raisins are helping her arthritis but I can tell you this for sure, she is happier than she has ever been.” Not long after this experience, I told this story at a Chamber of Commerce banquet and a lady said to me after the meeting, “I don’t know if you were watching my husband or not, but he was laughing so hard that he almost fell out of his chair.”
In the Bible we read in Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” In my opinion, we all need to have a good laugh from time to time and really enjoy life. I hope you are not like another lady who came up to me after another speaking engagement and said, “ I want you to know that while you were telling some of those stories, I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.”
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(Editor’s Note: This is one of the columns in Jim’s new book “Better than the Best.” For a personally signed copy, send $20 (includes postage and handling) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034).

No. 1279 -- THE GREAT VALUE OF APPRECIATION!

No. 1279

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREAT VALUE OF APPRECIATION!

If you don’t have many friends and have wondered why, please let me share this quote by the late Dale Carnegie that may give you the reason: “You can win more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people, than you can in 10 years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
This is so true, and the reason is because one of the deepest needs that we human beings have is to feel needed and appreciated. When we care enough and take the time to make others feel special and important, we have met this deep need for them, and they in turn will just naturally be drawn to us.
To add to these simple statements, here is something else to consider. When it comes to motivating other people, the greatest motivator in the world is to make a person feel that they are needed and appreciated. One of the most important things in the world is to give appreciation for work well done. Let’s make sure we give that to our loved ones, our family, our co-workers, and to other people around us. We should never let them forget how very precious they are in our lives.
At this point I would like to give you a “paradox,” which means: “A statement seemingly absurd or contradictory, yet in fact true.” We can give other people all the help, praise, well-wishes, pats on the back, and words of sincere appreciation, but we will become very discouraged and depressed if we wait on them to do the same for us.
This is why someone coined the saying, “There is no limit to what we can do if we don’t care who gets the credit.” What I am saying is just human nature, and if we would take the time to study the reasons other people do the things they do, and why they do them, we would be way ahead of the game.
In light of this, let me remind you of the story in the Bible when Jesus found 10 men stricken with the dreaded disease of leprosy, which had made them unfit for the society of other men. It is difficult to imagine men in a worse situation; yet, after Jesus healed all of them, only one of the 10 came back to say thank you. Many would say that one out of 10 is a pretty good average. However, because we are all hungry for recognition, our situation becomes particularly dangerous if we allow ourselves to expect appreciation when the chances are so great that we will not get it.
In this case, withdrawal is the most dangerous course to follow, for the one who withdraws from his fellows is the one who is hurt most. Now here is the bottom line for this column. The solution is to eliminate the expectation of praise or appreciation as a motive for our behavior. When we do anything, the criteria to depend on is whether or not it is right or wrong, not whether we expect commendation for it. Then we control the situation in our own minds, and we always receive satisfaction from our good deeds when we have control of the situation.
If one out of 10 comes back to thank us, we are just that much ahead of the game and feel doubly repaid. As the old saying goes, “Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.” The wonderful thought for me here is not whether or not you call or write to thank me for writing this column, but rather if I have helped you in some way.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1278 -- FROM THE PEN TO THE PAN!

No. 1278

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FROM THE PEN TO THE PAN!

It has been said that marriage is a deal in which a man gives away half of his groceries to get the other half cooked. I am sure this is true, but few people are fortunate enough to marry a woman like my wife Janis, who has written four cookbooks, and man can she cook! On a side bar, they say a man who does not marry is incomplete, but when he does marry he is finished. Well, so much for that. Today I want to share something I believe you will find very interesting, especially if you like to eat.
I have a friend by the name of Paul Taber who, before his retirement, was the plant manager for Odom’s Tennessee Pride meat processing plant in Little Rock. One day we were visiting and he shared something with me that brought back a ton of memories. It was a handout on how a 250-pound hog is processed and all the various cuts of meat that are rendered from it.
This brought back memories of when I was a young child. Because of his background, my father had bought more than 500 hogs and was planning to fatten them up and sell them at the stock yards at Kansas City, Missouri. This is how he made a living. Of course, the company that bought the hogs would butcher them and follow the same path that my friend Paul traveled in his work.
Here is the sad but very interesting part. The 500 hogs I just talked about developed a rare disease fatal to hogs, and they all died. Of course many of the sows were expecting piglets in a very short period of time. You will never believe the extreme measures the whole family took trying to save as many of the piglets as we could. For a poor family this was money, and every one we could save meant we could eat and pay our bills. You know, that memory is one thing that death cannot destroy. Even though both of my parents are gone, I can still remember those days, as they are indelibly etched in my mind.
Now in view of what I have just shared you can understand why it fell my lot to do most of the grocery shopping, and when I pass by the meat section I often think of those childhood memories. Both Janis and I love those spiral sugar cured hams, beautiful butterfly pork chops, bacon and other pork products. Here I will spare you the gory details, but once a hog is dressed it is hung on a rail and placed in a cooler where it is quickly chilled. When it is chilled it is cut into retail cuts where another 20 percent of the weight is removed making it ready for the pan.
Here is what you see in the meat section of your local grocery store. Dressed, cut, wrapped and ready to bring home, a hog yields: 28 pounds fresh hams, 33 pounds pork loin, 23 pounds fresh side bacon, 6 pounds spareribs, 9 pounds Boston butt, 12 pounds fresh picnic, 3 pounds feet, 5 pounds head, 23 pounds back fat, 9 pounds miscellaneous trim, and 3 pounds jowl. And here is another benefit most of us don’t think about: Pig skin leather is turned into coats, work gloves, book covers, leather suitcases, and inner lining for women’s handbags.
If you lived in the country on “Hog Killing” day, the neighbors would drop by to help, and much of the tenderloin, ribs and other choice cuts were payment for their help. Nothing was wasted, except the Pig Squeal. - “Woo-Pig-Sooie” - Please smile if you have done that!
On a more serious note, please remember there are a great number of people who work in this industry, required to bring us wholesome nutritious meals and other important products, and for one, I am grateful.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1277 -- EVERY HOME NEEDS A COPY!

No. 1277

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY HOME NEEDS A COPY!

“In my 21 years as executive editor of a group of 48 papers, Jim’s column had the quickest acceptance and highest satisfaction of any I shared with editors. Jim provides down-to-earth, common sense, back-to-the-basics thinking, that inspires and makes people feel good”
Max Heath, Vice President, Landmark Community Newspapers, Shelbyville, Kentucky
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It is my honor to share these words with you from one of the most respected men in the newspaper industry. His letter came several months after I began this column back in 1995. Since that time a lot of wonderful things have happened, as my column’s list of subscribers grew to more than 365 papers in 35 states. Back in the late 1990s, at the pinnacle of the newspaper industry, they tell me my column had more than a million readers each week.
Over the past 25 years I have continued to write, and the number of columns written has now grown to almost 1,300 since I began. During this time I have been blessed to have several thousand readers to call, e-mail or write me to share their love and encouragement. Now in my eighth decade I know that I have fewer days left on this earth than when I started, so in order to leave something behind I decided to publish a book of my best columns. As a sequel to my book of radio shows, I have titled it “Better Than the Best” and it is that and more.
When I was reviewing all the columns I had written, one I came across was titled “America’s First Self-Made Man” and was about Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was the 15th of 17 children, from a very meager family, who made a tremendous contribution in the early days of our nation. As a fellow author, one thing that really caught my attention was when it said his book “Poor Richard’s Almanack” was in every American home. Well, I was so intrigued with this statement that I ordered a copy from Amazon and have read it. His book was very good, but I just had one observation: if his book was in every American home, mine certainly deserves to be in every American home, too.
You be the judge: just order a copy and read it, and you will agree. It is that good. Here are some of the titles my new book includes: “The Happy Loser, A Test for First-Time Parents, A Man After My Own Heart, Welfare and Unwed Mothers, The Greatest Profession of Them All, The History of American Legion Baseball, A Television Program With Class, JoVoni Johnson: A True Success Story, A Member of the Family, Ever Been in Cahoots, The Shoji Tabuchi Story, Who Held Your Ladder” and over 50 more. Just logic and common sense would tell you that my columns would be better, after 15 years of writing my daily radio show.
While the various messages the book contains are very important, and I hope you will purchase a copy, here are some other thoughts that I would like to share with you. First, I would like to say that I am grateful for the great opportunities I have had to succeed in this wonderful country. And to also place things in context by saying, “I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace.” As a positive person, my personal philosophy has always been, “It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” And with all the problems we have in our world and nation today, to not just talk about problems, but to offer some possible solutions.
As an eternal optimist, I believe that our best days are still before us. However, we must learn from past experiences. As a place to begin, read II Chronicles 7:14 as it shines light on a path that will take us all home. God bless, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: This column is an introduction for Jim’s new book “Better than the Best.” For a personally signed copy, send $20 (includes postage and handling) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034).

No. 1276 -- THE HISTORIC 1927 FLOOD!

No. 1276

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HISTORIC 1927 FLOOD!

When it comes to just normal everyday living, I can’t think of anything more horrific than to have your house under 10 to 20 feet of water. Sadly, this is what happened to thousands of our fellow citizens back in 1927 when we had one of the worst floods in the history of our nation. This became known as the Great Flood of 1927 and the Mississippi River Flood of 1927.
Due to the terrain and location, it affected our state of Arkansas with a greater amount of devastation, both human and monetary, than the other affected states in the Mississippi River Valley. It had social and political ramifications which changed the way Arkansas, as well as the nation, viewed relief from natural disasters and the responsibility of government in aiding the victims, echoing the Hurricane Katrina disaster in the present day.
As I write this, as a nation we are in the midst of planning and dealing with the Coronavirus Pandemic. We are still early in the pandemic and are not sure, at this point, what the short- or long-term effects will be. As you know, I write this column well in advance of publication and don’t have the luxury of others in the media. However, the 1927 flood is history, and learning more about it can serve a useful purpose. First, it can remind all of us that we are not the first to suffer on a massive scale, and the poor people back in those days did not have the science, technology, and the power of our massive federal government to come to their rescue.
In largely agrarian Arkansas, the Flood of 1927 covered about 6,000 square miles, with 36 of 75 Arkansas counties under water up to 30 feet deep in places. Here in our state, more people were affected by the floodwaters (over 350,000), more farmland inundated (over two million acres), more Red Cross camps were needed (80 of the 154 total), and more families received relief than any other state (41,243). In Arkansas almost 100 people died, more than any other state except Mississippi.
This huge flood had its origins in both nature and in man. In the late 1920s, technological advances kept pace with the growing economy. Heavy machinery enabled the construction of a vast system of levees to hold back rivers that tended to overrun their banks. Drainage projects opened up new, low-lying lands that had once been forests but had been left bare by the timber industry. Feeling protected from flooding by the levees, farmers borrowed money with easy credit from banks, booming with the record levels of the stock market. They expanded their fields to low-lying areas on their own property or moved to new lands that were made fertile by centuries of seasonal flooding.
Here is Arkansas we got the brunt of it, but we were not the only ones affected as this flood also devastated the states of Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. They had no choice but to share in the misery. When my friend Joe Heird talked about this great flood sometime back at our weekly prayer breakfast, here is the one thing that stuck in my mind because I could see it so very vividly. He told us that in some places the Mississippi River was 60 miles wide. Now you think about that: 60 miles is a far piece, as today you would have to get in a car and drive at the speed limit for over an hour to find dry land.
When I was a kid growing up, we lived in an area in South Arkansas that was under water in 1927, and some people say I have been all-wet ever since. Ha.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1275 -- CELEBRATING A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY!

No. 1275

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CELEBRATING A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY!

If you have some very important events take place in your life from time to time, you will understand and appreciate what I want to share with you today. The date of May 1, 2020, will always be important to me because it marks a true milestone in my life. Fifty years ago on this date, my former Dale Carnegie instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, and I went into business together to distribute the Earl Nightingale attitude motivation tapes that were then produced on cassette. We formed a company called Motivation Services Inc. and opened our office in the Donaghey Building in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.
So this date marks my Golden Anniversary in the people business, and what a wonderful blessing and ride it has been. Back then it did not take me long to learn that “attitude” was the buzz word among our state’s educators, and I began to make calls on schools all across our state. I am pleased to say they welcomed me with open arms, bought our materials, and began to invite me to speak to their faculties, student bodies, commencements and other functions. I counted up, and during the decade of the 1970s I was privileged to speak to more than 500 different educational meetings. While working with students I soon learned that most had no idea what they wanted to do after graduating from high school.
This knowledge led me to develop a six-hour seminar titled “How to Plan Your Life” and I developed a small 24-page booklet to walk them through a life-planning process. During this time I conducted more than 50 of these life-planning seminars in schools all across our state. In case you may not know, the late Earl Nightingale was known as the Dean of Personal Motivation, and his daily radio show “Our Changing World” was carried on more than 1,000 radio stations. His show was the most successful commercially sponsored radio program in the history of broadcasting.
Earl was one of the few survivors of the Battleship Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and was an omnivorous reader. In essence he has collected the “Wisdom of the Ages” and recorded it on cassette. Here is where fate smiled on me. I listened to his recordings repetitively as I traveled more than 50,000 miles each year, and this proved to be the foundation for my own daily radio show titled -- you guessed it -- “How to Plan Your Life”. Here is perhaps the most important thing I can share in this column. I had dropped out of college in 1958 and but I did not stop learning. My radio show grew to where there were more than 300 stations carrying it, including our local station KCON here in Conway.
Again, fate smiled on me, as one day a former newspaper publisher of our local paper, the Log Cabin Democrat, spoke to our Lions Club, where I was a member. I asked him at the end of his talk if he might be interested in running something “positive and encouraging” for his readers. He said, “Let’s give it a shot,” so my column started here in 1995. It grew to more than 365 papers in 35 states running it.
Now that is a quick overview of 50 years in the people business, but my greatest satisfaction came in 2005 when, along with a committee of my fellow citizens, we started the Conway Bookcase Project to give a personalized bookcase and a starter set of books to pre-school children being reared in low-income families. This was more than 15 years ago, and we have now given more than 800 of these locally and more than 2,000 nationwide through projects in five other states. And I am pleased to say it all started on May 1, 1970. To God Be the Glory.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project.)

No. 1288 -- THE HIGH COST OF PROFANITY!

No. 1288

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HIGH COST OF PROFANITY!

Did you know that there is one thing we cannot hide, except by silence? Care to guess what it is? Well, it’s the use of our language, and how we use it goes a long way in determining our success or failure in this old world.
Yes, when we open our mouth and begin to speak we proclaim to the world where we are on the social and economic pyramid. It has been proven countless times that a person’s vocabulary is one of the key factors that determine our standing in the world. It is just a simple fact that those with the best and largest vocabularies achieve a higher level of leadership and organizational responsibility. Of course, this translates into earning more money.
While I never put any person down because we are all valuable in God’s eyes, there is one personal habit that is costing millions, perhaps billions, of dollars -- and that is the use of profanity. I have observed that the biggest offenders of profanity are those with a lower level of education. Back when I was a young man just starting in a sales job, I used to use some profanity, namely because my father used profanity and I picked it up in my former work environment. When I went into sales I began to realize what it was costing me, and I made the decision to stop using it. As you may know, habits are hard to break, and it took me about 6 months to stop completely. Back then when I used a profane word, I would say, “Forgive me Lord,” and I was finally able to put it behind me. I am pleased to report that today I never use profanity.
There are several reasons why people use profanity, and it is a very expensive habit. As already mentioned, the majority of people use it out of habit. When we are around people every day in our home or work environment, we pick it up and don’t even know we are doing it. Another reason some people use profanity is because of low self-esteem, especially in their peer group. Some use it because they think it makes them appear tougher, stronger and a part of the “in” crowd. Also, some kids use profanity because they think it makes them appear “cool” to talk like adults. Who can blame them after years of gutter language on television, on radio and in much of the music to which they listen? And finally, many people use profanity because they have a very limited vocabulary.
To be sure, a person with “class” never used profanity. He or she knows who they are and know that it is not necessary to try to impress others with a foul mouth. Here it might be well to consider how many jobs, sales, raises, promotions and speakers are never invited back because of just one four-letter word. In my business I love a good, clean joke. This is to say one that is not suggestive, does not put some person or group down because of race, class or creed, and in general does not harm others in any way. Many of the jokes I run across do not meet this criteria, but they can often be cleaned up. As a result they can be in good taste and be helpful in a number of ways.
Here is a good example. One time an old boy from Texas went to England to visit some of his relatives. When he settled in, they took him fox hunting. After the hunt was over one of his relatives said, “Cousin Slim, over here our customs are a little different. When the dogs are released and a fox is spotted we say, ‘tallyho-o-o-o, the fox’. We don’t say ‘HEAD THAT RED SON OF A GUN’.” As you can tell, the language was cleaned up just a little. It is always unnecessary to use profanity.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1289 -- WHEN STARS FELL OVER ALABAMA!

No. 1289

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN STARS FELL OVER ALABAMA!

Perhaps you have heard the song “Stars Fell on Alabama” and assume it came from the book titled with the same name written by Carl Carmer in 1934 as well as the song with the same name written by Mitchell Parish and Frank Perkins a few years later. However, few people realize that the words probably came from an actual event on November 13, 1833, in Northern Alabama. On this night, people in this part of the state went to bed as normal to be awakened around midnight when a number of shooting stars began streaking across the night sky.
The number increased to tens of thousands by 3 a.m. The light was so constant from the streaming meteors that the roosters began crowing and people started arising, thinking the sun was up. Cows headed for pasture and chickens left their roost due to the brightness of the sky. The heavens appeared to be crashing down in the startling meteor display.
Now, let me pause here to say that this information came from an article I ran across by Donna R. Causey. The event was so unusual, and one that actually took place, that I decided to share it with you. The main reason, however, that I wanted to share it is because recent scientific information says an event like this could happen again with even more serious consequences.
Now, let me pause again before I continue to say that if this event were to happen today the media people would have a field day, let alone what could be picked up by all the satellites we have out in space. I can just see all those media trucks, filled with reporters and camera people speeding to the scene to give the whole world a first-hand account. However, back in 1833 they didn’t have anything but the newspaper (hooray for our side). Here is one account, and it is quite humorous.
A Huntsville editor wrote “people were praying and shouting, thinking the Day of Judgment had come. The Heavens were on fire as 10,000 meteors fell in one hour.” From newspaper accounts, the people of North Alabama literally thought the world was coming to an end. Travelers packed and headed for home to be with their families in the final hours. The Florence Gazette reported: “thousands of luminous bodies (were) shooting across the firmament in every direction. There was little wind and not a trace of clouds, and the meteors succeeded each other in quick succession.”
From a wider angle, the shower of meteors was visible far and wide over North America. The maximum shower display was between 2:30 and 4 a.m. on the 13th of November. At the Pulaski Pike Race Track, confusion erupted during the annual holiday of horse racing, card playing and cock fighting as sportsmen and planters hid under chairs, tables, and beds to protect themselves from the meteors.
The shower of meteors was visible over North America but was nothing compared to what the people of the Southeastern states and particularly North Alabama experienced that night. One astronomer claimed that one meteor was as large as the moon. The shower of Leonids occurs every 33 to 34 years but nothing has compared to what Northern Alabamians experienced the fateful night of November 13, 1833. And as Paul Harvey would say, “And Now You Know the Rest of the Story.”
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1290 -- A MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!

No. 1290

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!

Some time back I got a letter from a young lady who lives in Mill Shoals, Illinois. After stating her name she said, “I would like to ask you a question about teenagers. I am writing a book about teenagers. I also think that this past year will make teenagers much more aware of our constitution and our government. My question to you is this: What do you think of teenagers today? I am almost thirteen and this is my project for the summer. Please answer it if you can. It would mean a lot to me.”
She signs the letter, “A future politician”, and includes a P.S. “A retired teacher sent me an article you wrote on ‘How to Raise a Crook’ and I want you to know that I read it and it was so true. All teenagers should read it.”
Well, how about that for a question that you could spend the next month answering and still not do it justice? Because young people are so important to loving parents and to our nation’s future, I try to share some positive thoughts from time to time on this important subject in the hope of making a difference. Before I move on, if you are an adult, permit me to pose this same question to you, “What do you think of teenagers today?”
While I did not spend a great deal of time in answering her question, here is what I said: “First of all let me say that I love teenagers and some of them are my best friends. For over 25 years I worked with our nation’s schools as a businessman consultant and have had lots of experience working with young people. Here is what I have learned from first-hand experience. There are millions of teenagers in our nation who have wonderful values and will make a great contribution to the future of our nation and we should never forget that.
“On the other hand, in a general sense I have seen the decline of morality and lack of respect by the majority of teenagers that must be reversed if our nation is to survive the next century and beyond. What happened at the end of Woodstock 99 is a good example of what I am saying. It was only a few short years ago that most of these people were also teenagers.
“Chelsea, it really comes down to the individual and how he or she was reared. While there are many influences in a young person’s life -- ministers, teachers, friends, peers and many others -- it’s the parents who make the most difference and will have the greatest long-term influence on a person’s life. As a Christian, I believe the Bible is the greatest source of truth and inspiration to help any person become all that he or she can be. In the book of Proverbs we find these words in Chapter 22: 6, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it’.
“I was pleased to learn that you are a future politician. We need good people in public office at all levels of government. As you grow older, I would like to keep up with you and share in your success. I want to wish you the very best with your book and your future goals in life. Who knows, someday you may make a real difference in the lives of millions of people. God bless you and feel free to contact me anytime.”
As I thought about this letter from Chelsea, I was reminded of something a former sportscaster for our CBS Affiliate in Little Rock, the late Benny Craig, used to close each segment with, “No man ever stood as straight as the one who stoops to help a child.” So true, and I hope you are the type of person who feels the same and will take the time to encourage and help a young person.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1293 -- SOME OLE-FASHIONED VALUES!

No. 1293

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME OLE-FASHIONED VALUES!

As I begin today, let me say that I just woke up from a dream, and what follows is the essence of it. My friend Nancy Ballard sent me a terrific article the other day and I would like to share it with you.
It begins, “I grew up in rural America in the ’50s and ’60s. On any given day, you could walk through the high school parking lot and observe that half the vehicles parked there were trucks with windows rolled down and doors unlocked. Most of them carried, as standard equipment, an FFA sticker and a gun rack with at least one gun, usually loaded. You could make the same observation at any of the four high school campuses in our county. Amazingly, I do not ever recall reading or hearing about mass shootings in any of these high schools.” She then makes this statement: “What has changed in America is not the accessibility of guns, but the character of man.
“On the wall in my parent’s home is a plaque awarded to my father in recognition of service for 27 years on the local school board. He told me that, for years, a standard requirement on every teacher’s contract was membership in a local church. I remember starting every school day with the pledge and a prayer. I remember when girls who got pregnant in high school were ashamed, when abortions were illegal, when the divorce rate was not 50 percent because couples stayed together for the kids’ sake, when there were no X-rated movies, when milk cartons didn’t have missing kids’ faces on them and I didn’t know anyone personally who used drugs. I remember when kids were taught respect for authority and accountability to God.
“Last night I attended a high school football game that was covered by local and national news. The news coverage was not about the football teams, but about the defiance of a court order by one brave little Texas town to preserve the right to pray before a football game. The more this country struggles to free itself from religion, the more we become entangled in the consequences. It is an observable truth that the best time you will ever make on any American city freeway is on Sunday morning because there are no traffic jams going to church.
“For those that believe separation of church and state is not enough, that the world would be better off without religion, ask yourself this question -- How many hospitals, universities, orphanages, homeless and abuse shelters have been founded by the ACLU or the American Atheist Society? Is it the inclusion of the word Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, etc., in the name of so many of these institutions that proves by actions, not just words, who really care for the suffering of mankind and desires to make the world better?
“The question people should be asking is not ‘Why does God allow tragedies?’ but ‘When will we realize that no nation in the history of the world, have ever separated itself from God and evolved to a better society?’”
Well, how about that? This really gets to the heart of the matter and was written by an unknown author who really had her finger on the national pulse.
Here is a question we could all ask ourselves. What has changed in America? The real problem that faces our nation is not guns in the hands of our citizens but the decline of ethical and moral character by millions of people in this country. If the gun control people in this country would spend the same amount of time, money and energy removing violence from television programs and video games, we would be much better off. Good night. I am going back to sleep.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1291 -- SOCIALISM WILL MORALLY BANKRUPT AMERICA!

No. 1291

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOCIALISM WILL MORALLY BANKRUPT AMERICA!

As the old saying goes, “Houston, we have a problem,” and that problem is that every day, Socialism becomes more and more popular among young Americans. You would not think so much about this were it not for the fact that if this trend continues there will be a future day when they will take over our country and the system of Capitalism and Free Enterprise will be replaced with Socialism. You may say, “What’s wrong with that?” Well, if you don’t know, I am delighted that you are reading this column.
First, here are three reasons why Socialism is gaining in popularity. Think for a moment about our recent national election and the footing that Sen. Bernie Sanders gained with young Americans, if you want proof of this. 1. Socialism is being marketed to young people as kind, selfless and community focused. 2. Many people are unaware of Socialism’s dismal record. 3. Young people are not being taught America’s founding principles, so they are unprepared to combat the narratives they hear in their schools and colleges.
To give some credibility to what I am saying, here is a quote by Winston Churchill that should truly give all of us something to think about: He said “Socialism is philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” Wow, wish I had said that. And if that is not enough, please allow me to give you a definition of these two systems that millions of people live under.
Socialism: “A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution and exchange is owned and regulated by the community as a whole.”
Capitalism and Free Enterprise: “Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, and the motivation for their operation is to earn a profit. Free Enterprise is the system that produces goods and services to meet the needs of consumers. This system implies a level playing field in which all producers enjoy the same rights and privileges and competition and the law of supply and demand determines success.” I might add that this is the system that has given America the highest standard of living in the history of the world.
A hundred years ago, at the dawn of the Russian Revolution, one could be a Socialist and hope in good faith that it could achieve, or at least advance, its utopian aspirations. We did not have the data to prove otherwise. Now we do. Today as we look at the histories of countries like the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela we can see that Socialism has left nothing but disaster in its wake. Every single time it has been tried, it has failed. It reduces citizens’ well-being and ensures mass poverty.
Thanks to the Heritage Foundation, here are nine reasons why Socialism will morally bankrupt America. 1. Socialism directly opposes the American dream. 2. Politicians in power make your most important decisions for you. 3. Freedom of choice is severely limited or eliminated. 4. All under socialism will suffer equally. 5. If everyone owns the resources, nobody truly owns them. 6. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is morally wrong. 7. Power is consolidated within the government. 8. Socialism creates dissent and stifles freedom of speech. 9. Socialism creates dependence instead of freedom. Let’s just make sure our young people understand this.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1292 -- THREE LIFE SENTENCES

No. 1292

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THREE LIFE SENTENCES

I would like to tell you a true story about “Three Life Sentences” that I believe will touch your heart. I know it has mine.
Several years ago I met a man here in our community by the name of Don Bingham. Don is a very fine man, but he is also one of those multi-talented individuals who have distinguished himself in a number of different fields. He is a gifted musician, author and entertainer, and he is also a fantastic chef. He has hosted his “Celebrate with Cooking” show on the local affiliate stations for PBS and CBS and has made numerous guest appearances on the local ABC station. Recently he was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs, one of only 22 chefs that year in the United States with this distinction.
A number of years ago, the governor of our state recognized Don’s talents and secured his services to be the Governor’s Mansion administrator. In that position he served as host, event planner and executor of day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Mansion. This is the backdrop for the true story of “Three Life Sentences.”
A few weeks before joining the governor’s staff, Don was hosting a special event for the governor and some of his guests. He noticed a handsome young man who was one of the servers. He really looked sharp in his neatly pressed trousers, white coat and black bow tie, but Don said he was even more impressed with his fine attitude and the gracious, efficient manner in which he conducted himself.
After the event was over, Don went up to him and introduced himself. The man’s name was John. As they began to chat, Don learned that he was a prison inmate who had earned the rank of trustee. He also learned that from six to nine other inmates were there to maintain the grounds and to routinely perform household duties in the mansion. This is an incentive program for model inmates and it also saves money for the taxpayers. The inmates are transported each night by the state police to a secure location in another part of the city.
When Don became mansion administrator, he began a relationship with John that has lasted until this day. John had educated himself in many areas and had also acquired computer skills that enabled him to help Don in performing his job more efficiently. Don said the thing that impressed him most about John was his wonderful, helpful attitude, especially considering where he was at this time in his life. After several years the news came suddenly that, after 14 years of being incarcerated, John was going to be released. Don said the news caught him by surprise, and he didn’t have any money in his wallet to give John. All he could do was fix a sandwich for John to eat on his way back to prison where he would be released.
On the way back, John wrote Don a note on a small piece of paper that contained three sentences. “You have encouraged me. You have given me confidence in my abilities. You have given me hope for the future.” When a mutual friend, Betty Fraser, heard this she said, “That’s it! That’s THREE LIFE SENTENCES.”
I believe you agree that this is a little bit different than what we would normally think about in relation to a prison inmate. Three life sentences is usually bad news, but this was great news because it meant the opportunity to have a great future on the outside world. Please go back and reread them.
As part of the prison release requirements, John had to move to another state, but this was over three years ago and he is doing great. He is a computer technician with a solid job and he is now making a contribution as a productive member of society. He has stayed in contact with Don by e-mail and has also written and called him a number of times. It all started with a helpful, positive attitude.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1294 -- THE SCOURGE OF PORNOGRAPHY!

No. 1294

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SCOURGE OF PORNOGRAPHY!

Several years ago I had a secretary by the name of Desmond Walls Allen, who did a fantastic job of typing the manuscript for my daily radio shows. In our casual conversations around the office, she also taught me a lot about life. She had some health problems and I remember her telling me about visits to her doctor. She said, “I told my doctor, ‘I don’t want you to pat me on the leg and say ‘Honey, everything is fine’. I want you to tell me like it is. If I have a problem I want to know it.”
While it is not a pleasant subject, that is what I want to do here in this column. We have a serious problem in our nation today, one we don’t hear much about, but I want to tell you just like it is. The problem we have is the terrible scourge of pornography. If we don’t take steps to correct it, in time, this is a problem that will eat us alive.
Each month my wife Janis gets a newsletter called “The Trumpet” put out by Dr. Bill Probasco, who used to pastor a church here in our community but now lives in the great state of Alabama. Here is some information along with statistics that will tell us just how serious this problem has become. Dr. Probasco reports, “Pornography, which promotes every conceivable brand of fornication, bestiality, and adultery, will in a few more years take over the majority of youth ages 13 through 24.The free porn sites on the internet had 42 BILLION visits last year. There are 624 known child pornography traders on line. Police are swamped with calls about children being enticed into porn roles. Our society has developed a ‘bondage mentality’ and we are subject to whatever can control us.”
Now, I am sure this comes as no big surprise, but it is not just the kids who have a problem with pornography. It is also the source of breakups of many marriages across our nation. In an article titled “The Scourge of Pornography,” Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr. presents a case of married couples where sexual activity has waned, and the wife catches her husband viewing pornography. I will spare you the graphic language, but this problem is a source of contention that never goes away. In this case, here we can see very clearly that if this problem is not resolved, divorce is just a few weeks or months away. To be sure, this is a case where we all lose, especially if the couple has children.
Since this problem is so wide and pervasive, you may ask the question: why even talk about it? Simply because this is a problem that has the potential to destroy people’s lives and I care deeply about people. If I can help to spread the word about pornography being a very serious problem and cause others to think and talk about it, and help them realize the long-term consequences, we can save some people who may get involved. In doing research for this column I went to the Internet and read an article titled, “Citizens Guide to U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography” and it is very revealing. If you are also concerned about this problem, I encourage you to do the same.
While God knows I am not perfect, far from it, I can truthfully say I have never viewed a pornographic video or visited a porn site in my entire life. If you are a Christian you understand the reason why, but if you are not and have a problem with this, talk with someone of faith who may be able to help you. Life is far too precious to spend time this way.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1295 -- THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

No. 1295

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

There is a path that many people take through life that, while appearing attractive at the time, ultimately leads to nowhere. I’m talking about the Path of Least Resistance.
Since making wise choices is what success is all about, it might be worth investing a little time to determine if you are on this path. In a general sense, the person who is on the Path of Least Resistance usually looks for the easy way, and if there is a short cut they will take it. From a psychological standpoint, there is a vast difference between looking for a better way and looking for an easy way. The person who looks for a better way is constantly moving forward in his or her development and will soon be regarded as a thinker and a person of great efficiency. On the other hand, the person who is always looking for an easy way will soon be labeled as lazy and also a person of compromise.
What appears on the surface to be only a minor thing can literally mean the difference between success and failure as a person. While I’ve been somewhat general here, what I’m really talking about is using our sixth sense as a way to determine the best course of action in any set of circumstances. In education, for example, the person who has an aptitude for math or science should not pursue a degree in psychology, social science or physical education. While this may make a person happy for the short term, in time when they come to realize what they gave up in terms of satisfaction, position and income, they will be very unhappy. Looking back, the decision to take the Path of Least Resistance is what made the difference.
Even more tragic are those people who took the Path of Least Resistance and they compromised still further by cheating. I’ve heard college students say they were forced to cheat, but don’t believe that for a moment. These people were influenced by someone around them or they simply made the choice to spend their time pursuing other interests until test time came and they were unprepared. Rather than taking the grade they had earned, they chose to cheat and then had to live with that knowledge for the rest of their lives. Hopefully you are reading what I am saying here loud and clear -- these people are where they are today because they chose the Path of Least Resistance. The reason I began with education is because this is the foundation for a successful life.
Now, if I could bring what I am saying a little closer to home, just think about where you are in this time of your life. If you are a student in school or college, realize that for the most part you will get out what you put in. In addition to their studies, even great athletes with tons of natural ability still have to pay the price in terms of time and preparation. The same is true for academics and the time and study it requires to prepare for a great career. If you are beyond this point in your life and you have a job or career, your rewards in terms of promotions, income and personal satisfaction will be in direct proportion to your commitment to be the best you can be. I can promise you that you won’t get there by taking the Path of Least Resistance.
For those of you who are retired, the principle is exactly the same. Your satisfaction and your rewards for all your activities will be determined by your contribution -- your service. Here is a final word, and I hope you will lodge it firmly in your subconscious mind. When it comes to making personal choices, don’t always take the Path of Least Resistance. Think about it and then do it the best way, even if it requires a little more time and work.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1296 -- VIOLENCE: THE WORST TOOL FOR CHANGE!

No. 1296

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

VIOLENCE: THE WORST TOOL FOR CHANGE!

If you read my column on a regular basis, you know the various topics and subjects I address are not about current events, but rather they involve principles or examples that are timeless and we can apply to our lives. Such is the case today, as I want to talk about the senseless violence that is taking place across our nation with regards to members of our law enforcement community.
While there are bad apples in every profession, let me say here in the beginning that I totally support our police and would never want to be without them. We have some people who want society to govern itself, and we will see how that turns out.
No one in their right mind would deny that we have a serious problem in our country. In time we will solve this problem, because that is our nature. Sadly, many people are being hurt and killed while we work through this dilemma, at the same time dealing with a pandemic. When it comes to a great example of a leader who accomplished more than anyone else in dealing with the injustices that have been inflicted on our black brothers, it has to be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who practiced nonviolence as his way of getting things done.
However, I would remind you that his accomplishments were in an era when social and moral values were much different than they are today. Most of his accomplishments took place when he was young, but in his later years he had these radical words to say as he spoke to a packed schoolhouse outside of Detroit, Michigan. “It is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention.”
At this point let me depart from Dr. King -- we all know what a great man he was -- and take a look into the future. We know there are serious injustices in our society and we must collectively take steps to correct them, but at the same time we must take a look at the root problem. A good place to begin is to visualize 1,000 people taking part in a protest. For the sake of example, let’s say 900 of these people are orderly and peaceful, but 100 are not. These are the people who riot, loot and burn buildings. We all see it on our TV screens.
What is the difference between the 900 and the 100? I am going to say that a lot of the difference is education, and that has to do with literacy, something I have been involved in for the past 15 to 20 years. People who have a good education view life, property, and the rights of others differently than those who are school dropouts and are failing in life from a success standpoint. A lot of the problem really comes down to what I discussed in a past column called “Welfare and Unwed Mothers.” If you recall, more than 60 percent of babies born today are born in single-parent homes.
When millions of children grow up without a father, society reaps the consequences.
While this is long-term, that is most of the problem. We must change that situation in order to have a brighter future. The answer is certainly not violence, as this is the worst tool for change. The answer is love.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1297 -- THE PEOPLE TO WHOM I AM DRAWN!

No. 1297

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PEOPLE TO WHOM I AM DRAWN!

It has been said that “birds of a feather flock together,” and from personal experience I know this is true. We just love to be around people who talk like us, look like us, believe like us, have the same hobbies, and have a lot of things in common.
When I meet someone new, one of the first things I usually do is ask them where they are from. Because I have made speeches in 72 of the 75 counties in our state, I usually know someone they know, and this makes me feel a little more comfortable around them. To be sure, we are all in the “people” business, and we must be able to relate to them if we are going to achieve success in life.
All during our lifetime, in addition to our family, we meet new people on a regular basis. In most cases these people will just come and go. We don’t spend much time with these people, save for those individuals with whom we work or go to church, play on the same sports team, or become a member of the same civic club and other connections of this nature. In most cases, friendships are formed or made with those whom we are privileged to spend a good deal of time, and we develop a closeness that is often very special. Of course, in a group situation we don’t have much choice but there are other times when we feel led to spend some time with a particular person just because they possess the qualities we admire.
In layman’s language, what I am really talking about is that certain qualities a person has cause me to want to be around and spend time with them. The person on top of my list is my beautiful and talented wife, Janis. We both lost our mates several years ago and, as of this writing, we have been married for a little less than five years. I can tell you truthfully that these have been the best five years of my life. She has so many wonderful qualities and there is not a lazy bone in her body. She has a great sense of humor and, most importantly, she is generous. I have never known anyone who spends more time and money giving and taking care of others. Yes, God really blessed me when He gave her to me.
As to those qualities I mentioned a moment ago, I love people who are warm and friendly and have a positive attitude. Character and integrity are also very important to me, and what I love most of all is good people, those that will help you and give you the shirt off of their back. While I don’t always succeed, this is the type of person I try to be. Another person who comes to mind here is my good friend Cliff Garrison, retired coach and athletic director for Hendrix College for 31 years. He is the kind of person that you never hear anyone say a bad or negative thing about.
There are many other people who are in the limelight that I don’t know personally that have these qualities as well. One that comes to mind is Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gymnastics gold medal winner, who became known as America’s Sweetheart. She just beams and radiates with positivity.
While we may not have the talent and body to achieve greatness, we can all be better than we are and make a difference in the world. As I wind this down, I hope you will give some serious thought to what I have been saying and will take inventory of your own life, as that is what I plan to do. Let’s just make a commitment to make this world a better place because we passed this way.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1298 -- GREAT SCRIPTURES TO LIVE BY!

No. 1298

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GREAT SCRIPTURES TO LIVE BY!

St. Augustine, a Roman North African who lived from 354-430, once said “patience is the companion of wisdom.” This truth has certainly hit the nail on the head with me, because one of the hardest lessons a person with a type “A” personality has to learn is patience.
In past years, with me it’s always been, “Lord, give me patience, but don’t drag your feet, because I want it right NOW.” Is it possible that this could also be a problem for you? Are there things in your life that you would like to accomplish, or like to have that have taken much longer to achieve than you had planned? If so, take heart, because I have learned something over the past few years that may be an inspiration to you.
For most of my adult life I have been a strong believer in goal setting. I strongly believe that goals should be written down on paper so they can be driven deeper and deeper into the subconscious mind by the process of visualization, which occurs each time we read or look at them. In fact, there is no way to succeed without first having a goal, because there is no way to know when we have arrived if we don’t first decide where we are going.
The problem that developed for me over the past several months was setting a time limit on my goals. I might add, this is something the experts tell you that you MUST do if you are going to be successful. However, in my case, I would set a definite date when I wanted to have my goal achieved, and the date would come and go with my goal still unrealized. Needless to say, this was frustrating because, as I said earlier, I am a type “A” personality.
One day during my daily Bible study and prayer time, I asked the Lord to help me achieve my goals, but this time it was different. I said, “Lord, help me achieve my goals by YOUR timetable. Give it to me when YOU want me to have it.” Now, let me be quick to point out that this is not to be confused with the person who simply prays for something, and then sits down and waits for it to happen. The Bible says that faith without works is dead. No, I’m talking about asking the Lord to help you and then working as hard as you can to bring it about -- and then leaving the results to God, that is, by HIS timetable.
Some people feel that goal setting and living by faith are conflicting ideas. The truth is that faith is an essential ingredient in reaching any goal. This principle can be found in I Corinthians 3:6, where the Apostle Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the increase.” Granted, in this context Paul was referring to establishing churches and converting pagans to Christianity, but the principle that comes into play for goal setting is exactly the same. We ask for God’s help, set the goal that is consistent with His purpose, and then leave the growth or results to Him.
What I’ve learned from this experience is that you can’t beat Gods timetable! This past year we have experienced more positive growth than any time in the history of our company. More good things, more newspapers, and more speaking engagements have come about than I ever dreamed possible. What’s exciting is that this simple concept will work for every area of our lives: our personal, family, work or career, and social lives.
A life without goals lacks excitement and direction, and results in a life that is generally disappointing. In contrast, the goal-oriented life is energetic, enthusiastic, excited, and expectant. It is a life that is going somewhere and has a plan for getting there. If you are one who has never been willing to use this source of Unlimited Power, why not ask God to help you ... by HIS timetable. A good place to begin is with Proverbs 3:5-6 where it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 129 -- SIMPLE WORDS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

No. 1299

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SIMPLE WORDS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

One time, several years ago now, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Awards Banquet of the Arkansas Press Association. One of those honored as “Headliner of the Year” was Joe Ford, Chairman and CEO of the Alltel Corporation.
I can remember back in the days when this company was known as Allied Telephone Company with a few hundred employees. It grew to more than 26,000 employees and did business in more than 20 states before selling to Verizon Wireless in 2009. Mr. Ford was a big part of this company’s success and is well deserving of this top honor.
When he came forward to accept a plaque and make a few remarks, he began by saying, “For me, this honor is like seeing a turtle sitting on a fence post -- you know it didn’t get there by itself.” He went on to thank the people of his company, both in general and especially those who were in attendance. The reason I decided to share this with you is because I could not get the mental picture of a “turtle on a fence post” out of my mind. There is a principle here that I wish everyone knew and understood.
The principle is simply this -- every person who achieves any measure of success did not get there purely on his or her own. He or she has had many people along the way who have helped them. We hear a lot these days about a self-made man or woman, but don’t you believe it. This person may have come from further back and had less to start with than most, but he or she also had a lot of other people help them along the way.
When any of us work hard and succeed, I’m here to tell you that we need more than a paycheck. We also need personal recognition which may come in the form of a pat on the back, a thank you note, a word of congratulations, and a news story or, in the case of Joe Ford, a plaque that says to all, “Congratulations and Well Done.” I can say truthfully that while I have not set the world on fire, I really treasure the plaques and other mementos that hang on the wall in my office. Each time I see them they remind me of the good people that I have been privileged to serve and to work with.
If you are in a top management position with any company, school or any other organization, how long has it been since you took the time to say “Thank You” and to honor someone who has helped you or your organization achieve success? The small cost of a plaque or certificate can mean a lot to the one who receives it.
Now, a trophy or other award for an individual or a team’s success is something they earned in competition, and while still very important it is a little bit different than what I’m talking about here. What I’m talking about here is just simple appreciation for a job well done. A few dollars invested in a plaque or other form of recognition could be worth thousands of dollars in extra production, loyalty and a real sense of family and belonging.
To be appreciated is very important because, like I said, we all need more than a paycheck. After self-preservation, which is the first law of nature, the three things that every human being desires are recognition, change, and security. When we take the time to meet these other needs of those in our charge, we have tapped into a potential that many others miss. It may make the difference between success and failure.
If you are an owner, manager or someone in a leadership position, here are a few guidelines. First, do not over-do it. When done too often, the sentiment loses its meaning. Next, don’t do it to make you look good. Anyone can see through that and the gesture will diminish you in their eyes. Misplaced value is seldom rewarded. And lastly, make sure the recognition is deserved. If you give a plaque or honor someone who is just going through the motions it may motivate them, but again it may not.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1300 -- SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY!

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS VICTORY

No. 1300

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY!

Would you believe there is a very simple statement that if put into practice by the majority of our citizens would cure about 90 percent of America’s economic woes? The statement is simply this, “Save for a Rainy Day.”
One of the saddest things I have seen in a long time happened back at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic when there were long lines, some over a mile, of people waiting to get food. This scene took place countless times, in spite of the fact that we are the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. The reason most of the people were in those lines was because they did not have any money, or at least enough to buy their own food and provide for their own needs.
While it’s much more complicated, the reason our country is in such a mess today is because we have lost the war on poverty. We have gone from the August 2, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence to the now Declaration of Dependence.
The year 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s launch of the War on Poverty. In January 1964, Johnson declared “unconditional war on poverty in America.” Since then, the taxpayers have spent $22 trillion on his war. Adjusted for inflation, that’s three times the cost of all military wars since the American Revolution.
I could give you many more statistics to validate what I am saying, but I had rather concentrate on the solution rather than the problem. If every poor person who is already getting tons of government aid would go to a bank and open a savings account with $50 and then put $5 to $10 each week out of their check for the next several years, they would never be in another food line again. And most importantly, they would have self-respect. In other words, “Save for a Rainy Day.” To be sure I understand that many of these people are illiterate, but this is where those of us who are not can help them and really make a difference.
Please forgive the personal reference, but allow me to tell you why I feel so strongly about this subject. My folks ran a small restaurant back when I was in school and sold 10-cent hamburgers. After graduation, I went to college and they paid my $60-per-semester tuition for the first year and a half. But when I realized how many 10-cent hamburgers it took to do that, I dropped out of college and made my way to Little Rock, where I had relatives. My first job was working in my uncle’s grocery store behind the meat counter. Then I got a job in a printing company working in the warehouse taking paper to the machines for $1.35 per hour.
After seven years of this, I left this job and went into printing sales for another five years and, on straight commission, worked my way up to $25,000 per year (a lot of money in 1970). Next came the Dale Carnegie Course job, the Earl Nightingale tape sales, speeches, the radio show, and then this column. That was 50 years ago. Here is my point, and I say this to the Glory of God. In all these years I have never applied for a dime of public assistance. The main reason is because I was willing to do without, and I also became a saver. That is the key. Work hard, do a good job for your employer, and save a portion of your income.
If those on public assistance can get the word, and we can help many of these people get it, they can become independent, and what a joy that brings, instead of being dependent. While not easy, it is so simple: We must learn to “Save for a Rainy Day.” Do this for a while and you will be surprised how quickly it will add up.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD IS VICTORY

No. 1287 -- AMERICA’S MAJESTIC SYMBOL!

No. 1287

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AMERICA’S MAJESTIC SYMBOL!

Several years ago when I was working in the production department for a printing company, we used to have a saying: “The eagle has flown.” This saying was heard mostly on Fridays, because this was payday and the day that checks were passed out. The eagle in this case was synonymous with money, because over the years the picture of this majestic bird has been printed on different denominations of our nation’s currency.
Most people know that the American Bald Eagle is America’s symbol, but there is a story behind this fact that may not be common knowledge. In the earliest days of our nation’s history, our forefathers decided we needed a national bird that would be symbolic of the character and values of our people. In the beginning, there was a great deal of sentiment for the wild turkey because of its keen eyesight, elusive qualities and the fact that it provided food and other benefits, especially in regard to the tradition of Thanksgiving.
The eagle won out for reasons I’ll share a bit later, but this is probably the basis for the saying we have all heard: “You can soar with the eagles or roost with the turkeys.” This is the reason many people began to refer to someone else as a “turkey.” In relation to this, I want to share a true story that you may appreciate.
The former chairman of the board of a large bank in our state was a well-known civic leader, wealthy and very aggressive, but small in size -- around 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Quite naturally, in a large organization with several hundred employees, it takes a while for people to get to know each other, especially new people who have just been hired. One day this chairman got off the elevator on a floor where you must have security clearance. A new security guard who thought she was just doing her job hollered, “Hey, turkey, where are you going?” Sadly, what this lady didn’t know is that this man was not a turkey. He was an eagle and she lost her job. As I said, this is a true story.
For thousands of years throughout the world, the eagle has been admired for its grandeur, its grace in flight, its great size and awesome power. It gets its name from the white head feathers that give it the appearance of being bald. The soaring eagle in flight so captivated the imagination of our nation’s forefathers, they adopted it as our national bird and it came to be a symbol of the true meaning of liberty.
Our national symbol, however, is much more than what “meets the eye.” The eagle displays a sense of responsibility that is a companion of genuine liberty. He mates for life and returns to the same nest each year, making necessary repairs and additions. He takes an active role in providing for his family and teaching his young to fly. While this may appear to be redundant, it’s far too important to miss. The reason the bald eagle is America’s symbol is because he possesses many of those characteristics and qualities that has made America great and must be re-instilled in our society if we are to preserve the freedom which God has so graciously entrusted to us.
We live in a day when symbols have almost become America’s stock in trade, so the next time you see an American Bald Eagle, stop for a moment and think about what he represents: the United States of America, the greatest nation on earth. In view of what I have shared, I want to leave you with this verse from the Bible: “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31.
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(Editor’s Note: This is one of the columns in Jim’s new book “Better than the Best.” For a personally signed copy, send $20 (includes postage and handling) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034).

No. 1286 -- YOU CAN’T SINK HALF A SHIP!

No. 1286

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU CAN’T SINK HALF A SHIP!

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “No one ever fails in life until he blames someone else.” Unfortunately, many people in our prosperous nation were never taught that accepting responsibility for themselves and their actions is the most visible sign of maturity. This is a personal quality that will contribute greatly to individual success. It’s also a vital need if we are to preserve our freedom in the perilous and ever-changing times in which we live.
As it relates to our personal and collective freedom, I would like to ask you to create this scene in your mind: just before the break of dawn one cold winter morning, a family is standing out in the street in their pajamas, watching their home burn to the ground. As they huddle together and hear the distant sound of the fire truck on its way to the fire, they begin to think about the loss of their most cherished possessions, many of which can never be replaced. But at this moment, they are thankful just to be alive.
Now, as we all know, this scene actually takes place thousands of times each year in America and many families are not as fortunate as the one I’ve just described, as their lives are lost in the tragedy of a home fire. There are also many of our nation’s firefighters who perish in the line of duty. However, for those who are fortunate enough to escape with their lives, they can start over and rebuild. In a few years, in most cases, their lives can be back to “normal.”
The example I’ve just shared with you is meant to graphically illustrate that everything is relative. We don’t appreciate fair weather until we have suffered through several weeks of rain or snow. Most of us don’t appreciate good health until we have had an accident or a prolonged illness of some kind. Most won’t appreciate freedom until we come face-to-face with the distinct possibility of losing it.
One time I heard the late Dr. Ken McFarland -- noted speaker, author and guest lecturer for General Motors -- tell the story about the first mate of a ship that rushed up to the captain and said, “Sir, the ship is sinking!” The captain calmly replied, “Let ’er go, she ain’t ours.” Dr. McFarland then went on to make a very important point, as he said, “If we are on a ship, it is ours, regardless of who owns it.” You see, when a ship goes down, every person who is on it goes down with it. In other words, “you can’t sink half a ship.”
The reasons are many, but the United States of America is sailing through some tough social, spiritual and economic seas just now, as we struggle to pay off our national debt, deal with a worldwide pandemic, and have many social problems begging for a solution. If we are to maintain our precious freedom, as American citizens we all need to accept responsibility for ourselves and our actions and we must believe it’s possible. This principle also applies to our homes, our jobs and careers, and especially how we treat those around us. To show love, kindness and concern for others is a sign of maturity.
In the wake of many tragic shootings in our country, we should all get on our knees and pray to God that He will heal the wounds of our society. I’m deeply concerned as I’m sure you are, for the citizens of our country, especially for our young people because they are our hope for the future. Just remember this thought, you can’t sink half a ship. The whole ship stays up or the whole ship goes down, and it is yours, if you are on it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 1285 -- THE OBITUARY FOR COMMON SENSE!

No. 1285

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE OBITUARY FOR COMMON SENSE!

Does it make you sad when you lose an old friend? It sure does me. Several years ago I lost an old friend who was also one of my best friends. His name was Bob Gannaway. Bob was my Dale Carnegie instructor, later my business partner, hunting and fishing buddy, someone I could always count on and one who could keep a confidence. Good friends like this do not come along very often and I sure do miss him.
What brought this remembrance of Bob to mind was something a reader sent me a few days ago. It was titled simply “Obituary Notice” and it begins:
“Today we mourn the passing of an old friend. His name is Common Sense. Common Sense lived a long life, but died of heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.
“For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies: ‘Don’t spend more than you earn’; reliable parenting strategies, ‘The adults are in charge, not the kids’; and ‘It’s OK to come in second.’
“A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and ‘new math.’ But his health declined when he became infected with the ‘If-it-only-helps-one-person-it’s-worth-it’ virus. In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal regulation. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors.
“His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies, reports of 6-year-old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, to when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but cannot inform the parent when the female student is pregnant and wants an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.
“Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife Discretion; his daughter Responsibility; and his son Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers, Rights, Tolerance and Whiner. Not many attended his funeral evidently because so few realized he was gone.”
Well, that’s the end of it, but what a message for all of us to ponder. This should cause every logical, rational and sound-thinking American to step back, take a second look and think about where our nation is going.
There is one thing for sure: millions of people in this country do not have a college degree but have plenty of common sense. In today’s times this is something of which we could all stand a lot more. While it may be bad theology, what we really need is an early “resurrection” of this old friend who has stood by us all those years. My special thanks to Bob & Nadine Mong and Dick & Val Widen for sharing this with us.
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(Editor’s Note: This is one of the columns in Jim’s new book “Better than the Best.” For a personally signed copy, send $20 (includes postage and handling) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034).

No. 1284 -- ARE YOU BEING FED?

No. 1284

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOU BEING FED?

Each year on the first Sunday in January, our pastor Brother Don Chandler gives us a “State of the Church” message. We all look forward to it because it not only gives us an overview of where we have been but some optimistic projections of where we are going. Of course, those of us who know Jesus already know where we are going: we are going to Heaven when we die. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of a vibrant growing church, where the pastor is truly preaching the Word of God and people are being saved almost every week.
When I heard his message on this particular Sunday, I was reminded of a famous quote by a French nobleman by the name of Alexis de Tocqueville, who came to America in the 18th century in an attempt to learn why America was achieving so much success in the short time since having been founded. Here is that quote: “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there … in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there … in her rich mines and vast world commerce, and it was not there … in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Of course there are many other churches in our community who are also preaching the Word of God, and they are growing as well. Brother Don reported that we had added 109 new members this past year and had more than 100 additions each of the past five years. To this I can only say “Praise the Lord.” Many churches in our community are not growing. They are just treading water, which is to say, they are having about as many members die each year as they have babies born to members. Here, let me quickly add, a church is not just about numbers but rather reaching lost people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Most Christians know these verses but just for review, Matthew 28:19-20 is known as the Great Commission. It says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” You know, churches and restaurants have at least one thing in common. People go to each to be fed, as we need spiritual food as well as physical food.
Now please allow me to talk with you from my heart. As I write this column I know there are thousands of my readers, here in my own community and in markets across the nation, who are not Christians and do not believe as I do. I certainly respect their right to think and believe as they choose and I hope they will respect my right to do this as well.
One reason I feel so strongly is due to a ministry here in our community called Renewal Ranch, a residential treatment program for men addicted to drugs and alcohol. Their total focus is on changing lives through Jesus Christ. If you could hear the testimonies of the men about how they were saved, returned to their families and jobs, and are now living productive lives, you too would be a believer. I guess you might say that seeing is believing, and that certainly works for me. My very best wishes, Jim.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1283 -- AN UNTOLD STORY: UNTIL NOW!

No. 1283

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AN UNTOLD STORY: UNTIL NOW!

It is often said that behind every successful man is a terrific woman, and I personally know this is true. Over the years I have had a great deal of respect and admiration for the late Truett Cathy, founder of the Chic-fil-A restaurant chain. However, there is a wonderful story behind his success involving his wife that has not been told before: until now.
Before sharing this true story, I need to give you a little background information. Truett and his brother Ben opened the Dwarf Grill in 1946, just outside of Atlanta, and later changed the name to the Dwarf House. Then tragedy struck in 1949, as Ben and another brother Horace were killed in a plane crash near Dalton, Georgia.
This left Truett alone to continue the business, but fate smiled on him as he had begun to spend time with a wonderful young woman by the name of Jeannette McNeill, who also helped him in the restaurant. That same year, 1949, Truett and Jeannette would marry and later have three children: Dan, Don and Trudy. In 1967 the first Chic-fil-A restaurant would open in Atlanta’s Greenbrier Shopping Center. They began to add new locations, to where today it is the most successful restaurant chain in our country. Truett was a hard worker with a creative mind, and in the early days he hit on a formula of taking a pressure-cooked chicken breast and putting it on a bun with some garnishments to form the Chicken Sandwich. Their motto is, ‘We didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich.”
The untold story I mentioned earlier is chronicled in a terrific new book written by their daughter Trudy titled, “A Quiet Strength: The Life and Legacy of Jeannette M. Cathy.” It was released as a hardcover on March 10, 2020. Trudy Cathy White is a great success in her own right, beginning all the way back to when she was just 19 years of age and was given the responsibility of running a Chic-fil-A Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Today she is a beloved speaker, writer, and grandmother who has devoted her life to serving others.
In her new book she tells the story of her mother, the real heart and soul of the Cathy family. This heartwarming memoir presents Trudy’s first-hand look at her mother’s amazing life. This included growing up during the Great Depression with a struggling single mother, being crowned the best dancer in Atlanta at age 6, singing in church revivals all across Georgia at age 8, and breaking tradition by attending both college and seminary as a woman in the 1940s. Plus, she helped found the most influential and fastest growing restaurant chain in the country. Trudy also shares her mother’s often unbelievable disadvantages raising three children on the Cathy farm — from beekeeping fiascos to regularly chasing a pony, a parrot, and a monkey around her living room.
While Truett was building Chic-fil-A, Jeannette was nurturing a family, and beginning with their faith they built an empire based on Biblical principles. She knew so much about Biblical principles that she talked with Truett about them, as she wanted to make sure that was a part of what the business was like. Trudy said her siblings were never sheltered from the challenges of running a business. She recalled how difficult conversations often came up, and it was natural for our family to get up from the table, go into the den and mom would open her Bible.
Trudy went on to say the best decision they ever made was to keep their restaurants closed on Sunday. This philosophy has worked out pretty well. Today they do more business in our community in six days than any of the other restaurants do in seven.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is a nationally syndicated columnist and motivational speaker. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034)

No. 1282 -- DON’T LET GO OF THE ROPE!

No. 1282

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T LET GO OF THE ROPE!

Over the years I’ve known a good number of people who were “accident” prone. You have probably known someone like this as well. Several years ago I had a friend who was this type of person. One of his brothers told me that when he was much younger he caused an 18-car pileup on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Later, when I knew him, the home heating system he had installed in his basement caught on fire, not once but twice, and sometime later their home burned to the ground. The tragic end to this story is when he helped to build an ultra-light airplane and it crashed, killing him and a member of his extended family.
We know that millions of accidents happen every day, but something the French author and philosopher Voltaire said may help us to see accidents in a much clearer perspective. He said, “There is no such thing as an accident. What we call by that name is the effect of some cause which we do not see.”
What made me think of this was something a man by the name of Dean Dufur handed me following a speaking engagement one evening a few weeks ago. It was a letter written by a bricklayer to his insurance company, which clearly describes the consequences of not thinking before you act. His letter begins:
“In response to your request for additional information in block number 3 of the accident reporting form, I put ‘poor planning’ as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully and I trust the following details will be sufficient. I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident I was working alone on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which fortunately was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.
“Securing the rope at ground level, I went up on the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the brick into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of brick. You will note in block number 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh 135 pounds. Due to my surprise at being jerked from the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.
“Fortunately, by that time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed approximately 50 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles and the lacerations of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks, in some pain, unable to stand and watching the empty barrel six stories above me, I again lost my presence of mind. I LET GO OF THE ROPE!!”
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(Editor’s Note: This is one of the columns in Jim’s new book “Better than the Best.” For a personally signed copy, send $20 (includes postage and handling) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034).

No. 1281 -- HAVE AN “ABUNDANCE” MINDSET!

No. 1281

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE AN “ABUNDANCE” MINDSET!

