2020-32 Chirp, Chirp, Chirp

This last week our troop had an amazing event happen… we had our first Eagle! This did not happen overnight but has been in the scouting incubator for 7 years.

 I’m reminded of a scene in one of my favorite musicals, 1776.  We have John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson sitting on the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia waiting for the chirp, chirp, chirp of an eaglet being born while playing midwives to an egg. They have just completed putting the declaration of independence on paper and are debating on which bird will represent our nation. The eagle, the dove, or… the turkey.  We see Benjamin Franklin voice his opinion towards the turkey while calling the eagle a scavenger, thief, and coward. Franklin eventually comes around to agree on the Eagle with the other two.

Tonight, we awarded you with the hours and hours of work that you, your family, your friends, and your leaders have completed along your trail to eagle. Adding a little here and a little there to your egg. And tonight, you hatched and become an Eaglet.  As a newly hatched Eaglet, there is still a lot that will need to be completed as you mature into a full-grown Eagle. Take a look at those who have been invited to sit within the Eagles Nest, there is quite a few of them that are balding, or are Bald Eagles.  The journey does not end when you receive this award but continues with you through all the days of your life while you interact and work with others around you. 

Throughout your life, continue to do your best, do your duty to God and your county, always help others, stay physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Keep the 12 points of the scout law in your back pocket. At home, school, or work; be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

2020-31 Full Uniform

Scouts, what would you think of a police officer in full uniform except for yellow sweat pants instead of uniform slacks? How about a hospital intern wearing a sports coat while on duty? Or what would you think of a train conductor wearing a fireman's cap or, even more absurd, an airline pilot wearing a swim suit as she boarded the plane? They'd all be 'out of uniform,' wouldn't they? With some of the outfits mentioned, you would not be sure what they really were. Scouts, we also have a uniform. We have a full uniform - not just a neckerchief or just a shirt, but like the people I just mentioned, we have a full uniform. When we don't wear the full uniform, we are just as 'out of uniform' as the police officer with the yellow sweat pants. The Flag Code says that when we are 'in uniform' we salute the flag with the Scout salute, but when 'out of uniform' we salute by holding our right hand over our heart. How do you think a Scout should salute the flag if wearing blue jeans or some other non-official dress along with part of the uniform?

The other day, while at our troop meeting, I realized that I was not in full uniform! I had my Scout shorts, belt, socks, shirt and neckerchief… It wasn’t until I placed my hand on the brim of my hat to salute the flag that I realized that I grabbed the wrong hat. Rather than my official scout hat, I placed my every day, fitted gray cap that I usually wear. What was the solution? Keep my salute on the brim of the hat or change over to saluting with my hand over my heart? What would you do?

2020-30 A Story For The Stars

The brightest group of stars in the sky is named in honor of Orion, who was the strongest man of his time and the greatest hunter. Because he was the son of Neptune, ruler of the seven seas, Orion was as much at home swimming in the oceans as he was hunting in the forests. One day, while Orion was swimming swiftly through the waters of the Mediterranean, Apollo saw him and grew jealous of his power. Now Apollo could only do good and could harm no one from his blazing chariot, the sun, so he turned to his sister Diana, the huntress, who was riding with him and said: 'It has been a long time since I have watched your skill in archery. Do you suppose you could hit that round thing bobbing in the water?' Diana, not knowing that it was the head of Orion, strung her bow, fitted an arrow to the cord, and sent it straight to the mark. When she flew to retrieve her arrow she discovered Apollo's evil trick and appealed to Jupiter, king of all the gods, to place the lifeless body of Orion in the sky. Every winter's night you will see Orion there, brighter and more beautiful than any other.

2020-29 A Warped Wheel

Scouts, if you loosen five or six adjoining spokes on a bicycle wheel, it will warp out of shape so that it no longer makes a true circle. Pretty soon you're going to have a bumpy ride.

Your character is something like a bike wheel. The spokes are a series of rules that in Scouting we call the Scout Law. The points of our Scout Law are guides to help you stay straight and true. If you get loose and sloppy on any point of the Scout Law, the result will be the same as loosening the spokes on a bike wheel. Your personality will be warped and out of shape.

