What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.

— Oscar Levant

Typeface: Boberia

I-Spy Bubbles for May's Humility Circle Quilt - I loved getting to dig through my novelty fabrics to pick out the "bubbles"! Can't wait to see this one done!

Cabinet card from the US

HUMILITY

Do you call me poor, you slugger,

Won't posterity let me hug her,

And won't she hug me back again?

Isn't my pen

The Sceptre of Eternity, to wave

Over Earth's grave?

Don't call me poor—

I don't feel so, I'm sure,

Tho' I can't hug Miss———

Yet, roly-poly Centuries will hug me,

And say her family were unwise,

To look, with scowling eyes,

On the man, the Almighty has knighted,

And his countryman have so slighted.

He thinks of jumping the ocean waters,

For one of John Bull's bunkum daughters.

Poor—that sticks in my poetic crop—

Why, Fooley, I wouldn't swap

My wealth, for Astor's, or the Barings',

Why, the mere pairings

Of my strapping spirit's fruit,

Will fatten the sows of society, thro' all time;

And when I swell my soul to the super-sublime,

Don't I make the Arch-Angels stare,

And the Devil run

From ramskuttleish fun—

I tell you what—I shan't be forgot

By the sister ages, if I am by this,

My memory will have a soaking kiss.

The evening before Earth dies,

The place, where my body lies,

Will be worn by pretty girls' feet;

There they'll sit, and eat

Apples, in the pleasant summer time,

And read my romantic rhyme,

And vow their Grannies were silly, to

Say, Poo! poo!

To me, and my pepper'd poetry, and not make

A whapping wedding cake,

And coax Miss——— to bury her scorn in its centre,

And with me enter

The slippery state of matrimony,

And be Donald's ony dony,

And let me hug her,

Till her heart feels sqush—

Hush, hush—you'll make her blush,

And you've made me blow,

By calling me poor, you slugger,

Psho! Psho!

I'm sure I don't feel so—

So I should think,

From this hurricane of ink.

McDonald Clarke

July 14, 1836

Demon's Souls

LARGE view and tags read; enjoy a great weekend _____

foto cropped for clarity and emphasis_______

Pope: Augustine Is Model of Humility and Says His Conversion Lasted Until He Died

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 26, 2008 (Zenit.org).- In his final reflection on St. Augustine, Benedict XVI spoke of the saint's interior conversion, calling it "one of the greatest" in Christian history.

The Pope affirmed this today during the general audience given in Paul VI Hall. He recalled how his trip last year to pay homage to the mortal remains of Augustine was meant to "demonstrate the admiration and reverence of the entire Catholic Church toward St. Augustine, and my own personal devotion and recognition of a figure with whom I feel I have close ties to due to the part he has played in my theological life, in my life as a priest and a pastor."

Recalling Augustine's own retelling of his conversion in the "Confessions," the Holy Father said that the process is best "described as a journey that remains a true example for each one of us." It was a journey that "continued with humility until the end of his life."

"We can state that all the stages of his life -- and we can easily distinguish three phases -- together make up a single long conversion," the Pontiff explained.

Truth seeking

Benedict XVI characterized the first phase as a "gradual approach to Christianity," since Augustine was a "passionate seeker of the truth."

He explained: "Philosophy, and especially Platonic philosophy, led him closer to Christ by revealing to him the existence of the Logos, or creative reason. The books of the philosophers showed him the existence of 'reason' from which the whole world is derived, but did not tell him how to reach this Logos, which seemed so inaccessible.

"It was only through reading the letters of St. Paul, in the faith of the Catholic Church, that he came to a fuller understanding. […] His eyes fell on the passage of the Letter to the Romans, in which the apostle urges the abandonment of the pleasures of the flesh in favor of Christ. He understood that those words were specifically meant for him. They came from God, through the Apostle, and showed him what he had to do in that moment."

Augustine thus began to seek God, the Pope explained, "the great and inaccessible."

