John “Rocky” Barrett
Tribal Chairman
Bozho, nikan, (Hello, my friend),
We live in a world where the uninformed deliberately make provocative statements because they are influenced by media falsehoods and what I call “Chatroom Values.” These values permit anyone to deliberately lie and to diminish the accomplishments of those with whom they disagree politically by challenging their honesty, integrity and moral fiber. This will not happen in the Hownikan.
We live in a political world where newly elected officials feel free to mislead their constituents by publishing innuendo and half-truths, believing that by attacking the integrity of the incumbent elected officials with whom they serve, they will somehow make themselves look better. These kinds of people show no consideration for experience or education, honor no time of service, and diminish the opinions of their peers. They just want attention. They demand respect while earning none.
Those that think this is appropriate behavior in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Legislature, and who act in this manner do not know the Citizen Potawatomi people very well. We can all smell what we avoid stepping in on a cow trail when it is being slung around, even if it comes with the alibi that they are “just doing their job.”
Steve Livingston, the newly elected Tribal legislator from District 1, got 121 votes in his election.
On his first day here at Tribal headquarters, he demanded to see the books of the Nation, all of which Secretary Treasurer D. Wayne Trousdale provided, along the outside audit and opinion. In his cursory examination of a small part of the records, he made no complaints about the results, the form, the quality and degree of examination, and no comment on the positive opinion of the professional auditors — auditors approved and required by the federal government.
Mr. Livingston apparently did not walk down the hall of our Accounting Department and see the long array of beautiful plaques recognizing 40 years of awards from the National Association of Government Accountants for “Excellence In Reporting.”
The next evening at the meeting of the Tribal legislature, he cast the sole “no” vote on the CPN Annual Budget. This budget was a product of literally thousands of hours of work to mold the $671,000,000 into a working document to guide the operation of our 40,000-member Tribal Nation.
His vote ignored the national and international recognition our Tribe has received for excellence and innovation in tribal government. His vote was cast in the face of a combined number of 244 years of experience in service that the other members of the legislature have given, a level of experience no other tribe can match.
To add insult to injury, he made the statement in his column in the Hownikan that he found our records did not have “transparency,” a buzzword meant to imply that everyone else at the Nation is hiding something. It is understood between us all that members of the Tribal legislature do not use their column privileges to criticize other members of the essential government body that makes our laws and sets our budget.
Based on his length of service, employment experience, level of education, and support of the people of his district, he is the least qualified of all of our legislators.
I believe he owes his Tribal government the courtesy of gaining some experience and organizational knowledge before casting no votes and using innuendo to disparage the judgement and abilities of his fellow legislators and professional staff. I hope he learns.
It is my greatest privilege to serve as your Tribal Chairman. Thank you for your support these last 50 years.
Migwetch (Thank you),
John “Rocky” Barrett | Keweoge (He Leads Them Home) | Tribal Chairman
Linda Capps
Vice-Chairman
Bozho (Hello),
First Americans Museum (FAM)
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal members can be proud of the fact that one of our own was chosen as the executive director and chief executive officer of First Americans Museum. Dr. Kelli Mosteller has served the prestigious museum in that distinguished capacity for just over one year.
The museum is amazing, with the collection of histories for all 39 First American Nations in Oklahoma in one section and state-of-the-art exhibits in another. Visitors marvel at the 175,000 square foot museum, located in Oklahoma City’s new Horizons District. The museum also contains a restaurant and café offering Indigenous-inspired cuisine, a multi-purpose theater and a museum store that features items created by premiere First American artists.
One of the latest additions to the First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City is the FAMily Discovery Center. The Grand Opening was Sept. 20 of this year. An invitation went out to tribal entities for a preview opening for Sept. 16. Several staff members from CPN attended to help begin the celebration of the new center. Dr. Mosteller was there to greet the attendees and give an overview of what the FAMily Discovery Center entails. A cheerful crowd came through from 6 to 8 p.m.
Those in attendance received a sit-down session that included Dr. Mosteller’s comments about FAM and an introduction to the guest speakers. Jennifer Randell was on the agenda to talk about the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s eagle aviary, which was a pleasant surprise to both the Chairman and me. When Jennifer Randell talks about the flight of an eagle, your imagination can fly away from you. The aviary and WildCare Oklahoma were both incorporated into the premier program.
