Ronald Reagan in Quotations

This is a collection of over 2500 quotes from speeches and other public addresses that were delivered in person or via TV and / or radio. Frost purposefully did not select documents that were released by the Office of the Press Secretary. And does not provide any commentary on the quotes cited. This leaves the reader to use their own interpretation. 

The book is  arranged alphabetically by more than 70 primary topics (with some subtopics). A few of the topics include Abortion, Berlin Wall, Constitution, Environment, Family, Freedom and Liberty and Unemployment. Frost even includes quotes that showed Regan’s human (& sense of humor) side with the topic Reagan on Reagan. There are multiple quotes where Regan makes fun of his age. 

Each quote is assigned a number that is referenced in the books index. The index includes a full list of topics (additional topics not on primary topics are listed in the index) people, and places mentioned in the quotes. Each quote is cited with the date given along with the venue. With the topical format and indexing it is easy to quickly locate a quote regarding a specific topic, event or about a specific person. 

This is an important resource for any Reagan fan, historian, blogger or public speaker needing to reference Regan quotes. 

Frost has done a great job in collecting a vast cross section of the words by the “The Great Communicator,” President Ronald Reagan. 

 ”Too often, people forget the basic fact of life: all those good things we enjoy come from the ache in [our] backs and the willingness to shoulder great personals risks.” – Ronald Reagan, Radio Address to the Nation on  Agriculture and Grain Exports (October 15,1982) p. 177

Photo Courtesy Black English (Creative Commons)

A couple of weeks ago I asked the Acts29 group on LinkedIn (A business social networking site) how they would define aggressive faith.

Here are a few of the responses:

“Aggressive faith to me is living it out loud in all you do and say. It is being ready to share the good news in and out of season…. Aggressive faith is being willing to step outside of our churches, build friendships with the unbelievers so they can see the Living Hope within us, throughout our day to day actions. It is about never hiding the truth of Jesus Christ but Living it out through our lives each and every day…” – Hoodman

“We must continue to believe God’s Word in spite of what our present situation says. This is aggressive faith. – David

“… aggressive faith is believing that what the Bible says is true, is actually true, and to allow those truths to govern what we think, say, and do on a daily basis.” – Jason

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My definition of faith is a lot like David’s. – Despite my circumstances the focus of my life and my confession (the words I speak) are founded on God’s Word, the Bible. If my focus can stay on God’s Word, and my actions are based on that Word, then I am living by faith.

Easier said than done!

To have an aggressive faith, I must be proactive and intentional with personal growth. What am I feeding into my mind? Is it always negative? I need to be tenacious to limit the media that is contrary to God’s Word (and other negative sources) that I allow to enter through my eyes and ears. What movies am I watching? What books am I reading? What music do I listen too? I am not suggesting that we live a bubble, but as Christians, our life should be set apart. Jesus has called us to go All In.

My relationship with Jesus should be very active (aggressive), always growing. I can’t leave it up to chance. What are the distractions that keep me from prayer, worship and the study of God’s Word? The Bible makes it clear that faith comes from hearing Gods Word. I need too aggressively consume His Word and realize that I am not able to do it all on my own strength. I must depend heavily on the Holy Spirit. I ask for his intervention in my life every day.

Aggressive faith will produce aggressive actions. How often do we want to play it safe? Ever prayed for safe travels? What if a difficult or even dangerous circumstance in my life would place me in the right place at the right time to share the Gospel? I really do not think that God has promised us a safe life. Just think about the Apostle Paul. He was stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, not once but three times, bitten by a poisonous snake, imprisoned and eventually beheaded.  That is not how I would interpret a safe life.  Yet Paul probably did more than all the other Apostles to spread the Gospel around the world, and he wrote a 3rd of the New Testament. What would have been the result had Paul always prayed for and sought out safety?

Nothing really worth accomplishing is easy. In a previous post, “Easy Does It, Well not Really,” I quoted the Editor of Bible Study Magazine John D. Barry, “Easy does not change the world. Easy does not make life better for those who are hurting – for ourselves for that matter.” Jesus took on a very hard and difficult task when he gave his own life for my salvation.

I know for me at least, it its time to step up and get aggressive with my faith.

• Be intentional to focus on the Word of God, for it should be the director of my life, not my circumstances.
• Be aggressive to cut out any influences that contradict the principles of God’s Word
• Be willing to be dangerous for God’s glory.