"His faith in Christ made him understand that God, seemingly so distant, was in truth not distant at all. In fact he has come near us, becoming one of us," the Holy Father said. "In this sense his faith in Christ allowed Augustine to accomplish his long search for truth. Only a God who made himself 'touchable,' one of us, was a God to whom one could pray, for whom and with whom one could live."

Mercy

Benedict XVI said a last step, or "third conversion" in the journey, "led [Augustine] to ask God for forgiveness every day of his life."

The Pope explained: "At first he thought that once christened, in a life in communion with Christ, in the sacraments, and in the celebration of the Eucharist, he would attain a life as proposed in the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of perfection given through baptism and confirmed in the Eucharist.

"In the latter period of his life he understood that what he had said in his first homilies on the Sermon on the Mount -- that we as Christians permanently live this ideal life -- was a mistake. Only Christ himself realizes truly and completely the Sermon on the Mount. We always need to be cleansed by Christ, who washes our feet, and be renewed by him.

"We need a permanent conversion. Up to the end we need to demonstrate a humility that acknowledges that we are sinners on a journey, until the Lord gives us his hand and leads us to eternal life. It is with this attitude of humility that Augustine lived out his final days until his death."

A model

The Holy Father said that Augustine, once "converted to Christ, who is truth and love," became a model for every human being, "for all of us in search of God."

"Today, as then," the Pontiff said, "mankind needs to know and to live this fundamental reality: God is love and meeting him is the only answer to the fears of the human heart.

"In a beautiful text St. Augustine defines prayer as an expression of desire, and affirms that God answers by moving our hearts closer to him. For our part we should purify our desires and our hopes in order to receive God's gentleness."

"In fact," the Holy Father concluded, "this alone -- opening ourselves up to others -- can save us."

___________________________

EXPLORE # 384 on Saturday, March 15, 2008; & # 438 on 03-16-2008

September 22 is the day grades 4 to 10 celebrate Science and Math Week with a fun academic contest to bring out their competitive spirit and motivate them to learn more about these two major subjects. The event is a quiz bee type game that tests the student’s general knowledge of science and math. Students are formed into groups of four (for high school) and five (for grade school) to emphasize cooperation and teamwork

Photo credits to Michelle Ann Villacorta, China Lorenzo, and Louisiana Sollestre

Grades 4 to 6 Winners

1st Place

TEAM GRAHAM BELL (Blue Shrit)

1. Stephen Matthew G. Ibañez (Grade 4 Charity)

2. Aldrin O. Paltao (Grade 5 Honesty)

3. Samantha Ashley A. San Juan (Grade 5 Happiness)

4. Chrizelle Anne R. Gavino (Grade 6 Humility)

5. John Patrick M. Esmeria (Grade 6 Generosity)

2nd Place

TEAM MENDEL (Black Shirt)

1. Lhance Ivan B. Lachica (Grade 4 Charity)

2. Christine Anne R. Gavino (Grade 5 Happiness)

3. Eulian Joshua F. Del Rosario (Grade 5 Honesty)

4. Nigel Louis M. Galang (Grade 6 Humility)

5. Donita Mae F Manlunas (Grade 6 Generosity)

3rd Place

TEAM MAXWELL (Yellow shirt)

1. Mila Angelica R. Terrado (Grade 4 Charity)

2. Trisha Gail M. Esmeria (Grade 5 Happiness)

3. Jarro Uriel M. Colonzo (Grade 6 Honesty)

4. Iris Francheska L. Bautista (Grade 6 Humility)

5. Arabella R. Saculo (Grade 6 Generosity)

High School Winners

1st Place

TEAM THOMPSON

1. Julienne Allyah Legutan (Grade 8 Aristotle)

2. Kenneth Pedigan (Grade 9 Newton)

3. Roselle Estrada (Grade Fourth Year Einstein)

4. Venedict Doroteo (Grade 7 Galileo)

2nd Place

TEAM DALTON

1. Jason Tormon (Fourth Year Einstein)

2. Danica Janelle Dizon (Grade 8 Aristotle)

3. Sophia Chua (Grade 9 Newton)

4. Jarren Seltiel Calonzo (Grade 7 Galileo)

3rd Place

TEAM CHADWICK

1. Louisiana Sollestre (Fourth Year Einstein)

2. Roma Reign Molina (Grade 8 Aristotle)

3. Neithan Abreu (Grade 9 Newton)

4. Don Luis Diaz (Grade 7 Galileo)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Location: Barcelona, Spain

O God, may all families strive to unite as One Heart by being of service to each other.