Dr. Mosteller described the FAMily Discovery Center as a giant pop-up-book world filled with Native stories, animal relatives and Oklahoma’s changing seasons. Pictorial stories of WildCare Oklahoma’s rescued animals were especially interesting that evening. The facts about the rescue center’s wild animals were extremely fascinating.
CPN’s resident education ambassador, an Augur Buzzard named Nikan who is trained to perch on Bree Dunham’s (Jennifer Randell’s assistant) glove, greeted attendees before they walked into the next portion of the program. Located right outside the FAMily Discover Center, the beautiful Nikan spread his massive wings for all to experience. What a beautiful bird, indeed! Inside the center is where imagination comes alive. The hands-on activities invite families to explore a beautiful pop-up world. Larger-than-life animals, each rooted in First American traditions, serve as forest friends. The animals help welcome children to a play area that becomes a living classroom through discovery and storytelling.
The time spent that evening was very enjoyable and educational. I can’t wait to take my own family and grandchildren to the FAMily Discovery Center. What makes the museum incredibly inviting to our Tribal membership is the talent of Dr. Kelli Mosteller. She was the director of CPN’s Cultural Heritage Center for 11 years. Judging by what she has done for FAM during her first year as executive director, I believe there are great things to come.
Thank you for letting me share what I think is important to our readers. I appreciate serving as your vice chairman since 1990. It continues to be a wonderful, exuberating voyage for my family and me.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Linda Capps | Segenakwe (Black Bird Woman) | Vice-Chairman | Work: 405-275-3121 | Cell: 405-650-1238 | [email protected]
Steve Livingston
District 1
Bozho, (Hello),
In my September Hownikan article, I promised to share more about the Bodéwadmi Confederation. This is a condensed version from my website (cpndistrict1.com/news).
For some, the idea of 12 communities working together formally may raise questions. We’ve gathered and supported one another informally, so why take the step of building something new?
Because what we are doing today may not be enough tomorrow.
Since 1994, our annual Potawatomi Gatherings have brought us together to share dance, food, language and kinship. Our leaders discuss important topics yet rarely act together. When we return home, each Nation faces the world alone – negotiating with governments, defending treaties, securing resources, keeping languages alive and creating opportunities for the next generation.
When seven Potawatomi nations signed the Articles of Confederation in 2023, it was historic. Article I states our purpose: promoting unity, cooperation, and mutual support. Article V empowers coordinated initiatives in economic development, environmental protection, cultural preservation and political advocacy. Some have asked about the phrase “political advocacy.” In this context, it means ensuring we speak for ourselves wherever our rights may be questioned.
Protecting sovereignty while building strength
It’s fair to ask how this will work in practice. The articles affirm each nation’s sovereignty. The executive council is not a ruling body but a coordinating one — it cannot bind any nation against its will. Leadership rotates, ensuring no nation dominates. CPN would chair the confederation in 2027. No nation is required to take part in initiatives it does not agree with.
This approach safeguards independence while creating room to act together when it benefits us all.
Examples can be found elsewhere — the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Wabanaki Confederacy and the Blackfoot Confederacy. The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission brought four nations together to protect salmon. The Intertribal Council of Arizona demonstrates how 21 tribes amplify their collective voice.
For Potawatomi, a confederation could mean stronger advocacy in courts and legislatures, where 12 governments representing tens of thousands cannot be ignored. It could mean better coordination on protecting the Great Lakes and our watersheds, building sustainable economies, sharing language and cultural resources, or streamlining repatriation efforts. Cooperation was the strength of our ancestors, and it remains key to our survival today.
Addressing Canadian First Nations questions
I’ve also heard questions about including Canadian Nations and navigating different political systems. But our relatives didn’t stop being Potawatomi when they escaped removal. Our relatives in Ontario carried language, ceremony and community through the same struggles we did. The 1833 Treaty of Chicago was signed by the “United Nation of Chippewa, Ottowa, and Potawatamie Indians,” showing how our peoples were connected. The confederation helps us return to that unity.
In closing
As one of the largest Potawatomi nations with nearly 40,000 citizens, we bring perspective reflecting the wider Potawatomi diaspora. We have built a diversified economy and shown that self-governance can be rebuilt and sustained.
I know our leaders have weighed this question with care. CPN has faced many threats to sovereignty in Oklahoma, which makes us cautious and deliberate, and I respect that others may view this path differently.
