Finding Wisdom Among the Dead

There is a fine balance to exploring your family history or collective story (some would call it ancestry, or genealogy work but that seems so un-exciting). 

On one side it's quite thrilling to realize you have a "Captain" in your family from the 1700's. Amusement is endless that one family member had the name Ebenezer. Or how about Deliverance? But to a history lover like me, it's thrilling to just know your family lived in Connecticut while it was still a Colony! Yet I am stymied by the fact that so many of my family lived in New York. For. So. Long. How unromantic and thrilling is that. It's not. That's my point. At this point in my family's narrative I would think I'd be in the thick of Europe. But no, it's late 1600's and "we're still living out East in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York (I did mention that already, right?). 

When my Grandpa died over a decade ago, one of my cousins and I went exploring in the old farmhouse attic. Perhaps I read too many Nancy Drew books growing up to peak my interest. And how glad I am that my curiosity turned to courage. What we found was similar to a novel coming to life - and it was awe-inspiring! 

To our astonishment we found over a dozen old family journals, and a hundred plus of family pictures that go back so far it makes your head spin to process. It's taken me a few years to dig in. But that I have. And I am amazed. 

I am reminded of the truth that you cannot look for the living among the dead. How foolish of me to get so drawn in to staring at my family's past instead of investing in its future. 

But on the positive side, it has great benefit. You see, I live in a generation and culture that has great disregard for history, an accurate narrative of our nation's founding, or how older generations made their success. Their commitment to hard work, individual responsibility, and the personal fellowship of community, should be our quest as well. The older I get, the call for wisdom that I've spent my life reading in Proverbs is fermenting and coming alive in me. Wisdom asks that I appreciate its value, and seek for it like a precious jewel. And in response, it makes sense that I look "back" so I can appreciate where I came from, and I have a sense of what to carry into the future. 

Looking back gives context. And while everything from the early 1900's for example was not perfect, it reminds me that I have family that lived through the Roaring 20's, or World War II heroes that went to serve our nation, and survivors of the depression. I am not to let their heaviness burden my own soul as God gives grace to those who walk through it, when they walk through it. But because it's my family it gives me a nudge to have greater appreciation for these moments. Admit it. It makes history come alive. 

Men and women who worked hard to have a good life. Journals telling of the simple things that brought joy like Aunt and Uncle who came to visit a Great Grandma, and how at 11 years of age she had to journal about its significance. And a people who loved America that they fought to make it survive and thrive. 

I must remember that in the dead is not my hope, and it is not my life. However, it is a piece of my story. And why not understand your past so you can make better sense of "the rest of the story" ... aka my story and its future. 

So it's okay that family lived in New York for all those years and not all exploring the great out west (well, I still have a lot to discover in the research so who knows). On one hand I could be mad at them all that the foundation building all the ancestors did (or lack thereof) resulted in a mess my generation has to deal with. Like voting Franklin D. Roosevelt into office who made big government explode. 

But instead I have to dilute my judgment and believe the best (of which I will) - perhaps they are some who laid the foundation for freedom, stood against tyranny, and saw a bright tomorrow for our nation. And - well - that is a noble cause. I hope that I can follow well in their footsteps. 

Let the exploring - and the living - continue! The best is yet to come. 

- ajh

New Favorite Resource: Technology Tools from HubSpot

Wow, it pays to be on the HubSpot email list. They send out emails notifying you that they have this material available and then they allow you to download it (without a financial cost).

If you want to know where to go to develop your efforts, for greater influence using technology tools, here is a great place to start!

My download version

Go to their website and sign up! Let me know what you think!

Thanks HubSpot!! I LOVE technology!!

Op Ed: Millennials and Privacy

If you’re looking to mobilize the current and next generation into fighting big government because of the recent discovery of intrusion on our privacy – you might want to rethink your strategy. Quite frankly, I’m not sure it really matters to us that much.

Think about it in general the average American young adult uses Facebook, Twitter, online banking, online shopping, online food orders, and online payment of bills. We use the internet to multi-task. We job search, submit resumes and track applications. We sometimes read blogs, participate in online chat, use the cloud to save documents and yes, Google is so familiar to us that you might as well add it to the list of American staples.

The younger generation appreciates convenience and ease: so why wouldn’t you sync all of your accounts, put your calendar online, allow different websites to cross-access your information on another website universe and allow for automatic bill payment by companies? We read books via our ereader, utilize text messaging as an extension of ourselves, and benefit from Skype when we need to see a face but can’t be there in person. We access this information on our phones, via our ipads, and laptops, even through TVs. Not only do we see the benefit of technology, it has become like the air we breathe. We have experienced its power, we see the potential and we’re captivated by every cutting edge development. If we could come back in the second life, we’d love to have the brilliance of the Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or Mark Zuckerberg. They are our entrepreneurial cultural icons.  

Freedom to us is synonymous with the internet, a world wide web, and a cultural world to be discovered. It can never be limited! We are always finding new websites, tools, trends and resources. We meet new friends, keep up with old ones and track the world’s news.  We see the latest movie trailers, follow the latest fashions, play our computer games, utilize our creativity and even win a few dollars via online gaming.