For all family members are responsible for each other through care and compassion.

The same way Our Lord Jesus Christ served the Poor, the Needy and the disciples –

So we too as followers of Our Lord that we may learn to meet the needs of our family members.

Our servitude to our family may not only mean helping in household chores,

But also Spiritual guidance in everything we do in the path of Holy Virtues of Love.

That to be of service is also to protect the Spirituality of each other through Humility and Peace.

As all family members be equally of service amongst each other.

Amen.

"Humility" by sculpture Kurt Lehmann, in Hannover, Germany.

This can be found in The Aegidienkirche, the remains of a 14th century church in Hannover, Germany. Built in 1347, it was hit by an allied bomb in 1943 during World War 2. The walls and steeple are all that remain. It was never rebuilt, but left as it was and is now a memorial to victims of war and violence.

In the passageway to the left can be seen the "Peace Bell" bestowed upon Hannover by her sister city Hiroshima in 1985.

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedForCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

O God, please bless all families that we may be in One Holy Spirit.

To be One in spreading Holy Virtues of protecting our Spirituality as a family.

That even if we are amidst this world that yearns for Love,

But with the Truth about Family Love that we have become free as a Dove of Peace.

To return to God the Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Mother Mary in Heaven

And that our Mission is also to set free the hearts of everyone –

Through God’s Divine Truths about Holy Virtues of Family Love

Such as Humility, Forgiveness, Generosity, Justice, Peace, and Joy.

Amen.

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedforCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

Another photographic sketch

African Burial Ground National Monument :: NYC

Dwennimmen, literally meaning "ram's horns," symbolizes that even the strong have to also be humble. The symbol is a bird's eye view of two rams butting heads, and the rams' horns symbolizes strength and humility through the characteristics of a ram. A ram will courageously fight against its foes when prompted, but will submit to slaughter when necessary, indicating that even the strong have to be humble.

- National Parks Service

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said.

On the final night of Navaratri, we celebrate Goddess Siddhidatri, who is an aspect of Maha Lakshmi. She is the ultimate form of the Nava Durgas, and the shashtras say she can only be worshiped after all of the other forms have been venerated.

She is the One who delivers success. Those who worship Her with full devotion are bestowed the eighteen forms of success. According to the Puranas, even Lord Shiva achieved salvation through Her Grace. She grants perfection and the power to act with gratitude and humility, revealing the Love of God.

paramahamsavishwananda.com

bhaktimarga.org

The Door of Humility, a small rectangular entrance to the church, was created in Ottoman times to prevent carts being driven in by looters, and to force even the most important visitor to dismount from his horse as he entered the holy place. The doorway was reduced from an earlier Crusader doorway, the pointed arch of which can still be seen above the current door. The outline of the Justinian square entrance can also be seen above the door.

On the final night of Navaratri, we celebrate Goddess Siddhidatri, who is an aspect of Maha Lakshmi. She is the ultimate form of the Nava Durgas, and the shashtras say she can only be worshiped after all of the other forms have been venerated.

She is the One who delivers success. Those who worship Her with full devotion are bestowed the eighteen forms of success. According to the Puranas, even Lord Shiva achieved salvation through Her Grace. She grants perfection and the power to act with gratitude and humility, revealing the Love of God.

Find out more:

www.bhaktimarga.org

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedForCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

Only if we face these open wounds in ourselves can we understand them in other people. - James Baldwin

More James Baldwin Quotes and Sayings

Picture Quotes on Humility

12 Beautiful destinations in Thailand to explore, besides Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai

Original photo credit: Alexas_Fotos

I love Japanese service, but it is very egalitarian or even the power relationship is at times reversed, such that the service personel appear superior to the customers that they are serving, while maintaining the highest verbal standards of humility of course.

