Diplomacy First

​Reflecting on a leader who put country and diplomacy first. No censorship such..forum is open.

 

Image cite: TBA

Holiday Check In: Valentines and Presidents Day

​Here we go: 1st grateful to have attended church service in person today. So WE have moved but still close to home. Have given much to donation including old books 📚 hopefully which will help an upcoming student get into college or the health information industry. The book I’m currently reading is written by General H.R. McMaster. If following my work in the community; coordinating a community outreach clean up on Feb. 28th Crescent Lake Park ( the group is open for volunteers). Peace yawl ☮️). The web site since my main computer is being put back together might be lacking in graphics.

Opportunities abound

“​Opportunity must be presented for them to be lost”

Do not allow It to happen

 
                                                            "Do not allow It to happen" 

                                                       

Artist unknown. If you know posts are open…

Volunteer Recruitment Call: Checks & Balances Blogspot/Integrity Balance Inc

 

Any volunteer can make effort make an impact upon their community issue by contributing whatever your 'gifts' might be; physical, time, talent, ideas or even prayer. What is unique about this forming & norminh phase is that youth and adults will both be permitted to serve on the Leadership Board togther.

This is a call for actiob, volunteers and monetary contributions.

Progress on turning the blog into a grass roots organization may just rely on what occurs in 2026!

Contact info: (727) 643-5527

atyodabrooks@gmail.com 

Contributions at this time can only be made via cash app or by contacted directly the founding leader as to where checks can be brought and/or mailed. 

@atyodabrooks

                 "For faith is the most powerful engine on earth" 

Cite: https://www.pexels.com/photo/volunteer-search-party-10349598/

Gaspirrla Parade more fun than scary!

​

What you hold, may you always hold. Prayer of safety and fun over Tampa’s Gaspirlla Parade 2026! First time working from the ‘inside’ special blessings to first responders, admin and operational support… not mentioning the unsung hero’s behind the scenes.

by Clare of Assisi

English version by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP & Ignatius C. Brady, OFM
Original Language Italian

What you hold, may you always hold.
What you do, may you do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step,
     unswerving feet,
     so that even your steps stir no dust,
go forward
     securely, joyfully, and swiftly,
on the path of prudent happiness,
     believing nothing
     agreeing with nothing
     which would dissuade you from this resolution
     or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way,
so that you may offer your vows to the Most High
in the pursuit of that perfection
to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

TGIF!! Month End Fun - Delivery Driver Tip

​Well loss money working deliveries. When speaking with other drivers … app or platform doesn’t matter. The issue is greater success than simply breaking even. Word of advice: be mindful especially working air port runs. The customer is happy that’s what’s important!

A City Known for Arts an Diversity: Highlighting Story:

 

Pinellas County artist on why grants go toward 'investing in community'

WUSF | By Matthew Peddie, 

Meleah Lyden

Published January 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM EST

"One Pinellas County artist says it's "dismissive and disrespectful" how the county voted to defund a nonprofit organization that distributed grants to local artists." - "John Gascot is the co-owner of Studios at 5663 and founder of Diversity Arts Inc, which is a group that provides materials and space to underserved adults and youth."

Cite: https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2026-01-26/pinellas-county-artist-why-grants-go-toward-investing-community?utm_source=npr.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=local_headlines&utm_content=homepage

https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2022-07-13/st-pete-pier-named-one-of-top-urban-design-projects

St. Claire of Assisi Blessing

 Key Elements of the Blessing:

• "What you do, may you always do and never abandon." (Commitment)
• "With swift pace, light step, and unswerving feet." (Speed, Grace, Firmness)
• "So that even your steps stir up no dust." (Leaving no turmoil, walking gently)
• "Go forward... in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit... has called you." (Purposeful, Spiritual progress)
• "Go forth without fear, for He Who created you has made you holy." (Trust) 

This blessing is often used to encourage a "radical" yet joyful life, allowing for spiritual freedom while being grounded in wise and thoughtful action. 

"With swift pace, light step,
[and] unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
go forward,
securely, joyfully, and swiftly,
on the path of prudent happiness.
—Second Letter to St. Agnes"

Book Review: War on Peace

​“THE END OF DIPLOMACY AND THE DEINE OF AMERICAN INFLUENCE @ by Ronan Farrow …..’I know that war is the failure of diplomacy and the failure of leaders to make alternative decisions.”

St. Claire of Assisi Prayer

​"With swift pace, light step and unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.  ‘ citation provided later ..)

A common phrase in many congretaions; researching it was originated from this Saint of old. Let us new 'saints repsects and buldu pon teh lagcy" Poetry it might be but powerful prayers of faith first.

St. Clare's Final Blessing (Blessing of Peace)

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He show his face to you and be merciful to you. May He turn his countenance to you and give you peace."

How Many K-9 Veterans Are There?

 "There isn't a precise count of all K-9 veterans (retired military working dogs), but over 30,000 have served in the U.S. military, with around 2,500 active MWDs currently, plus many more in law enforcement; organizations like K9s For Warriors help rescue and train dogs for veterans with PTSD, highlighting the many K-9s transitioning from service to civilian life. 

Key Figures & Context

• Total Service: More than 30,000 dogs have served in the U.S. military since the K-9 Corps started in 1942.
• Active Duty (Military): Around 1,600 to 2,500 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are on active duty at any given time, with roughly 700 deployed overseas.
• Law Enforcement: The U.S. also has about 50,000 active police K-9s, many of whom also transition to veteran status. 

Where Do They Go?

• Many retired military and police dogs find new purpose through rescue organizations like K9s For Warriors, which trains rescue dogs to become service dogs for veterans with PTSD, connecting them with a new mission. 

Why the Focus on Veterans?

• K-9 Veterans Day (March 13th) honors these dogs, recognizing their critical roles in detecting explosives, narcotics, and providing security, often at great risk alongside their handlers, making them heroes deserving of recognition. "

A.I. generated

Image Source: https://pawsteams.org/service-dogs-for-veterans

Time banking Vs Flea Markets - 2nd Economy

 Leaders are discussing bringing information back on time banking. First impression is that Outdoor markets etc are nothing new….second economy ideas …on the up and up.

Maybe the most moving questions is this; “Are you a Christian “

​Words of wisdom to youth and adults. Citation for the above image of our brother monks coming later. 🙏🏽🤝

History of St. Francis of Assisi Prayer; last phrase - can society change such?

​Lord, make me a channel of thy peace,

that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong,
 I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to 
comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.