As you read this column, think about if you are completely happy with your life and everything you are doing. If so, congratulations, as in today’s times you are a very rare person.
If, however, you still have some goals you would like to reach and have a strong desire to improve yourself in a variety of ways, then read on because I have some ideas that will be of value to you. And please keep in mind what the late Will Rogers had to say about learning. He said, “It is just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated.” None of us is smart enough to remember everything we know, and sometimes a little reminder of the right things at the right time can make a big difference in our lives.
Back in 1970 I was privileged to go into business with the late Bob Gannaway, my former Dale Carnegie instructor, to sell and distribute the Earl Nightingale Attitude Motivation messages that were recorded on cassette. In case you may not know, Earl Nightingale was known as the Dean of Personal Motivation and his daily radio show “Our Changing World” was carried by more than 1,000 radio stations, making it the most successful commercially sponsored radio programs in the history of American broadcasting. He was also one of the few survivors of the battleship Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
While you may have heard it before, the reason I share this background information is because one of his recordings titled “The Strangest Secret” was the only inspirational recording in history to ever sell a million copies. The strangest secret is simply that we become what we think about, something most of knows but spend very little time thinking about. The Bible says it another way, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” -- Proverbs 23:7. Well, believe it or not, this is why most people do not have the things they would like to have or be the kind of person they would like to be.
Yes, it really comes down to our thinking, and the bottom line is that most of us do not have an “abundance” mindset. Rather, we have a “scarcity” mindset, which is to say we place limitations on our thinking. The other day I heard the best example I have ever heard that clearly demonstrates the true abundance that is there for each of us to claim and to use for our own advantage. If you have ever gone to the ocean and sat on the beach, did you notice how the waves came in one right after the other? And as long as you sat there, even for hours they just kept coming one after the other. Yes, there is an abundance of waves and water that is right before us as far as the eye can see. There is opportunity all around us in the same way.
We also see other examples of nature that confirm this principle. If we plant one bushel of potato seed in the ground, we can get back 60 bushels of potatoes in return. A single tomato seed can multiply itself a million times in a year. Ten forests can come out of one acorn. Plant a pound of onion seed and we may reap 10 tons of onions. One twig from an apple tree planted in the ground may become a great tree, producing foliage and blossoms and fragrance and fruit not just one year, but for many years, multiplied many, many times. And there are countless other examples. In our mind we must think abundance and not be weighed down with negative people, negative news and negative events that take place all around us every single day.
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(Editor’s Note: JIM DAVIDSON is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1326 -- IT’S NOT THE BIRDS YOU HUNT!

THE NEXT PASSWORD WILL BE WINNER

No. 1326

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S NOT THE BIRDS YOU HUNT!

My former partner, the late Bob Gannaway, used to love to go duck hunting. He also had a very thought-provoking saying that goes, “It’s not the birds you hunt, but the birds you hunt with” that really matters. Of course he was talking about the people you hunt with.
I remember that he used to hunt with a man by the name of Billy McCauley, who owned a big farm near Carlisle, a small town in east Arkansas that is on the Mississippi Flyway. Of course this means lots of ducks. He took me hunting with him one time, and I still remember that one of the other guests was Ben Laney, former Governor of Arkansas. While Bob did not say so, his comment “It’s the birds you hunt with that really matters” is just another way of saying, “We are known by the company we keep.”
This introduction really leads me in to what I want to talk with you about today, and that is “bad company corrupts good morals.” Bob was like a second father to me, and he was very careful about who he spent his time with and around. If you will take just a moment and look back over your own life, I believe you will agree that you are where you are today in the areas of life that really count due in large part to the people with whom you have chosen to spend your time. Of course, when we were very young, we were blessed if we had a great family, parents and siblings who loved and cared for us, and also served as good role models.
As I thought about my own life over the years, I now realize that I was so blessed by the people with whom I was privileged to spend some of my quality time. When I was much younger I loved to fish, hunt and play golf. My only fishing buddy was Mickey Cox, and we took his boat, motor and fishing tackle to his favorite spot. When we got home he would clean the fish, put them in a zipper bag and send me on my way. It’s hard to beat a friend like that. My golfing buddies were Doyle Cook, Junior Kelly, Larry Fry, Ken Ingram, Doctor Jim Weedman and John Berry. My hunting buddies were Bob Gannaway, Herb Ferguson and Bob Kizer.
While the odds are good that you won’t know any of these people, I can tell you for sure that none of them were drinkers, smokers, gamblers, did drugs, used profanity or had any other bad habits that I was aware of, but rather each was a true Southern gentleman. Now, why am I telling you this? It is because we are indeed known by the company we keep. Back in the days when I was hunting, fishing or playing golf, I didn’t give any thought to this, but now as I reflect on it, I am truly aware that God blessed me more than I deserve. There is an important lesson to be learned here, and this is why I share it. The people we spend our time with are the ones who are feeding our mind and also the ones who are influencing our behavior and life.
When I was a kid, my father spent a lot of time teaching me what was right and what was wrong, and fortunately I listened to him. If you have children or grandchildren, are you teaching them what is right and what is wrong? I hope you are, because this could be some of the most profitable time you ever spend and could even save their life. In conclusion, you might ask yourself this question that may shed some light on where you are, and if you have children, where they are: “What kind of birds are you hunting with?” You can believe me when I tell you that I only want the BEST for you and your loved ones.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

THE NEXT PASSWORD WILL BE WINNER

No. 1314 -- DO YOU NEED A FRESH PERSPECTIVE?

No. 1314

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DO YOU NEED A FRESH PERSPECTIVE?

The word “perspective” is an interesting one in the English language. It means, according to the dictionary, “The relative importance of facts or matters from any special point of view.” To say it another way, if we are not careful we can get bogged down in the way we see things. I might add: we can get so bogged down that this condition can be fatal.
Some time back, when we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw an interview on television where a father from Maine was crushed because his son had committed suicide. In the interview, he was telling about the conditions that led up to this tragedy.
His son played football, and apparently this is what he lived for, and he was confined to “virtual” learning where he did not have the opportunity to interact with his teammates and classmates. Over time this young man became despondent. The longer this condition went on, the more despondent he became, until one day, tragically, he took his own life. As I sat there and watched the interview, I became more and more convinced that what this young man needed was a fresh perspective. One thing that was not discussed is whether or not the father had told his son that he loved him. We all need that, and when we don’t get it, especially when other isolated conditions exist, we get to thinking that no one cares if we live or die.
In retrospect, I am confident the father did love his son but he did not say so, at least during the television interview. This is a valuable lesson we can all learn. I will bet my bottom dollar that what this son really needed was a fresh perspective. In addition to his father telling him that he loved him, he also needed to help him see how things would be when the pandemic had passed and he was back in school, playing sports again, being with his classmates again and preparing for a great future.
To be sure, the human mind is a powerful thing, and when it gets on the wrong track, we can do some strange and often tragic things. We have all heard of the person who has a one-track mind. That is not necessarily bad unless it gets on the wrong track, which is what happened to this young man.
Now, as I am coming to the end of our time together, this question please, “Do You Need a Fresh Perspective?” I will confess that I need one on a regular basis, and I try to do that by starting each day with a devotional to remind me of who I am and who I serve. I also read a couple of chapters of two of my books that will seed my mind with some positive thoughts to think about during the day.
The bottom line for me, and hopefully for you as well, is that I take some time to count my blessings and remind myself of all the things for which I have to be thankful: good health, a fantastic wife, a warm comfortable home that is paid for, and a life-time calling where I have been blessed to serve others. And even though we have problems, which have always been true, we still live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.
Here is my challenge to you: the next time you feel yourself getting bogged down in your thinking, or even start to feel sorry for yourself, just stop and count your blessings, as the song says, “name them one by one” and see what God has done. If you will do this on a regular basis, I can promise you it will make a difference in how you see yourself and your future. I care for others and I hope you do, too.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1316 -- A TRIBUTE TO DENNIS!

No. 1316

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO DENNIS!

The task I have today is not an enviable one. I want to pay tribute to a very special and long-time friend by the name of Dr. C. Dennis Schick. For 25 years (1979 - 2004), Dennis was executive director of the Arkansas Press Association, and he helped me in my career more than any other human being on the face of the earth. He died on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, and left a legacy that will be honored and revered for many years to come. I will always be grateful to him.
Dennis came to our state press association after teaching full time for 15 years at three major universities: the University of Texas, Southern Illinois University and Texas Christian University. He earned a bachelor of arts in journalism and English from TCU; a master’s degree in advertising and marketing from the University of Illinois; and a doctorate in mass communications and marketing from SIU.
Dennis and his wife Jan were a team and worked side by side for all those years, managing a staff, having an annual State Press Convention, putting out a weekly newsletter and taking care of the needs for more than 120 newspapers across the state. One of the things he will always be remembered for is moving the association office from a small house on Broadway in Little Rock, to their present location at 411 Victory, only four blocks from our state Capitol. This current building was large enough to meet their needs and have rental income as well.
It was his nature to help people, and the two of us hit it off back in 1995, soon after I started my weekly column. As an associate member, I received the annual directory that contained all the information about member newspapers. This directory helped me in making contacts and getting me acquainted with many other state press directors. Each state had a directory, and I would use this concept to contact papers in other states. In time, the list of papers running my column would grow to more than 375 papers in 35 states.
Dennis was a great family man, having three children, and was very active in his church, including singing in the choir. Each Sunday morning he could be found lifting his voice to the Lord. After his retirement we would remain friends, and quite often I would drive from Conway to Little Rock and take him to lunch. He was also most helpful when I founded the Conway Bookcase Project in 2005. For the first three years, before we started the annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet to raise the money for building materials, we came up with an idea to publish a book of my columns, sell the book and use the money to build bookcases.
When we decided to do this, Dennis secured the help of 12 award-winning journalists from all across the nation to read the more than 350 columns that I had written at this time and choose those to go in the book. The idea worked, and we raised the money to build 50 bookcases each year to help pre-school children in low-income families. Later, when we started having our annual Awards Ceremony to present the bookcases at the Faulkner County Library, Dennis came one year to be our guest speaker. He would also write the Preface for my next book.
I might add the idea to publish the book came from another press director friend, Carolyn Wilson from Mississippi. I would never have known Carolyn had it not been for Dennis. You can see now why I wanted to pay tribute to him. He was a rare person who always went the extra mile, and I will always be grateful to him. We need more Dennis Schicks in this world.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1317 -- LEARNING SHOULD BE FUN!

No. 1317

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LEARNING SHOULD BE FUN!

It is a proven fact that people accomplish more and do more when they enjoy what they are doing. This is also true when it comes to learning. To be sure, learning should be fun.
This is the theme for an exciting new copyrighted word game that I am developing titled, “Mr. Jim’s Word Game.” This is a vocabulary building program that I believe, in time, will be marketed all across the country.
The reason I feel so strongly about the need for this product is that I have spent the past 50 years in the “word” business and have come to understand why many of our nation’s schools are struggling. At one time the United States of America led the world in test scores for reading, math and science, but no more. Today we rank 18th out of 21 industrialized nations in these important benchmarks.
Here are a couple of insights as to why this is true. Several years ago a major university gave the members of its graduating class an English vocabulary test, and then tracked them for the next 20 years. They found that after 20 years the students who had known the greatest number of words were in the top income group. Those students who had known the fewest number of words were in the lowest income group. What was amazing is that there was not one exception. Here is a big part of the reason this was true. In 1955, 81 percent of parents in America read to or with their children. Today, that number is 21 percent.
The primary reason many of our schools are failing is because far too many students start to school without a good vocabulary base. To be sure, words are vital to learning and to our future success. This is because we use words to think with, and to speak with, and to write with -- and for everything involved in the communication process.
When he spoke to our Bookcase Awards Ceremony a few years back, School Superintendent Dr. Greg Murry pointed out that children from low-income families have a vocabulary of about 2,900 words, while children from affluent homes have twice that many.
In 1980, when I first started writing a weekly radio program, I did not know that many words. That has changed, however, after 40 years of writing a radio program, a newspaper column, making 1,700 speeches and writing 10 books. I counted it up some time back, and have now written or spoken several million words.
With God’s help, here is my plan to improve the vocabulary for pre-school children all across America. This can be used by parents and teachers alike. I have identified products from all across society and have taken their photos and pasted them on large sheets of poster board. Then I have gone back and identified each one, recorded the words on a sheet of paper, printed the words in large type, laminated the words, and cut them apart.
After putting all the words in a basket, the children will draw a word and match it up with the photo. Here is where the teacher or the parent comes into play. Each word -- some are very large -- can be identified, then pronounced, then spelled and then defined. This will take some time but not nearly as long as it took me.
I have also developed a long list of “concept” words that cannot be seen in a photo but can be explained and defined to increase the child’s knowledge and understanding. What is so exciting is that this process is fun, and each child will be encouraged to find other words that add to the program. In time we will have children begin school who are truly excited and ready to learn.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1318 -- THE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ADDICTION!

No. 1318

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ADDICTION!

A few weeks ago we had a beautiful and talented young lady come to present a program at our local Kiwanis Club. Her name is Laura Monteverdi, and she is the evening news anchor on KARK Television in Little Rock, our local NBC affiliate.
Laura is originally from Florida but came to us from KDLT in Sioux Falls, S.D. About six months after coming here, she had a very sad and tragic thing happen in her life. Her boyfriend Brock died from a heroin overdose in September 2015, and at the time was living thousands of miles away.
For the next few years she would keep her emotions bottled up inside. One day in Little Rock, Laura was in her car after dropping off some children that she picks up at school. She noticed a woman at a stop sign, and while no traffic was coming, the woman’s car didn’t move. People started honking, and after a few moments, Laura and a man a few cars ahead of her got out to check on the woman. As the man opened the woman’s door, her lifeless body fell out onto the pavement. Her lips and face were blue and she was not moving.
With a glance into the vehicle, they saw a needle and a spoon, and it became clear what had happened. Laura quickly called 911 while the Good Samaritan administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ultimately saving the woman’s life. This is an image that has never left her mind. She had a terrible sadness for this woman because she never wanted to have any idea of what Brock looked like when he died. Needless to say, this greatly impacted her life, and she came to realize that she must be a part of the solution to help save lives of those who are addicted to drugs.
This is the mission that brought her to Conway the day I heard her speak, and to be sure, she has made a difference. She is a two-time Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist and has also earned two Regional Emmy awards. In February 2020, she was honored with the National Newsmaker Award, which recognizes a journalist who goes above and beyond to educate the public on substance abuse. When she decided it was time to share her story, she produced the Emmy-winning special “Saving a Generation: The New Face of Drug Addiction.” Today, she spends a good deal of her time presenting her program at churches, schools and civic clubs.
Laura feels so strongly about what she is doing that she has dedicated a good portion of her time warning people about the terrible consequences of drug addiction. There are countless people who have called or written to share their story and many to seek help. When I heard her speak and later read her story, my first concern is what happens to the addicts after their addiction is reversed through the use of Narcan (a medicine used to block the effects of opioids)? Do they go back to using drugs or do they find a true and long-term solution that enables them to remain drug-free for the rest of their lives?
As I thought about this, I was reminded of a great long-term residential drug program here in our community called Renewal Ranch. The founder is a good friend of mine, Dr. Larry Pillow, who for many years was pastor of Second Baptist Church. Dr. Pillow also performed our wedding ceremony. At this point the Renewal Ranch program has helped hundreds of men, young and old, kick the drug habit with a 70 percent success rate. The program lasts for six months to a year and is a steady diet of Bible teaching that in most cases leads to having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. When you know Jesus, you have someone to fight your battle for you and He is a Winner every time.
Thanks, Laura. God bless you.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1319 -- AND YOU THINK I TALK FUNNY!

No. 1319

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

AND YOU THINK I TALK FUNNY!

There is an old saying that goes, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” Several years ago I got to know a fellow speaker by the name of Franklin McGee, who lives down in Anniston, Alabama. He often tells the story about a young lady from their neck of the woods who graduated from college and went to work in the New York office of the French National Airlines. After a short time it became obvious that her accent and use of the King’s English was going to be a major distraction for many of the airline’s patrons.
At this point a conscientious young supervisor took it upon himself to teach her how to develop a more refined manner of speaking. His first task was to teach her how to properly answer the telephone. He taught her to say, “Air France. May I help you?” He even suggested that she put a little more French into the title and say, “ARR.. FRONCE.. May I help you?” This young supervisor thought he was doing a good job, until the next day when the telephone rang and he heard her pick it up and say, “ARR. FRONCE…May I hep ya?”
As I have said before, one of the great joys I have in writing and marketing this column is that I get to talk with people all across the nation. In the past few years I have talked with many different newspaper people in every state in this great country. It’s interesting to hear and detect the different accents, like the Southern drawl down in Georgia, Mississippi and to some degree in the Carolinas. To be sure, the Cajun people in South Louisiana talk differently, as do the people up in Boston and the New England area. You can go from the Ozarks to Texas to the Midwestern states like Kansas and Nebraska and you will find the majority all have a different accent, as well. The same is true when you talk with people out on the West coast in the states of California, Oregon and Washington.
If you have me tuned in, you are probably saying, “it’s not just the accents, but the words, expressions and colloquial sayings are different, too.” I’m sure you know that much of the strength of America comes from our diversity. In fact, the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS ENUM found on the Great Seal of the United States means “from many, one.”
To illustrate what I am saying I thought I might share some Texas-style vocabulary that was sent to me by Dr. Karen Robbins, who lives in Belton, Texas. First, I will give the saying and then, if necessary, explain what it means.
1. AS WELCOME AS A SKUNK AT A PARTY -- No explanation necessary.
2. TIGHTER THAN THE BARK ON A TREE – means not very generous.
3. BIG HAT, NO CATTLE – means all talk and no brains.
4. WE’VE HOWDIED BUT WE AIN’T SHOOK YET – means we have made a brief acquaintance but we have not been formally introduced.
5. HE THINKS THE SUN CAME UP JUST TO HEAR HIM CROW – means he has a pretty high opinion of himself.
6. IT’S SO DRY THE TREES ARE BRIBIN THE DOGS – means we could use a little rain around here.
7. JUST BECAUSE A CHICKEN HAS WINGS DOESN’T MEAN HE CAN FLY – means appearances can be deceptive.
8. THIS AIN’T MY FIRST RODEO -- means that I have been around for a while.
9. THE DOGS KEPT HIM UNDER THE PORCH -- means he is not the most handsome of men.
10. AS FULL OF WIND AS A CORN-EATING HORSE – means that he or she is rather prone to boasting.
Hope you enjoyed these sayings.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1320 -- THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART!

No. 1320

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART!

It is my conviction that all along the path of life we need to hear or read stories from time to time that will lift our spirits and give us a fresh perspective of life. This is true and it matters not whether our station is low or high, whether we are the janitor or president of the company, whether we are the star of the team or one who seldom gets in the game, or whether we’re a nobody or the most renowned person on planet earth.
In the Bible there is a very important verse that includes these words in I Samuel 16: 7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This is something I believe we all need to think about from time to time, because this simple truth can definitely make a difference in our relationships with other people.
In our society we have come to almost deify beauty. If a person is outwardly handsome or beautiful they are given a “bye” to the next level. However, I am here to tell you that when we do this on a consistent basis we are going to miss some great opportunities as we travel the road of life. There is a story I read recently that truly makes this point, and one that should be taken to heart. It begins when a lady is visiting a friend who owns a greenhouse.
She says, “As my friend showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms growing in an old dented, rusty bucket.
“I thought to myself, ‘If this were my plant I would put it in the loveliest container I had’. My friend changed my mind. ‘I ran short of pots,’ she explained, ‘and knowing how beautiful it would be, I thought it wouldn’t mind starting out in this old pail. It’s just for a little while till I can put it out in the garden’. She must have wondered why I laughed out loud, because it reminded me of an old gentleman who came to our boarding house so many times. Our boarding house was just across the street from a large hospital with an outpatient clinic. We lived downstairs and rented upstairs rooms to patients who came to the clinic.
“One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. ‘Why, he’s hardly taller than my 8-year-old,’ I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face: lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, ‘Good evening, I’ve come to see if you’ve a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from my home on the coast and there’s no bus ‘till morning.’ He told me he had been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. ‘I guess it’s my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments …’. For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: ‘I could sleep in the rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning’.
“And so began a beautiful relationship that would last for many years. I found out about his occupation as a fisherman that he used to support his daughter and her five children, along with her husband who had been hopelessly crippled from a back injury. From time to time he would come back for treatments and would always bring fresh fish, oysters and produce from his garden. He continued to send special things even though he had so little money and would walk three miles to mail them.”
This story should remind each of us that man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1321 -- YOUR VERY OWN LOG HOME!

No. 1321

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUR VERY OWN LOG HOME!

If the thought of not having rent or a house payment appeals to you, or even if does not, I believe you will have an interest in what I want to share with you during our visit today.
Back in 1995, my late wife and I decided to move here to Conway, Arkansas. We had quite a bit of equity in the house where we were living, and decided if we could sell it, build a new one and not have a house payment, that would be the way to go. When we got to thinking about what kind of house to build, I had a friend tell me that we should build a house out of landscape timbers. It was a novel idea because of the cost of the timbers, no sheet rock, painting and other construction advantages. Fortunately, I had a neighbor who was a terrific carpenter and could do it all as far as building a house. I was able to hire him for $10 an hour, no overtime, and I would be his helper.
We found a great one-and-a-half acre lot, close to town on a paved road, and got started building. The landscape timbers are just small logs. They are treated and only eight feet long, and they can be nailed together using pole barn nails. We used red metal for the roof and I was able to find a lot of the building materials at a salvage yard, things like doors, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, floor coverings, windows and many other essentials. We used 12-inch, 16-foot treated pine boards for all the top outside portion, and for the inside trim. A radial-arm saw I purchased came in handy to saw the timbers and the treated boards. It took about 10 months to build and it turned out to be beautiful. It was necessary to seal the timbers on the outside to protect it from the elements and I have had to do this every five to 10 years. After being here for more than 25 years, I honestly think this house will last a century.
Including a glassed-in front porch and a second floor office over the carport, the house has about 2,500 square feet and cost about $26 a square foot to build. We only owed about $5,000 when it was finished, and this was paid off the first year, so this means no house payment for the past 25-plus years. Now, let me bring you up to date in another important area of my life. In 2013 my wife passed away after an 18-year battle with Parkinson’s. My current wife Janis lost her husband in 2014 after a battle with cancer, and we had known each other for several years. As only He can, God put us together and it has been wonderful.
In her past life, Janis had her own real estate company for 15 years. She and her late husband also had a home on a nearby lake and a prosperous business in our community. She sold her business recently, will soon sell her home on the lake and we have moved here to our landscape timber home. By using some of my furniture and also some of hers, including a piano and an organ, we have the best of both worlds. While Janis is a very modest person, she is also a master decorator and has turned our log home into almost a doll house that is so very homey and comfortable. She has written four cookbooks and is a fantastic cook.
The reason I have shared these thoughts is not so much for us but for you. I certainly understand that what I have shared today will not be of interest to everyone, but it shows that most anything is possible if we are willing to spend some time and money to have or achieve the things that are important to us. After all, this is the American Dream that most of us work for, regardless of what our dream happens to be. I just thank God for America and the freedom we enjoy.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1322 -- THE SAGA OF “MR. NICE GUY”

No. 1322

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SAGA OF “MR. NICE GUY”

One day a man walked into a small grocery store just in time to hear an angry customer chewing the manager up one side and down the other. This customer was unhappy about a number of things, including poor service, and he was letting the manager know about it. The manager just stood there taking his abuse, nodding his head up and down, and agreeing with everything he was saying. Finally the manager said, “You are right, Sir. We will try to do better in the future.
After the irate customer left, this man who had just come in walked over to the manager and said, “I could not help but overhear what this man said to you, and I want to compliment the way you handled it.” The manager responded, “You know, I wish I had a hundred customers like him.” This man then said, “After the way he treated you, why would you say that you would like to have a hundred customers like him?” The manager responded, “Well, heck, I got a thousand.”
Well, I guess this proves that old Albert Einstein was right when he developed the Theory of Relativity? Everything is indeed relative.
Contrary to the irate customer in this little story, most customers are nice people and they are tolerant up to a point. However, they can be lost and they will take their credit cards and checkbooks with them. For the benefit of customers, business owners, managers, employees and especially new people just starting out in business, I want to share some thoughts that may be helpful. What I am going to say may only be a reminder for you, but we should never forget that in the American Free Enterprise system, the customer is still king.
Keeping customers, even those who don’t complain, is important to the success of any business. We call these people “Mr. Nice Guy.” Have you ever asked yourself this question about some nice guy who used to come by: “Wonder where he went?” This could well be his answer and it’s not original with me: It could be called “The Saga of Mr. Nice Guy.”
I am a nice customer. You all know me. I am the one who never complains no matter what kind of service I get. I never kick. I never nag. I never criticize, and I would never dream of making a scene as I have seen people doing in public places. I think it’s uncalled for.
No, I am the customer. And I’ll tell you what else I am. I am the customer who never comes back. If I am pushed around, I take whatever you hand out because I know I am not coming back. It’s true this doesn’t relieve my feelings right off, as telling you what I think could, but in the long run it’s far more deadly than blowing my top. In fact, a nice customer like me, multiplied by others of my kind, can just about ruin a business. And there are lots of nice people in the world, just like me. When we get pushed far enough, we go to one of your competitors.
And here is the bottom line. Why spend all that money on advertising to get new customers if you are not going to take care of them? Of each 100 customers, the first year a business loses 15 of these, and over the next nine years they lose 66 more, leaving just 19 of the original 100 customers. This is why a business must have new customers to survive. How customers are treated determines success or failure and why in a free market economy, the customer is still king – including Mr. Nice Guy.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1323 -- OUR LIFE IS REALLY AN ECHO

No. 1323

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR LIFE IS REALLY AN ECHO

These days, to say that life is a challenge is really an understatement. If you have a tendency to get discouraged from time to time, I have some thoughts to share with you that I believe will be very helpful. One of the reasons many people get discouraged is that they get in too big of a hurry. A lot of these people are waiting on their ship to come in, and they never stop to realize they have never sent one out. During our visit today I want to talk with you about a wonderful life-changing principle that could make a tremendous difference in our lives.
If you are a regular reader you know that this column is not about current events. I do my best to keep up with current events, but whether it’s international, national, state or local, this kind of information is covered by reporters and news gathering services. My mission is to share ideas, concepts and principles that are presented in an interesting and unique way, to help each reader to become a happier and more successful person. We all have our own personal challenges, opportunities and the normal ups and downs of everyday living. How to deal with some of these is what I want to share with you. And it’s an honor to do so.
It is my heartfelt desire that a reader in Cut Bank, Montana … Crystal River, Florida … Huntsville, Texas … Lenoir, North Carolina … Bardstown, Kentucky … Dodge City, Kansas, and any of the other markets across the nation where this column runs will be inspired, encouraged, helped and made to feel better about themselves and their future. Even in our tough times, America is still the land of opportunity, and our greatest blessing is freedom. When given freedom and opportunity, millions of us can and do succeed. I just pray that I can convince a few others they can also share in the blessings of America.
The principle I mentioned earlier is known as “The Principle of Deferred Compensation.” One of the things I have observed in this era of “fast food” and instant gratification is that most people lack patience when it comes to achieving greater success. These people do not understand that there is a price to be paid for everything, and that to achieve anything really worthwhile takes time. You can’t plant corn one day and have corn-on-the-cob the next day. Understanding this principle is the best way I know to keep from becoming discouraged.
If you happen to be discouraged about something just now, I hope you will give some real thought to what I am saying. A reader sent me something recently titled, “Life is an Echo.” It is really a great illustration with a very powerful message. It begins, “A father and his son were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: ‘AAAhhhhhhhh!!!’ To his surprise, he hears a voice repeating in the mountain: ‘AAAhhhhhhh!!!’ Curious, he yells: ‘Who are you?’ He receives the answer: ‘Who are you?’ Angered by the response, he screams: ‘Coward!’ He receives the answer: ‘Coward!’
“He looks to his father and asks: ‘What’s going on?’ The father smiles and says: ‘My son, pay attention’. And then he screams to the mountain: ‘I admire you!’ The voice answers: ‘I admire you!’ Again the man screams: ‘You are a champion!’ The voice answers: ‘You are a champion!’ The boy is surprised, but does not understand. The father explains: ‘People call this echo, but really this is life. It gives us back everything we say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions’.”
Again, “The Principle of Deferred Compensation” means that for our ship to come in we must first send one out, and to accomplish anything worthwhile takes time.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1324 -- LIVING ON A HOPE AND A PRAYER!

No. 1324

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LIVING ON A HOPE AND A PRAYER!

“Each chapter of life holds a particular blessing. As a baby boomer from Pike County in Southern Arkansas, life was often tough along the Caddo River. We barely survived the droughts of 1953 and 1954. Though the Dust Bowl was more severe just west of us, cotton, corn and cattle had no bottom in price and yields were worse than that. We hung on with a hope and a prayer. We ate what we could get and mother seemed to always manage a meal. Thankfully, we were able to hold on to the family farm when dad went to work with the Arkansas State Police in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1954.”
What you have just read are the first words to the Preface to my new book “Your Future Begins Today” and were penned by Falkner County Judge Jim Baker. Jim was first elected in 2014 and is now serving in his second term. He has many honors and awards to his credit: most notable was being inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. Jim has done a great job as judge, especially when it comes to keeping our county roads and bridges in good shape. This is my 10th book, and when I thought about who I wanted to write the Preface, his name came to mind, as we had served in the Lions Club together and even co-sponsored a hole for several years in our annual Golf Tournament.
When I asked him to write the Preface, I knew he would do a good job but his work has even surpassed my expectations. Here are a couple more comments that will illustrate when I mean: “Jim’s book reminds me to get rid of the past. Work on the present and establish a foundation for your future. You can overvalue what we have now, and then miss out on what really matters. This book and the author will show you a better way.” He also says, “I just wish I had read this book 50 years ago.”
Needless to say I am very excited about this book that is scheduled to be released in February of 2021, and it could even become a best seller. Only God knows the future, but I do know there are lots of hurting people in our nation just now, apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Most who survive will be eager to embrace the message “Your Future Begins Today.” As an author you just know in your heart what is really good and will speak to the hearts of your readers. There is one chapter near the front titled “Begin with a Clean Slate” that provides what Jim talked about in his Preface, “Living on a Hope and a Prayer.”
To be sure, we only live by God’s grace. As I write these words, we are in the heart of the worst pandemic our nation has ever faced but have just begun to distribute the vaccine that gives us hope and a prayer … that we truly do see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like most communities across our nation we have lost some very, very special people and many others are in the hospital still battling this dreaded disease. While I had no way of knowing how significant it would be, several months ago I placed a heartfelt message at the very beginning of this book to those who had lost loved ones with my condolences.
When it comes to an endorsement for my book, Jim gave me the best one possible when he said, “When the book is out, I want the first 30 copies.” My heartfelt prayer is that it will be a help and tremendous blessing to readers all across our nation.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1325 -- THE LIFE OF A ONE-WOMAN CREW!

No. 1325

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LIFE OF A ONE-WOMAN CREW!

Here is a question I would like to invite you to ponder with me for a few minutes today. How many people does it take to make a crew? The word “crew” is usually associated with men, but not always, and regardless the number is always more than one.
This week I ran into one of the most unusual situations that I have ever seen in my whole life, and this is a crew that only had one woman. Her name is Pamela Gray, owner/operator of Creative Monument LLC of Greenbrier, Arkansas. My wife, Janis, lost her son David a little over a year ago, and she asked me to go with her to pick out a headstone. Janis also suggested we pick out one for me since I already had a reserved plot next to where she was to be buried. She already had a headstone and this seemed like the perfect time to get one for me.
Let me be quick to add, I am in very good health and my prayer is that the Lord will leave me here for many more years because I still have some very important goals that I want to accomplish. However, we have absolutely no control over this as we all live by the grace of God. Now, that is the backdrop, but we picked out the monuments and provided the copy for what we wanted on them. We waited on the company to call to say they were ready and give us a date and time to be at the cemetery to install them. Now, here is where it gets interesting.
We pulled up to Bethlehem Cemetery at 9 a.m., and there was just one truck there and one woman, yes, a woman, who was well on her way to getting David’s installed and about ready to begin mine. While this is not something in which I am experienced, I could not believe that a woman was doing this all by her lonesome. And I might add, she was very good and very proficient in her chosen career. Her truck was quite large and had a lift-hoist mounted on the back of it. She could take straps and place them around the monuments, lift them up and swing them over the site, and set them in place.
I might add she had already taken a shovel and dug out the spot, about a foot deep, placed a sack of dry concentrate in the hole with a couple of boards to level, and lowered it into place. After the monument was in place, she had a tool to move it around to make sure it lined up with the other monuments that were already there. She then took a level and checked it to make sure it was just that, level. She was on a very tight time schedule and I helped her a little by taking her shovel and smoothing out the dirt that had come out of the hole. When she got ready to leave, she said she was now 10 minutes ahead of her schedule.
When she visited about her doing this job by herself, she said she could not find anyone who was willing to work for $15 an hour: all she could afford to pay. To be sure, the pandemic has truly exposed this sad state of affairs, as millions of Americans have no money because they have gotten used to the government taking care of them. All of my life my attitude has been that we should learn something from all of our experiences. Maybe doing without may be good for some people. I am truly saddened we have lost so many good people to this tragic disease, including some of my friends.
Hopefully, my experience here has been helpful as you prepare for this time in your life. There was one bright moment, as the date was December 18, 2020, and Janis told me that this monument was my Christmas present. Ha.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1315 -- HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR CALLING?

No. 1315

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR CALLING?

We have an award-winning little restaurant here in our community by the name of Stoby’s that is just down the street from the University of Central Arkansas. They went through a devastating fire some time back, but they have rebuilt and are stronger than ever.
One day a while back I met my friend, Dr. Larry Pillow, for breakfast at Stoby’s. While I was sitting there waiting for him to arrive, I began to observe a waitress named Betty, who later came over to take our orders, and she was good! The place was almost packed and she warmly greeted new people who came in the door while refilling coffee cups, taking orders and delivering food to others, seemingly all at the same time.
The thing that impressed me about Betty is the fact that she had no wasted motion. We all have seen waitresses who make a dozen trips back and forth, and while they get the job done, you can tell that it is a struggle. Not so with Betty. It was almost like she could do the job in her sleep. When she returned a few minutes later with my check, I asked her, “Did anyone ever tell you that you are a natural?” Before she could answer I went on to say, “I believe you have found your calling.” At this point she went on to say, “Seems like I have been doing this all my life.” When I was back a few days later and we had a little more time, she told me that with her salary and tips she made really good money.
While this goes back a lot of years, as I thought about Betty and her career choice, it reminded me of my decision that eventually led me to becoming a syndicated columnist. When I became associated with the late Earl Nightingale, way back in 1970 to market his attitude motivational materials, many of my peers around the country made the decision to call on major corporations and large companies to sell their products and services. Of course, the need to train and motivate employees was certainly there. However, in most cases these other Nightingale distributors made the decision based on how much money they could earn.
Landing and working with large corporate accounts was certainly more profitable than what I was led to do. Not long after I got into business, I began to call on the schools around our state and later in other states as well. It was not too long before I began to work with administrators, teachers and students. While the schools were able to pay me for materials and presenting workshops and seminars, it was nowhere near what others were making who had chosen to take a different direction. In short, I loved working with educators and students so much that the money was secondary.
As a result I have never earned a lot of money, but it has always been more than enough to meet my needs. This has been a lot of years ago, and the reason I am sharing it with you is that, like Betty, I had found my calling. When I first started, what I did not know is that this decision would lead to my radio program, newspaper column, speaking all across the country, and writing 10 books. I say this to the Glory of God and never to boast, but to make a very important point. It is not so important what kind of work we choose. The main thing is that we truly love it and can see the service we are providing to others.
As the old saying goes, “When we get lost in our work, we have found our future.” I want to leave you with these words from the late Bob Gannaway: “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude.”
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1313 -- MY BRIEF “CHOPPING COTTON” CAREER!

No. 1313

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MY BRIEF “CHOPPING COTTON” CAREER!

On May 1, 1938, I was born in the White County community of Bradford, Arkansas. My mother was the oldest of seven children and, ironically, her mother (my grandmother) was expecting twins at the same time. Just 10 days later they were born -- a boy and a girl, who were given the names Bill and Betty.
It was really neat growing up with an aunt and uncle the same age, especially for birthdays and during the Christmas holidays. Betty retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now lives in nearby Maumelle, Arkansas, and Bill became college professor, Dr. Bill Humphrey, and spent several years with Hendrix College and also worked and retired at the University of Central Arkansas here in Conway.
Several weeks after I was born, my parents moved to the community of Gould in Southeast Arkansas, where I would spend most of my life and graduate from high school. However, for some reason we moved back to Bradford, actually Possum Grape, for several months when I was in the seventh grade. It was during this time when I needed some spending money that I took a job chopping cotton. The cotton field was near Olyphant in southern Jackson County, and the pay was $4 for a 10-hour day. In case you don’t know, chopping or hoeing cotton (whichever you prefer) is when the plants get about 4 to 5 inches high and you go along the row chopping out the weeds and also “thinning” the plants to produce the best harvest.
My brief career at cotton chopping accomplished one very important thing. Those long and hot days made me realize that I did not want to spend my life doing that kind of work, or anything close to it. I knew that I needed to take more interest in school and get prepared for something much better when I graduated.
Well, the rest is history, but I would like to amplify my thoughts regarding cotton, because Gould, where I spend most of my years, was right in the heart of cotton county. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, cotton was king, and the local gin produced more than 11,000 500-pound bales.
When I was growing up my folks ran a small restaurant, and I can remember many times taking a washtub of 10-cent hamburgers to the field for the cotton choppers, mostly African-American. This lasted for a few weeks until the plants got large enough to shade the ground. Then I would return a few weeks later when the cotton matured and picking started. If you have ever picked cotton, you know it is not an easy job, getting stuck with the cotton bolls and pulling the heavy sack as it got fuller and fuller. I worked hard for several days and never picked a hundred pounds. In those days, many of the best cotton pickers could pick more than 400 pounds, and later we had some Hispanics come to our area that could pick around 700 pounds a day.
While I did not think much about it at the time, an invention was about to come along that would forever change the face of America, and this is the primary reason I decided to write this column. This was the invention of the mechanical cotton picker. Because of this, hand labor to pick cotton was no longer needed. Throughout the South, and all the areas where cotton was grown, communities were impacted in the same way.
Most of these communities had great numbers of African-Americans living there, and this meant there were very few jobs available. Many of these folks left and most migrated to large cities in the North where they could find work. The auto industry was firing on all cylinders in Detroit, because they were producing automobiles, and many went there.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1312 -- THE MAKING OF A LEGEND!

No. 1312

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE MAKING OF A LEGEND!

In our great nation, with our political and economic systems, it is possible to achieve far more personal success than anywhere else in the world. When any person has a vision or a dream of something they would like to achieve, the human spirit is unleashed. With time, hard work and perseverance, they can and will achieve it.
I say this because of a news article I ran across the other day that epitomizes this better than anything I have ever seen, known or run across before. We were sitting on the couch at home one day, and my wife Janis handed me this news article about the late Harvey Jones that had great interest for me. The reason I was interested is because I had met Mr. Jones personally back in the 1970s when he was the sole owner of Jones Truck Lines located in Springdale, Arkansas.
At the time, I was impressed with him because he had on his trademark bib overalls, and he was so short that when he sat in his office chair his feet did not touch the floor. My partner, the late Bob Gannaway, and I had stopped by to talk with him about investing in some attitude motivational materials for his employees. He did not buy anything and we went on our way.
But this article, written by Jack Hill, appeared in the Arkansas Business news publication back in 1988, and told the story of Harvey Jones and how he got started in the trucking business. Back in 1918, then 18 years of age, Harvey had returned to Arkansas from St. Louis, where he had planned to become a doctor, with the statement that this endeavor would take too long.
Rather, he took the $800 he had saved, bought two mules, a wagon and some supplies, and started his own business. He has going to make daily runs hauling groceries and hardware to Rogers, a 30-mile round trip over a road that was muddy and unpaved. By the end of the following year, 1919, he had made enough money to buy a used truck with solid rubber tires, an open cab with side curtains, and a cold running engine. Harvey kept his mule blankets, not for the driver, but for the engine. The idea was to coax more horsepower by keeping the engine warm with the cover of those blankets.
By 1927, the company fleet had grown to eight trucks and he had four drivers. They worked for almost nothing, but jobs were hard to find around Springdale in those days and a man was glad to work for 10 cents an hour. He also got 15 cents for meal money, for every eight hours he worked. Now, are you getting the picture here? I have been in those Arkansas hills in the wintertime and it is awful cold, and this job added up to long days and nights. Most of the roads were still unpaved (for instance, every mile between Fort Smith and Texarkana was gravel). Additionally, the trucks did not have much pulling power and their brakes were not too effective. That was a problem on the hills that began at Fayetteville and seemed to stretch forever to the South for those early drivers. Sometimes they had to block the wheels of their truck to keep it from rolling back down the hill.
Things gradually improved, and Harvey Jones stayed with it. By 1933, he had nearly a dozen drivers and terminals in five states. By 1949, he had incorporated his business, and Jones Truck Line had become the largest individually owned truck line in the country. By 1979, the last full year he was involved in the business before selling to Sun Oil Company, his revenues were just under $80 million and he had 685 trucks and 1,870 trailers. Was Harvey Jones a Legend? I would say so.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1302 -- A SUBJECT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT!

No. 1302

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A SUBJECT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT!

After my column today I may be accused of being a “racist,” which I am certainly not. I want to talk with you about an important issue that no one is talking about, and that is the 72 percent unwed mother rate in the black community.
In an Associated Press article by Jesse Washington, dateline Houston, he pulls the cover back and talks about this issue that even in black churches no one talks about, but that is beginning to change. His information comes from Dr. Natalie Carroll, a black OB-GYN, who has a practice located inside a low-income apartment complex tucked between a gas station and the freeway.
Dr. Carroll reports that on a recent day she had 12 pregnant black women come for consultations. Some brought their children or their mothers. Only one brought a husband. She says, “The girls don’t think they have to get married. I tell them children deserve a mama and a daddy.” They really do, Carroll says from the desk of her office, which has cushioned pink and green armchairs, bars on the windows, and a wooden “Love” sign between two African figurines.
As the issue of black unwed parenthood inches into public discourse, Dr. Carroll is among the few speaking boldly about it. And as a black woman who has brought thousands of babies into the world, and who has sacrificed income to serve Houston’s poor, she is among the few to whom black women will actually listen. She says, “A mama can’t give it all, and neither can a daddy, not by themselves. A part of the reason is that you can only give that which you have. A mother cannot give all that a man can give. A truly involved father offers more fullness to a child’s life.” Statistics show just what that fullness means. Children of unwed mothers of any race are more likely to perform poorly in school, go to prison, use drugs, be poor as adults, and have their own children out of wedlock.
Now let me leave this issue for a moment and just talk with you from my heart. As we all know there has been a lot of unrest in our country, as the issues of fairness and equal justice have come to the forefront. We have made a lot of progress, but there is still a ways to go.
Here is my thought, and you may or may not agree: when we have far fewer unwed black mothers and more great black married couples (and yes, mixed marriages, too), we will begin to see the scales balance and more harmony in our society. At this point the focus will be on education, which is really the only way to lift an individual or a couple out of poverty and build great communities where there is harmony. This is part of the reason I spent 15 years of my life heading up a bookcase literacy project in my home community and, thanks to our committee, we have had great success.
If nothing more comes from this column than to have people start talking about the fact that blacks struggle with 72 percent unwed mothers rate, we will have made progress. Some of my best friends are African-American and I love them. I know they share my values and would also love to see young black girls take their time, have pride in who they are, get married and rear a great family. We already have some of that, but let’s work together to be an encourager, to the Glory of God because He loves everyone.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1307 -- A TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION’S TEACHERS!

No. 1307

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION’S TEACHERS!

There is a special group of people in our nation today to whom I would like to pay tribute -- our school teachers.
In fact, I appreciate them so much that I have developed a unique presentation that I have presented to our local school superintendent and the director of the Arkansas Department of Education with the focus on our teachers. The large heading says, “The Greatest Profession of them All,” and when you stop to think about it, I believe you will agree that this is true.
You cannot think of a single individual who achieved great success that did not owe a debt of gratitude to one of more of his teachers. Personally, I give most of the credit to administrators and teachers for my career that has now lasted more than 50 years. Back in 1970 when I started selling attitude motivation programs, it did not take long to realize that our schools were my best prospects, as “attitude” had become a buzz word among our educators. They welcomed me with open arms, and during the decade of the 1970s, I spoke to more than 500 educational groups, was the commencement speaker for many high schools, and conducted more than 50 six-hour life and career planning seminars with high school seniors.
During this time as I traveled the state -- more than 50,000 miles each year! -- I listened to the “wisdom of the ages” on the cassettes I was selling. This became the foundation for my daily radio show, the column you are now reading, more than 1,700 speeches, and my 10 books. And it all started working with administrators and teachers in our schools.
This all came to my mind when I read something that is included in my latest book, available in 2021, titled “Your Future Begins Today.” Here is the story I mentioned, and it really sets the record straight. One time a man, a company CEO, was at a dinner party and he decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” He reminded the other guests of the old saying, “Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” To emphasize his point he said to one of his guests, “You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest, what do you make?”
Bonnie, who had a reputation for frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ student feel like one who has just been given the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for five minutes without an IPad, game cube or movie rental. (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.) I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and make them take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn’t everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math.”
She continued, “I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, place their hand over their heart and say the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, and make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. You want to know what I make, I MAKE A DIFFERENCE, so what do you make Mr. CEO?”
His jaw dropped and he went silent. Everyone around the table applauded. Teaching really is the greatest profession of them all.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1304 -- FACTS CHANGE, BUT PRINCIPLES DO NOT!

No. 1304

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FACTS CHANGE, BUT PRINCIPLES DO NOT!

If you have ever heard the beautiful song by Ray Boltz titled, ”The Anchor Holds”, you will have a good mental picture of a concept that makes all the difference in the world in a human being’s life. Sadly, there are so many people in our society today who do not have an anchor, and they are adrift in the sea of humanity, being buffeted by every wind or tide that comes along. If you happen to be this person, or know someone like this, who lacks direction or purpose in life, then take heart, I have some good news for you.
Several weeks ago I finished reading a fantastic book titled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” by Dr. Stephen Covey. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it. I have always considered myself to be a fairly stable, well-adjusted person, but I learned a lot from Dr. Covey’s book that I never knew and had not thought about before.
One point in his book that has stuck with me is when he discusses where we get our sense of value and self-worth. He lists a number of centers where this takes place in the lives of different individuals. For example, if our personal value and self-worth comes from being centered on our spouse, family, work, money, possessions, self, church, friends or any number of other things, when we encounter a serious problem with any of these people or things on that list, we fall apart. Our emotions play a vital role in our stability, and when they are fractured or strained, this can have a serious and adverse effect on us.
On the other hand, he says, when we are principle-centered, and our value and self-worth are tied to principles, we are then free to take action or respond in a manner that is best for that particular circumstance. Principles don’t react to anything. They don’t get mad or treat us differently. They won’t divorce us or run away with our best friend. They are not out to get us. They can’t pave our way with shortcuts or quick fixes. They don’t depend on the behavior of others, the environment, or the current fad for their validity. Principles don’t die. They aren’t here one day and gone the next. Even more important, we can be secure in the knowledge that we can validate them in our own lives, by our own experiences.
There is something else that I have observed that may be helpful to some people. Sometimes very handsome men and beautiful women are at the greatest disadvantage. This is particularly true for women. Almost from the time they were beautiful little girls, the world has shown them favoritism —from winning beauty pageants, to having their photographs appear in highly flattering places, and later having men line up on the highway to fix a flat tire. In a nutshell, this is how beautiful people relate to the world. If they don’t take the time and make the effort to get highly qualified, apart from being handsome or beautiful, they are often in a world of hurt once they get older and their beauty fades, as it often does. This problem is exacerbated for a woman if she goes through one or more divorces.
Again, it all comes back to what Dr. Covey was saying about having a principle-centered life. If we will take the time and make the effort to learn about principles, and how they work, this will be the best insurance we can have for old age. To be successful and happy, it all boils down to treating others like we want to be treated and to be honest, dependable, trustworthy, kind, loving and efficient. Such a person is someone others love to be around.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1306 -- LESSONS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME!

No. 1306

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LESSONS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME!

In our visit today I want to share some things with you that are very special. I want to share with you some things my father taught me. At the time I did not think much about it, but now looking back, I realize what he did for me.
It’s the old story of Dad being an old fogey when I was 15 and how much he had learned when I was 25. My father was considerably older than my mother. As a result, when I was born he had been around several years longer and was wise to the ways of the world. He had made a lot of mistakes but had learned from them.
He told me that he had bought enough whiskey to float a battleship, but when I was born he swore off it, and I never saw him take a drink in the 40-plus years that I knew him. As a result of his influence, I have never taken a drink of any kind of alcohol in my life. To be sure I have done things much worse, but thankfully I have been spared the pain and heartache that comes to so many people in our nation today who live with an alcoholic or who have been impacted in a negative way. I can’t even imagine the pain that comes to so many families who have lost loved ones because of a drunk driver.
A lot of people these days are into genealogy. When my father told me he left Kentucky in 1919, running from the Grand Jury for shooting craps on Sunday, I never had much desire to research the family tree. I was content to let sleeping dogs lie. In his obituary his occupation was listed as farmer and restaurant owner, but earlier in his life he had a most unusual occupation. His nickname was “Cowboy” because he rode a horse out in the country and would buy livestock, mostly cattle. He would drive them to a rail-head, ride with them on the train to the cattle yards in Kansas City, sell them for a profit, and return home. He really taught me something when he told me that occasionally he would run across someone with whom he could not trade. He said, “Don’t make them mad. Just go on down the road and you will find someone you can trade with.”
While I did not realize it at the time, he had a great impact on my value system because he spent many hours telling me what was right and what was wrong. He was not a religious person, never went to church, but he came from an era where a man’s word was his bond and all it took was a handshake to seal the deal. What he taught me back then has stayed with me all these many years. One of the things I learned was to stay away from dishonest and unethical people. I had the opportunity to use this knowledge when I was a printing salesman in downtown Little Rock and later in other areas of life as well. As an outside salesman, in terms of new prospects, you have some discretion as to the people you call on.
As a human being, we are creatures who have feelings. If I made a sales call on someone for the first time who gave me the feeling they were dishonest or unethical, I did not go back and call on them again. Usually their off-color language gave them away. There is an old saying that goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” This is true. As a general rule we will seek out people, in and outside our work, and especially in our social life, who make us feel comfortable. If we have high standards these are the kinds of people we want to be around.
My dad passed away back in 1978, but he helped me tremendously while he was here. Thanks, Dad, for doing this for me.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1308 -- A LAND OF HOPE!

No. 1308

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A LAND OF HOPE!

For many years my column ran in the Hillsdale Daily News, a newspaper based in Hillsdale, Michigan. It was running there in the year 2000 when our nation celebrated the Millennium (which means a thousand years). This will always be special to me because the Hillsdale Daily News sponsored a community-wide gathering to celebrate this historic year, and invited me to come to Hillsdale to be the speaker for the event.
But something far more important is taking place in Hillsdale these days, and this is the battle Hillsdale College is waging on behalf of every freedom-loving American.
If you are an older citizen, can you imagine hearing from a teacher that our nation’s history is essentially one of injustice – that America at its heart is racist, sexist and undeserving of respect? But that is the sad reality for too many of our K-12 and college students today. Too many young Americans do not learn what makes America an exceptional nation and a beacon of liberty for the world. Too many of them are taught that our nation’s past holds no positive lessons which we can apply moving forward. So, is it any wonder that too many younger Americans today feel an increasing attraction to socialism and other ideas destructive of liberty?
It is sad to me to even consider writing a column on this topic, but I am not blind and consider myself to be a patriotic American. When I see riots, looting and burning large sections of a business community, I have sense enough to know that something is wrong. The people doing this have simply gotten the wrong message. Sure, we have problems and can certainly improve, but we must never throw the baby out with the bath water. America is still the best hope for man on earth. The freedom and opportunities we have here came with a great price, and thousands and thousands of Americans made great sacrifices for these blessings.
Like me, you may also be discouraged by the reports of some of our schools and colleges teaching this kind of garbage. The best, and really only, way to confront this kind of ideology is with the truth. The truth is what I have always tried to promote, and if I can find something closer to the truth, you can bet that I will share it with you. While I certainly believe in individual rights and to peaceably protest and assemble, those rights stop when it comes to the unlawful activity of stealing and destroying someone else’s property. They must be held accountable and I believe we are beginning to see this happening.
Early in 2020, Hillsdale College produced a free on-line course titled, “The Great American Story: A Land of Hope” taught by historian Wilfred McClay, on his recently published “History of America.” This course presents a full, unbiased account of America’s past. Hillsdale’s goal in producing and promoting it is to restore the kind of intelligent patriotism – especially among our young people – that is essential to preserving free government. You may know that Hillsdale College refuses to accept one penny of government funding – not even indirectly in the form of federal or state student loans or grants.
That’s why Hillsdale can remain true to its mission on behalf of liberty, free of so many bureaucratic regulations that burden other colleges and universities. Ever since I began my column back in 1995, my goal has always been to help individuals succeed and use more of their God-given potential. We can’t do that unless we are free.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1303 -- READING SHARPENS THE MIND!

No. 1303

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

READING SHARPENS THE MIND!

One time I heard a story about this man who said he could remember quotations but he couldn’t remember who said them. He said he could not remember if it was Will Rogers or Elizabeth Taylor who said, “I never met a man I didn’t like.”
Hope you will forgive me for this little bit of levity to introduce my topic today, “Reading Sharpens the Mind,” because an improved memory is definitely one of the benefits of an avid reader. But that’s just for starters, because there is another benefit that many people do not know about. When you hear what it is, I hope you will begin to read a lot more than you do now.
According to a study at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, mental stimulation like reading can help protect memory and thinking skills, especially with age. The authors of the study even suggest that reading every day can slow down late-life cognitive decline, keeping brains healthier and higher functioning for longer. The act of reading does a number of things that helps heighten overall brain function and increase memory. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, found that it can lower the levels of beta amyloid, a brain protein involved in Alzheimer’s, by keeping the mind cognitively stimulated.
Would you believe that 500,000 people in our nation die each year from this dreaded disease? This is one good reason to have a committed reading program and read on a consistent basis. Reading has also been linked to slowing mental decline by keeping important parts of the brain working, and improving overall mental flexibility, an important component to developing and retaining memory.
Now, with that said, let me turn our attention to what we read, because while we are free to choose our own reading material, a lot of people read trash and it does not help in terms of being more successful and having a better quality of life. Back when I was selling motivation programs for a living, I got most of my information from listening to cassettes. I later developed a good reading program and now have a fine home library.
While a lot of people are using electronic media to get their information, I will confess that I am “old school” and love to have a book in my hands while reading it. After a conversation with former Arkansas Razorback football coach Ken Hatfield, I remembered one thing he said: “To really get the message in a book, we have to read it seven times.” Now, I go back and read the best books I have several times. The key to learning is repetition, and we don’t really know anything if we can’t remember it.
Obviously, to write this column each week I have to do a great deal of reading. In the process I have acquired a great number of good books and have included a list of titles in a couple of books I have written. Before concluding, I would like to share some of the titles with you. You can purchase these books from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and your local library will probably have them.
My first book is always The Holy Bible. The rest of the list follows: 2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. 3. A Game Plan for Life by Coach John Wooden. 4. Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson. 5. See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar. 6. John Adams by David McCullough. 7. He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado. 7. The Thread that Runs So True by Jesse Stuart. 8. A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. 9. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey.
It’s true: Readers are winners, but it’s good books that make the difference.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1301 -- DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

No. 1301

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT!

No one in their right mind would intentionally take a loaded gun and shoot themselves in the foot. The first consequence would be intense pain, then blood beginning to run everywhere, and when they couldn’t get the bleeding stopped, a trip to the emergency room. After the hospital people checked him out and cleaned the wound, it would probably require surgery to repair the damage. Depending on whether he had insurance or not, a hefty medical bill would follow. The sad news is, this person may not be able to walk without pain again for as long as he lives.
The reason I have shared this story with you is because of the way the human mind is constituted. We remember things much longer when blood is involved and the story is graphic. And I want you to remember this story for as long as you live.
There is a natural law here that controls everything in the universe. It is called the law of Cause and Effect -- every cause has an effect and every effect has a cause.
There are many natural laws in existence, but the one that everyone knows is the law of gravity. If you get on top of a step ladder or a tall building and fall or walk off, you will always go down, you will never go up. This is the way all natural laws work, and they literally control our lives. If you would like to know more, just go to the Internet and type “Natural Laws” in the search box -- there is a lot of information there.
Here is the good news: when we know and understand how natural laws work, we are in a position to almost tell our own future. Maybe even more importantly, we will be able to help our children and young adults avoid poor choices. Here is another thought for your sharp mind to think about: We can choose our choices, but we cannot choose the consequences of our choices. It is really quite simple: when we make good choices, the law is working for us, and when we make bad choices, the law is working against us.
Here are some choices I have made that work for me: I don’t use drugs, smoke, drink alcohol, view pornography, gamble, use profanity, or run with immoral or ungodly people, and I do my best to be honest, tell the truth and treat others as I wish to be treated.
Here is an example in my own family of what happens when people make poor choices.
We know from research that smoking causes lung cancer. I have a sister and an uncle who started smoking when they were young. Both became addicted and became chain smokers. Sad to say, before their time, they both passed away from lung cancer, and I am sure they were both in some pain before they left us.
The term “shoot yourself in the foot” has been used so often that it has become a cliché. In our modern language it means that anything we do or say that is not in our own best interests is simply shooting ourselves in the foot. Now, I know you are sharp and you get the picture. I hope you can use this information, and if you have children teach it to them as well. We see people all the time who do bad things and think they can get away with it. This law works, my friend, and we should always stay on the right side and use it to our advantage. Our future is much brighter when we do.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1310 -- THE LAW OF SELF-PITY!

No. 1310

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF SELF-PITY!

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, the old Roman philosopher and playwright, once said, “Pity is a mental illness induced by the spectacle of other people’s misery.” Who among us in this prosperous land we call America, the home of the free and the land of the brave, have not felt pity on the hordes of humanity who have been driven from their homes, raped and pillaged by thugs and villains who were stronger and more powerful?
This is a spectacle we have seen far too often in the past several years, and my heart always goes out to these people, especially the innocent who are caught in the middle. There is little I can do about it, save pray for them and give my blessings for a portion of my tax money to be used in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. In short, I have pity on these people.
It is a natural human emotion to have pity for others who are downcast, but it can be a very destructive emotion if and when that pity is directed toward us. This is known as self-pity, and we all know people who live there each day of their lives. It has been said that an honest confession is good for the soul, and I want to say up front that there have been times when I have also had myself a little pity party. These times came along when I had worked hard and did not get the promotion or breaks that I thought I deserved and things were not going my way. Along about here I began to feel sorry for myself. Have you been there, too?
To be sure, no one likes to be around a constant complainer or whiner, and fortunately my excursions into the pit of self-pity have not been too deep or lasted too long. I might add, this was years ago, because I have since matured and have learned to take full responsibility for my actions. If I want things to be better in my life, with God’s help, it is up to me to make them better. Several years ago when I first started this column I did a series on “Natural Laws,” and every once in a while I like to go back and pull one out and reexamine it in the light of my current situation. With regards to self-pity, I just shake my head and say, “Thank God, I am not the person I used to be.” Do you ever feel this way?
Here is the good news I have learned: If and when self-pity strikes, remember that the feeling of self-pity is often born out of paying too much attention to what we don’t have, rather than being grateful for what we do have. If the legendary deaf-blind author Helen Keller could say, “Self-pity is our worst enemy,” who are we to give it the time of day?
In the course of our daily activities, here is what we should always keep in mind. First, we should always be aware of the destructive emotion of self-pity. It’s an internal sore by which the human personality is immobilized, but it can be cured by right thoughts and working constantly to achieve something worthwhile. The only way we can overcome self-pity is to take our thoughts off ourselves and our problems, and begin to think of other people and how we can help and serve them in some way.
It’s true, self-pity is a very expensive emotion and one that we can certainly do without. This may be a trite and overworked story, but it still makes a very valid point. “There was a man who felt sorry for himself because he had no shoes, and then he saw a man who had no feet.” You cannot believe the joy that has come to me because of the success of our Conway Bookcase Project. When we do for others, self-pity will evaporate like the dew on a spring morning.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1311 -- MOMMY, PLEASE READ TO ME!

No. 1311

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MOMMY, PLEASE READ TO ME!