Once again, as one Japanese hospitality researcher commented, the attitude to deities parallels the attitude towards hots. Japanese deities or kami are perhaps translated as spirits and are seen in a much more egalitarian way than the Judeo Christian God, as are the ancestors who are "worshipped" which for similar reasons is better translated, in my opinion, as "respected".

The above uses the kimono clad lady in the image below released under the same licence.

Liam being fussed over by a kimono-clad waitress - Asakusa Mugitoro by Alpha

O God, please teach all brothers to love one another.

That they may have utmost respect for each other.

Never to compete with each other, but to support one another –

In the path of Holy Virtues of Humility, Love and Compassion.

May they learn the essence of Mother’s Love to be worthy Men of God.

Like their mother who cared for them as an infant in her womb for Free,

That brothers become Men by helping each other without any material thing in return.

Like a mother who bore the sacrifice to bring life into Humanity,

That brothers become Men by offering their Life and blessings to care for one another.

Like a mother who showed affection to a poor and helpless infant,

That brothers become Men by being meek, gentle and affectionate to one another.

For what truly makes brothers worthy as honorable Men,

Is the humility to encourage one another to be of Holy Virtues of Humility and Love.

To have the Joy to be happy for the talents and blessings of others.

These that brothers may unite to be peaceful protectors of Humanity –

And defenders of God’s Righteousness on Earth.

For the greatest of all Men are those who are able to overcome their pride and selfishness.

These that Men truly show that they are strong and wise followers of God.

Amen.

The Madonna of Humility

Paolo di Stefano (1397-1478)

Florence and Pisa

A tabernacle made for a Flagellant company.

On the pilasters:

St Mary Magdalen

St Francis of Assisi

St Jerome

St Bernard of Clairvaux

Below: The brothers of the Confraternity kneel round a bier whilst the Office of the Dead is read.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said.

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedForCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

Vain glorious and humble

Victoria and Albert museum, South Kensington, London

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedforCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

Nothing says “I love you” like red roses. Red symbolizes love, beauty, courage, respect, romantic love, and even congratulations. While many send red roses on Valentine's Day, surprise your Valentine this year with white roses that symbolize true love, purity, innocence, reverence, humility, youthfulness, and charm.

What is the Salat? It is the submission of one's humility and one's weakness to God and to seek the fulfillment of one's needs from Him. In the course of the Salat the worshipper sometimes stands before God with folded arms signifying his consciousness of the glory of God and his eagerness to carry out His Commandments; at other times he falls into prostration in complete humility and devotion and seeks the fulfillment of his needs. Sometimes like a beggar he praises Him from Whom he begs and proclaiming His greatness and His glory seeks to move His mercy and supplicates Him. A faith that has nothing comparable to the Salat is altogether empty.... Salat means the love and fear of God and the preoccupation of the heart with His remembrance. That is faith. - Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said."

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said."

San Sebastian Cathedral

Lipa City, Batangas

Good Friday

We always did feel the same

We just saw it from a different point of view - Bob Dylan

More Bob Dylan Quotes and Sayings

Picture Quotes on Humility

12 Top things to do in Okinawa, Japan

Original photo credit: Daniele Ottazzi from Pixabay

A Tibetan pilgrim prostrates himself just outside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. You will find many pilgrims doing this here at any given time, they repeat the process many times each.

The Barkhor pilgrim circuit which goes around the Jokhang Temple is really the authentic heart of Lhasa. The Potala Palace is stunning from the outside, but it feels odd inside.

hu·mil·i·ty

Pronunciation: \hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē, yü-\

Function: noun

Defined: the quality or state of being humble.

Very quick snapshot this morning. My did came out and asked what I was doing. He doesn't like me picking flowers, so i had to hide them in my hands; that's why they're crumpled.

A tad bit blurry, since it was 6:30 in the morning and the sutterspeed was slow, but I did my best.

I'm trying a new script and playing a little bit with psp9. please give me feedback on this post processing. ^__^

Let us be humble today, pholks.

Photos by Miller Taylor.

