Your smile lights up the scene. L-R, Edward Biagiotti, Darrell Fusaro
Faith is superenthusiasm. When we have faith that God will meet all of our needs, we're optimistic. This fuels our confidence to do what we enjoy. Funniest Thing! fan Cathy Quinn drops by to read and discuss today's Daily Word®, "Faith." Click here to listen.
The 3 Breaths
"If what I'm doing is feeling crappy, I switch to something that makes me happy."
"If what I'm doing is feeling crappy, I switch to something that makes me happy."
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that no great work was ever accomplished without enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is another word for zeal, and zeal is a great stimulator of man. You cannot think of or repeat the word zeal without evoking a certain mental thrill that spurs you to action in some direction if you repeat it over and over... The beginning of the culture of the mind that enables it to make contact with the realm of creative ideas is faith, and faith is superenthusiasm. You must have such confidence in your ability to make union with creative Mind that you fuse the two and the invisible elements melt and fall into the mold you have made for them. –Charles Filmore, Jesus Christ Heals, Pages 174, 175
Man does not exist for the purpose of making an impression upon his environment. He does exist to express himself in and through his environment. There is a great difference. Man does not exist to leave a lasting impression upon his environment. Not at all. It is not necessary that we leave any impression. It is not necessary, if we should pass on tonight, that anyone should remember that we have ever lived. All that means anything is that while we live, WE LIVE, and wherever we go from here we shall keep on living.It is quite a burden lifted when we realize that we do not have to move the world – it is going to move anyway. This realization does not lessen our duty toour social obligation. It clarifies it. It enables us to do joyously... –Ernest Holmes, SOM, Pg 270
Every spirit builds itself a house; and beyond its house a world; and beyond its world, a heaven. Know then, that the world exists for you. For you is the phenomenon perfect. What we are, that only can we see. All that Adam had, all that Caesar could, you have and can do. Adam called his house, heaven and earth; Caesar called his house, Rome; you perhaps call yours, a cobbler's trade; a hundred acres of ploughed land; or a scholar's garret. Yet line for line and point for point, your dominion is as great as theirs, though without fine names. Build, therefore, your own world. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature
Everything we do has our flavor in it. To do anything without your essence would be as impossible as the sun shining without heat. Your essence is the unique dimension you add to any act you express, from walking your dog to building a skyscraper. It is the special energy that you came to deliver to the world. Just is no two snowflakes are fingerprints are like, every individual has a unique beautiful contribution to offer.
Never shrink from expressing yourself. Your perspective is the one that will carry you. Follow your unique instincts, and you will be uniquely successful. –Alan Cohen, A Deep Breath Of Life, May 11
Never shrink from expressing yourself. Your perspective is the one that will carry you. Follow your unique instincts, and you will be uniquely successful. –Alan Cohen, A Deep Breath Of Life, May 11
Daily Word
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Faith
As I plant spiritual seeds, I have faith they will grow.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Faith
As I plant spiritual seeds, I have faith they will grow.
When I plant a seed in my garden, I have faith it will grow. When I hold a small, round tomato seed in my hand, I cannot see the plant it will become. Still, I have faith in its potential. I plant the seed in fertile soil. I make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and water and pull weeds that appear around the plant. Over time, my faith is rewarded as I harvest a plump, ripe tomato.
The same natural laws apply in my life. If I am seeking more love, peace, or prosperity, I must plant corresponding seeds. My seeds are my thoughts, words, and actions. I hold them not in my hand, but in my heart. I have faith in the seeds I am planting. I nurture them and allow them time to grow. My faith is rewarded as I reap the desires of my heart.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1
The same natural laws apply in my life. If I am seeking more love, peace, or prosperity, I must plant corresponding seeds. My seeds are my thoughts, words, and actions. I hold them not in my hand, but in my heart. I have faith in the seeds I am planting. I nurture them and allow them time to grow. My faith is rewarded as I reap the desires of my heart.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1
A great companion episode to this one is, Doing What You Love IS Being of Service. Click here to listen.
The Funniest Thing! Mail Bag
From David Phipps
Just wanted to express my gratitude for all you do. The lighter touch is such a successful way of dealing with life's difficulties. Let God and let God do the rest. Your gentle and funny anecdotes remind me of this each time I listen. Peace and much success in your continued ministry.
From Valerie B, Sonoma, Ca
I used to think that Darrell was the one that played the guitar and Ed was the one who sang off key. Now after watching the you tube video, I know the opposite is true. There is so much talent on your radio show. Where else can you hear such an affirmative message and hear a dog farting? That was Gabby wasn't it? Bless you both for being just like the rest of us and sharing your world. Valerie, Sonoma, Ca, "Heart of the Wine Country".
Just wanted to express my gratitude for all you do. The lighter touch is such a successful way of dealing with life's difficulties. Let God and let God do the rest. Your gentle and funny anecdotes remind me of this each time I listen. Peace and much success in your continued ministry.