Not only are these technology tools a part of our life, but we understand how they work and the benefit of their powerful influence. You, on the other hand, see the grave danger of a lack of privacy, you have stake in private information and you understand freedom. We, however, do not, at least in the way you want us to know it.

Before you go to your children with a voter registration form, an invite to the next Republican benefit dinner, or a form to donate to the latest tea party effort – be aware. The revelation of the Big Brother’s massive intrusion of freedom you are experiencing seems like the next step to crossing over the threshold into complete government take over. But to us, it’s no biggy. It’s just a part of our everyday existence.  

Don’t you dare give up on the fight to defend and preserve individual rights and freedoms and your work to convince us of what we face as a nation. The beauty of America is this: you have freedom to educate yourself, we have a God who will give us understanding, we still have freedom to apply the wisdom and you have a younger generation that needs your freedom and relationship. All is not lost. You just may have a lot more educating and planning to do than you realize.

Written by Amy Hawkins 6/12/13

News Sources I Follow

Here are a few of my favorite news sources, take them or leave them.

Google News - it has a feature you can personalize the settings.

Feedly.com - formerly Google Reader (on it's way out) it allows you to track news quickly with a scan

PoliticoWire.com - National, but they seem to have up to the minute political items. It definitely has a liberal slant, so take it all in context.

TheBlaze.com - This is a news site that was created by Glenn Beck and colleagues.

DrudgeReport.com - One of the top news sources that politicos of all kinds watch. Matt Drudge has the corner on the market for news reporting. Credible.

MichiganReport.com - Similar to Drudge Report, I find this to have "new" info I'm not hearing elsewhere.

Twitchy | Who Said What - Michelle Malkin has created what Greg Gutfeld calls the thing of the future. This site provides an aggregate of news stories that are happening on twitter. And it's not going away. Not into joining twitter? At least follow this up and coming news source.

Twitter.com - Biggest tips for Twitter? It's perfect for people who work in politics or want up to the second news. Do word searches on topics you're interested in. And watch what's trending - it will tell you what is on the lips of the markets you might be interested in.

Also, I hope to start tracking these sources more:

Reddit.com - Supposedly this is the place where a lot of young people gather. As with Drudge Report, the presentation is bare but it's the content the visitors care about. And the minimalist asthetics has some appeal in thsi bells and whistles world!

Breitbart.com - Andrew Breitbart (deceased in 2012) was a bold voice for reporting and revealing the truth. His legacy continues.

DailyCaller.com - Tucker Carlson is becoming a fmiliar face on FoxNews but his primary role is as the leader at Daily Caller. He is in the "friend to conservative" media circle. There aren't many - but he is someone to regard.

For TV, I follow Foxnews

For Radio, I'm a ginormous fan of (check your local stations):

Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh (check your local station), Sean Hannity, NPR, WJR/or any local station I can pick up.

I'd rather read the news on my phone (it's smaller screen and lets to move my eyes across) and I love listening to the news. Make your items short and sweet and assure us that you are the reporting voice who is credible, objective and known for passionately pursuing the truth of the story. I, for one, am a Millennial willing to listen.

Over and out.
- ajh

Op Ed: Words and Liberals

Liberals pride themselves as having the superior definition of a word. And inappropriately so conservatives have allowed them to be leader of the language and force their definitions on the culture. Their position of dominance regarding prose of the 21st century language is not because they are right, but because they have not been met with a clarifying voice of opposition.

Sadly those who do not know better, due to age and ignorance, are unaware of the verbiage-transformation. Some of the basic words of freedom and goodness of our American heritage have been usurped so to instead fit the destructive progressive agenda. And silent, apathetic, hesitant conservatives are allowing them to play this dangerous game. And, yes, our society is suffering this gradual adjustment.

The words, justice, freedom, equality, tolerance and pride are a few words used for the liberal cause. Re-defining has extended to images as well: for example, as a culture we have allowed certain communities to alter the branding of the rainbow. This creation “thing” is one of the most glorious demonstrations in nature, a specific message from God to remind us of His faithfulness. Yet due to conservatives’ silence, certain communities have skirted opposition in adopting it as their emblem. Their victory is not because there are many of them but because the message is repeated loudly and repetitively both visually and verbally. With no other present and visible alternatives to the meaning, the naive popular culture has gladly embraced this re-branding.

Words are a vital thing of our society. They hold power, persuasion, understanding and literal “feet” to a sentiment or philosophy. Creators of words establish the original intent and definition. When the actual definition of a word is faded, erased or eroded it is not because the definition no longer matters but because it is no longer used.

Conservatives, take heed. The American language is being black-mailed. The war for words is not over but, we need to quit acting like it is. Go back to the original Webster’s Dictionary, the original Greek and Hebrew roots, writings from words craftsmen from the Roman era and you tell me what the intent of those words are. We do not have to try and convince the world of the right meaning of the word, we just need to use it correctly, respectfully, boldly and in a way that honors its true meaning.

My point? Conservatives speak up. If you don’t clear your throat and clarify things, many of the ideas, philosophies and promises attached with the original intent will slip away for forever. Do not let the usurpers and their impostering agenda win.