April 2015 CreativeMornings/Raleigh event (global theme: Humility) with guest speakers Mike and Megan Gilger, husband and wife creative team behind Wild Measure studio and The Fresh Exchange blog.

In 2009, Megan and Mike began their lifestyle and design blog, The Fresh Exchange Today, the blog reaches over a half million people everyday, inspiring creators of all kinds to pursue their dreams and live a beautiful and intentional life. The creative couple works together to create original content through photo, video, editorial writing, aesthetic curation, and social media. With a simple, natural, and organic nature to their content, Megan and Mike have had the opportunity to work with brands such as Smartwater, Bing, Gap, Madewell, Bota Box, Levi’s, Feedly, Kinfolk Magazine, Over, Warby Parker, Tuft & Needle, Shinola, and many others.

Special thanks to our host CAM Raleigh and sponsors CompostNow, Counter Culture Coffee, who generously provided us with complimentary coffee, Yellow Dog Bread Company, who provided the tasty breakfast snacks, and Raleigh Raw , who provided the healthy, cold-pressed juice.

available as 12"x18" and 20"x30" posters

All images are © copyright caren park, RealistAtLarge.blogspot.com. All Rights Reserved

Window in the north aisle by Christopher Whall, 1905.

St Michael & All Angels at Ledbury is not only one of Herefordshire's grandest parish churches but also one of its most rewarding. There is much to enjoy in this ancient building from its unusual architectural features to its interesting monuments and top quality glass.

The church is set back from the town's main street and accessed via a narrow cobbled alleyway, the view of its soaring spire beckoning the visitor onward. Upon arriving at the churchyard gates this massive building reveals itself to be full of surprises, most noticeably the tower and spire being detached from the main building and standing a short distance to the north of a beautifully detailed chapel on the north side (formerly dedicated to St Katherine) whose large windows are enriched with ballflower ornament. To the right the mass of the three-gabled west front greets the visitor, centred around the original Norman west doorway with its carved capitals.

Much of the Norman building still remains but aside from the west door the building has been modified and extended in the following centuries to the point that most of the exterior now appears to be of 13th or 14th century date. The detached tower dates back to the 13th century in its lower stages, but the topmost belfry stage and the tapering spire above are an 18th century addition by architect Nathaniel Wilkinson of Worcester. The spire is nonetheless remarkable for its sheer height, and visitors can often ascend the tower to its base during the summer months.

Inside the church initially has a vast, almost barn-like feel owing to the great space and somewhat low level of light, particularly as the eye is drawn towards the chancel which almost disappears into the gloom at first sight. The church is lit by a series of tall windows but the light they admit is more limited by the extensive collection of stained glass (though fortunately most of this is exceptionally good). The chancel is the oldest part, retaining its Norman arcades with intriguing porthole-like oculi above that would have been originally glazed as a clerestorey before the aisles were enlarged. On the north side (almost acting as a transept) is the former chapel with its large Decorated windows that is now separated by a glazed screen and is referred to presently as the chapter house. It contains some old fragments of glass and a fine effigy of a 13th century priest.

Throughout the church there are tombs and monuments of interest (not all well lit so at times the eye needs to adjust to the darkness) from the medieval period to the 19th century. Most of the windows on the south side are filled with rich late Victorian glass by Kempe, whilst in the north side is a more varied display with good examples of Pre Raphaelite, Arts & Crafts and more modern work by Burne Jones, Christopher Whall and John K.Clark respectively, in my opinion the most outstanding windows in the church.

Ledbury church is normally kept open and welcoming for visitors to this popular, tourist-friendly market town. It is well worth a visit, a well above average church!

www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=3908

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. CS Lewis

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said.

If there is any advice Col. Kirk Gibbs can give to his successor, it is this: Lead with honor and humility.

As Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District’s 61st commander, prepares to relinquish command of the LA District July 19 to Col. Aaron Barta, he offered up some advice and reflected on the past three years as the leader of one of the largest Corps districts in the country.

There are many things Gibbs said he is proud of when it comes to the LA District, but three things stand out: the District being recognized two years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" in the Corps; completing Weed Army Hospital at Fort Irwin, California – the Department of Defense’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Platinum, carbon-neutral, net-zero certifiable hospital – on time and within budget; and the one-on-one time he was able to spend with employees in the District.

