Resting,Relaxing, and Rejuvenating in the Grand Bahama

There is nothing like the ocean to rejuvenate my soul and the turquoise clear water and white sands of the Bahamas are definitely a way to do it. There are different colors of the turquoise ocean just like the turquoise stones from deep blue to blue green. Another name would be aqua-marine and that really describes the lighter blues of the water. The sands on the beaches  range from coral to various shades of off white to almost white around the island. There is nothing like the calm and relaxing waters and the beautiful marine life from lavender and blue sea fans to "cu cu ca choo"sea turtles peacefully drifting in the waters.

A favorite place for lunch and wading in the waters is Banana Beach. The sand bar reaches way out into the water at low tide and people love to wade around it in the warm waters that range from lower to higher seventy degrees. The food at the Banana Beach restaurant is tasty with fresh fish, conck fritters, and other sea and surf fare. Palm trees surround it and it is very laid back and people come in and out all day to enjoy the atmosphere and the food.

The Island people are very friendly and polite. Always greeting you with a "Good Day" or "Good Afternoon" and there English is very good with a little Bahamian twang at times. They believe in the bible and there are Churches all over the island. They seem to believe and live the Christian creed as well and I hear them talking to each other about bible lessons.

Hibiscus of many different colors grow everywhere. I have discovered not only their beauty but the tea that can be created from them which is a little tangy and pinkish in color from the many shades of hibiscus. It is good with a little honey or lemon.

Pictures are worth a thousand words some I am including them to help you visualize this captivating and mellow place.

wiseowlpro.wix.com/aimhighbooksann

Hi! Some of my Books are now published on Amazon!

Here is my website to give you more information on my books and the different genres I enjoy.
wiseowlpro.wix.com/aimhighbooksann

Here are the Titles. I hope you'll explore some of them of interest to you

Spiritual/Inspirational    Non Fiction

Spiritual Help in An Ailing World  By Ann Hughes  Amazon

Too many have given up a spiritual foundation in their homes and it is reeking havoc on our Society. A return to strong morals and spiritual values is the much needed remedy. Find ways to find purpose and meaning in life again.

How to Help Your Kids in a Troubled World By Ann Hughes Amazon
Families are in crisis today. Parents and children need some support and guidance to make their families strong again. Help your children be happy and healthy in body mind and spirit and feel successful in their lives.

Children's Books

The Rainbow World  By Andrea Hughes  Amazon

Teach your children to love and respect all the races and cultures in the world

Wise Ways  By Andrea Hughes Amazon

A wise wizard teaches some young people secrets to having a healthy world through Help, Hope, Healing and Harmony

Poetry and other Collections

Connections  by Ann Hughes  Amazon
We are all connected to each other in different ways. Explore some of those connections
A collection of  Short Stories and Essays

Slipping Through Time  by Ann Hughes  Amazon
A collection of poetry

Insanity in California

Interesting that the LA Times did this.  Lou Dobbs reported this on CNN and it cost him his job.  The only network we would see this on would be FOX.  All the others are staying away from it.  Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this should be of great interest to you!

 

Just One State - be sure and read the last part... try for 3 times.

 

This is only one State... If this doesn't open your eyes, nothing will!

 

From the L.A. Times.

 

1. 40% of all workers in LA County (10.2 million people) are working for cash; and not paying taxes.  This is because they are predominantly illegal immigrants, working without a green card.

 

(Donald Trump was right)

 

2. 95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens.

 

3. 75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens.

 

4. Over 2/3 of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal, whose births were paid for by taxpayers.

 

5. Nearly 35% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals;
>>they are here illegally.

 

6. Over 300,000 illegal aliens in Los Angeles County are living in garages.

 

7. The FBI reports half of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border.

 

8.  Nearly 60% of all occupants of HUD properties are illegal.

 

9.  21 radio stations in LA are Spanish- speaking.

 

10. In LA County, 5.1 million people speak English; 3.9 million, speak Spanish.  (There are 10.2 million people, in LA County.)