One way to stay true to yourself is to see that your observance of the Scout Law is always foremost in your mind.

When doubts creep in and you might consider violating one of the points of the Law, think about the warped, out of shape bike wheel and resolve to live up to the ideals of Scouting.

2020-28 Home

Recently, due to the threat of COVID, many people throughout the world are staying close to home.  My own children finished this last school year at home with the help of various video conferencing platforms. We even have church at home. We have family game nights and movie nights almost every day. We are becoming professionals at the cooking merit badge.  Our home has turned into our own base camp.

During the Mid 60’s, a London magazine asked its subscribers what a home is, and received over 800 answers. Out of these, seven were selected as the best. Here they are:

• Home - a world of strife shut out, a world of love shut in.

• Home - a place where the small are great, and the great are small.

• Home - The Father's Kingdom - The Mother's world - The Child’s Paradise

• Home - the place where we Grumble the most and are treated the best.

•  Home - the center of our affection, round which our hearts best wishes twine.

• Home the place where our stomachs get three squares a day and our hearts a thousand.

• The home is the place where love is shut in -  hate is shut out -  where each lives for the other and all for God. 

I once had the privilege of working for an employer that shared with me the following, “Everything that you do and every dollar that you earn should be applied to building up and protecting your own home base.” I have learned that this can involve helping your children grow, paying for their needs, paying the bills and eventually paying off the house, and having a house of refuge for when family members need help during hard times. The most important things in this world are kept within the walls of your home. Continue to do your best to practice the Scout Oath and Law within your home.

2020-27 Stitched Together

Did you ever think of just what makes up our country’s flag? Yes, there are stripes, a patch of blue, and some five-pointed stars--but they are just pieces of cloth.
However, when the 13 stripes of alternate red and white, representing the thirteen original states, are put together and the field of blue is in place with the stars, representing the “constellation” of 50 states--all securely held together by thousands of stitches--then we no longer have pieces of cloth and patches, but the flag of the United Sates, the emblem of our country.
I think that all those stitches represent us--”we, the people”--that every one of us is represented in the flag by a stitch holding the flag together. And as long as we are strong, holding steadfastly to our job of being good American citizens, our country will remain “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
All of you know what would happen to a flag if some of the stitches failed to hold. The flag would fall apart or unravel. That is exactly what can happen to our country if we do not try to be good Americans. Our America can lose its “Oneness.”
Let’s say, “We will not let that happen.” We will all of us, on this day and every day, continue to do our best, to help others, and to show by our actions that we are worthy of our country.

2020-26 Dull Knife

I’m holding in my hand an ordinary pocketknife. maybe you own one also. And maybe you still need to receive one after you earn your whittling chip or totem chip. it's a very useful tool around camp if you keep it clean and sharp.

If you let a knife get dull and rusty, it's not only useless, it's dangerous because it won't be able to do what you wanted to do. It's very easy to cut yourself when you try to force a dull knife to do something it can't do.

The same idea applies to our bodies. If our bodies are clean and sharp, we won't become dull and rusty like a knife that has not been given good care. That's why we exercise and play strenuous games. And that's why you want to keep your body fit now and, in the years to come. Let us all always do our best to be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

2020-25 Turned Around

Have you ever been to a new place and felt like you did not know where to go? Did you ever get turned around? I'll tell you a story about being turned around.

It was the first trip the boy ever made to the Canyon. He went with his father. They left the ranch early in the morning and went away up into the tall quaking aspens.

Along in the afternoon they started back to the ranch. The boy was in high glee. He sat behind his father on the wagon, holding on the binder lever. As they rode down the canyon, horses on the trot, they made a sudden turn in the shape of a horseshoe. This turn gradually moved out on the other side of the canyon and on down the way. The boy said to his father, after they had made the horseshoe curve:

“Father, you are going wrong.”

The father said, “Are we?”

He said, “Yes, don't you see?”

And the horses trotted on, and the boy looked this way and that way up and down, and said:

“Pop, you are turned around.”

