Remembering the message of 1946 with hope for the New Year

[caption id="attachment_16990" align="alignleft" width="326"] A New Year is like a baby with hope for the future[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---Was this year bad for you?  If it was, you aren't alone.  Weather disasters, conflicts the world over, social and economic stress filled the pages of the news every day, with humanitarian issues touched upon, but without the impetus among many to highlight what can be done to make the world a better place for you and me.  But while we worry about our past, if we are like the people in 1946, we will glance behind and know that we have before us a New Year of hope from which we can gain new pathways to peace and understanding.  For 58 years ago, President Truman announced the end of World War II.

Every year in recorded history has seen changes in many directions, and every year people worry that it can't get worse or better.  But we learn, as we grow older, there are things we can change and things we cannot.  And when we learn this important precept, we know where to place our frets and worries and where to place our hope.

Hope, as the poet said, springs eternal.  So 2014 is a year in which we all can hope.  We can hope to make the changes we wish for individually as well as for our communities.  We can use that as a beacon to shine our way to the victory of making that hope materialize into the changes needed to make our personal paths better and also for those others whom we care for everywhere.

Those who fought in World War II had hope when they returned, and when it was announced to the world the end of the war had come, people rejoiced as they looked forward to new beginnings.  What the nations of the world accomplished in those 57 years since has been remarkable in the sciences, technology and human affairs.  While we see where we are lacking, were we to turn back the time and observe the events of yesteryear, we would glow with pride with what we have done.

The Journal of Humanitarian Affairs begins closing the year with the hopes we wish for everyone:  that peace, understanding, goodwill and harmony among peoples be the ultimate goal and that we all lend ourselves to accomplishing that goal one person at a time.

This year resolve to live lightly upon the earth

Bob Ewing - Resolutions, have you made any yet? The period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve finds people committing themselves to making their New Year’s resolutions.

These solemn promises, which people make to themselves, are made in good faith and with the best of intentions. Resolution makers are also eager to share their commitments with friends and family; an act which is made much simpler by the variety of social networks available to anyone with an Internet connection. We can now share whatever comes into our minds the very minute it does.

People promise to lose weight; give up smoking; drink less and be kinder. The variety of resolutions is amazing, however, they often all have one thing in common, and they are short-lived. What begins with good intentions may fade as the stress of daily life begins to wear away those noble plans.

I do not make resolutions. I once did but no more, not for a number of years now.

It was about twenty years ago, maybe even 25, when I began to give thought to what this short phrase “Do no harm” means. I asked myself if it was possible to design a life based upon such a seemingly simple philosophy.

During my perusal of an answer to this possibility, this search merged with my determination to find a way out of an economic and political system that required people to live in poverty, so that a few could thrive. Those who did well, benefited from the fact that they controlled the planet’s resources. I became fascinated by who owned and controlled the land and what lay beneath.

I have always been intrigued by food and was involved in the local food movement at the time, working for an anti-poverty organization and a food bank. Simplicity and living lightly upon the earth were also subjects of study and practice. It was during this period that I found permaculture and its ethics and principles.

It was then that I knew I had found a way out of the morass we call society and a method by which a better, more just and equitable system could be designed. There was no need to make resolutions because I was actively designing a life for myself that reduced my impact on the planet and I was involved in sharing, not just thoughts but resources, with others who could also benefit from them.

If you need to make a resolution this year how about deciding to reduce your impact upon the planet, by walking when you can and if you need a second give some thought to sharing your surplus with those who need it. Have a Prosperous and Happy New Year.

The gift of a Christmas Carol offers the beauty of Cane River

[caption id="attachment_4384" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cane River"][/caption]




Carol Forsloff - The
beauty of God's creation, and the true meaning of Christmas in that
message, is part of the gift from this magazine today and every day when anyone looks for beauty and respite..  For
nothing tells the message of the greatness of the Lord, then to
celebrate what He has given us.





An aging voice with traditional
Christmas carol with the pictures of Cane River in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana is meant to bring that

message of love and peace for all of you.

Merry Christmas and may the New Year be filled with light and love to all.