 

(All 10 of the above facts were published in the Los Angeles Times)

 

Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops, but 29% are on welfare.  Over 70% of the United States' annual population growth, (and over 90% of California, Florida, and New York), results from immigration.  Also, 29% of inmates in federal prisons are illegal aliens.

 

We are fools for letting this continue.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

 

Send copies of this letter, to at least two other people.  100, would be even better.

 

This is only one State...If this doesn't open your eyes nothing will, and you wonder why Nancy Pelosi wants them to become voters!

 

IF YOU DON'T AGREE, JUST DELETE -- IF YOU DO PASS IT ON!  WHERE DO WE GET
THESE MORONS?

 

Windfall Tax on Retirement Income...  Adding a tax to your retirement is simply another way of saying to the American people "you're so damn stupid that we're going to keep doing this until we drain every cent from you".  Nancy Pelosi wants a Windfall Tax on Retirement Income.  In other words, tax what you have made by investing toward your retirement.  This woman is a nut case!  You aren't going to believe this.

 

Nancy Pelosi wants to put a Windfall Tax on all stock market profits (including Retirement fund, 401K and Mutual Funds)!

 

Alas, it is true - all to help the 12 Million Illegal Immigrants and other unemployed Minorities!

 

This woman is frightening. She quotes... 'We need to work toward the goal of equalizing income, (didn't Marx say something like this?) in our country; and at the same time limiting the amount the rich can invest.  (I'm not rich, are you?)

 

When asked how these new tax dollars would be spent, she replied:

 

We need to raise the standard of living of our poor, unemployed and minorities. For example, we have an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in our country who need our help along with millions of unemployed minorities. Stock market windfall profits taxes could go a long way to guarantee these people the standard of living they would like to have as Americans.

 

(Read that quote again and again and let it sink in.) 'Lower your retirement; give it to others who have not worked, as you have' for your money. Send this on to your friends. I just did! This lady is out of her mind!

Christian Rules for Social Media

This is the speech Rob gave in Sunday School on June 12, 2012

Stands at the podium

Just a minute I need to take care of something. Types on Phone for a minute.

Sorry, I just needed to unfriend someone

I saw an interesting video on social media about a father who was fed up with his sons constant texting during dinner so the next night he brought in an old typewriter and starting banging out the keys. He kind of got his point across.

Social Media is causing division in families and in our country today

People seem to get into arguments about politics and religion and who is right. It becomes a “Rightitis” contest and causes a lot of division. People become proud in their hearts over who is right. It’s important not to have “pride in our hearts” on social media. In a talk given in conference recently it warns against pride and how harmful it came be From the quote from President Uchdort is this statement about pride. ”The great enemy of charity is pride. Pride is one of the biggest reasons that marriages and families struggle. Pride is short-tempered unkind and envious. Pride exaggerates itself and ignores the virtues of others. Pride is selfish and easily provoked. Pride assumes evil intent where there is none and hides it’s own weakness behind clever excuses. Pride is cynical, pessimistic, angry and impatient. Indeed if Charity is the pure love of Christ then pride is the defining characteristic of Satan. The way you  treat your wife or children or parents or siblings may influence generations to come. What legacy do you want to leave posteriy? One of harshness, vengeance, anger, fear or isolation? Or one of love, humility, forgiveness, compassion, spiritual growth and unity.”

Sometimes social media seems like it should be called anti-social media with some of the posts I have been exposed to. It’s important to show some social skills and have good taste and class when posting on social media. It’s important to avoid posting things that could be offensive to others.

Some questions to ask ourselves about Social Media

Would I say something face to face to a person that I post on social media? It’s important not to hide behind screens and say things we wouldn’t say face to face.

Are the 1200 people I have as friends on facebook really my true friends? Would they stand up for me in a court of law? Do I really even know them?  Are they more important than my family?

Is my time on social media necessary to a productive life?

How much time do I waste on social media?