Future generations will thank you.

- ajh

“To see evil and call it good, mocks God. Worse, it makes goodness meaningless. A word without meaning is an abomination, for when the word passes beyond understanding the very thing the word stands for passes out of the world and cannot be recalled.” 

― Stephen R. Lawhead, Author

“The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” 

― Socrates

Technology according to Liberals

They came to him. 

He was an expert in technology. Obama's team knew they needed to up their game. So instead of building a vision, hiring people who will build it to your own expectations, they found someone who excelled in the arena they needed to master and let him work his magic to break the glass ceiling and expand their vision beyond their wildest dreams. Aka President Obama for term 2.

Disclaimer: There is an uncouth word, sprinkled through-out.

Harper Reed from Technori on Vimeo.

Drawing on Videos: Attention Grabbing? Yes.

And yet, here is one more amazing tool for communicating a message.

Do an experiment: ask your young person to spend 4 min and 5 seconds watching this short video. After it's done ask them two questions: 1 - do you like that form of communication? and 2 - Did you learn anything?

Don't fret about what lesson they learned from it, at the moment. If you can find reassurance that this holds their attention, and it teaches them something that's a start. The next step is to find videos such as these that convey messages you want conveyed to your young people. But for now - well, you tell me what you think of this genius educational tool.

By the way: this resource works for me. So if you ever want to teach me something - you can use this format. Just sayin'.

Communication 101

So you want to get a message across? Or perhaps you've been trying and no one is listening? Even the best communicators are wise to review some of the basic guidelines for communication; for those of you who don't consider it "your thing" perhaps these tips will be just the thing you've been looking for.

Remember the following; they are part of the basic 101 tips of communication.

• What you "Meant" doesn't matter: The message that counts is not the one you intend and try to send, but the one that is received. 
• Perception Matters. Impressions will be made in the first 30 seconds of introduction. 
• The most important form of communication is Listening. 

Now, for a little more in-depth insight:

What you Meant: As individuals who want to convey a message be it via public speaking venues or just one on one with a friend over coffee, our default as humans is to think that we are right, that our message makes sense and that anyone not understanding me is weird. But, if you want to be an effective communicator you have to try a different paradigm.

As frustrating as this is, whether the listener understands your message is not based on your intentions, passion or how well you think you articulated the message. Instead, it is dependent on how well the message is received by the listener. A lot can happen in the transition from your mind to their ears.

If they take away something different than what you intended or do not offer you confirmation and recognition that "they get it", do not blame it on them. You are the influencer. If people are not responding to you as you had hoped, it's possible you should reconsider what you said and how you said it! The power, persay, is in your hands to make sure the listeners "get" the message you intended.

Powerful Perception: How will those you want to influence perceive you - immediately? This is one I wish everyone would understand: Everything about you communicates something. And this truth is as sure and unchangeable just as the sun comes out in the morning and the moon at night. If you can't change it, you best learn to work with it.

For example: What are you wearing when introducing yourself to individuals? What do you want to communicate and does your attire, mannerisms, personal presentation reflect that goal?

Scenario: You are speaking to college students; are you dressed in casual and classy attire, displaying smart, stylish, mature and credible? Or are you dressed in a patriotic tie, your hair is a mess and you smell like you just ate onions, the students may mock you and for sure twitter and facebook will be a buzz with the "weird one" that came to class today. Now, what was it you wanted them to take away? I don't think it's that you might struggle with style.

But on the flip side: If you were a college student showing up to speak to a political party meeting you would not want to dress in pjs, yesterday's tshirt and slippers. The listeners will be frustrated they are having to give you the time of day. But if you go prepared, friendly, dressed in a classy, modest, professional attire, have a message clearly stated and are respectful to those you meet - they may ask you to run for city council! Am I serious? Somewhat. Why the difference? Because, perception matters. They have a few seconds to immediately "take in your story" and determine who you are through their senses. You might be a brilliant guy with the perfect message but if you immediately throw them off in the first 30 seconds, communicating something that causes them to perceive differently than what you wanted, your message may be in danger.

Get the idea?

Listening: Giving a presentation requires significant talking, of course; but a one on one conversation with your teenager or a colleague is best served with lots of listening on your part. Once they know you care about what they say, they might be willing to listen to you. And those you're "listening" to can tell if they are being heard with intentional listening. So be careful.

Listening builds credibility, is thoughtful, is wise and a good relationship building tool.

Exercise Suggestions: Consider, how do you like to be communicated to? Does it get under your skin if someone tries to tell you something but then they drone on for eons? Or if they take great interest by listening to you, how do you want to return the favor? Perhaps by taking even greater interest in their point of view?

You might also try catching yourself: try counting every-time you say the word "I". Or try reading the other individual as you are speaking. Do they keep checking their watch, or looking away, or starting to yawn? It might be time to listen and ask them something in return.

More tips soon! And remember this basic fact: communication is a part of life. You can't get away from it - so might as well do it right! 

Pew Research: Year in Review

A few photos (and reports if you want them) from Pew Research on where our culture is right now at the end of 2012. A year in review worth - reviewing!

The article is here