If you want a challenge, just try to get through an entire day without uttering one word of complaint.
Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. joyce myer

What does INDEPENDENCE really mean? We know what it means to a country but what does it mean to the individual? Choices, freedom, living life as a free-spirit or is it interdependence? How we are to live and behave toward our fellow man. How are we to choose our individual INDEPENDENCE?
My country owes me nothing. It gave me, as it gives every boy and girl, a chance. It gave me schooling, independence of action, opportunity for service and honor. In no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope. ~~ Herbert Hoover
THAT’S BORN IN THE USA!
Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day on or about 1868, gradually came to be known as Memorial Day. In the years following the Civil War, it honored only those who lost their lives while fighting in the Civil War.
But during World War I, the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Show your red, white and blue patriotic nails. Here are a few Memorial Day ideas.



by
Erma Bombeck
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s.” More “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . . look at it and really see it . . .live it . . . and never give it back.
Stop sweating the small stuff.
Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.
Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let’s think about what GOD has blessed us with. And what we doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
My God meet all your needs!
Think of each friendship
as beautiful flowers in the garden of your life.
That garden must be nurtured, fertilized and watered regularly.
Do not let petty and insignificant. . .TRIVIA. . .sap the beauty of those flowers.–Mike Murdock

How does one begin? Some may want to take a whole day? Some, those of us that work all day, take a room a day, maybe a Saturday or our one day off. And, some may do it the Mary Kay way. . . The 5 a.m. Club. Or it could be the 4 a.m. Club. It would depend on what time your day starts. It would mean that you have to get up one hour earlier to do your cleaning for that one club hour. I can’t even now imagine those with CHILDREN. How long will this take with you doing it the Spring Cleaning way? It will depend on whether or not you linger or reminisce when you find something you use to wear or your child use to play with or made for you from the second grade(they are now 30). It’s been a while.
No matter your method of cleaning. We have to be mindful of the care of our hands, nails and cuticles. Cleaning supplies and just plain old neglect can wreck havoc on the skin of our hands during this time of year. Our skin and nails have gone through the cold, dry season to now be dried out even further with cleaning chemicals and harsh soapy water.

The key to all this drying out is moisture, moisture, moisture, not grease or lotions filled with more chemicals and alcohol. Try natural oils such as coconut, olive or jojoba added to your favorite lotion if you must. ALWAYS wear gloves when cleaning with chemicals and cleaning detergents, you’ll be glad you did.