From Valerie B, Sonoma, Ca
I used to think that Darrell was the one that played the guitar and Ed was the one who sang off key. Now after watching the you tube video, I know the opposite is true. There is so much talent on your radio show. Where else can you hear such an affirmative message and hear a dog farting? That was Gabby wasn't it? Bless you both for being just like the rest of us and sharing your world. Valerie, Sonoma, Ca, "Heart of the Wine Country".
As heard on this episode of Funniest Thing!: What follows is the complete story regarding Darrell's friend Dan Spangler and Operation: Keep Your Spanky. This article written by Darrell Fusaro originally appeared in the Culver City Crossroads, May 12, 2015.
L-R, Dan Spangler, Spanky, CT, and Joe Trainer Jr. arrive in Culver City, CA. Photo by Lori Fusaro 2015
United States Marine Corps veteran Dan Spangler and his dog Spanky’s arrival in Culver City sparked a chain reaction of generosity for their cause. Dan and Spanky have just completed the first 3,500 miles of their nearly 7,000 mile cross country trek from Camp Lejeune, NC to Camp Pendleton, CA to raise awareness and funds for “Operation: Keep Your Spanky,” a new program that provides financial and in-kind assistance for military families and veteran pet owners during times of financial crisis. Dan adopted Spanky in 2003 when he returned home from deployment. Dan needed months of medical treatment for an injury he sustained jumping from a truck when gunfire broke out at a checkpoint. Looking back, he realizes what an important role Spanky played in both his physical and emotional recovery. “I don’t know where I would be without the companionship that my dog Spanky gave me when I came home from Iraq,” says Dan Spangler, who served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps. “Spanky saved me.”
Animal companions play an important role in the stabilization and emotional well-being of our returning veterans. Dan and Spanky are not alone in their mission. Army Ranger veteran Joe Trainor, Jr. and his dog CT joined Dan and Spanky on their adventure, walking in solidarity.
“As soon as I heard what Dan is doing, I knew I wanted to join in,” says Joe, who runs a dog training facility in Chicago and is the founder of 1Pet1Vet, an organization that pairs a military veteran with a dog saved from euthanasia. Joe is going blind due to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) he sustained on duty in Afghanistan, and knows this may be his last chance to see much of the country he fought for. Like Dan, Joe credits his being alive today to a dog. Joe suffers from post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and after he made the rough transition to civilian life, he fell into a deep depression, sinking so low he contemplated suicide. Right at that moment, a dog leapt into his lap, gazing at him with complete compassion. The dog literally stopped Joe and saved his life.
Dan and I became fast friends several years ago. Although we’re both veterans, it’s our mutual love and appreciation for our furry four legged companions that continues to keep our friendship growing. Dan, Spanky, Joe, and CT, planned to arrive in Culver City on Saturday, May 9, 2015 to simply be photographed by my wife, renowned pet photographer, Lori Fusaro. None of us could have predicted the incredible good fortune that was to be showered upon Dan and his mission.
It just so happened that I had been invited to the Disabled American Veterans brunch to take place that morning at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Culver City. The brunch was organized to honor both the outgoing and incoming DAV Presidents. In hopes that they’d be welcomed, I sent word to Dan to drop by with Joe, CT, and Spanky. When they arrived both the incoming and outgoing presidents brought Dan and his clan up on stage to share about “Operation: Keep Your Spanky” with the DAV members.
One member, Air Force veteran Cherlene Aguilar Emfinger was touched by their story. Cherlene, an analyst with Sony Pictures Entertainment was enthusiastic to speak with Dan and Joe since she assists Sony in partnering with veteran based non-profits like Dan’s.
Coincidentally on that same day was the Eleventh Annual George Barris Cruisin’ Back to Culver City Car Show. I had the hunch to reach out to Culver City Councilmember Jeff Cooper, who has helped organize the event since its inception in 2004, and fill him in regarding Dan's arrival in Culver City. I hoped that they’d be able to make an introduction on stage during the event. Jeff’s response was immediate, “Have Dan look for me around the stage when he gets there and I will work him in to an intro on stage.”
The timing was perfect. Dan, Spanky, Joe, and CT were joined on stage by legendary Hollywood car customizer George Barris to share their mission with an adoring audience and eager reporters.
“I want all veterans to have a Spanky, but it’s a sad fact that military veterans often experience financial difficulties where they face the heartbreaking choice of giving up their pets,” says Dan. “We are stopping that cycle and promoting responsible, life-long pet ownership,”
Dan hopes to reverse course through Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and through North Carolina, ending at Camp Lejeune. The goal is to be home by Memorial Day on May 25. Dan acknowledges the ambitious nature of this adventure, and plans to keep followers up to date using social media. A tracking device donated by Voyce will monitor Spanky’s steps, while GPS tracking devices provided by Garmin and Pod will provide live web tracking of the journey.