It is the people Gibbs said he will miss the most – the employees and the District’s close partners across the four-state area.

“I have never focused on relationships like I have here in this District, and I sincerely believe it is part of the District's culture,” he said. “When projects are tough, the close relationships get us through those challenges and ultimately deliver the program.”

During his time with the LA District, Gibbs has overseen a multimillion-dollar program that provides engineering, construction, planning, contracting, real estate, emergency operations, environmental and regulatory services to military, federal, state and local governments across a 226,000-square-mile area of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. That also includes leading about 750 military and civilian personnel with a wide array of expertise.

But leading people is nothing new to Gibbs, who has served for more than 24 years as an active-duty Soldier, leading both military and civilian personnel.

“Each person is different, and I have learned that good leaders get to know each person individually and then lead them in a way that brings out the best in that employee,” he said.

Providing priorities and a solid intent on the District’s missions, particularly disaster response operations, helps employees stay focused on what’s really important, he said.

Gibbs will now serve as the chief of staff at the Corps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he said, he hopes to be an advocate for all of the Corps’ districts nationwide.

“I feel that this District and the great people are responsible for giving me the incredible opportunity of being the Corps’ chief of staff,” he said. “The people have taught me so much, and I will take that with me to make a positive impact on the Corps’ enterprise and help our Districts deliver our programs in civil works, military, Interagency and International Services, real estate and regulatory.”

Gibbs knows how the importance of mentors and having a good support system have played in shaping his career, and he credits his parents with instilling in him respect for others; his wife, Kim, who taught him to endure all challenges, no matter how great, with grace and dignity; and his former chief of staff – Col. Steve Hill – for giving him tough jobs to prepare him for success.

“(Hill) gave me tough jobs that I thought he could have done at the time, but as I look back, the toughest assignments he gave me in that civilian organization at the Corps headquarters prepared me for District command and enabled me to achieve the goal of commanding at the battalion, brigade and District levels,” he said. “I also remember he told me I would be a chief of staff for the Corps one day. He was preparing me for that. I didn't believe him, but that is my next job.”

And, as for additional advice he can share with Barta, Gibbs provided these words of wisdom:

- Be prepared to change leadership style when leading a District of professional civilians. Don't lead them in the same way as Soldiers;

- Engage with people and get around to see them across the District's entire area of operation. Don't sit behind a desk;

- Study hard initially and learn the policies, processes and programs. “You will never be the expert, but you must prepare yourself to make effective decisions as quickly as possible”;

- Always provide a commander's intent and an end state. The civilian workforce appreciates that; and, lastly,

- Lead with honor and humility. “It isn't about you. It is about the District's people and our vital mission.”

As for the future of the LA District, Gibbs said he hopes future leaders continue to change the culture to an organization that is more risk tolerant in streamlining processes and moving projects forward; deliver the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Protection programs phenomenally – on time, within budget and to the highest quality; and to remain a "Best Place to Work" in order to retain and recruit talent to the high-cost living area of Southern California.

“I want the District to do what it always does and ‘knock those programs out of the park,’” he said.

Dear Friends,

I want to let you know that I have just announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the seat currently held by my friend, Congressman Robert Wexler, who is accepting a new position at the Center for Middle East Peace.

I make this announcement with great excitement and humility. I am gratified by the incredible encouragement and support that I have already received for this race, and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be your voice in Congress.

Congressman Wexler served this community tirelessly for nineteen years. I am saddened to see him leave, but I am excited about the opportunity to continue to fight for the issues that he supports and that our community cares so desperately about.

Visit www.TedforCongress.com and Join Today!

This is a time of extraordinary challenges, both at home and abroad. I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing.

I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I took to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my initiative to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur.

Congressman Wexler will be leaving office in January which means his replacement will be filled by a special election that is just months away. This campaign will require an enormous amount of hard work, and if we are going to be successful, we will need to get to work immediately.

