“You can pretend to care. You cannot pretend to show up.” - Anonymous

From “The Human Condition: A User’s Manual,” by Arnold Kunst

14 November

 “I am not ashamed to confess that 25 years ago I was a hired laborer, hauling rails, at work on a flatboat – just what might happen to any poor man’s son. I want every man to have a chance.” - Abraham Lincoln

“I never saw a wild thing feel sorry for itself.” D. H. Lawrence

From “The Human Condition: A User’s Manual,” by Arnold Kunst

13 November

No matter who you are, no matter how gifted you are, no matter where you've been, no matter where you’re going, no matter how you're going to get there, there are things in the way.  Take care that you avoid the dreaded disease known as PLOM – Poor Little Ole’ Me. "Self pity" is such a pervasive and insidious disease that most of us, most of the time, see those things in the way as "obstacles". This in turn confirms our unspoken assumption that God is a sadist.  But sometimes I get the self-pity thing under control; sometimes I forget to feel sorry for myself (like "forgetting" to worry when I fall asleep at night) - and then "obstacles" become "opportunities". They're disguised, maybe, but I think that’s by design – they’re supposed to add to the excitement, the treasure hunt, the wonder and zest of Life.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” - Mark Twain

 From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst

November 15

“You dislike the Emancipation Proclamation, and, perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional. I think differently.” - Abraham Lincoln

“First you cultivate patience and maturity, and then, when the time is ripe, you will step out boldly – and take our breath away.” - Arnold Kunst

 From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst

November 14

“What I did [the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation] I did after very full deliberation, and under a heavy and solemn sense of responsibility. I can only trust in God that I have made no mistake.” - Abraham Lincoln

“The winner spends his time assessing and deciding instead of judging and condemning. No wonder he is so astute and accurate in his choices. No wonder his life is so focused and enriched/enriching.” - Arnold Kunst

 From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst

November 13

“The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time.” - Abraham Lincoln

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” – Dr. Seuss

From “Me Too, 365,” by Arnold Kunst

12 November

“Children are one third of our population and all of our future.” – Anonymous

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have cared for angels unaware.” - The Bible

From “Me Too, 365,” by Arnold Kunst

11 November

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love.” - Mother Teresa