Volunteer support along the route is key. “We will go by any means possible—walking for sure, but we’d also love to get rides along the way,” says Dan. Supporters can volunteer to provide transportation, shelter or “even just buying us lunch” on the Facebook page at Operation Keep Your Spanky or via Twitter @keepyourspanky.
Donations for Operation: Keep Your Spanky may be made through Dan’s non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation and are tax-deductible. Per-mile pledges as low as one cent per mile may be made through athlete.com at www.bit.ly/KeepYourSpanky, and flat sum donations are accepted via PayPal to [email protected]. No donations will be used for lodging, food or transportation during the journey.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available; for complete information, please download the sponsorship package at www.KeepYourSpanky.com.
Animal companions play an important role in the stabilization and emotional well-being of our returning veterans. Dan and Spanky are not alone in their mission. Army Ranger veteran Joe Trainor, Jr. and his dog CT joined Dan and Spanky on their adventure, walking in solidarity.
“As soon as I heard what Dan is doing, I knew I wanted to join in,” says Joe, who runs a dog training facility in Chicago and is the founder of 1Pet1Vet, an organization that pairs a military veteran with a dog saved from euthanasia. Joe is going blind due to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) he sustained on duty in Afghanistan, and knows this may be his last chance to see much of the country he fought for. Like Dan, Joe credits his being alive today to a dog. Joe suffers from post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and after he made the rough transition to civilian life, he fell into a deep depression, sinking so low he contemplated suicide. Right at that moment, a dog leapt into his lap, gazing at him with complete compassion. The dog literally stopped Joe and saved his life.
Dan and I became fast friends several years ago. Although we’re both veterans, it’s our mutual love and appreciation for our furry four legged companions that continues to keep our friendship growing. Dan, Spanky, Joe, and CT, planned to arrive in Culver City on Saturday, May 9, 2015 to simply be photographed by my wife, renowned pet photographer, Lori Fusaro. None of us could have predicted the incredible good fortune that was to be showered upon Dan and his mission.
It just so happened that I had been invited to the Disabled American Veterans brunch to take place that morning at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Culver City. The brunch was organized to honor both the outgoing and incoming DAV Presidents. In hopes that they’d be welcomed, I sent word to Dan to drop by with Joe, CT, and Spanky. When they arrived both the incoming and outgoing presidents brought Dan and his clan up on stage to share about “Operation: Keep Your Spanky” with the DAV members.
One member, Air Force veteran Cherlene Aguilar Emfinger was touched by their story. Cherlene, an analyst with Sony Pictures Entertainment was enthusiastic to speak with Dan and Joe since she assists Sony in partnering with veteran based non-profits like Dan’s.
Coincidentally on that same day was the Eleventh Annual George Barris Cruisin’ Back to Culver City Car Show. I had the hunch to reach out to Culver City Councilmember Jeff Cooper, who has helped organize the event since its inception in 2004, and fill him in regarding Dan's arrival in Culver City. I hoped that they’d be able to make an introduction on stage during the event. Jeff’s response was immediate, “Have Dan look for me around the stage when he gets there and I will work him in to an intro on stage.”
The timing was perfect. Dan, Spanky, Joe, and CT were joined on stage by legendary Hollywood car customizer George Barris to share their mission with an adoring audience and eager reporters.
“I want all veterans to have a Spanky, but it’s a sad fact that military veterans often experience financial difficulties where they face the heartbreaking choice of giving up their pets,” says Dan. “We are stopping that cycle and promoting responsible, life-long pet ownership,”
Dan hopes to reverse course through Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and through North Carolina, ending at Camp Lejeune. The goal is to be home by Memorial Day on May 25. Dan acknowledges the ambitious nature of this adventure, and plans to keep followers up to date using social media. A tracking device donated by Voyce will monitor Spanky’s steps, while GPS tracking devices provided by Garmin and Pod will provide live web tracking of the journey.
Volunteer support along the route is key. “We will go by any means possible—walking for sure, but we’d also love to get rides along the way,” says Dan. Supporters can volunteer to provide transportation, shelter or “even just buying us lunch” on the Facebook page at Operation Keep Your Spanky or via Twitter @keepyourspanky.
Donations for Operation: Keep Your Spanky may be made through Dan’s non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation and are tax-deductible. Per-mile pledges as low as one cent per mile may be made through athlete.com at www.bit.ly/KeepYourSpanky, and flat sum donations are accepted via PayPal to [email protected]. No donations will be used for lodging, food or transportation during the journey.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available; for complete information, please download the sponsorship package at www.KeepYourSpanky.com.
Leo the Lion is the MGM and Sony Pictures mascot and Culver City icon. Cartoon by Darrell Fusaro
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