We carry a unique history as among the first to reorganize after removal. That gives us responsibility. We need not hesitate out of fear of losing independence but should move forward with confidence that together we may accomplish more than any Nation alone.
The confederation is moving forward. The question is whether we will help shape it from the beginning or step into something built without our input. I hope we meet this historic moment and help build a future worthy of our ancestors and grandchildren.
Steve Livingston | Legislator, District 1 | [email protected]
Eva Marie Carney
District 2
Bozho, nikanek (Hello, friends),
Rock Your Mocs Week/Upcoming Fall Feast
Did you know that Nov. 9 through 15 is Rock Your Mocs week? You might choose one day, the week or all November to wear your mkesinen (moccasins) — the idea is to celebrate with and to honor our ancestors and Indigenous peoples worldwide. To participate, wear your mkesinen, take a photo or video, add the hashtag #RockYourMocs and upload to social media. You will be helping to create an online album for the world to enjoy, and that will underscore that #WeAreStillHere.
If you join us on Saturday, Nov. 8, for our Annual District 2 Fall Feast, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you will have a new pair of mkesinen to wear during Rock Your Mocs Week, as this year’s cultural craft is a return to pucker-toe moccasin-making, taught by Lyle Simmons. All materials will be provided.
We will gather in the social hall, Little Falls Presbyterian Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207 (littlefallschurch.org), craft, and share information, family updates, and a family meal. Bring favorite dishes (with recipes if you would like) to share. I will provide the turkey and a vegan main dish, along with beverages. Children are welcome! The craft is appropriate for children 10 and up with one-to-one adult supervision.
RSVPs are required. I look forward to seeing you; you do not need to be in District 2 to attend — but you do need to RSVP!
I have included a photo of Bob Shaweno Richey (Hardin family) with his completed bandolier bag; Bob started the bag during last year’s Fall Feast. Bob and his wife Karen Richey, along with mother-son duo Kathleen Korzeniewski and Brett Mésko Mko Korzeniewski (Lewis family), led this craft during last year’s Feast. We continue to challenge those who started their bag to complete and share with me a photo of your bag for publication in a future Hownikan column. You will help inspire fellow Potawatomi.
New Novels of Note
If you like horror novels, you might enjoy “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Blackfeet Native American author Stephen Graham Jones. It appeared on President Obama’s 2025 Summer Reads List — but not mine! I read Graham Jones’ “My Heart Is a Chainsaw” but cannot see reading another horror novel.
The latest novel by Ojibwe author Angeline Boullely, “Sisters in the Wind,” is on my to-read list. I enjoyed her first two books (“Firekeeper’s Daughter” and “Warrior Girl Unearthed”) and love her backstory. As reported on her webpage (angelineboulley.com), she had a long career in Indian education at the tribal, state and national levels before publishing her first novel in her mid-40s. Most recently, she served as the director for the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education and earlier was in a senior educational leadership role for her Nation, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and served on the Bay Mills Community College Board of Regents. You can read more about her and watch an interview with her, at cpn.news/angelineinterview.
Please Keep in Touch and Continue to Share Family News
I am proud to share that my husband, Alan Cohen, is the 2025 inductee to the Council of Better Business Bureau’s Hall of Fame. Alan is a committed protector of consumers who offers great insights and advice. He provided legal services to the Council and its self-regulatory programs for many years; I am thrilled to see him receive this recognition.
What is your family news? Please keep in touch and share your family news as you have it!
Migwetch (Thank you),
Eva Marie Carney | Ojindiskwe (Bluebird Woman) | [email protected] | [email protected] | evamariecarney.com | PO Box 5595 | Arlington, VA 22205 | Toll Free: 888-849-1484 (voicemail)
Brenda Trevino
District 3
Bozho jayek (Greetings all)!
Migwetch (Thanks) one more time to Bob Whistler for his leadership and dedication over the past 17 years. I have big shoes to fill and can only do that with your involvement and assistance. To represent you well, I need to hear from you. My new CPN email and the phone number at the end of this article are currently the best ways to reach me.
I mentioned in the new legislator’s Q&A column that I would provide a ‘SAVE THE DATE’ notice. It is with this column. I am also providing a general outline for the meetings. The meet-and-greet meetings will focus on introductions, available services and family celebrations. They will be a little shorter in duration and include time for me to listen specifically to those who come. In the larger meetings, I plan to include a guest speaker and an art project for the children, as well as information on naming/other ceremonies. Both types of meetings will include limited giveaways for those who attend. Details of each meeting will be provided as the specifics become available, approximately a month ahead.