I am counting on the support of my friends and supporters who have seen my record of success in Tallahassee and my willingness to work hard to get results. Please join the campaign by going to www.tedforcongress.com, and consider making a financial contribution to my campaign.

Most Congressional campaigns are marathons - this one is a sprint. In order to win, I need lots of volunteers and workers, and I also need to raise over two million dollars in three months. This is no easy task, but with your help, I can do it.

Please Donate Today

You may contribute online today at my website, www.tedforcongress.com, or checks can be made payable to "Deutch for Congress" and sent to 20423 SR7, Suite f-6-383, Boca Raton, FL 33498.

I ask for your support to help me win a race for Congress. Please join my campaign today. I cannot wait to work on your behalf in the United States Congress.

My family and I thank you for your incredible support.

Warmest regards,

Senator Ted Deutch

P.S. Anything you can do to support my efforts is greatly appreciated. Please note that the maximum contribution an individual can make is $4,800 per person, and $9,600 per couple. Corporate contributions are forbidden by federal law.

P.P.S. Please forward this message to your friends and family, and ask them to join our campaign and contribute at www.TedForCongress.com.

Here is some information about me to share with your friends:

Senator Deutch Ideally Situated Senate District Make Him a Formidable Candidate

Senator Deutch’s senate district is ideally situated for a successful congressional campaign for the 19th District seat. Deutch already represents many more voters in the 19th District then any other elected official. In fact, Deutch currently represents almost half of the district’s voters. Wexler also represented this senate district prior to his successful run for Congress. Also like Deutch’s current state senate district, the 19th District is overwhelmingly located in Palm Beach County.

About Senator Ted Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues that have benefited seniors, public education, national security, and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His state senate district is largely located in Palm Beach County and includes some portions of north Broward County.

Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful legislative efforts ensuring that the retirement funds of Florida workers to not support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or genocide in Darfur. In 2009, Senator Deutch passed legislation that will reduce youth smoking and fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation protecting children, improving health care insurance for seniors, and through his efforts he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County.

Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship and his civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. He also has been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, most recently being named National Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer society, and receiving the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena and his 10 year-old son, Cole.

For more information visit www.tedforcongress.com

O God, please bless all families to unite as one community.

That their blessings may not only help families within their community –

But that their blessings and efforts be shared equally to those who are in need in Humanity.

That people do not belong to communities to feel special or better than others.

That people may not do these just to be praised or look good amongst each other.

That community services are for Free, never to oblige material things in return from others.

But in everything be done to help save the poorest of the poor, and the neediest of the neediest.

That children, fathers and mothers be blessed as worthy Pastors with an equal voice –

But are all mere followers of Our King and Lord Jesus Christ.

That no single human being is worthy of leading a community, be praised or worshipped -

But all families be given a chance to contribute in helping others as One.

And with The Holy Spirit of Humility to be kind to those who don’t belong to their group.

For God loves a welcoming Heart, always in favor to those who are more needy of Love.

For God loves a generous Heart, always to seek the greater benefit of others.

That a community is never a status that people may think that one is good or holier -

But simply that the Love, mercy and resources we receive from God –

May in turn be passed on to those who are needier of our Love.

Until the Love we received from God may reach the poorest and the neediest.

That communities may never compete each other, but rather unite in saving Humanity.

For as much as everyone seeks to belong to a group to feel loved and cared for,

But as God’s Children that we all belong to The Holy Family of God in Heaven.

And with Wisdom and Peace that we all become special in The Eyes of God.

For the True worship of God is found in good deeds of charity filled with Humility and Love.

Amen.

SASSETTA

(b. 1394, Siena, d. 1450, Siena):

Madonna of Humility with Four Saints c. 1435

Tempera and gold on panel, 172 x 257 cm

Museo Diocesano, Cortona

In the centre of the polyptych there is an exquisite Virgin with Child. On the left side there are Sts Nicholas and Michael, wearing rare, refined, and precious garments. St Nicholas has a chasuble bearing a Pietà. The two saints on the right side are St John the Baptist and St Margaret of Hungary. Above the side panels are two tondi representing the Annunciation.

Having fun with birds.