Just have to add an attachment to yesterdays post - we need government - the question becomes what kind of government - for me as to what kind - I put high value in my freedom, my independance and my faith - Christ did that for me - why would I throw away this gift?

I encourage others treasure their freedom and independance also - I encourage others to make choices, live with them, realize that life is a roller coaster and their are no free lunches. When I see what we as a country are doing to help Haiti right now I just beam with pride - that is what we as a country are all about - I got the same feeling after 9/11 - we come together - no one told us we had to - we just do - and we help.

I recently had a conversation with my mother-in-law about the idea of a gift giving. It seems to me that giving gifts has gotten all twisted. We seem to give in order to receive - we have twisted "do on to others and they will do unto you" when we give to others we expect something in return. That is not a gift - a gift is given with no expectation of return not even a personal warm fuzzy feeling as a sense of return - we give because we want to - we give because we see the need. That is what we are doing in Haiti right now - that is what happened after 9/11.

It's not a gift if we expect something in return. That's why a lot of people give anonymously - think of it - just give and don't let people know you did it - it's a different feeling. I can remember my sister in law who has since passed talking to me about the difference between the Salvation Army and the Red Cross when they go into a disaster site. The Red Cross takes all the glory - rarely do you hear of what the Salvation Army is doing in the same place at the same time. It's the gift.

Well this was a long chain of thoughts. Peace to all of you this glorious day. I'm inspired I think I want to paint a picture called "The Gift." Rarely do I think of titles ahead of time - but I feel this title calling to me.