Your time is precious. Saving the dates up to six months in advance should give everyone who wants to come the ability to make attendance a reality. I plan to try this format through June 2026 and with your input adjust for the second half of the year. I do expect attendance to be smaller for the meet-and-greet meetings. The hope is that those within a 90-mile radius can come. Of course, if you want to come to every one of them, you are welcome to do so.
After the June 2026 meeting it will be time for the Family Reunion Festival in Shawnee again. This event was such a blessing for me in 2025. It truly did feel like one big family celebration!
I’ll begin emailing those who were on the District 3 mailing list Bob Whistler maintained. I would like you to respond when you get an email from me, to verify it is still the address you would like to use. And if you want to be added, please email me to add you. I need your permission to be added.
Blessings to all and migwetch (thanks) for your support now and in the future as I do my best to represent you!
Brenda Trevino | Mkedewankwetkwe (Black Cloud Woman) | [email protected] | 281-466-7427
Jon Boursaw
District 4
Upcoming District 4 Meetings
Wichita: Sunday, Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m. at the Mid-America All-Indian Center located at 650 N. Seneca St. in Wichita. Lunch will be served. I have invited Kent Bush, Director of the CPN Public Information Department, to give a presentation on the functions of his office. In addition, he will give a slide presentation updating us on the Tribal projects ongoing in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21 by calling me at 785-608-1982, or email me at [email protected]. Please identify which meeting you will attend. For those KC Chiefs fans, not to worry, their game is on Monday night, Oct. 27.
In addition, I would like to award at least one Quilt of Valor at the Wichita meeting. The Quilt of Valor is given to U.S. military veterans who have served honorably. If you are a CPN enrolled member and a veteran, I would be pleased to present you with a Quilt of Valor for your service. I will need you to provide me with the following information:
- Full name and contact information
- CPN Tribal Family
- Branch of Service
- Dates of Service
- Last Rank/Grade Held
- Type of Discharge/Retirement
- Primary Duty/Specialty
- Personal Awards/ Decorations
- Overseas Assignments
- Served in Combat (where)
Please provide this information to me no later than Saturday, Oct. 18. You can reply by email or postal service (see contact information below). Obviously, you will need to be present at the meeting to receive a quilt. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.
Rossville: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. in the CPN Community Center in Rossville. Lunch will be served. CPN Director of Education Rachel Watson will give a presentation on the programs, both youth and adult, offered by the Department. In addition, Rachel will be joined by Yale Taylor, the Native American Student Counselor for the Topeka Unified School District. They will jointly discuss the Title VI funding program available to public schools with Native American students. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28 by calling me at 785-608-1982, or by email at [email protected]. Please identify which meeting you will attend.
In addition, we may have the pleasure of hosting a brief visit by our U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt, Kansas, District 2. Recently I have had two opportunities to personally speak with the Congressman about stopping by to speak to us. On both occasions his response was very positive, but with the comment that his schedule is subject to other priorities. I have recently responded to an inquiry from his Topeka office regarding the proposed meeting agenda.
Upcoming CPN Elders’ Potlucks
Dates for the Elder Potlucks held in Rossville at noon are:
Nov. 24 | Thanksgiving Turkey | RSVP by the 11th
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to Tracy at 785-584-6171.
Contact Information
If you are not receiving emails from me, it is because I do not have your current email address or what I have is incorrect. All you need to do is email me your email address.
Migwetch (Thank you),
Jon Boursaw | Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) | [email protected] | 785-608-1982 | 2007 SW Gage Blvd. | Topeka, KS 66604 | Office Hours: Tuesday 9-11 a.m. | Thursdays 3-5 p.m. | Other times as requested
Rande K. Payne
District 6
Bozho nikanek (Hello friends),
As of this writing, the Garnet Fire has consumed nearly 60,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest just northeast of me. Containment is at 70 percent. The fire started with a lightning strike on Aug. 24. Fortunately, a stand of giant sequoias at McKinley Grove will sustain only minimal damage due to the efforts of CalFire crews and other U.S. Forest Service partners working together to battle the fire. It appears that Wishon Village and all of the PG&E structures around the Helms Powerhouse will be spared as well.