Are the things I post in good taste?

Am I gossiping about someone who isn’t there to represent themselves?

Would I make Christ one of my friends on Social Media?

Would I want Christ to see the things I post on Social Media?

Am I honest and truthful about who I really am on Social Media?

If is is extremely destructive or hurtful, do I report it?

There doesn’t seem to be any rules concerning social media but there should be

Here are some Christian Rules for Social Media my wife and I came up with

1. The golden rule: Be kind and loving : Post unto others as you would have others post unto you on social media

2. Don’t unfriend people unless they say highly destructive or offensive things. Let them know that it was offensive in a private message or in person and let them explain before you decide to unfriend them. It is unkind and causes alienation especially in families to unfriend someone, so think it through.

3. When teacher’s have taken the time and prepared a lesson to help you, often voluntarily, it’s important to show them respect and turn off devices and pay attention

4. Post things that are in good taste. Good posts are Humorous (as long as they don’t make fun of or hurt someone), educational, inspirational, helpful, interesting,fun, uplifting.

5. Make it a positive connection.It’s a good way to connect with family or others that don’t live near each other if you post loving things

6. Don’t post pictures, or anything else about someone else without permission

7. Avoid posts and topics that cause division with friends and family

8. There are times for social media and there are times for family, church and other activities. Keep a healthy balance.  

Our most important priority should be to show love to our families and to our fellowman as Christ has taught us to do.

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen

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Spiritual Help in an Ailing World

We are living in a world of close to eight billion people. With all the population we are seeing much unrest and uncertainty. Many are frustrated with their lives and have no spiritual compass because their belief systems have been challenged by modern ideas and trends. It has hurt rather than helped society to give up spiritual values and ideas and the world seems to be declining rather than improving in many areas of respect for themselves and one another. The world needs spiritual help in the worst way to remedy some of the serious social illnesses that are prevalent today. “Spiritual Help in an Ailing World” gives help, hope and healing to the masses that have lost their way. A return to strong moral character and spiritual development of moral traits to help humanity is very much needed and an essential element to help the social ills of the world. We can find our way back to love and light and helping our fellow man only with a return to spirituality and spiritual values that have survived the test of time. These grass roots ideas need to applied to modern day that have been taught in the bible and other holy books throughout the history of the world. Only by doing so will we find, peace, happiness and fulfillment in our lives again.  A return to strong morals and spiritual values is the only remedy to making our world a better place for all of humanity.

About the Author:

Ann has always been a sensitive person and a spiritual seeker from a very young age. She has always had a yearning to study and search things pertaining to the spirit and for spiritual growth. She was endowed with several spiritual gifts including being a healer, empath, psychic, channel, and writer. She also enjoys music, directing,and producing plays and film projects many of a spiritual nature. Early in her twenties she began studying every spiritual book she could find seeking for more truth and light. From her search in these spiritual areas she became a light worker to heal and help others on this earth plane we all share. She is an ordained minister of the Universal Life church. She has also been and educator and teacher for over twenty five years. She was named to Convington’s Who’s Who of Amercan Educators in 2012.  She has written several books in many genres from children’s books to poetry. You can find more information about her books on her website: aimhighbooksann.wix.com

Spiritual Help in An Ailing World will be published through Amazon in 2016

What would an Ideal Society look like?

An Ideal Society 

As I have observed life with its myriad of different lifestyles, people, religions, and cultures, I have come to some conclusions that might remedy much of the social and political ills and problems in this country and perhaps the world. One of the biggest problems in the country is the needy and the greedy and both have their hands out wanting more. Class warfare has always been a problem throughout the history of the world but has come to the forefront in recent years in the United States. There are the haves and the have-nots.The middle class who is bearing much of the tax burden of the country has become the new poor. As I have let my mind muse on solutions to the problems, I have come up with an idea for what utopia might be.  I have wondered if the world were to be in a perfect balanced state, what it would look like. Since the world is so large and complex, and because I live in the United States, I have simplified my utopia to this country to begin with.  If the utopist society worked, maybe it would spread to other countries and parts of the world. 

