The GDR Blog

There appears to be an epidemic of violence in this nation; neighborhoods are slowly being destroyed. Children’s moral and ethical values are lacking; they are using violence as the way to resolve common childhood issues. The turf wars are making it very difficult for normal school activities to be enjoyed by young people. This destruction appears to be out of control. In the mist of this situation leaders are focusing on ways to salvage our youth, and introduce them to programs and activities that improve their quality of life. Hopefully, a positive outlook will become the new trend.

While concerned groups network and brainstorm to find ways to end the violence that plagues our neighborhoods, news reports reveal that the pattern continues. Although there are no simple steps to resolve this dilemma, I am inspired by the efforts of the various communities that have banned together to address the issues. Sadly, the efforts to address the issues in the neighborhoods are hindered by the fact that many of the children are not being raised in homes with their own parents. Thankfully, the creation of community workshops has given some of these children a place to demonstrate their artistic abilities. These positive outlets will help those young people to find purpose and renew their hopes for a better future.

Radio stations, and other media have provided platforms for youth to express themselves about the violence in their schools. The majority of these children want to learn and grow in a normal school setting. They are worried that the destruction has gotten out of control; they are looking to the political leaders for solutions.

Children are finding it difficult to focus on learning because the violence is not only happening on the streets, it is occurring inside of the schools as well. Teachers have to contend with unruly students on a daily basis, thus, the entire class will suffer because of such interruptions. Unfortunately, bad behavior has escalated from simple classroom pranks to outright violence. Some children have commented that they are acting out the violence that they’ve encountered in their homes. No doubt, this is a major concern for social service agencies. Unfortunately, children have sometimes been relocated to households that continue the same pattern. In some cases more disturbing things have occurred in the new household settings.

The lawmakers have come up with a plan to place National Guard troops in the neighborhoods to police the streets. Residents are not certain that this is a good solution—still the violence continues, and is expected to escalate even more as we move into the summer months. All of the writing, talking and brainstorming about this situation has brought a number of writers, speakers and analyzers together. Though community leaders and concerned individuals have created some great programs and incentives for young people, the senseless acts of violence continue. I commend and applaud the individuals that have made progress through the implementation of community programs. Their efforts have brought awareness and calm to some of the affected areas; there is hope.

As communities focus on the task of redirecting their youth toward more productive life styles, parents must focus on using their parenting skills to instill ethical values in children—right along with the essential nutrition that builds their strong bodies. This means that it is never too early to start building character in children. Parents can reshape and renew our society by raising children that will add value to the family, to community –and to the world. If that mission is accomplished, then the outlook will be transformed to hopeful, with a strong chance of brighter tomorrows.

(This is a repost original text by GDR)

I am sure everyone is looking forward to the time when we can get our lives back on track. The pandemic has caused many of us to be stressed—physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of  us are still trying to stay strong following the loss of loved ones. Children have been taken out of the learning environment that provided more than just a structured educational plan for them. 

During this difficult time, we all have tapped into our reserve strength. I am confident that we will get through this if we continue to protect each other. 

We are forever grateful to the many HealthCare Professionals who have helped save lives.

Let’s take care of each other.  Then, all of us can share the smiles that have been hidden under those masks.  Oh happy day! 

Vamos a cuidarnos, uno a otro. Luego, todo de nosotros podremos compartir las sonrisas que se han escondido bajo de esas máscaras. ¡Oh día feliz!

Heroes are not always found in a big bright spotlight.  We are surrounded with, and influenced by unsung heroes that come in to our lives to share their special talents and gifts.  They make our lives better.  Sometimes they are not noticed or acknowledged at all.   Take a moment to light a mental candle for the unsung heroes that are in your life and for the ones that have gone on.

One of my mental candles is lit  for my nephew Don.  Don passed away a few years ago , at a young age.   I don’t know of Don’s major accomplishments in life.   I do know that he committed to be an organ donor and that all of his major organs have been donated to ensure life for others. I celebrate you Don, and others like you who have made such an awesome contribution to LIFE.