I brought this up because just two weeks before the fire started, my grandson and I were camping at a location that, unfortunately, was consumed by the fire. Sawmill Flat was a beautiful place along the western slope of Granite Gorge, rising nearly 2,000 feet almost straight up from the North Fork of the Kings River to an elevation of 6,800 feet. Starting with my parents, my family has been camping, hunting, off roading, boating and fishing in that area for well over 50 years. So many great memories. My grandson is the fourth, and unfortunately, the last generation of my family to experience that very special place. I wonder if the little buck that strolled through our camp early on the morning of our last day there made it out. My grandson’s favorite place to fish will survive but unfortunately, his tee-pee fort won’t.
Our family is deeply saddened and angry at yet another tragic loss of beautiful Sierra National Forest land. We’re angry because Seven Generations means something to us. Traditions mean something to us. Family means something to us. Nature means something to us. We don’t understand why the federal government would place the interests of a few ahead of common-sense forest management. The devastating ripple effect of their failed policies have had monumental adverse consequences just a few generations later. There is an active petition to remove the regional Forest Service supervisor for his failure to act on fuel load removal. His removal is warranted, but it’s a little too little, too late. In his defense, the fuse for this ticking time bomb was lit in the late 1970s, long before he was a Forest Service employee. This epic failure is much bigger than a single supervisor.
Space doesn’t afford me the ability to explain why this is important to us as Potawatomi people, but there is a lesson to be learned here. Hopefully, it will help ensure that we govern with vision and integrity, safeguarding the greater good and sustainability for generations to come. Stay tuned; Seven Generations mean something! To be continued in future columns.
I’m excited that our District 6 and 7 Heritage Festival is almost here. Mark and I are working on the agenda and will be putting the finishing touches on the event soon. We’re sorry about the date change, but, due to unforeseen circumstances, we felt it would be best. Initially, Chairman Barrett and Vice-Chairman Capps were going to be able to come out in October. Because of a very important family event, they asked if we could move the date so they could still come. Of course, we said yes! We invite you to come and enjoy a fun day. We’ll have a bounce house to keep the kids entertained, so be sure to bring them along. See you soon!
Wisdom from the Word: “Remember the days of old, consider the years of all generations. Ask your father and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy 32:7
Migwetch, jagenagenan, nagetch (Thank you, all my relations, later),
Rande K. Payne | Mnedo Gabo | [email protected] | 31150 Road 180 | Visalia, CA 93292-9585 | 559-999-5411
Dave Carney
District 8
Bozho, jayek (Hello, everyone),
It seems like it’s been a long, hot summer in the northwest. At the moment, I am looking forward to winter and the famous drizzle in our area. I’m not sure if I’ll feel the same way in February, but we will see.
We are a couple of weeks away from the September quarterly meeting of the legislature. One topic that will be revisited is whether or not we should join the Potawatomi Confederation. I have heard from many individuals about their thoughts on the topic — mostly in favor of joining. I have gone on record to support CPN joining, even though I believe there are many aspects of membership that are not clear. The confederation is in its infancy. Why not be there to help shape it? I have promised to keep my district informed as to developments on this topic.
As I am becoming an elder and enjoying the privilege of growing older, I am experiencing the loss of several Citizen Potawatomi friends. I had written about the loss of my friend, Angel Arasmith of Seattle, in April. In July, another great friend and member of District 8 walked on, Anita Carly Redheart of Tillamook, Oregon. Both of these ladies were enthusiastic Potawatomi women and made great efforts to come to regional meetings whenever possible. Anita took up beading and other Native crafts later in life and created some special beaded treasures. It was my pleasure and honor to name Anita in Tillamook many years ago. The name I gave her was WabenBonsé (MorningHawk), and she used it with pride until her passing.
Anita had been fighting cancer for years and took comfort in her faith and her CPN family. Over the years, I know she cherished visits from Andy Burns and George and Diane Gragg.
I’m calling for speakers from throughout to speak at the event. If you are a subject expert or are passionate about a Native American related topic, please consider reaching out to me. It’s a great thing to learn from each other.