So do I have aggressive faith? I would have to say no. However I long to grow to the place where I no longer desire to play it safe, but be willing to go through whatever it takes to spread the Gospel.

Now it is your turn. Leave me comment and let me know what you think. How would you define aggressive faith?

Sure my introverted challenged ego would love the accolades of thousands flocking to my blog, and a #1 bestseller for one  of the books that are still baking in my head. However, this does not provide my writing motivation. I have no desire for the process. Unless the words come easily, I struggle to press through.

Yet, I must write.

When I finally challenge myself to sit down and put words to screen, I find inspiration and the joy of discovery as I write out the random thoughts bouncing around in my head. The key for me is that I just start writing. It is exciting (at least for me) to how all the pieces fit together. Often, what start as unconnected dots come together for new understanding. Michael Hyatt recently posted this as on is his top reason why he blogs. He stated it helps him clarify his own thinking.

I need to be creative.

Maybe I am going through a midlife crisis, but I have found that I enjoy being creative. For most of my life, I would have made the claim that I am not creative. Something has clicked, and my writing allows me a creative outlet.  Or maybe I am compensating for the scars given to me by my kindergarten art teacher. (That is a blog for another day.)

I am not a writer, but I must write.

I may never get a single blog subscriber or sell a single book; I just need the discipline. A side benefit is that have found that the more I write I become a better verbal communicator.

One of the regular blogs I read is by Jeff Goins. It is obvious that he defines himself as a writer. That is primarily what he blogs about.  He helps provide me with some motivation, and I often find his principals apply to other areas of my life . Several months ago he posted his, “Writers Manifesto.” You can download a copy from his site. – This blog is the start to my own manifesto.

No I do not need to be heard, but it is time for me to be creative, time for me to write. As Seth Godin says, it is time “ship.” So I will take a risk and quit hitting “Save Draft” and click on “Publish.” I might not change the world; however, I will change myself.

I would love to hear from you. What is your story?

1. Do you consider yourself a writer?
2. Is there some other challenge you take on not because it defines you, but because you feel you must?

Created by Taylor Cwikla for Life Conyers - Used with Permission

This is from the sermon I preached on Sunday morning (3/18/2012) on the, “Journey of the Dreamer” at Life Conyers.

You can listen to the full sermon & hear my story as a church planter by clicking here.

For reference you may want to read Genesis 37, 39-47

A brief overview of Joseph’s journey:

Joseph was a young 17 year old and was all excited about his dreams from God. However his family did not share his enthusiasm. They did not like the idea of bowing down to  Joseph. So the brothers decided to do away with little brother and plotted to kill him. The oldest brother Reuben stepped in to save him and convinced them to toss him into a dry well until they could figure out what to do. I am sure Joseph was happy that his life was spared; however, he soon found himself sold into slavery to Potiphar.  So much for his grand dreams.

Joseph serves his master Potiphar so well that he is placed in charge of the entire house. Life seems to be going in the right direction. However, it was not to last. Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of trying to take advantage of her and Potiphar promptly throws Joseph into prison. Can Joseph’s life get anymore like a roller coaster with all the ups and downs?

Joseph learned how to serve no matter what the circumstances, so he was eventually placed in charge over other prisoners. His authority allowed him to interpret the dreams of two fellow prisoners. One was the former cup bearer for Pharaoh. Joseph’s interpretation of the cup bearer’s dream proved true, and the cup bearer was placed back into his former job. Joseph had hoped the cup bearer would put in a good word for him, but Joseph was forgotten. It was only after a long time later that the cup bearer remembers Joseph. Joseph was asked to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh himself. Pharaoh was so impressed he placed him as second in charge over all of Egypt.

Joseph’s journey started with two incredible dreams birthed from the heart of God. However the journey to see the fulfillment of the dreams involved an attempt on his life, slavery, false accusation and prison. Through it all Joseph stayed true to who he was and served with excellence wherever he was. Because of Joseph’s faithfulness he was able to live out the dreams God gave him, and he was  in the right place at the right time to save his family (and all of Egypt) from a major famine.

Here are some important points we can learn from this great story:

1. Death & Doubt can come early to a dream.

• Satan will come quickly to create doubt. “Did I really hear from God?” “I do not think I can do this.”