(Original Post by GDR)

Clouds are generally associated with disappointment, crushed dreams and missed opportunities. When clouds appear, people become so focused on them that they
forget–they truly do pass on. The most beautiful and simple reminder of the promise and hope that hides behind clouds is the rainbow that nestles itself among them. So, we don’t even have to wait for the clouds to clear, because our rainbow is nestled there.

The clouds of life are there to get our attention—they merely offer a pause in life’s action so we can prepare ourselves for our next blessing.

(Image by Gabriella Green, edited by gdr, Original text by GDR)

Reaching out to others could project you beyond your emotional comfort zone, thus, opening the possibility for rejection–or for an experience that might turn your life around and give you a better prospective.

Some of us have the desire to reach out, but are waiting for someone else to take the first step. We sometimes deprive ourselves of some of life’s most rewarding experiences because of the fear of rejection. If the journey of a successful individual was illustrated by a list of accomplishments and rejections, you would probably be amazed at the number of rejections that appears on the list.

While there is no guaranteed formula for success, it is certain that determination plays a major role in the life of all successful people. The same holds true when you reach out to others—some may reject you, but you will feel good for having made the effort. After all, even if the experience does not turn out as you intended, you have planted a seed that could influence positive actions later.

Reaching out to help someone doesn’t have to be a major undertaking; in fact, a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact. There are greeting cards available for many different occasions—you don’t have to wait for a card that says, “I see you could use a hand,” for, that card is created in the heart.

Each of us has the ability to help someone; even while you wait for help, actively use your abilities and resources to help someone else. And above all, even if it looks like your efforts might be in vain–reach out anyway.

(Repost of original by GDR, Image-PrintMaster)

Sometimes we place obstacles in our own path. Is that our way of avoiding pending challenges? Challenges condition us—mentally and physically. They give us a chance to tap into the reserve of strength that reveals itself when all other options have been exhausted.

The road to success may have various obstacles, but we can maneuver much faster if we don’t bring our own road blocks. Any obstacles we encounter are merely the experiences and tools we need to complete the journey. They are life’s building blocks.

(Repost from 2013, original text by GDR)

When you establish and maintain good credit, you are building character.

My first credit card was obtained from a department store that I worked for. Even though I was employed by this well-known store, I was denied a credit card twice before I was finally approved. Both times the reason was that I did not have any credit history. Not only was I disappointed, but I was confused. In my mind, if I worked for the company, I should be trusted to have a credit card from them. What I did not realize at the time was, in order to obtain credit the borrower needs to have a credit history to prove that he or she can be trusted to pay back the debt. If there is no proof in your credit report to ensure that you can be trusted, it is unlikely that credit will be extended to you.

When I was approved for my first credit card, I was very excited. Not so much because I had resources for shopping, but because that credit approval represented a trust. I am proud to say, I never took that trust for granted. In fact, the approval for my first credit card was the foundation that inspired me to establish and maintain an excellent credit status. Even during difficult times, I was driven by that trust. I realized that good credit and good character go hand-in-hand.

I was prompted to write this post because I thought about a time in my life when I went through a difficult period. Fortunately for me, I met a business owner who trusted me based on my word. He ran a service station which also did automobile repairs. I took my car to him for service. The repairs I needed were extensive—more than I could afford at the time. I explained to him that I would not be able to pay for the repairs that day. He said I could bring the money to him the following week. The only information he had for me was my unpublished phone number and my word. Because of his trust, I felt empowered. That situation proved to be a great character builder for me; I realized the value of my word. I felt as though I had received an approval letter from a major lender.

Prior to settling the debt, various individuals told me I shouldn’t bother to pay for the repairs. One even said, “Why should you pay the guy? He doesn’t even know where you live.” Another friend said, “You could have gotten the repairs cheaper someplace else.” No matter what those individuals said, the only thing that mattered to me was the fact that I had given my word. I did not let those comments influence my actions.

On the day I settled my debt for the repairs, I arrived a little late. The shop had closed, but the owner was sitting outside in his car waiting for me. He knew I would not go back on my word. Because of that experience, I learned that my word is the part of my credit status that really matters.