And the father said, “Well, do you want to get off?”

And he said, “No, pop, I'll stay with you.

On they went and the boy said, “Pop, the canyon is turned around.” On they went, and finally they came around a little bend to a little opening that led up to the place where the ranch was, and he said, “We are straight again.” As they got off the wagon he said, “Gee pop, I'm glad I stayed with you.”

By George H. Brimhall

Sometimes we get turned around and need to decide if we are going to change our path.  Through life’s path you will eventually come to a crossroad where you may feel lost and don’t know where to go. Who better to help us along the path of life than our father’s and father figures?

To all those fathers and father figures, we wish you a very happy father’s day.

2020-24 I Am Your Flag

I am your Flag.
I was born on June 14th, 1777.
I am more than just cloth shaped into design.
I am the refuge of the World's oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of Freedom.
I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.
I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes.
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody swamps of Vietnam.
I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead, to their final resting place beneath the silent White Crosses, row upon row.
I have flown through Peace and War, Strife and Prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.

My Red Stripes....symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation.
My White Stripes....signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
My Blue Field....is indicative of God's heaven under which I fly.
My Stars....clustered together, unify 50 states as one, for God and Country.

"Old Glory" is my nickname, and proudly I wave on high.
Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and fortunes.
Never let my enemies tear down from my lofty position, lest I never return.
Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship Eternal God and keep His Commandments, and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind.

I am your Flag.

2020-23 Who Is My Brother?

Did I dream this story? Did I invent it? Or did I hear or read it somewhere? Is it a legend? I do not remember. But it haunts me, and each time I  learn of men hating and misunderstanding each other, and fearing each other and killing each other, or when there is hostility between religions, between races, or between nation and nation, the story returns to me with powerful and  significant force.

A man was walking across the great, desolate wilderness at twilight, alone, and hearing only his crackling footsteps on the dry and brittle earth. He knew nothing of his destination, which was obscure and mysterious, and he was much afraid. There was no moon in the sky, and the sun had gone.

Suddenly, at a distance, he saw the vague outline of another creature, and he was struck with terror. A wild animal who would destroy him? An unknown monster who is stalking him? There was no shelter, no boulder behind which he could hide, no tree to conceal him. He had to go on, though there was no help for him, a traveler alone in the half-light. He kept his eyes on the vague and distant figure, which kept its pace even as it seemed to come a little nearer.

Then, all at once, the distorted figure became the figure of a man. Now the traveler was even more terrified. Fellow men were more dangerous than wild beasts, more to be feared. Fellow men had weapons, subtle and murderous, and we're without mercy or compassion. Against their attack, there was no defense. The traveler halted, trembling and lost. A robber? A murderer? The shadows deepened. The figure in the distance halted uncertainly; then, as if with a desperate fear of its own, appeared to decide that it must investigate.

It changed its course and came toward the traveler timidly, uttering faint words of peace and apprehension. The twilight brightened a little, and the travelers saw the figure’s faces. He cried out with joy, and ran toward the shadowy "enemy."

They reached each other and embraced, exclaiming with relief in love.

“I thought you were a mad animal who would devour me!” cried the traveler, with love and shame. “I thought you were a murderer who would kill me! And all the time you were only my brother.”

By Taylor Caldwell from Good Housekeeping. 1960’s

2020-22 Don't Be A Crab

It’s interesting how crabs think and work. When catching crabs, you can place them in a bucket about 12-18 inches deep and if the crab is in there by itself, will easily reach up over the lip of the can and climb out. But an interesting thing happens when you have 2 or more crabs in the same bucket. As the first crab reaches up to pull itself out, the other crabs reach up to pull the other crab back into the bucket. They will each take turns trying to climb out while the other crabs spend their time pulling the crab that is having success back down into the bucket. Are you a crab?