We hear a lot these days about school dropouts and what causes this to happen to so many students. In some parts of the nation it’s as high as four out of every 10 students who start to school in kindergarten and never walk down the aisle to get a high school diploma. There are also a vast number of students who walk across the stage to the familiar refrain of “Pomp & Circumstance”, yet they can barely read, if at all, the diploma they are given.
The answer to this dilemma may be a lot simpler than many people realize. The key to reading, learning and success in school largely depends on the student’s vocabulary, especially in the early years of a child’s life.
Several years ago researchers at a major university took students in a graduating class, gave them an English vocabulary test and then tracked them for 20 years. Not surprisingly, those who knew the definition of the most words were in the highest income group 20 years later. The researchers also discovered that the people who, in the beginning, had the worst vocabulary scores were in the lowest income group two decades later. Now, here is something that should give all of us a reason to give pause. There was not a single exception.
It is important to note that students in this study were college graduates. How about the millions of students who graduate from high school but never enroll in an institution of higher learning? And, let’s go a little lower on the scale. How about the millions of students who drop out of high school but never graduate?
If one or more of these students happens to be your child or grandchild, do you have any idea what kind of life he or she will have in our society as a high school dropout? In the vast majority of cases, high school dropouts face a life of much lower income, even if they can find a job, and this leads to all kinds of problems for society. We are all affected by high school dropouts, whether we know it or not or whether we like it or not. One of the primary reasons American schools are struggling today is the change that has taken place over the past several decades regarding parental reading habits. A study found that in 1955, 81 percent of parents read to their children. Today, that number is around 21 percent. We know that parents must be involved in their children’s education for them to succeed in school, but that involvement must begin earlier in the home.
Needless to say, children who come from homes where reading and education are priorities have a tremendous advantage over children who come from homes where there are few, if any, books and where parents read to them. So, back to the subject at hand, “Mommy, please read to me.” If you are a parent, grandparent or other responsible person in the life of a toddler or pre-school child, please consider seriously what I am saying. You could never spend any more productive and satisfying time than to get a few good children’s books and read to your pre-school child or children. Just find a good time during the day when you can read to them and, before long, your child will come to you and say, “Please read to me!”
What a blessing this will be to know that you are building the foundation for a great future. What we should all know is that reading builds vocabulary. Please, never doubt, just do it!
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1305 -- THE OLD COUNTRY CHURCH!

No. 1305

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE OLD COUNTRY CHURCH!

President John F. Kennedy had it right when he said, “The great danger is not that the present generation will destroy the system. The great danger is that we won’t transmit it.” Well, President Kennedy, if you were around today, you would know that we did not do our job very well.
What is happening in our nation today is nothing short of insane. The protests, riots, looting, burning and mass chaos is due, by and large, to the fact that those of us in the older generation have dropped the ball. We have failed to teach our young people the price and value of freedom, and what it took to win and preserve it.
We have to teach respect for our flag, and that love and respect for our fellow human beings is the basis for a truly civilized society. My question is simply this: is it too late to reverse course and go back to the values that were the hallmark of a time when we had respect for law and order, and neighbors truly loved and cared for each other? Because I am not dumb, I know it’s impossible to live in the past, but we can hold on to some of the traditional values that have served to make our nation the greatest in the history of the world.
There are many symbols of the past, but one that holds special meaning for me is “The Old Country Church.” I grew up in a small town and was not around when it was most prominent, but I am reminded of its virtues each time I hear these words set to music, “Oh, I’d love to go back to that old country church and to hear the songs of praise. How the people would sing … it would make the heavens ring, in that old country church.”
A few days ago I was reminiscing with a friend and we were trying to decide on an era or period of time in our nation’s history when “The Old Country Church” played the most prominent and significant role in our culture.
We finally settled on a time that was before the advent of television and maybe just prior to most people owning an automobile. From what I have read and seen on television, it was back in the days when a father would hitch up a team of horses or mules and the family would ride to church in a wagon. There were few large buildings or meeting places in those days and the church was the center of the community. When people went to church on Sunday it was an all-day affair: Preaching, singing, dinner on the grounds and kids running everywhere. Many people were married in the church, and were usually buried in the nearby cemetery.
And here is my point: During these hard times families prayed together and stayed together and the values that were taught, both in the church and the home, made it possible for us to become a great nation. These were also the people who volunteered for military service and made it possible for our nation to win two world wars, to preserve our freedom.
Now, back to reality before I close: When I see news accounts of what is happening in many of our large cities, it makes my heart hurt and I long for love, peace, law and order and justice to prevail.
My admonition to those of us in the older generation, especially our nation’s teachers, is this: Let’s make the words of President John F. Kennedy our rallying cry. Let’s transmit the system to our young people. They all need to understand what is at stake. Let’s talk with them heart-to-heart and tell them how we became a great nation and that someday, God willing, they will be the leaders who will be charged with preserving our freedom.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 1309 -- DON’T PUSH THE RIVER!

No. 1309

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T PUSH THE RIVER!

The United States of America is blessed to have some great rivers, and they provide us with so many benefits that it would be impossible to list them all. In the early days of our nation’s history, these natural streams of water provided the early pioneers with the means to move people and supplies to remote areas which, by and large, were inaccessible by other modes of transportation. It is little wonder that today many of our major cities are located alongside these majestic ribbons of water.
Just as the horse, mule, ox and other beasts of burden were harnessed to give us leverage, we also learned to harness these rivers to provide hydroelectric power, and the resulting impoundments more or less created our recreational and sport fishing industries. To say it another way, when you harness a deep flowing stream by building a dam, you have created the potential for power, and this power has been one of the major factors in our nation’s massive economy.
But just as any auto mechanic knows, when you have a plus you also have a minus. What happens when a major river floods and overflows it banks? A while back I was talking with a friend from St. Joseph, Missouri, and he was telling me about the dry flood they had several years ago. He said it never rained a drop but half the town was under water. We also had one of these dry floods here in Central Arkansas not that long ago. We are still repairing levees from that one.
In the case of my friend, he was talking about the major flood of 1993. This flood impacted the entire Midwestern part of our country when the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and many of their tributaries, overflowed their banks. In many cases these rivers were 10 to 15 miles wide and covered everything except a few high hills here and there. People and livestock lost their lives and many people lost all of their possessions. This was and still is a very sad situation, but my point is that when a river overflows its banks, it loses much of its power. In this case, it was the heavy rains upstream that pushed the rivers and created a terrible situation for thousands and thousands of people downstream.
With your blessing, at this point I would like to change gears and use this natural disaster as an analogy to demonstrate what happens when a human being tries to push the river. We see people around us every day who seem to be in a big hurry, going at breakneck speed. In reality they are going nowhere, and when they get there, they have nothing to do. This is the sad truth, and hopefully I am not talking about you. Without a clear focus and direction in our lives, we just wind up being frustrated, and this mental state can result in stress and perhaps even a heart attack.
The highways and byways of life are littered with people who were in too big of a hurry. The good news is that most of us can succeed over the long haul and get better with age. Many of our nation’s greatest thinkers and achievers did not do their best work until later in life, and it is good to be reminded of this from time to time. We should also keep in mind that age, wisdom and success are not synonymous, but rather it’s the wise person who develops a worthwhile plan and then works steady toward achieving it. My point is simple. We should never push the river because there is great power in our lives, if we will just go with the flow.
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(Editor’s Note: Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated to over 375 newspapers in 35 states making it one of the most successful in the history of American journalism.)

No. 628 - A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

No. 628

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

When it comes to the subject of visual development, there is much more than meets the eye. While I certainly would never claim to know everything, I know a lot more than I did because of a fantastic lady by the name of Barbara J. Smith. Barbara, who is now past 85 years of age, was a teacher in the Kansas and Oklahoma schools for 50 years. She called me on the phone a few months ago because of a column that ran in her hometown newspaper, The Newton Kansan. We had a wonderful visit and she offered to send me a copy of her book titled, “Dawning of Hope” with the subtitle, Understanding Visual Development.
Over the next several weeks I read and studied her book, and it has been a real eye opener for me. This lady was, and is, one of those conscientious teachers not at all satisfied to just show up, teach the subject matter, take a check and go home. As a reading teacher, she wanted to know WHY some of her students were substituting vowels, leaving off suffixes, reversing letters, confusing even small words. Although student and teacher were both aware of the problem, the student still could not correct it.
Then one day, she learned that Dr. Dale Jordan, specialist in Dyslexic Disorders, reported that while working on his doctoral studies he spent many hours in schools and prisons working with students who struggled with reading. As he sat beside a big kid who was trying to read, a thought popped into his head. “What do you see when you look at the page,” he asked? Rob was amazed, although he had been to an optometrist several times; no one had ever asked him that question. “Everything squirms around,” he said. With his fingers, Rob showed how words moved, sometimes swirling like a wheel turning and often spreading apart into rivers running up and down the page. With still another reading student named Sam, Dr. Jordan asked another question that would change his point of view forever. As Sam struggled to read, he asked, “Can’t you see the words?” He responded, “Oh, I can see alright. I just can’t see the words when I look at the page.”
Sometime later, Barbara discovered some European research from the 1880s that described a visual phenomenon called “word blindness.” Many word-blind students had 20/20 vision, yet could not see the words as they looked at black print on a white background. Finally, in 1987 while attending a reading workshop for teachers at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, she discovered how to correct the problem. At one of these special sessions Dr. Dale R. Jordan was the presenter, and he took his audience through the test called JVST (Jordan Visual Screening Test), step by step. This assessment was developed specifically to identify students who need vision development to be able to succeed.
When this special teacher introduced this test and explained the administration and purpose step by step, Barbara had to refrain from standing up and shouting, “Oh, this is what I have been searching for in my teaching career for 50 years.” She immediately began implementing this test in her Remedial Reading Laboratory throughout the years, five more in the classroom and 12 more since that time in her own private teaching. She says, “I have used this assessment for at least 600 students and individuals.”
As a teacher or a parent, here are some easily recognizable signs of vision difficulty:
* A book held very close to the eyes — only 7 to 8 inches away rather than 12 to 15.
* Pages counted before reading, only short pieces considered possible.
* The head moving back and forth while reading, instead of eyes moving along.
* Finger used to trace or track lines.
* Short attention span while reading — child tires easily.
* Homework takes hours when it shouldn’t.
* Child reads well enough but recalls only portions or has spotty understanding; whereas, if material is read aloud, child has virtually total recall.
* Schoolwork to a large extent depends upon reading — history or English, etc. are difficult, while subjects such as math and science are learned easily.”
If you have a child or a student whom you identify as having several of these signs, it is time to seek an assessment of the child’s needs. The key point to remember here is that it takes a behavioral or development optometrist who can do this. These people have an additional 60 graduate hours in the classroom with children who have vision-related learning problems.
The book “Dawning of Hope” is available from Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton, Kansas, or you may order directly from Barbara J. Smith, 509 Meadowbrook Drive, Newton, Kan. 67114. The cost is $9.95, plus $ 3 S& H. I bet Barbara would be happy to personally sign it for you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 629 - THE THINGS MONEY CAN AND CANNOT BUY

No. 629

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE THINGS MONEY CAN AND CANNOT BUY

When it comes to money, the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) had it right. He said, “Money is a guarantee that we may have what we want in the future. Though we need nothing at the moment, it insures the possibility of satisfying a necessary desire when it arises.” To my way of thinking, the key word in this quotation is “need” and the people in our nation today who are in deep financial trouble are those who base their lifestyle on wants rather than on their needs. The key to understanding what I want to share with you in this column is to know what constitutes a real need, because that is where most people have a difficult time.
We know that we all have five basic needs, which are food, shelter, clothing, transportation and medical care. In our prosperous nation, most of us can take care of these five basic needs, but other real or imagined needs such as mental, physical, social, spiritual and psychological needs cause many people to go into debt and find out too late that they are in over their heads. It’s always sad for me to see or hear about thousands of people who are losing their home due to foreclosure because they could no longer pay the mortgage. Automobiles and other items are also repossessed for the same reason. Please understand that I am not judging anyone, because I always like to see people succeed and have more of the good things of life.
Except for the very wealthy, most of us fight the battle of income vs. outgo day after day. What I hope to accomplish here is for some who will read this column and are hurting financially to think seriously about what constitutes a real need, as opposed to wants, and then change their focus and their priorities. Most of us spend too much time at work, trying to earn more money, but I have never heard of anyone on their death bed who said, “I just wish I had spent more time at work.”
Money is important in today’s society, but how much is enough to live the way we really want to live? That’s the real question, because no one yet has ever taken any with them when they left this earth. Something a friend sent me the other day really got me to thinking, and I would like to share it with you. This is a list of things that money can and cannot buy. “Money can buy a house, but not a home. Money can buy a bed, but not sleep. Money can buy clocks, but not time. Money can buy clothes, but not character. Money can buy hospitals, but not health. Money can buy books, but not knowledge. Money can buy food, but not an appetite. Money can buy companionship, but not love.
“Money can buy position, but not respect. Money can buy blood, but not life. Money can buy insurance, but not protection and safety. Money can buy physical comfort, but not mental contentment. Money can buy real estate, but not real joy and happiness. Money can buy earthly entertainment, but nothing of eternal significance. Money can buy possessions, property, popularity, prestige and pleasure, but not perpetual peace with God. Money can buy things, but Money is not everything.”
If you find yourself caught up in the rat race, and sometimes it can’t be avoided on the short-term like those people who are wasting $72 billion each year on gasoline costs, sitting in traffic jams, you may want to give some serious thought to what I have been saying.
Let’s face it, there are some people who have a lifestyle where they get paid on Friday and they are broke on Monday, and yet did not pay their rent or make their car payment. Unless these people decide they want help, there is no way that anyone can help them. Usually it’s a lack of education. However, for most people who are struggling financially, there is hope when they will make a personal commitment to live below their means and to get out of debt. This takes time, but it is possible and that’s the good news.
As I’ve said before, it’s nice to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s also important to check up from time to time to make sure we have not lost the things that money cannot buy. I have no way of knowing which side of the ledger your finances are on, but I care because life is too short for those individuals to have to avoid people and have bill collectors calling every day. A lot of people say that money is the root of all evil. This is not true. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil. When we learn to manage money and keep it in the proper perspective, it becomes a real blessing. The more we share the more it comes back to us. The most satisfying thing for me is giving my tithe at church, because I know where my blessings are coming from.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 630 - DID YOU OVER-MARRY?

No. 630

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DID YOU OVER-MARRY?

Some time ago I heard this man say that he had been happily married for 35 years. He went on to say, “When you think about it, 35 out of 50 is a pretty good average.” Maybe his marriage started out like this couple I read about recently. The minister had reached that part of the marriage ceremony where he says to the bride, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love honor and obey?” The bride stood there staring straight ahead, expressionless, and did not answer. The minister thought that perhaps she had not been listening, so he repeated the question and this time said to her, “Did you hear the question?” “Yes” she said. “I heard you the first time, but I don’t want to get involved.”
While this is a humorous story, and I have no way of knowing where the ceremony went after her statement, I can tell you for sure that when we get legally married to another human being, we are involved whether we like it or not. A healthy, happy marriage should always be the goal, but this is certainly not the case in a day and time when more than 50 percent of marriages in our country end in divorce. One of the big problems in having a happy marriage is that, in many cases, we over-marry. We have all heard some man say, after being complimented, usually in the presence of his attractive wife, that he over-married. I have said that many times in the past, and in my case, it’s definitely true.
A few weeks ago in this column I told you about a fantastic book titled, “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. After buying a couple of copies of this book and contacting her office about doing the column, to my surprise she sent me two of her other books complimentary. The one that really hit home, and the one I want to tell you about is titled, “Crossing the Tracks for Love,” with the subtitle, “What to do when you and your partner grew up in different worlds.” Before I get to the essence of the very helpful content, I would like to share just a word about my approach to sharing this kind of information.
First and foremost, I want to share information that I feel will be of interest and helpful to you, the reader, and also to a widely diverse group of others who take the time to read my column. If you should have a deeper interest in the theme or content, I want to supply an address, Web site or other information where you can find it. The book “Crossing the Tracks for Love” is a winner, and I wish I had run across it years ago. However, it was not written until 2005. Dr. Ruby Payne is uniquely qualified to author this book because of her own personal background. She was reared in a middle-class home, was later married to a man from extreme situational poverty and was also a school principal in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois.
She has lived and experienced all three economic levels of our society: the wealthy, the middle-class and those who live in poverty. Here is something from the book that I certainly had never thought about before. Statistics indicate that 40 percent of our nation’s population shifts one economic class — up or down — within their lifetime. This is where you get to the hidden rules of class, really the heart and soul of this book. What happens in a marriage when one partner grew up living in a home with one set of hidden class rules and the other partner grew up living in a home with a different set of rules? I’m sure you see the picture.
If you were from a different class, could you cope with a spouse from poverty who: Repeatedly gave money to a relative who would not work. Loaned the family car to a relative who does not have insurance, and cannot be insured. Who didn’t think education was important. Who had family members who made fun of you for having a college degree? On the other hand, could you cope with a spouse who came from the middle class who: Spent long hours at the office. Who planned out one week in advance. Who shopped for high-quality clothing/shoes/accessories, then charged those items. Who often made a big issue over the quality of food.
Could you cope with a spouse who came from old money who: Insisted that our children be placed in private boarding schools at age 6. Who staffed and maintained homes in more than one country. Who valued you largely for your social connections.
Typically, people don’t think about hidden class rules by which they live. They simply live based on how they grew up. When you move from one class to another, up or down, and don’t know or understand the hidden rules of class, is when you have real problems. The book is “Crossing the Tracks for Love.” www.ahaprocess.com, PO Box 727, Highlands, Texas, 77562, 1-800-424-9484. I highly recommend it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 631 - THE PHILOSOPHY OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS

No. 631

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PHILOSOPHY OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS

There is a story about this family who moved to a new community and promptly enrolled their little girl in the fourth grade. After a few weeks she brought her first report card home. She said, “Dad, would you please sign this report card with an ‘X’ and maybe they won’t expect so much from me.”
There is an old saying that goes, “In life, we get just about what we expect. If we don’t expect much, we won’t get much.” There is a lot of truth in old sayings. This is the reason they get to be old. Here it might be appropriate to ask you this question: Do you have high expectations for yourself and for those you care about, be they family members, friends, associates and even fellow Americans?
According to the dictionary, the word ‘expect,’ the root word for expectations, means, “To look forward to as certain or probable and to look for as right, proper and necessary.” When it comes to individuals, there are some people in our nation who have much higher expectations than others. For example, a child who is born to parents who are both college professors will have much higher expectations than a child born into a family who has labored in generational poverty for many years. In time, as a young child grows up, he begins to develop a set of expectations of his own. This child is influenced by his environment, which is to say the level of education, communication and the results of spiritual and material success which is all around him.
Here I might add that a child develops a level of expectations, but his parents also have a level of expectations they have developed for him. This is really where the rubber meets the road. If the parent’s expectations are too high, and unrealistic, the child may find it difficult to live up to them, and a great deal of stress is created in his life. How many times have we all seen this happen? However, in most cases the expectations are too low, because most of us can achieve far more than we have ever dreamed possible. There is a special group of young people in our country who I am truly concerned about, not only for their security and well-being, but also for the future of our country.
A group of your fellow citizens have been working for some time to build quality, personalized oak bookcases and give them, along with a starter set of books, to children in low-income families. These children are all enrolled in a local Head Start program, or another program with a similar name. A high percentage of these children are also in single-parent homes and as a result of their environment, the level of expectations is quite low. In time, with all of us working together, we hope to change that, first by encouraging the parents and these special children.
This past year more than a million students who should have graduated did not graduate from our nation’s high schools. We believe it is a realistic goal to expect each of these Head Start children, with the exception of those who die at an early age for a variety of reasons, to graduate at least from high school. Of course, many will go on to college and graduate with a degree, but it is not realistic to expect all of them to graduate from college. It is realistic for them to graduate from high school. This is what we will be working to achieve: to sell to the parents of these children to have higher expectations. As I said earlier, they can do far more than they have ever dreamed at this point in their life.
It is important to note that this is a grass-roots, all volunteer effort and we do not use any tax money or government grants. We are just regular ordinary citizens who care about these children and want the best for them. I might add, the Head Start people have been wonderful to work with because we have the same goals. One of the things we are exploring is to have parents who would like to be part of a study group, and whose child receives a bookcase, make a commitment to read to their children at home on a regular basis and to buy them a new book for special occasions, such as their birthday and at Christmas time.
One of our committee members has already talked with our local school officials about ways to track these children who enter kindergarten and begin to move up through the various grades. At this point we are also talking with our university people about a graduate student who will help develop a “model” for criteria, to help us not only here in our community but in others across the nation who are also conducting a “Bookcase for Every Child” project.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 632 - EVERY PERSON HAS WORTH AND VALUE

No. 632

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVERY PERSON HAS WORTH AND VALUE

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all find the prince or princess of our dreams, get married, and live happily ever after? You can believe me when I say that life is not like that, because we have to live in the here and now, taking it one day at a time and doing our best to play the hand we have been dealt.
Life is hard, even when we do our best to live and play by the rules, but it’s even harder when we don’t live by the rules. Such is the case of a true story that I want to tell you about a young woman whose life got terribly off course and then, years later, was able to use her personal tragedy to help someone else.
Be forewarned that what I am going to share with you will sound like a real-life soap opera, but it is real life, and sadly, far too many people live this kind of lifestyle each day and every breath they take. With permission to use it in a column, this true story comes from Patty who lives over in the great state of Oklahoma. She was out in her yard one day recently when a neighbor hollered over the fence, “I don’t know what you said to my daughter in your letter, but it worked. She did not leave and is now working in a poultry plant.” What Patty had done was to write this lady’s daughter a straight-from-the-heart letter about the mess she had made in her own life and was pleading with her not to make the same mistakes.
Before I tell you what was in Patty’s letter, let me give you a little of her history so you will know where she is coming from. Some real insights came when she says, “My husband just came in the house. I think he was going to get his habit of choice and I interfered, because he didn’t know I was here. He thought I’d left for work. He drinks. We don’t talk about it, because he told me he stopped drinking a year ago. He hasn’t. I work so I can compare myself to someone other than a man who lies to me. That is what alcoholics do. I mess up. I still think badly of myself. Now I know I can help just one person, (she is referring to the neighbor’s daughter) so I had better cut it out.
“I am writing to you because I was totally honest with another human being and it did not kill me. Maybe I’m too honest, but I have yet to read in the Bible about being too honest. It says to be honest. So I was. And I gained so much because of it.” You see, Patty was totally honest with this young lady she wrote to. She begins by saying, “When I was your age, I left home with a guy that I knew for less than a day. I met him in a night club. I was mad at my dad. We got in a fight and he called me names and I called him things, too. I left. It changed my life beyond anything I could have imagined.
“A nightmare ensued. A nightmare that I created. Regardless of how much we would like to blame someone else for what we do in our lives, ultimately it’s our own hand, mind and heart that directs us. I packed up everything I owned and implored this man to take me with him. He did. We took a bus to his apartment in northern Chicago. We placed all the possessions I owned in the bus depot there. In lockers. I never saw any of it again. We arrived at his apartment. He was an ex-outlaw biker. I didn’t realize I was pregnant. Not until the morning of the day he beat me. Almost to a pulp. Almost to death. He was high.
“He took me to places no human being should ever have to go. Nor should you. I didn’t know him. I wasted five years being paranoid, poor and pathetic after that. I lost the baby. I was told I had to have an abortion as the baby would not live through the beating he and I went through. The second time I got pregnant after this I gave him up for adoption. I couldn’t seem to get my stuff together. After that I had my tubes tied. I did not want to kill nor bring into the world a human being I couldn’t take care of.”
There is much more just as bizarre, but at the end of her letter Patty shares some positive things from her heart with Shanell, her neighbor’s daughter, that causes her to have second thoughts about moving to Wisconsin to live with someone she met over the Internet. She concludes by saying, “I wanted you to know the after-effects are long and serious. I also wanted you to know there’s much better we can do with our lives. You have a wonderful heart and soul. I hope you make decisions you can be proud of. Not ones that can destroy and undermine your spirit. I wish you the best in whatever you want to do … but to do them to escape an undesirable situation don’t help you. If I had cared about myself those many years ago, I would not have put myself in harm’s way like I did. Repeatedly. I learned that I am worth keeping. I am worth keeping. So are you, Shanell. So are you.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 633 - WHAT KEEPS "YOU" GOING?

No. 633

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT KEEPS “YOU” GOING?

Way back in the late 1960s, which seems like forever ago, I took the Dale Carnegie Course for Public Speaking. During one of the sessions I learned a very important exercise that taught me the importance of emphasis. This exercise consisted of repeating one single line that went, “Every good boy does fine.” However, when you repeated the line, you changed the emphasis on each word in the sentence. You repeat the line please, but place the emphasis on the word that is all caps. Here goes: EVERY good boy does fine. Every GOOD boy does fine. Every good BOY does fine. Every good boy DOES fine. And lastly, every good boy does FINE.
Now, keeping these thoughts in mind, place the emphasis on the word that is in all caps. What keeps YOU going? When I say, what keeps YOU going, I’m talking about the motivation that causes you to want to get out of bed each day and provides that little spark that helps you to hang in there. Here, I certainly want to acknowledge the fact that millions of people right here in America can’t get out of bed each day, and I certainly mean no disrespect to these people who are bedridden for one reason or another. If you are one of these people, my heart truly goes out to you.
Really, this last thought has a lot to do with what I want to talk with you about today. When I say, what is it that keeps YOU going, of course a lot would depend on your age, your health, your education, your outlook on life and if you still have important goals you are pursuing. What I am talking about may appear to be too simple, but it is important that we have something worthwhile to look forward to each day of our lives, if only to enjoy the companionship of family and friends and other things like a beautiful sunset or a walk down memory lane.
While it’s important to have something each day to look forward to, it’s also important to have a longer view, like wanting to live long enough to see a son or daughter graduate from high school or college, get married, have grandchildren, get a promotion at work, and at long last win a state or national championship and countless other things of this nature. My wife and I are getting along in years, and we have been blessed to be able to see and do many of the things our younger counterparts are still looking forward to.
On a more practical basis, here are some things we look forward to that keep us going. Maybe some of these thoughts will help you keep or regain perspective. For example, in my business I am always developing a marketing plan that requires printing costs, mailing costs, telephone expense, travel, lodging, new clothes and other related expenses. In many cases, these plans are not very successful, but they keep me going and that’s the whole point. When I get out of bed each day, I have something really exciting to look forward to doing. While we have never placed it in this context before, my wife, Viola, does the same thing.
She is forever changing things. Thankfully, in most cases it does not cost a lot of money, but she is forever making changes around the house and in the yard. She buys fabric for new curtains, a new bedspread, a new appliance, pots, pans, dishes and you name it, and she has two, a new one and an old one. It’s not that she really needs these things, because the old ones work just fine, but that’s what keeps her going. I am extremely grateful that she has this nature, because she can get more done in an hour than most people can in a whole day. Now, back to my earlier question, what keeps YOU going? It’s when we don’t have anything really exciting to look forward to that we usually get in trouble. The people, who don’t have worthy goals, don’t succeed. It’s really that simple: no goals, no success. We can’t live in a vacuum. In the absence of goals, something else comes along to fill the void and take our valuable time. When you see people in our society who are hooked on drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, involved in gangs, crime and other unproductive activities, you can rest assured they are wasting valuable time that can never be reclaimed. The end result is wasted lives, which is really sad for them and for all the rest of us as well.
In the final analysis, it’s important to understand that we don’t succeed as a group, we succeed as individuals. Even though a group of individuals who form a team can succeed, it’s still the individuals in the group that determine its success. If you or someone you care about seems to be floundering and has no goals or something exciting to look forward to each day, please share this column with them. Let them know you care, because that will go a long way.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 634 - LITERACY ORIGINATES IN THE HOME

No. 634

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LITERACY ORIGINATES IN THE HOME

The legendary “Dizzy” Dean was a member of the old “Gas House Gang” of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He was a rookie in 1932 and only spent six full years in the major leagues, but what an impact he had. He predicted in 1934 that he and his brother Paul, who had never pitched a major league game in his life, would win 45 games. Dizzy won 30 and Paul won 19 that year. As a quick sidebar, my mother later worked for Paul Dean in a restaurant he owned in Little Rock called The Purple Cow.
After his playing days, Dizzy would spend some time in the broadcast booth as a radio announcer. Things went along pretty well until the English teachers in the area began to get after him because of his poor grammar and use of the King’s English. They said his language was setting a poor example for their students who, in many cases, idolized him and also wanted to be a major league player. I remember one of his favorite expressions was “He- slud -into second base” and there were countless others, but he was a little before my day.
Well, guess what? The English teachers are still around and they still get after those of us who are lacking in language skills, especially in writing, where it’s right there for everyone to see. You would think as a writer I would do a better job, but I will confess that I am far from perfect. I’m working on it, primarily by hiring an editor, and, thank heavens, I finally learned how to use the spell check. It does not, however, do your thinking. You have to do that. As I said, I’m working on it.
Sometime back, I got a letter from Margaret Leary, a former English teacher with 40 years’ experience, who now proofreads for the Oconee Enterprise newspaper, published in Watkinsville, Georgia. Right off the bat Margaret says, “I mean no disrespect, but there are often errors of various types in your column. I have enjoyed reading your concern about the declining literacy rates in this country, and I realize that you are a motivational speaker rather than a professional writer, but I hope you realize that when you assume the mantle of a worthy cause you must be above reproach yourself.”
The fact that Margaret wrote and chastised me is not the reason I am sharing this with you. In her letter she goes on to make some very valid points that all of us need to stop and think about. She further states, and I agree, that the nation’s literacy problem is indeed a serious one, worsening every day. Margaret then asks the question, “What can be done to fight these ever-increasing literacy problems? I applaud and support the ‘bookcase’ solution you proposed some columns back. I remember the orange crates we used years ago, sometimes hung with a cloth to make them seem more respectable, yet which always symbolized the pride of ownership, no matter how tatty the books. Going to a bookstore to buy a book was always a wonderful treat for me – but then my father made it so by emphasizing it as a special occasion.”
Now, here is where I got the title for this column. Margaret continues, “Literacy originates in the home, usually with the mother, who is her children’s first teacher. So if young women aren’t educated, neither will their children be. If the television acts as an electronic babysitter, providing instant ‘entertainment’ and strong reinforcement – usually of the ‘violent action’ type – children will learn that reading is boring and takes too much time to master. If the father doesn’t have time – even as his children are going to bed – to read them a story or two, the children’s knowledge slips a few more notches.”
At this point, I can only say I hope this former English teacher is getting through to you. She sure is reaching me. Margaret further states, “Literacy also encompasses verbal skills, but if one watches television to try to learn more about current affairs, one sees guests on opposing sides yelling to overcome their opponents – to the detriment of both points of view. Even presidential candidates no longer debate. It is not necessary, when reasoned argument, literacy comprehension and verbal literacy is not practiced, often not recognized, and, certainly, seldom appreciated.”
To be sure, here is a lady who feels deeply about our nation’s literacy problems. I agree that it won’t get any better until those of us who are literate get serious about reading to our children and grandchildren, turning off the television, and putting academics back in first place where they belong. The real question has become: Do we, the American people, have the will to make literacy, reading and education a top priority again? I hope so, for the sake of future generations.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 635 - THE GROWING THREAT OF SEXUAL ADDICTIONS

No. 635

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GROWING THREAT OF SEXUAL ADDICTIONS

As I thought about what I wanted to share with you in this column, I felt like this avid fisherman who took his preacher fishing one day. On about the second cast he hooked what had to be a 10-pound bass. He fought that fish for more than 30 minutes, and when he got it right up to the boat the fish got off. At this point, the fisherman threw his rod and reel down in the boat and said, “Preacher, one of us ought to say something.”
As I say, that’s the way I feel today about a subject I am not comfortable talking about, but in light of what I see happening in our nation I feel like someone ought to say something. I am talking about the growing threat of sexual addiction.
I might also add that I realize what I say here is not going to make any difference, unless of course enough of the right people agree with me and it causes a groundswell that forces our elected politicians to take action. In light of America’s glorious past, this kind of action, and even this column, should not be necessary, but let’s briefly take a look at where we are. The you can be the judge.
A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail from a friend and it was titled “Jo’s Soap Box” because this lady by the name of “Jo” was on a tirade because of the sexual nature of this national restaurant chain’s advertising campaign. I won’t tell you which one because I want you to watch them all. The one line that stood out is when she said, “There is absolutely no reason to promote sex to encourage you to eat a hamburger.”
Sometime back I got a letter from a reader in Princeton, West Virginia, who told me about a 61,000-word article she had written and wanted to get published. At the urging of some friends she made an appointment to talk with a literary agent about the possibility of having it published. The agent asked her to tell him what the story was about. Then without so much as reading the title, he told her that probably no established publisher would be interested in publishing her work, not because it was poorly written, lacked interesting characters or an attention-holding plot. Her story contained no profanity, no sex, or in-your-face violence. He suggested she consider some little out-of-the mainstream publisher, perhaps one interested in “religious” works, and that she consider self-publishing.
What bothered her most about his advice is that the majority of publishers today are looking for steamy romance, serial killers, vampires, and other supernatural hair-raisers. She went on to say that what incensed her most was what this literary agent had implied about Americans. Perhaps publishers do believe that only violent or profane fiction sells. Seemingly, movie and TV producers share that belief. However, both she and I are convinced that the reason syndicated shows such as “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Waltons,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and others have such a long run and wide appeal is because many Americans long for decent entertainment. At this point, the reader hit me with what is really the basis for this column. She said, “America isn’t indecent at its core.”
This true story is really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is happening to the culture of our country. We see and hear reports in the news almost daily of some older person, usually male, molesting and even murdering a child, teachers having sex with students and neighborhoods trying to keep registered sex offenders from living there. I personally believe one of the greatest threats to our society is the proliferation of “male-enhancement” drug television commercials. The pharmaceutical companies that produce these products and peddle them are making millions, and even billions, of dollars and they could care less about the wrong message these commercials send to our young people.
I don’t know whether we will ever get there or not, but do you remember when we used to have cigarettes advertised on television? The last television commercial for cigarettes ran during the Johnny Carson Show back on Jan. 1, 1971, but the tobacco companies have barely skipped a beat. I see male-enhancement drugs in the same light. And then there is the Internet that is flooding our nation and the world with sexually graphic messages, videos and other sexually explicit content. Just what comes across my e-mail screen every day is enough to make you sick.
Sexual addiction is growing throughout all segments of society and it is now epidemic. The problem is that you can’t tell a sex addict just by looking at him or her, like you can an alcoholic. We must get a handle on this problem.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 636 - HOW TO CATCH A WILD HOG

No. 636

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOW TO CATCH A WILD HOG

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all gaze into a crystal ball and predict the future with absolute certainty? This question came to mind after I read an article a friend sent me recently titled, “How to Catch a Wild Hog.” This article was written by Dr. Lowell E. Hedges, a retired associate professor, teacher of education and a former superintendent of Elgin Local Schools. It does not say if this is the Elgin Local Schools in Marion, Ohio, or the Elgin Public Schools in Elgin, Illinois, but that is not important for what I want to share with you here. Following is a brief condensation of the article, but the point will become very clear.
The article begins when Dr. Hedges notices one of his foreign-born students who has a facial grimace and begins to rub his back. It turns out the discomfort was caused by a bullet wound he had received while fighting the Communists who were trying to take over his country’s government. This student asked Dr. Hedges a surprising question: “Do you know how to catch a wild hog?” Dr. Hedges responded by saying, “I’m not sure what you are talking about. Tell me.”
The student continues, “You find out where the wild hogs are roaming and feeding and then you put some corn out in the field. Soon they will come and eat the corn. You keep putting out the corn. Soon more wild hogs will join the others and keep coming to eat the corn. After the hogs get used to your free corn, you put up a length of fence along one side of the feeding area. The hogs will get used to it. Then you put up another section of fence at a right angle to the first. After they get used to this, you put up another section of fence at a right angle to that section of fence and you now have a “U” shaped fenced area. Then you put in the last section with a gate in it. You keep giving them free corn. Now, the hogs are no longer out in the fields working to find their own food. They keep coming into the area to eat the free corn. Then one day you slam the gate shut when the hogs are inside the fenced area. The wild hogs are caught. They are your prisoners.”
I understood then that the wild hogs were really the people of his native country, and the free corn was the enticements the Communists were giving to the people. “That’s correct,” the young man said. “Now the hogs will not get anything to eat unless you give them food. You are in control. They depend on you to feed them, or they will starve. They can’t get out into the fields and the forest anymore to find their own food.
“The hogs,” he said, “were so accustomed to having the free corn, that they ignored the building of the fences that would eventually trap them. When the gate slammed shut, it was too late for them to realize what they had been blind to. The free corn was enticing, so effortless to obtain, but eventually the cause of their loss of freedom. The fence had been built and the gate had been shut.” At this point in the conversation, the young student, in a voice shaking with emotion and with fists hitting the desktop, loudly exclaimed, “This is what I see happening in America today. People are being offered free corn by the government. People are blind to the fences being built around them by the liberals – the socialists -- and that is what frightens me! Just like it was happening in my homeland.”
The American people do not learn from history. And history shows that socialism/communism does not work. At this point Dr. Hedges says, “I too wanted to slam my fists on the desktop and cry out in a loud voice for all to hear, “Wake up, America! The fences are being built! Don’t you see what is happening to us?” He goes on to say, “In the agenda of the new Congress governed by the liberal Democrats, there is much ‘Free’ corn being promised to the American people.”
Well, that’s the end of my condensation, but I believe I have painted a pretty accurate picture, at least of the intent of what Dr. Hedges is saying.
At this point I would like to go back to my first question, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all gaze into a crystal ball and predict the future with absolute certainty?” Can we continue on with massive deficit spending, a $9 trillion national debt, the loss of our manufacturing base and our nation’s crumbling infrastructure? Is Dr. Hedges right in that we must change course if our nation is to survive?
I have my own personal views based on my value system and what I believe is right and wrong, but I will confess that I am not smart enough to have the answers. I am not down on any political party, but I am down on people who do not have America’s best interests at heart. If you have thoughts along these lines, I would love to hear from you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 637 - A MERRY HEART IS GOOD MEDICINE

No. 637

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A MERRY HEART IS GOOD MEDICINE

Do you ever feel like your get-up-and-go has already got up and went? This thought came to mind when I read an article a reader sent me a while back. It was titled, “How to call the police when you are old and don’t move fast anymore.” I might add before I share this supposedly true story that it is one of those “Don’t try this at home” stories, because I don’t think your local police would take too kindly to you.
The story goes that George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, was going to bed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window.
George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things. He phoned the police, who asked, “Is someone in your house?” and he said “no.” Then they said that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be along when available. George said, “OK,” hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again. “Hello, I just called you a few minutes ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them now, because I have just shot them all.” Then he hung up.
Within five minutes three police cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips residence and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the policemen said to George, “I thought you said you had shot them!” George said, “I thought you said everybody was busy.” I guess old George had a point there, but as I said earlier, I would not recommend that you use this technique to get your local police to respond faster. In most cases they are doing the best they can with available manpower and resources. Personally I have a lot of respect for members of the law-enforcement community, because they are willing to put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us.
While I am on the subject of law enforcement, I ran across another humorous story that I believe you will enjoy, and it has a much different ending. This story, again supposedly true, comes from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in the great state of Florida. It seems an elderly lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her voice, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!” The four men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad.
This lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back seat of the car and got into the driver’s seat. She was so shaken that she could not get the key into the ignition. She tried and tried. And then it dawned on her why. A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces further down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter where four men, white as a sheet, were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than 5 feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.
No charges were filed. The admonition that goes with this story is simply this: If you are going to have a Senior Moment, make it a dandy. And if you will indulge me, there is one more law enforcement-related story that my pastor told several weeks ago that may also bring a smile to your face. I’m sure you will agree that we all need a break from time to time to relieve stress and to keep our perspective in these dangerous and uncertain times. This story goes that the local police chief and a new pastor, who had recently come to town, had become good friends. This friendship grew and soon they began to meet each morning for coffee at the local diner, just so they could spend some quality time together.
One day during this time, a man came running in and said, “Chief, you have got to come quick. There has been a shooting down at the hotel. The chief jumped up and said, “Come on pastor, I may need you.” When they got there, a woman was standing over a man’s body with a gun, still smoking, in her hand. She said, “Oh how I loved you!” Since she still had the smoking gun in her hand, the Chief was somewhat reluctant to challenge her. Once more this woman said, “Oh, how I loved you!” The Chief turned to his pastor friend and said, “What do you think we ought to do?” The pastor said, “I’m going to get out of here before she falls in love with me.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 638 - THE DOCTOR PENS AN UNUSUAL PRESCRIPTION

No. 638

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE DOCTOR PENS AN UNUSUAL PRESCRIPTION

Over the past several months I have gotten to know a terrific writer who lives in Kearney, Nebraska. His name is Mike Finkner and he is not a writer by trade, he is a medical doctor who has spent most of his life and practice in the Emergency Room. In a sense, Mike is like a modern-day Hawkeye Pierce, because he has more talent as a writer in his little finger than most of us do who work at it. Mike has always aspired to write, but the nine years it took to become a doctor, and later his practice, took all or at least most of his time. Now at age 58, with a reduced schedule, he is beginning to make his mark in writing, one that I predict will continue.
Mike and his wife Kathy raised four children, a boy and three girls, who have all left the nests. The “doc” likes to consider himself a Christian, though probably wouldn’t be considered an “A” student. He enjoys fishing, hunting, running (more than 50 miles each week), shopping with his wife and family activity. Alcohol is not required for him to achieve “enlightenment” or “escape.” God fills in admirably. And who smokes and runs? Mike says he is often misunderstood. But once he throws in with you, your back is forever covered, no matter the risk to him personally. One can always count on him.
After getting to know this man, I have found that Mike has many personal qualities I admire greatly. First and foremost is his commitment to God and to his family. He has his priorities right, which is really the basis for his writing. At this point, he has written two books, and I have read and enjoyed them both. The first is titled, “Letters from Grandpa Mike: Who Loves Ya Baby Spencer?” Spencer is Mike and Kathy’s first grandchild. To be sure, Dr. Mike Finkner is a word merchant. You would not believe his vocabulary and his ability to express himself.
What the “doc” has done that is so unusual, at least to me, is write letters to his grandchild while still in the womb. He not only writes letters, he uses dashes and different forms of punctuation to indicate the voice of the child who is responding, however briefly. In most cases, each chapter or letter will stand on its own, and Mike covers the waterfront in a moving, humorous and passionate way. I can’t begin to do justice to this man’s ability. This is one of those cases where you can’t explain to someone what it was like, unless they were there.
His second book is titled, “Letters from Grandpa Mike: Who Loves Ya Baby Hailley?” and the outline is basically the same. However, in this book Mike gives the date of writing and the week of gestation. I might point out that in the course of writing some of his letters he uses words and phrases that I would not use, but taken in context they are very mild and very appropriate. We should never be so heavenly minded that we are not earthly good.
At this point, I wanted to give you a sample of some of Mike’s writing, but when I got to looking for something that I considered representative, I gave up. Have you ever seen a 10-hour highlight reel? That’s the task I faced.
Dr. Mike Finkner and his wife Kathy are wonderful people. They have raised four successful children and now have two grandchildren. The letters in his books take the reader through the trials and tribulations of getting to this point in their lives in a moving and humorous way, one that will keep you spellbound. To not own them you would have to be considered “underprivileged.” They are very inexpensive and can be ordered by going to his Web site: www.lettersfromgrandpamike.com and clicking on the Amazon.com link.
The more I think about Dr. Finkner’s letters to his unborn grandchildren, the more I realize what a great idea this is. Long after Mike and his wife Kathy have departed this life, his children and grandchildren will have memories all written down in a most unique style they will treasure forever. Who could be so lucky? I also thought about the people who read my column and would appreciate these books for a variety of reasons. If you like to play Scrabble or work crossword puzzles, these books will definitely sharpen your vocabulary. If you like sports, hunt, fish, or have a farm background, you will be impressed.
Mike has a great sense of humor and in one chapter his description of his high school football days reminded me of the rookie pitcher who was struggling on the mound. So the catcher walked out to have a talk with him.
“I’ve finally figured out your problem,” he told the young southpaw.” You always seem to lose control at the same point in every game.” “When is that?” asked the kid?” The catcher said, “Right after the National Anthem.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 639 - GETTING FIT IN STYLE

No. 639

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GETTING FIT IN STYLE

Several weeks ago, my good friend Cliff Garrison, gave me a personal tour of the new $23 million, 100,000-square-foot Hendrix College Wellness and Athletic Center. While I had never been inside before, one cannot help but be impressed by the massive, beautiful, two-story brick building that now sits across the street from where the old Grove Gymnasium used to be.
Grove Gym is where the Hendrix Warriors had played their athletic games, meets and contests since 1961. Actually, their athletic teams date back to 1906 (football) and 1908 (basketball); however football was discontinued in 1961.The basketball teams continued to enjoy great success, and in 1926 they began playing in the Axley Gymnasium, named for O.O. Axley of the Southern Lumber Company of Warren, who donated lumber for the building.
But, back to the new Hendrix College Wellness and Athletic Center. You talk about a country boy being impressed!! I had no sooner walked in the front door of the brand-spanking new building that I felt like the man who took his dog to the dog show. After a bit this fellow walked up to the chief judge and said, “Judge, I brought my dog to the show and I know he is just a mongrel, an ugly one at that, and he is not going to win anything. I just wanted him to meet some better dogs.” This is what I call “getting fit in style." In every respect, this is truly a state-of-the-art facility and, among small colleges, can be compared with any in the nation. Hendrix is a liberal arts Methodist college, with a little over 1,200 students.
Space will not permit me to give you the details, but here is s list of the things this facility contains: Event gym, recreation gym, running track, climbing wall, locker rooms, sports medicine room, fitness center, Hall of Honor room, kinesiology laboratory, classrooms, movement studio, alumni room, natatorium and office suite. From the office suite, one can view the turf field and track, soccer, baseball and softball fields, and a soon-to-be new tennis center.
The dedication and grand opening celebration for this new facility was held Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, and former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley gave the keynote address. The public was invited to attend, along with past and present Hendrix dignitaries, faculty, students, alumni and other supporters of the college. This was truly a historic occasion, as Hendrix College has made and will continue to make a vital contribution to our state and community for decades to come.
Earlier I mentioned my good friend, Cliff Garrison. Cliff ran up an impressive record in 31 years coaching the Warrior men’s basketball team. When he retired from coaching in 2003, Coach Garrison was the winningest “active” coach in the state with a 463-377 record. His honors and awards are far too numerous to mention, but the pinnacle came Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, when the “Garrison Court” was dedicated in the new Hendrix Wellness and Athletic Center. It was my honor to be present for this most impressive event.
Cliff’s personal integrity and strength of character has influenced countless student athletes, inspiring them to excel on the court and beyond. Many people may not know that Hendrix teams compete in the NCAA Division Three sports, where no athletic scholarships are given. These young men and women compete for the love of the game, and character values are instilled all throughout the time they spend at Hendrix College. Here in Conway, we are proud to have Hendrix and this brand-new facility, and know that it will be used to produce real winners, on and off the court, in the years to come. Teaching is one of the greatest professions in the world.
At first glance, it may appear that all I am doing is showering accolades on this beautiful new facility. However, there is a much deeper and even a profound message here. The real message is the enduring nature of this fine college and the stabilizing influence it has on the lives of thousands of people, just by being there. Hendrix has been in our community for more than 100 years, and when you stop to think about all the college presidents, administration, faculty, students and support personnel, both now and in the past, you begin to see the contribution they have and continue to make, to our community, state, nation and especially in the lives of her students. Hendrix is a private college and new buildings and first-class facilities are only possible because of successful former alumni and others who share the vision of a quality education and are willing to support it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 640 - MARICOPA COUNTY'S "TOUGH GUY" SHERIFF

No. 640

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MARICOPA COUNTY’S “TOUGH GUY” SHERIFF

We have a sheriff in America serving in what used to be called “The Wild West” who has a unique approach to reducing crime in his county.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio is sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. He has been reelected every two years since 1993, now serving well past his 75th birthday. Maricopa County is where the city of Phoenix is located and this county has more than 3.3 million people, more in population than all the other 14 counties combined.
I had the pleasure of visiting with Sheriff Arpaio on the telephone several years ago and wanted to give you an update on his crime prevention methods, in light of what it is costing to house jail and prison inmates in our nation. The cost is now more than $60 billion per year or $30,000 to $35,000 per inmate. This means that it costs every person in America more than $100 per year, and when you consider that millions of Americans don’t pay any taxes, you might want to check your wallet.
Prison inmates write to me all the time and they know, as another human being, that I care about them. However, prison life should be so hard that inmates who are released do not want to go back, but are given more support after they are released. This is where we have dropped the ball in our country. When an inmate has it harder on the outside than they do on the inside, who could blame them for wanting to go back?
But back to Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the sheriff who created the now famous “Tent City Jail.” He has meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them. He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails, took away their weights and cut off all “G” movies. He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects. Then he started chain gangs for women so he wouldn’t get sued for discrimination. He took away cable TV until he found out there was a federal court order that required cable TV for jails. So he hooked it up again, with only The Disney Channel and the Weather Channel.
When asked why the Weather Channel he replied, “So they will know how hot it’s going to be while they are working on my chain gangs.” He also cut out coffee, since it has zero nutritional value. When the inmates complained he told them, “This isn’t the Ritz/Carlton, if you don’t like it, don’t come back.” When the temperature got to 116 degrees and set a new record, about 2,000 inmates living in “Tent City” were given permission to strip down to their government-issued pink boxer shorts. Again when the inmates complained, Sheriff Joe said, “It’s 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents, too, and they have to wear full battle gear and these men and women did not commit any crimes so shut your _____ mouths.”
Here is the bottom line. Maybe if there were more law enforcement officials like Sheriff Arpaio and more jails and prisons like his “Tent City,” there would be a lot less crime and fewer repeat offenders.
If you read my column on a regular basis, you know that I would never want or suggest that any person or animal ever be treated inhumanely, but criminals, especially repeat offenders, should be punished for their crimes.
They should not live in luxury until it’s time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers’ money and enjoy things that taxpayers can’t afford to have for themselves.
While it must be on a case-by-case basis, there may be a silver lining here as well. I have never been to Joe’s “Tent City Jail,” but I have seen a number of feature stories and reports of his program on television. If you took note of the terminology, you understand this is a “jail” and not a “prison.” The most important thing to be considered is that, for the most part, these are not hardened criminals but men and women who are there because of less serious crimes; I suspect many for the possession and sale of illegal drugs. In other words, this is a minimum security facility and most of the inmates are waiting to go to trial or enter a plea agreement, and will be released in due time.
There is hope for a high percentage of these individuals that they can be rehabilitated. What I would recommend is to put each inmate through a battery of tests to determine literacy levels and personal interests. Once this is done, start each one on a track to learn a trade or get a college degree. Some are already hardened criminals and will return, but many others need and deserve a second chance. For what we are spending to incarcerate these individuals, we could well afford to help them financially for a period of time after they leave jail or prison. This could be a win-win.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 641 - HAVE AN H.P. DAY

No. 641

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE AN “H.P.” DAY

May I suggest that you join me in having an H.P. Day? At this point you may ask the question, “What does the H.P. stand for?” Well, in this case the H.P. stands for hydrogen peroxide. Yes, that little bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide that we all have in our homes, in one place or another. Several weeks ago our good friend Diane Russell, who lives here in Conway, sent my wife Viola an article about this inexpensive miracle-working product that has really opened my eyes. This article was written by a doctor’s wife in Indiana, and one of the suggestions it made was to pour a capful,(the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold it in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, and then spit it out. To avoid long-term injury to the oral mucosa, the solution should be diluted with water.
What this means is no more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Just use it instead of mouthwash. I do this most mornings while taking a shower and thus my question, “Will you join me in having an H.P. Day?”
This doctor’s wife, whose name is Becky Ransey, was over to a friend’s house and smelled the bleach she was using to clean her toilet and countertops, and this is what she told her. Becky said, “My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years and most doctors don’t tell you about peroxide.”
She then asked the question, “Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor’s office?” No!! Why? The reason is because it smells, and is not healthy. Ask the nurses who work in doctor’s offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better. Peroxide was invented during World War I in the 1920s and was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.
Maybe you are way ahead of the Davidson household, but here is a list of other uses for peroxide in addition to the one already discussed:
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide and keep them free of germs. 3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dish rag when you wipe, or spray on the counters. 4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria. 5. To eliminate fungus from your feet, spray a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them each night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to 10 minutes several times a day. Here is a bonus. Becky said that her doctor husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide. 7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or other disinfectants will. 8. Tilt your head back and spray into your nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold or plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold a few minutes and then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for 10 minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly. 10. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot, let it soak, and rinse with cold water. 11. Mix a couple capfuls of hydrogen peroxide with a coffee cup of warm water and some salt and gargle before going to bed at night to help soothe a sore throat. A doctor in our town also recommended mixing hydrogen peroxide with Pepto Bismol for a young girl who had a throat infection called thrush.
While I am not sure where Becky Ransey does her shopping or how old this article is, she says you can get a bottle at any drug store for less than a dollar.
It is on this last note, “less than a dollar,” where I believe most of our potential benefits lie. If you recall, I said in the beginning that the “smell” of hydrogen peroxide as opposed to bleach was one reason to consider using it. The other, more important, reason is the cost. While you won’t be able to retire on what you would save, it’s the mentality of saving that will serve any of us better in the long run. In a day and time when credit card debt for many Americans is over $10,000, this is the way more of us should be thinking. Several years ago I wrote a column titled, “Back Door Economics”, and discussed ways to save money by making minor changes in our lifestyle, and not foolishly throwing money away on non-essential things, especially around our home.
The point was that we could spend all or most of our time trying to earn money to bring home through the front door, only to have most of it leave through the back door. You may be way ahead of me here, but if you are deep in debt and struggling to pay your bills, begin to develop a mindset of looking for ways around your house to save money. The old saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned” is true, and it just takes a hundred pennies to make a dollar.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 642 - DON'T "STIFF" YOUR FRIENDS

No. 642

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T “STIFF” YOUR FRIENDS

One of the things that can damage human relationships quicker and more severely than anything else, is a little five-letter word called greed. Anytime you see someone who is greedy, you will see someone else who is adversely affected. This is not only true in the case of individuals; it is also true for nations as well. We have a severe credit crunch in our country that is severely affecting our whole economy and seen most readily in the housing market. If you are not personally affected, no doubt you have been watching the national news and know that thousands upon thousands of people are losing their homes because of foreclosure. I’m sad to say, based on everything that I have read and understand, it’s likely to get even worse.
Thanks to a faithful reader up in Galax, Va., who sent me an article written by Robert Morley that appeared in a bi-monthly publication, The Philadelphia Trumpet, titled, “The CON That Turned the World Against America,” I now understand the crisis in the housing market much better than I did before. You may not see what I am going to share with you in the national news, but it’s something every American has the right to know, because it affects each of our lives.
We see this crisis today, but it really started back in the year 2000 when America was facing a recession. But rather than let the economy re-balance, the Federal Reserve decided to slash interest rates to artificially stimulate the economy, even though it knew that doing so would create even bigger problems later. Consequently, mortgage rates in America plummeted. Suddenly millions more Americans could buy homes. House prices skyrocketed, tripling and quadrupling in some areas. The bubble fed on itself as perspective homeowners, often acting more like speculators, rushed to buy homes as quickly as possible.
Now, here is the rub. As home values rose, fewer people could afford traditional loans. To keep their profits growing, banks and lenders began offering easy to get sub-prime mortgages. These are mortgages that would normally be considered “risky” because of the borrower’s credit history, income status and other factors. If the person could sign their own name, often mortgages were approved without any background check. With the building boom, everyone was on cloud nine, as new home construction is what really fuels the American economy. When you consider the lumber, other construction materials and everything that goes into a new home, it’s easy to get the picture.
Realtors did not really mind either, because as home values increased so did their commissions. But alas, when interest rates went back up, the bubble burst and thousands of people could not pay their mortgage, especially some who had an adjustable rate loan. The end result is thousands of foreclosures and people losing their homes. The Federal Government stepped in with programs to help a few people, but that was only a small part of the solution. But wait, this is only the beginning of the problem. The big banks and mortgage lenders were sitting there with thousands and thousands of sub-prime mortgages. In short, they wanted to get rid of these risky mortgages and get them off their books.
They could not sell them in America, because everyone was already maxed out, so they turned to another source of capitol … foreigners. Here is where greed really takes over. What these financial institutions did was package and bundle these risky sub-prime loans to make them appear as good, safe investments. They were even paying rating agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s to give mortgage securities higher valuations than regular sub-prime would typically rate.
Well, the foreigners bought them, and this created a financial crisis in Europe as well. In Britain, Northern Rock Plc., the nation’s fifth-largest mortgage lender, experienced an unprecedented bank run as customers lined up for hours to clamor for their money when it was revealed that it was having trouble accessing enough credit to continue normal operations.
There is a lot more in this article than I am able to share with you, but there is a backlash that is taking place that is going to have long-term repercussions.
Our whole financial system, as well as our currency, is based on trust, and without it we are the big losers. As I said earlier, everyone in our nation is affected by the lack of it. Regardless of where they are to be found, financial or otherwise, you don’t “stiff” your friends. Based on where we are today, have you ever thought about where we would be if other countries quit lending us money?