• No one will understand your dream more than you. You may find your own family and friends to initially be the least supportive.

2. The journey of a dreamer can be like a roller coaster ride.

• Write down your dream so you can review it often when life does not seem so great.

• Do not judge your dream (calling, purpose) based on your circumstances. NOTE: Always remember that any dreams you believe are from God will never contradict His written word.

3. Learn to serve where you are.

• The journey is not often logical. Focus on today and, like Joseph, serve God today no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.

• Walking in faith is not easy. It is easy to say, but it is hard to live out. The question is, “Will I focus on my circumstances or on the word of God?”

A dream is not just something to accomplish, or a far off destination, but it is who you are – Live it out today!

4. Whatever it takes.

• Are you willing to go through hard and difficult circumstances so God can get you to be the right person at the right time to fulfill the dreams God has given you?

• Life may be hard at times, but if we stay close to God he will give us peace and joy to endure all.

• Where can you serve God today? There will never be enough time, money or ability. If there was, you would not need to live it out by faith. You might not be able to do it all, but you can do something. Start small. Jesus fed 5 thousand with just two fish and five loaves. Focus on today’s journey.

• Always know at the end of the day it is really not your dream, but God’s dream for you. Stay true and faithful to your calling for today. God will lead you tomorrow. You do not need to force it to come to pass.

I would love to hear about the dreams God has given you. Below are a few questions to get the conversation started. Pick one or two and leave me a comment.

1. What are the dreams that God has given you?
2. What has your journey been like?
3. Has your understanding of the dream changed over time?
4. What about your understanding of how you live it out?
5. What is your biggest struggle in believing the dream?

Time, where does it all go? Why can’t we get everything done? I just do not have enough time!

Photo Courtesy ToniVC (Creative Commons)

I hear it all the time. I do not have enough time to read my Bible. I do not have enough time to take that class, exercise, spend time with family etc. And I hear it most often from “me!” I am trying to discipline myself to snatch every little bit of time I have.

I may not have a lot of time to pray, but I can turn off my radio and pray during my drive into work. I may not be able to spend an hour at the gym every day, but I can take a break from work and walk a couple of blocks. My wife and I may not have time for a date night, but I can tag along on the errands she needs to make.

Of course these are no substitute for spending large blocks of time in these endeavors; however, a large block is not always reasonable or possible. So I will snatch the time I can get.

Here are some ideas that might be helpful:

• Learn to say no. You do not have to do everything. Know what your priorities are and just say no.
• Spend waiting time reading. (Waiting for the doctor, car repair,  hair cut etc.) Always keep a good book handy.
• Keep a small Bible in the car, or keep some index cards with key verses in your pocket or purse. Read them whenever you can snatch the time.
• Include your spouse, other family member or friend in a task you would normally do alone.
• Always be on the lookout for time you are wasting.

Time is fleeting, snatch it and make it work for you!

What are some ways that you snatch time to make it work for you?

Photo Courtesy muffin9101985 - Creative Commons

Here is a simple listing of the books I read last year. Secondary categories will be listed in the brackets after the author. *Marks books I recommend.

NOTE: I am NOT an affiliate marketer. I have not been paid, nor will I receive payment for this list.

Faith:

Disciples of Nations: Continuous Mission Until He Comes by John L. Amstutz

Transformational Church: Creating a new Scorecard for Congregations* by Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer

Think Orange: Imagine the Impact when Church and Family Collide by Regie Joiner

Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit* by Francis Chan

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God* by Francis Chan

Living Life Boldly by Ted Roberts

360 Degree Preaching by Michael J. Quicke (read my review)

Radical: Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

The Pastor: A Memoir* by Eugene Peterson

Conversations on Preaching by Michael Dudit (read my review)

Penetrating the Darkness: Discovering the Power of the Cross Against Unseen Evil* by Jack Hayford & Rebecca Hayford Bauer

Leadership and Personal Growth:

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams Win Consistently* by Tony Dungy [FAITH]

Uncommon: Finding your Path to Significance* by Tony Dungy [FAITH]

Linchpin: Are you Indispensable?* by Seth Godin

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity* by David Allen

History:

We Were Soldiers Once… and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle that changed the War in Vietnam by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln* by Doris Kearns Goodwin [LEADERSHIP] (read my review)

The Americans at D-Day: The American Experience at the Normandy Invasion by John C. McManus (read my review)

Decision Points by George W. Bush [Leadership] (Review)

Valley Forge: George Washington and the Crucible of Victory by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (Historical Fiction)

If you are an avid reader I would love to connect on Library Thing and / or Shelfari

What great books did you read in 2011? What is on your list for 2012?