In our troop we have a policy of “No Cut-downs”. Simply meaning that there will be no name calling or poking fun of between troop and patrol members. Each one of us, in our own way, is trying to do our best to reach up and get out of our own bucket. When the time comes for you to reach for the stars, don’t let the envy, resentment, or competitive feelings that will be thrown at you by other people bring you down. For some odd reason there are those out in this world that want to see you fail. Rise up to the occasion and keep the self-confidence that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. As the Cub Scout motto says, Do Your Best.

2020-21 Memorial Day

There are many activities that we associate with Memorial Day; BBQ’s, pool parties, family gatherings, games, visiting grave sites, and so on… A few years ago, I came across a very well written news article about Memorial Day that enlightened me about the early history of this holiday. 

The original title of the holiday was “Decoration Day” and was initially created by Gen. John Logan in 1868 to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. May 30th was picked as the date of remembrance as it was anticipated that flowers would be in full bloom across the country. The first “Decoration Day” included saying prayers, singing hymns, and spreading flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Gen. Logan wrote, “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners.”

Fast forward a few years. The focus on Civil War soldiers changed to deceased soldiers of all wars after World War I.  The term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. But it wasn’t until after World War II that we started to use the name Memorial Day as the official title for this holiday.

The final point of the Scout Law is Reverent. I feel that this is no coincidence. We tend to remember most the first and last thing when Mom or Dad give us a list of chores to do, or items to gather. All the points of the Scout Law are important. But having reverent as the last point is a wonderful bookend to a list of points that will help you become a better version of yourself. Being reverent can simply be accomplished by standing by an unknown soldier’s headstone and paying tribute to him or her for their services to protect our freedoms.

On this day, we as Scouts across the nation have and will participate in flag ceremonies, decorating soldier’s headstones with small American Flags, and (for those select few buglers) participate in playing taps at the cemetery.

We invite you to have a safe and enjoyable time on this three day weekend. And invite you to take some time, and in your own way by being REVERENT, pay tribute to those who have gone before us as you practice the last point of the Scout Law.

2020-20 Your A BUM!

Back in 1976, the movie Rocky came out in theaters. Written by Sylvester Stallone, the story of a small time boxer who works hard and is given the chance to compete in the heavy-weight championship is inspiring. The one character that always stood out to me was Mickey, played by Burgess Meredith. He was a rough and tough kind of guy that was Rocky’s trainer. There are many quotes from Mickey, but the one that sticks in my mind the most is, “You're a bum, Rock. You're a bum!” Calling Rocky a “bum”, was not a complement in the story. But, I’m going to suggest a twist. Maybe you want to be a B-U-M...

When search and rescue teams, along with first responders, rescue people with ropes. The number one thing that they do is tie-off onto a “big-un-movable” object, a B-U-M. This could be a large boulder or a very large and mature tree. The purpose of doing this is to secure yourself so that you do not become a victim also when trying to rescue those in need. Your “big-un-movable” is an object that you have faith and trust in. You know that no matter what happens, it will not move or budge in any way or form. The same can be said for some people in our lives. There are family members and friends that no matter how tough things are, they will always be there to help and support you. The goal that I have for myself is to become one of those big-un-movables for the people in my life. Take some time and reflect on those individuals in your life that you could call a B-U-M.

2020-19 Mother Believes In You

With today being Mother’s Day. We felt that it would be very fitting to have this weeks Scouter’s Minute involve Mom.

Found from the 1967 printing of The Scouter’s Minute published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Mother Believes In You

Scouts, let me ask you a question but answer it only to yourselves. Did you ever do anything that you did not want your mother to know you did? Your mother is your best friend. Are you willing to let her know all the things you talk about when you meet the gang after school or at night in the vacant lot or on the street corner? Could you hold your head and look her in the eyes if you thought she had seen all you did and heard what you said?

Your mother will stand by you no matter what happens, because she believes you are better than the others. She has faith in you, she prays for you and she trusts you. Don’t disappoint her.

2020-18 The Sun and the Wind

The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which of them was the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a Traveler passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.

"Let us agree," said the Sun, "that he is the stronger who can strip that Traveler of his cloak."

"Very well," growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold, howling blast against the Traveler.