The most important elements in this utopist society would be personal and social responsibility. In my utopist society everything is voted on but because the consciousness of the people is so high, the vote for the good of all would be considered in every case.There wouldn’t need to be much debate but after some discussion, the vote would usually be unanimous. There would be balance which would eliminate the needy and the greedy.The wealth would be distributed equally among everyone. Everyone would have a high standard of living and enjoy wealth.The society at large would receive say a figure of $150,000 per perons per  year which would be enough for everyone to enjoy a high standard of living. The only stipulation to receiving this money would be that a person needed to be making a positive contribution to society in some way. If you could not make some kind of a contribution because of illness, disability or being elderly and unable to work, a person would still be guaranteed   $75,000 a year to take care of their needs.

The stock market would not exist because the stock market system is unstable and too many people in the system are dishonest. Businesses would turn all profits into the state banks to help support all the citizens. There wouldn’t be any super rich or poor. This is how all the citizens could enjoy such wealth. Rather than debt, the state coffers would begin to have money which would build into secure accounts to help the citizens and the country. It would be against the law to spend more than what was in each state’s savings account. In fact each state would need to maintain an emergency no touch fund of 10 billion dollars. The banks would keep the money for national or state emergencies and to help those that are disabled or at the age of 62, retired. These monies would be controlled by each state bank not the federal government. After retirement, people would still receive $75,000 a year but would not have to pay for a housing allowance because they had been paying into that account since they were eighteen.

Inflation would not exist because products, and operating costs would stay at a fixed price. Every township  would be somewhat self-sufficient with most of the things they need within ten miles. Energy and energy costs would be way down because solar and nuclear power would be so efficient that rising energy costs would not happen which is a big cause of inflation.

People would be issued one credit card. To prevent people being wasteful or not showing good economic responsibility, the amount allowable to withdraw would be divided over the twelve month period. The $150,000 would be after taxes of ten percent from every household to support community things and health care everyone uses. No one in the country would make more than $150,000 including the president or representatives  of the country or a CEO. This would prevent people from being greedy and power hungry. If a person wanted to earn a little more than the $150,000 which wouldn’t really be necessary because the allotted amount would be enough to live well, a person could apply for an additional $25,000. The only way a person could receive more than the allotted amount would be if they had a new idea that would benefit society. There would be a cap of $25,000 for any project idea so as not to encourage greed.  A panel would discuss and vote whether the idea was worthy of development and funding to help society. This would give people incentive to come up with new ideas for the good of all. There would be a limit of no more than one idea per year that would be funded per individual.

Everyone would have a certain amount of discretionary income. Twenty thousand would go towards housing, twenty thousand towards food, and twenty thousand would go to utilities, energy use, and a car. The rest of the income would be discretionary and could be used for travel, hobbies, clothes, shopping, vacations and whatever else was a productive use of the money. Gambling would not exist because that plays on chance and greed and could create poverty.  If the $150,000 is misused, there is no extra compensation.  This would help to make people frugal and make wise choices with their income. Only one credit card would be allowed and that credit card balance would need to be paid off each month. 

There would not be any homeless people. Everyone would be provided with a nice middle class home or condo. People could choose the style of the home and builders would build it with individual tastes in mind. It could not exceed a certain cost and would be automatically paid from each person’s bank account with the allotted housing allowance. In order to have a home, however, strict cleanliness and upkeep would be required and friendly inspections of homes would be made quarterly to help people care for and respect their homes and yards. Maintenance and Improvements to the home would need to be taken out of discretionary funds. Taking good care of the home and yard would be a prerequisite of having a home, and would prevent unhealthy or unsanitary conditions.  If a person wanted a nicer home, they could put some of their allotted money into a nicer home but it could not exceed 35% of their annual income. There would be no such thing as a foreclosure.  