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 643 - DENIAL COMES BEFORE DISASTER

No. 643

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DENIAL COMES BEFORE DISASTER

Here is a question, and you might want to think about the answer for the next several years. How far is up? The correct answer is, as far as you want to go. Now, here is another question that is much more personal. How long will we, the American people, tolerate the violence, bloodshed, illegal drugs, gangs, murder and other forms of crime before rising up as a mighty force to do something to stop it, or at least drastically reduce it?
I can remember a time, and I’m sure you can too, when we did not see the reports of carnage and bloodshed on television and in the news, almost on a daily basis. For all accounts, it’s getting worse but, again, when will “WE THE PEOPLE” take drastic measures to do something about it?
To be sure, there is no simple solution or we would not be fearful to venture into increasingly larger areas of our major cities and even smaller communities in many cases. Personally, I would like to see Congress put more money into fighting crime than many of the pork barrel projects that get buried in large spending bills near the end of the session. What good does it do to build a highway leading to nowhere, if we get shot when we get there? The people in law enforcement and the legal community tell me that most of our crime is caused by illegal drugs. I have no doubts this is true, but there is a larger question here that has been asked millions of times:
Why are so many people hooked on drugs? We will never get any help from the drug pushers. As long as there is big, easy money to be made, they are never going to stop selling drugs.
So what then? To my way of thinking, we need to do everything we can to take illegal drugs off the streets, but we need to spend more time and money on treatment programs and local rehab facilities to help those who are already addicted. When we combine these measures with education, which begins with literacy, we will begin to make a difference. The people who are hooked on illegal drugs are failing in life. For people to succeed and feel they have value and self-worth, they must work, have a sense of purpose and feel they have a bright future. Here is something our politicians need to hear, over and over again. For able-bodied people, you cannot help them with a handout. To be sure, most people do not need a handout, they need a hand up.
It’s often said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” For young people in every community who are failing, there is a lure to join a gang. These are young people, some just children, who have no sense of family. The gang becomes their family. Once initiated into a gang, it’s as difficult to leave as it is to get off drugs.
Here in our community we have a police chief who is proactive when it comes to gangs. Some time back he called a meeting of community leaders to develop a strategy to deal with the presence of gangs in our community. I was invited to attend, because he sees our “Bookcase for Every Child” project as part of the long-term solution. Getting children hooked on reading at a very early age is better than having them get hooked on drugs later.
At this point, please allow me to show you what happens when illegal drugs and gangs get completely out of hand. Granted, this is a large city, but the city of Philadelphia, Pa., summoned 10,000 men to a meeting in October 2007 at the Liacouras Center to rally black men -- not only in mass, but in unity -- and forcefully take back the streets from the grasp of violence. As you may know, the city of Philadelphia is known as the “City of Brotherly Love.” The rallying cry for this large audience of men was that it was “A New Day.” The speakers at the meeting included the mayor, police chief and members of Congress. They all gave stirring speeches where they proclaimed, “It’s a New Day.”
Those in attendance were anxious and willing to be renewed and to attack the senseless murders that have occurred in the city, including the 406 killings that happened in 2006. Over the past 10 years, 2,889 black men under the age of 34 have been lost to violence. This rally had the chance to not only capture and captivate, but the rare opportunity to move people to actually act and do something about the violence. But it didn’t happen. Not yet! Maybe that hinges on the turnout for the subsequent orientation sessions scheduled for the next two weeks in area high schools. But it didn’t happen at the Liacouras Center.
These words and statistics were penned by Terrance McNeil, a columnist for the Temple News who gave me permission to share them with you. What we all need to think about in relation to crime, illegal drugs and gangs is this -- “Denial Comes Before Disaster.” We cannot afford to sit back in our comfortable homes and wait until it becomes more of a crisis.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 644 - YOU CAN COUNT US IN

No. 644

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU CAN COUNT US IN

The English essayist and poet, Joseph Addison (1672-1719) once said of education, “It is a companion which no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate, no despot can enslave. Without it, what is man? A splendid slave, a reasoning savage.”
Maybe this explains why we see so much violence and bloodshed in our world and in our culture today. As an educated person, at least one who is literate, I am sure you will join me in wanting to stamp out ignorance. This is a challenge that we face in America today as literacy rates have fallen for the past several decades.
There are a myriad of reasons for the dilemma we face. A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that Americans are reading a lot less while watching television a lot more, especially those in the younger generations. Since reading is the foundation for education, this is something that should concern us all. This study examined data on everything from how many 9-year-olds read every day for “fun” (54 percent), to the percentages of high school graduates deemed by employers as “deficient” in writing in the English language, a whopping 72 percent.
This study further revealed that on average, Americans ages 15 to 24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their leisure time on reading. NEA Chairman Diana Gioia has said, “I think there has been an enormous investment in teaching kids to read in elementary school. Kids are doing better at 9 and at 11. At 13, they are doing no worse, but then you see this catastrophic falloff -- if kids are put into this electronic culture without any counterbalancing efforts, they will stop reading.”
This seems to suggest, at least to me, that if we are to improve literacy in our nation we must help children when they are very young to develop a passion and a love of reading. This is the goal of our “Bookcase for Every Child” project that I have told you about many times before. I’m happy to report that we are making great progress as we are starting our fourth year here in Conway and will soon have 200 quality, personalized oak bookcases in the hands of deserving children. We stress parents taking time to read to their children at home.
We are delighted that the project is also spreading to other communities in Arkansas and in other states. The community that will always have the distinction of being the very first, outside of Conway, to build and give bookcases to their 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children is Russellville, our neighbor to the north. This is a great community of good people and a wonderful place to live and raise a family. They also have the support of hundreds of their citizens. The Russellville Bookcase Project Committee, headed by Scott Perkins, held their first Awards Ceremony on the campus of Arkansas Tech University on October 28, 2007.
I was honored when they invited me to be their inaugural speaker, and what a thrill it was to see 51 of their children receive their very own bookcase and books. Just the looks on their faces made all the hard work worth it.
I shall always remember the comments made by Dr. Robert Brown, president of Arkansas Tech, who gave the welcome. He said, “There is no project or purpose our university would rather be connected with than this one. Literacy is the key that unlocks all the rest of human knowledge. I know this project is cyclical. In the future you can count us in.”
There is yet another element in discussing the bookcase project that I sometimes fail to mention. This is the human element. They say that all politics is local. Well, so is a bookcase project. Sometimes we forget these are human beings who are receiving these bookcases, and what we are doing for them will make a tremendous contribution, not only for the children, but for their parents as well. When we can break the cycle of poverty for one generation, it impacts future generations for years to come. This is one all-volunteer, no-tax-money project that is making a difference.
Something touching came out of the Russellville awards ceremony. A few days after the ceremony, the chairman called to tell me a story about one of the children who had received a bookcase. This child came with his mother from New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina. A few days before the ceremony, his mother died from cancer. The community stepped up, but the chairman told me he had a call from the people caring for this child, and they said he could not stop talking about his bookcase. This is something he will carry with him as long as he lives.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 645 - THE ORIGINS OF BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT

No. 645

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE ORIGINS OF BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT

The idea of being “politically correct” started out as a joke in our country, but it has reached the point where it is no longer a laughing matter. For the first time in our nation’s history we have to be fearful of what we say, what we write and what we think. We have to be sensitive of using the wrong word, a word denounced as offensive or insensitive to certain groups.
Have you ever thought about where this kind of thinking came from and who started it and why? What I am talking about is an ideology, not to be confused with the common respect and decency we should always show another person because they are another human being.
If you don’t already know, let me give you a little basic information to enlighten you and then give you a number of sources where you can check this out for yourself, if you have an interest in doing so. A lot of people in our nation think that being “politically correct” goes back to the 1930s, and then the 1960s, but it actually goes back to World War I days and the coming to power by the Bolsheviks in Russia. The philosopher, Karl Marx, was a social scientist, historian, and revolutionary. He is without a doubt the most influential socialist thinker to emerge in the 19th century. Karl Marx died in 1883 and it was left to his successor, Vladimir Lenin, to carry out his ideology. Lenin was only 13 years of age when Marx died, but he became a very ruthless person.
Lenin was responsible for the creation of the CHEKA, or the “Secret Police,” to maintain power over subjects who did not want to live under socialism; they systematically killed thousands of people, not because of what they had done, but because of who they were or who they knew. The only published Soviet statistics regarding CHEKA executions were the semi-official ones provided by the Checkist Martin Latsis, limited to RSFSR over the period 1918-1920, giving the grand total of 12,733 executed, including 3,082 who took part in the rebellion.
These statistics are considered by many scholars to be decidedly understated, as they did not embrace Ukraine of the Crimea. It was here that later Bolsheviks slaughtered an estimated 50,000 people. Some historians estimate that between 1917 and 1922 up to 280,000 people were killed by the CHEKA, of which about half perished through summary executions and the other half through the suppression of the rebellion. In this climate one can certainly understand what it meant to be politically correct. In March 1919, Lenin met with other Bolshevik leaders and they changed the name of the party to “Russian Communist Party” and it was soon to become a totalitarian state, which meant they had absolute power.
Vladimir Lenin died in 1924, but communism would continue under Joseph Stalin and all the rest, only to fall in 1991. At present the only communist countries are China (since 1945), Cuba (since 1962), North Korea and Vietnam. We still have many of the vestiges of communism in the world today, and this is where “political correctness” comes into play. Two Marxists theorists, Antonio Gramsci in Italy and Georg Lukacs in Hungary, said the workers will never see their class interests, as defined by Marxism, until they are freed from Western culture, and particularly from the Christian religion.
As it usually does, this kind of thinking has been exported to America, and its strongest presence is to be found in some of our large universities. Let me be very clear here. This is not true for most of our fine colleges and universities, but all we have to do is follow the news each day to know which ones hold to this kind of thinking. There are two kinds of ideologies here, Economic Marxism and Cultural Marxism, and “Political Correctness” has its roots in the latter. The reason those who hold to a Marxist ideology, and there are many here in our country who want to do away with Christianity, is because in a totalitarian state (one that has complete and total power) they can never acknowledge that there is any power greater than the state.
The political correctness movement has even crept into one of our most sacred holidays. We have said
“Merry Christmas” and not “Happy Holidays,” here in America going all the way back to our Founding Fathers, and more and more people are taking a stand. The Internet is a wonderful tool and can give us instantaneous information about every subject under the sun. If you would like to verify anything that I have said, go to Google.com and type in Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, The Bolshevik Revolution and The Origins of Political Correctness and read about it. As Will Rogers once said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 646 - HAVE YOU EVER PICKED A CHICKEN?

No. 646

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HAVE YOU EVER PICKED A CHICKEN?

Here is a question that I would like to invite you to ponder with me, for at least a few minutes today. Have you ever picked a chicken? If you have not, then you don’t know what you have missed!
Every so often during a Lions Club meeting we sing an old song titled, “She’ll be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes.” This song has a number of verses, and the one that comes to mind just now is, “We will kill the old red rooster when she comes.” This song brings forth a lot of glee, but no one ever says what we are going to do with that tough old bird after we kill it. The old red rooster is going to wind up in the pot to be served for a delicious meal, but again this raises the question “Who is going to pick it?”
This is what came to mind when I got to thinking about a story I heard several years ago. One morning along about the middle of January, when it was bitterly cold, this young lad was about two hours late for school. After he got there, Mr. Brown, the principal, demanded to know why he was late. This kid said, “You would not believe me if I told you.” Mr. Brown said, “Try me.” The lad went on to say, “For the past several weeks at our house, something has been stealing our chickens. In fact, pert near every morning when Pa would go out to the hen house, one or two more would be missing.
“Well, this morning around 2 o’clock, we all heard a racket out in the hen house and Pa got up, lit the lantern, and got ‘Old Betsy’ down from the mantle. Pa, still in his long-handles and without taking time to put his shoes on, made his way across the frosty ground out to the hen house. When he got there and opened the door he began to shine the lantern back and forth. After a bit he picked up some ‘eyes’ in the far corner of the hen house and slowly raised ‘Old Betsy’ to his shoulder. Now Mr. Brown, if you have ever worn long-handles you know they have a flap in the back that helps a fellow out when he is in a hurry.
“Well my Pa was in a bind. He was holding the lantern with one hand and ‘Old Betsy’ with the other, while still straining to keep that set of ‘eyes’ lined up to make a shot. Apparently he got in an awkward position and was all bent over, and about this time our old hound dog ‘Blue’ came up behind him and cold-nosed him. Mr. Brown, you should have heard that gun when it went off. I bet some folks in the next county could hear it. Now I told you that you probably would not believe me, but the reason I was late is because our whole family has been up since about 2:30 this morning picking chickens.”
My friend, I hope you enjoyed this story, because I sure enjoyed telling it. If you have read my column for the past 10 years or so, you may recall that I told it soon after I started writing. I don’t usually repeat columns, but this one came today because of a special request from a faithful reader in Dodge City, Kansas. The lady who wrote to me said, “I hope you will repeat the story about ‘Old Blue,’ because a lot of your readers out here would love to hear it again.”
I might add that I was privileged to speak to a community-wide group in Dodge City back in the year 2000. Thanks to a fine man by the name of Dave Grayson, Dodge City now has a “Bookcase for Every Child” project under way. Dave has been instrumental in getting a group of citizens together to form a committee, supported by the Daily Globe, and I know that soon a lot of deserving children there will have their very own bookcase and some good books.
What a difference this will make in their lives. If you live in this fine community, I hope you will get involved. You can donate “gently used” children books, purchase a copy of my book “Learning, Earning & Giving Back” to help raise the money for wood and supplies, read to children at Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center (Head Start) or serve on a committee to plan and carry out the Bookcase Literacy Banquet.
As a quick aside, when I was out in Dodge City, I was given a personal tour of Boot Hill, where the famous “Gunsmoke” series originated. My wife, Viola, just loves the reruns of “Gunsmoke” and the old John Wayne movies. She watches them all the time, as they are one of the few things on television these days that is fit to watch.
Something you may not know about James Arness, better known as Marshall Matt Dillon, is that he is a veteran of World War II and was at Anzio Beach in 1944, during the months Allied Forces were pinned down there. What a thrill it was for me to speak to this group of surviving veterans at their national convention in Branson, Mo., several years ago. I was hoping to meet Marshall Dillon in person, but it was not to be, as he did not attend the year I was there. Maybe someone told him that I was coming.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 625 - THE HIGH PRICE OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY

No. 625

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE HIGH PRICE OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY

My good friend Steve Nawojczyk, a noted authority on gangs in America, says there are five basic reasons why young people will join a gang. In varying degrees these are: helpless, hopeless, homeless, hungry and hug-less. When you think about it, this is really sad, but the reality is there are millions of young people in our country today who see themselves with no hope, who are homeless, who feel helpless, who are hungry, and seldom, if ever, receive a hug from those who should have love and concern for them. While the initiation and rules are harsh, the gang becomes their family, and in addition to these young people, society is really the loser.
While it’s a long-term solution, this is one of the reasons we feel so strongly about our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. When you can provide a young child with a personalized oak bookcase and some good children’s books, and then read to them each week, you are providing them hope and interaction with some people who really do care about them. This is a grass-roots project and is done with all volunteers, and we don’t use any tax money or government grants. A sense of deep satisfaction is our only payment.
The city of North Little Rock, Arkansas, sister city of our state capital, has recently started a bookcase project. Some time back I was invited to speak to their Youth Services Advisory Council. After the meeting, a lady in attendance told me about a book titled “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. I ordered this book the following day, and it has given me more insights into the lives of these young children who come from low-income homes than anything I have ever read before. This book was so interesting and informative that I have now read it twice, and I will refer to it many times over the coming months and years.
Dr. Payne is the leading U.S. expert on the mindsets of poverty, middle class and wealth. She is uniquely qualified because of her background as a school principal, coming from a middle-class background, marrying a man from situational poverty and serving as a principal in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois.
It should be noted that there are two kinds of poverty: Generational poverty exists when an individual or family has lived in poverty for two or more generations. Situational poverty is more short-term and is brought about because of a change in circumstances such as the loss of a job, divorce, health issues or other issues that can be more quickly overcome.
What I have learned from Dr. Payne is that the children we are trying to help, who come from low-income families, don’t really have a chance to succeed unless they get help from others who are part of the middle class and wealthy members of our society. The reason is language.
There are five registers in every language. They are:
1. Frozen: A language that is always the same. For example: Lord’s Prayer, wedding vows, etc.
2. Formal: The standard sentence syntax and word choice of work and school. It has complete sentences and word choice.
3. Consultative: Formal register when used in conversation. Discourse pattern not quite as direct as formal register.
4. Casual: Language between friends and is characterized by a 400- to 800-word vocabulary. The word choice is general and not specific. Conversation dependent on non-verbal assists. The sentence syntax is often incomplete.
5. Intimate: Language between lovers or twins. It is also the language of sexual harassment.”
Here is the real rub. People who come from generational poverty always use casual and never use the formal register. This is why you can spot them in a conversation or in a job interview. Except in rare cases, children who grow up in homes of generational poverty never hear formal register used, which causes problems when they start to school. Formal language is the language of education, and is also what the ACT and SAT tests are written in.
Given this information, it’s easy to understand why these children struggle, and many become candidates for drop out, even before they can physically leave school. Education and school is their ticket to success, to leave generational poverty, and to have hope for a bright future. This is why our bookcase project can make a difference for many of these children.
“A Framework for Understanding Poverty” is a fantastic book and I have not even scratched the surface of the wealth and understanding that lie between the covers. If you are interested, you may order this book directly from Dr. Payne’s company. AHA! Process Inc., PO Box 727, Highlands, Texas, 77562, or www.ahaprocess.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 647 - KEN HECHLER'S "SUPER MARINE"

No. 647

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

KEN HECHLER’S “SUPER MARINE”

What if you had a personal resume like this? At the ripe, young age, of 93, Ken Hechler is a fascinating writer and a vigorous public speaker. His outstanding public career as a U.S. Congressman from West Virginia for 18 years and as Secretary of State for 16 years, personal aide and speech writer for President Harry Truman, military historian in World War II (including interviewing top Nazi leaders) and as the only Congressman to march with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Ala., in 1965, have provided Hechler with unique perspectives which add credibility and vivid reality to his writings and speeches. Hechler’s reputation is one of political integrity, adventure and service. Today, when not traveling and speaking, he still teaches political science at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va.
This past year it was my good fortune to hear Ken speak, meet him, and purchase a copy of his latest book at the Laman Library in North Little Rock, after a friend invited me to attend. Ken has authored four books, including “The Bridge at Remagen -- Illustrated,” “Hero of the Rhine -- The Karl Timmermann Story”, and “Working with Truman -- A Personal Memoir of the White House Years.” The reason Ken was in Arkansas was to promote his latest book “Super Marine! The Sgt. Orland D. ‘Buddy’ Jones Story.” What a fascinating man and I believe you will agree, even more so, after I tell you how this book came about.
It all began back in 1943 when Ken Hechler was riding a bus from Dallas, Texas, to Memphis, Tenn. When the bus stopped in Little Rock, a very attractive redhead got on and became a seatmate of Ken’s. Her name was Helen Lively Jones, and for the next hundred miles or so she could do nothing but talk about her fantastic Marine husband by the name of Buddy. Well, Ken listened until the bus reached Brinkley, where Helen was to meet Buddy and end her journey. Helen had told Ken that Buddy was a Marine Paratrooper and they all hollered “Geronimo” when they jumped out of the plane.
On a pre-arranged signal, Helen told Ken to holler “Geronimo” when she got off the bus and met her waiting husband. He did, and Buddy smiled, but he never actually met him. Now here is one of the things that make Ken so unique, and a quality that few people have. When he got to Memphis, he got a typewriter and typed up pages of notes, things that Helen had told him, about this Super Marine. Ken promptly put the notes or manuscript in a drawer, and forgot them. They stayed in that drawer for more than 60 years until, for some strange reason, Ken got them out, read them again, and decided to write a book about this Super Marine’s life story.
Well, where do you start? After making numerous phone calls and talking with people who may know about the family, he finally got a string that would lead him to all the fantastic information found in the now-published book. Ken came to Arkansas and personally interviewed many members of Buddy’s family. The story of Buddy’s life is a fantastic account that could be representative of the thousands and thousands of young men who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. Buddy died at Iwo Jima. Many members of Buddy’s family were in attendance at the Laman Library that day, and what a special day it was.
I’m not sure how many of these people Ken actually interviewed, or who was in attendance that day, but the list includes Buddy’s widow, his surviving siblings, an aunt by marriage, cousins, nieces and nephews, brother Sam’s children, sister Faye’s children, sister Dena’s children and brother Stan’s children. My only connection is a friend by the name of Margaret Powell, the daughter of Buddy’s sister Dena, who is married to Eddie, a former mayor of North Little Rock. She has been very helpful in getting a “Bookcase for Every Child” project started in this community, for which I shall always be grateful.
Now allow me to turn our attention to the book “Super Marine -- The Sgt. Orland D. ‘Buddy’ Jones Story” and the reason you may want to purchase a copy. I can promise you, having read it, that this is not your typical war story book. Ken’s research was thorough and he goes into vivid detail of Buddy’s early life, the towns in Arkansas where he and his family lived and moved to, the time he spent here in Conway at what was then Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) and the circumstances that led him to becoming a Marine Paratrooper. Then there is the part about how he and Helen were finally married, where they lived and the day he shipped out for the South Pacific.
Not having been there, it is difficult to imagine the horror of those battles that finally led to victory and our freedom. All of Ken’s books can be purchased through Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 648 - SAINTS KEEP ON MARCHING

No. 648

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SAINTS KEEP ON MARCHING

Several years ago when I was in printing sales, one morning I got two unusual orders, GET OUT and STAY OUT!! I am just kidding, but that is what I would like to see happen to every man or woman who is sent to jail or prison each year in this country. Wouldn’t that be a great thing to happen, not only for the inmates and their families, but also for the taxpayers of our deeply-in-debt nation? In my day I have read or heard about a lot of different approaches to this problem, but I may have, almost by chance, run across the best approach yet and it has been thoroughly tested. If you will join me mentally for the next several minutes, what I am going to share may strike a deeply responsive chord with you, as it has with me.
While you may not share my beliefs, I believe that nothing happens by accident. Everything that happens in our lives, for those of us who place our faith in Jesus Christ, is part of God’s plan. Several months ago, I wrote a column about the Crossroad Bible Institute, a prison ministry located in the state of Michigan where inmates could study the Bible through correspondence courses. This program is very effective in reducing recidivism, which means that inmates who are released from prison do not return.
Again, I believe this is part of God’s plan, because a few weeks ago I got a letter from Dave Glading, executive director of The Saints Prison Ministry located in Moorestown, N.J. A friend had sent him a copy of my column titled “The Crossroad Connection” after it ran in the Bluefield (West Virginia) Daily Telegraph. It turns out that Dale knows the director Dave Schuringa, and he wanted me to know about the impact they are having with The Saints Prison Ministry. This program was started back in 1987 and is based on the very simple fact that 80 percent of America’s 2.2 million prisoners will NOT attend a religious program such as a chapel service or Bible study … but they WILL attend a sporting event at which the Gospel is presented.
Dale told me that they attempt to reach prisoners with the gospel message right on the softball field, basketball court or soccer pitch. He says “by earning their respect athletically, we are then able to share the gospel with men who would never darken the doors of a prison chapel.” He continues by saying, “Over the past 20 years, our sports teams have played more than 1,900 games in almost 300 different correctional institutions in 24 states and Canada. An estimated 230,000 inmates have attended our games and nearly 17,000 of them have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ. Each inmate participant receives a follow-up packet from the Saints within 10 days of our visit, giving them an opportunity to enroll in our Bible Correspondence School and to request a pen pal.
“Currently, there are 25,000 prisoners on our mailing list and 2,500 inmate students in our Bible Correspondence School. Each of these 25,000 prisoners also receives a hand-signed birthday card from the Saints every year. This is one of the most powerful things we do as a ministry, letting these oft-forgotten men know that someone on the outside genuinely cares about them. Finally, we operate two affiliate ministries: Jericho Ministries and Lives in Transition. Jericho Ministries provides face-to-face discipleship in 13 different federal, state and county prisons throughout New Jersey. Lives in Transition provides aftercare services such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, job training, job placement, spiritual mentoring and addiction counseling for recently released ex-offenders.”
You do not have to be a Christian or have any faith at all to appreciate what is happening here, and this is true, especially in light of these facts: America’s prison population has tripled since 1980 and is growing 15 times faster than the general population. Combine this with the fact that 95 percent of all inmates will eventually be released and 75 percent of those who are released will be re-arrested within four years, at an annual cost to taxpayers of over $57 billion or $25,000 per inmate.
Here is why I said earlier that I may have discovered, at least for myself, the most effective way to help inmates GET OUT and STAY OUT of prison. It is documented that only 40 percent of born-again inmates return to prison and only 10 percent to 15 percent of discipled believers returns to a prison cell. This simply means that lives are changed through the power of the Gospel and all taxpayers benefit as well. Saints Keep On Marching. It would be great to have this ministry taking place in every state in the nation. Can you and will you help? Contact information: The Saints Prison Ministry, Inc., P.O. Box 681, Moorestown, N.J. 08057 or call 856-866-9428, www.saintsprisonministry.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 649 - A GOOD "BOOKCASE PROJECT" RESOURCE

No. 649

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A GOOD “BOOKCASE PROJECT” RESOURCE

Something has happened recently here in our community with regards to our “Bookcase for Every Child” project that confirms the truth of a famous quote by W.H. Murray. He said, “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then, providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, rising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would come his way. I have learned a great respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it … boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
What I am talking about is some help from a wonderful group of people that I never one time thought about for the first three years of our bookcase project. This group is the Faulkner County Retired Teachers Association. We are known here in Conway as the “City of Colleges,” having three institutions of higher education located here. We also have three different elementary and secondary school systems, our county schools and lots of teachers from other areas who retire here.
The end result is that we have the largest group of retired teachers, superintendents and professors in our state, with about 300 members. They meet each month and the president is Nancy Mitchell, who spent 31 years as a special education teacher in the Little Rock School District. It was almost by chance, or was it by providence, that we needed help in sorting a large number of books that were at a higher reading level to give to our Boys & Girls Club. After talking with Nancy, she made a proposal to their membership, and they agreed to help us. Just recently these retired teachers have also voted to adopt our bookcase project for the 2007-2008 school year, and many will be reading to the children at the Head Start Centers.
But the help does not end there. Nancy has also agreed to be our reading coordinator, with help not only from teachers but also coaches and student athletes from Hendrix College. She will be able to build on the good work done by Peggy McKaskle over the past three years. You would think this would be more than enough volunteer work from this fine organization, but I tell you God works in wonderful ways. To help other cities and towns around the nation develop their own “Bookcase for Every Child” project, Mickey Cox and I have written a “Primer” that contains a step-by-step outline of the project and also contains all the forms, newspaper articles and other information to complete each yearly cycle.
Who better to edit and make suggestions to make sure we were on track than a teacher who had worked with parents and children, from the same background as those we are helping? You guessed it, Nancy Mitchell. Mickey Cox is a master craftsman, and he has also written and produced the “Construction Plans” complete with photos and drawings to develop the assembly line concept. If you would like to have a “Primer” let us know. Contact information is on my Web site: www.jimdavidsoncolumn.com.
Here is the bottom line. There are many retired teachers in every community. These people are simply wonderful and a good number of them will help, if they are invited to become involved, and be an important part of the project.
At this point, please allow me to change gears for a moment. What is so exciting about this bookcase project is that it is a community project. It is not a government project, not a civic club project, not a church project but rather a community project where everyone gets involved. Really, it just takes one person who has creditability and leadership skills to get the project started. We have a wonderful man out in Dodge City, Kan., who read one of my columns and decided they needed a bookcase project. He built a sample bookcase, talked with some key people and got the project started. I might add they are going to be very successful.
My prayer is that you will see the need and join our volunteer army to improve literacy in your own community. These young, at-risk children in low-income families need our help if they are to become successful, productive, tax-paying citizens of the United States of America. There is a quote by Anthropologist Margaret Mead that really sums up what we are doing. She said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, this is the only thing that ever has.”

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 650 - THE KEN HATFIELD STORY

No. 650

The next password is wendy

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE KEN HATFIELD STORY

For the past dozen years here in our community, we have had the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bob Courtway Memorial Breakfast.
I’m proud to say the late Dr. Bob Courtway was a friend of mine. Bob was a friend to everyone, and you never heard a critical word from him or about him from anyone who knew him. He was always a true gentleman. For many years Bob was at the pinnacle of the sports world, retiring in 1992 after 31 years as a coach at Hendrix College. He also served as president and a member of the Conway School Board and served as a member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church. He died on Sept. 11, 1997, and is survived by his wonderful wife Betty, daughter Susan and sons Tom, Bobby, John and Jeff.
I just wanted to share a little bit of personal background for a very deserving name that is connected with the annual FCA breakfast. In case you are not familiar with FCA, this wonderful organization promotes Jesus Christ and the ideals and values of living a Christian lifestyle to young athletes on high school and college campuses all across the nation. Based on his testimony at the Heisman Trophy Awards Ceremony, the 2007 winner, Tim Tebow, may have been a member of FCA.
Well, enough of this introduction. Let me get down to what I wanted to share with you. I have attended our local FCA breakfast for the past several years, and they have had some wonderful, big-name speakers. However, this past year I got to meet and hear one of my all-time heroes. If you follow sports at all, you no doubt know the name of Ken Hatfield. Personally I am turned off by much of what I see in the sports world today, and I will elaborate a bit later, but occasionally there is an exception to the rule, a man or woman who has their values and their priorities in the right order, at least from my perspective.
Such is the case with Ken Hatfield. Several years ago, I wrote to Ken when he was coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks and later when he was the coach at Clemson. He always took time to write me back. His accomplishments on the football field and in coaching are legendary, but here are just a few of them: Co-captain of the 1964 National Championship team (11-0); Academic 1st Team All American -- Arkansas; All Century Team; American Football Coaches & Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year, 1983; Houston Touchdown Club -- Touchdowner of the year, 2002; American Football Coaches Association President, 2004; 168 Division 1 wins as head coach at Air Force, Arkansas, Clemson and Rice; and active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 1965.
To be sure, Ken Hatfield is a true winner who has his priorities right, on and off the field. There are two basic reasons I wanted to share a little of his story with you, regardless of where you live or whether or not you are interested in sports.
We have reached a point where the tail is wagging the dog, in relation to salaries for coaches, along with players jumping to the pros before they get a good education. In today’s times, when reports of illegal drug use are rampant and players are sitting in jail or prison while others are suspended for academic or team rule violations, we need more good role models. If I had a son who was good enough to play college football, Ken Hatfield is certainly the kind of coach I would want him to play for. I might add, there are lots of fine coaches around today, men and women, but unfortunately there are many others who could care less about teaching character values that prepare young men and women for a successful life.
The other reason is something Ken told me, which is completely unrelated. He said, “You have to read a book six times to get it all.” This came in response to the discussion we were having about literacy and our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. I’m sure you have heard the statement before that there are three keys to learning. The first one is repetition. The second one is repetition. And the third one, you guessed it, is repetition. Using this as a standard, you can see why reading a book six times will make an even deeper impression on the mind, and the retention factor will be greatly enhanced.
A dummy can become a great athlete if they are endowed with a great body, strength, speed, desire and natural ability. But to become a true winner, one must also use the mind. This is why reading good books, and lots of them, will prepare athletes for a great career long after their playing days are over. You may even find several that are good enough, and important enough, to read six times. I can promise you this: Ken Hatfield did not become president of the American Football Coaches Association because he was a dummy. He is a great role model.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

The next password is wendy

No. 626 - THE LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

No. 626

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

Have you ever let some thoughtless, insensitive person ruin your day because of something they said or did to you? Well, that’s a loaded question. We all have. In most cases it’s hard to deal with, especially if this person is one we encounter on a regular basis.
All of us have bad days from time to time, and if we are not careful the natural thing to do is take our sour mood or poor disposition out on someone else. Out in the public square and even at work, we have things like this happen all too frequently, and if we are not careful or don’t know how to deal with these all-too-frequent occurrences, we stay hurt or upset more than we should.
Fortunately, a friend sent me something a while back that could be a big part of the solution to the negative things we encounter almost every day, like a rude waitress, a driver that cuts us off and then has the audacity to shake his fist as us, a curt boss or an insensitive customer. What this friend sent me was one of those countless e-mails we all receive. This one was called “The Law of the Garbage Truck.” I checked it out on the Internet and found several listings, but could not determine for sure the author’s name. If you know, please share it with me and I will be happy to give them credit. The reason I am sharing this piece is because it has such a powerful message that applies to all of us.
It seems a man in New York City flagged down a taxi several years ago, and here is what happened. He says, “We took off for Grand Central Station and were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car’s back end by just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy that almost caused the accident, whipped his head around and started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean he was friendly.
“So, I said, ‘Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!’ And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck.’ Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish the person well, and move on. You’ll be happy you did. And THEY will have a lighter load of garbage to dump on someone else’.
“So that was it: the ‘Law of the Garbage Truck.’ I started thinking about how often I let garbage trucks run right over me. And how often do I take THEIR garbage and dump it on other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day that I said, ‘I’m not going to do it anymore.’ I began to see garbage trucks. Like the movie ‘The Sixth Sense,’ the little boy said, ‘I See Dead People.’ Well, now ‘I See Garbage Trucks.’ I see the load they are carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my taxi driver, I don’t make it a personal thing: I just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.
“One of the best football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit and was always ready to make the next play his best. He also didn’t want the tackler to think that he had gotten the best of him. Walter decided that he would win by jumping back up. You can, too.
“Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know they have to be fully present and at their best for the people they care about. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so … love the people who treat you right. And pray for the ones who don’t. Only God can change them. If you get a chance, TAKE IT! If it changes your life, LET IT! Nobody ever said it would be easy. They just promised that it would be worth it.”
To me, whether it’s true or not, this wonderful story helps to place things in the proper perspective. However, here is a word of caution. We must be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. We should never begin to think that everyone is a garbage truck, because most people are nice people and we should always expect the best from everyone.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 627 - PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY

No. 627

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY

The other day I received a letter from a young lady that I would like to share with you. Since starting this column back in 1995, I have received thousands of letters from readers all across the nation. I am always honored when anyone takes the time to write to me, but even more so when it’s a young person, because they are America’s future.
We should never forget that we have millions of fine young people in our country and many of them really and truly have something worthwhile to share. As a result, we in the older generation need to listen more and be sensitive to what they have to say.
I am going to share this letter word for word without giving you the person’s name or city, because it may be embarrassing, and I would never intentionally embarrass anyone. It begins: “Dear Mr. Jim Davidson. First and foremost, hello and how are you? I am a 15-year-old female from Southern Indiana. Don’t be wary about my age. I am far more intelligent than people give me credit for, which is the nature of this letter. Though I am aware that you probably won’t write me back, or even look twice at what I am about to say, I am the kind of person who can’t resist but get my two cents in. Therefore, those facts are pretty irrelevant to me.
“I read your column ‘Boy! Did I hit a nerve’ in my local newspaper, and I really admire how you get your point across. It reminds me of myself in 30 more years (ha ha). You see, I have a problem with looking at life through rose-colored glasses because (and I know this) I don’t want to see what’s in front of my own face, so I pretend to smile and march on by, without a second glance. Anyhow, what I’m really writing this letter for is because I have some views of my own to express, and I would like to share them with you. Now, before crinkling this up and throwing it away, never to be revealed again, all I ask is that you hear me out, so here goes.
“Why do older adults always perceive young people in a negative way? It seems they always assume we’re all just young, stupid and on drugs. Though I’m very smart and highly intellectually involved for my age, you people just don’t listen to me. I wish you would first give us a chance to speak out. Most of us are pretty decent, funny characters, and often have quite a bit to say. I really enjoy the company of older adults. It just seems that what I say is automatically less important because I’m a teenager. So, I’m pleading on behalf of the generation that will one day run this country. We need your help, to be heard, to learn, to grow up. Just take some time to listen to us.
“The future is never far away, always waiting and always inevitable, unless you change what’s in the present, by learning from the past to insure a better tomorrow. Thanks and Take care.
“P.S. I’d like to hear from you! Oh! And that’s Box 199-A on the front there, Mr. Jim.”
Well how about that? I guess the first point I would like to make is that I did listen. Not only did I listen, I am also asking a lot of other adults to listen as well. This young lady is certainly right. In just a few short years this generation is going to be running our country, whether we like it or not.
With your indulgence, I would like to make a few observations in regards to this letter. Of course you understand, I don’t know this young lady personally, just what she wrote in her letter. Before I could make any pertinent comments, I would have to know her personally and spend some time with or around her. As I said earlier, I do know there are millions of fine young people in our country, and I’m betting she is one of them. While I may be a little old fashioned, I still believe the foundation and backbone of this nation is to be found in the homes across this great land. It is what we, as parents and caregivers, teach these precious young people that will determine our nation’s future.
This process must begin early because, as the saying goes, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Almost from the moment a baby comes into the world we must give him unconditional love, while at the same time teaching him to have respect for the rights and property of others. By precept and example we must teach him the value of getting a good education, and that reading and study will unlock the doors of opportunity, both for the present and the future. Every human being has worth and value and deserves the right to be heard. So please, listen to your own children and also listen to the children of others. They will make us proud.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 660 - OUR NATION IS DROWNING IN DEBT

No. 660

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

OUR NATION IS DROWNING IN DEBT

Several weeks ago I received a press release from an organization called Public Agenda that has really shed some new light, at least for me, on our nation’s economic woes. The release was basically touting a new book written by Public Opinion.org editors Jean Johnson and Scott Bittle titled, “Where Does the Money Go?” This book, published by Collins ($16.95 in paperback), has been on the top of Amazon.com public policy book lists and is already on its fourth printing in less than a month since its release.
Here is the very pressing issue the book addresses: “The United States is seemingly addicted to spending more than it takes in,” the authors assert. With a staggering national debt and expenses that will only grow as more Baby Boomers retire, they warn, “today’s problems will seem like a fender bender compared to the train wreck the country will face if we don’t get the nation’s finances under control.”
These words are neither politically partisan nor alarmist. Bittle and Johnson fault both Democrats and Republicans. Stay tuned, because at the end of the column I am going to tell you what I believe has caused most of our economic problems.
Here are some of the pertinent facts that are set forth by Mr. Bittle and Ms. Johnson. In 31 of the past 35 years, the federal government has spent more money than it has taken in. (The exceptions were the budget surplus years of 1998 to 2001.) Along the way, the government has amassed a debt that now exceeds $9 trillion. More than $2 trillion of that is owed to foreign banks and other international investors, with China holding $420 billion and the oil-exporting countries $113 billion, using figures from the 2006 budget.
“Right now, these foreign investors consider U.S. government bonds one of the safest places in the world to put their money, but they could decide at some point that Europe or China or some other place is a better bet.” As the authors observe, “This would be the global equivalent of a store clerk seizing your credit card and cutting it up.” When you think about what we own as opposed to what we owe, here is some very sobering news. On paper, the government’s total assets, including facilities and inventory, are valued by the authors at about $1.4 trillion. If the government had to submit a standard financial statement of the type required of the average home buyer, it would show a negative net worth of $7.6 trillion.
Mr. Bittle and Ms. Johnson predict that even with continued foreign investment and financial forbearance, the nation may soon find it impossible to fulfill its existing and future commitments to its own citizens in the form of Social Security and Medicare payments. In 2006, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid consumed 39.7 percent of the federal budget of $2.6 trillion, compared with 19.7 percent for defense. In the future, the cost of entitlement programs will balloon as 78 million Baby Boomers age. In 2006, there were fewer than 50 million Social Security recipients: 12 years from now, there will be nearly 70 million. With health-care costs rising faster than inflation, the part of Medicare that covers hospital costs for the elderly is already paying out more than it takes in from payroll taxes.
“Unless something changes, we could see a time (around 2040, if nothing is done) when nearly every tax dollar collected will be needed to pay for retirement and health care for the elderly and interest on the debt,” the authors warn. “There will be almost no money for anything else, except maybe a basic national defense.” Here is another sobering thought: Just cleaning up “pork” in the budget won’t make much difference, as these various items only account for about 4 percent of total government expenditures. To date, I have seen no politician in Washington offer a detailed plan for balancing the budget or reducing the debt, have you?
Mr. Bittle and Ms. Johnson do not have a plan, but here are some suggestions they say will head us in the right direction: raising to 70 the age at which people receive retirement benefits, making people pay more in Social Security taxes, as well as privatizing Social Security (“but very slowly”); rethinking the prescription drug program; redesigning Medicare so that people can shop around for the most effective coverage; and passing a national value-added tax to help pay for Social Security and Medicare. In the final analysis, we would not be in this financial shape if our nation was not drowning in debt.
Here is why I believe our nation has serious financial woes: Too many politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, whose primary objective is to get re-elected and all that entails, instead of doing what is right and best for our country. For example, if you wanted to get re-elected would you rather give someone a grant or raise their taxes? There is the answer.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 661 - WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED?

No. 661

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED?

Have you ever thought about what it takes to succeed? While there are many ramifications and requirements to achieve true success, I can give you the answer in just one short sentence. If we are to achieve success, we must be worth more than we are being paid. If you will think about that statement, I believe you will also realize that it’s true. In every situation, if our value or contribution is greater than our compensation, then we will advance in our job or career and in every activity that fills our day. I would like to elaborate on the subject of success, if I may, because I believe what I am going to say will make achieving success much easier to identify and will help a great number of people who may feel that success has passed them by.
First, understand that in life we all receive two kinds of rewards. We receive tangible rewards and we also receive intangible rewards. Tangible rewards come to us in the form of “things” we can see and touch such as money, stocks, bonds, real estate and many others including things that represent intangible rewards. These may include trophies, certificates, ribbons, plaques, newspaper articles and other things of this nature. In each case these came because of effort and performance that was worthy of recognition. The people who receive these awards are winners, and in each case they proved they were worth more than they were being paid. I realize that some people may be rewarded because of power, position and family ties, but in time the scales will balance and they will receive exactly what they have earned. Do you know any disgraced politicians?
This is to say that in most cases, taking short cuts is not productive and will not produce lasting success. For the sake of discussion from this point forward, I would like to concentrate on “tangible” rewards, because these are the rewards that come from our job or career and they can be used to purchase a home, automobile, food, clothing, medical care, entertainment and have some left over for a rainy day. If you are gainfully employed, which is to say you are still working, are you worth more than you are being paid? Are you moving up in the organization, treading water, or have you been reassigned, laid off or fired? This will give you a good indication as to whether you are worth more than you are being paid.
To enable you to achieve even greater success, assuming you still have some things you would like to achieve, I would like to share some concepts that I believe will be of value. As a human being, realize that you have incredible self-worth. As the saying goes, “God don’t make no junk.” How you view yourself will go a long way in helping you achieve greater success, which is to say more and better rewards. If you don’t have any specific goals, please set some and write them down on paper so you can review them from time to time. At this point, ask yourself if you will need more education for the position and salary you have set for yourself.
Also, have a good understanding of the law of “cause and effect.” In time, you will receive exactly what you are earning, and this is why good character and good morals will be your ally. Without them they will become your enemy. To get ahead financially, you must develop the savings and investing habit. Set aside at least 10 percent of what you earn on a systematic basis, as the compounding principle will begin to work in your favor. I am a Christian and I tithe my income, but that is a decision you will have to make for yourself. I know that God has blessed me because I give back to Him a portion of what He has given to me.
Here is something a former high school principal told me one time that will be a real asset to your job or career. He said, “You don’t out smart people, you out work them.” Here is something I hope you will really think about. Most people work on a job and they work and work and work, but they never seem to get ahead. The reason is because they are not working with a purpose or a goal in mind. They are just working for a paycheck. The person who has a goal and has set their sights a little higher has a different attitude because they are constantly learning and looking for better ways to do things.
And finally, here is one of the most important things of all. Don’t Quit!! Hang in there and keep working with a purpose and with a goal. When the going gets tough, most people quit and they never realize how close they came to achieving success. In other words, they quit too soon. It’s been said, “The person who is lost in his work has found his future.”
As I look back over the years I have come to realize that hard work, treating others with dignity and respect, setting goals, trying to improve myself, and staying with each task until a bigger one came along has served me well. I praise God because He is faithful.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 662 - TELEVISION IS A POOR BABYSITTER

No. 662

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TELEVISION IS A POOR BABYSITTER

These days I see a lot of things on television that makes me mad, and one that sets me in orbit is the hidden camera showing a babysitter throwing a young child around like they were a rag doll. People who treat children in this way are a menace to society, but thankfully most are caught or found out before any serious injury occurs.
Finding good, affordable child care in today’s society is not easy for a number of reasons. Fortunate indeed are those who find dependable, competent, loving and caring people to care for the single most important people in their life, their children. This has to be a major concern for every parent who finds it necessary, for whatever reason, to entrust one or more of their children to someone else’s care.
While the physical harm that can be done to a young child is the most obvious concern, when considered over the long-term, there is another danger that is much more serious. This is the mental harm that can be done by allowing a young child to watch television for sustained periods of time. My suspicions were confirmed several weeks ago when I read an article by Dr. David Perlmutter titled “Television and the Developing Brain.” Dr. David Perlmutter, FACN, is a board certified neurologist and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, who received his doctorate from the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Leonard G.
Rowntree Research Award.
He says, “When children watch television, they are not engaging in other fundamentally important activities for cognitive and social development.” To underscore this further, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Committee on Public Education recently issued a comprehensive statement regarding television and children: “More than 1,000 scientific studies and reviews conclude that significant exposure to media violence increases the risk of aggressive behavior in certain children and adolescents, desensitizes them to violence and makes them believe the world is a ‘meaner and scarier’ place than it is.”
Further they indicated, “Research has shown that news reports of bombings, natural disasters, murders and other violent crimes have the potential to traumatize young children.” They also stated, “Pediatricians should urge parents to avoid television viewing for children under the age of 2 years. Although certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other caregivers for healthy brain growth and development of appropriate social, emotional and cognitive skills. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programming should be discouraged.”
Along these same lines, here is something I found quite interesting. The report admonished pediatricians with respect to having television and video in their waiting rooms as this would serve as an inappropriate role model. In this report, pediatricians were told to have educational materials in their waiting rooms to promote reading and went as far as to suggest having volunteer readers available in waiting rooms as opposed to television and video equipment. Now that’s a great idea, and I hope some forward-thinking pediatricians will not only do this but also expose and recommend this idea to their peers through their writing and presentations at state and national conferences.
Again, the other seductive aspect of television for preschoolers is on the parent’s side. That is, television is hugely convenient for parents in that it suddenly causes children to stop running around the house and being disruptive. They are essentially mesmerized by this “instant babysitter” giving parents free time. There are many valid reasons why this should not be the case. The main thing children are not doing while watching television is physical activity. Increased television watching by preschoolers has been clearly correlated to obesity. This is one of the main reasons we have so many overweight children in our country. A decline in physical activity in preschoolers has also been correlated, in multiple studies, with a decline in academic performance.
If you are a parent or grandparent and have young children in your life, why not take action and eliminate or reduce television viewing in your home?
We see violence in the news every day and sexual predators that harm our children. From my own research, I personally believe much of this is caused by children who grow up after years of watching violence on television and playing violent video games. The experts are right. Television is a poor babysitter.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 663 - SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON HUMOR

No. 663

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON HUMOR

Sometime back I heard a story about this 87-year-old widow who went out with a 92-year-old man. When she got home her daughter asked her if she had a good time. This 87-year-old widow said, “I had to slap his face three times.” The daughter said, “Did he get fresh with you?” She said, “No, I thought he was dead.”
I hope this story brought a smile to your face. It sure did mine when I heard it. Of course, I am probably a lot closer to 92 years of age than you are. If used in the proper way, good clean humor can be a powerful ally when it comes to opening up real dialogue on any important topic. However, many people do not know how to use humor and it results in having one less tool in being able to communicate effectively.
In the hope that I can encourage a few more people who are reluctant to use humor to give it a try, I would like to offer the following tips and insights. One of the most effective forms of humor is called self-deprecating humor. This is when you poke fun at yourself or make yourself the butt end of a joke. A good example is the public speaker who said, “A lawyer is kind of like a cockroach. It’s not what they eat and tote off, it’s what they fall into and mess up.” While I have told this story a number of times, it is not nearly as effective or funny as when a lawyer tells it on himself.
While we are on the subject of lawyers, here is another story that makes a good point. I’m grateful to my good friend Phyliss Fry for sharing this with me. A woman had gone to a lawyer seeking a divorce. The lawyer asked the wife if she had any grounds. She said, “Yes, we have about three acres just outside of town.” Next, he asked her if she had a grudge. She said, “No, but we have a carport built on the side of the house.” Finally, in desperation the lawyer asked her if her husband beat her up. She said, “Yes, about two times each week he gets up before I do.” The lawyer then asked her the real reason why she wanted to get a divorce. She said, “To be honest, I just don’t think we communicate.” Enough said here, if you know what I mean.
A story like this is most effective when it’s used to set the stage for an important topic that must be clearly understood by every person in the audience. Many speakers and others who present ideas have an easy-going personality, and using humor just comes naturally. Good, clean humor, used properly, has a way of relaxing those in the audience as well as the person who is speaking. The most important factor in using humor is timing, along with delivering the punch line. It is best to pause a moment, raise your voice just a little and say the punch line very clearly so that all can hear. Again, make sure your stories are clean and do not hurt anyone, because that is a no-win situation.
From the time I started speaking more than 35 years ago, I have used humor for two important reasons. First, most people want to be entertained, and if you can tell some really funny stories where people almost fall out of their chairs laughing, you are going to be a hit. And next, humor relaxes everyone in the audience, and this helps to create a bond, where the more serious part of the presentation will be received with enthusiasm and understanding rather than if the speaker just launches out into the deep with all meat -- no coffee and dessert. While most people enjoy hearing some good stories, they do not want you to waste their time.
Using good humor is not only welcome and effective in a formal speech or presentation, it is also a good thing in the workplace. Several days ago I received a press release from the University of Missouri. The release reported that “Chris Robert, assistant professor of management in MU’s Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business, said that humor -- particularly joking around about things associated with the job -- actually has a positive impact in the workplace.” Occasional humor among colleagues, he said, enhances creativity, department cohesiveness and overall performance. The conclusion was made by examining theories on humor and integrating literature from a wide variety of disciplines that touch on the subject.
According to Robert, humor is pretty important. It’s not just clowning around and having fun; it has meaningful impact on cohesiveness in the workplace and communication quality among workers. The ability to appreciate humor, the ability to laugh and make other people laugh actually has physiological effects on the body that causes people to become more bonded.
This is what I have been saying all along. Anyway, good, clean humor is a great thing if used in the right way and people can relieve the stress that confronts them on a day-by-day basis.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 664 - WHAT'S IN A FACE?

No. 664

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT’S IN A FACE?

Around our house, I could never get away with anything that is not strictly on the up and up, even if I wanted to, because Viola can read me like a book. All she has to do is look at my face and it’s a dead give-away. I am sure there are many people who can tell a lie with a straight face, but I have never been able to do it. The human face is one of the most marvelous gifts that God has given to each of us and, save for identical twins, it tells others who we are. Most of us have look-a-likes, but there are unique differences, and this is why we can be 10,000 miles from home and see someone we know, and they would call us by name.
As human beings we are also emotional creatures, and our face is where our emotions show up for others to see. As I thought about this I came up with a list of various emotions that we see on the faces of others from time to time. Here is the list and you can probably think of many others. Our face lets others know when we are angry, sad, happy, fearful, disappointed, concerned, shocked, frustrated, eager, guilty, dishonest, surprised, disgusted, contented, dejected, arrogant, elated, conceited, loved, peaceful, shamed, confident and, of course, there are always those with a ‘blank’ look on their face.
What brought this thinking to mind is a new logo that we have developed for our “Bookcase for Every Child” project. When we first started the project back in 2005, our logo had a beautiful little white girl sitting in front of a bookcase full of books. This logo served us well for the first few years, but it did not really represent the full scope of what we are doing. We came to realize that we needed a logo, or symbol, that represented “every” child, as our title implies. Thanks to my good friend Luis Ortega, because he came up with a new logo that says it all. Now, when viewed, all parents can see a representative of their own child in the picture.
There are nine children, sitting or standing around four bookcases, and the focus is books and reading, as this is what we are all about. There is no way I can do justice to this scene by attempting to describe it, but the looks on these children’s faces is just priceless. Each one, four boys and five girls, is unique and special in their own way. Keep in mind that each child is from 3 to 7 years of age, the age when they are most impressionable. The children who do not develop a passion for reading when they are very young will be at a severe disadvantage as long as they live.
The child in this scene that really stands out is a little light-skinned, African-American boy who looks to be about 4 years of age. He is sitting there in his short pants, with books and an apple beside him and a graduation cap sitting cocked on his head, with his right hand holding it on. But what really sets him apart is the look on his face. His facial expression does not show any hint of anger, sadness, shame, arrogance, disappointment, dishonesty or any of the other emotions that unfortunately characterize many of the adults who will shape his future.
A portion of the song, “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein says it all, “You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear. You’ve got to be taught from year to year. It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear. You’ve got to be carefully taught. You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late. Before you are six or seven or eight, to hate all the people your relatives hate. You’ve got to be carefully taught.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 665 - DON'T TRAMPLE ON OUR CONSTITUTION

No. 665

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DON’T TRAMPLE ON OUR CONSTITUTION!

A few days ago I was talking with a friend, a retired board chairman of one of our largest banks, and I asked him if he knew anything about the North American Union. He said no, and I suspect this is the case with the vast majority of citizens of our country. To be honest, I did not know anything about it either until a very thoughtful reader sent me some information a few weeks ago. After reading the information, I went to the Internet and checked out this topic, along with a number of others that are inter-connected and related, such as the proposed North American currency called the Amero, the North American Free Trade Agreement Superhighway System and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
The latter was launched in March 2005 as a trilateral effort to increase security and enhance prosperity among the United States, Canada and Mexico through greater cooperation and information sharing. This document was signed by President Bush, then-Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and then-Mexican President Vicente Fox. Now this all looks benign enough until you look at the details. For example, the Amero would be a lot like the Euro, in that it would become the legal currency for members of a world region. Nearly all reports contend that it would be a mixture of the peso and both the American and Canadian dollars.
Along with the Amero would come a governing financial union, called the North American Union, which would manage the currency and possibly more. The NAFTA Superhighway System would run from deep into Mexico all the way to Canada. The only stops necessary would be just to fill up with gas or diesel or some other fuel. As I said earlier, all of this has been taking place without the full knowledge of the American people, and Congress has been in the dark, too.
The real intent of this plan is to remove the borders between our three nations and make us one big governing body, which means the United States of America would no longer be a sovereign nation, something that was certainly never intended when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and drafted and ratified the United States Constitution. Unless I am mistaken, when a president of our nation is sworn into office, he places his hand on the Bible and swears to uphold this same constitution. Don’t ever trample it!!
From the very first day I started writing this column, I have been very careful to never identify with any particular political party, because my first and most important loyalty is to our great country. I just want what is right and best for the United States of America. Please don’t take what I have said as the Gospel until you check it out for yourself and then make up your own mind. All of this information is just a few clicks away, if you just type in the key words that I have mentioned and do a little reading.
If it were not only for the sovereign nation aspect of what I am saying, which I would die to defend, there is another reason why we should never remove the borders between our neighbors. Over the past several years more than 6,000 people have been killed by the Mexican drug cartel, just inside Mexico. Do you realize this is more human beings killed than all of our troops who have died in both Iraq and Afghanistan combined? And they want to remove our borders? No way, Hosea!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 666 - CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY - BALONEY!

No. 666

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY – BALONEY!

Many years ago when I was driving a laundry truck in a rural area in the Southern part of our state, I used to stop and have lunch at one of the many mercantile stores that dotted the landscape. Quite often I would have a couple of slices of baloney cut from a long stick, the way it came packaged in those days. Then I would add a slice of hoop cheese, a pack of crackers and a soft drink to wash it down. That baloney tasted pretty good and I was making it fine until later times when they started printing the ingredients on the package and I read what was in it. As you may know, the word “baloney” also became a slang word to indicate something of poor quality or low class.
This is what I thought of a few weeks ago when I saw and heard a police officer being interviewed on a television newscast regarding a series of burglaries in a nearby community. It seems this community had experienced a rash of more than 50 petty crimes in just one neighborhood, as thieves were stealing from unlocked cars, garages and homes, and taking anything that was not nailed down. During the interview this police officer made the comment that these were “crimes of opportunity,” as the thieves were simply taking advantage of easy pickings.
When I heard her comment I said to myself, “baloney.” On the other hand, if she had said, “these were crimes of poor character,” I would have gone along with that. What she was actually doing, probably without being aware of it, was transferring the responsibility of the crime from the criminal to the property renter or owner. In other words, it was the owner’s fault that they left their car, garage or home unlocked and thieves came along and saw a beautiful opportunity to make off with their property.
A friend later told me about her sister who lives in another state. While she was at a service station bent over filling up a gas can for her lawn mower, two men in a car, going in the opposite direction, came along. One jumped out and opened the unlocked passenger side of her car and took her purse that contained her driver’s license, credit cards, Social Security card, two check books, spare keys to her house, two gift cards, and address book containing names, addresses and phone numbers of relatives and friends. As they drove away, she was screaming and trying to get a license number, but it was too late. They were gone and she was left with the task of getting all new records and trying to keep the thieves from doing her any more damage.
Again, here is my point. This lady was standing beside her own car, and did not have the other door locked. Was this just a case of another “crime of opportunity” or was it a case where parents failed to teach their children that it is wrong to steal and take another’s property? If we are to ever see a reversal of criminal activity, even petty crimes, we must place the responsibility and the blame where it really belongs, on parents who fail to teach their children right from wrong. There are many cases where parents are not around, but someone is responsible in the early days of a child’s life and, in a very real sense, we all share in that responsibility.
Here is my suggestion for those who are caught and convicted of stealing. Make it a requirement for their release, that they write “I will never steal again” 10,000 times. With 25 lines on a sheet of letter-size paper, front and back, it will only take 200 pieces of paper to carry out this plan. This person may steal again, but I can promise you one thing, they will think next time about what they are doing.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 667 - THE BEST TIME TO CATCH AN AIRPLANE

No. 667

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEST TIME TO CATCH AN AIRPLANE

Do you know the best time to catch an airplane? Some may say early in the morning before the airport is too congested or maybe late at night in many of our larger cities. With that said, the best time to catch any airplane is before it takes off.
Hope you are awake and won’t judge me too harshly for this simple way of introducing my topic for this column, but it seemed to fit what I hope to get across to you and others who read my thoughts each week. If this is your first time, welcome aboard. If you are a faithful reader, thank you so much for the opportunity to share various ideas, concepts and information with you. My greatest desire it that what I share is helpful and useful and that we can walk down the road of life together.
As you may know, I am a strong believer in education and I also believe that all worthwhile education is not found in the classrooms of America. There is a lot to be said for the person who reads, studies and works on their own and graduates from the school of experience. In today’s times, with the mortgage crisis and the price of gasoline at record levels, many people are cutting back on their spending and actually learning some things they failed to learn during good economic times. A few weeks ago I received a press release from the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Literacy that was most revealing.
This release touted a recent survey that underscores the need for increased education on personal finance and economic issues. This is really the basis for my earlier statement about the best time to catch an airplane. When it comes to understanding the conditions of a financial transaction, the best time to understand it is before, not after, you sign your name on the dotted line. In this vein you may be shocked, or at least surprised, at what this survey revealed. It found that 69 percent of the respondents do NOT know that you have to pay both the interest and on your entire balance as well as a late fee, when making a late credit card payment.
It also found that 97 percent of respondents can NOT identify the percentage that service fees typically take out of a $20 ATM withdrawal. More than 90 percent either didn’t know how much the fee would be or thought it was less than it really is. Nearly 70 percent of respondents did NOT identify “FICO score” as the most important factor in obtaining a home loan, when asked to choose from a list of four factors. Only 16 percent of respondents knew that you can withdraw money from a Roth IRA for education expenses, your first home purchase, and retirement spending. Another way to say this is that 84 percent did NOT know these things.
When so many Americans are unable to answer the most basic questions about personal finance and debt, it is clear that economic illiteracy is a problem that needs to be corrected in this country, said Kristen Lopez Eastlick, senior economic analyst for the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Literacy. I suspect this is also a part of the reason for the mortgage crisis and massive number of foreclosures in the home market. When people do not know or understand economic principles and concepts, they are vulnerable to unscrupulous lenders.
Here is a thought to ponder: Since gas is so high and people are traveling less and staying home more, wouldn’t this be a good time to take a course on economics or at least get some good books and read and study them in our spare time? With the knowledge mass today, it’s impossible to know everything, but a good understanding of economics should be a top priority.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 668 - YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP

No. 668

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP!