With the first gust of wind the ends of the cloak whipped about the Traveler's body. But he immediately wrapped it closely around him, and the harder the Wind blew, the tighter he held it to him. The North Wind tore angrily at the cloak, but all his efforts were in vain.

Then the Sun began to shine. At first his beams were gentle, and in the pleasant warmth after the bitter cold of the North Wind, the Traveler unfastened his cloak and let it hang loosely from his shoulders. The Sun's rays grew warmer and warmer. The man took off his cap and mopped his brow. At last he became so heated that he pulled off his cloak, and, to escape the blazing sunshine, threw himself down in the welcome shade of a tree by the roadside.

In this Aesop’s Fable, what was more powerful? force or persuasion?

If we need to get something done I think we’ll find that blasting others with the severity of our demands isn’t nearly as effective as warming them up with kindness and encouragement.

2020-17 "The Scout Law" According to John Wayne

I had a really cool Grandpa. He knew how to fix anything, knew how to cook anything, and also knew how to make each one of his grandkids feel like they were his favorite one. Grandpa also loved to watch John Wayne movies. Some of my absolute favorite memories are those of just sitting on the couch next to grandpa as he was watching the “Duke” take matters in his own hands and right all the wrongs in the world.

In the late 70’s, John Wayne was at a benefit dinner for the John Wayne Outpost Camp. At this dinner, he recited the Scout Law, and then smiled his characteristic smile to the audience. Those are “nice words”, he said. “Trouble is, we learn them so young we sometimes don’t get all the understanding that goes with them. I take care of that in my family. As each boy reaches Scout age, I make sure he learns the Scout Law. then I break it down for him, with a few things I have picked up in more than half a century since I learned it.”

TRUSTWORTHY

The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look at any man in the eye. Lacking it, he won't look back. Keep this one at the top of your list.

LOYAL

The very word is life itself; for without loyalty we have no love of person or country

HELPFUL

Part sharing, part caring. By helping each other, we help ourselves; not to mention mankind. Be always full of help -- the dying man's last words.

FRIENDLY

Brotherhood is part of that word. You can take it in a lot of directions - and do - but make sure and start with brotherhood.

COURTEOUS

Allow each person his human dignity; which means a lot more than saying, "Yes, ma'am" and "Thank you, sir." It reflects an attitude that later in life you wish you had honored more... earlier in life. Save yourself that problem. Do it now.

KIND

This one word would stop wars and erase hatreds. But it's like your bicycle, it's just no good unless you get out and use it.

OBEDIENT

Starts at home. Practice it in your family. Enlarge it in your friends. Share it with humanity.

CHEERFUL

Anyone can put on a happy face when the going is good. The secret is to wear it as a mask for your problems. It might surprise you how many others do the same thing.

THRIFTY

Means a lot more than putting pennies away; and it is the opposite of cheap. Common sense covers it just about as well as anything.

BRAVE

You don't have to fight to be brave. Millions of good, fine, decent folks show more bravery than heavyweight champs just by getting out of bed every morning, going out to do a good day's work, and living the best life they know how against the law of odds. Keep the word handy every day of your life.

CLEAN

Soap and water helps a lot on the outside. But it is the inside that counts, and don't ever forget it.

REVERENT

Believe in anything that you want to believe in, but keep God at the top of it. With Him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without Him, you are just biding time.

John Wayne then thanked those at the dinner for putting his name on the outpost camp and said, “I would rather see it here than on all the theater marquess the world over.”

2020-16 Red Skelton - Pledge of Allegiance

When I was in elementary school I can remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. The small American Flag was usually posted on the wall up by the clock in the school room.  Some teachers would even give us students the opportunity to lead the Pledge through a rotation during the month. I can still recall how proud I was on den meeting days when I would wear my Cub Scout uniform to school and salute the Flag in the morning rather than placing my hand over my heart. In fifth grade we graduated to being the students that would raise our Flag on the outdoor flagpole in front of the school each morning.