The federal government would be totally revamped and simplified. There would be a flat 10% income tax for everyone and there would be no deductions on income tax. The federal government would be simplified down to very basic areas. There would be an environmental department, an educational department, a health department, a foreign relations department, an energy department and a state’s department. The states department would coordinate the federal and state laws so they were not in conflict with each other. If there was a conflict, state law would override federal law. Most of the government would be handled at the state level for each state. Laws would be consistent in each state so there wouldn’t be confusion and conflict.The laws would protect the people not the criminals.

People in the society would all have jobs doing things they enjoyed. There would be a wide variety of  different choices for occupations depending on interest and aptitude from community gardens, health consultants, construction, technology, engineering, education, and a number of specialty occupations that the society could choose from and also be trained in. Motherhood would be considered one of the most important jobs and would be compensated the same as any other occupation. Unemployment would not exist because everyone would be trained in jobs that are needed and a job would be waiting when their training was completed. Citizens of the country would receive their $150,000 when they turn eighteen. They are also placed in a job of their choice at eighteen. If people want to get more specialized training or go to college they still get the $150,000. They pay some of that in college tuition in the amount of $20,000 a year. A job is waiting for them after they finish their college or training.

The society would be self sufficient and everyone would have their own garden plot to raise healthy, organic food. Each family would be provided with one to two cars as needed but not more unless it was used out of their discretionary funds. These cars would be electric, solar, or hydrogen powered cars and would not pollute the air in anyway.

Banks would not exist to try to rip off the public and make themselves rich, but as a service to the community. They would keep track of everyone’s accounts. They would give loans which would not have an interest rate of more than 7%.  If a loan was made, the payment on that loan would come out of the account of that person automatically each month until the loan was paid off. People would be rewarded for saving so that they wouldn’t need to take out loans. Banks would pay 7% to people who kept their money in a savings account. 

Couples would have to apply to become parents. Children would have a father and a mother.  A group of very good parents would be chosen as the panel to screen those applying for parenthood.  The people on the panel would be chosen because of how well their children have contributed to society and because they have very good moral character.  They have contributed positively to society and have no criminal records.  

Society would be educated about the life force and the importance of being responsible with it. Everyone would be educated on birth control by the age of ten and before they have the ability to pro-create. Unplanned pregnancies would be highly discouraged. There would be few unplanned pregnancies because everyone would be educated about how important it is to show responsibility with procreation.  Children would be planned for and loved by parents that have taken classes in good parenting skills. If there was an unplanned pregnancy with someone under the age of 18, the baby would be placed with responsible and caring people who have applied and want a child. These people have been screened and trained to be good parents and are mature enough to raise a child.  The size of the family would be voluntarily controlled but people would usually not choose to have any more than four children because they realize it is not fair to each child for there to be too many to care for.  A couple would need to be approved to have more than four children.  Most would choose to have one to three children. 

There would be a federation of all the religions in the world.The heads of these religions would meet to develop a moral code that all laws would support and abide by.The moral code would show personal and social responsibility and protect the society. It would be based on the precepts that show love of self and love of others and concern for the welfare of all in society. A group would be voted on that is non- denominational but has a good moral code to represent and oversee that the moral code is followed across the country. 

Crime would be greatly reduced because everyone’s needs are met and families are healthy and raising healthy children with a good moral code and personal responsibility to themselves and the community.Those that have committed crimes would be around healthy people not unhealthy people in order to be rehabilitated.Rehabilitation would have great success because people wouldn’t be rewarded for being criminals.They would be locked in work centers where they had to earn their keep by doing responsible things like typing on computers or even heavy labor if that is what they were best suited to do.They would have to earn their freedom by being productive and showing a good work ethic and moral code.If they didn’t have any skills, they would be trained in prison in a job that is needed in society. Interviews would take place regularly and if they were ready, they would be placed in a half-way house as soon as possible.They would be closely supervised to see if they were ready to be positive members of society.They would have counseling and support and be placed in jobs as soon as they had earned their freedom. Attorneys that were trying to get criminals off that they new committed a crime, would not be allowed to practice.People would pay for their criminal acts and there would be stiff consequences.The most important being the loss of their freedom.