Several days ago a friend sent me something titled, “You could have heard a pin drop” that I later found on the Internet. After reading it, I decided to share it with you, even though there is a slight possibility that you may have read it before. This is a series of short stories that speak to the fact that America has always been the protector of freedom and has never gone into another country with the purpose of expanding our borders or subjugating another people. While there were no weapons of mass destruction (WMD) found, our nation has brought freedom to the people of Iraq and I pray that, with honor, we can remove our troops from this country very soon.
While our nation, and especially our current leadership, is not perfect, we should remind ourselves of what America has always stood for and the price of freedom that was paid by others that we still enjoy.
The first story begins, “When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush. He answered by saying, ‘Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land that we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those who did not return.’ You could have heard a pin drop.
“There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During the break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, ‘Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?’ A Boeing engineer stood up and quietly replied: ‘Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from the sea water each day, and they can carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have 11 such ships; how many does France have?’ You could have heard a pin drop.
“A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks, but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.’ He then asked, ‘Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?’ Without hesitating, the American admiral replied, ‘Maybe it’s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.’ You could have heard a pin drop.”
In these days when our nation is fighting a worldwide war on terrorism, we should be constantly reminded of our heritage. Many wars and battles have been fought since the early days of the Revolutionary War, but when General George Washington issued the order to “Put only Americans on guard tonight” he had a reason. Yes, we still have people in America today who are not loyal to our country.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 669 - KEEPING KID'S SAFE FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS

No. 669

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

KEEPING KIDS SAFE FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS

As a syndicated columnist, there are a number of topics that I don’t feel comfortable writing about, but in many cases the consequences are so severe that I just go ahead and write about them anyway. One such topic is the presence of sexual predators in our society. As I often tell people in casual conversation and talks I make around the country, “it just drives me up the wall to even think there are people out there who will, and do, sexually molest children.” We are a nation of laws and. to me, there is no punishment save the death penalty too severe for the person who harms a child in this day and takes away their virtue. There is a law, passed in the state of Florida back in 2005, called Jessica’s Law that I believe takes the right approach.
This law was named for 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, who was abducted and sexually assaulted before being brutally murdered. This law mandates a 25-year to life sentence for first-time offenders, except in cases where the victim was murdered. That’s pretty steep, and you may disagree with me, but millions of others don’t think so, as more than 50 percent of our states already have this or a similar law on the books. This may sound like a broken record, but we did not have as much of this problem until we began to tolerate raw sewage coming through our television screens every day of the year. These people are making millions of dollars changing our culture. Our children are being fed to the wolves.
A while back I got a press release from the University of Missouri titled, “MU Researchers Reveal Communication Tactics Used by Sexual Predators to Entrap Children.” It begins, “A child’s innocence and vulnerability presents a target for a sexual predator’s abusive behavior. Researchers here at the university are beginning to understand the communication process by which predators lure victims into a web of entrapment. The intent is to better equip parents and community members to prevent and interrupt the escalation of child sexual abuse.
In order for the process of entrapment to take place, the perpetrator must first gain access to the potential victim through various exploitive means.” They have termed the core phenomenon of this process as deceptive trust development. This describes the predator’s ability to build a trusting relationship with the victim in order to improve the likelihood of sexual encounter. One of the ways they use is “grooming,” as this process sets the stage for abuse by desensitizing the victim for sexual contact.
Grooming may include activities such as sitting on a child’s bed and watching them get into their bedclothes; “accidentally” touching the child inappropriately; showing the child pornographic images; and making contact or sex play with implicit sexual suggestions. As perpetrators are grooming their victims and building deceptive trust, they also work to isolate them both physically and emotionally from their support network. Isolation strategies may include offers to baby sit, giving the child a ride home, and taking advantage of fragile family and friend relationships. Isolation causes the victim to become more and more dependent on the perpetrator.
It’s not easy to talk about this topic, but it’s real and we must take every step possible to keep our children safe from sexual predators. Parents must make sure the people their children are left alone with mean them no harm. We must also discover or find sexual predators in our society and lock them up so they don’t harm, or even kill, other children.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 670 - WARNING SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA

No. 670

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WARNING SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA

We had a big laugh at our house the other day when Viola received a letter from a reader in Sturgis, Mich. This lady had read my column in the Sturgis Journal where I talked about Viola having two total knee-replacement surgeries. This lady reader had experienced the same surgery and she said, “One thing about having total knee-replacement surgery is that you never have to fear going to the dentist again.” While we can laugh about it now, believe me it was no laughing matter for a few weeks after each surgery. As I thought about this, I realized this was yet another way to say that everything is relative.
Along these same lines, I got a letter from Linda Gore, a certified dyslexia testing specialist, who reads my column in Watkinsville, Ga. She had read my column about “Detecting Reading Problems” and wrote to correct me regarding my definition of dyslexia. Linda says that dyslexia is NOT seeing words backwards and this is erroneous information that has been perpetuated for some time. This lady is a specialist and I would like to pass along her information in the hopes that I may be able to help many people who have this serious problem.
First, let me share her definition. Dyslexia is a genetically based disorder that interferes with the processing of language. It varies in severity and causes difficulty in receptive and expressive language. The symptoms of dyslexia are easily recognized. She says, “It is sad to note that by the time most school systems will test a child for learning disabilities, they are already in the third grade and have already experienced several years of being the class “dummy.” Most of the time dyslexic children do not even qualify for LD help. The emotional damage lasts a lifetime even though the reading, writing and spelling difficulties can be corrected through scientifically proven methods of tutoring.”
At this point Linda directs me to a Web site and a lady by the name of Susan Barton, founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia, who has developed a list of the warning signs of Dyslexia. Susan has given me permission to share this information with you. I will give you her contact information at the end of the column if you have an interest in learning more. These warning signs cover preschool, elementary school, high school and adults, as well. No space to list them all but you can certainly get them from her Web site: www.BrightSolutions.US
In Preschool — delayed speech, mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words, chronic ear infections, constant confusion of left versus right, difficulty learning to tie shoes, trouble memorizing their address, phone number, or the alphabet, can’t create words that rhyme. In Elementary School — dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read), letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade, extreme difficulty learning cursive, slow, choppy, inaccurate reading, guesses based on shape or content, skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of), can’t sound out unknown words, terrible spelling.
In High School — limited vocabulary, unable to master a foreign language, poor grades in many classes, may drop out of high school. In Adults — slow reader, must have to read a page two or three times to understand it, terrible speller, often gets lost even in a familiar city, still has difficulty with right versus left. For those who suffer from dyslexia, this information could open up a whole new world. Contact Susan Barton at susan@BrightSolutions.US.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 671 - THE BEGINNER'S TOOT SCOOT

No. 671

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEGINNER’S TOOT SCOOT

There is an old saying that goes, “He who does not toot his own horn, the same shall not be tooted.” There is a lot of truth in this saying, but the Bible tells us that we should let others do all or at least most of our own tooting. As I began to write this column I looked up the meaning of the word toot in the dictionary and it means “To blow a horn, whistle, etc., especially with short blasts.” This could loosely be translated, “get out of the way,” and this relates directly to what I want to share with you. Hopefully, you will find the following information interesting, especially if you have small children or grandchildren.
What I am talking about is a new product that has just come on the market called “The Toot Scoot.” The Toot Scoot is a bike intended for children ages 2-5. Designed by Buck Hale, it was created with no pedals or training wheels. Children sit on the seat while pushing off the ground with their feet, scooting themselves and the bike forward. The Toot Scoot teaches children balance and coordination. Because the children are not concentrating on pedaling, they are learning to balance first, as opposed to bicycles with training wheels. By learning balance first, the child will transition easily to a traditional two-wheel bicycle.
The Toot Scoot weighs exactly seven pounds and is constructed of steel tubing. Because the bike is so lightweight, it is easy for children to pick the bike up to carry anywhere and ride. This also makes them much more convenient to throw in a trunk or backseat of a car. There are chrome accents on the bike and round, rubber cushioned handlebar grips. The rubber helps to prevent scratching walls and protect the Toot Scoot when dropped. The wheels are made out of a durable plastic rubber material, which means there is no need to fill the tires with air. Also, the Toot Scoot has wider than normal wheels, making it easier for a child to balance on the bike. The handlebar and seat are both adjustable.
The original Toot Scoot was created by Buck, the founder of Buckale, for his 1-year-old son as a Christmas gift. Buck rides BMX bikes as well as races Motocross and wanted to see his son on a bike as soon as he could. Seth, Buck’s son, soon started associating himself with the bike, playing with the wheels and pushing around on the bike. Not long after this, Seth was a pro, whizzing around and constantly stealing attention at every park they went to.
With friends and passers-by constantly asking Buck where they could find a Toot Scoot for their child, or if he would make them one, Buck decided that this could be a successful product to market and sell. Always with the idea in the back of his mind, he contacted some potential manufacturers and began the process of the Toot Scoot. After nine months of fine tuning with the manufacturer over drawings and prototypes, the Toot Scoot was finally born.
When I received a press release, I thought it was a novel idea and something a lot of people across the country would want to know about. My only reservation was the excessive wear and tear that it might cause to a child’s shoes, while creating the power to keep tooting and scooting along. However, a company spokesman wrote to me and said, “From what we have seen and been told, the wear is no more than what an average child would put on his or her shoes by running around and playing outside, or by using any other ride or toy.” More information can be found at: www.tootscoot.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 672 - SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE READERS

No. 672

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE READERS

To be sure, success is a relative term. As I have grown a little older and hopefully a little wiser, I finally came to realize that regardless of what success meant to each individual person, they must build a solid foundation that would sustain them through the good times and the bad times. This is why I have devoted a good part of my life, these past semi-retirement years, to our literacy project called “A Bookcase for Every Child.” While there are always exceptions to the rule, I have observed that the vast majority of successful people I know and know about, are avid readers. They read for pleasure and for profit. In today’s technological society, forming good reading habits is really the foundation for any long-term success.
We have a terrific new school superintendent here in Conway by the name of Dr. Greg Murry. He was gracious enough to accept our bookcase project committee’s invitation to be our keynote speaker for the fourth annual Awards Ceremony on April 27, 2008, to present 50 more personalized, oak bookcases and some books to 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children enrolled in our Head Start program. During his talk he gave me an insight that I had never known or thought about in all the years I have been involved in improving literacy. I’m sure everyone else caught it as well.
But first, this personal background: Dr. Murry said, “I love books. When everyone else was getting toys I wanted a book. My mother and two sisters worked for the Little Rock Public Library and I spent a lot of time there. The bookshelves in our home were lined with books and my mother, now 87 years young, recently retired after 52 years as church librarian.” He also said, “In our school system, if I had to choose between teaching a child to run or to read, I would take reading every time. Our main job is to teach children to read.” Now, that is fantastic news and I wish every superintendent and administrator in the nation believed this way. I can promise you, we would have much better schools.
Here is that insight: A child who grows up in a disadvantaged home environment hears approximately 2,900 words before they enter the first grade. On the other hand, a child who grows up in a reading rich home environment will hear twice that many words before they enter school. This is critical because we use words to think with, write with and communicate with, and the ability to know and use words is responsible for much of the success we achieve as a person. When you think about the fact that four of every 10 students in American schools today drop out and do not graduate, you begin to clearly see the problem. In many cases, they are simply drop-outs waiting to happen.
This is why we are doing our dead-level best to reach these young children from disadvantaged homes before they enter school and become candidates for dropout. Dr. Murry also said that a child who will read just 15 minutes a day outside of school will read a million words of text each year. Think of the advantage this child has over other students who read little or none at all.
He went on to say, “For parents who have school-aged children, it is important to have books, bookshelves and bookcases in your home. It is also important for them to see you reading. The value we place on something speaks volumes to our children.” Yes, the time we invest in helping our children develop a passion for reading will be returned many times over in the coming years.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 673 - A HISTORY MAKING SEA BEE

No. 673

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A HISTORY MAKING SEA BEE

One of the strongest bonds we can ever have with another human being is an emotional bond. This not only applies to human beings, but other living creatures and even inanimate objects, where we develop a strong personal attachment. While enthusiasm is the most contagious of all emotions, love is the strongest, and I want to tell you a true story today about some American Seabees in World War II that may touch your heart strings, as it did mine. It case you are not familiar with the Seabees, they were the Naval Military Construction Force, organized to build advance bases in war zones. Their motto was “We Build, We Fight.”
A few weeks ago I got a letter from Dan Urish, a former Seabee commander and University of Rhode Island professor, who begins by saying, “My sister, Ruth DeSutter of Pekin, Illinois, sent me your very interesting article about Angelita Rossi at Anzio in WW2, since it reminded her of another story that I had told her several years ago.” With his letter, Dan Urish included several articles that tell the story about a baby named Sea Bee and how she got her name. Less than a month after D-Day in France, while the Normandy invasion was still under way, the Seabees were staked out near the French town of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont waiting for the U.S. Army to push the Germans out of some nearby positions in a small village.
Amidst the gunfire and mortar shelling a U.S. Army military policeman breathlessly ran up to the battalion medical officer, stuttering some unexpected news. “In the village up ahead, sir!” he panted, “A young woman is having a baby!” It turns out this young woman had fled from the German-held village and sought refuge nearby in the home of one of her relatives. The house was in the line of fire of the German troops who were resisting the efforts of the Americans to dislodge them. The young woman was about to deliver a child and desperately needed a doctor. There were no French doctors, nurses or midwives available because they had fled the battle zone.
The battalion commander acted immediately. He assured the military policeman that the Seabees would take care of the matter, and then ordered the battalion’s executive medical officer to go forward and assist the young woman. The officer, Lt. Douglas Butman, quickly selected a medical team of Seabees, grabbed his field surgical bag, and took off for the house and delivered a new baby girl, as if all in a day’s work. The local citizenry was grateful for the many services rendered by the Seabees and, when they learned the battalion was building a new field dispensary, the women of the community volunteered to make some Red Cross field flags and spent several days in cutting and sewing for the Seabees.
Finally, it came time to christen the baby and several of the Seabees attended the ceremony. The mother asked Commander Anderson if the baby could bear a part of his wife’s name. He suggested the initials of his wife’s maiden name, “C.B.” as this would serve a two-fold purpose, to honor his wife and also honor the battalion as “Sea Bee.” Thus on July 2, 1944, Sea Bee Paule Fouchard probably became the only baby in history to be named for the Seabees.
Dan says, “Several years ago I was fortunate to locate ‘baby Seabee’ who proudly carries the name her father gave her in gratitude to the Americans. Since then she and her husband have visited America and the camp site of the Seabee unit in Rhode Island that was part of her history. Her story of compassion and friendship, in the midst of war, has been a strong bond in hearts of all those who were there.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 674 - WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

No. 674

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

The other day I read an interesting thought regarding America’s youth that I believe is worth exploring. Here is that thought: Students may not open many books, but they know how to text message while watching TV. This thought was brought to mind when I received a press release a while back from Rachel Friedman, print campaign manager for News & Experts with offices in Clearwater, Fla. Rachel was writing to promote a new book titled, “KISS – Keep it Short and Simple,” by Jacquie Ream, that contains easy steps for better writing (term papers, reports, essays, short stories, book reports, outlines, endnotes, footnotes and bibliographies).
Jacquie Ream, a former teacher, says we are raising a whole generation without communication skills. She contends that text messaging and the Internet are destroying the way our kids read, think and write. A recent National Center for Education Statistics study reports that only one out of four high school seniors are a proficient writer. Jacquie also says, “These kids aren’t learning to spell. They’re learning acronyms and short hand, but they are not writing letters, rather they are typing into their cell phones one line at a time. In short, text messaging is destroying the written word.” Now, that’s worth thinking about.
Here is the real tragedy of all of this activity: Feelings aren’t communicated with words when you’re text messaging; emotions are sideways smiley faces. Kids are typing shorthand jargon that isn’t even a complete thought. At this point you may say, “What difference does it make? If the other person understands what I am saying, isn’t this the real purpose?” Well, not exactly, and I will tell you where the rubber meets the road at the end of the column. There is another dimension in excessive text messaging and spending too much time reading articles on the Internet that one should consider, especially students while they are still in school.
This has to do with critical thinking which is necessary for success in most any endeavor you care to name. Unfortunately, teachers in American schools today are forced to use what little classroom time they have to teach to the standardized tests. The kids learn how to regurgitate information to parrot it back for the correct answer, but they can’t process the thought and build on it. School system money is often tied to standardized testing results. Many teachers complain about being pressured to spend so much time teaching to the test that they don’t have the time to guide the children into true, thought-provoking learning.
Ream then adds, “This generation, however, isn’t a complete ‘write off’. Parents can make a big difference in the way their children communicate.” She suggests reading the same book your teenager is reading – then trying to open a dinner table conversation about it. Every generation has great minds with great thoughts that can guide the rest of us. If teenagers aren’t taught to groom their opinions and ideas so they can write effectively, society will lose out on a whole generation of creativity.
She concludes, “If we let these kids get caught up in technology, if we let politicians get caught up in testing, it’s America as a whole that loses out on great words, thoughts and novels that will never be written.” As promised, here is where the rubber meets the road. It’s when these kids get a job and their employer insists they know how to spell and how to write and speak clearly, in full complete sentences. This is the real test. You can order Jacquie’s book from Book Publishers Network, P.O. Box 2256, Bothell, Wash. 98041. Ph: 425-483-3040. It’s short, but it has tremendous ideas.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 675 - WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

No. 675

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

It’s been said that over time we can do anything we really want to do. We can eat an elephant if we take it one bite at a time. This is the concept behind a group of elitist people who would like to take over the world, including America, and in the process take our precious freedom from us. Now that sounds like a radical statement, but hear me out and then make your own judgment as to how radical it is. Sometime back a thoughtful reader sent me a booklet titled, “Understanding Sustainable Development – Agenda 21 – A Guide for Public Officials.”
Please note that the concept of Sustainable Development and the danger it poses is directed toward public officials and not so much to ordinary citizens like me, and maybe you. However, after reading this booklet over several times, I felt it was something we all should know about, and then if our public officials won’t act we will know what to do.
First, what is Sustainable Development? As used in this context, it is a “buzz” term that refers to a political agenda rather than an objectively sustainable form of development.
Specifically, it refers to an initiative of the United Nations (U.N.) that took place around 1987 called the U.N. Sustainable Development Agenda 21, the most comprehensive statement of political ideology that is being progressively infused into every level of government in America. Agenda 21 was unveiled in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, commonly known as the Rio Earth Summit, where more than 178 nations adopted Agenda 21 and pledged to evaluate progress made in implementing the plan every five years thereafter.
This was never authorized by Congress because they used a technique called “a soft-law policy recommendation” not a treaty, and therefore needs no ratification. This was signed off on by former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, so the implementation is occurring on a non-partisan basis. There is far too much information to cover in one column, but it basically comes down to taking away our freedoms by restricting and controlling land use. If you do not think that is important, listen to these words by two other former presidents.
“Private property must be secured, or liberty cannot exist,” said John Adams. “Private property and freedom are inseparable,” said George Washington. And then these words from the Declaration of Independence: “…all Men….are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Here is the real rub and why we must be diligent to protect our rights and our freedoms: Rights found in the United Nations Charter and the Declaration of Human Rights are NOT granted and rescinded by their creator, but by men. Now that sounds like socialism to me.
Sustainable Development is a plan for global control, including America, using land and resource restriction, social transformation through education and other programs to accomplish this end. This is why our public officials must know about this and combat it if we are to remain a free people. The two key programs are called “The Wild-Lands Project” and its urban counterpart “Smart Growth.” The plan is to eliminate human presence on at least 50 percent of the American landscape and to heavily control human activity on most of the rest of American land. No land — no freedom. It is important for all of us, especially our public officials, to understand the concept of Sustainable Development. For more information, visit this Web site: www.freedom21.org.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 676 - WE ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW

No. 676

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW

Several weeks ago I got a note from a friend asking me to pray for the family of a 25-year-old man who had been tragically killed in an automobile accident. This young man was a relative, had just finished dental school and had a very bright future. This was yet another painful reminder that we are not promised tomorrow. One of the disadvantages of growing older is that, in ever-increasing numbers, someone in our family, friends, fellow church members, business associates and others dies almost every week. My wife, Viola, and I have attended several funerals in just the past few months.
While there are many things that emotionally impact each of us, one of the saddest for me is to see or have a friend who loses his mate and then faces untold hours of loneliness. Over the past several years I have gotten to know a wonderful man by the name of J.L. Abbott who lives in Mountain Home, Ark. When I was up in his community several months ago on a speaking engagement, I went by to see him and his wife Rose. I knew that Rose has been in poor health and just recently I got an e-mail telling me that Rose had passed away. Of course this left J.L. all alone, far away from the daily comfort of family members.
Over the next few weeks I corresponded with him a number of times with words that I hoped would bring him comfort in his loss. Then to my surprise I got a note from J.L. with an article by an unknown author titled, “I Love You.” He said it was a source of comfort to him and may be to others who had suffered the loss of a mate. Because I know this is the case among my many readers, I want to share this piece with you.
“One day a woman’s husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning there isn’t anymore. No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more ‘just one minute.’ Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say ‘I love you.’
“So while we have it, it’s best to love it, care for it, fix it when it’s broken and heal it when it’s sick. This is true for marriage … and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, and because we are worth it. Some things we keep –like a best friend who moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important, like people we know who are special. And so we keep them close!”
The piece continues, “I received this from someone who thought I was a ‘keeper’! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Now it’s your turn to send this to all those people who are ‘keepers’ in your life, including the person who sent it to you – if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them? I was thinking – I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling, or three words needing to be said.
“Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they do not love you back, you would be amazed what those three little words and a smile can do. And just in case GOD calls me home, I LOVE YA!! Live today to the fullest because we are not promised tomorrow.”
Share this with someone who has lost their mate. It will bring comfort to them as it has to my friend, J.L. Abbott.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 677 - SOME "RED-FLAGS" FOR A REVERSE MORTGAGE

No. 677

The next password is xray

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SOME “RED-FLAGS” FOR A REVERSE MORTGAGE

If we lived in a perfect world, we would not have to worry about unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of us. Unfortunately we live in a world that is far from perfect and there are dangers and pitfalls lurking on every hand, where someone or some company is all too happy to relieve us of our hard-earned money. A good example is something that has come to be known as a Reverse Mortgage. If you watch their commercials on television you would think a Reverse Mortgage was the best thing to come along since sliced bread, but according to a letter I received from a reader in Illinois a while back, you had better read the fine print first.
In fairness, I will say that there may be cases where a Reverse Mortgage is the right solution to solve a problem. My reader, whose name is David, spent 40 years in the mortgage market and he believes that Reverse Mortgages will be the next big blow-up within 5 to 10 years. The company David worked for did not make sub-prime loans so they were not drastically affected by the mortgage meltdown, but he shared several pitfalls to watch out for regarding Reverse Mortgages. A couple were not real clear, but you will get the gist of it.
“1. People overspending for things they don’t need. 2. Children thinking their parents are homeowners when the bank has a big mortgage. 3. Payments are not made but the interest is added monthly. 4. Balances go up monthly and interest is added on interest by compounding. 5. They will add insurance and taxes on instead of paying when they could. 6. Borrower will think these are OK or they may be given to non-deserving kids.”
And finally David says, “I can see instances where these senior citizens have a $100,000 home that was free and clear and now they owe $70,000 to $80,000 and have only received $25,000 to $30,000 in cash. The interest on interest has compounded like earnings on an IRA.”
Then he states the obvious, at least to most people, “Mortgages are better where the interest is paid and equity is maintained. Reverse mortgages are not for everyone and we should know all the facts before taking out one.” After reading David’s letter I went to the Internet and did a little research. One site, www.guaranteeyourmoney.com listed 13 Reverse Mortgage problems in the form of red flags. I won’t have space to list them all, but here are a couple to give you the gist of what the article says. If you are considering a Reverse Mortgage you can check this out for yourself. All I am saying is, beware of red flags when making a decision.
1. Complicated paperwork may have unforeseen consequences. If you don’t understand the document, you won’t understand the consequences. Take time to get proper guidance, second opinions, and a review of appropriate alternatives. 2. High cost of a Reverse Mortgage may outweigh the benefits of alternatives. As in any loan, there are going to be associated fees and costs. These should be clearly spelled out up front. Utilize your accountant, lawyer, trusted financial adviser to review any loan application before signing it.
There are 11 more red flags provided and you can review them at the Web site I gave earlier, but the bottom line is that we should do our homework when considering a Reverse Mortgage and signing on the dotted line. This information could be very valuable for those of us who have a lot of equity in our homes, or children or grandchildren who are affected by decisions their parents or grandparents make regarding their home, when they really and truly want to do the right thing. What’s the old saying, “A stitch in time, saves nine.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

The next password is xray

No. 651 - COME DINE WITH US

No. 651

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COME DINE WITH US

When it comes to dealing with life’s challenges, both from a personal and corporate standpoint, I have long held the belief that it’s better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness. It’s kind of like the statement we have all heard, “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” There is usually a silver lining in every cloud if we will just look for it.
For the past several years, I have been telling you about a terrific literacy project that we started here in Conway back in 2005. It’s called “A Bookcase for Every Child” and as a community we have come together to build quality, personalized, oak bookcases and have given them, along with a starter set of books, to children in low-income families. When you read this, we will have 200 of these bookcases in homes all across the community. We also read to these children each week in our local Head Start Centers.
While building bookcases for these special children will always be our primary focus, the growing menace of violence and sexual predators in our society has made us realize for the sake of our children, as well as ourselves, we need to openly take a stand against the evil that is happening in our country. To be very candid, there is no place within our borders where we can feel perfectly safe anymore. In short, we would like to change that and hopefully start a movement that will spread all across this great nation. Of course this means we will have to change the culture. This is a task that will take not years, but decades to accomplish, if ever at all. If this is to ever come to pass, it will be because the citizens of each community in our country feel it is important enough to get involved.
For your consideration, I would like to submit an idea we are planning here that we believe will serve to bring our community closer together. We believe this idea will work in your community as well. We are planning an annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet, and will invite people from all across the community to “Come Dine With Us.” We will hold the event at a local middle school cafeteria where everyone will feel comfortable in attending. The great thing about our bookcase project is that it’s a “community” project, where everyone is encouraged and welcome to get involved. The cost for each banquet ticket will be $15.95, and all the proceeds will be used to build bookcases and spread the project to other communities.
We hope to have at least 400 people each year who will accept our invitation to “Come Dine With Us,” as this will provide all the funds we need to carry out our mission. When you think about it, the $15.95 is about what you can expect to pay for a good meal at a local restaurant, especially when you add taxes and a gratuity for the person who serves you. However, when you spend just one evening out of the year dining with us, you will receive a whole lot more. We will have some fantastic music provided by local groups to entertain you and you will also receive a complimentary copy of my book “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.” We will change the type of music year by year to appeal to different tastes, all family friendly.
We will have, not necessarily in this order, Contemporary, Country, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass and we also have a great Men’s Chorus, and they may be willing to perform for us. There are countless individuals and groups out there who would welcome the opportunity to “give back” as the food, music and books will all be donated. We all win together and no one profits monetarily. We all win when we have improved literacy and less crime and violence and also diminish the increasing threat of sexual predators that prey on our precious young people. In addition to the things I have already mentioned, those who attend will receive the satisfaction of knowing they are helping to provide a quality personalized bookcase for children in low-income families.
They will also understand they are part of a movement that openly stands against the use of violence and sexual predators. Since we will also need good “gently used” children’s books for our children, we will have boxes on hand to collect books from those who wish to donate them. When we started the “Bookcase for Every Child” project back in 2005, with the help of our local newspaper, the Log Cabin Democrat, we collected more than 6,000 volumes in only three months. We gave more than 3,000 of these to our local Boys & Girls Club.
Most people really do want to help and we are grateful for the support we have received here in our community. It is better to light just one small candle than to curse the darkness. If you would like to know more about starting a bookcase project in your community, contact me or visit our Web site: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 652 - THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

No. 652

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

When it comes to having or owning a home, going back in my mind as far as I can remember, I have heard these two statements or sayings: “There is no place like home” and “Home is where the heart is.” Of course there is a vast difference in having a house, and owning a home, but the mortgage crisis that is impacting the lives of millions of people across our nation has caused Viola and me to take stock, and we really appreciate what we have. We don’t own a big house, even when compared to many of our neighbors, but it’s comfortable and it is home, and in today’s economic climate what’s just as important is that it’s paid for. We don’t have a mortgage or a house payment, and we are very grateful.
Even as I began to write these words, I asked myself why I would address this subject. It’s certainly not to brag or to gloat, because I learned a long time ago that what goes around comes around. The reason I decided to share some thoughts on this important topic is because I care deeply about the people who are losing their homes and are suffering, at least on the short term. During a four-month stretch in the year 2008, it is estimated that more than one million people will lose their homes due to foreclosure. Many of these people will wind up on the streets, while others will move in with relatives or look for a smaller, less expensive place to live.
I have no way of knowing how many people who read this column will be impacted in a negative way because of the mortgage crisis. If you or someone you know is impacted, I hope you will share my thoughts with them, because I want to offer hope, both to you and to them, and more than a few words of encouragement. First, understand that losing a home because you can no longer make the payment is not the end of the world. While it’s hard, you can get through it and in a few months or at least a few years, you can come back stronger and wiser than your best days before the crisis came along.
Here is a simple truth that impacts the life of every person who has financial problems, and especially those who lose their homes due to foreclosure. If people lived before the foreclosure like they did after the foreclosure, then they would not have the foreclosure. In short, when we spend more than we earn, we are asking for financial trouble. I believe the root problem comes back to understanding our own self-worth as a human being. When we know and understand that we have great worth and value, we don’t have to try to impress others by wanting to live in a big house, drive a big car or any of the other trappings that we call success.
Many people who live this way spend less than they earn and can afford this kind of lifestyle. I am for these people, because that is part of the American dream that we work for, but those who cannot afford this kind of lifestyle are asking for trouble. I saw a great feature on television a few days ago where a man and his wife were working together and you would not believe all the different ways they had found to save money. We have a real dilemma in our country. On the one hand we hear that the average person has eight credit cards and owes $10,000 in personal debt. On the other, we are encouraged to spend money to stimulate the economy.
When it comes to our nation’s economy, the mortgage crisis is just the tip of the iceberg. The real long-term problem lies in our nation’s educational system. In the public schools in our major cities, more than half of the students do not graduate. The city of Detroit heads up the list with less than 25 percent of its students graduating from high school and less than one third from all public schools across the country. That adds up to more than 7,000 students who drop out of high school each day and $373 billion in lost productivity, taxes and personal income. In past years these students could go to work in factories, but the factories are no longer here. The items that factories used to produce are now being produced in other countries.
At this point in our history, who knows whether we are in the third quarter or the fourth quarter, but I am reasonably sure that the hour is late. The only solution I see is for all of us to work together to improve our nation’s educational system. We need parents, educators and community leaders to set a higher standard for our children and to refocus our priorities on academics.
The best analogy that I have been able to come up with, in terms of our nation’s financial future, is to see a house where termites have damaged the foundation. We can tear out the damaged sections and rebuild, but it will take all of us working together to get the job done. After World War II, the Japanese rebuilt their country and had a motto or slogan, “We Are Driven.” In my opinion, this is the attitude we must develop here in America. Yes, it’s true. There is no place like home.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 653 - HISTORY ON A GRAND SCALE

No. 653

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HISTORY ON A GRAND SCALE

When someone first made the statement, “Behind every successful man is a good woman,” they surely had John and Abigail Adams in mind. John Adams was our nation’s second president, and perhaps the best thing that ever happened to him was when he married Abigail, because she was largely responsible for his success. They had four children, and one, John Quincy Adams, also became president of the United States.
John Adams was a lawyer, a farmer, and a graduate of Harvard College. When dismounted, he stood 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8 inches tall, about “middle size” in that day — and though verging on portly, he had a straight-up, square-shouldered stance and was, in fact, surprisingly fit and solid. His hands were the hands of a man accustomed to pruning his own trees, cutting his own hay and splitting his own firewood.
It took me a while, but I have just finished reading one of the most fantastic books I have ever read -- “John Adams” by David McCullough and published by Simon & Schuster. This book contains 650 pages plus another 100 pages of source notes, bibliographical material and the index. It had to be a foreboding and daunting task to collect information and write this book. Those of us who care about our nation’s history will always be grateful for this good man’s work, that I would call a masterpiece.
John Adams was brilliant and, due to the continued correspondence between him and Abigail, we have insights into their private lives that enable us to know them as no other Americans of this founding era. Much of the content of this book was drawn from the more than one thousand surviving letters between them, nearly half of which were never published.
This book reads like a novel, and the thing that makes it so interesting is to understand that it is our own history, the life and times of our Founding Fathers in a day and time when no one knew how it would all turn out. There was no Social Security or Medicaid for them. These brave patriots, who went from the simple concept of “no taxation without representation” to declaring independence from the British Crown, risked everything they had, including their lives. This is indeed history on a grand scale and the cast of characters will be, or should be, familiar to every American citizen.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Marshall, Talleyrand and Aaron Burr all figure in this panoramic chronicle. Crucial to the story, as it was to history, is the relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson, born opposites -- one a Massachusetts farmer’s son, the other a Virginia aristocrat and slave master; one short and stout, the other tall and spare.
Adams embraced conflict; Jefferson avoided it. Adams had great humor; Jefferson very little. But they were alike in their devotion to their country.
At first they were ardent co-revolutionaries, then fellow diplomats and close friends. With the advent of the two political parties, they became archrivals, even enemies, in the intense struggle for the presidency in 1800, perhaps the most vicious election in our nation’s history. Then amazingly they became friends again, and ultimately, incredibly, they died on the same day -- their day of days -- July 4, in the year 1826.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I have painted with a very broad brush, which is all you can do with a subject of this magnitude. The scope of this book travels all the way from the birth of John Adams in Braintree, Mass., in 1735, to several years beyond his death. It includes the uprising by the colonies, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, establishing a seat of government, the writing and adoption of the U.S.
Constitution, ratification by the 13 colonies and so much more.
The whole book is fantastic, but there is one particular aspect of the book that really grabbed my attention -- how much books and reading played in the lives of these two past presidents. Thomas Jefferson was strapped for cash and sold his book collection to the government in Washington to replace the collection of the Library of Congress, destroyed by the British when they burned the Capitol. The price was $23,950 and contained 6,707 volumes. It took 10 wagons to carry them to Washington, our nation’s new capital.
Adams’ collection contained more than 3,200 volumes. He would be out of bed and reading by candlelight at five in the morning, and later would read until well into the night. When his eyes would grow weary, Abigail would read out loud to him.
This says to me that reading is a key element in a person’s success. If we want to be truly educated, we should all read more.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 654 - HEADLINES FOR THE YEAR 2029

No. 654

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HEADLINES FOR THE YEAR 2029

Over the years I have considered myself to be a straight forward, stand-up-and-tell-the-truth kind of guy. That is when I am not using good, clean humor to make a point or just to have a little fun. As a result of my personality, I have never been a big fan of “satire,” which means, “The use of sarcasm, irony, or wit in exposing abuses or follies; ridicule.”
There is a man on television that makes a great living using satire, but because I don’t watch him, except on rare occasions, I can’t even tell you his name. However, satire is often used to make a point, because it causes us to think, and this is the real reason for my using it. The reason I don’t like satire is because quite often it hurts other people, and this is just something I do not enjoy doing.
What I have just shared with you is really a “disclaimer” for something I want to pass along that a Kentucky friend sent me the other day titled, “HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR 2029.” Here is another disclaimer. The odds are good that I won’t be around in 2029, even though it’s not that far off. Only God knows the future and, unless someone starts a nuclear war, the odds are good that all or most of my children and grandchildren will still be here.
“Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.”
“White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia’s third language.”
“Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.”
“Baby conceived naturally! Scientists are stumped.”
“Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.”
“Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.”
“France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation.”
“Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.”
“George Z Bush says he will run for president in 2036.”
“Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.”
“85-year, $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.”
“Average weight of Americans drops to 250 pounds.”
“Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Florexico.”
“Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they can now photograph a women with her mouth shut.”
“Abortion clinics are now available in every high school in United States.”
“Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR, even though gas is selling for 4532 pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.”
“Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.”
“Supreme Court rules that punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.”
“Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.”
“New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by 2030.”
“IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.”
“Florexico voters are still having trouble with voting machines.”
While this piece is “anonymous,” here is the closing tag. Now, send this to whomever you want and as many as you want, then guess what -- NOTHING will happen. No miracles, no money, absolutely nothing, except you might make someone smile.
On a more serious note, here is a headline for today that I would like to pass along, “Hangman’s Army receives $5,000 gift from the will of a lady who passed away.” Jim “Hangman” Ballagh has taken a group of problem, poor, rag-tag kids in the small town of Mystic, Iowa (pop. 600) and instilled pride and good citizenship in them to the point they are a credit to this community.
This story will warm your heart. This past Christmas, the three generals in the army earned a $100 Christmas bonus. One is a girl, 13 years of age, one a boy, 15, and his sister who is 16. They were each instructed to get their $100 bill changed into 10 $10 bills and give them to little kids who were 5, 6, 7 and 8 years old. They were to tell the child that it was real money and to wish them a joyous Christmas. The response the generals received will stay with them forever, as it will stay with the children who received the money. Jim is teaching these kids how to work, how to earn and how to share.
To me, this really sums up a successful life, save one thing: when it comes to Christmas, don’t ever forget, Jesus is the reason for the season.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 655 - DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A READING BUDDY?

No. 655

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A READING BUDDY?

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Sadly, so many people miss this simple truth and never learn the joy that comes from helping others. We have thousands of wonderful, caring people in our community who are constantly helping others, and a good number of them are involved in our “Bookcase for Every Child” project.
Several months ago, before we had our fourth annual Awards Ceremony, I got a phone call one morning from a lady on her way to Wal-Mart to purchase 50 large stuffed animals of various kinds to give to our children as a “reading buddy.” Only a mother would think of doing something like that for the children who received a bookcase and a “starter set” of books.
This mother was sensitive to the fact that many young children may not have another person to read to them, or listen as they read, and came up with this “reading buddy” idea on her own. If you are a parent or grandparent, you may have done this or know someone who has. I didn’t think a whole lot about this idea at the time, but the more I have thought about a child having a special “reading buddy” the more I realize the potential to help many young children in so many different ways. However, a reading buddy should never take the place of a parent reading to or with their child. This wonderful, caring lady, who does not want any recognition, also came up with the idea of having a little personalized card attached to the animal with a message of introduction.
Here is what each personalized card said, “Hello, John! I am very happy to meet you. I get lonely sometimes and would love to have someone special read to me. I cannot read; but I am very comfy, and you can snuggle up beside me while you are reading. Would you like to be my special reading buddy? Love, Your New Friend. P.S. I also cannot read minds. You will have to read out loud so I can hear you. Please wash and dry me when I get dirty. It makes me feel better.”
While I don’t know about you, I really didn’t get the significance of this idea until I read the card. You may have already reached the same conclusion, but the little phrase, “You will have to read out loud” could make a world of difference in a small child’s future.
I will never forget something Lu Hardin, president of the University of Central Arkansas, told me one time. We were talking about reading and he said, “Early intervention is the key.” The earlier you can help and encourage a child to read, the better the child’s chances will be to succeed in school. Early success in school is very important because this is the foundation for continuing to get a good education. Getting a good education opens up a whole world of opportunities, and just think, some of it may have come to pass because your child had a good reading buddy.
But back to what reading out loud will accomplish. The child who reads out loud will learn to pronounce words more distinctly, to enunciate better, to learn inflection and to learn to pause at the proper times. Like the muscles of our body, the voice that is used more becomes stronger. In my earlier days I wrote and recorded a daily radio program, so I know this is true from personal experience. There is another significant benefit that may be just as important as all the rest. This is the fact that when a parent overhears their child reading, they can encourage them and also be in a position to detect problems that can be corrected while the child is still very young.
Well, obviously we could talk about this topic for a considerable length of time, but I believe you get the idea of what having a good “reading buddy” can mean to a small child. With your permission, I would like to return to the idea of “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and give you a couple more examples. This past year we had a member of our bookcase committee who made a personalized “book mark” for each of our 50 children.
We also have another lady (who certainly does not want any recognition but I am going to break the rule because she is so special) who has given 50 beautiful Children’s Bible Story Books for each of the four years we have had the Awards Ceremony.
Mrs. Lynnette Collums, an 80-year-old retired school teacher who lives more than 40 miles away in Bee Branch, Arkansas, told me, “I want to do something outside of my church and outside of my community for others that will make a difference.” I would say she has made a difference and we are all grateful for her contribution.
Without a doubt, every community has good people like we have here. The children we are helping are the future of America. Hope you will get involved.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 656 - IT'S A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

No. 656

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

Someone has said that death is “A black camel, which kneels at the gates of all.” This is certainly a true statement, because we are all going to die at some point in time. We see some in our society who live to be past 100 years of age and die from natural causes, while others do not live nearly as long. We also see many who tragically take their own life, and for those who are well advanced in years and terminally ill, there may be some peace and consolation for those who are left to mourn. However, this is not the case for those who choose to commit suicide and take their own life while still very young, and at least on the outside, appear to be a picture of good health. While God in His mercy has spared me from having to deal with a tragedy of this magnitude, there are thousands of others who have had to travel this lonely road, and are still traveling.
One such person who deals with the pain of having a child commit suicide is Paul Fleming, who lives in Marion, Illinois. Paul reads my column in the Marion Daily Republican, and over time we have become friends. I did not know about the loss of his son until recently, when I received a letter from him. As a way to help other parents avoid this same tragedy, he and his wife have gotten involved in a tremendous program called “LifeSavers” that was started by Judy Ashby who lives in nearby Carbondale.
To give you some insights, please allow me to share a portion of Paul’s letter. “I am writing to tell you about an amazing program here in Southern Illinois that saves lives. LifeSavers is a program that works with teachers and students at the high school level to train them to watch for suicidal behavior in students and how to get help. If this program had been available at Glen Bard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill., in 1987, my son might still be alive today. As it was, he took his own life one month before his 17th birthday. Judy Ashby had a similar experience, which inspired her to develop the LifeSavers Training Program. I’ve had a chance to review her training materials and believe the entire program is very professionally done.”
The LifeSavers program is a peer support, suicide and crisis prevention program for high schools. The initial phase involves a LifeSavers Training Retreat for students, counselors and teachers. One of the goals of the program is to train selected 9th- through 12th-graders to be skilled listeners who can responsibly help other students deal with the crisis of adolescence. Students are not trained to be counselors, but to be LISTENERS.
Many adolescents will turn to one of their peers for help before they ask an adult. By listening, a LifeSaver can help others solve problems before they become life-risking.
Here are some of the many great training skills these LifeSavers receive:
* Group participation skills.
* Breaking communication barriers.
* Education about dysfunctional youth.
* Listening skills.
* Sharing with and feeling concern for others.
* Self-awareness.
* Decision-making skills.
* Coping skills.
* Leadership skills.
* Knowing one’s own limits and when to refer to a professional.
* Positive peer relationships.
* Healthy self-esteem development.
The key to success for this program is that both adolescent LifeSavers trainees and adult LifeSavers Advisers should be emotionally mature, good communicators, and like helping others.
The Pre-Post data from three newly trained high schools proves this program is tremendously effective. Combining their reported numbers demonstrated that: 1.Suicidal incidents decreased by 50 percent. 2. Physical fights between students decreased by 42 percent. 3. No physical attacks by students on staff were reported either in the school year preceding implementation of the LifeSavers program or in the school year subsequent to implementation. 4. Verbal attacks between students decreased by 45 percent. 5. On-campus drug/alcohol related incidents decreased by 60 percent. 6. Counseling contacts increased by 19 percent. 7. Student referrals to counseling increased by 72 percent.
To refine and improve the retreats even more, beginning with the fall 2006 retreats, new research is being conducted by Dr. Rheeda Walker of the Clinical Psychology Department at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She will be exploring various components of the program, as well as its impact on students who are trained and its effectiveness and influence within the school community. At present, there are 30 high schools in Illinois and four high schools in Louisiana involved in the program.
If you have an interest in knowing more about LifeSavers, contact LifeSavers Training Corporation, 700 W. Elm St., Carbondale, Ill. 62901, 618-549-5578, lifesaversjudy@verizon.net.
Who knows, it could be a matter of life and death for some precious young person.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 657 - WE SHOULD LOVE MORE AND HATE LESS

No. 657

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE SHOULD LOVE MORE AND HATE LESS

Several years ago, I remember hearing the late Dr. Ken McFarland tell a story about this man who had an accordion and a pet monkey. The two of them would go around to various stores and other locations playing for whatever tips they could get from those who paused to listen to them. One day they were performing in an ol’ fashion general store (the kind that had everything). A customer walked over and said to this man playing the accordion, “Do you know your monkey’s tail is in the pickle jar?” He said, “No, but if you can hum a few bars, maybe I can pick it up.” Now, believe it or not, the simple phrase “pick it up” has more to do with our success or failure as a human being than any of us would ever dream.
The basis for this statement comes back to our earliest days as a child and the home or environment where we grew up. If we were reared in a good home and had parents who taught us character values, such as honesty, truth, respect for others and value of hard work, we are indeed blessed. It is these values that form the underpinnings of who we are as a person. While we can overcome, we cannot escape the impact of what we learned in those formative years, whether good or bad. What we all need to stop and realize is that it’s not just what we deliberately “teach” our children, but what they “pick up” by our attitudes, values and behavior. There are few areas of life more important than those that can be defined as love and hate.
For example, why do some people hate others because the color of their skin is different from their own, or they have a different national origin? I submit that it’s because of the attitudes they picked up as a child from those around them, especially in the home. No one comes right out and says, “You need to hate this person or that person because of the color of their skin.” No, it’s much more subtle than that. It’s the general conversation and the attitudes on the part of adults, and children just naturally pick it up. You may or may not agree with what I am saying, and skin color and national origin are only two examples, but I want to make a statement and then share some thoughts that can help each of us live a better, happier and more productive life.
Here is the statement: We need to love more and hate less. The questions then become: How can we do that and where do we start? Regardless of our upbringing, the place to start is to have a deep respect for every person, simply because they are another human being. This does not mean that we have to agree with them 100 percent of the time or any of the time. We are all different and have different values, customs and behavior, but we are still a part of the human race. As a Christian, my Bible tells me that I should love my enemies and pray for those who despitefully use me. Here is something a lot of people may not know. It is impossible to hate another person, or even stay mad at them for very long, when we are sincerely praying for them.
Our greatest enemy has never changed. His name is ignorance. We demonstrate this when we hate another person for whatever reason. We need to love people and use things, not use people and love things. When we truly love other people, it’s not just what we say but what we do that really counts. My wonderful wife does this better than any person I know. She constantly does for others, and most of the time I never hear about it, save for those times when others tell me. Please understand that when I make a statement like “We need to love more and hate less,” this is not to say that I do not understand there is tremendous evil in the world and we have to deal with it when it comes into our lives.
For the most part, the criminal element is made up of people who never experienced true love in the home when they were growing up. Let’s all keep that in mind as we face an uncertain future in our nation. The kind of nation we have in the years to come will, by and large, depend on the attitudes and values we teach our children. When directed toward the well-being and happiness of others, love is a wonderful thing. Since we generally get back what we first give to others, this means that we will be loved and happier in return. It’s the best way to live. For those in our society who miss the joy of loving other people, we should pray for them and be kind instead of acting in the same manner.
We can begin to demonstrate our love for others by showing them that we have a deep respect for them as a person. We can also get them involved in worthwhile projects that give them an opportunity to “give back,” as this brings tremendous satisfaction and happiness. And we can be there for them when they fall down or suffer a set back. To be sure, love conquers all.
These are just some thoughts to ponder that could make a real difference in your life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 658 - EVER SERVE ON A JURY?

No. 658

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

EVER SERVE ON A JURY?

One time I heard a story about this lady who went to a famous artist and requested that he paint a portrait of her. He reluctantly agreed, and after several sittings he finally finished the portrait. When it was unveiled for her to see, she took a close look at it and said, “This portrait does not do me justice.” The artist replied, “Lady, you don’t need justice, you need mercy.”
Don’t we all need mercy when it comes to getting what we really deserve? If we can’t get that, most of us would settle for justice, which is what our system of laws is based on in this country. If our transgression against the law is severe enough, and we don’t plead guilty, we usually wind up in court and have a group of our fellow citizens arbitrate our case or decide whether we are guilty or innocent.
This scene is played out thousands of times each day in courtrooms all across America, and many of us at one time or another have been called to serve on a jury. I have been called to serve on a jury a couple of times here in our community. One case involved a property dispute and the other was a case of assault and battery. In the first case I was selected by my fellow jurors to be the foreman, and we reached a verdict very quickly. In the other, I was excused because the defense attorney did not think I would be sympathetic to the defendant’s case. When I checked out the spelling of the word “sympathetic,” if you leave off the sym, what you have left is pathetic. I plead guilty.
Now, this question please. Have you ever been called to serve on a jury? When I thought about this question, it brought up another one. What are the qualifications to serve on a jury in our country? Thanks to Lt. Danny Moody, a member of our local police department, I got the answer. To be legally qualified for jury service, an individual must be a United States citizen; be at least 18 years of age; reside primarily in the judicial district for one year; be adequately proficient in English; have no disqualifying mental or physical condition; not currently subject to felony charges; and never have been convicted of a felony (unless civil rights have been legally restored.)
There are three groups that are exempt for federal jury service: members of armed forces on active duty; members of fire and police departments; and “public officers” of federal, state and local governments who are actively engaged in the performance of public duties. To be sure, juries decide all kinds of cases, and for those who serve it can be a rewarding experience because of the personal satisfaction of knowing they meted out justice, performed their civic responsibility, and also did the right thing for those involved in the case. After the verdict comes in for every trial, there are those in the courtroom who have joy, while others have sorrow. That’s the nature of justice.
On the other hand, there are many cases that come before a jury that are traumatic and leave members of the jury with mental and emotional scars they will carry with them to their grave. My friend, Jo Anderson, shared one such case with me and I felt it would confirm what I am saying. Following is a letter from a friend of Jo’s after she had served on a jury. It begins, “I knew someday I’d have to do my civic duty and serve on a jury. But never in my life did I ever think I would be selected to serve on a first-degree murder case. In spite of the horrific crime that was committed, we spent two days listening to testimony and one day of deliberation. We found the man guilty.
“It was the right decision based on the instructions we were given, but one I shall find myself questioning for years to come. I was not prepared for the sadness, the pain, the hurt, the anger. I’ve always enjoyed ‘CSI’ and the such, but there was no comparison to what transpired in that courtroom this past week. The other members of the jury were incredible people with such integrity and purpose. There was an instant sense of camaraderie, a bond that we will share for the rest of our lives. We cried together, we laughed together and in the very end, we were one unanimous voice in the name of justice.
“It’s kind of funny in a peculiar way -- yesterday 12 people forever changed the lives of many families. Some for good and some not. But in the end, each of us knew in our heart, it was the right decision, the just decision. I’m sharing this because we all know that lives can change in the blink of an eye. We should never get so busy that we take tomorrow for granted.”
If you have never served on a jury, I hope that someday you will have this opportunity. Having to convict and lock up another human being may help you have a greater appreciation for your own freedom.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 659 - IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

No. 659

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

If you will go to a good dictionary and look up the word “community” you will find a number of different definitions. My Webster’s New World Dictionary says that community is “The people living in the same district, city, etc., under the same laws.” It also describes community as “those who have ownership or participation in common: a community of social life.”
In the early days of our nation’s history, about 95 percent of our citizens lived on the farm, but that has changed to the point where now less than 3 percent of our citizens earn their livelihood from farming. In short, people in large numbers moved to where the jobs were, and this is what has created thousands of communities, large and small, all across our nation.
We have hundreds of communities that sit off to themselves and have a distinct boundary (city limits) and you know when you get there by reading the sign on the highway. The population density of many others has grown to the point that you go from one community to the next without even realizing you have changed ZIP codes. My point is this: We are a nation of communities and, apart from federal and state laws, operate pretty much as we choose to govern ourselves. You will find moral and ethical standards vary greatly from one community to the next. Going back to what I said earlier, the thing that binds a community together is jobs, because without a source of jobs and income, vast numbers of people will leave and move somewhere else.
This is really the backdrop for something that has happened in our communities over the past several decades that is very serious and threatens to tear the very fabric that binds us together as Americans. What I am referring to is the constant threat of violence and sexual predators that is in no one’s best interest, except maybe those who profit from the misery of others. I believe, and it’s borne out by studies, that much of the violence we see is the result of children spending thousands of hours playing violent video games and watching violent television programs.
As one who has spent a good portion of his life studying how the mind works, literacy, education and human behavior, you would have to get up very early in the morning to convince me that this does not have a negative impact on children. Sometime back, I saw on a television newscast where a 12- to 14-year-old boy was saying, “The reason I like violent video games is because I get to kill people.”
In light of what I have just shared, here is a question I would like to ask you to ponder, “Why should a few people earn millions of dollars manufacturing and selling products that sow seeds of violence and pornography in the minds of children and adults, while the rest of us in society have to suffer the consequences?”
If we are to ever change the culture of violence, like a shooting somewhere every day, we must do it in the communities of America. As long as it’s profitable it will never be done in Hollywood or Washington, D.C. Can we agree on that? If you are a parent, grandparent, educator, community leader or a taxpaying citizen, here is something that should be of interest to you. In the interest of our nation’s children, our “Bookcase for Every Child” committee has gone on record as opposing violence and sexual abuse. We are asking parents and grandparents to eliminate violent video games and television programs from their children’s participation.
A lot of parents and grandparents will not do this because they never get the word or do not believe it’s that harmful. However, a lot will, and together we can build on that and start a movement that will spread all across our country. The Internet is a great tool that helps all of us. I use it every day. Unfortunately, it is also the source of filth and pornography that is inflaming the passions of lonely, sick people who will someday act out their passions. I don’t know how to curb this other than coming back to the home and parents who will foster the right kind of values in their children. As one commercial says, “I’m just blocking you for the kid’s sake.”
This is why we must start while children are young, for the sake of future generations. Over time, our bookcase project can really make a difference, because we focus on young children and we focus on the home where these battles must be won. You understand that what I have been saying is not a radical approach, but rather some “common sense” thoughts and suggestions that will offer hope and encouragement for those who feel they are fighting this battle all alone.
After you read this, please begin to spread the word to eliminate violent video games and television programs (and children can help, too) so our children can have a brighter future. Many readers tell me they clip my columns and send them to family and friends. This would be a good one to share.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 692 - "THE ULTIMATE GIFT"

No. 692

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

“THE ULTIMATE GIFT”

If you know someone whose life has been completely ruined because all their needs were met by others and they never had to struggle or work a day in their life, what I am going to share with you in this column will be a revelation. As we all know, there are thousands of people like this all across our country. Maybe you are one of them. Thanks to a thoughtful reader, Davie Noles, who reads my column in The Courier, published in Russellville, Ark., I now own one of the most worthwhile and valuable books that I have ever read. It’s titled, “The Ultimate Gift” and was written by Jim Stovall, who I will tell you more about later.
This book only contains 123 pages, but does it ever pack a wallop, mainly because Jim Stovall is such a gifted writer. Here is the story line. Howard “Red” Stevens was a self-made man who earned a huge fortune in the oil and cattle business. When he died he had his long-time friend, Boston attorney Theodore “Ted” Hamilton, assemble all of his relatives in his law office conference room to read his last Will and Testament. The estate was to be divided among greedy and self-serving relatives, with the exception of Jason Stevens, Red’s great-nephew. Jason never saw it coming, but he was in for the experience of his life, one that completely changed his attitude, behavior and perspective.
To put it mildly, Jason acted like an ungrateful spoiled brat, which he was, but over the coming year this was about to change. You see, Red Stevens had worked out a plan with Ted Hamilton for Jason to take the next 12 months to learn some of life’s most valuable lessons one at a time, and the gifts he had been given. He was to learn the gift of work, the gift of money, the gift of friends, the gift of learning, the gift of problems, the gift of family, the gift of laughter, the gift of dreams, the gift of giving, the gift of gratitude, the gift of a day, the gift of love and finally the, “The Ultimate Gift.”
The plan was for Jason to learn these valuable gifts, a different one each month, in order to receive his inheritance. He was free to stop or quit at any time, but if he made that decision before the end of the full year, he would forfeit his inheritance. To provide the motivation for Jason to continue, before his death, Red Stevens had actually videotaped a personal note to Jason for each of the 12 months to keep him from becoming too discouraged. Each month as Jason returned to the law office to receive his next assignment, he could actually see and hear his late uncle talk with him about life and the lessons he learned the hard way.
As the months went by, you could just feel the changes taking place in Jason’s life, as he learned many painful and often rewarding lessons, especially as he learned the gift of family, the gift of giving, the gift of love, plus many others. Jason did succeed and his rewards were great as far as his inheritance, but I will leave you to ponder “The Ultimate Gift” as you may want to get a copy of the book and read this exciting saga for yourself. The publisher is Executive Books, 1-800-233-2665, www.ExecutiveBooks.com
At the end of the book, Jim Stovall gives his phone number in case readers wish to contact him. I would not do this column without his permission, so I gave him a call. What a blessing to talk with him. Jim Stovall is a world renowned author and speaker, has written a number of books and is totally blind. He is president and co-founder of the Narrative Television Network in Tulsa, Okla. Should you have a need, contact him at www.jimstovall.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 693 - CAN YOU READ BETWEEN THE LINES?

No. 693

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAN YOU READ BETWEEN THE LINES?