Until just recently, I never really thought about this passage as relating to Christmas. But think about it for a moment. A God who is so madly passionately in love with us, sent His son to live up close and personal here on earth. Christmas is so much more than the celebration of the birth of a cute little baby. So much more!

Photo Courtesy Patrick Sweeney (Creative Commons)

The book of Genesis talks about God coming and walking in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve. We were created to have a very close relationship with our creator. When Adam and Eve sinned, our relationship was broken and no longer could mankind get up close to God. Throughout the Old Testament the Priest had to represent the people before God. The people could not go themselves.

Here is the incredible thought. God wanted so badly to restore our relationship with Him, He sent His own son to live in the flesh as a man. He then gave His son to do die on a cross to pay the price for our own sins, so once again we can have a close relationship. God wanted so much to have a relationship with us He gave the greatest gift of all, Himself.

Jesus no longer walks the earth as a man, but he sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. Wherever we go, God is with us. And now the Word becomes flesh in us as we live our lives as a testimony to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Yes, at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is more than just seeing a cute little baby. We celebrate the joy of a Holy God that loves us so much that He came to live among us. The Word became flesh!!

Goals, goals, goals. We have to set goals! We need to set personal goals, goals for our career, goals for our health, and goals for our family………. It seems like every expert in leadership or personal growth will tell you that you need to set goals for every minute area of your life. But if you set goals for all those areas you will be quickly consumed by them. Then there are those long range goals, that as soon as you write them down you are overwhelmed by their scope. It seems like it will take forever to achieve them.

Courtesy Didrik Johnck (Creative Commons)

While reading Eugene Peterson’s memoir, “The Pastor,” I came across this quote by Denise Levertov. “Every step an arrival.” (Peterson printed it on the book dust jacket, and he mentions it in his introduction) The quote really caught my attention. What if I began to see each accomplishment, each step towards my goal as an arrival?

No longer do I have to constantly focus on the final destination of my goal, but I can focus on today. What do I need to do today that will get me one step closer? I cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed, but I can take one step today. I can recognize that today I reached my destination. Today I arrived!

As mountain climbers near the summit of Mount Everest they have to rest between each step. Step forward, rest, step forward, rest. Each step, one step closer. If they just focus on the summit the task seems too great, and the temptation to quit grows. It is easier to just focus on the next step.

Here are some thoughts that may help:

• Keep your big goals to a minimum. Probably no more than 5. Anymore than that and you will create a feeling of being overwhelmed, and you will not be very effective with any one goal.
• Focus on the day at hand. What one task do you need to do today to work towards your goal?
• Recognize each step, no matter how small, as an arrival at your destination. Feel accomplished

Every step forward is an arrival. Some steps may be bigger than others, but each step is one closer to your goal. Every step an arrival. Everyday a success!

I would love to hear from you:

1. What step did you take today?
2. What step will you take tomorrow?

Early on my mom learned a strong work ethic, and how to be thankful no matter what circumstances come your way. Her dad left home to find work in Ohio leaving my mom at home with her mother and four sisters. He probably sent money home, but he never returned.

Diner would often consist of cornbread and buttermilk, or perhaps black-eyed peas. Mom and her sisters would take turns on who got the bacon or piece of ham cooked with the peas.

Often a stranger would knock on the door looking for something to eat. Even during these hard times, my mom would watch her mother make sure they never left empty handed.

Years later mom could cook whatever she wanted to eat, but she would often fix her a glass of buttermilk and cornbread. I would then listen to her tell of the joys of growing up. The depression was hard, but mom found joy among family and friends. She only spoke of the joy.

During WWII my mom and her sisters would rise early to walk over to Georgia Tech where they would serve breakfast to the ROTC students who would soon be heading to Europe or the Pacific.  Once breakfast was served they would head off to school. After a full day of study they would head back to Tech to serve dinner. My mom would tell me that she knew a lot of people were hurting during this time, but she had a lot of fun at the Georgia Tech dances on Friday nights. Her dance card was always full.

