I just saw the newest Peak Oil movie called Crude Awakening.  Once again, we are being warned that if we don't change our ways, we could be in for a very nasty time of it. We are fast approaching, if not already there, a time when cheap oil, easily refined oil, is no longer available.  This means it costs more to refine and thus, it costs more at the pumps.  Anybody paid more for gas at the pump lately?

Now the thing that these movies purport is that we need to start working on alternatives FAST, and we need to start conserving NOW!  If we don't, things just keep getting harder and harder until we are forced to do those things.  You have no idea how many places we use oil.  It isn't just in our cars.

There is also quite a hubbub going on about Global Warming and the resultant climate changes.  Just about everyone is getting on board with this (finally!).  The only ones who are still saying it ain't so are the people being paid by big industry to say it and the few uninformed who swallow what these puppets are saying.  Climate change is causing all sorts of havoc with our growing seasons and the crops we grow.

So does this mean that the world is coming to and end?  Well,. . .it is coming to and end as we know it.  The thing is, that isn't all bad.  Sure we've had it pretty nice, at least we in the industrialized world, but it hasn't all been healthy.  We have a golden opportunity to make things really nice now.

I have been locally teaching The Seven Principles of Life.  I believe, no, I know, that if we would start using these Principles, we would change the world.  If we used them to the fullest extent of our abilities, we would create Eden and put an end to hell.  The possibilities for human kind are enormous!  There is so much we could do if we would just get our heads out of uncomfortable places and begin to see who we are and what we were created to be.  We are not created to be the ultimate greedy consumer, but co-creators of the universe.  Quite a difference between the two!

This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting a couple of friends.  These people are truly a wonder.  Their lives are not what anyone would call easy, and yet, they have good spirits and a light in their eyes.  They both have a faith that keeps them going.  In the Seven Principles, one of them talks about making choices in every situation.  These people are shining examples of making the choice to be up-beat and strong in the face of adversity that few of us could understand or live with.

We all have a choice to make, no matter what the situation.  We can choose the bad or the good.  Many times we think that we have no choice, we are stuck, but that isn't true at all.  We all have thousands of choices to make every day.  Once we become conscious of that fact, we can begin to choose more wisely and with more faith in the outcome.

J and B, You're my heros!!!

Memorial Day.  I feel a little conflicted about it.  I do appreciate the sacrifice so many have made on my behalf whether they knew they were doing it for me or not.  I would never want to belittle this sacrifice, nor make light of what they, and their families, have given.

The other side of this is that I know very well that so many wars and conflicts are fought, not to protect my freedom, but to further the power or wealth of the already powerful and wealthy.  This does not make the sacrifice of our lost less noble, but the reasons for it become so.  Although I would consider myself non-violent, I do understand that there are times when violence is, unfortunately, the only choice.  I would never say that it should be the first response to conflict, but it can become necessary.

What is my point to this?  Simply this: we must never use our might and strength before we attempt to use our brains.  It is amazing how many people I talk to who seem to not ever use their mental capabilities to question what our beloved leaders are saying should be our course.  Why should we consider some other nation, some other culture our enemies?  Is there any good reason?  Is the difference between us something that should lead us to war, or is it just a difference.

As we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, let us consider the motivations behind the action that took their lives from us.

Persistence, perseverance; two words that seem so easy, and yet, really are not.  Want an example?  How many times have you gone on a diet and somewhere around the second weed, or second day, you realize that you have forgotten all about the stupid diet and you haven't shed a pound.  I could go on, but I hate being brutal.

These two "P" words are what bring success.  If we are truly persistent, if we really persevere, our likelihood of really doing what it is we set our minds to is much greater.  The bible tells us that we must be persistent.  The Bhagavad-Gita tells us that we must be strong and not give up.  Every religion, every faith system says the same thing.  We must continue when times look bleak or we will not achieve our goal.

What happens when times get tough?  How can we assure ourselves of our perseverance?  It takes practice!  It takes reminding ourselves of the intended goal.  It takes perseverance to be persistent.  I know that sound circular, but it is true.  The more you work at it, the more you remind your self, the better at it you become.  It isn't any different than trying to learn a language or musical instrument.  Practicing being persistent will help you persevere.