One of the most embarrassing moments I ever had in high school happened one night during a basketball game. Back in those days I thought I was pretty good, 18-point average my senior year, that is until I went to college and went out for the team. It was here that I learned the meaning of the term “cut the squad,” and I did not make the cut. My embarrassing moment came when a player on the opposing team faked me so good while I was attempting to guard him that I landed on his back. At this moment someone up in the stands hollered, “Ride Him, Cowboy.” That was my nickname back then, one that I inherited from my father.
If you have played team sports at any time during your life, you know the best way to avoid an opposing player faking you out is to watch the spot where his “belt buckle” would be, or his mid-section, as this is the most stationary part of the body. I might add that after that embarrassing moment I got more proficient at guarding opposing players. The reason I have shared this is that I would like to relate this incident to a non-verbal skill that many people develop, while others never seem to get the hang of it.
This non-verbal skill is called “reading between the lines.” When another person is writing, talking, or using various other means of communication, it’s not always what they are saying but what they mean that matters most. Several months ago I was watching the confirmation hearings for new administration cabinet members and the announcer would often say, “If you could read between the lines, you would know what they are really thinking, and not just what you hear them saying,” Please allow me to ask you this question: Can you read between the lines, when you have communication exchanges with others?
This is really and truly a great skill to develop, and I am confident that many people would not be having so many financial problems if they had mastered the skill of reading between the lines. It’s not always oral or spoken communication that allows dishonest or unethical people to take advantage of others, but often it’s written communication that says one thing but means something else that causes problems. Someone sent me a very interesting story the other day that really illustrates this point.
It begins, “A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy street. Suddenly the light turned yellow just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed the chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, “I’m very sorry for the mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, The ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker; naturally I assumed you had stolen the car.” Enough said!!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 694 - THE WIDOW'S LUNCHEON

No. 694

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE WIDOW’S LUNCHEON

There is an old Chinese Proverb that says that a widow is “A rudderless boat.” The picture here of course is when the husband dies, the wife is set apart to drift until they reach a distant shore or find an anchor. All across our nation, in every community, there are countless women who lose their mate and find themselves alone to face a very uncertain future in many cases. As Viola and I have gotten older, we are more aware of this than ever, because we have many women friends who are dealing with this loss or separation at this very moment. While there is always grief involved in this final separation, and some women adjust in a relatively short period of time, others struggle for months and even years to cope with their loss. The struggle never ends for some.
What I am going to share with you during the remainder of this column is taking place here in Conway, but I want you to know that every column I write of this nature is meant to provide an idea or spark for you to do something similar in your own community. As I have shared with you many times, my wife Viola is a very giving and caring person and she loves to cook. If you could see me in person, you would know that she is good at it. There are a large number of widows in our church and, along with a dear friend, Anne Weedman, they decided to invite the widows to attend a Widow’s Luncheon.
The first step to make this happen was to get the names of the widows from the church office. In a later planning session they set a date, prepared a label and invitation for each one, and put them in the mail. At this point the wheels were set in motion and there was fun-type, rewarding work to be done. They planned a menu and divided the food preparation up between them. Next came planning for a short program, which included some singing and a short devotional. Really, the great thing the luncheon provided was the fellowship and being with other widows with whom they had something in common. They were all walking the same, often lonely, road.
As of this writing, Viola and Anne have had two of these luncheons -- 15 attended the first one and 27 the second. They plan to continue at least a couple of times each year. Viola told me that one widow commented, “I didn’t know there were still people who did things like this.”
There was something else, somewhat humorous, that came out of this experience. For several years Viola has bought fried pies from a company that is located about 100 miles south of us, and a delivery man comes to Conway a couple of times each month. These pies are delicious and you just place your order of what flavors you want from about 15 different choices: apple, peach, chocolate, apricot, coconut, etc. This man delivers them to a local church where a check is waiting for him.
The pies were a terrific hit with the widows and now most of them are also enjoying delicious fried pies in their own homes. What I am talking about here is not your typical news of what is happening in Washington or on Wall Street, or anywhere in between, but rather just encouraging, helping and relating to other people’s needs where they are. What I want you to see here is that there are widows in every community who are lonely, need a word of encouragement and the rewards of meeting needs of this kind are great. This can be one or more ladies from a church, a club or a community group who can host a “Widow’s Luncheon” and make a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 695 - ALL WORK AND NO PLAY

No. 695

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY

There is an old saying that goes, “All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.” Perhaps you have heard it. However, there is another saying that should follow, “All play and no work makes Johnny a candidate for the poor house.”
So what’s the answer? The correct answer is balance. This is to say that the proper amount of productive work and the proper amount of relaxing, mind cleansing, play leads to a successfully, happy life. After all, isn’t this what most of us desire? As we get older we should be able to work smarter and not have to work so hard, either physically or mentally, especially when we have all the modern tools, equipment and machinery to help us.
I believe you will agree that what I have just shared with you is a pretty good model for how life should be lived today, and in times to come. This is also true for our generation and the next, and the next and so forth. Unfortunately, there have been so many “unscripted” major events that have come along over the past few years that they have upset the balance, and none of us likes uncertainty. The powers that be say that our nation is in the worst economic recession since the days of the Great Depression. There have been so many major blunders and poor decision making on so many fronts that it would be impossible to list them all.
As I thought about this I came across a good example that will illustrate what I am saying. In the days when I grew up we used to have something called pinball machines. You would put money in a slot, usually a quarter, and a steel ball would be released at the top of a slanted board that contained “bumpers” that the ball would hit on the way down to the bottom. There were also some “flappers” that provided the one playing the game some measure of control over the path of the steel ball before it reached the end of its journey and you knew if you won or lost.
Of course, the operator had the option to bump or shake the machine in an effort to control the flight of the steel ball. If the operator was too aggressive and shook the machine too much, the machine would “tilt” and the game was over. This is where we are as a nation today. Our system is “tilted” and until we right the ship of state, the American people are going to continue to suffer. The big question many of us have is, can we spend our way into prosperity? I think you know the answer. Short-term spending for long-term gain is one thing, but unbridled long-term spending is entirely another matter. How about that guy named Bernard Madoff? They missed the spelling, as it should have been Made-off.
As an eternal optimist, I believe we will turn things around as we have in the past. In the meantime, I am going to continue to do the things I have been doing all the time. Realizing there are some things I can do something about, I will work tirelessly for those I can. Others that I can’t do anything about, I will leave to those brave souls who seek a career in public service. I am going to continue to work to make my community a better place to live, keep a positive attitude, treat others with dignity and respect, obey the laws of the land, pay my taxes, continue to write this column and encourage you to do the same.
The things that go on in Washington and on Wall Street do affect all of us, but the local community, the quality of our schools, law and order, our environment, creation of jobs and many other objectives are what really define us. Fellow citizens, let’s all pull together during these tough times.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 696 - THE PADUCAH SCHOOL SHOOTING

No. 696

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE PADUCAH SCHOOL SHOOTING

The date of Dec. 1, 1997, will be indelibly etched deep into the minds and hearts of the citizens of West Paducah, Ky., for a long, long time. On this date, 14-year-old freshman Michael Carneal opened fire with a 22-caliber semi-automatic handgun on a group of his fellow students in a student-led prayer circle at Heath High School in this community. When the shooting stopped, three female students -- freshman Nicole Hadley, Sophomore Kayce Steger and Senior Jessica James -- lay mortally wounded, and five other students suffered gunshot wounds. Missy Jenkins was paralyzed from the chest down and left to spend the rest of her days in a wheelchair.
All of these events and more are chronicled in a must-read book titled “I Choose to Be Happy” by Missy Jenkins and co-author William Croyle. I received a review copy of this book sometime back, and once I started reading it I literally could not put it down. As one who has worked with our schools as a businessman consultant for many years, and have a fondness for the state of Kentucky because my father was born and reared there, I had a deep interest in these events. Of course, the big question in cases like this is “why” would a student turn a gun on his fellow students he has known all his life? This school shooting was not the first and, sadly, it won’t be the last, but it’s something that deeply concerns most Americans, especially parents and educators. I know it concerns me.
Here is how Missy Jenkins recalls and describes the scene after she was shot, “My limp, paralyzed body lay on the cold, hard, tile floor of the school lobby just seconds after praising God in our daily prayer circle. I lay there helplessly on my back, staring straight up at the ceiling. I couldn’t feel my legs or stomach. I could barely move my head. And I had no idea why. Chaos ensued around me as dozens of students with ear-piercing screams dashed out of the lobby and stampeded down the hallway toward the gymnasium, trying to save themselves. At the same time, several teachers bravely fought their way toward the lobby against the mad rush of terrified teens, trying to reach me and others who needed help.”
After what seemed to be an eternity, the ambulance finally arrives and takes her to Lourdes Hospital, about 10 miles away. She soon learned her fate, and that she would be a paraplegic for the rest of her life. From my perspective, the reason this book is so interesting and compelling is that Missy Jenkins takes the reader down the same path she has traveled for all the days, months and years since that tragic day. But Missy never saw her disability as an end. Just hours after the tragedy, she forgave Carneal and took her life back. In the next decade she would graduate from college, become a counselor for troubled youth, get married, have a baby and confront Carneal face to face about his actions on that fateful day.
She would earn countless local and national honors over the years from “Kentuckian of the Year” to one of Ladies Home Journal’s “Most Fascinating Women.” This is a story of love, forgiveness, courage and determination -- one that will leave people of all ages inspired to make the most of each day and never take life for granted. If you would like to walk this path with Missy, view life from a wheelchair and learn some valuable lessons along the way, get a copy of “I Choose to Be Happy” and read it. I highly recommend this inspiring book. The publisher is LangMarc and most bookstores will have it or can order it. You may also order from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 697 - TECHNOLOGY: COST VS BENEFITS

No. 697

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TECHNOLOGY: COST VS BENEFITS

When you say the word “technology” to one person it means one thing, but when you say it to someone else it may mean something entirely different. This is because the word “technology” is often used as the generic term to encompass all the technologies people develop and use in their lives. The United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines the word technology as, “the know-how and creative processes that may assist people to utilize tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over the natural and man-made environment in an endeavor to improve the human condition.
“Thus, technology in this statement involves the purposeful application of knowledge, experience and resources to create processes and products that meet human needs. The needs and wants of people in particular communities determine the technology that is developed and how it is applied. People judge the desirability of technological applications by their impact on health, personal well-being and lifestyle, economics and ecosystems.” Now I will go along with that up to a point, but technology is now determined by a worldwide market place and not just in a particular community.
From a practical standpoint, I don’t know how many times I have said, “Technology is wonderful,” especially after some personal application, such as the computer, telephone, Internet, and countless others have saved me tons of time and money. We all like that aspect of technology, and we should. Here I am reminded of the story of a man visiting a farmer, and the farmer’s telephone started to ring. After about 10 rings the visitor said, “Aren’t you going to answer that phone?” The farmer said, “No, I had that thing installed for my convenience.” Not always smart, but it did make a point. Like most things, technology can be both good and bad, depending on how it is used. We don’t drive our car around the same block for 10 hours.
In these tough economic times, here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes. When it comes to technology, should we stop from time to time and compare the costs versus the benefits? This question is based on some concerns that I have that you may or may not share. Here is another question that deserves an answer. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? I say the answer is “yes,” especially when we come to the area of electronics. A good example is cell phones. Some states have passed laws that drivers cannot use a cell phone or text message while driving a car. I know of at least one school that has banned cell phones because students were text messaging each other during class.
Here is my greatest concern. The advertisers of cell phones and video games (some consoles cost from $50 to $600) are targeting young kids with their products and many parents are buying them. Just read the “letters to Santa” in your local newspaper this coming Christmas and you will see what I mean. When a child from 4 to 12 years of age spends all or most of their time talking on a cell phone or playing video games, they are not learning to read, or develop language and communication skills, tools they will need for the rest of their lives.
Parents control this, and reaching them with this message, even though some parents may disagree, is my primary purpose in sharing this. Just remember where and when you heard it. Unless this trend is reversed, in the next few years I believe we are going to have the greatest educational crisis of all time. Here is a case of where I hope I am wrong.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 698 - MAKING SENSE OF THE NEWS

No. 698

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

MAKING SENSE OF THE NEWS

Have you heard the news? If your answer is “no,” that’s because it’s not out yet. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have a terrible time making sense of the news. This is until I stop to remind myself of some basic principles and laws of nature. One of these principles can be simply stated “Everything that goes up must come down.” For example, if 10,000 airplanes take off and land safely, that’s not news. However, if one of those airplanes crashes, that is news.
Here is what the late Gene Fowler, American journalist and author (1890-1960), had to say about it. “The news is history shot on the wing. The huntsmen from the Fourth Estate seek to bag only the peacock and the eagle of the swifting day.”
As a journalist, I do my best to keep up with the news and what is going on in the world, because I want to be well informed and pass along information that is helpful and useful to you. As you know, my column is not about current events, because it’s written well in advance of the time you will read it. What I try to do is take the news, especially those news events that are tragic and preventable, and draw examples and parallels that will help us avoid making the same mistakes in the future. I know I miss the mark many times, but I honestly try to make my writing as interesting and informative as possible, with a twist that helps us see ourselves in the picture.
The news is really a “snapshot” at any given moment in time. Some news stories have a very short life while others seem to go on for eternity. Here I am reminded of the story of the packing house that caught on fire in a small community. They had a volunteer fire department. This packing house caught on fire about 9 o’clock one night and this volunteer fire department kept it going till 4 o’clock the next morning. I think this is the theory the “cable” news outlets operate on. While it’s been several months ago now, I took a snapshot of the news back on Dec. 11, 2008. Some of these stories are still around, while others have faded from view.
On this date I learned about a child pornography ring that was taking place in Australia. It was revealed that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich had been caught in the act of trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat that was to be vacated by President-elect Obama. The news was awash with the big three automakers -- Ford, GM and Chrysler -- seeking a bailout from American taxpayers. Unemployment numbers continued to rise in our country, along with more mortgage foreclosures. Then it was revealed that kids in our country were sending “nude” pictures over their cell phones. It’s called, of all things, sex-texting.
You might say this was just another day in the life of the news. To be sure, there is a lot of pain there because much of the news negatively affects people’s lives. There are millions of people in America who don’t bother to keep up with the news because much of it is so negative, but don’t forget, the reason these things are “news” is because they are not the norm. What we really need to remember is that there are consequences for our actions. When we understand that the laws of nature and nature’s God say that it is wrong to lie, it is wrong to cheat and it is wrong to steal, we can avoid much of the heartache that comes from breaking these laws.
In 98 percent of the cases, as individuals, we cannot do anything about events in the news and we should resolve to concentrate on the other 2 percent where we can. We should never become so insensitive and hard to today’s news that we no longer care. That’s the real danger, because we leave it to the crooks when we do.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 699 - TRUE PERSPECTIVE IS A WONDERFUL THING

No. 699

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

TRUE PERSPECTIVE IS A WONDERFUL THING

In these tough times when thousands of people are being kicked out in the street because of foreclosure, and automobiles are being repossessed because the owners can no longer make the payments, it’s sometimes hard to keep perspective. It’s been said that a recession is when you lose your job, but a depression is when I lose mine.
With the unemployment rate in some parts of the nation nearing all-time highs and the budget deficit now over a trillion dollars, it’s somewhat difficult to keep perspective and put a positive outlook on things. However, there is one thing for sure. As a people, we can’t give up. That’s not even a consideration. We have come through rough seas before and we will again. When the going gets tough, that’s when the tough get going.
My prayer, along with the prayer of millions of others, is that our leaders will soon get our economy turned around and headed in the right direction. In the meantime, we all need to keep perspective and realize just how fortunate we really are in the United States of America. Regardless of where you are financially, how long has it been since you stopped to count your blessings? If it’s been a while, a friend sent me an article a while back that may be worth thinking about. It begins: “One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country, with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
“When they returned home, the father asked the son, ‘How was the trip?’ The son replied, ‘It was great, dad.’ ‘Did you see how poor people live?’ the father asked. ‘Oh yeah,’ said the son. ‘So tell me, what did you learn from our trip today?’ The son answered: ‘I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our yard and they have a creek that has no end. We have lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
‘Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.’ The boy’s father was speechless. Then the son added, ‘Thanks dad, for showing me how poor we are’.”
The article concludes with these thoughts: “Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for what we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.” Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends.
As you know, everything is relative, and a few months ago we had a terrific program at our Lions Club that really brought this home to me in a very compelling way. My friends, Bret Carroll and Jason Rapert, who are Rotarians and live in Conway, had just returned from a mission trip to Ghana on the West Coast of Africa. They brought along some mementos, photos and slides to share with our club members. While this nation of 23 million people is far from being the poorest country in Africa, the people who live there are in dire poverty, and this is especially true when it comes to modern conveniences, the things we just take for granted.
The commentary by Bret and the pictures we were shown brought this home in a very graphic way. It’s difficult to describe the scenes we saw as they have no running water, indoor plumbing or even enough to eat. Ironically, the children there all seemed to be very happy. In a way, this was really true perspective.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 700 - HERE'S MY ANSWER TO "SO WHAT?"

No. 700

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HERE’S MY ANSWER TO “SO WHAT?”

It’s not often that I take a fellow journalist to task over something he has written, but as a Christian, I feel someone needs to present the other side. The journalist I am talking about is Argus Hamilton, and we share the Opinion Page in at least one newspaper, probably several more.
In a recent column Argus Hamilton, byline Hollywood, made these statements: “The New York Times reports that alcohol was served at Texas recruiting parties for a high school football star. So what? You can’t ban alcohol in college football recruiting or ban wine at Holy Communion. It’s an issue of religious freedom.”
Well, I beg to differ with Mr. Hamilton, and here is my answer to “So What?” First of all he is comparing apples with oranges. Other than the fact that wine is an alcoholic beverage, with alcohol content, the two issues are completely different. When it comes to wine at Holy Communion, that is a religious issue and under the purview of each individual church or denomination. Based on the doctrine, or teaching, of each body of believers, they can choose what beverage they wish to use to symbolize the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am of the opinion that most denominations use grape juice, but I’m sure that others use wine. This is a matter of religious freedom.
When it comes to serving alcohol at college recruiting parties, it comes down to who has the authority and who makes the rules. We have a system of public education in America that seems to work well where patrons, or taxpayers, elect a set number of individuals to serve on the local school board. These elected school board members then hire the superintendent, other administrators and approve the hiring of certified teachers and support staff. These individuals make the rules and set policy, consistent with the laws of the state where they reside. When it comes to matters like serving alcohol at college recruiting parties, the taxpayers, through their elected representatives, determine the policies they operate under.
When a high school superstar athlete gets to college, they may have a more lax policy concerning alcohol, but I am sure the leadership of the college, administrators and athletic staff determine this. In view of what alcohol is doing to our culture and all students, not just athletes, why would a national columnist take the low road and not the high road? This is especially troubling in view of the fact that, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for persons between 15 and 20 years of age. Young drivers make up about 7 percent of licensed drivers, but about 16 percent of the alcohol-involved drivers in fatal crashes.
In a recent article in the Portland Press Herald (Maine), two young men face felony charges in connection with the alcohol-related death of a University of Maine soccer player. Adam Baxter, 19, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 24 in the basement of a home on Forest Avenue in Portland. Baxter, a native of England, was on break from school and was drinking with four friends. The cause of death was choking, as Baxter apparently lost consciousness and breathed in vomit. Not a pretty picture.
Many gifted athletes fail in school, college and later in life because of “off-the-field” issues, and this includes alcohol and drugs. If we can save a few of these precious kids from going down this road, it will be worth all the ridicule and scorn that society can dish out. Every human life matters.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 701 - HELPING TO FEED THE NEEDY

No. 701

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HELPING TO FEED THE NEEDY

Has there ever been a time in your life when you were really and truly hungry? This is a question only you can answer. When I was growing up, and until the present time, I have never been truly hungry, the kind where you have hunger pangs and your stomach shrinks, and for this I am grateful. Of course, being hungry is a relative term, and while we have several million people in America who are hungry, needy and deprived, this pales in comparison to what three-fourths of the world’s population experience every day of their lives. Many of these people are malnourished and live on one meal a day, and quite often have nothing at all to eat.
One of the stories that came out of the Great Depression, when a great number of our citizens were hungry and traveled all across the country trying to find work, was the “mark” on the curb. When a hobo or drifter would come to a new town and walk down the street, they would look for a “mark” on the curb in front of the homes. This mark indicated that a family lived there who would provide a meal or give them something to eat. Of course, in many cases the people who lived in these homes never knew there was a mark placed there. As it relates to hunger, there was a day in America, before the government and other providers got into the business of feeding the poor, that these needs were met by local churches. If you are old enough, you can probably remember those days.
With the downturn in our nation’s economy, lost jobs, foreclosures and unemployment numbers at record highs, we have more people than ever before who are needy, and many go hungry. The United Way, The Salvation Army, many state and local food banks, shelters and soup kitchens all struggle to meet the demand. There are also many churches still around that have a food pantry to help some of these people. I’m proud to say that my own church here in Conway is one of these providers. Our food panty was started about three years ago, and on Monday, twice a month, a group of our members meet in the morning to stock the shelves and then return in the afternoon to provide food boxes for the needy that come our way.
We are well aware that many of these people abuse the system, that is, go from one food pantry to the next, but there are also those among them who truly need help. We had rather help those who truly need help, and many have children who cannot fend for themselves, and let the Lord worry about the rest. While Viola and I have both contributed monetarily and also with food, we have never been personally involved in this ministry. However, we have a number of fellow church members who are there week after week, and they tell us that it’s a very rewarding experience. This past week our church helped to feed 159 different families.
The other day at the breakfast table, Viola and I were talking about the food pantry and I asked her this question. “Do you think the people who come to our church food pantry every two weeks ever stop to think about why our members give money to provide food to them without cost or obligation?” She said, “Maybe a few, but probably most never truly understand why we do this for them.” Well, the answer may surprise you. Sure it’s a ministry and our prayer is that at least some of these folks will visit our church and come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But the real reason can be reduced to one simple word. That word is love. God is love. Because He loved us, we can love others. It’s as simple as that. It’s sad that people who swindle, cheat and steal never feel God’s wonderful love. If not already, I hope you will also help to feed the truly needy.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 702 - YOU CAN BEAT A DEAD HORSE

No. 702

The next password is xray

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU CAN BEAT A DEAD HORSE

There is an old saying that we have all heard at one time or another, “You are beating a dead horse.” The English language is replete with sayings like this and it’s one of the things that makes our language so interesting, yet so hard to master, for those who did not grow up in the English language culture. Are you familiar with the saying, “You are beating a dead horse?” Do you know what it means? You are beating a dead horse when you insist on talking about something that has already been discussed, a decision made and no amount of talk in the future will change the decision or the outcome.
For example, a young son, who is too young to drive wants his father to take him to a friend’s house across town, before doing his homework. His father has made a decision and the son keeps on pressing the issue. The father says, “Son, we have already discussed this and the answer is no. Regardless of how long you talk, my decision is not going to change. You are just beating a dead horse.”
However, hope springs eternal in the human breast, yet another one of those old sayings, and many people will keep on talking, hoping that the outcome will be different. At this point the one who makes the statement “You are beating a dead horse” will stick to their guns or give in and invite the same confrontation over and over again. There is certainly a lesson to be learned here.
A while back a friend sent me an e-mail that contained a story about a horse that had a little different slant and actually proves the point that you CAN beat a dead horse. The story goes, “Young Chuck moved to Montana and bought a horse from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day. The next day he drove up and said, ‘Sorry, son, but I have some bad news. The horse died.’ Chuck replied, ‘Well, then just give me my money back.’ The farmer said, ‘Can’t do that. I went and spent it already.’ Chuck said, ‘OK, then just bring me the dead horse.’
The farmer asked, ‘What are you going to do with him?’ Chuck said, ‘I’m going to raffle him off.’ The farmer said, ‘You can’t raffle off a dead horse!’ Chuck said, ‘Sure I can. Watch me. I just won’t tell anybody he’s dead.’ A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, ‘What happened with that dead horse?’ Chuck said, ‘I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a net profit of $898.’The farmer said, ‘Didn’t anyone complain?’ Chuck said, ‘Just the guy who won. So I gave him his money back.’ Chuck grew up and works for the government.”
Here is yet another example of why our language is so hard to master. In the story about young Chuck, we have the term “dead horse” to be an actual physical animal, and in the saying, “You are beating a dead horse” it’s only used as a figure of speech. Depending on your point of view, I guess young Chuck’s story proves that you CAN beat a dead horse. Needless to say, our English language is very important, especially in these days when we have become more of a melting pot of the world.
Here is something written by Noah Webster, American lexicographer (1758-1843), that’s worth thinking about. “Language is the expression of ideas, and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language.” This is why America must always have English as our official language. While some will disagree, this is just common sense. We are all Americans and we should be united with a common language.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

The next password is xray

No. 678 - BOOKCASE LITERACY BANQUET

No. 678

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BOOKCASE LITERACY BANQUET

If you read my column on a regular basis, no doubt you know that we have a unique literacy project here in Conway, Arkansas, titled, “A Bookcase for Every Child.” We build quality, personalized, oak bookcases and give them, along with a starter set of books, to children in low-income families. Without our help, many of these children will wind up on welfare, illegal drugs, crime or suffer premature death. As I share this, I would remind you again that these children are the future of our nation.
This is an all-volunteer project, not 501 (3)(C), and we use no tax money or grants of any kind. No one profits monetarily in any way. I might add, however, the psychological rewards are great. The real winners are these children, our community, state and nation. The only expense we have is just the money to purchase the wood and supplies to build the bookcases. For the past four years I have personally raised the funds by either selling my book that was published for this purpose or by receiving small donations.
As I thought about this situation, I realized there would be a day when I would no longer be around and, with the help of our committee, we came up with an idea to hold an annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet. I am happy to report to you that the banquet is now history, as we held what we believe to be the first Bookcase Literacy Banquet in the history of our nation. On Oct. 16, 2008, at the Bob Courtway Middle School Cafeteria in Conway, for $15.95 each, more than 250 people sat down for a wonderful meal, some great entertainment and each person received a complimentary copy of my book, “Learning, Earning & Giving Back” as a memento of the occasion.
Everyone in attendance seemed to really enjoy the banquet, as there were no less than three standing ovations. In just one evening we raised enough funds to build the next 50 bookcases and had some left over to provide seed money or start-up costs for a bookcase project in another community in our county. What was so exciting for me is that I believe most people who were there caught the vision of what we are doing to combat the problem of illiteracy, and what this is doing to our people and our society. You know you have a problem when four of every 10 students in American schools drop-out before they graduate.
We are building bookcases and giving books to these special children. Many people and groups can do that, but what we have here is a true “community” project, where people from all walks of life come together to become a part of the solution. Sadly, many people do not know how bad the problem of illiteracy actually is. To solve this problem nationwide we must create “awareness” and all of us must work together, and this means we must be actively involved. Here are some of the steps we took, and some of the people that made our banquet a success.
Every person on our central committee of 14 people made a contribution and Linda Hammontree and her committee decorated the room with a literacy theme. We had 43 students and 2 teacher advisers from the St. Joseph High School “Book Club” who served our meal. Jason Rapert, Tim Trawick and members of their band provided the great music and we had 8 to 10 volunteer cooks who prepared our meal. We also had 20 to 30 good cooks in our community who made homemade desserts. We also had more than 20 members of “The Bookcase Club” who gave $50, and some more, to purchase the food. We were all involved, made a contribution, and no one was hurt financially.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 679 - BEING LEFT-HANDED IN A RIGHT-HANDED WORLD

No. 679

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BEING LEFT-HANDED IN A RIGHT-HANDED WORLD

You may have heard the old joke about the man and his wife who were talking and she said, “If I die before you do, you will probably get remarried won’t, you?’ He said, “Probably.” She continued, “You will probably let her move into our home, won’t you?” He said, “Probably.” Then she said, “You will probably let her sleep in our bed, won’t you? He said, “Probably.” Then she really got personal by saying, “You will probably let her use MY golf clubs, won’t you?” He said, “No, she’s left-handed.” If this story were true, which it’s not, the odds are good that he PROBABLY already had her picked out.
If you are not left-handed, do you have any idea what those who are left-handed go through day after day? Being right-handed, I had never thought much about this before until one day when four of us guys were on our way to play golf. One member of the group was my good friend Larry Fry, who is left-handed. We have played many times before and he usually beats me, but if there are only three of us, we usually ask Larry to ride in a cart by himself, because everything for him is backwards. For example, if you forget to take the right club to make a shot, you can’t use his club and have to walk all the way back to the cart. That’s one of those, “it’s a hard life, but someone has to do it” stories.
As we continued to talk, Larry began to share a number of things that left-handed people have to deal with that most right-handed people miss out on. The most obvious are school desks, which are all for right-handed people. Then he said, “Trying to write in a wirebound spiral notebook is really a challenge, because your left hand is always sitting on top of the wire. To function means that you have to write upside down. This is hard for me to envision, because I have enough trouble writing with my hand in a comfortable, normal position. Then he mentioned that belts and the zipper in pants are always for a right-handed person. Reaching across the fly and turning your hand upside down would not be an easy task, especially if you were in a hurry.
If you are a left-handed person, hopefully you will appreciate what I am saying. Our discussion that day piqued my interest so much that when I got home I went to Google and learned a good deal more than I already knew about being left-handed.
Here are a few tidbits: The left side of the brain is said to be the rational side of the brain. Nine of 10 of the world’s population is right-handed. Generally, males are three times more likely to be left-handed than females. On average, right-handed people live 9 years longer than left-handed people. While it can’t be proven, “lefties” are considered to be more intelligent than right-handed people.
This may be the reason so many of the world’s most successful people are left-handed. Here are the names of some famous left-handers that you will recognize, and the gambit covers all walks of life: Babe Ruth, Larry Bird, Winston Churchill, Julia Roberts, Mark Spitz, Arnold Palmer, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Tom Cruise, Fred Astaire, Bill Gates, Bruce Willis, Albert Einstein and many, many more. Hope your favorite was among them. While it may be inconvenient, left-handers certainly should never hang their head.
I’m grateful for the legacy of left-handed people and their contributions, but in view of the small numbers, you can understand why there are so few products mass-produced for left-handers. However, Larry Fry says that “lefties” have the last laugh. All commodes have the handle on the left side.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 680 - CAN YOU SPELL T-R-A-N-S-P-A-R-E-N-C-Y?

No. 680

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CAN YOU SPELL T-R-A-N-S-P-A-R-E-N-C-Y?

We have just come through the most expensive election in our nation’s history. The American people have spoken and now we will wait four more years to do it again. It’s been said that our election process is like making sausage, it’s not pretty but it gets the job done. The thing that really makes our election process special is the peaceful transfer of power. After it’s all said and done, the dirty tricks, name calling and all the rest, we are still Americans and must go forward if our nation is to survive. Everyone has a different take on the major issues that confront us, but one we must get under control is our national debt.
As I write these words, our national debt is more than $10 trillion, and the interest on this debt has to be paid, just like the interest on a loan or a home mortgage. The big question that looms for me is, can we learn from our mistakes? Lord knows the previous administration has made plenty of blunders as we went from a $5 trillion national debt to over $10 trillion in eight years time. Of course the two wars we have been fighting have been a real drain on our resources, but the thing that has hurt us most is the lack of leadership and personal integrity on the part of our leaders, both in the public and private sectors.
It is with these thoughts in mind that I would like to amplify some comments I heard several months ago during a television interview with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. To me, what he said was simple yet profound. With regard to our nation’s financial woes he said, “Don’t trust our federal government. Don’t trust Wall Street. Trust the American people.”
If you have kept up with what has happened on Wall Street and the mortgage crisis, you know that most of the financial crisis was caused by greed -- executives who were raking millions and millions of dollars off the top, even when the business was going under.
You may ask, why was this allowed to happen? It was simply because there was no oversight by the agencies that were supposed to regulate them. In many cases, it was like the fox guarding the hen house. When you have people in leadership positions with no integrity, it is a disaster just waiting to happen. As a result of the collapse of the financial markets, millions of honest, hard-working people lost a good percentage of their life savings and retirement income. I have faith in the American system and believe, in time, the markets will come back to pre-collapse levels, but there is certainly no guarantee of that.
After the fact, there is a move under way to install stronger regulations so this situation won’t happen again. Only time will tell if it works and Congress and our new president will have a lot to say about it. But back to what Mark Cuban was saying and the reason I wanted to share these thoughts with you. Mark said to “trust the American people” and we can now do that because of the technology that is available in our day and time. Since the money spent by our government is public money, either borrowed or raised from taxes paid by you and me, we have a right to know how this money is spent and who is spending it.
If we are to ever change our financial system, we must have one that is more transparent, and one that is scrutinized by the American people, rather than trusting the government or their cronies on Wall Street. Today, because of the computer we can do that. Just put it online, we know what’s right from wrong. We have unscrupulous people in the private sector as well, but there are sufficient numbers of honest people out here who can keep an eye on them. Do you agree? The irony of all this is that Mark Cuban himself has legal problems involving insider trading.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 681 - COLLAPSE OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY

No. 681

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

COLLAPSE OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY

After you read my column today you may be saying to yourself, “Oh, no! Not again.” Every American has been impacted in one way or another by the financial crisis created by greed that has sent our nation reeling, and the effects will continue for a long time into the future. In view of these circumstances, I hesitated for a moment to share the following information, but if there are more serious problems on the horizon we need to know about them and take steps to solve them.
What I am talking about is the potential collapse of the insurance industry. The following thoughts are shared in response to a press release that I received from Eric D. Gerst a few weeks ago. Mr. Gerst lives in Newton Square, Pa., and has worked as an attorney and legal consultant for the insurance industry for more than 30 years.
He is the author of a new book titled “Vulture Culture,” which does not sound too appealing, but nonetheless is an apt description of the business climate that has or will bring us to our knees. The first few lines of the release, which is the subtitle, present a good synopsis of what it contains: Dirty Deals, Unpaid Claims, and the Coming Collapse of the Insurance Industry - A Hard-Hitting Expose of a Problem-Plagued Industry and a Compelling Case for Federal Regulation. For those of us who are not part of the insurance industry and do not dwell on this topic, what I am saying may be of little interest, but if you are part of the 257 million Americans who have at least some insurance, it does affect you.
You may rest assured those who live on the Gulf Coast and lived through the complete devastation of Hurricane Katrina know a lot more about insurance than they thought they would ever need to know. But back to some of the points presented in the book “Vulture Culture.” As most of us know, there are 47 million Americans living without health insurance, a fact brought out by the raging political debates leading up the 2008 election. However, less familiar but just as serious, are the risks of 257 million Americans who have invested their money and faith in health, home, life, auto, business or other insurance.
Ask anyone who has been denied coverage for a critical surgical procedure. As already mentioned, ask the hundreds of thousands of homeowners devastated by Hurricane Katrina and unpaid claims. Forget peace of mind. For the majority of insured Americans, the insurance industry promises emotional turmoil and financial peril. According to author and attorney Eric Gerst, “The insurance system, as it exists, offers no reliable protection.” After decades of representing clients in the insurance business, he began to question his belief in the benefits of insurance when his trusted carrier inexplicably turned down a legitimate claim.
After considerable research, he uncovered a treacherous trio: rampant fraud and corruption among insurance businesses; 50 separate state fiefdoms with unequal, frequently clashing regulations; and a glaring lack of oversight or intervention by the federal government. In his book “Vulture Culture,” Gerst reveals how a once respected industry got to such a shameful, precarious state. Filled with candid interviews, Bid-rigging, secret payoffs, deceptive accounting, fraudulent sales and marketing tactics, and other unscrupulous practices conducted by well known, top-of-the-line brokers and insurers.
Not a pretty picture, but it’s better to know than not to know, wouldn’t you say? “Vulture Culture” is really a call to action to clean up the industry before it’s too late.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 682 - A "TREASURE-TROVE" OF RULES TO LIVE BY

No. 682

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “TREASURE-TROVE” OF RULES TO LIVE BY!

We all know, or at least we should, that it’s just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated. I believe it was Will Rogers who is credited with saying that. Certainly we need to learn new things, but we also need to be reminded, as a refresher course of things that we know, but may have forgotten. We have a good friend here by the name of Diane Russell who reads my column in the Log Cabin Democrat, and the other day she sent me about five pages of just “solid” good information that I want to pass along to you. She sent them with a note that they were just suggestions that I may be able to use some time. Diane is retired, but she is a volunteer, and a giver from the word go. We need more people in the world like her.
Her first section was titled, THANKS: for helping those in need. A. Giving your time. B. Donating money to a worthwhile cause. C. Donating blood. D. Visiting the sick and those who are homebound. E. Giving relief to a caregiver. F. Reading to a child. G. Sending notes of encouragement. H. Giving thoughtful and useful gifts. I. Changing a tire for a helpless female or an elderly or handicapped person. Thanks to those people who don’t litter and to those who pick up litter after trashy people. Thanks for helping widows and orphans.
Special thanks to those special people who foster, adopt, or help in some way, those children who are unwanted, abused or neglected. Thanks for taking care of your animals, and that includes not allowing them to run free and create problems for other people. Plus it means cleaning up after them. Thanks to those who have chosen careers (like the armed forces, law enforcement, fire fighters, etc.) that help protect our freedom, enforce the laws of the land, save lives and provide help to victims of suffering and tragedies. Thanks for NOT driving when: A. intoxicated or impaired from drugs, whether legal or illegal. B. Using a hand-held cell phone. C. Text messaging. D. Putting on make-up or shaving. E. Reading.
Her second section was titled, MANNERS: 1. In addition to the obvious thank you, please and pardon me. 2. Sending notes of thanks. 3. Returning calls. 4. Cell phone usage: Not to be used while driving or other inappropriate places. These include restaurants, meetings or any place where it is disruptive and annoying to others. 5. Dressing inappropriately (in other words…showing more than should be seen.) A personal note here: Young people must be taught these things if they are to know and practice them. Wouldn’t this be a better world if we would all do that?
Her third section was titled, CHARACTER: 1. Keeping your word. 2. Being trustworthy.
3. Not cheating. 4. Not lying. 5. Keeping commitments. 6. Paying debts. 7. Being an honorable person and this includes respectful, decent, law-abiding, helpful, generous, kind, sympathetic and thoughtful.
Her final section is titled, FINANCES: “If you can’t pay cash you can’t afford it.” This was a quote of my dad’s and he lived by it. He saved money to buy his cars and trucks, tractor and his horse. He paid cash for his land (100 acres) and we lived in a shack of a house on the property for a number of years while he saved money to pay cash for a brand new house.
Being in debt is like having a ball and chain around your neck. There are many advantages to being debt free: less stress and worry, saving interest which is like throwing money down the drain. We should not try to keep up with the Joneses (neighbors, friends or relatives.) Old fashioned you say. Really?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 683 - A FIRST-HAND PERSPECTIVE ON EVACUEES

No. 683

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A FIRST-HAND PERSPECTIVE ON EVACUEES

Have you ever found yourself in a real dilemma? This is to say, a situation where you found yourself caught between a rock and a hard place and did not know what you should do, what was right and what was wrong. I received something by e-mail from a friend the other day that gave a first-hand account of a registered nurse who worked as a volunteer in a Hurricane Evacuee Center in Shreveport, La., and found herself in these circumstances. If you can remember Hurricane Gustav that we had on the Gulf Coast in 2008, you will be able to relate to this.
Let me say here in the beginning that the moral of this story and the principles involved have wide application and can be adapted to any natural disaster, be it a fire, flood, earthquake or anything that forces people from their homes for an extended period of time. We can all appreciate that natural disasters are just a fact of life and we will have many more in the months and years to come. It is the attitudes, work ethic and personal outlook of those who find themselves needing help during these trying times that comes into play here, and as I said earlier, sometimes this can pose a real dilemma.
Here is a portion of the true story as written by a registered nurse. “I am a nurse who has just completed volunteer working approximately 120 hours as the clinic director in a Hurricane Gustav evacuation shelter in Shreveport, Louisiana, over the last seven days. I would love to see someone look at the evacuee situation from a new perspective. Local and national news channels have covered the evacuation and the ‘horrible’ conditions the evacuees had to endure during the hurricane.
“True – some things were not optimal for the evacuation and shelters need some modification. At any point, does anyone address the responsibility (or irresponsibility) of the evacuees? Does it seem wrong that one would remember their cell phone charger, cigarettes and lighter, but forgot their child’s insulin? Is something amiss when an evacuee gets off the bus, walks immediately to the medical area, and requests immediate free refills on all medicines for which they cannot provide a prescription or current bottle (most of which are narcotics?)
“Isn’t the system flawed when an evacuee says they cannot afford a $3 co-pay for a refill that will be delivered to them in the shelter, yet they can take a city-provided bus to Wal-Mart, buy five bottles of vodka, and return to consume them secretly in the shelter? Is it fair to stop performing luggage checks on incoming evacuees so as not to delay the registration process, but endanger the volunteer staff and other persons with the very realistic truth of drugs, alcohol and weapons being brought into the shelter?
“Why does it incense me to hear a man say, ‘I ain’t goin’ home till I get my FEMA check,’ when I would love to just go home and see my daughters who I have only seen three times this week. Does it seem odd that the nurse volunteering at the shelter is paying for childcare while the evacuee sits on a cot during the day, as the shelter provides a daycare? Have government entitlements created this mentality and am I facilitating it with my work? Will I be a bad person, merciless person or poor Christian if I hesitate to work at the next shelter because I have worked for seven days being called every curse word imaginable, being threatened and fearing for my personal safety in the shelter?” Signed, Exhausted and bBattered, Sherri Hagerhjeim, RN.”
I will be quick to add, not all evacuees are this way, but sadly, this is what entitlement programs have done to so many of our citizens.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)
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No. 684 - THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF PARENTS IN EDUCATION

No. 684

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF PARENTS IN EDUCATION

Over the past several months it has been my good fortune to have interaction with a fantastic high school here in our community, St. Joseph High School. This is a Catholic High School with 237 students (506 K-12). The principal, Joe Mallett, tells me their graduation rate is 99 percent. I might add that we have two other school systems here in our community who are doing a great job as well -- Conway Christian Schools with 540 students K-12, and the Conway Public Schools with more than 9,000 students K-12. Everything is relative, but we are blessed to have some of the very best schools in the state.
When we were planning our “Bookcase Literacy Banquet,” a friend told me I should get in touch with St. Joseph High School, as their students are required to perform so many hours of community service each year. It was through another friend, who is Catholic, that I did get in touch with them and I learned something from her that gave me some insights regarding the role of parents that helped me see why their program is so successful. Keep in mind that this is a private school and these parents pay tuition in addition to paying taxes for their children’s education. Granted, most of these parents are hard working, manage their money and can afford the extra costs, but others do so at considerable personal sacrifice.
Here is what my friend told me that really hit home: “It is indeed a sacrifice for our family to pay to send three children to private school – but it is one that I would get a second job if I needed to in order to keep them in that school. The primary reason I send them is the fact they can say ‘God’ there and pray daily and see their peers praying and are bombarded with messages that build their moral character. The parent network is strong – we all look out for each other’s kids and we don’t hesitate to call another parent to let them know if we saw their child doing something we know the parent wouldn’t approve of.”
My friend went on to share something else that really underscores the solid foundation of their curriculum and their philosophy. She said, “And while our ACT scores are much higher than state and national averages – I always remember the words of one teacher that has carried on throughout the years – she told someone that ‘we focus on preparing our children for Heaven – not – Harvard’ which says to me that the higher priority is faith. I’m sure there are many out there who wouldn’t agree with that philosophy.”
From my perspective, and I have been working on this for many years, I know that private schools can set priorities and guidelines that are not available to public schools, but the reason I have shared this is the role of parents in education, be they private or public. For many years I have attributed much of our schools’ poor performance and lack of success to teachers, but finally came to realize that most of the blame should be directed to parents. Many of the parents of public school students are doing a great job, but we need more, if we are to have quality schools all across our nation.
What I said earlier is not intended to pit one school or school system against another, because I would never do that, but what I am saying is that we can learn from each other. Teachers, schools and parents are very important, because what we teach our children today and tomorrow will determine our nation’s success in the years and decades to come. As I have said many times, the key to a student’s success is teaching them to read, before they start to school.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 685 - WHAT HAPPENS TO A NATION?

No. 685

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT HAPPENS TO A NATION?

Several weeks ago I received an e-mail from Wallace Heller with a subject line comment, “Thought you might find this interesting.” Well, I did find it of great interest, so much so that I wanted to share a portion of it with you. When I went to the Internet to check out Wallace Heller, I learned that he is a psychiatrist who lives in Altus, Okla. This column runs there, so this may be the connection. I hope this is the case, because the article is right on and I am not sure that Dr. Heller is the author, but at least I have given you a disclaimer. I just wish I had written it.
It begins: “America’s greatest enemy isn’t huddled in a tent chanting verses; it’s you and I. Great civilizations decay from within long before they are subdued from without. Doubt that our country is in trouble? Consider this. What happens to a nation when the generation that learned nothing becomes the teachers, and the generation that never grew up becomes the parents?
“What happens to a nation when everybody wants to live on Easy Street, but nobody wants to do the work necessary to get there? What happens when people no longer believe that great sacrifices are required to accomplish things of value, things that last? What happens when people can’t give up today’s comfort and convenience for a greater reward tomorrow, convinced that self-denial is never called for? Perhaps we can only “have it all, right now” when “it” is very hollow, fleeting and pointless.
“What happens to a nation when the primary ethic becomes ‘Get as much as you can for as little as you can get away with?’ What happens to achievement and accomplishment when people believe that ‘something’ can be had for ‘nothing’ and ‘deserving’ replaces ‘earning?’
“What happens to a nation when immediate happiness is the goal of all activity and instant satisfaction is demanded in order to make an effort? What happens when the ability to delay gratification — the defining quality of adulthood — is largely lost, and the loss is not even mourned?
“What happens to a nation where the rules of grammar are considered oppressive or obsolete, where substandard speech laced with profanity signifies trendiness, and where a high school graduate can’t write an expository essay to save his own skin, but even grammar school kids have the latest hand-held electronic gadgets? What happens when thinking and writing skills are no longer considered valuable and the effort to acquire them worthwhile? Who seriously believed that using calculators in math class would enable kids to learn more, not less? What future do our children have now that leisure has replaced learning and diversion has replaced dedication and devotion?”
Here is the real question: “We can see others in the profiles above, but can we see ourselves? Or is the uncrossable line reached when it comes to recognizing how our own values and choices undermine the future? We think we get it, until it gets to us. Please, someone, throw the first stone.” There is much more and I have only scratched the surface, but this piece ends with these words. “Can we save America before it’s too late? Can we make this question as important as the latest celebrity scandal or American Idol contestant? Do we have the courage to ask “What kind of values sustains civilization” and “What kind of culture is best for us and our children?”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 686 - BRING OUT THE "BEST" IN OTHERS

No. 686

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BRING OUT THE “BEST” IN OTHERS

The late Retired Lt. Gen. Arthur G. Trudeau once said of character, “It is the total of thousands of small daily strivings to live up to the best that is in us … the final decision to reject whatever is demeaning to oneself or to others and with confidence and honesty to choose the right.” Using Gen. Trudeau’s definition of character as a backdrop, I would like to share some thoughts with you today that I consider to be very important. What you think or choose to do about them and any decisions you will make will be up to you.
Let me begin by sharing a verse from the Bible, found in Matthew 5:41: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two.” When this verse was written, the law allowed a Roman soldier to make a person carry his back pack for a Roman mile, about one thousand paces and a distance of about 1,620 yards. Jesus said if someone forced you to go with him a mile, go with him two miles. This is where we get the saying, “Go the extra mile.” It means we should go beyond what is expected of us in helping others. There is a principle involved in this saying that many people do not fully understand, because the extra mile is where the blessings are to be found.
In a day and time when our language has become so course, scams have become the rule rather than the exception, cheating if you don’t get caught is acceptable, and winning at all costs is code for millions of our citizens, we need to step back and re-evaluate our priorities and what they have done to our way of life. For me the question becomes, what can I do that will bring out the best in others? If you happen to be one of the millions of Americans caught up in a rat race that produces no real satisfaction or happiness, I have some good news for you. Regardless of our past, we can choose to do the right thing, to have character and integrity, regardless of what our family, friends, associates or others around us choose to do.
When we consistently do that, we become a role model for others, and in time we will find ourselves bringing out the best in others. Here is the bottom line. We can’t control how others act or react toward us, but we can control how we act and react toward them. We can bring out the best in others by being and becoming the very best person we can be. What I am saying here is that we can be our own person regardless of the battles that are raging all around us. In many cases this means we have to change our lifestyle. Just think of the personal satisfaction it will bring when you know that you are a positive role model for others.
Without a doubt I love other people and I respect their rights. I don’t judge others for their actions and their behavior. Only God can do that. However, I truly pity the people in our society who are robbing, killing, raping and defrauding others when they stand before Him and are judged for their sins. If we are to be a role model, here is something I would ask you to consider. If the people who sell alcohol and tobacco, promote the lottery, operate casinos, sell pornography, and sell illegal drugs and other addictive substances depended on me to make a profit, they would all go under. It’s a personal choice, but I choose not to do any of those things.
How can we bring out the best in others if we do things by our example that would cause others to become an alcoholic, develop lung cancer, lose their life savings and their family, become a slave to sex, a prostitute or a drug addict? We are free to make our own decisions, but I hope you will consider for yourself or your loved ones what I have shared here. Please go back and reread Lt. Gen. Trudeau’s definition of character and then do your best to go the extra mile.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 687 - A WAY TO CURB SCHOOL VIOLENCE

No. 687

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A WAY TO CURB SCHOOL VIOLENCE

With respect to school violence, a relatively new phenomenon, there is a program taking place here in our community that has the potential to help students and schools all across the nation. This information was detailed in a couple of articles than ran in our local paper, the Log Cabin Democrat, and written by Jessica Bauer, education reporter for the paper. The reason I have decided to pass along some of her information to you is because it deserves wide dissemination so every concerned person in America can know about it. If there is one thing we don’t need in this country it’s another school shooting. What a tragedy!
First this background: Back on Monday, April 21, 2008, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a noted authority on school violence, came to Conway to address a group of St. Joseph School parents, teachers and other community members at the St. Joseph Church. Joe Mallett, principal of St. Joseph High School, noted that any educator can tell any parent how to lessen those chances, but bringing someone in with Grossman’s credentials and background carries more weight. Grossman is a West Point psychology professor, a professor of military science, an Army Ranger and the author of “On Killing,” for which he has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Grossman, who pioneered the study of killology, said the violence portrayed on television, movies and video games is a “toxic, addictive substance for kids,” and the best way to combat that is to turn it off. He said on average a child spends 45 hours a week in front of the television, and pointed out that his talk April 21 coincided with National TV Turnoff Week, in which many local schools participate.
Apparently what Lt. Col. Grossman had to say that fateful night resonated and even struck a nerve, because on Oct. 13, 2008, there was another Cabin article stating that St. Joseph High School has entered Grossman’s program titled, “Student Media Awareness to Reduce Television.” During this past summer, guidance counselor Teri Breeding attended a workshop in Escanaba, Mich., along with teachers and principals from schools in 21 states across the county, where they learned how to implement the program. She said big schools, small schools, public schools and private schools were all represented.
Because of my involvement in our bookcase project, here is something that Teri Breeding said that really hit home with me. She said, “The kids who are overexposed to violence in the media tend to have more aggressive behaviors, but another part of overexposure to media in general, including computers, video games, television and movies, are that kids spend more time doing that and less time reading and being creative, so it has an impact on academics as well. As a result, bringing the program to St. Joseph would be an easy way to fix behavior problems and boost test scores.”
Teri went on to say, “When we did our training in Escanaba, Mich., we met with people from a high school who had implemented this for a few years and their test scores improved. We are always looking for new ways to raise our test scores and we thought it wouldn’t hurt to try if it’s simply turning off the TV and video games.”
Something else I love about this approach is that when it’s successfully implemented in high school, the older students can teach those in the lower grades. For more information or to get in touch with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, visit www.killology.com or e-mail info@killology.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 688 - WHEN YOUR WIFE GOES ON STRIKE

No. 688

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN YOUR WIFE GOES ON STRIKE

Several years ago, before most of our manufacturing jobs went overseas, there was a word that conjured up fear in the minds and hearts of thousands of people in our nation. That word is “strike,” and according to the dictionary it means, along with 18 other definitions, “To refuse to continue to work, until certain demands are met; go on strike.” It has not been that long ago that I can remember at least once a year, that a major union was going on strike. This was especially true in the automotive industry. Now with U.S. automakers losing billions of dollars each year and talk of mergers, you don’t hear the word “strike” much anymore.
Our home is thousands of miles from Detroit, but there is another kind of strike that is much more serious, at least to me. It’s when your wife goes on strike. Over the years my wife Viola and I have gotten along remarkably well, but there have been a few times when we were at odds over some issue that, in hindsight, was very petty. However, after a few days of not having my meals prepared, the bed made, clothes washed and dried, her expertise at grocery shopping and the hundreds of other things she does around our home, we settled the issue on her terms.
If you are a married man, young or old, may I ask you this question: has this ever happened to you? If it has, what I am going to pass along may be helpful in dealing with future episodes. At least I hope so, because a wife on strike is no fun. I might add, this is one of those things you can laugh about later, but while it’s going on it’s a very serious matter, one that can go either way, like those hitchhikers back in the days of the depression.
In our case, and maybe yours too, over a period of time, Viola gets the feeling that she is not really appreciated. In most cases, I will confess that it was my fault because I would get so locked-in and focused on my own projects that I did not take the time to make her feel like the princess she really is.
There is also the issue of a wife just needing some help around the house from time to time, even in those cases when she is not gainfully employed outside the home. In a case where both husband and wife work outside the home, this is a given, especially when there are children involved. What I am saying here that will help us men avoid those “strike” situations, just show her and tell her often that she is appreciated and then pull your share of the load and a little extra for good measure.
Here is a vivid illustration of what I am saying. During the past football season I was watching one of those game half-time reports that featured Coach Lou Holtz. Lou is a master of the one-liners, quips and short stories that illustrate a point. We were blessed to have him as coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks several years ago. Lou told the story of this man driving down a muddy road and his car slid off in the ditch. After several unsuccessful attempts to get it out, he walked to a nearby farm house to ask for help.
When the farmer came out and learned this man’s predicament he said, “All I have here is just one old mule and he is totally blind, but I will hitch him up and we will do our best to help you.” After he attached a rope to this man’s car he said, “Pull Bill” and nothing happened. Then he said, “Pull Sam” and nothing happened. Then he said, “Pull Joe” and nothing happened. Then he said, “Pull Jesse” and out came the car. The man said, “Why didn’t you just say “Pull Jesse” to start with? The farmer said, “My mule is blind. If he thought he was going to have to pull it all by himself, he would have never done it.” The truth is, we all need to help others, and sometimes it may be our wife.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 689 - WHAT WILL BE YOUR FINAL REQUESTS?

No. 689

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT WILL BE YOUR FINAL REQUESTS?

The other day I read that Walmart is having a makeover. First, they are taking the dash out of their name, which is going to drive a lot of spell-checks crazy, and next they are completely changing the design of their stores by using different color schemes and softer lighting. What is this world coming to? And what’s more, they are serious about it. They are going to do this instead of building and opening so many new stores. And it’s a nice time to do it, too, especially with the economy being down like it is. Walmart means different things to different people. I have been privileged for the past dozen years or so to sponsor all the Walmart store managers into our Lions Club, a total of six thus far. All good people, and Viola and I buy most of our groceries at Walmart.
While some people may be able to do it, it’s hard not to visit a Walmart store at some time or another. In relation to this, I read something funny a few days ago that should bring a smile to your face. An elderly woman decided to prepare her last will and testament and told her preacher that she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated and second she wanted her ashes scattered in front of the local Walmart store. “Walmart,” the preacher exclaimed, “Why Walmart?’ The woman said, “This way I will be sure my daughters visit me at least twice a week.” That’s not a bad idea when you think about it, with most people being so rushed for time these days. When I make my final requests I doubt it’s going to be along the same lines. However, it wouldn’t hurt to spend a little time thinking about it.
While I am on the light side, a friend sent me several humorous stories that I felt like you would enjoy, especially if you happen to be a senior citizen, or even close to being one. This is the time of life when about all we can do is laugh or smile. You know, old age and senility is not that far apart, and the nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs. My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be. It’s scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker. When it comes to your body, do you know how to prevent sagging? You just eat till the wrinkles fill out.
And here is one that would really be funny if it wasn’t so close to the truth. This elderly man says, “I’ve sure gotten old! I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes, I’m half blind, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92 but, thank God, I STILL HAVE MY DRIVER’S LICENSE.” He went on to say, “These days about half of the stuff in my shopping cart says, ‘For fast relief’.”
And in conclusion, everyone in our Lions Club claps when a member says this, I have been going to the fitness center lately and I relate to this woman when she says, “I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.”
But, back to the important subject at hand. Have you thought any more about your final requests? I have and decided that I just want the Lord to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Without sounding mushy, that is really what life is all about. To God be the glory.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 690 - FOUL MOUTH - POOR VOCABULARY

No. 690

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FOUL MOUTH -- POOR VOCABULARY

Some time back I received a letter from a reader by the name of Myrta, who ascribed powers to me that I don’t possess. One of the things she said that may not mean anything to you, really made me feel humble. She said, “I have read many of your articles and have been inspired many times. While reading them, I have come to the belief that you are a moral, honest, caring man.” Myrta goes on to say, “I have a very deep concern for the morals of our children and anyone else who may be offended by the use of less than desirable language on, at present, ESPN TV.” She adds that I may be able to do something about this sad state of affairs.
If I could wave a magic wand and stop the profanity and other filthy language that we see and hear, not only on ESPN, but all other television and radio programs, I would certainly do it. Of course I don’t have this magic power and have never professed to have anything remotely close to it. The reason most people have a foul mouth is because they have a poor vocabulary. They feel they cannot express themselves in a forceful way without four-letter words working their way into the dialogue. This is especially true when it comes to leadership, because our nation’s youth are looking for someone who will take a stand for decency and good character.
The truth is, when it comes to athletics, there are millions of people across America who are really offended when they hear television commentators and coaches use four-letter words, but love the games so much they are willing to tolerate them. A while back, during a college football game telecast, I heard Brent Musburger use profanity. Brent has been on the scene for years and works for both ESPN and ABC Sports Television. He is a good man, but apparently does not realize what his example means to young people who are watching the game. In the old days you would never hear broadcasters like Curt Gowdy, Red Barber, Chris Schenkel or Jim McKay use four-letter words. The reason is because these men had class.
As already mentioned, it’s not just the broadcasters, but some coaches as well, especially during sideline or after the game interviews. I have heard both Alabama Coach Nick Saban and Florida Coach Urban Meyer use four-letter words. During one telecast they featured Nick Saban doing a radio interview and the station had to bleep him. This man works for a state-supported university and is responsible not only to the university for his character traits, but also the taxpayers of the state who are paying at least a portion of his salary. I guess now that Meyer has resigned,it is a moot point. While it will probably never happen, these coaches, as well as other foul-mouthed coaches across the nation, owe the American people an apology.
After this past presidential election we are seeing many changes in our federal government and there seems to be a renewed sense of optimism and hope that we will begin to turn things around and return to the values that made us a great nation. To my way of thinking, we also need a new day in America, not only in government and politics, but in every area of our society. We need to return to personal responsibility, integrity, character and leadership that will establish a good example for our young people. They are America’s future.
Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference. One thing we can all do is work to clean up our language, A foul or filthy mouth just bespeaks of the poor character that has come to personify far too many of our citizens. Well Myrta, I have given it my best shot because I believe what you have said is true. Maybe other Americans who do have the power will take up our cause.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 691 - WE ARE ON A MISSION

No. 691

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WE ARE ON A MISSION

“I was so embarrassed, so ashamed, and I just felt like, man, I’m a nobody!” This is a quote from 52-year-old John Jones, who lives in Buffalo, N.Y., and is now learning to read for the first time in his life. His daughters Ayesha and Latisha Jones need to take a break from their homework to help their dad. This man is just one of 65,000 adults in this city who cannot read above the fifth-grade level. This story was reported on CBS News a while back and, according to a recent study, the problem is getting worse in many states. The adult literacy problem in America is well documented and this is literally crippling our nation.
The sad thing is that all of these adults were children at one time, and the vast majority should have leaned basic reading and language skills earlier in life. There are programs in place in every state in our nation to help adults learn to read and preschool education is gaining momentum, but the children who are most at-risk are those being reared in low-income families. The majority of these families do not own any books and up to 70 percent of these children are in single-parent homes where they get little, if any, help before they enter school. This is one of the main reasons four of every 10 students in American schools do not graduate.
If you have read my column very often you know that back in 2005 we started a unique literacy project here in our community called a “Bookcase for Every Child.” Here is our Mission Statement: “We are committed to help the millions of young children in America without access to good books by providing a quality, personalized bookcase, along with a starter set of books AND by reading to children at local Head Start Centers and other programs with similar objectives. We also want to encourage parents to read to their children at home and to limit violence and other harmful influences across the American landscape.”
Our copyrighted project is carried out with all volunteers and uses no tax money or grants of any kind. We have all come together, as a community, in the spirit of “giving back” to focus on the need for greater literacy and to give these children a better opportunity for personal success. With the exception of present company, the real strength of this project can be found in the 14-member Conway Bookcase Project Committee. We have fantastic people who represent every area of our community. This is a community-wide project, as illiteracy affects every person and we must have everyone’s help to improve it.
On behalf of our committee, this is a special column, because I would like to announce that our new Web site www.bookcaseforeverychild.com is now online. Everything we have learned over the past four years in developing a successful bookcase project can be found here, from beginning to end. If there are children in low-income families in your community who can be helped by a bookcase project, we would like to partner with you by providing the information on our Web site and having some of our key people available to assist you as you develop your own successful project.
After reading and studying the Web site, the first step is to invite the following key people to be on your central committee. You should have: 1. Retired Executive – Leader. 2. Head Start Director. 3. Librarian. 4. Retired Legislator. 5. Newspaper Publisher. 6. Retired Reading Teacher. 7. Master Craftsman. 8. One Representative from each Civic Club. 9. Business Leader. 10. Banker – Treasurer. We are on a mission and hope you will join us. Please let us hear from you.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To support literacy, buy his book: “Learning, Earning & Giving Back.”)

No. 724 - THE SCRUNCH BOTTLE BIB

No. 724

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SCRUNCH BOTTLE BIB

Most Americans, at least older Americans, will know the name of Thomas Alva Edison. He was born in 1847 and was one of the greatest inventors in the history of our country. He has 1,093 inventions to his credit, the most famous being the incandescent light bulb. This earned him the reputation of being “The Wizard of Menlo Park” and I have used one of his quotations many times, “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”
This came to mind the other day when I received a press release from a young woman who had recently graduated with double honors from Michigan State University. Her name is also Edison and she is also an inventor.
Jennifer Edison, inventor of the Scrunch Bottle Bib and founder of Wee Baby Inc., at only 28 years old is an aunt of four and the first proclaimed “auntie inventor” to join the “mom inventor” revolution. She graduated from college with a bachelor of arts in marketing with dreams of starting her own business. After graduating college she pursued a career in music as a singer and songwriter, but decided to change course and start a fashion company as a designer, and instead she stumbled into the juvenile products industry.
This new inventor said, “I never thought I would invent a baby product, it’s just not something that ever crossed my mind, so when people find out that I don’t have any kids they always look surprised.” It all came about when her first niece was born and she realized that bottle-feeding was more of a hassle than she ever knew. “My niece would spill what seemed like half of the bottle out of her mouth and into her neck which would lead to her smelling sour or her getting a rash.”
Jennifer goes on to say, “I would have to try and scrunch a paper towel, or a cotton diaper, around the baby’s chin or hold a bib up to her chin. It was a balancing game between holding the bottle and wresting with the bib or paper towel. I knew I had to do something to make this easier, I couldn’t imagine having to do this every day.” When her sister had her next child she was reminded of how much of a chore bottle-feeding was for babies that were big spillers, and that led Jennifer on a hunt to find a product that would solve the problem.
When her searching turned up zero results she decided to make something to solve the problem herself. “When I made the first prototype and gave it to my sister, she didn’t want to give it back and that’s when I knew that I had a product that other moms and dads would find useful.” Here are the benefits of this useful product that are listed on her promotional piece: 1. No more sour necks. 2. No more rashes. 3. One size fits all bottles. 4. Machine washable. 5. Reversible for double usage. 6. 100 percent cotton.
Here is why I decided to do this column. First and foremost, I believe it’s a useful product that any new parent can use to make life a little easier and the cost is very reasonable. Next, I also admire anyone who will go out on the limb to start a new business, especially these days, and join the ranks of the entrepreneur. I am sure you know that most of the large companies in America today started out in someone’s basement or garage. It does not hurt that her last name is Edison and I am pulling for her to live up to her namesake.
In addition to being practical, the Scrunch Bottle Bib makes a great gift for family and friends. Purchase online at www.ScrunchBottleBib.com. Jennifer’s company, Wee Baby Inc., is based in Novi, Mich.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 725 - DO YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE HEART?

No. 725

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DO YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE HEART?

Here is a question that I believe strikes at the very core of our being. Do you have a sensitive heart? Sadly, a lot of people don’t and the lives of many of those they touch are left clinging to the side of a shipwreck in their wake. You may have heard the saying, “She’s a hard-hearted Hannah.” I am especially sensitive to this saying because I have a beautiful granddaughter whose name is Hannah.
Do you know where that saying comes from? If you don’t, here is the answer. “A Hard Hearted Hannah (The Vamp of Savannah)” is a popular song from Tim Pan Alley. The lyrics include, “She’s a hard hearted Hannah, the vamp of Savannah, the meanest gal in town. Leather is tough but Hannah’s heart is tougher.” To be sure, Hannah was a gal who loved to see men suffer.
As one who always tries to have a sensitive spirit and a sensitive heart, the real question for me becomes, why? Why are so many people hard-hearted while others around them are so sensitive, loving and kind, toward other people? There are many possible answers to this perplexing question, but it basically comes down to the way we are reared and what we were taught. If our parents or caretakers were kind and loving, and expressed genuine concern for others, the odds are very good that we will turn out the same way. On the other hand, if our parents were meaner than a snake and never had anything good or kind to say about others, and never went out of their way to help others, the odds are good we will turn out the same way.
While you may not share my personal spiritual convictions, my heart changed when I truly came to understand that God loved me, in spite of my sins, and that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for me on a cross almost 2,000 years ago. If only those who are hard-hearted could experience this life-changing experience, I believe they would see the world and all of its beauty in a completely different light.
Nancy Mitchell is a friend of mine who has been a special education teacher for more than 31 years. She recently told me this story. “The students I taught were usually from very poor families. I rarely ever got gifts at Christmas. Other teachers would load up their cars with boxes full of gifts following the annual class parties. One year even the PTA forgot to give me a flower when all of the teachers were recognized for a special occasion, perhaps Teacher Appreciation Day or Valentine’s Day.
“Several years ago, I was assigned to help with a foreign language bingo during a field day at school. We were set up in the music teacher’s room. The music teacher had just put on a program the day before and had been given a bouquet of flowers (as was the custom) and they were sitting on her desk. There were also plaques of appreciation hanging on her walls. I began to feel sorry for myself, as one would naturally do when always feeling under noticed and unappreciated. I thought to myself, ‘I never get flowers or recognition for what I do!’
“The very next day, one of my students, a beautiful autistic boy, came running down the hall calling my name. ‘Mrs. Mitchell, I bought these for you!’ His mother was close behind. She said they had gone to Kroger to pick something up from the store and he saw the floral department, he insisted on buying a bouquet of flowers for me! In my heart, it was as if the Lord was saying, ‘I see what you do. Your reward comes from Me’.”
A sensitive heart always seeks the greater good in and for others.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 726 - WHO I AM MAKES A DIFFERENCE

No. 726

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHO I AM MAKES A DIFFERENCE

If you ever get to thinking that you are not very important, I want to tell you a true story that could change your mind. This story was sent to me by Gerald Feezor, a reader who has encouraged me to share it. This story really touched me and I hope it makes a difference in your life today and also to those with whom you share it.
The story begins, “A teacher in New York decided to honor each of her seniors by telling them the difference each of them had made. She called each student to the front of the class, one at a time. First, she told each of them how they had made a difference to her, and the class. Then she presented each of them with a blue ribbon, imprinted with gold letters, which read, ‘Who I Am Makes A Difference’.
“Afterwards the teacher decided to do a class project, to see what kind of impact recognition would have on a community. She gave each student three more ribbons, and instructed them to go out and spread this acknowledgment ceremony. Then they were to follow up on the results, see who honored whom, and report to the class in about a week. One of the boys went to a junior executive in a nearby company, and honored him for helping him with his career planning. He gave him a blue ribbon, and put it on his shirt. Then he gave him two extra ribbons and said, ‘We’re doing a class project on recognition, and we would like for you to go out, find someone to honor, and give them a blue ribbon’.
“Later that day, the junior executive went in to see his boss, who has a reputation of being kind of a grouchy fellow. He told him that he deeply admired him for being a creative genius. The boss seemed very surprised. The junior executive asked him if he would accept the gift of the blue ribbon, and asked him for permission to put it on him. His boss said, ‘Well, sure’. The junior executive took one of the blue ribbons and placed it right on his boss’s jacket, above his heart. And then he asked, offering him the last ribbon, ‘Would you take this extra ribbon, and pass it on by honoring somebody else? The teenager who gave me these is doing a school project, and we want to keep this ribbon ceremony going and see how it affects people’.
“That night the boss came home and sat down with his 14-year-old son. He said, ‘The most incredible thing happened to me today. I was in my office, and one of my employees came in and told me he admired me, and gave me a blue ribbon for being a creative genius. Imagine! He thinks I am a creative genius! Then he put a blue ribbon on me that says, ‘Who I Am Makes A Difference’. He gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to find somebody else to honor. As I was driving home tonight, I started thinking about who I would honor with this ribbon, and I thought about you. I want to honor you.
“My days are hectic and when I come home, I don’t pay a lot of attention to you. I yell at you for not getting good enough grades and for your messy bedroom. Somehow, tonight, I just wanted to sit here and, well, just let you know that you do make a difference to me. Besides your mother, you are the most important person in my life. You’re a great kid, and I love you!’
“The startled boy started to sob and sob, and he couldn’t stop crying. His whole body shook. He looked at his father and said through his tears, ‘Dad, earlier tonight I sat in my room and wrote a letter to you and Mom, explaining why I took my own life, and I asked you to forgive me. I didn’t think you cared at all’. The dad was a changed man.”
Who do you care about? Tell them! Who we are DOES make a difference.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 727 - SOME LESSONS LIFE TAUGHT HER !