As always, it is my pleasure to serve as your legislator,
Dave Carney | Kagashgi (Raven) | [email protected] | 360-259-4027
Paul Wesselhöft
District 9
Bozho, nikan (Hello, friend),
Starving artist
A creative writer becomes an artist when their work is elevated to the highest level. A creative writer must come to terms with one reality: We are not Shakespeare, nor do we have to be. We cannot write his work nor he ours. We have our own voice, images, metaphors, poetry and stories. And what we write and how we write is unique and a gift to many or a few who read us. We wish for our creations to be read or seen in paintings, photography or sculpture. We not only create art for ourselves, but we also create art to share. We may or may not earn financial security.
I was an actor for nine years and earned a B.A. in drama. I desired to continue in this endeavor. My father told me that if I was serious about being a professional actor, “then you better have a small stomach.”
Concerning the economics of art, my good friend and fellow artist, Charles N. Clark, wrote these words, “The term ‘starving artist’ can mean more than economic hardship. We all strive to at least have our work appreciated.”
I wish to elaborate on this thought. By “appreciate” we don’t mean for you to recognize us for internal selfish reasons. We may or may not be broken people, but we are not asking you to heal us. We simply need for you to externally validate us, to recognize us as we believe ourselves to be — artists.
We need you to reinforce our conception of ourselves. We need you to attest that we are not delusional. We know we are artists, but we need you to know that we are artists. And we need you to see and feel what we see and feel. Yes, we starve to know that you to intuit what true art looks and feels like, our art.
If you desire to read and see Native American art, please visit my Facebook page, “Potawatomi Artist.”
Migwetch (Thank you),
Paul Wesselhöft | Naganit (Leader) | [email protected] | [email protected]
David Barrett
District 10
Bozho (Hello),
Young people are back in school, and some are choosing to enter careers. I would like to discuss the statements “putting your heart into it” and “doing your best on everything.” Can we do both? Yes! Ideally, you should put your heart into everything you do to foster personal satisfaction, professional growth, and to be more engaged and effective. Doing your best and being committed means making a firm decision to give your entire effort to a task or goal, even when motivation wanes, by understanding your “why.”
Finding your purpose with a deep, personal understanding of why you are pursuing a goal is crucial for sustained motivation. Ensure that your commitment aligns with your core values to make them feel more meaningful and less like an obligation. Don’t try to do everything in one step; break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Block out specific times in your calendar for working on your goals to build consistent habits. Developing these habits for me is very hard since I want to hurry and get things done. It takes time. Don’t give up, and be patient! Sometimes, the hardest part is beginning, so focus on taking that initial step.
Let’s go back to a heartfelt effort, which will allow you to approach tasks with passion, learn from mistakes, and experience contentment regardless of the outcome, leading to a more fulfilling life. A heartfelt approach fuels passion and enthusiasm, making you more motivated to engage with tasks and learn. Being aware of your actions and goals, you can intentionally choose to put your heart into them rather than just going through the motions. You need to recognize that while success isn’t guaranteed, the value comes from the effort, passion and heart you put into it, not just the outcome. Now couple this with doing your best, which incorporates consistently applying maximum effort and leads to higher quality work and better results.
In the blog “InTheEyesOfLiz,” the author writes: “commitment is a big word. It’s not saying, ‘I hope’ or ‘I’ll try’ but ‘I will,’ and the definitiveness of it is the reason many don’t last … by saying, ‘I’ll try’ … you give yourself a card to fail … Commitment can be scary, but if you put your everything into something, it works out more times than it fails.”
In this same blog, dated Feb. 17, 2021, she said that she wasn’t really getting “me” time and was too hard on herself. When things didn’t go as planned, she never seemed to catch a break. Here is a direct quote: “Similarly, my relationship with God has always been there but I drifted a little over the years and I found myself turning to backup plans instead of turning to him first. It’s great to have a plan but without faith, you end up stressing and spiraling, I used to say I would cast my fears to him, but in turning to backup plans I was contradicting my faith. Sometimes a little patience is all you need, instead, I would make hasty decisions that weren’t always necessary, when allowing God to be my ‘PA’ and moving on with the next thing would have been far more efficient.”
All my life I have tried to follow these rules and practices, some forming habits while others give me a challenge. In my professional career, I’ve used most of these guidelines.
Take time to thank a veteran, first responder and a person in blue when you have an opportunity.
It goes without saying that it is both a pleasure and an honor to serve you and our great Nation.
Migwetch (Thank you),
David Barrett | Mnedobe (Sits with the Spirits) | [email protected] | 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. | Shawnee, OK 74801 | 405-275-3121