Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard, there’s nothing you can do.
If only political leaders would allow themselves to feel, as well as to think, the world might be a happier place.
Golda Meir (1898-1978) was Prime Minister of Israel from 1969-1974. She was and has remained Israel’s only female head of government.
From John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Blessed land stretching from ocean to ocean
Spacious skies wink at fields of abundant grain
Framed in by towering, majestic mountains
God’s Grace covering the land like fruitful rain
Lady Liberty extends her message of hope
Calling out, only demanding to breathe free
Ensuring freedom for the huddled masses
Keeping her torch lite, from sea to shining sea
Asking God to mend a nation’s ills and flaws
Lifting praises up to the Father above
His glory be forever praised here below
Liberty and freedom shall ring, filled with love
Forgiving our nation’s errors and transgressions
Healing hearts of discord, peace now safeguarded
Leading this nation out of its dark wilderness
Remembering an old path, long discarded
Nation founded from scratch, with lasting vision
“All men are created equal” crying out
Endowed from the Creator, come certain rights
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness shout
“America the Beautiful” is a beloved song. You are invited to listen to this familiar song, as sung by Lee Greenwood.
Originally published July, 2020.
The President of the United States should strive to be always mindful of the fact that he serves his party best who serves his country best. [Taken from Hayes Inaugural Address on March 5, 1877]
The progress of society is mainly the improvement in the condition of the workingmen of the world.
Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) served as the American President from 1877-1881.
Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away.
The most enthusiastic man in a cause is rarely chosen as the leader.
Sir Arthur Helps (1813-1875) was an English writer. He was an early advocate for animal rights.
In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.
No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself.
William Penn (1644-1718) was an English writer and religious thinker. This influential Quaker founded the province of Pennsylvania in the American colonies under British rule.
Seeking solutions
Walls of intimidation—
Patience breaking through
Melding open minds
Imagination building—
Excitement on fire
Deadline approaching
Calling for innovation—
Searching deep water
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.
If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.
Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023) served as First Lady during her husband’s term of office as American President (1977-1981). Involved with many accomplishments, she and Jimmy Carter were lifetime partners. She was a devoted and tireless advocate for greater awareness of mental health and other humanitarian causes.
The law is the only protection of the weak, and the only efficient restraint upon the strong.
The man who can look upon a crisis without being willing to offer himself upon the altar of his country is not for public trust.
Milliard Fillmore (188-1874) was the 13th President of the United States. As Vice President, he ascended to the Presidency upon the death of President Zachary Taylor.
Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.
With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.
Doris Kearns Goodwin (born 1943) is an American biographer and historian. In 1995, she received the Pulitzer Prize for History from her work on a biography about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II. She has also worked as sports journalist.
Opening doors welcome each child
Fascinating journey begins
Dreams fill with imagination
School days become future’s lynchpin
Strengthening character daily
Teaching life lessons, step-by-step
Entire village backs up each child
Honesty leads every footstep
Molding citizenship’s actions
Interacting with nation’s past
History’s events come alive
Participation built to last
Learning importance of service
Applying every faithful task
Life’s foundation now taking shape
Hands no longer afraid to ask
Displaying acts of leadership
Maturing into country’s best
Actions go far beyond just words
Ready now, to pass every test
Big Sky Buckeye 