Mom would spend her summers feeding chickens and tending the garden on her grandparents’ farm back in South Carolina.

After the war ended my mom met and married my dad Jack. She also went to work for the Federal Government. Mom and dad would be married for 27 years when my dad died in 1976. Her independent streak would serve her well. My mom would continue to work full time as she raised me and my older sister. She also made sure I was at church each Sunday, and she taught me as a child to pay my tithe. Before I finished High School she retired from the EPA with 33 years of Federal service.

She spent her early retirement traveling with friends and family. She also found time to volunteer at our local hospital. She even went back to work for a short time as a bookkeeper for a local paint store.

I am blessed for all the investments my mom made into my life. She always found the positive, and she loved nothing more than family. She would welcome into her life my wife and soon enough grand kids. (And my sister’s husband and kids) No matter how often I called or went to see her she never thought it was enough. She had a quirky sense of humor that would show up out of nowhere. She loved to tell stories of her childhood and how she loved to dance. It was not until just a few years ago when her body began to grow tired that I ever heard her complain.

After 86 years of a wonderful life, COPD had ravaged her lungs that she passed on. She rose early all her life, so I am not surprised that she died around 5:30 AM. She had to get an early start on eternity.

She died peacefully in her sleep. The struggle to breathe and the painful grip of Arthritis (or Arthur as my mom would call it.) is now gone.

I am sure Jesus asked for the 1st dance. (And I am sure dad was an impatient 2nd)

A large portion of who I am I owe to my mom. I hope the rest of my life will honor her.

I know that I will see her again.

Thanks Mom, I love you,

Jon

Courtesy National Archives via George W. Bush Presidential Library

Merriam Webster defines resolute as, “Marked by a firm determination: resolved, bold, steady.”

U.S. Presidents (whether we agree with them or not) are great examples of resolute leaders. Just think of Abraham Lincoln who abolished slavery while trying to hold our nation together through a bloody Civil War. What about President Truman who made the call to drop the atomic bomb not once, but twice on Japan to end WWII? Then there is President Obama who gave the order to send in Seal Team VI to get Bin Laden. He knew the risk of Bin Laden not being there. He also knew the risk of the loss of life of the Seal team members and innocent civilians. Yet he was bold to make the tough call.

It is applicable that most of our recent Presidents have made resolute decisions while sitting at the “Resolute Desk.” The desk was a gift from Queen Victoria to President Hayes in 1880. It was constructed from the timbers of the British Arctic Exploration ship the, “H.M.S. Resolute.” (Sorry my amateur historian in me slipped out.) The picture above is of the hands of President George W. Bush on the “Resolute Desk.”

A resolute leader is willing to take great risks to achieve great reward. They often have to stand alone in their actions, with the deep resolve that they made the right decision. Lack of resolve can lead to indecisiveness and missed opportunities. Failure to have resolve can cause failure to reach a goal, or worse, being completely overwhelmed by crisis.

We may never have to make the world impacting decisions of a U.S. President, but to be successful we will have to be resolute in our own sphere of influence.

Whether you are “stuck” in life, or facing a major impacting crisis, here are a few thoughts to help you find that resolve to make the hard decisions.

• Have clear defined core values and principles. Write them down. These values and principles are those that you will never consider compromising. They will become a life compass. Whenever you have to make a major decision you make sure that choice lines up with your values and principles. A great resource to help you articulate your principles is Michael Hyatt’s free e-book on creating a Life Plan.
• Have clear defined and measurable goals.Have yo written them down? Do you track your progress? Again Hyatt’s Life Plan book is a great resource
• Have a clear understanding that to move forward in life we have to be resolute. We have to act. Yes you might fail, but if you do not act, failure is guaranteed.

Sometimes we grow lazy in our persistence, or life throws a punch at us that knocks us flat. Stay true to your principles; stay focused on your goals, and be willing to take a risk. You will find that resolve you need to move forward. I know there are times when we need to be flexible, but only when we are willing to be resolute in our major decisions will we find success. Yes the limb we walk out on my break and we may slip and fall; pick yourself up, renew your resolve, and go again. No matter if you are a leader of thousands or a leader of just yourself, be resolute in life.

Now it is your turn. What are your thoughts?

1. What is an example when you had to be resolute in your decision?
2. Who are other leaders who were resolute?
3. What inspires you be resolute in life?