   

The military would be scaled way down.There would be an attitude more like Switzerland that we do not get involved in world political problems.The military would only be stationed in our own country.We would have an attitude that we take care of our own country and protect and defend it.One of the main responsibilities would be protecting and guarding our borders from negative influences or criminal activity.The military would serve to help in natural disasters and other events that occurred. They would be doing service to make the country safer and better.The world would have evolved enough as a whole to know how dangerous and self destructive nuclear bombs would be to everyone and that would never be a threat.The world would not be into war or rumors of war because they would realize how self-defeating that is to everyone in the long run.Violence would be greatly decreased everywhere.

Media would be controlled and negative and false information would not be allowed to air. Positive programming would show things that lifted, educated, or inspired the human spirit. Propaganda would not be allowed.The people that ran media would create things that would encourage viewers to be better human beings instead of glamorizing crime and victimization. Criminal acts would not be reported on the news. Criminal behavior would not receive the spotlight or be the top news story Top news stories would be about good things people were doing out in their communities to make their communities better.Shows that exposed criminal or violent behavior would not be allowed to air. Pornography would be eliminated from television and computers.It would be against the law.

As a moral responsibility, everyone would receive health care.  It would be good health care and all would be taken good care of until they passed on.  The focus in health would be on preventive medicine and healthcare.  People would be counseled in how to handle stress in healthy ways so people would be healthier and not need anti-depressants and so many operations or other medical help because of diabetes and other preventable diseases.  If people needed operations they would get them.  Those working in the health fields would be compensated the same way as any other field.  Health and medical care costs would be taken care of out of taxes.  There would be free health care centers in every neighborhood where people could have exercise as well as classes teaching people about how to be healthy in body, mind and spirit.  Classes would be taught to help society develop important life skills to work with others and a have a good moral code.  Spirituality would be important and non-denominational lessons would be taught to the community on Sunday.   Most organized religions would not exist or be needed because the moral and ethical responsibilities would be covered in these Sunday meetings. Thus corruption and manipulating people and trying to get their money through organized religions would not exist.   This would result in religions stopping their dogma that their religion is the only true one and stop aggression and war over religious beliefs.  Different religions could still exist as long as they didn’t teach anything that would harm others. They would pay the same tax as every other business and it would be 10% of their income.

Everyone would be into having a healthy lifestyle.  This would include eating right and exercise for everyone.  People would not have obesity or anorexia problems because they would be taught and monitored about healthy lifestyle from a very young age.  Parents and schools would not allow their children to have unhealthy eating habits.  They would not give them unhealthy foods but a good healthy and well balanced diet.   There would not be alcohol or drug abuse either because families would be strong and have healthy role models as parents.  They would be educated and taught how harmful these can be and they would make the intelligent choice to eliminate them from their lifestyle. Excessive use of anything would be discouraged and monitored.  It would be against the law for stores to sell things that were harmful to humans including tobacco and unhealthy foods that contain a lot of chemicals and artificial colorings or hormones.   

In order for these ideas to take place some systems would have to be totally eliminated and a new system begun.  It would be hard to get rid of the systems but the citizens would vote for this to occur because it would really be needed as it is today.  This would be a free will system and not forced on anyone but society would realize that this would be a better way for all to have a better quality of life and would be behind it and want to see it take place.   It may seem unrealistic and idealistic but I do think if a person believes and sees a solution and gets the idea out to others, that idea can be achieved. It would take time, commitment, and a true vision of a better way for things to be accomplished by the masses.  Corruption in government, greed, and entitlements without earning them would have to be stopped. Manipulation of the masses through propaganda would have to be stopped as well.  Truth would have to be the banner of America and justice and freedom to create a better society would have to be its main goal. A moral society with high ideals would have to be a part of the consciousness of the people for it to take place.