I still am overwhelmed with pride in myself any time I recall that situation. The experience effected the way I view credit and trust. Credit standing begins with the first time you establish trust. It doesn’t matter if it involves money or merely a commitment, your word is your most solid collateral. Trust does build character—but at the foundation of that character is your word.

(Original Text By GDR)

There appears to be an epidemic of violence in this nation; neighborhoods are slowly being destroyed. Children’s moral and ethical values are lacking; they are using violence as the way to resolve common childhood issues. The turf wars are making it very difficult for normal school activities to be enjoyed by young people. This destruction appears to be out of control. In the mist of this situation leaders are focusing on ways to salvage our youth, and introduce them to programs and activities that improve their quality of life. Hopefully, a positive outlook will become the new trend.

While concerned groups network and brainstorm to find ways to end the violence that plagues our neighborhoods, news reports reveal that the pattern continues. Although there are no simple steps to resolve this dilemma, I am inspired by the efforts of the various communities that have banned together to address the issues. Sadly, the efforts to address the issues in the neighborhoods are hindered by the fact that many of the children are not being raised in homes with their own parents. Thankfully, the creation of community workshops has given some of these children a place to demonstrate their artistic abilities. These positive outlets will help those young people to find purpose and renew their hopes for a better future.

Radio stations, and other media have provided platforms for youth to express themselves about the violence in their schools. The majority of these children want to learn and grow in a normal school setting. They are worried that the destruction has gotten out of control; they are looking to the political leaders for solutions.

Children are finding it difficult to focus on learning because the violence is not only happening on the streets, it is occurring inside of the schools as well. Teachers have to contend with unruly students on a daily basis, thus, the entire class will suffer because of such interruptions. Unfortunately, bad behavior has escalated from simple classroom pranks to outright violence. Some children have commented that they are acting out the violence that they’ve encountered in their homes. No doubt, this is a major concern for social service agencies. Unfortunately, children have sometimes been relocated to households that continue the same pattern. In some cases more disturbing things have occurred in the new household settings.

The lawmakers have come up with a plan to place National Guard troops in the neighborhoods to police the streets. Residents are not certain that this is a good solution—still the violence continues, and is expected to escalate even more as we move into the summer months. All of the writing, talking and brainstorming about this situation has brought a number of writers, speakers and analyzers together. Though community leaders and concerned individuals have created some great programs and incentives for young people, the senseless acts of violence continue. I commend and applaud the individuals that have made progress through the implementation of community programs. Their efforts have brought awareness and calm to some of the affected areas; there is hope.

As communities focus on the task of redirecting their youth toward more productive life styles, parents must focus on using their parenting skills to instill ethical values in children—right along with the essential nutrition that builds their strong bodies. This means that it is never too early to start building character in children. Parents can reshape and renew our society by raising children that will add value to the family, to community –and to the world. If that mission is accomplished, then the outlook will be transformed to hopeful, with a strong chance of brighter tomorrows.

(This is a repost original text by GDR)

Another day has gone by, and I did not get the things done that I had in my plan.” (Does that sound familiar?)

Most of the things that we truly want in life are within our reach. Yes, that also means that in order to acquire those things, we must sometimes expand our reach. We must strengthen our bodies, minds, and focus in order to ward off negativity and doubts. Negativity is the thing that is most likely to sabotage our plan. Sometimes we even wait, or anticipate something or someone that will be a block in the path. We might even give that as a reason to abandon the plan or deter our efforts.

I have learned (or finally admitted to myself) that if a block exists in the path to my goals—it is likely one that I put there myself. The main idea behind achieving goals is overcoming obstacles. So if there is something you truly want, you need to get out of your own way. Once you’ve done that, you can move forward freely, and with renewed focus.

You are the only person standing in the way of your dreams. If you are true to yourself, there will be no openings for others to enter and create blocks. If it is your goal, own it–and see it through to the end.

You will be amazed how freely you can navigate when you get out of your own way.

(This a repost. Original text by GDR)