I learned how to respect the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance from my teachers, but most importantly I learned it from my family. Both of my Grandpas served in World War II. They risked their lives to protect our freedoms that the Flag stands for.  I was blessed to have a Mom who was the best den leader and committee chair and a Dad who was the best cubmaster that pack 305 has ever had. Their love and respect for the Pledge of Allegiance and our great Flag rubbed off on me. 

One of my Dad’s favorite comedians is Red Skelton. So many times as a youth, I walked around the corner of the kitchen to find Dad on his recliner laughing at the Red Skelton show. In one episode in 1969, Red Skelton gave his personal view of the Pledge of Allegiance. Red’s “Pledge” was twice read into the Congressional Record of the United States and received numerous awards.

Here is: Red Skelton - What the Pledge Means to ME.
Original broadcast date: January 14, 1969
From the Red Skelton Hour, CBS TV
COPYRIGHT 1969 RICHARD RED SKELTON

I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time.
He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance one day, and he walked over.
Mr. Lasswell was his name.
He said, "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.
If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I: me, an individual, a committee of one.

PLEDGE: dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

ALLEGIANCE: my love and my devotion.

TO THE FLAG: our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom.

Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job.

OF THE

UNITED: that means that we have all come together.

STATES: individual communities that have united into 48 great states.

Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundaries yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

OF AMERICA

AND TO THE REPUBLIC: a state in which sovereign power is vested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

FOR WHICH IT STANDS

ONE NATION: meaning, so blessed by God.

INDIVISIBLE: incapable of being divided.

WITH LIBERTY: which is freedom, the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

AND JUSTICE: the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

FOR ALL: which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer," and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

2020-15 Give oh Give

Did you ever pause to think about how helpful a tree is? It provides a nesting place for birds, shade from the sun and protection from the rain. It discards its dead branches providing wood for fires and cooking food. It adds beauty to the countryside. We must admit that a tree gives a lot more than it receives. We can learn a lesson from a tree - by doing our best to always be helpful to others by putting others first and ourselves second. Remember the lesson we learn from the tree, to give to others more than we receive.

During this spring time there’s a children’s hymn that reminds me of this also. Entitled, “Give said the little stream.” The lyrics for it is:

“Give,” said the little stream, “Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.” “Give,” said the little stream, As it hurried down the hill; “I’m small, I know, but wherever I go The fields grow greener still.” Singing, singing all the day, “Give away, oh! give away.” Singing, singing all the day, “Give, oh! give away.”

During this Easter and Passover season, we wish each one of you the very best.

2020-14 Frodo's Wish

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…

The shire was filled with cozy homes, small gardens, and good-natured hobbits. The comforts of relaxing on the porch while finishing my second breakfast would be enough for me to wish I was hanging out in middle earth right now. At the beginning of the Fellowship of the Ring we are introduced to Bilbo Baggins’ eldest nephew, Frodo Baggins. Frodo is care free, full of joy, and just wants to enjoy Bilbo’s birthday party because in reality it’s also his birthday. But, fate has a different course intended for young Frodo. Bilbo leaves the ring to Frodo and Gandalf is the bearer of bad news. After Gandalf confirms that the ring is indeed the One Ring of Sauron, the Dark Lord, he then begins to inform Frodo of the burden that is associated with the ring. Between Sauron, Smeagol, Gollum, Mordor, and a ring that will eventually take over his life; Frodo is frightened and angry.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

I’m sure that there are many of us at this current time and realm on Earth that are saying the same as Frodo did, “I wish it need not have happened in my time.” We are seeing more and more people being infected with an invisible enemy. Economy’s are struggling. Moral is diminishing. But, Gandalf reminds us that we are not in control of when bad things happen to us, but simply decide what to do with the time that is given us.

The old saying, “keep your chin up”, has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. Let us all keep our chin’s up and continue to do our best as we travel through our own personal Mirkwoods.

2020-13 Do A Good Turn

Most of us are happiest when we are doing something for others. Think for a moment of a time when you were helpful to someone. Chances are it made you feel pretty good. Of course we feel best when we do something for others without being found out. When we help others regularly, it soon becomes a habit and gets to be a natural thing. Once a Cub Scout establishes this habit they learn the real meaning of the good turn.