No. 727

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SOME LESSONS LIFE TAUGHT HER!

In case you have not noticed, most of the news these days is negative. Of course that is the reason it is news. I’m told that the “GRIT” went out of business because all they printed was good news. If you follow national and world news very carefully it will drive you to drink, and for many people the trip would not take too long.
One of the things I have tried to do since starting my column back in 1995 is to bring a little positive news or at least something positive to think about. A good deal of the material that I share here is not original, and I don’t make any claim to that effect, but I do spend a good deal of time searching out the kind of information that I believe would be a blessing to you.
Such is the case for something Paul Fleming, who lives in Marion, Ill., sent me a while back. It’s titled, “The 45 Lessons Life Taught Me” and was written by Regina Brett, 90-year-old writer for “The Plain Dealer” in Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. Brett says it was the most-requested column that she had ever written. For your enjoyment, here are those 45 lessons, or at least as many as I have space for.
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so you won’t screw up the present. 12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘in five years, will this matter?’ 27. Always choose the import of life’s experiences.
28. Forgive everyone everything. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do. 35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 41. Envy is a waste of time.You already have all you need. 44. Yield.
Well, that’s all my space. I’d say Regina did good. Hope you enjoyed it.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 728 - COULD THIS BE YOUR COMMUNITY?

No. 728

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
COULD THIS BE YOUR COMMUNITY?

Some of the most rewarding days of my life took place in the 1970s, when I was working as a businessman consultant with the nation’s public schools, mostly in my home state of Arkansas. During the month of August when schools were getting ready to start the fall term, they would hold what were called pre-school workshops as administrators and teachers would come back together after the summer break, to bone-up on changes in legislation, new programs and concepts that needed to be common knowledge. One of the things they all wanted was a positive attitude as they prepared to greet the students who were coming to learn various subjects and skills that would prepare them for a successful career and life.
Because this was my career calling, I would be retained to speak to the entire faculty and provide that “shot-in-the-arm” to help them refocus and be reminded of the tremendous potential they had to make a difference in the lives of each and every student who attended their school. One year I recall speaking to the K-12 faculty of a large district in our state and there were almost 400 administrators and teachers in attendance. I noted the make up of my audience was approximately 40 percent Caucasian and 60 percent African-American, and the student body was reflective of this mix as well. There seemed to be harmony among the staff and the city had a thriving economy with good paying jobs in both the business and industrial sectors.
In the intervening years, something happened. This is a sad story that has caused this school district and this community to suffer more than any other community in our state. I could beat around the bush all day, but the reason is something called “White Flight,” as almost 200 white students have left this school district each year and a total of 2,000 over the past decade. The bottom line is that this impacts revenue as state funding follows the child. This situation has resulted in fewer teachers being hired, fewer meals being served, fewer buses running and fewer buildings being operated. The whole community is impacted in a negative way.
The real question is: “Why are white parents moving their children to private schools, other schools in the area, or to other school districts?” There are many factors at work here, but the real reason is something we call “A Quality Education,” as parents of any race want the very best education for their children. You can believe me when I tell you that my heart hurts for this school and this community. While it’s a long-term solution, the real answer is literacy, because this is where education and good schools begin. A child cannot learn if he or she cannot read.
This is why our “Bookcase for Every Child” project is so important and why I am devoting most of my time and resources to getting projects started here in my state and all across America. As I have said many times before, if you want to really impact a child’s life, when they are 3, 4 or 5 years of age, the earlier the better, give them a personalized bookcase, a starter set of books and read to them as much as humanly possible. The children from low-income homes are the ones who later drop out of school, because parents have few books for them to read and many of the parents can’t read either.
I won’t tell you the name of the community and school district that I have been describing because, regardless of where you live, I just want you to ask yourself this question, “Could this be my community, if not now, down the road a few years?” We must all work together to improve literacy for the sake of our children and our nation.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 729 - WHY STUDENTS DROP-OUT OF SCHOOL

No. 729

The next password is Zenia

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHY STUDENTS DROP-OUT OF SCHOOL

We hear a lot these days about school drop-outs and what causes this to happen to so many students. In some parts of our nation the number is as high as four of every 10 students who start in Kindergarten but never walk down the aisle to get a high school diploma. There are also a vast number of students who walk across the stage to the familiar refrain of “Pomp & Circumstances” but who cannot read the diploma they are given. The answer to this dilemma may be a lot simpler than many people realize. The key to reading, learning and success in school largely depends on the student’s vocabulary, especially in the early years of a child’s life.
Sometime back, researchers in a major university took a graduating class, gave them an English vocabulary test and then tracked them for 20 years. Strange as it may seem, those who knew the definitions of the most words were in the highest income group 20 years later. The researchers discovered that the people who in the beginning had the worst vocabulary scores were in the lowest income group 20 years later. There wasn’t a single exception. Does that strike you as utterly astounding?
Here it’s important to note that the students in this study were college graduates. How about the millions of students who graduate from high school but never enter college? Now let’s go a little lower on the scale. How about the millions of students who drop out of high school and do not graduate, on merit or as a social promotion? If this person happens to be your child or grandchild, do you have any idea what kind of life they will have in our society today as a high school drop-out? In the majority of cases, high school drop-outs face a life of much lower income, even if they can find a job, and this leads to all kinds of problems for society. To say it very simply, we are all affected by the vast number of high school drop-outs whether we know it or not, or whether we like it or not.
As I have said so often in this column, the children who are at the greatest risk are those who are being reared in low-income homes. For the most part, these children do not grow up with books to read or parents who read to them. (Of course, many parents can’t read, and this is generational.) This is the essence of why many of them will later drop out of school, and we are all the losers when they do. The best time to reach these children and start them on the road to reading and developing a good vocabulary is when they are 3, 4 and 5 years of age. This is why our “Bookcase for Every Child” targets these special children. We want to give them hope and the tools to succeed, and help them stay in school until they graduate, at least from high school.
You may ask, “What can I do to make a difference?” You can help start a “Bookcase for Every Child” project in your community. We started this project here in Conway in 2005 and we don’t use any tax money or grants of any kind. We have an annual Bookcase Literacy Banquet to raise the funds to build quality personalized bookcases. We have given 250 so far. We also take a small portion of the proceeds to give to other communities as “seed” money to help start their own project. When other projects are up and going, they do the same thing and, in time, this project can and will spread all across the country. No one associated with our project personally earns a penny. It’s all about giving back. If you are willing and interested in helping to start a project, go to our Web site listed below. Just drop me a note.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is Zenia

No. 703 - CHANGING THE FACE OF LITERACY IN AMERICA!

No. 703

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

CHANGING THE FACE OF LITERACY IN AMERICA!

When we began our Conway Bookcase Project back in 2005, several of us asked God to bless it. We should not be surprised when He does, right? After several years of hard work we are now beginning to feel like we are changing the face of literacy in America. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. What we are doing is changing the focus of large sums of money and replacing it with a sense of “ownership” by the good people here in our community and then spreading the concept to other communities all across the nation. Our focus is on parents and what is taking place regarding literacy in the home, and should not be confused with our nation’s schools and the good job many of them are doing to educate our children.
When our nation’s children first get to the school house door, we want them to have a good foundation for language and reading and a zeal for learning that only comes when parents purchase books, and then take the time and make the effort to read to and with them on a regular basis. Many parents already do this and are to be highly commended, but many others don’t read to their children for a myriad of reasons. In many cases these parents can’t read themselves, because more than 44 million adults in our nation are functionally illiterate and 32 million of these cannot read a simple sentence. In time, we plan to be part of a movement to change this.
One of the real problems that we must first overcome is awareness. The majority of us are literate -- that’s the skill you are using right now to read this column. Most of our daily contact is with others who are literate, and we don’t see the large subculture of people (more than 20 percent) who can’t read and miss the real opportunity for true success. My daughter and her husband own and operate a Pawn Shop in another community. She tells me that during the course of a day she has to fill out paperwork for countless individuals who can’t read or write.
The purpose of our bookcase project is two fold. First, we are building personalized bookcases and giving them to children in low-income families, along with a starter set of good “gently used” children’s books. We also have volunteers who read to these children each week at our local Head Start Centers. These children are those most at-risk and the ones we want to focus on, because they really need our help.
Our next objective is to create awareness with every citizen in our community about the need for literacy and personally involve as many of them as possible. We accomplish this by holding an annual “Bookcase Literacy Banquet” and inviting every person to attend. To this point we have probably had between 2,000 and 3,000 directly involved in one way or another, either giving books, reading to children, building bookcases, helping to plan and carry out the banquet and our annual awards ceremony. Our music is “family friendly” and we will change the style each year to attract more and more people to the cause of literacy.
One of the unexpected blessings is the support we have received from our local public officials. We don’t need or want public money, but we do want and need their support. Our state representatives, state senator and county judge have attended most all of our functions. The governor has also given our committee a proclamation designating “Bookcase Literacy Week.” Recently we met with him and he agreed to send a letter to every governor in America asking them to get involved. This all takes time, but we are changing the face of literacy in America.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 704 - THE BENEFITS OF A GRACE WHIPPING!

No. 704

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BENEFITS OF A GRACE WHIPPING!

Have you ever had a grace whipping? When we were children, most of us have had a whipping or two at one time or another. Some of us have had more than others. Of course, many people don’t believe in whippings at all, but that is another story for another time. Several weeks ago our pastor told a very humorous story about his young granddaughter. It seems she was in a room with several other children and some adults were talking about various forms of discipline. The adults mentioned several methods such as having time out, taking away privileges and going to stand in the corner. After a bit, our pastor’s granddaughter said, “We don’t have no corners at our house, just whuppings.” Out of the mouth of babes.
While a physical whipping can hurt for a little while, a grace whipping can hurt much longer and, as you will soon see, have a positive, cleansing and redeeming effect. Several months ago we had an African-American pastor come to our church for a “Day of Preaching” and our pastor gave him his Sunday school teaching hour, plus both the morning and evening worship services. You just know that a preacher really has to be special for my pastor to give up his pulpit for a whole day. This visiting preacher’s name was Dr. Robert Smith, professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.
Without a doubt, Dr. Smith is one of the very best preachers I have heard in my entire life. He told the story about one Christmas morning when he was 11 years of age and he had requested and received a 10-speed English Racer bicycle. His brother was 7 years of age, but he was a tough 7, and he got a Huffy manual bicycle. That Christmas morning before Robert could get on his new English 10 speed, his brother got on it and they had a little tussle or a fight. After a bit his mother came out on the porch and said, “Ah-Ha.” They stopped fighting and they just knew she was going to say, “Go and select your switch and make it a good one.”
But she did not do that. Rather she said, “Hit him little Robert, (his father was Robert Sr., so he was little Robert,) hit him Jimbo, that was Woolly, his brother. Hit him some more. If you don’t fight, I am going to tear both of you up.” Strange! After a while blood started coming out of both of their noses and their eyes were red and finally she stopped them. At this point, she said, with tears in her eyes, “Today you have broken my heart. I risked my life giving birth to both of you when you were born. When I didn’t have money to catch the bus to go to work, I made sure you had a ride. When I didn’t have any money to buy lunch, I made sure you had something to eat. When I had holes in my clothes, I made sure yours didn’t, because I knew your friends would make fun of you.”
All she was doing was just rolling back the curtain showing them how much she loved them and how good she had been to both of them. Finally both boys said, “Mother, whip us, please whip us, whip us.” But grace was whipping them. It would have been much easier to have received a belt whipping than a grace whipping. Robert went on to say, “You know something, after this incident, we never hit each other again. It was not that we were afraid of the belt, but rather we just knew how much she loved us and how good she had been to us.”
Now, back to my question, have you ever had a grace whipping? Grace means unmerited favor or getting something of value that we don’t deserve. From my heart I can tell you this. There is nothing on earth like the grace of God.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 705 - THE TAIL WAGGING THE DOG

No. 705

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE TAIL WAGGING THE DOG

If you were to ask a thousand people the question, “When it comes to the success of an individual and the success of our nation, which is more important, literacy or sports?,” you would find, as I have, that about 99 percent will say literacy.
This is just common sense, because most people will answer from an intellectual perspective and not from an emotional perspective, which is to say, what we think and not how we feel. What I am going to say during the course of this column is certainly not meant to be an attack on sports or anyone connected with sports, but rather some insights that may help us improve literacy in our country. I just read an article in Newsweek titled, “Illiterate America … 44 million American men and women are functionally illiterate.” So, we do need positive help and encouragement from everyone.
We lag behind many countries in the world in this important educational benchmark, and I believe you will agree that we must work together to improve reading and literacy if we are to remain competitive in the highly technological world in which we live. The human mind is a powerful thing. It can provide us, in just a few seconds of inspiration, more insights into the solution of a problem than we can come up with in several hours of concentrated study.
Such was the case for me early one morning while I was lying in bed when I couldn’t sleep and had a basketball game on cable television. This was during the time of the annual “March Madness,” when college teams are playing championship games to determine who is going to be in the NCAA Tournament. As with many games, this one ended with a last-second shot at the buzzer and the winner had punched their ticket to the “Big Dance” that we hear so much about.
It’s what happened the second the game was over that gave me the insights I mentioned earlier. The fans for the winning team stormed the court and bedlam broke out that lasted for several minutes, until emotions subsided and they could clear the court. As I lay there in bed, thinking about the scene that had just unfolded before me, almost like a bolt of lightning it hit me. We have a tremendous literacy problem in our nation. Could it be that the proliferation of sports is one of the reasons? The late Earl Nightingale said “We become what we think about” and the next game and winning is what millions of Americans are thinking about. There is also the factor or short-term profit versus long-term gain and literacy is long-term.
What winning does is what I call, “Short-Term Euphoria.” According to the dictionary this means, “A feeling of well being; especially, in psychology, an abnormal feeling of buoyant vigor and health.” There is no doubt about it -- when we win we get excited. The bigger the stakes or the odds, the more excited we get. It makes us feel good to win, whether we are a participant or a fan. This desire to win and feel good starts for many children almost from the time they can walk; witness T-ball, Buddy League, Pee Wee League, Little League and then it really gets serious when a child gets to school and the sports activity gets more intense.
Now contrast this with reading and literacy, vital skills that last us a lifetime and help us achieve success. For every game, match, or contest in sports, there is a payoff, and you know instantly who won and who lost. There is not the same feeling of excitement when we learn to read. This takes slow, often pain-staking time, and then the external rewards are few. We can have both sports and literacy, but literacy is more important and must come first. What has happened in America is that we now have the tail wagging the dog.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 706 - GRANDMOTHER KNOWS BEST

No. 706

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

GRANDMOTHER KNOWS BEST

Along about 1956, the year I graduated from high school, there was a popular television program called, “Father Knows Best” starring Robert Young and Jane Wyatt. While that was a long time ago, I still remember the program and how good I felt after watching it. There were many good programs like that around in those days, but they have been replaced with something that is much more “modern” for the younger generation. While change is inevitable, it’s not always good and I have something to share with you today that will be a benefit for any generation. You don’t have to be a Rhodes Scholar to realize what has happened to the entertainment industry over the past several decades and what they have done to corrupt the morals and values of America’s children. Those kids are now on Wall Street and elsewhere.
Many of the ideas for my columns come from readers, and I got a letter a while back from a grandmother who lives in Sturgis, Mich. She made some suggestions that I believe have tremendous merit and, for what they are worth, I would like to share them with you. To give you a little context, allow me to give you a portion of her letter. She says, “I do wish we could start some sort of movement to have good movies released again so the grandmothers of today who care about their grandchildren could purchase them for Christmas and birthday gifts.
“ Pushing and shoving and yelling mean words only encourage this type of behavior to continue in schools, and then it balloons and that’s why teachers and school bus drivers have problems and bullies develop. I volunteered at school to help third graders who needed extra attention learn to read. There were always kids who had rough home lives. With a little extra caring, attention and kindness they changed and learned and were eager to learn more.” At this point, you may be thinking the same thing I am thinking. Having our children watching untold hours of violence, crude language and unwholesome content is a price that is too much to pay by our nation’s children.
Here is what this Sturgis, Mich., grandmother had in mind. Since technology is what it is, why couldn’t some enterprising company produce clean, wholesome family type television shows, movies, cartoons and other programs that would be good for young children and be available to rent or purchase? Then, instead of turning on the television, parents can just pop one of these good DVDs or videos into a player for their children to watch rather than taking “pot luck” produced by those who could care less about our children or their futures?
Just for fun, a while back I asked a number of friends to join me by giving the names of all the good television shows, cartoons and movies they could think of off the top of their head, without going to the internet, books or other sources. This would mean their selections made an impression on them to the degree they still remembered them. Here is a list of those we came up with. I am sure you can add more.
Black Beauty, Lil Abner, Howdy Doody, Dennis the Menace, Bambi, Dumbo, The Mouseketeers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Deputy Dog, Leave it to Beaver, The Yearling, Lassie, Shirley Temple, The Little Rascals, Bugs Bunny, Dagwood & Blondie, Heidi, Benji, Sounder, Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Ma & Pa Kettle, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tarzan, National Velvet, Tom Thumb & The Red Pony.
Here is a case where “Grandmother Knows Best.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 707 - WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE?

No. 707

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE?

It’s often been said, and rightfully so, that if you are free, thank a soldier, and if you can read, thank a teacher. To be sure, teachers have a very important role in our society and, to a very large degree, the past, present and future success of our nation has been and is entrusted to them. While I am a very strong believer in parents reading to their children in the home, especially when they are very young, they will ultimately be handed off to these wonderful people we call teachers. We should all remind teachers how very important they are and they should also remind themselves.
A while back a very thoughtful reader sent me something that really speaks to what I am saying. This piece begins, “The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, ‘What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?’ He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: ‘Those who can, do…. and those who can’t, teach.’ To emphasize his point he said to another guest; ‘You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?’”
“Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, ‘You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began…) Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time and their parents can’t make them sit for five without an I-Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make. (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
“I make kinds wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn’t everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.’
“She continued, ‘I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.’ (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) ‘Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing that money isn’t everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention, because they are ignorant. … You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE, What do you make Mr. CEO?’ His jaw dropped, he went silent.”
Well, how about that? I would say that Bonnie set the record straight, wouldn’t you? As I read over this piece a couple of times, written by former teacher turned writer, Taylor Mali, I realized that this teacher “Bonnie” really epitomized what a real, dedicated, teacher should be. As an American, I am proud to say that we have millions of fine teachers just like her. While some teachers may have missed their calling, as we move forward we need the best and brightest people to become teachers, and teach our children, because they are truly our greatest resource.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 708 - YOU CAN'T BUY EXPERIENCE

No. 708

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOU CAN’T BUY EXPERIENCE

There are a lot of things in this world that money can buy, but experience is not one of them. It’s only after the fact that we can say, “been there, done that.” Someone once said that experience is what you’ve got when you are too old to get a job.
That is what I thought of a while back when a friend made an unusual request of me. It seems one of his nephews has a friend who is about to graduate from college and he wanted me to talk with him about his career choices and what it takes to succeed in life. Of course I am always happy to visit with anyone, especially a young person if there is a chance I can share something useful and help point them in the right direction.
To be sure, we can buy or pay for an education, and these days it’s gotten awfully expensive in some quarters, but experience, that’s a different story. We have to actually be there, participate and apply what we have learned to gain experience. It’s our responsibility to make sure we are getting the right kind of experience to have the best chance for success, something we all desire. Here, I am reminded of the man who put on his resume that he had 15 years’ experience in his particular line of work. It turns out that he didn’t have 15 years’ experience, but he had one year experience repeated 15 times.
At this point it might be good to pause and define experience to make sure we are on the same page. The dictionary says that experience is “knowledge or skill derived from actual participation or training.” Again, we actually have to be there in person to gain the experience we desire and. in due time, produce a satisfying result. For the time you are investing in reading this column to be meaningful, it’s necessary to ask you some basic questions. Keep in mind that nothing I say or ask is meant to be disrespectful or too personal.
Are you satisfied with the total experiences you have gained thus far? Are they producing the kind of results you want? What would you change if you had the chance to do it all over? Of course these are questions only you can answer. I find that a lot of people operate on the theory that there is never enough time to do it right, but there is always enough time to do it over. One of the keys to personal success is to do our very best to do it right the first time, otherwise we are wasting some valuable time, and in many cases this will lead to frustration and failure.
As I thought about this column, I came up with several careers or jobs where it’s important to have the right kind of experience, and lots of it. I would want my heart surgeon, or any surgeon for that matter, to have plenty of experience. Same for the pilot flying the airplane I am on, and my favorite is parachute packers. No room for inexperience here. Of course, these are life and death issues and this is where we want those involved to have the most and best experience. Again, you can’t buy this kind of experience, you must gain it though years of study, practice and training.
When it comes to starting out in life, like the young man graduating from college I mentioned earlier, here are four things I would recommend to anyone who wants to gain the right kind of experience. No. 1 – Pay attention to detail, as this is where most failures occur. It’s doing the little things right that makes the difference. No. 2 – Don’t take short cuts. Short cuts often produce short-term success, but long-term failure. No. 3 – Develop the right temperament. Don’t run hot and then cold. Remember the turtle and the hare. No. 4 – Don’t quit too soon.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 709 - A STORY OF 536 COOKIE JARS!

No. 709

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A STORY OF 536 COOKIE JARS!

When it comes to politicians, especially members of Congress, taking care of our money, do you ever feel like we have the fox guarding the hen house? It’s a proven fact that the greatest instinct we humans have is something called survival. Our national politicians will go to almost any length to stay in office. In a few cases, and for some members, this may be a good thing, but for the most part it’s bad for the American people. The greatest tool they have to remain in office is something called ear-marks, or another word, “pork,” which is to say, getting all they can for the voters back home who elected them. Many members of Congress do this consistently each term, regardless of the long-term consequences for our nation.
To survive or stay in office by using pork is just human nature and it explains why, in most cases, we think our elected members of Congress are doing a good job and we send them back, in some cases until they die. As I thought about the financial dilemma facing our nation today, I came up with a creative idea that may have some real merit. I’m calling this idea the “Story of 536 Cookie Jars.” The meaning or use of a cookie jar goes far beyond just a place to keep cookies, as it applies to our society. If someone is caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, this person is caught doing something wrong. None of us is without sin, but just recently how many members of Congress have been caught with their hand in the cookie jar? A bunch!!
It’s been a good while since I have had a call from the White House or a member of Congress asking for my opinion, or some suggestions on how to straighten out the country. However, I thought I would venture one suggestion anyway. In spite of the terrible state of our economy, and millions of people who are really hurting, here in Arkansas we have fared pretty well. Of course, you know the difference in a recession and a depression, don’t you? A recession is when you lose your job, or home, or stock portfolio, and a depression is when I lose mine.
One reason our state has fared pretty well is because we are one of several states that has a “balanced budget” amendment to our constitution. Our lawmakers can’t spend more than we take in or more than we have in reserve. That sounds pretty simple and by the way, down here in the heartland we can’t print money. At least we have not been caught at it.
What I am going to suggest is that our federal government have 536 cookie jars, one much larger than the others. In the large jar you have all the money in the federal budget that provides for national defense, entitlements, education, health care, and all other services that are required to run the government. In the smaller cookie jars is the budget for each member of Congress, all 535 of them. Each member has a fixed amount to spend regardless of whether its for ear marks, salaries, travel expenses, employees, office expenses and the amount is the same regardless of where their district is located. Let them manage like we do at home.
Personally, I am infuriated when I hear about extravagance on the part of our elected officials, at any level, using taxpayer money. The people who take junkets (a junket is “A pleasure trip taken by a public official with all expenses paid from public funds,”) are totally irresponsible.
Here is the essence of my cookie jar idea. The money that is spent on junkets or anything else for their own pleasure would come from their members’ own budget. This would mean that money spent in this way would result in that much less being spent on projects that would benefit the voters back home. Beleive me, you would see a much different attitude on the part of voters, if their member of congress was spening their money. You just can't have the fox guarding the hen house and that is what we have. Real accountability and integrity is sadly lacking in Congress these days!
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 710 - FREE ADVICE FROM A WISE ATTORNEY

No. 710

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

FREE ADVICE FROM A WISE ATTORNEY

When it comes to unethical, dishonest or even criminal behavior, my former business partner, the late Bob Gannaway, had a saying, “Do me wrong once, shame on you. Do me wrong twice, shame on me.” Bob was also an attorney but he hated the negative side of practicing law so he spent his time selling motivational materials and teaching self-improvement courses of one form or another. What he was saying, of course, is that we need to be a fast learner when it comes to other people taking advantage of us. Bob died about 15 years ago and he would literally turn over in his grave if he were around today to see what is happening in our society.
This is what I thought about the other day when a friend sent me something titled, “Attorney’s Advice – No Charge.” My advice, and I’m not an attorney, is to make a copy of this column and keep it in your files. When you read it, I believe you will agree that it could come in handy some day as we all look to an uncertain future. In the form of a list, a corporate attorney sent the following legal advice out to all the employees of his company. It begins:
No. 1 - “Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead put ‘Photo ID Required’.
“No. 2 - When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete ACCOUNT NUMBER on the “For” line. Instead, just put the LAST FOUR NUMBERS. This will keep anyone from all the processing channels having access to it.
“No. 3 – Put your work number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. You should NEVER have your Social Security number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary, but never have it printed. Anyone can get it.
“No. 4 – Put the contents of your wallet or purse on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all the account numbers and phone numbers so you can call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. This corporate attorney also says, ‘I also keep a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We have all heard the horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number and credit cards.’
“Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first-hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here’s some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know.
“No. 5 – You should cancel credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
“No. 6 – File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to the credit providers that you were diligent, and this is the first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
“No. 7 – Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security. fraud line number.”
This attorney goes on to say that by the time he was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, the damage had been done. It’s a sad state of affairs to know there are people lurking out there who are just plain crooks, so we should protect ourselves.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit

No. 711 - LET'S CHANGE OUR CULTURE!

No. 711

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

LET’S CHANGE OUR CULTURE!

Are you old enough to remember a day when parents would say to their children, “Before you go outside to play or go over to your friend’s house, you have to do your homework”? Of course, today most children are not going outside, they are stuck in the house on a computer or playing video games. As a result, we have far too many fat bodies and empty minds. I say this in love, because I truly care about our children and their futures. While you may disagree with what I am going to say today, I have some ideas that I truly believe will help to change our culture for the better. At this point you may say, “How do we go about changing our culture?”
Something happened this year during March Madness that has truly inspired me. As you may know, the Final Four for 2009 was played in Detroit, Mich., a city that has only a 30 percent graduation rate in their high schools. During this time, there was a feature about an African-American man and his wife by the name of Willie and Norma Johnson. They had come to Detroit from Morehouse Parish, La., back in the 1950s and had worked in the automotive industry and raised five children. When they were back in Louisiana there was a man by the name of Mr. Lucky, where Willie and his friends gathered to play basketball after school. As he said, “There were 15 to 20 kids and it was always serene.”
That concept stuck with this couple and, after talking to about 100 parents in their neighborhood, they paved about half of their front yard and built a basketball court where kids could come and play. However, Willie had rules and he posted them on a big sign for all to see. His rules were No Profanity, No Fighting and Keep Your Grades Up. Every semester they had to show him their report card. The kids who came to his court had to abide by his rules, or they could find another court. The great feature about Willie’s court is that it was safe, something that could not be said for most of the city parks which were infested with drugs and crime.
Willie said something during a half-time report on CBS Television that every parent in America needs to hear, understand and believe: “No kid was born bad.” The kids that become bad do so because of the role models they are around (those are my words, not his.) The bottom line is that Willie and Norma Johnson raised five great kids, and inspired and helped hundreds of Detroit youth to have a better life and a brighter future. The reason this was possible is because, though he was tough and enforced the rules, Willie loved these kids and they knew it.
What inspired me is that I realized that Willie had the answer to many of our nation’s social and even economic problems. While it’s not easy to change our culture, all we have to do is change our priorities. The only people in America who can do this are called parents. Kids can play athletics, talk on cell phones, text message, play video games and other activities, but these things have to be down the list of their priorities. In reality, we can change America for the better by putting reading, literacy and education back in first place.
Hopefully, especially if you are a parent or grandparent, you will give some serious thought to what I am saying. For any person to succeed in our society they must be able to read, and without acquiring a passion for reading and the skill to make it fun, they are going to be severely penalized. They will also penalize others, because they will not be a winner and a contributor, but rather a drain on society.
They tell me that about a half million people read this column each week and together we can begin a movement that will spread all across our nation.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 712 - THE SMARTEST WAY TO SAVE

No. 712

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE SMARTEST WAY TO SAVE

The late T.T. Munger (1830-1910) had this to say about saving, “The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.”
The other day I was talking with a young man who had been out of work for about three weeks and didn’t have a penny to his name. He said, “I have never been without a job for this long. I had some money saved but now it’s all gone.” My comment to this young man was, “You should have had at least enough money saved to last a year and not just three weeks.” His situation is what we call hand-to-mouth and he has plenty of company, as there are millions of people all across our nation in the same boat.
The sad thing for this young man is that before he can start to save money again he must first dig out of the hole he has placed himself in. We all want financial security, but in many cases have never been taught how to achieve it. Now I am a big believer that here in our country we can achieve and have most anything we really want, if we are willing to pay the price to achieve it, including financial security. Over the past few years we have seen massive layoffs due to our economy, and these are the people I really feel for because, in most cases, they also have a family to support.
The other day I responded to one of the many offers I receive for a free book, and this one turned out to be a fantastic resource for anyone to achieve financial security if they will just read it and apply even a small percentage of the hundreds of tips it provides. The title is “The Smartest Way to Save: Why You Can’t Hang on to Money and What to Do About It” by Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen. Both of the authors are eminently qualified to guide one through the maze of information that is out there.
Sam is a real estate developer, attorney, banker, and professor. He holds both an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Stanford Law School. Heidi is a journalist, editor and writer for the past 25 years – she has held positions at Apparel News Group and The Wall Street Journal where she received a Dow Jones Foundation fellowship. This book is simple and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting out of debt, staying out and getting on the path that leads to financial independence.
There are not only hundreds of tips in this book but it is chock full of e-mail addresses and other resources that provide additional information and services that one would need on their journey, and they are all right there at your fingertips. Obviously, in this column I can’t tell you everything that is in this book, but I would like to take just one chapter. Chapter 3 is titled “Get Free from Debt,” and I’ll give you the headings for the various tips it contains.
Here they are: Cleanse yourself from toxic debt; protect your credit rating; find a role model; ask someone to hold you accountable; the game of not spending money; become more introspective; make your financial life more manageable; understand the money machine (ATM); avoid debit cards; learn about “positive debt”; control your money consumption; keep a small wallet; get on a cash-and-carry basis; control your thinking; control your saving; and visualize your future.
Now that is just the offerings from one of 23 chapters in this book. You cannot read it all the way through without getting excited about your financial future. Visit Amazon.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 713 - NO OLD FAT PEOPLE

No. 713

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

NO OLD FAT PEOPLE

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has a book out titled, “Stop Digging Your Grave with a Knife and a Fork.” Now that’s pretty sage advice for any person who wants to be around for a while. In our society today we see a lot of old people and we also see a lot of fat people, but seldom do we see an old, fat person. That’s because fat people don’t get old, except in the rarest of cases. Like most things, obesity is a matter of degrees, and old age is also relative, especially in today’s times when centenarians (one who is 100 years old) are the fastest-growing age group.
The subject of health care is always on the front burner, as the American people spend billions of dollars each year. T to the miracle of modern-day medicine, we are living longer and, for the most part, enjoying it more. Due to the fact we process most of the fiber out of our food and have a sedentary lifestyle, we have become a nation of obese people -- no brag, just fact. We can tolerate obesity when we are younger, but old age brings problems that are either managed or fatal. You know that I am not a doctor and what I am going to say may surprise you, because I want to focus on the attitudes many of us have about fat people.
Again, everything is relative, and for the sake of discussion I would like to establish a set of criteria for your consideration. Let’s say a man is around 6 feet, 2 inches and a woman is around 5 feet, 6 inches, which is about normal for the average person you see on the street. I have broken obesity down into three categories for men, and you can mentally adjust it for women, No. 1 – Mildly Obese (200 to 250 pounds) No. 2 – Obese (250 to 350 pounds) and No. 3 -- Off The Charts (350 to 500 lbs).
When I got to thinking about this topic I went to the Internet and did some research and found this information that may be of value. It comes from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
When it comes to body fat, today’s older adults face a double whammy. Up until age 80, older adults not only gain fat as they age, but because of the obesity epidemic they actually begin their older years fatter. The result is an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and disability, according to Dr. Jingzhong Ding at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. Now research certainly helps us to gain and keep perspective, but it really comes down to each individual person.
Here is something that I consider even more valid when it comes to thinking about our future as we get older. It was a comment posted on the Internet by David Preiser, “I spent some time working in a nursing home in my youth and there were no big guys. The few men who were clearly overweight were certainly not obese, yet without exception they had either suffered a stroke, developed diabetes, got earlier dementia, experienced congestive heart failure earlier or were otherwise much more severely impaired than were the thin men.” To me that is the best test of all. We will get a better picture of our future when we visit a nursing home.
My attitude has changed tremendously over the years regarding those people who are off the charts. We should never ridicule or treat others with scorn just because they are fat, but should remember that what we see on the outside is not the person. It’s the real person inside that really matters, and because of many factors many cannot help their obesity. Just be kind to these people because they are carrying much more than just the fat.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 714 - YOUR SINS WILL FIND YOU OUT

No. 714

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

YOUR SINS WILL FIND YOU OUT

In any game, regardless of the sport, have you ever known of a coach who wanted his team to lose? To be honest I hadn’t, until a few weeks ago when I was having lunch with Ken Hatfield, former coach of the Arkansas Razorback football team. Ken was in town to be the keynote speaker for our fifth annual Awards Ceremony when our bookcase project committee presents 50 more personalized bookcases to children in low-income families. On this day, several of us took him to lunch at a popular local restaurant. Ken grew up in Helena, Ark. He was an outstanding athlete and played a number of sports, including basketball, where he helped his team win a state championship.
During our time together, he told this true story. He is a little younger than I am, but back in our day teams would travel to out-of-town games on a yellow school bus and there would usually be three games: junior boys or girls and the two senior teams. On this trip, Helena was playing teams from Clarksdale, Miss., which was across the Mississippi River from his town. This was before a bridge had been built linking the two communities, and the Helena school bus had to cross the river on a ferry. I might add, even starting early, playing three games sometimes took you well into the night.
At the end of the last game (the senior boys,) the game Ken was playing in, Helena was two points behind with only 30 seconds to go. The coach told them, “Just as soon as you get the ball across the center line, shoot.” Well, they did and Helena lost the game. Later, one of the players asked the coach, “We could have tied the game, so why did you tell us to shoot from the center line?” The coach replied, “If we had tied the game, we would have gone into overtime and that meant we would have missed the last ferry back across the river. I didn’t want to spend the night on the bank of the Mississippi River in a school bus with all of you kids.” So in this case, here was a coach who actually wanted his team to lose.
Ken Hatfield turned out to be a man of genuine character. A friend told another true story about him that came from one of the games when Arkansas was playing the University of Texas, and the Longhorns showed no mercy that day. During the game, the father of a Texas player was in the stands and suffered a heart attack. They rushed him to the hospital, but he had to stay several days before he could travel back home. The son stayed with him and, rather than have him miss a week of practice during the middle of the season, with permission from his coach, Ken had him work out with the Razorbacks.
When it became time for the father to return home, the commercial airlines would not permit him to travel on their flights. Ken then chartered a private plane and returned the player and his father back home. That is just the kind of man he is. To be sure, there are lots of great people in this world, but we don’t hear about most of them. On the other hand, what is truly sad for me are the thousands, maybe millions, of people who never experience the joy of serving or helping others, but are bent on selfish ambition, getting all they can.
The other day there was an article in our local paper about the hundreds of important political jobs that are yet unfilled, because those in contention would have to go through the scrutiny and embarrassment of trying to get confirmed. This reminded me of a verse in the Bible found in Numbers “Be careful, your sins will find you out.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 715 - THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

No. 715

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

Every so often when I am making a speech, someone with a camera will pop up and take my picture. My stock response, which I learned from the late Bob Murphy, is to say, especially if the camera had a flash, “You got my bad side…the front.” I really admire and almost envy those people who are photogenic. I am sad to say that I am not, but maybe that is God’s way of keeping me humble. When my wife Viola and I got married, she said, “If the Lord will make you successful, I will keep you humble.” Now she says she did her part and the Lord has not come through.
When it comes to taking pictures and beautiful people, here in our community we have an interesting phenomenon. We have two high-quality niche publications titled, “Women’s Inc.” and “501 Life.” The “Women’s Inc.” publication is self-explanatory and the “501 Life” publication title is the result of events, advertising and feature stories being from communities that are within the 501 area code, which encompasses several surrounding counties. In many cases, they are competing for the same advertising revenue, which makes for friendly competition, which is a good thing. The end result is that they are both fantastic and would compare favorably with similar publications anywhere in the nation.
Every month when I receive these publications, I read them almost cover to cover for a variety of reasons. First, because they are based here in my own community, I know many of the people who write the stories and I also know a good number of people who are photographed and featured in various settings and events, but who all have at least one thing in common. I will tell you what that is at the end of the column. It is literally amazing what a high quality camera and slick glossy stock will do for just ordinary folks like me and perhaps you, too. These cameras don’t get their bad sides. They get their good sides every time.
We normally think of the “Beautiful People” as being in Hollywood or some other glamorous destination, but believe me, they have nothing on us. This is because here we know how to pose, too. As you look through both magazines and see page after page of photographs taken at various functions that run the gamut from a bake sale to a black-tie event celebrity roast, you will see people at their best. The operative word is “Say Cheese,” even though they don’t actually say it.
Now, just a word or two about these two publications, as they may relate to your own community. The first thing needed for any community to have a successful “niche” publication is that the community is large enough, with a population base and strong economy to support it. For the most part, publications of this type are advertising driven, which is to say most of their revenue comes from advertising as opposed to subscriptions income. In many communities a publication of this type is produced by the local chamber of commerce and usually just once a year. They are usually paid for by the membership and primarily used as a promotion and marketing tool for the community.
If you have an interest in producing a publication of this type in your community, I am sure our local newspaper, the Log Cabin Democrat, or the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce would be happy to assist you. I said earlier I would tell you what all of the people featured in both of these publications have in common. They can all read.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 716 - THE PROVERBS OF LIFE

No. 716

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PROVERBS OF LIFE

There are those times in each of our lives, and sometimes in the life of our nation, when we have to go for broke and throw caution to the wind. A good analogy would be the football team, late in the fourth quarter, trailing by three touchdowns. At this point it is not time for the late Woody Hayes style of “Three yards and a cloud of dust.”
While this is not a doomsday statement, far from it, and only God knows for sure, the United States of America may be late in the fourth quarter. We hear all kind of talk these days about a trillion dollar deficit and the massive debt we are leaving for our children and grandchildren. If you have read my column for very long, you know that I have been talking about this very thing for the past 10 years.
To be sure, money is one thing that gets everyone’s attention, especially those of us who don’t have much, or none in many cases. Even more critical is the complete meltdown of moral and ethical character of our nation’s leaders. Over the past couple of years we have seen more scandals, resignations, indictments, bloodshed, mass carnage and fraud than in the past three decades combined. Really you can’t separate the two: Our money problems come from a breakdown of our moral and ethical character. My question to every person who will read this column is simply this: When will we say: “Enough is enough.”
I have a proposal to make today that would make a world of difference, and some people will disagree and say that it’s religious, but I don’t mean it that way at all. There is a book in the Bible called the Book of Proverbs that lists many of the 3,000 proverbs written by King Solomon, King of Israel. King Solomon is reported to be the wisest man who ever lived, so why shouldn’t we take some of his wisdom and use it to further our own goals and objectives. If you have never read the Book of Proverbs, I would encourage you to do so and I believe you will conclude that what I am saying is true.
For the sake of our nation and future generations, I am going to recommend that a course teaching the truths and concepts found in Proverbs be taught in every high school, college and university in America. I don’t mean a cursory reading but an in-depth study of these lifetime principles for successful living. I can promise you one thing, if everyone who has suffered the consequences of wrong actions and criminal and immoral behavior could have been taught these proverbs earlier in life, most would be far better off today, and not be disgraced, rotting in a prison cell or dead. Now that’s something to think about. Do you have a loved one in this predicament? If so, get involved in getting this course started in your community.
The last time I read the Book of Proverbs I marked a few select verses, and I would like to share a sampling in the event you are not familiar with these: 21:6 “Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.” 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.” 13:1 “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.” 2:16 “It will rescue you from a forbidden woman, from a stranger with her flattering talk.” 4:11 “I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths.”
As a philosophy of life, I have always believed that “it is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” To stay in the battle, there is one thing we must have and that is hope. I have hope for today and tomorrow. I hope you do, too.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 717 - A MESSAGE FOR A CARING COMMUNITY

No. 717

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A MESSAGE FOR A CARING COMMUNITY

If you will come, I would like to take you on a little journey that could result in all kinds of long-term benefits for you, your community and ultimately your country. In this column I have a message for a caring community, not just any single community, but every community in our great nation. It’s no secret that today we have a tremendous literacy problem in our country, with four of every 10 students in American high schools dropping out before they graduate. Add to this sad statistic, here in my state alone, it’s reported that thousands of students graduate each year and cannot read the diploma they are awarded. Needless to say, this takes a tremendous toll on both the individual and for society in general.
You may be aware that since 2005 I have been involved in a literacy project called a “Bookcase for Every Child.” With the help of our committee and the good people of Conway, Arkansas, we have made tremendous progress with 250 children from low-income families being awarded a quality, personalized bookcase and a starter set of books. With the help of our local newspaper, our governor and the Arkansas General Assembly we are beginning to make a real impact as more and more communities are getting involved. Just this past week I received an e-mail from a young lady who is a junior in high school who had read about our project and wants to start one in her community.
After reading about what she has been doing, with the help of her mother, I am sure she will. To be sure, there are caring people in every community, and if you qualify, I would like to give you something to consider and hopefully give some serious thought. There is no question that children are our greatest resource. This is borne out by the fact that parents, grandparents and the community at large do all kinds of good things for them. In most cases we provide a quality education, beginning when they start to school, and then a myriad of programs and activities outside of school that help them develop, both mentally and physically.
It would take more space than I have here to list all of the various ways we express our love and concern for our children. Here is the essence of what I want to get across to you.. When it comes to the mental, spiritual and physical development of a child there are few things more important than teaching a child to read and hopefully, develop a passion for reading. This simple act, easy to say but not easy to do, will provide more opportunity for success and a happy life than perhaps anything else we could do for them. To succeed in this endeavor we must reach the child while he or she is very young before they are totally distracted by ______ , and here you fill in the blank. The line is nowhere near long enough.
Here is my proposal, and it’s not that hard to do. I might add that I don’t earn a penny for anything I do in relation to this project. Our whole concept is about giving back. In smaller communities, say less than 4,000 population, every 4-year-old child can be given a bookcase and some books by a caring community. For larger communities, like ours, the priority must be on children from low-income families, as most of these families do not own any books for their children and they suffer as a result. Millions of parents read to their children almost from birth and they develop a much larger vocabulary than children in these families who do not have this advantage. Many of these children will drop out of school, and believe me, a caring community can change that. Visit our Web site: www.bookcaseforeverychild.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 718 - THE SHOCK OF SEEING YOU HERE!

No. 718
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE SHOCK OF SEEING YOU HERE!

Every once in a while I get to thinking that I may have arrived, especially after some personal highlight has occurred in my life or some honor or award has been bestowed on me. However, it does not take long for reality to set in and I am brought face to face with the undeniable fact that arriving anywhere down here on earth pales in comparison to arriving safely in Heaven, to spend eternity with Jesus. If we spend our entire life piling up wealth, seeking prestige and power and garnering the awards that mankind can give, and miss Heaven, then, to my way of thinking, the price that was paid was certainly too high.
To make it to Heaven at the end of our days on earth is the goal of most people, even those who don’t attend church or consider themselves religious. Seldom do you find someone who wants to go to hell, save for those in society who have committed such heinous crimes they actually want to be punished, and hell is the worst punishment they can envision. While this is certainly not my field, there may be others like Satan worshipers, those in the Occult and others who are mentally deranged who have this destination as their goal.
What turned my thinking in this direction was something a reader sent me the other day. It was a poem titled, “The Best Poem in the World” and the author is unknown. I would like to share it with you and then you will understand my earlier comments.
It begins: “I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven’s door. Not by the beauty of it all - nor the lights or its décor. But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp, the thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics, and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice.
“Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in hell, was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must have made a mistake. And why is everyone so quiet, so somber, give me a clue’. ‘Hush child,’ He said. ‘They are all in shock, because no one thought they would be seeing you’.”
Now, that’s a pretty sobering thought when you get right down to it. While only God knows for sure, I suspect there are going to be lots of people in Heaven who no one thought would ever make it, while others who have been labeled “can’t miss” went on a different flight in the opposite direction.
Here is the message of this little poem and I am sure you have already picked up on it. In Matthew 7:1 the Bible is very clear when it says, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” We are not to judge other people, only God can do that. Yet, in our human frailty there is a natural tendency to look at others, their behavior, their habits and the lifestyle they are living, and compare them to our preconceived notions of what it takes to get to Heaven. Just remember, going to church doesn’t make us a Christian anymore than standing in our garage makes us a car.
Someone added two simple statements to that little poem that I shared earlier that gives me hope and I trust it will you, as well. Every saint has a PAST and every sinner has a FUTURE. I am not a pastor. Rather, I am just a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace. I hope those who have gone before won’t be too shocked when I show up. We should live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly and leave the rest to God.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 719 - VIOLA'S STARTING A NEW FAD!

No. 719

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
VIOLA’S STARTING A NEW FAD!

The Scottish essayist, historian and moralist, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) once had this to say about humor: “Its essence is love; it issues not in laughter, but in still smiles, which lie far deeper.” As I have said many times in this column, around our house we laugh a lot because it’s a whole lot better than crying, but we also have a lot of those still smiles. When you are comfortable in your own skin, love your mate deeply and are content just to be at home, what more could any person wish for? This is not to say that Viola and I do not enjoy getting out, especially with friends, but mostly we are content just to be home and enjoy each other’s company. Now, that’s my story. I am not sure she always feels this way.
As I have shared with those of you who read this column on a regular basis, Viola has Parkinson’s and has had it now for about 12 years. While life is often a struggle for her, she just keeps going and doing for others to the point it amazes me. Every once in awhile she comes up with an idea, that she thinks will help her maintain her mobility. The other day, for instance, she had me stretch a rope all the way across our sun-room so she could hold on to it to help her stand up straight when she walks. This seems to have helped some, but she still leans to the right when she walks, like the car most of us have seen going down the highway that does not track, with the back wheels out of line.
Something happened the other day at our house involving Viola that, to me, was so funny that I thought to myself, “She could start a fad with that.” I share this because many of you have asked about her when you have written to me and have also followed her progress, almost from the time she was first stricken with this terrible disease. In addition to just being funny, what I am going to tell you could be a way to remember her and the brave and courageous battle she has waged, especially as it relates to serving the Lord by being a blessing to so many people.
Here is what struck my funny bone. You may not see the humor in it at all. The other morning Viola was in the bathroom rolling her hair. Incidentally, she cuts my hair and has almost from the time we were married. Meanwhile back at the ranch, when she rolls her hair she uses those pink curlers to give it some curl, which is the reason I guess they call them curlers. When this task is completed, she then takes her hair dryer to make sure her hair is good and dry before taking it down. To hold the heat in, on this particular day, she had taken a pink wash cloth and placed it on top of her head before coming out of the bathroom.
When I saw her, the way she looked with that wash cloth on top of her head was really funny. The curlers had provided a level platform to hold the wash cloth in place and that’s when I made the comment, “You could start a fad with that.” When I looked up the meaning of the word “Fad” it fit. Fad means a temporary style, (thank goodness for that) amusement, fashion etc. So what I have said is possible. If you are a woman, the next time you roll your hair with curlers, I hope you will take a moment and place a wash cloth (it doesn’t have to be pink) on top of the curlers and think of Viola and the 12-year struggle she has had with Parkinson’s.
We all need people in our lives that encourage and inspire us to make a difference in the lives of others. Viola certainly does that for me and countless people here in our community, and I am confident many others who have kept up with her through this column. Men, we need inspiration, too. Hope this column blesses you as well.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 720 - WHY THE CHINESE EXCEL AT MATH

No. 720

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHY THE CHINESE EXCEL AT MATH

If you were to ask most any school superintendent or board member in America today, what are the two most difficult teaching positions on your staff to fill, their answer would most likely be math and science. This is because fewer students in our nation’s teaching colleges declare these majors or plan to go into teaching as a chosen career. I can certainly relate to this. Math and science were certainly not my favorite subjects in school, and when I got to college during the two years I attended, I did well in biology and zoology, but stayed away from math, chemistry and calculus. I’m told the trouble really begins in elementary school, especially the third and fourth grades, if a student does not develop a love for numbers, equations and critical thinking.
As a result of this phenomenon, we not only have a shortage of math and science teachers, but also an inadequate number of employees to fill jobs or careers that require these skills. As a result, this has left the door wide open for people from other countries to come to America and fill these needed positions. There are many nations who turn out far better students with regards to math and science skills than we do, but none more so than the Chinese. There are a couple of very important reasons why this is true and my reason for writing this column. The basis for what I want to share can be found in a fantastic book titled “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. He is also the author of two other books: “The Tipping Point” and “Blink” that you may have read or at least heard about.
There is one chapter in “Outliers” titled “Rice Paddies and Math Tests” that is worth the purchase price of the book many times over. It has given me insights that I may never have gotten anywhere else during my remaining days here on earth. The first reason Chinese students, and several other countries in the Orient, excel at math, is because of their language, especially their numbering system. Malcolm Gladwell points out that human beings store digits in a memory loop that runs for about two seconds. Chinese numbers have fewer letters and therefore can be said in a shorter period of time. We say “four” and “seven” while the Chinese say “is” and “qi’ which results in their being able to put more numbers in that two-second memory loop, thus giving them an advantage.
This difference means that Asian children learn to count much faster than American children. Four-year-old Chinese children can count, on average, to 40. American children at that age can count only to 15, and most don’t reach 40 until they are age 5. By the age of 5, in other words, American children are already a year behind their Asian counterparts in the most fundamental of math skills. On international comparison tests, students from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan all score roughly the same in math, around the 98th percentile. The United States, France, England, Germany and the other Western industrialized nations cluster at somewhere between the 26th and 36th percentile. That’s a big difference.
The other reason has to do with their wet-rice farming culture. This Chinese Proverb says it best, “No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.” This work ethic gives them more staying power and the reason Oriental students are still in the library after everyone else has gone home. Again, the book is “Outliers”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 721 - THE VALUE OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

No. 721

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE VALUE OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

One day several years ago, I was down in the small community of Robertsdale, Ala., visiting one of my radio sponsors. This community is only a few miles from the Gulf Coast and the timing of my visit was a few weeks after a major hurricane had come through this part of the country.
I will never forget looking out across the landscape and seeing a giant stand of trees all bent over, looking very much like a bulldozer had placed its giant blade against each one and pushed it until it was leaning in the opposite direction of the hurricane force winds. This was a spectacular sight and made me realize what tremendous power a hurricane can generate and how they can completely destroy anything in their path. As you read this column, if you have lived through a hurricane, you know all too well what I am talking about. I’m thinking here about my Gulf Coast readers in Abbeville, La., and Port Arthur, Texas.
As I thought about this I was reminded of the saying that most of us have heard, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” The key word in this saying that I would like to amplify, is the word “Twig” because a twig, in many cases, is a small plant that grows into a giant tree. This process could be compared to a small baby who weighs only a few pounds when he is born, but over a period of years becomes a grown man, who is 6 foot, 6 inches tall and weighs almost 300 pounds. Needless to say, we would want all of our babies to grow up tall and straight and not all bent over like my example of trees being bent over by hurricane force winds. I might add this does not apply just to the physical growth but also the spiritual, mental and emotional growth as well.
Here in our part of the country, and perhaps yours as well, we have something called Vacation Bible Schools. Usually, these take place during the summer months when regular schools are out, and churches have a brief program, usually three to four days, to bring children together and teach them about God and his love for them. With assistance from the church staff, these schools are coordinated, managed and taught by volunteers, church members who give up some of their personal time to teach young children Biblical principles and concepts that will give them solid footing for success later in life.
In our local paper there is a Church Corner section that runs every Saturday. Area churches have a correspondent who writes and submits articles to keep readers informed of activities that are happening in their respective churches. One of my favorites is written by Mrs. Hazel Love who writes for the Bethlehem Baptist Church in the Shady Grove community. Sometime ago they had their annual Vacation Bible School, and I would like to quote something that Hazel said that hits the nail on the head. She said, “They say it takes a village to raise a kid, but it takes a church family to teach a child about God.”
The church is the only institution in our society that is charged with the solemn responsibility of setting the spiritual tone and climate for our nation. When you look at the moral and ethical decay that is taking place in America today, it’s obvious that we have dropped the ball. However, there are still millions of good and Godly people around and I would hazard to say that most of them attended a wonderful and productive Vacation Bible School. Lastly, I want to pay tribute to the millions of Vacation Bible School workers who have sacrificed time, effort and resources to make sure that children in their church and community learn about God and how much He loves them. It’s true, as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 722 - SHOULD THE NATIONAL MEDIA BE UNBIASED?

No. 722

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
SHOULD THE NATIONAL MEDIA BE UNBIASED?

When it comes to the media, especially the national media, here is a question I would like to pose for you to ponder with me for a long time to come. When it comes to the influence the media has on our lives, is it better to have state-controlled media or a media-controlled media? What I am going to say today is in response to what a reader wrote to me a while back. This was shortly after one of our major television networks had a town-hall style meeting in the White House, the home of the United States president that belongs to all the people of the United States of America.
You may say, what’s wrong with that? First, let’s examine some basic facts and then you will be able to answer your own question. The purpose of the news media is to report the news. It’s far better if the news of the day is reported in an objective and unbiased manner. This is really the essence of what a democracy is all about. This is because in a democratic country the news media does not answer to the government. In dictatorships like Cuba and North Korea the media are controlled by the state and are used as mere tools to further the objectives of the government. They are not free to report as they wish and criticism of the government is prohibited.
These facts lead to yet another question. What if all the news we were getting was slanted to a particular viewpoint? The answer lies in a Proverb that I ran across the other day in my reading. It’s found in Proverbs 18:17, “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” When it comes to a highly biased media, and all we hear is mostly one side of an issue, how are we going to know the truth? Unfortunately, many people live their lives like the man who said, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, I have already made up my mind.”
If we build our lives, our careers and our futures on anything less than the truth, we are building on sand, and it will not stand. While I am not always right, I do search for the truth and do my best to seek it in all of my affairs. Here in my local community some of my friends get put out with me because I won’t attend a political rally for one party or the other. Granted, I don’t have that much influence, but I want to always be in a position to be objective. If I see something that I don’t believe is right or based on truth, I want to be able to say so, because again, that’s what an objective media person is supposed to be about in a democracy.
In recent years, the national media has had a dramatic shift away from objective and unbiased reporting to one of almost complete bias when it comes to one political party or the other. I could call names here but you probably already know who I am talking about. When reporting of this kind happens, we are not much better, if at all, than the state-controlled media of dictatorships around the world. One of the saddest things for me is the all-out assault the national media has against Christianity, the very bedrock and foundation of our nation. I read and hear snide remarks all the time about the “far right” Christians. Well, I am a Christian and I am not far-right. I am just a Christian, period.
Now, back to my original question, “Is it better to have a state-controlled media or a media-controlled media?” Only you can answer that question. For me, seeking “truth” is far more important than either one.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 723 - IS BEAUTY OVER RATED?

No. 723

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
IS BEAUTY OVER RATED?

Here is an interesting question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a little while today. Is beauty over rated? From my perspective, the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on what kind of beauty we are talking about, and also the source of that beauty.
The dictionary defines beauty as “The quality of objects, sounds, ideas, etc., that pleases and gratifies, as by their harmony, pattern, excellence or truth.” Another definition says that “beauty is one who or that which is beautiful, especially a woman.” Personally, I love to see objects or things that are beautiful and I also love to see people, especially women, who are beautiful.
Every so often someone sends me an e-mail that has scenes from nature that are just outstanding and truly beautiful. They are just breathtaking and you feel like you could just sit and look at them forever. In the grand scheme of things, God is the creator of all things, and all things beautiful. I can only imagine the beauty the astronauts must see as they look back at mother earth from such a lofty vantage point. To be sure, outward beauty is one thing, but there is also inner beauty, as in the case with human beings, that gives us great pleasure as we behold them. It is in the development of one’s “inner beauty” that holds the greatest promise for a truly rewarding life.
Our society today has come to almost deify beauty, especially one’s outer beauty that is resulting in a very shallow, superficial way of living and doing things. A good example happened at the Wimbledon 2009 tennis championships when the All England Club actually placed some players who were beautiful or more attractive on “Centre Court” over other players who were ranked much higher in the world standings. Here is a case where beauty won out over talent, hard work and persistence. Why do you think this happened? The answer of course is money, as they wanted a larger audience, both in person and from the massive television viewing audience, and they thought those with more beauty would provide it.
It’s been said that outer beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes all the way to the bone. The one consolation for many people who were not born with a beautiful appearance is that in time outer beauty fades, while inner beauty will last even beyond the grave in the hearts and minds of those whose lives they touched. Other than the cosmetic enhancement, and there are billions of dollars spent each year on that, an individual really has no control over whether they are beautiful or homely. They are simply the by-product of their parents and a gene pool that goes back thousands of years. To me it makes sense to cultivate inner beauty, regardless of one’s outward physical appearance. Simple kindness goes a long way.
Now, back to my earlier question: is beauty over rated? While your answer may be different than mine, when it comes to human beings, I believe that a person’s attitude plays a large part in whether natural physical beauty is an asset or a liability for them. A person with outstanding physical beauty but who has a haughty, “I’m better looking than you” attitude, is only kidding themselves, because in time that beauty will fade and be a thing of the past. A person, especially an attractive lady, with less natural beauty that develops a great attitude of caring and helping others, will go much further in life. Regardless of our looks, we should all stay away from ungodly pursuits and activities, because they have no future at all.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 730 - SKINNY "VINNIE" HIT A HOME RUN

No. 730

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SKINNY “VINNIE” HIT A HOME RUN

Skinny Vinnie hit a home run, with his fantastic new book titled, “The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription.” Now, you may say, “Who is Skinny Vinnie?” The nickname Skinny Vinnie was given to Dr. Vincent Fortanasce when he was growing up in a rough Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was slight of frame, but survived by becoming a closet weightlifter, and before he left Seton Hall University he was the number one prospect for the 1964 Olympic weightlifting team. This fantastic young man went on to become Board-certified in neurology and rehabilitation, a psychiatrist and also a renowned bioethicist.
Dr. Fortanasce is a clinical professor of neurology at the University of Southern California, twice-awarded Outstanding Lecturer of the Year. Named one of the top 100 physicians in Los Angles County and one of the best physicians in America, he hosts a monthly radio show, syndicated worldwide on EWTN, and has appeared widely in the media — from “60 Minutes,” “Dateline” and “Good Morning America” to the New York Times and USA Today. His patients have included Pope John Paul II. I wanted you to know Dr. Fortanasce’s credentials, because confidence in our doctor is one of the most important things we can have, especially when dealing with the condition of Alzheimer’s, a disease that is so devastating.
His book, “The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription” was born out of his personal experience of dealing with the ravages of Alzheimer’s in his own father and also the problems he saw in patients in his neurological practice. Dr. Fortanasce has the ability to explain the various concepts in a step-by-step, easy, understandable style for those not familiar with medical terminology and uses numerous illustrations from his private practice. Unlike most books and forms of treatment, this book does not deal with the “here-and-now” but what steps can we take to prevent this terrible disease from occurring in the future.
While reading this book so I could write this column, there were two things that really stood out for me. First, in most cases, Alzheimer’s is something that starts 30 years earlier, before the symptoms reach the point that it can be diagnosed. And next, the fact that with the proper steps regarding, diet, exercise, stress reduction and meditation, up to 70 percent of all Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented, thus, “The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription.” This terrible disease destroys not only the patient’s mind and life, it shakes the foundation of the entire family.
For those who are willing to read the book and follow the various steps in the prescription, he makes this statement: “I am going to tell you how to help your children and grandchildren prevent Alzheimer’s disease by making healthy diet and exercise choices early in life. But above all, he says to his readers, “I want to give you hope —particularly if you have a genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease as I do. By learning more about Alzheimer’s disease you can start today to protect your health and your brain.”
The four-step program of dietary changes, exercises, brain boosters and relaxation techniques will provide you with the latest information and specific tools you need to build a bigger and better brain. It’s all there in pages and pages of good solid information, along with drawings, charts, photos, a 28-day meal plan, and even recipes for good healthy foods.
You have the title and the author’s name, and most all bookstores, along with Amazon.com, will carry it. I highly recommend it. This book could make a big difference in your life.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 731 - WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER

No. 731

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER!

