Invictus

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
-William Ernest Henley

I had the opportunity to go and see the movie, "Invictus", tonight and cannot speak highly enough of it. It was very thought provoking and a necessary reminder of the man that Nelson Mandela was. The poem above is a poem sent from Mandela to the captain of the country's rugby team in the movie. The poem is the anchor the movie uses to provoke thought if one so chooses. I would recommend this movie to anyone and encourage everyone who sees it to take advantage of the opportunity to dig a little deeper and find the inspiration the movie brings to you.

LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH.

It has been far too long since I have written here but for good reason . . . Christmas season is now in full swing!! =D Christmas at our house is definitely an ongoing party. With all of the decorations, music, movies, apple cider, and hot chocolate, it is so much fun! The holiday is a time to enjoy family, friends, and neighbors. It is a time to be grateful for all that we have. I am so truly blessed and that is even more evident now at this time of year. I am so thankful for my family and the joy they bring me.

Lately I have also thought a lot about those serving overseas in our armed forces that will not have the opportunity to return home to their families. I wish there were words to describe how grateful I am to those serving our country. They portray and exemplify such courage, bravery, and commitment; characteristics that I aspire to attain. Any of you serving our country or who have family members serving our country, thank you!! I love you and appreciate your sacrifice.

(Click on the picture to read the poem. I love it!)

It makes me sad and somewhat ashamed to see the lack of support for our troops. These young men and women lay their lives on the line on a daily basis for each and every one of us, yet many are not grateful for that sacrifice. Please support our troops!! None of us can understand what they go through and they are going through it for us. If you have a couple of minutes, go to www.letssaythanks.com. It is an opportunity to express thanks to our armed forces. It is free and is well worth the couple of minutes.

I love it when everyone around me smiles and I do all that I can to make that possible. At this time of year it seems that everyone is smiling regardless! I love it! Everyone everywhere is smiling and sharing those smiles with those around them. It is so great to see selfless acts of service EVERYWHERE as well. One of the main reasons I love this Holiday Season is that it seems to bring out the best in everyone, consequently spreading so much joy to all those we come into contact with! I love seeing all of that service! And it is so much fun to participate!

Happy Holidays!

LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH.

“The most destitute man in the world is the one without a smile”