A few days ago I ran across a cassette, stuck back in a drawer, which contained a number of speeches by the late Bob Murphy. Bob was a wonderful Christian gentleman, and before his death several years ago he was known as one of the best humor speakers in the nation. I was privileged to know him personally.
During one of his speeches he tells his audience, “I am not the best speaker you could have hired, but I am probably the most honest. I am honest to tell you that I don’t know anything about national defense, I don’t know anything about the balance of payments, I don’t know anything about the deficit, I don’t know anything about taxation, I don’t know anything about health care, I don’t know anything about the national debt, I don’t know anything about inflation. I am a little bit surprised that I ain’t been elected to Congress.”
While it may sound vain, I have come to believe that I know as much, and maybe more, than some of the members of Congress. There is no way that intelligent people would let our nation get in the financial mess that we are in. What we have had in Washington for the past 30 to 40 years is a party, paid for by the taxpayers. To my way of thinking, it’s one thing to have a party at taxpayer’s expense, so long as we have the money, but when we start printing money and borrowing money from anyone that will loan it to us, that’s an entirely different matter.
Now, I understand that it takes massive amounts of money to run several wars or a police action, as in the case of Korea, but that pales in comparison to the massive amounts of money spent, or wasted, by politicians trying and getting re-elected. My question is simply this: what happens when the party is over? Will there be a day when we can no longer borrow money to finance the interest on our national debt and keep our economy going? Our forefathers had great wisdom in drafting our Constitution, adopted on Sept. 17, 1787, that established three branches of government to create a balance of power. Since that time it has been amended a total of 27 times.
Keep in mind, these were citizen legislators who expected to serve their country for a brief period of time and then go back to their farm or business to resume life, doing what they did before they were elected to serve. They never intended to become career politicians, like we have today. I just bet if the members of the Second Continental Congress had the chance to do it all over, they would include a national balanced budget amendment and term limits for members of Congress, like we have in 15 states today. In my home state of Arkansas, we have a balanced budget amendment, and our governor just cut $100 million from state spending to insure that we have money left over at the end of the biennial accounting period.
I am not smarter than members of Congress, and I realize the chances of this ever happening are slim and none. The thing I regret most is that younger generations of Americans never experienced what it was like when one income would take care of a family’s needs, with money left over, people had the incentive to buy things and expected to work hard and pay for them, and family values were more important. We also didn’t have prisons bulging at the seams with people who are violent or trying to beat the system. Career politicians have given away our financial stability and made us a debtor nation, from which we may never recover.
It’s a good question. What happens when the party is over? May God give all of our leaders wisdom for the important years to come.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 732 - THE FINE ART OF KISSING FROGS

No. 732

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE FINE ART OF KISSING FROGS

Every once in a while I get to thinking there is something wrong with me. You see, I like to kiss frogs. Now, before you turn me off completely, let me tell you what I mean when I say that I like to kiss frogs. The “frog” in this case is a person who was not blessed by good or even average looks, may even be homely. Also, those people who are shabbily dressed and it’s obvious they lack self-esteem and maybe the resources to do better. Please understand that I am not talking about the top executive who leaves home for a quick trip to the grocery store without bothering to put on a suit and tie. People with high self-esteem carry themselves in a different way and they are easy to spot, because they have self-confidence.
It’s also important to point out that I am not talking about physically kissing someone. Rather, I just look them in the eye with acknowledgement that they are another human being, give them a friendly smile and, based on the circumstances, maybe a cheerful greeting. It’s been said that we should treat every person we meet as though their heart were breaking, because it very well could be. When I am out in public -- at the bank, the grocery store, the post office or anywhere my travels take me -- I see these people all the time. If they will make eye contact, which is not always the case, I will speak to them and acknowledge them as a person.
Based on what I have just shared, here is a little experiment that I would like to invite you to do the next time you are out in public. When you encounter or come across an extremely handsome or beautiful person, see if more times than not they don’t smile or greet you in a positive way. On the other hand, notice how many times ugly or homely people will not speak or make eye contact with you. I believe the latter comes as a result of many years of rejection by people who have their values in the wrong place. Now, you may not agree, but I believe it’s even more important to make these people feel special, because they are.
To be sure, race relations in our country would certainly be better if everyone did this. I believe we can also help many people who become hard and later turn to crime because they feel rejected and want to get even, with what they perceive to be society’s injustice. What I am saying here is so simple, but we can all make a difference if we will just make those special moments count as we go through the day by making eye contact, giving a warm smile and a cheery greeting, and even those little acts of kindness that can mean so much.
This is what I meant earlier when I said that I like to kiss frogs. One word of caution, however -- there is a fine art to kissing frogs. We don’t ever do it if there is a chance that these acts could be misconstrued as being aggressive or suggestive in any way. This is especially true when it comes to very attractive ladies. We have to use some common sense. I don’t go down the street honking my horn and waving at everyone I see, but rather I pick those places that are non-threatening to make others feel special. You might say, “Why bother? What you are suggesting is more trouble than it’s worth.”
Not really. I am always amazed at those people who want to get ahead, earn more money and a promotion but never understand that their attitude and personality is going to count much more than all the knowledge and expertise they can ever acquire. I see this all the time with sales clerks in stores who are earning minimum wage. They never learn the fine art of kissing frogs. A lot of people act like they were weaned on a dill pickle.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 733 - WHAT YOU TOLERATE - YOU ENCOURAGE !

No. 733

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

WHAT YOU TOLERATE – YOU ENCOURAGE!

We have a fine young man who has come to our community as the head football coach of our public high school. His name is Clint Ashcraft, originally from Watson Chapel, Ark. Soon after he arrived, I was program chair for our local Lions Club and I invited Coach Ashcraft to speak to our club. We were all impressed with him and what he had to say about his coaching philosophy and the importance of character development in the lives of his players. We have a winning tradition in our community, on most anything you care to name, but our high school football team has been down the past few years. It will take a little time, but I have every confidence that Coach Ashcraft is a winner and his players will develop his winning attitude each time they take the field. In time, this will show up on his record.
What I have shared is a little background information that will help you have an even greater appreciation for Coach Ashcraft and the road he will be traveling in the months and years to come. During his talk, he stressed a principle that we all need to know and understand, or at least be reminded of, if we are to succeed over the long haul. He said, “What you tolerate, you encourage.” While he was making the statement in reference to his team, this is a principle that affects all of life, in our relationships and dealing with other people.
There are many examples I could use here to demonstrate this principle and how it works. Since I am talking athletics, let me stick with this for a moment. I might add, if a coach does not understand this principle and how it works, they are going to be mediocre at best. For example, take the star player who is late for practice not just once but several times during the course of the season. If the coach tolerates this kind of behavior, a powerful message is sent to the rest of his players. What the coach is tolerating, he is actually encouraging, and it hurts the morale of the whole team, and will later get him fired.
In today’s times, college athletics has become big money, for the schools now and the players later, if they can make it to the next level, as they say. One of the big concerns for most college coaches is what happens “off the field” and how it impacts not only the coach and his staff, but the whole team as well. We have had several cases at our state university where players have been involved in sexual assault, DWI and any number of other offences where law enforcement have been involved. In many cases, these have been “starters” and highly recruited players.
Here is where the rubber meets the road, not just in my state, but every other state in the nation, because it’s a universal principle. The real question becomes, does the coach take positive action, even at the appearance of impropriety, or does he try to gloss it over because he thinks his team’s won/loss record will be negatively impacted? In other words, he becomes more concerned about his job security than doing what is right and, in the long run, in the best interest of the team. Now, I believe in a second chance for players, in most cases, but I also think they have to earn it, for their own sake and the sake of the team.
The coach, business executive, manager or anyone else who assumes the mantle of leadership is way behind the curve if they do not know and understand the principle “What you tolerate, you encourage.” We only get one chance to make a good first impression, and the tone we set, and stick with, will go a long way in determining our success or failure.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 734 - HOPE LANDING: WHERE HOPE BECOMES REALITY

No. 734

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

HOPE LANDING: WHERE HOPE BECOMES REALITY

Life is curious in so many ways, but one of the things that has always intrigued me is what motivates us to do the things we do. Such is the case for an emotional attachment that I have developed for a special ministry near El Dorado, Ark. This ministry is called Hope Landing, and their mission is to bring hope and purpose to the lives of children with disabilities by helping them achieve their God-given potential. Each time I see a mentally or physically handicapped child, I have compassion for them, and I am sure this is the case for the vast majority of the citizens of our country.
In my case, it’s more than just the “there but for the Grace of God, go I” sense that I feel, but it is also because of the form of treatment they use in working with these special children. They use a form of treatment called hippotherapy that promotes the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment strategy in physical, occupational and speech-language sessions for people living with disabilities. Hippotherapy has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional well being.
I know this is true from personal experience. Earlier I said I was intrigued by what motivates us to do the things we do. I came to realize that at least some of my emotional attachment came because my wife, Viola, has Parkinson’s and she used this same form of treatment several years ago. I can remember seeing her hand shaking violently, and this would stop almost immediately after she was seated on a horse. There is something almost magic in an animal’s touch to help us relax. If you would like to know more, visit the Web site of the American Hippotherapy Association at www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
The mission and program of Hope Landing is solid. Here is a little bit of their history. This ministry became a legally recognized nonprofit corporation in the state of Arkansas in July 2005. The corporation was founded by five community members who, having in common an inclusive understanding of the needs of children with disabilities and their families, a love for God, a love for His children, and a love for their community, collaborated to form an organization that would be distinctive and unprecedented in its approach to children’s development. In less than one year, a board of directors was organized, 501 (c)(3) tax status with the IRS was achieved, a beautiful 80-acre tract of land east of El Dorado was secured, and business opened as of June 5, 2006, providing therapeutic, recreational, and support services to children with disabilities and their families.
One of the founders, Jennifer Wylie, who is also the CEO of the corporation, and I have been in contact several times over the past few months. Jennifer is also a very courageous lady, as she is battling breast cancer and taking radiation treatments. I leaned of this ministry when one of my readers of the El Dorado News-Times, Janis Camp, wrote to tell me about what they are doing at Hope Landing for these special children, and also the needs they have. After my initial contact, I saw a “Youtube” video that gave me real insights into their setting and their program. It showed children actually receiving hippotherapy by riding horses, and a competent, dedicated staff who were devoted to helping them have a better quality life.
To learn more, visit their Web site: www.hopelanding.com. Two-thirds of their budget comes from tax-deductible contributions. Please help them if you can.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 735 - BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR GPS !

No. 735

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR GPS!

We live in the age of technology. This may be the understatement of the century. Of course the century is still young, and assuming the world does not come to an end we still have plenty of time left to create some new and even better things. Relatively speaking, I am still in the horse and buggy days when it comes to technology. The only reason I got a computer is because of this column and it’s worked out pretty well. Most of my friends, and the vast majority are much younger than I am, have all kinds of technology in their offices, their homes and even their cars.
A few months ago my friend John Berry and I, were on our way to play golf, and during the trip to the course he turned on his GPS system. We were traveling close to the Arkansas River and I could see every little road, where it started and where it stopped. This was most impressive, especially for a country boy who grew up in a town where they didn’t get the Grand Old Opry until Wednesday night.
Technology is wonderful. However, most technological inventions that have positive benefits attract unsavory people who flunked potty training, and they look for ways to scam and take advantage of unsuspecting people. A friend of mine who works for our local police department sent me something the other day that every person who has a GPS should know about. This supposedly true story begins, “A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked in one of those lots adjacent to the stadium and specifically allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which was mounted on the dashboard.
“When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. Then they used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry into the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew the time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.
“Something to consider if you have a GPS – don’t put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.” My police department friend also sent me a story about mobile phones that space does not permit me to go into detail, but basically it involved a lady whose purse was stolen that contained her mobile phone that contained all kinds of personal information.
Shortly after her purse was stolen, her husband called to find out what happened. The thief had already sent him a text message to ask for the pin number to access their bank account. When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money had already been withdrawn. This dastardly deed only took about 20 minutes. Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.
As I said earlier, technology is wonderful, but we have to be smart enough to use it wisely. Sorry about the play on words there, but you get the message. To be sure, we live in a different day and time than when I grew up, and I don’t like a lot of what I see.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 736 - A "REVERSE OFFERING" PRODUCES MANY TEARS

No. 736

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “REVERSE OFFERING” PRODUCES MANY TEARS

Several years ago I heard a story about this family who was invited by a neighbor to attend church for the very first time. This man and his wife had two young sons, and never having been in church, they did not know church customs and how things were done. One of the regular practices this church always did, at some point during the service, was pass the offering plate. After the service one of the boys said to the other, “I got five dollars, how much did you get?” They did not know that those who attended the service were supposed to put money into the plate, and not take money out. However, taking money out of the plate seemed like a good idea to one innovative pastor of a large church in our state.
A recent article in our statewide newspaper told the story of a pastor whose church gave away $5,000 to needy worshipers. While this has happened many times in America over the years, and even in other lands, this was the first time I had ever heard of any church doing this. This is not a new concept, however, and was practiced often by first-century Christians. What this pastor actually did was tap into the giving spirit of most Americans, especially Christians, as members of this church actually increased their giving even more as a result of this appeal.
Here is the actual account. This church has three services and an average weekly attendance of 1,100 to 1,200 people and takes in about $32,000 a week. The decision was made by the pastor, along with church leaders, to have baskets with small bills laid out in front of the sanctuary in all three of their worship services. At the end of each service, worshipers were encouraged to come forward and take what they needed to pay medical bills, electric bills, hospital bills, car insurance payments, buy children’s school clothes, replace a broken washing machine, even a window replacement needed by an elderly lady. In the beginning, it took a good deal of prodding to have people come forward to receive the money, but the pastor said, “I don’t want to have one penny of this money left over.”
And so, after a great deal of encouragement they came. There was only $3 left at the end of the day and there were many tears shed. There is no doubt about it, with our economy in a tailspin and unemployment close to 10 percent, there are lots of people hurting. Obviously this money will help a few of them, and the example of a “reverse offering” may be something that other churches may want to consider doing as well. Folks who hoped for an immediate encore were disappointed, however. The pastor said some came to his office later “with tears in their eyes and said, ‘Yes, I do have a need and I don’t know if there is a way you can help me anymore’.”
The following Sunday the pastor told his congregation, “Look, we cannot take care of every single need that ever arises, but we can be a church that looks out for others.”
There were several thoughts that came to mind as I read this article. Only God can judge the thoughts, intents and motives of the heart and I am not here to judge. However, I do believe there is a better way to disperse money to needy people than having them go down to the front of the church, with over a thousand people looking on, to take a few dollars from a basket.
God tells us that what we do in secret will be rewarded openly. Why not do a survey of the needs of church members and help, as everyone has need. Surely the word will spread that this is a giving church and God will bless it. However, a “reverse offering” is better than doing nothing at all, for hurting people in a church family.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 737 - ARE YOUR BURDENS TOO HEAVY TO CARRY?

No. 737

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

ARE YOUR BURDENS TOO HEAVY TO CARRY?

One of my faithful readers, Paul Fleming, who lives near Marion, Ill., sent me something the other day that has tremendous potential to help us to better carry our burdens, or whatever it is that is weighing us down. The article has to do with stress management, and the Lord knows we need that kind of help today, with the state of our nation’s economy, the health-care debate and the breakdown of character, ethics and morals that have been the bedrock of our society. The article, by an unknown author, is very good and I would like to share it with you and ask you to seriously ponder what it says. See if it does not make a difference in your perspective and how you face the challenges in the days ahead.
It begins: “A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, ‘how heavy is this glass of water?’ Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, ‘the absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’
“He continued, ‘and that’s the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we are refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it home. Whatever burdens you are carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can.’
‘My friend, put down everything that may be a burden to you right now. Don’t pick it up again until after you have rested a while.
‘Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life: Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you are the statue. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Always wear stuff that will make you look good if you die wearing it. Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be “Recalled” by their maker. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
The second mouse gets the cheese. When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today’.”
Well, that’s the end of the article, and I believe you will agree, it contains some great advice and suggestions for any of us who sometimes let our burdens pile up and feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders.
One thing that really helps me is humor. When I can laugh a lot, I am not nearly as uptight as when I am too serious. It’s been said, and rightly so, that we should take what we do seriously, but we should never take ourselves too seriously. There is an old saying that comes to mind that applies here. We can burn the candle at both ends, and it does produce a brilliant flame, but we are not nearly as bright as we think we are.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 738 - DOES EVERYONE NEED A COLLEGE EDUCATION?

No. 738

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

DOES EVERYONE NEED A COLLEGE EDUCATION?

Did you hear about the man who had a BA, MA and a PhD, but he did not have a JOB? Please hold that thought in the back of your mind, because it speaks directly to an issue that could possibly cause a lot of problems in the coming years.
This thought came to mind a while back when I was talking with a medical doctor friend of mine, originally from El Dorado, Ark., when he said, “Everyone does not need a college education.” Now, you may disagree, but I think he’s right, as everyone does not need a college education. Everyone does need a quality high school education, and that should be the goal of every school district in our nation.
The El Dorado Public School District in South Arkansas is the envy of every school district in our state and perhaps every other district in the country that has heard about the Murphy Oil Company Promise Scholarship Program. This oil company, based in El Dorado and the country’s ninth-largest refiner, has made a commitment to invest $50 million over a period of 20 years to provide every student who graduates from El Dorado with a college education. This year, 95 percent of the school’s graduates are college bound and what parent would not want this for their son or daughter, especially if they were not financially able to provide this for them?
Here is a stipulation, which is also an incentive. Students who attended school in El Dorado since kindergarten are eligible for the full amount; students who attended all four years of high school get 65 percent. Those who have been in the district for less than four years are ineligible. There is another upside to this program, as school enrollment has increased in the past few years, when before the program they were losing enrollment. The local community college has experienced an even greater increase in enrollment, as families from 28 states and 10 foreign countries have moved to El Dorado. When you boil it all down, this “checkbook philanthropy” is also a brilliant move for the company. One of the things every large company has to have to succeed is human capital, and this Promise Scholarship Program pretty well insures that a highly educated pool of workers will be home-grown; ready, willing and able to go to work.
Now, back to my earlier statement that everyone does not need a college education. Many, perhaps most, of these students will not go to college in El Dorado or anywhere within driving distance, and work in the area when they graduate. Over the long haul, there is one elementary principle that cannot be escaped, and this is the law of supply and demand. When we reach the point that we flood the market in any given area of expertise, only the best and most qualified will be able to find a job. In the meantime, we have thousands of jobs and careers that go begging for qualified people to fill them.
Have you ever tried to find a good plumber, electrician, auto mechanic, carpenter and any number of other disciplines? Today, many of these people earn considerably more than a lot of college graduates. Something else we should always keep in mind is that these people should never be looked down on because they work with their hands and get dirty. I have said many times over the years that I strongly believe in education, especially literacy in the early years of a child’s life, but we should never lose sight of the fact that college is not for everyone.
In Arkansas we have a long way to go, as we have the second-lowest percentage of college graduates in the nation at 16.7 percent, ahead of West Virginia’s 14.4 percent. My red flag is only meant as a positive, because a college degree does not guarantee success.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. - 739 - THE "MIND-SET" OF POOR PEOPLE

No. 739

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE “MIND-SET” OF POOR PEOPLE

Competition is healthy. Competition is good. It’s the American way. We see it in business, in athletics, in education, in politics and even in the heart of a young man who is in competition with another for the hand of a beautiful and available young lady. When we don’t have competition and one side completely dominates the other, it becomes very unhealthy and even destructive.
A good example of this can be seen in something a thoughtful reader sent to me the other day. It clearly demonstrates what happens when one side wins every time, year after year, for several decades.
According to U.S. Census Bureau, August 2007 American Community Survey, here are the Top 10 Poverty Cities in America, listing the city, state, and percent of people below the Poverty Level.
1. Detroit, Mich. – 32.5 percent
2. Buffalo, N.Y. – 29.9 percent
3. Cincinnati, Ohio – 27.8 percent
4. Cleveland, Ohio – 27.0 percent
5. Miami, Fla.– 26.9 percent
6. St. Louis, Mo. – 26.8 percent
7. El Paso, Texas – 26.4 percent
8. Milwaukee, Wis. – 26.2 percent
9. Philadelphia, Pa.– 25.1 percent
10. Newark, N.J.– 24.2 percent.
Here is a question that gets to the core of what I want to share with you. What do the top 10 cities (over 250,000 population) with the highest poverty rate all have in common?
You might be surprised with the answer. I know I was. Detroit hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 1961; Buffalo hasn’t elected one since 1954; Cincinnati since 1984; Cleveland since 1989; Miami has never elected a Republican mayor; St. Louis since 1949; El Paso has never had a Republican mayor; Milwaukee since 1908; Philadelphia since 1952; and Newark since 1907.
Now please don’t misconstrue my motive for sharing this information with you. It is certainly not a campaign commercial for the Republican Party. I have been turned off lately by both the Republicans and the Democrats. I have said many times in this column that I don’t get involved in partisan politics. I am an Independent and voted for candidates in both parties in the last election. In every case, I just vote for the candidate that I think has America’s best interest at heart and will do the right thing for the present and also for the future.
The real question becomes, why would the citizens of these cities continue to elect a mayor, the city’s chief elected official, from the same party for decades on end when they are mired in poverty? Why not change, at least once in a while, to create healthy competition? I will confess that I am far from being an expert when it comes to matters such as this, but I believe there are two basic reasons. First, is the power of incumbency. After several elections with the same party in power, they have all or most of their appointed positions filled with members of their own party. At this point it’s almost impossible to remove them.
Second, it is an established fact that lack of education is the primary reason for poverty. It’s easier to convince voters that you have their best interest at heart if they don’t know any better, and more especially when they become dependent on you. It really becomes a mind-set for millions of these people. Our most important task in the coming years is to improve our nation’s educational system. Poverty and illiteracy go hand in hand. When we look across the world and look at the poorest nations, we also see high rates of illiteracy.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 740 - A RESOURCE FOR "WOULD-BE" INVENTORS

No. 740

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A RESOURCE FOR “WOULD-BE” INVENTORS

If you are an inventor or “would-be” inventor searching for a way to get your product or invention on the market, I may have some help for you. Granted, this topic will not be of interest or appeal for many of my readers, but you may know someone who fits this description and may have a need for this service. I have also found that a lot of information that I didn’t think I needed came in very handy down the road.
Over the past several years, I have received a number of press releases and sample products, from a company called InventHelp, located in Pittsburg. Started in 1984, this is no small company, as they employ about 200 people at the company’s headquarters.
InventHelp is a licensing and marketing company in the business of assisting companies, inventors and entrepreneurs in their attempts to introduce and market new products and inventions. From a practical standpoint, if you would like to know what a service like this means to you, just walk down the aisle in Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, and any number of other large retailers and look at all the various products on the shelf. In most cases, if there is sufficient need for a certain product, in every industry, someone has already come up with an idea for the product, applied for a trademark, produced it, and there it is, ready for purchase.
Most of us just take this for granted, but you may rest assured there was a long process involved before the product ever made it to the marketplace. What this company does is submit various products and ideas to industry in the hope of gaining a good-faith review.
InventHelp’s efforts fall into these basic areas: 1. Preparation of materials that describe and illustrate the client’s inventions. 2. Patent Referral Services that include a preliminary U.S. patentability search and opinion. If there is sufficient interest, the company can prepare and submit a U.S. patent application. 3. Attempt to submit, once the client approves the materials. At this point the company attempts to submit them to companies interested in reviewing new product ideas. 4. Follow up if interest is expressed and the company attempts to negotiate a license agreement or sale of the invention. It should be noted that only a small number of clients receive a license or any financial gains. It really comes down to the survival of the fittest, as only the very best products ever become mass produced, and that’s where the money is.
Here are the numbers. From 2005-2007, InventHelp signed agreements with 5,959 clients. As a result of services provided, 98 clients have received license agreements for their products and 20 clients have received more money than they paid InventHelp for their services.
At this point some would say, “Why would an inventor choose to work with InventHelp?” Here is what they say; you be your own judge. InventHelp has a stated policy of honesty toward its customers; a strong sense of consumer fairness, as reflected in their mission statement and core values; an approach that is straightforward and does not mislead and misinform; and a strong set of business ethics and a compliance department to ensure company compliance with regulations, laws and company policy. The company also sponsors INPEX, the Invention/New Product Exposition, an annual trade show for inventors.
Well, there you have it. With all the cards on the table, if you would like to contact this company visit their Web site www.InventHelp.com or call 1-412-288-1300.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 741 - A "GRAN-CAMP" THAT BUILDS LASTING MEMORIES!

No. 741

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A “GRAN-CAMP” THAT BUILDS LASTING MEMORIES!

You know, sometimes life is just not fair. In this column, I want to tell you about a wonderful couple here in our community who have a Gran Camp each year for their grandchildren. The only requirement is that the child must be “potty trained” and as I said in the beginning, sometimes life is just not fair. Tommy and Susie Walker live here in Conway and have five grandchildren, all of whom live in the Fayetteville area, in Northwest Arkansas. I might add, this is also the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Susie got the idea for Gran Camp from a newspaper article that she read in 2005 written by another grandmother who had a Gran Camp for her grandchildren. What a neat idea as you will see as you read along, because it produces lasting memories and, if done properly, can help to build important values that will last a lifetime.
Here, I am reminded of the story of a preacher who took his young son to hear his first sermon. On the way into the church this preacher put a $5 bill in the offering plate. Would you believe that not one person showed up to hear his sermon? On the way out of the church this preacher took his $5 bill back out of the offering plate and the son said, “Dad, I guess if we had put more in, we would have got more out.”
That’s really the theme of what it takes to succeed in anything. Both Susie and her husband Tommy work hard to prepare for Gran Camp each year. This year, based on the requirements, three of their grandchildren were able to attend and they had a carnival theme. It lasted for seven days and nights and was planned around the children’s summer schedules. Once the plans were made, Susie, a former English teacher, began to plan for different activities for each day. She said she likes to get the kids out of the house at some point every day, but this year it rained six of the seven days, which necessitated flexibility.
Every day the cousins did a craft and “they really like that,” Susie said of craft time. This year the kids made garden stones, using bits and pieces of her old china and jewels, designing their own patterns for personalized stepping stones. Other crafts included making bracelets, bookmarks, and cards for their moms. The kids also created art work which hung in an art gallery along the edge of the kitchen counter. They also went to the Faulkner County Library, a movie, Jump Zone and the annual St. Joseph School Bazaar.
Susie said the carnival theme came from a favorite childhood book about a boy named Toby Tyler who went to the circus. She and the children also read a Little Golden Book titled “Circus,” that had beautiful pictures of an old-fashioned circus and teaches about how the circus used to come to town. She also found a large canvas with pictures of a monkey, an elephant and a lion, through which the children could stick their heads and pose for photos. At the end of the day, the children selected a sticker to place on the daily schedule board, noting they had finished all the activities.
Susie said one of her favorite times at Gran Camp was bed time, when all the kids would “all pile in bed, saying our prayers together, praying for their moms and dads.” She plans to hold Gran Camp as long as Tommy is willing, as he also plays a major role in the camp in addition to transportation. He does the devotionals, and this year he used the carnival theme to bring the Bible into the circus and talk about the various animals found in the Bible. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Hope it inspires other grandparents to also hold a Gran Camp.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 742 - PLACING THE FOCUS ON ACADEMICS

No. 742
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
PLACING THE FOCUS ON ACADEMICS

For many people, perhaps most, there comes a time when not being politically correct is the best and right thing to do. This is such a time for me.
Some time back, I told you about a large community in our state where, over the past 10 years, the public schools have lost 2,000 of its white students, almost all. While I could be wrong, I believe I know one of the major reasons why this has happened. The population of this community is made up of 68 percent African-Americans. This plurality has made it possible to elect an African-American mayor, the majority of the school board members and, about 11 years ago, they also hired an African-American school superintendent.
Since 1947, when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, African-Americans have seen sports as their best hope for success, notoriety and big money, especially males. Today we see the National Basketball Association made up of 80 percent African-American players and 78 percent of the National Football League. Other competitive sports have a similar story, especially track and field and long distance marathon runners. That’s pretty amazing when you consider that African-Americans make up only 14 percent of the United States population. The end result is that this has created a sports culture in the African-American community. As this relates to the exodus of white students from this school district, it was never a part of any plan for this to happen.
The bottom line is that no student, white or African-American, can spend the amount of practice time necessary to excel, to make it to the college level much less plan for a career in professional sports, and have much time left over for anything else. In the overall scheme of things, something has to suffer, and in most cases it’s academics. There are a myriad of reasons why white parents have taken their children out of this public school district, which is now made up of 94 percent African-American students. Some white parents are prejudiced, but most simply want their children to have a better quality academic education.
When you drive down Main Street in this city and see building after building that once held a thriving business being boarded up and the business gone, you know who suffers and who it hurts the most. With even a little introspection, the answer should be obvious. It is the vast majority of African-Americans who are negatively impacted, because these businesses represented jobs, services, and the tax base to provide police, fire, sanitation, parks, recreation and all other city services. Make no mistake, so goes your schools, so goes your community.
While doing research, I learned that the odds of an African-American student athlete making it to the pros is 4,000 to 1, and for a white student athlete it’s 90,000 to 1.
Here is my message of hope for every person who will read this column, because it affects all of us. It may take years or even decades to turn this situation around, not only in this community, but in other communities with similar circumstances. This is a journey we must begin. The only way to change the culture in this school district and this community is to place the focus on academics.
I would like to see this slogan adopted, __(Name)_____ Public Schools: Committed to Academic Excellence. The doors of opportunity for African-Americans are open today as never before in our nation’s history and pursuing a dead-end career in sports should not even be a consideration. Let’s work on this together over the coming months and years because I know we can do better.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 743 - CAN'T YOU JUST "SANG" ONE SONG?

No 743
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
CAN’T YOU JUST “SANG” ONE SONG?

When I was a kid growing up in a small town in Southeast Arkansas, we never had much culture. If we did, I never knew it. Now that I am older and have moved to a much larger community, I have gotten a little more sophisticated and semi-prosperous. At least I know what culture is and can recognize it.
You can understand why I was thrilled when we had a little culture at our Lions Club Christmas Party this past December. A lady in our club in charge of the program, Barbara Matchett, invited Mr. Israel “Izzy” Getzov, director of the Conway Symphony Orchestra, to perform for us. Izzy, as he likes to be called, is originally from Chicago, and he played a few numbers on the violin, but mostly gave us “Symphony” talk. He was a delightful person and a wonderful musician. Everyone enjoyed him very much.
A few days ago I got to thinking about my lack of culture and remembered a story that the late Bob Murphy told about Van Cliburn, the only classical musician to receive a ticker-tape parade down Broadway in New York City. Bob was from East Texas, and it seems a lot of people were kidding him because people in his part of the country did not have any culture. This is when Bob told the story about Van Cliburn being from Kilgore, Texas, about 50 miles from his hometown. Van Cliburn was a classical pianist who went to Russia in 1958 to enter the Tchaikovsky Competition that included the best piano players from all over the world. The prize was $100,000 and 23-year-old Van Cliburn was the surprise winner.
After he came back home to America, he played the concert stages all across the nation, from California to Maine, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. After things settled down, it was decided that Van Cliburn should give a concert for his hometown people. They rented the auditorium on the campus of Kilgore Junior College, the largest one in town. Tickets sold out in about an hour and a half, as everyone was hungry for culture. The booking agent even sent a Steinway Piano from up East, and a man with it to keep it in tune over there in the humidity.
However, the day of the concert, a “blue-norther” blowed in. The temperature dropped about 60 degrees in less than two hours. It began to snow, it hailed a little and ice began to collect on the roads. The pine branches were popping from the weight of the snow. It was a terrible day in East Texas. That evening at the concert there were only about 30 people in that big auditorium. At the appointed time, Van Cliburn came through the curtains, had on a black tie, tux and tails, lots of hair. He said, “I want to thank everyone for coming. Of course, you realize that there will be no concert this evening, as the weather is prohibitive. We will give you a rain check for when we reschedule the concert later in the spring. Again, I deeply appreciate your coming tonight and good evening.”
There was an old country boy and his wife on the third row, the only ones on that whole row. You could tell he was from the country, because his coat had hung in the closet so long that it had those coat hanger marks that you can’t press out. He said, “Mr. Cliburn, just a minute. Mr. Cliburn, me and my wife went to a heap of trouble to come to this thing tonight. We came over here from Gladewater. I got up early this morning and put chains on the pick-up. I got about 500 pounds of feed over the back axle to give me traction. We slipped and slided all the way over here, and I ruined a pair of Florsheim shoes pushing out of the bar ditches. Mr. Cliburn, can’t you just ‘sang’ one song?” Yes, culture is a wonderful thing.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 744 - MY IDEAL PERSON

No. 744
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
MY IDEAL PERSON

I have a good friend here in our community by the name of Valta Burnett who is a faithful reader of my column. Valta is more than three score and 10 years of age, but her actual age will remain just between the two of us and her close friends with whom she is willing to share it.
She has lived in Conway for several years but spent most of her life in California. She had an outstanding career as a teacher in both Arkansas and California schools. Some time back she handed me something titled “My Ideal Person,” and after reading it, I concluded that it was more than worthy to be shared with you and others to whom you pass it along.
However, I would like to add a personal comment or two before passing it along. I am not one of those who think the world is going to “hell in a hand basket,” but there is certainly room for improvement for many in public life, especially in the sports and political arena. I could call names here but I will spare you, and you already know most of the prime examples because the news is filled with these people every day. What would those 24-hour cable TV networks do with all that time? These folks are like the volunteer fire department when the packing house caught on fire one night about 9 o’clock. They kept it going till the next day.
So, as the program chairman says, “without further a-do” here is Valta Burnett’s “Ideal Person,” and I have picked out some personal qualities that I certainly need to improve. See how you stack up.
“My ideal person is blessed with good mental, physical and emotional health. He has great respect for both God and man. This person also has a respect for nature and all of God’s creation. He is a person who enjoys life and tries to live each day to its fullest. He has a goal in mind and does his best to achieve that goal. He is not afraid of work.
“He has lots of friends because he is friendly, and has earned their love and respect. He would never knowingly hurt another person, or cause him to stumble. My ideal person loves to laugh with those who are happy, but he can also cry with those who weep. He is honest, dependable, and always keeps his word. He is a caring individual.
“This person is not afraid to stand up for what he knows is right, even if he stands alone. Although good looks and charm are important to most young people, I feel the greatest beauty is that which comes from within and shows in our personality. My ideal has a winning personality. Money is also much sought after, but there are lots of less-than-ideal people who have money.
“I would have to say that the ideal person has learned to use his talents and money wisely, and has been blessed with enough of each to make for a pleasant life. Last of all my ideal is someone who is not easily upset, knows how to control his tongue and his temper and looks for the good in the people he meets. He has clean habits of speech and actions and has nothing to prove to be accepted. People like this person because he does his part in making the world a better, happier place in which to live.”
Thank you, Valta, for sharing that.
If you, like myself, confess that you could stand a little improvement, here is a quotation by Mark Victor Hansen that pretty well sums it up. “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less-than-perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 745 - THE ST. JOSEPH FLEA MARKET

No. 745
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE ST. JOSEPH FLEA MARKET

Like millions of other Americans, I have Type II diabetes. It may be hereditary, but all the sweets that Viola has made and I have consumed over the years did not help any, either. At this point later in life I am sentenced to medication, reading food labels and going to the fitness center two or three times each week to work out. I use that last term loosely. I forgot to mention, I also prick my finger each morning to take my blood sugar reading. So far I am making it fine. One thing I have found that works for me is more physical work, especially the out-in-the-yard variety. As a hobby I have decided to do something that I have never had much interest in before. I am starting a “backyard nursery” to grow plants.
It’s a lot of fun, and that rake, shovel and wheelbarrow routine is doing wonders for my sugar level.
One of the things that I needed for my project is a used fish tank or aquarium to make a homemade propagation box to root cuttings. That’s another story. I could have gone to the pet store and purchased a new one, but often they can be found at yard sales if you stumble onto one, but you would miss a lot of the fun and be out a few extra dollars. I am not a yard sale person, but a friend told me that I may find one at the St. Joseph Flea Market, which is really the purpose for this column.
We have a large Catholic community here, and each year they have a fund raising bazaar that helps support the church, their schools, and other projects in the community. While we are not Catholic, we have a lot of friends who are and I have a deep respect for the values they hold dear and practice in their daily lives, especially the work ethic. I can tell you from first-hand knowledge that these people “work” and that’s one of the reasons you will find most of them very successful. One of the features that the St. Joseph Bazaar has had in past years is a flea market, where you can find most anything you need, all the way from A to Z. The flea market has been a real success and, after the bazaar each year, they would have tons of things left over to store for the following year.
I don’t know how the decision came about, but they now have the flea market open the year around. They have all kinds of stuff, and the price is right. Now, here is what I observed when I went down to purchase that used fish tank that I mentioned earlier. First, the flea market is staffed by all volunteers, members of the church, who are “giving back,” a favorite theme of mine. I had made a phone call and talked with Helen Kordsmeier, whose family has been around our community for several decades. She told me that she was a regular reader of my column, and that they did have a used fish tank, for the tidy sum of $10. I told her to hold it and I would be along to pick it up.
When I got there the first person I met was Bill Hegeman, former general manager of the city’s utility and a pillar of our community, who was there as a volunteer. After a warm greeting from Bill, I asked to meet and visit with Helen Kordsmeier. She was in a back room sorting the various items that were donated, to be placed on the shelves for sale. She showed me two different piles she was working on, one that was for “recycling” and the other to become merchandise.
She said, “We are keeping all of this out of the landfill and with today’s economy a lot of people are struggling, and can’t even afford to buy most of these items at Walmart.”
Every community needs an all-volunteer flea market, like this one.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 746 - THE ERA OF IRRESPONSIBILITY

No. 746
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE ERA OF IRRESPONSIBILITY

It has often been said that history has a way of repeating itself. I can certainly go along with that, especially in the area of human conduct and responsibility. Today we see cases on every hand where people in responsible positions, in all areas of society, are acting totally irresponsibly. It’s not my nature to single out people who have dropped the ball and, by doing so, have set a terrible example for young people and those who look to them as an example. Rather, I had rather spend my time concentrating on things I can do, and we can do together, to make life better for future generations.
One thing we should all understand is that there are lasting and often dire consequences for our actions and how we deal with those around us. We just need to know, and be constantly reminded, that whatever we are doing that is wrong will most often come to light, and in due time we will be judged by God and by our fellowman. There are millions of people who are either dead, sitting in prison or disgraced who thought, “It won’t hurt this one time or no one will ever know.” Believe me, we will be found out and they will know.
Some time back a reader in Illinois sent me something written by a man I truly respected, the late Paul Harvey. It was written in 1975, so you can see that irresponsibility and sin were around back in those days, too, as it always has been. That’s just our nature unless we have had a life-changing experience, and Jesus Christ has made us literally a new person, II Corinthians 5:17.
By way of reminder, in part, here is what Paul Harvey had to say, “They told us that, if we’d relax about sex, take our clothes off and not get all uptight about it, there would be no more sex crimes. So we let it all hang out – and the incidence of rape has increased 10 percent in one year. We need to question some of the other advice ‘they’ gave us.
“They told us we had been too tough on criminals, that we should go easy on them. So we went easy on them – and the rate of violent crime has increased 47 percent since 1968, increased 6 percent last year and is increasing 15 percent this year. (And remember this was written in 1975) They also told us that if we would just be generous with poor folk, there would be no motive for stealing anymore. So, we gave everyone a guaranteed income and robbery, burglary, larceny, auto theft are running 15 percent ahead of one year ago. They said that churches were ‘old fashioned,’ that they must modernize, liberalize, rationalize, compromise. And those that comprised most are sinking fastest. It is appearing up to here that ‘they’ gave us some awfully bad advice. They did.
“They insisted that our schools must boot God out and rely on enhancing Junior’s intelligence. So we graduated a generation of Juniors with refined intellects and undisciplined emotions – so school-age suicides have soared 92 percent in two years. They said informal marriage was enough, so the odds are 5-to-4 your rapture will be ruptured and 2-in-7 that the next baby will be born illegitimate. Every ugly headline in today’s newspaper — and yesterday’s and tomorrow’s -- is somebody’s emotions gone out of whack.
“Spaceship earth came with a set of instructions. It is called The Holy Bible, and if it were not divinely inspired, it would still be the best blueprint for an orderly existence.”
We should each take responsibility for our own actions and teach our children and grandchildren to do the same. In other words, we must not be an irresponsible person.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 747 - HOW COOL IS THAT?

No. 747
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
HOW COOL IS THAT?

A few weeks ago I was driving down the road that leads to our home and I noticed that one of our neighbors was having a beautiful blue metal roof installed on his place. It looked great. I was probably more aware and interested in what was taking place than most of the other people driving down this same road, because we installed a red metal roof when we built this place almost 20 years ago. Other than having to go back and put some silicone on the screw heads to keep them from working loose, it has worked out great, and we are confident that the savings in energy costs has been sizable. The reason for the costs savings is that the traditional composition shingles, made from asphalt, traps heat, while a metal roof reflects the sun’s rays.
When you see school buses around town, painted with a white top, you can understand why. White metal is cooler than dark metal. It’s just that simple. However, in most residential neighborhoods, your neighbors would run you out of town if you installed a white metal roof. As the saying goes, “It would stick out like a sore thumb.” However, there is a solution. It’s to install a highly reflective “cool” colored metal roof that looks just like a traditional roof, one that provides some year-round relief from high energy costs. Please understand that I have nothing personally to gain here from recommending one kind of roof over another, but because a roof over our heads is something we all have to have, it’s just smart to know that we have some choices and some options.
Again, to reduce year-round energy costs, the answer is to install a darker colored, yet highly reflective, metal roof. Tests conducted by the independent Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) indicate that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner up to 25 percent in cooling costs compared to a dark-gray asphalt shingle. But you may say, “How about in the winter time?” In areas with cold winters, above-sheathing is the key to achieving year-round benefits. New ORNL research shows that additional savings are possible if metal roofs are installed with an air-ventilation gap above the sheathing. The cool roof and air gap save energy in the summer, and the air space cuts heat loss in the winter.
Not to swamp you with too many details, but ORNL’s field tests have shown that the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45 percent for stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. Ongoing research with standing-seam cool-colored metal roofs is showing similar results. Bill Hippard, president of the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance says, “Some ideas are better in theory than in practice. The old concern of ‘not in my back yard’ is hard to overcome when consumers are making home improvement choices. Metal roofing provides the perfect solution – it’s good for the environment, saves money and preserves the home’s beauty.”
The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to answer homeowners’ questions about residential metal roofing, including their energy benefits and environmental impact. For more information, visit their Web site: www.metalroofing.com We all have to make choices, and a metal roof is not for everyone, but it should be an option when building a new home or replacing an existing roof. From my own personal experience, I have never seen anyone tearing off a metal roof and replacing it with composition shingles. I have seen many composition shingle roofs being replaced every 10 to 15 years.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 748 - DOES A NATION'S LITERACY RATE REALLY MATTER?

No. 748
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
DOES A NATION’S LITERACY RATE REALLY MATTER?

The young man thrust a paper at me, squinting into the sun, “Hey, man, can you tell me where this is?” I was a visitor to Detroit myself, but one glance at the scribbling told me the answer to his question. I pointed to the street sign barely 15 feet above us. It was right there.
I said, “Can’t you see the sign?” He looked sheepishly at me, pulled the paper back and headed toward the street, and then it hit me. The reason he had to ask me, a stranger, was not because he had not seen the sign. It was because, he couldn’t read it. He was not alone. An astonishingly 47 percent of residents of Detroit, nearly one of every two adults in this predominately African-American city, are functionally illiterate.
By way of contrast, the figure for Vietnam is 6.7 percent and 1.7 percent for Croatia. Being functionally illiterate relates to the inability of an individual to use reading, writing and computational skills in everyday life: filling out a job application, reading traffic signs, figuring out an election ballet, reading a newspaper, understanding a bus schedule or product label - or finding a street address on a sheet of paper. In the richest country on earth, 23 percent of adult Americans – 44 million men and women -- cannot do these things.
What I have just shared with you is part of an article that appeared in Newsweek back on Sept. 30, 2002. It was written by Shashi Tharoor, someone I had never heard of, so I decided to do some research on this writer and his background. What I learned was very surprising and a real indictment on literacy in our country. Shashi Tharoor was born in 1956 in London and educated in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, India, and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. He has also had a very distinguished career working for the United Nations and, by the way, earned his Ph.D. at age 22, so he is clearly an intellectual.
As an author, Shashi Tharoor has written many editorials, commentaries, and short stories in Indian and Western publications. Thus his article referred to earlier articles, published in Newsweek. You may ask, “Why are you telling me this?” Well, several reasons, but mainly because here is a man, a native and educated mainly in the country of India, writing about the sad state of literacy in the most prosperous nation on earth. When I was growing up, and for much of my adult life, I have viewed India as a poor, backward and uneducated nation, in the mold of the teeming mass of humanity that Mother Theresa ministered to during her lifetime.
My concept was wrong, especially as it applies today. Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress. The Indian literacy rate grew to 66 percent in 2007, from 12 percent at the end of British rule in 1947. This is still way below the world average literacy rate of 84 percent, and India currently has the largest illiterate population of any nation on earth. However, to place this in perspective, the 2001 census indicated a 1991-2001 decadal literacy growth of 12.63 percent, which is the fastest ever on record.
Here is another important reason for sharing this with you. Over the past decade or so, the United States has outsourced thousands of highly technical jobs to India. This means, for a variety of reasons, that American workers are losing jobs to a nation whose literacy rates are vastly improving. Does a nation’s literacy rate really matter? You bet it does. We must focus and concentrate on improving literacy in America. Do you agree?
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 749 - THE PURSUIT OF MATURITY

No. 749
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE PURSUIT OF MATURITY

In his excellent book, “The Laws of Success,” author Sterling W. Sill discusses a series of 48 natural laws and the effect each one has on our personal lives. They cover the gambit all the way from the Law of Abundance to the Law of Words, with the Law of Chance, Experience, Fear, Free Agency, Love, Loyalty, Reason, Self-control, Teaching, Will and countless others in between. I can promise you this -- if you had a working knowledge of each of these laws, you would have a pretty good education. One of these natural laws not named above affects each of us – it is the Law of Maturity.
Here is the first paragraph of the Law of Maturity chapter, as written by Sterling Sill. “At the beginning of this century a man named Stanford Benet made a study of the fact that all people do not mature at the same rate. He discovered that at a certain chronological age, the normal child can be expected to do certain things. If at that age the child is still unable to do the expected things, he is termed retarded; that is, he is younger on the mental scale of growth. If he can do more than the normal, his mental age is advanced. Benet invented the ‘Intelligence Quotient’ or IQ, a table by which to measure mental age.”
Now for a practical application that should benefit each of us. Our goal, as human beings, should be to become more mentally mature with the passing of time. A friend sent me a yellowed newspaper clipping on the topic of maturity some time ago and I have no idea who wrote it or in what newspaper it was published. Just see if you see yourself anywhere in this article. “Maturity is many things. First it is the ability to base a judgment on the Big Picture — the Long Haul. It means being able to pass up the fun-for-the-minute and select the course of action which will pay off later. One of the characteristics of infancy is the ‘I want it NOW approach’. Grown-up people can wait.
“Maturity is the ability to stick with a project or a situation until it is finished. The adult who is constantly changing jobs, changing friends and changing mates – is immature. He has not grown up. Everything seems to turn sour after awhile. Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness, frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint or collapse. The mature person knows he can’t have everything his own way. He is able to adjust circumstances, to other people – and to time. Maturity is the ability to live up to your responsibilities and this means being dependable. It means keeping your word. And dependability equates with personal integrity. Do you mean what you say – and say what you mean?
“The world is filled with people who can’t be counted on, people who never seem to come through in the clutches and people who break promises and substitute alibis for performance. They show up late – or not at all. They are confused and disorganized. Their lives are a chaotic maze of unfinished business. Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. Immature people spend their lives exploring endless possibilities and then do nothing. Action requires courage. And there is no maturity without courage.
“Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and your energies and do more than is expected. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. He would rather aim high and miss the mark than aim low and miss it.”
Well, how about that? To me, that’s a fantastic article and contains at least some reminders of things we can all use in our pursuit of maturity.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 750 - WE LEARN MORE IN THE VALLEYS!

No. 750
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WE LEARN MORE IN THE VALLEYS!

The late Will Rogers once said, “It’s just as important to be reminded as it is to be educated.” Keeping this thought in mind, I would like to remind you of something that you may already know but may have forgotten. When it comes to getting an education, there is much more to learn than what we are getting or have gotten in the classroom. The real test comes when we leave school or college, for whatever length of time, and go out into the real world. This is where the rubber meets the road. At some time or another, most of us have had mountain-top experiences where we met our quota, reached our goal, won our race, won the game, got the man or woman of our dreams and any number of other things.
While we all love to be up on the mountain top, and that is a great feeling, I want to remind you that we learn more when we are down in the valleys. It’s during our dark days, lonely nights, uncertain times and, figuratively speaking, not knowing where our next meal is coming from, that we learn many of the really important things in life.
I was reminded of this some time back during a conversation with my good friend, Jack Bloxom, who lives here in our community. Jack and his wife Janie are salt-of-the-earth kind of people, and Viola and I enjoy spending quality time with them, especially when we go out to breakfast on Saturday mornings at our local Cracker Barrel restaurant.
Jack is semi-retired and works part-time for a statewide funeral home chain, but most of his life was spent as a pastor for a number of churches here in Arkansas and in Texas, where he grew up and finished high school. He was telling about the days when he was in seminary, back in the early 1950s, with little or no money and just trying to get by from week to week. During his seminary years he preached halftime at two different churches, and one was 80 miles away. If I recall, one paid him $25 per week and the other 90 percent of the offering. One year the tires on his car were about gone, so he bought a set of Goodyear tires on the credit. He was doing his best to keep his payments current, but one week he just couldn’t make it, so he went to the manager to let him know. The manager said, “When can you pay me?” Jack said, “Next week.” The manager said, “That’s not late.”
But it was to Jack, and that’s the point. He took his obligations seriously. Another time he was to lead the singing for a revival in a church more than 350 miles away in another state. He had gas money to get there, but had to depend on what they paid him to buy gas to get back home. He also said, “In three months’ time, after Janie and I got married, I had gained over 20 pounds and my suit would not fit me. The pants legs came up above my ankles so I put a new suit on layaway and the payment was $17.50 each month. Naturally, I wanted to look nice when I led the singing for this revival, but I did not have the money to get it out.” There were hundreds or even thousands of young preacher boys all across the nation who had similar experiences. They were certainly not in it for the money.
Today, there are literally millions of people all over our nation who are hurting, in debt, unemployed, do not have insurance, and have no savings. They need a word of encouragement. While really unpleasant, and my heart goes out to you, if you are in these circumstances, we do learn more when we are in the valleys. Jack is stronger today, spiritually, emotionally and financially, because of what he went through back then.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 751 - A FANTASTIC 'GREEN THUMB' IDEA

No. 751
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
A FANTASTIC ‘GREEN THUMB’ IDEA

In your mind, visualize a middle school in your community and sitting on one side of the campus is a “greenhouse” and a garden area where plants and vegetables are being grown by students. The goal of this project is to attract students who aren’t involved in other school activities, such as athletics or clubs, to become involved in their schools and to be more physically active.
Those who have set up this program believe that working in the gardens will entice these students to move more, to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, and that it will also connect them with other kids and faculty through a common interest. Students who are already involved and active will become even more bonded with their schools and peers.
What a fantastic “Green Thumb” idea. We all have to eat, right? Over the past several decades, U.S. schools have spent billions of dollars on education and, in many cases, we are not getting our money’s worth. We still rank far behind most industrialized countries in test scores for reading, math and science. So, why not invest a little of this money to develop a program that is practical, uses common sense and meets a real need that will encourage and motivate many students who are not part of the “in” crowd when it comes to school activities.
But I am getting a little ahead of myself. Each week I receive a number of press releases that tout one cause or another, one product or another. Occasionally I receive one that really rings my bell. Such was the case recently when I received a release from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. It gave the details for a $1.8 million fund to build one-acre gardens at Delta middle schools. Some previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of exposing elementary school students to better nutritional habits through small-scale gardening projects. Few have documented how older students – ages 11 to 14 – can adopt lifestyle changes through larger-scale, science-based gardening programs.
This project is a joint venture between the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Delta Obesity Prevention Research Unit. The ACHRI will build seven one-acre gardens worth $17,000 each on the properties of seven schools who apply to participate. The researchers will also create a curriculum drawing on existing state educational frameworks so that students can use the gardens at least twice each week in their regular schoolwork. A full-time garden manager will be hired for each school. One of the seven schools will participate as the pilot site. That school’s students and teachers will evaluate all of the program components prior to the start of the full-scale study to determine if modifications are necessary.
While this idea is still in its infancy, I can see all kinds of benefits for students, parents and for our society. When it’s up and running, as previously stated, students involved in the program will be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables, while getting more exercise, and the food items that are grown can be used in the school’s cafeteria. Remember, this garden will also have a greenhouse and thereby increase the number of school days when it can be in use.
Obviously, there are tons of details that I don’t have space to tell you about, but I wanted to give you the concept to think about. While this grant only applies to schools in Arkansas, it will work anywhere in the nation. If you have a green thumb, you know, with proper supervision, this is an idea that will work. Visit their Web site: www.arteengarden.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 752 - TWENTY-FIVE GREAT USES FOR COFFEE FILTERS

No. 752
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
TWENTY-FIVE GREAT USES FOR COFFEE FILTERS

As a reader, what do you look for in a column or newspaper article? Do you look for content that is interesting, thought provoking, amusing, entertaining, practical, informative, and something that adds to your knowledge base? While I don’t always succeed in providing one or more of these qualities, I try, because I know your time is valuable. Sometime back a man asked me what my column was about, and before I could answer, my pastor who was sitting there, said “It’s a smorgasbord” because it has a little of everything. To be sure, I am always on the lookout for content and ideas that I feel would be of interest and benefit to you.
Today’s edition is on the practical side. A friend in West Virginia sent me a great article on “Coffee Filters” that contained 25 practical ways they can be used. In today’s economy they are really a bargain, as you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing, even the large ones. See if some of these practical uses for coffee filters might benefit you.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers. 2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome…coffee filters are lint-free so they’ll leave windows sparkling. 3. Protect china by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish. 4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter. 5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter. 7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter. 8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale. 9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods. 10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two as needed in a coffee filter. 12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters. 13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc. on them. It soaks out all the grease. 14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great “razor nick fixers.” 15. Use as a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliquéing soft fabrics.
16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors. 17. Use them to strain stock soup and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews. 18. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car. 19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills. 20. Use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies. It saves on having extra bowls to wash.
21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage. 22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls. 23. Use them to sprout seeds. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it t into a plastic baggie until they sprout. 24. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book. 25. Use as a disposable “snack bowl” for popcorn, chips, etc.”
Well, there you have it. Hope you have found a few practical uses for coffee filters around your house that you may never had thought about. I am pulling more KP these days, so I can use many of these myself.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 753 - WHY SOCIALISM WON'T WORK

No. 753
Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
WHY SOCIALISM WON’T WORK

The late American editor and craftsman, Elbert Hubbard, (1856-1915) was pretty savvy and I have quoted him often. In today’s edition I want to talk with you for the umpteenth time about why socialism won’t work.
Here is what Elbert Hubbard had to say about it. “Socialism is a plan by which the inefficient, irresponsible, ineffective, unemployable, and unworthy will thrive without industry, persistence or economy.” This about says it all. Unfortunately, Mr. Hubbard is not around today to add a little balance to an otherwise liberal national press, who more and more fail to tell the truth about anything, especially when it comes to holding those accountable who are driving the train.
The real problem created by socialism can be seen in this simple illustration. When you have more people riding in the wagon than you do pulling it, pretty soon those doing the pulling get tired and decide to either ride or quit pulling, and our government simply borrows more money. Sometime back a friend sent me another great illustration that should help even the most ardent skeptic see the consequences of the continuing slide toward socialism in our country.
“An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, as it would be a great equalizer. The professor then said, ‘OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism’. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
“As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and those who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride, too, so they studied little. The second test average was D! No one was happy. When the third test rolled around, the average was an F.
“The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail, because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when the government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.”
This illustration really places socialism into perspective. Nothing could be simpler than that. We must constantly be reminded that our government has nothing that it does not first take from its citizens or borrow from someone else. Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, said it best “You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”
If you have never thought about it, one of the greatest documents in our nation’s history is called “The Declaration of Independence.”
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

No. 754 - THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TEEN TEXTING

No. 754

The next password is apple

Jim Davidson -- NEWSPAPER COLUMN
THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TEEN TEXTING

Several years ago I remember hearing the late Earl Nightingale say, “We live in America where a person has the right to be just as wrong as he wants to be.” We live in a democracy where we can make a wide range of personal choices, but should enough of us make wrong choices, and seriously begin to infringe on the rights and choices of others, our system of laws kicks in.
This is especially true when too many personal choices lead to the death and injury of a great number of our citizens. A good example is the recent crackdown on drivers of 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs who were spending too much time texting while driving down the highway. It was reported that many of these drivers were spending three to four uninterrupted seconds at a time, sending text messages, before returning their focus to the highway and driving a massive metal missile that could snuff out multiple lives in a matter of seconds.
Because of the life and death aspect of this problem, and enough drivers were doing it to warrant action, something legally had to be, and it was done. In the overall scheme of things, there is a much wider and more serious problem that many people are becoming aware of and are beginning to seek solutions. This is the problem of the massive amount of time spent by our nation’s teenagers sending text messages, and only the Lord knows to whom they are sending the texts. A local television newscast recently reported that teens were spending over seven hours each day sending text messages or using some type of electronic device.
Again, we live in a democracy, so what can be done about it? And what does it hurt? At this point, allow me to give you the benefit of a recent Nielsen study. It found that the typical teen in the United States sends nearly 80 text messages each day, nearly 2,300 messages each month. Guess who is making the real money here? Medical professionals are becoming concerned, saying that all that thumbing of tiny buttons is leading to everything from repetitive stress injury to sleep deprivation.
The New York Times says the numbers come from Dr. Martin Joffe, a pediatrician in Greenbrae, Calif., who polled students at local high schools. He says youngsters who are already having sleep issues are responding to and sending texts all through the night. Sherry Turkle, director of the Initiative on Technology and Self at MIT, has studied teen texting in the Boston area for three years. She says it may be causing a shift in the way adolescents develop. She says non-stop texting interferes with two major adolescent goals. Separating from parents and finding some space to “become the person you decide you want to be.” She says that breaking away is difficult when adolescents are texting their mothers 15 times a day to ask about simple shopping decisions.
Now, that’s from the technical, learned side. From the practical and common sense side, this is an issue that I have seen coming on for the past several years. Many of these studies are done after it’s too late. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse has already gotten out. I guess this is why it’s often said that Americans only have two speeds: panic and apathy. From my perspective, the greatest victim of all is what all this texting is doing to literacy. If this continues at the same pace for the next decade, what is really down the tube is American culture. We lose reading, creative writing, spelling, sentence structure, and ultimately the English language as we have known it since the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com. You won’t go wrong helping a needy child.)

The next password is Apple