As we work to create light for others...

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
- St. Francis of Assisi

Grant That I May Radiate Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Healing, Thy Joy, and Thy Peace...

Prayers Requested: R.I.P Police K-9 Officer Jason Ellis

This is a story of how this Hero LIVED
Bardstown Police Department, Kentucky
Police K-9 Officer Jason Ellis
End Of Watch: 05-25-13



K9 Officer Jason Ellis, 33, was shot and killed In The Line Of Duty early this morning (details below). Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, K-9 Ofc. Ellis had been Saving, Serving, and Protecting since 2005. Our Brother was a shining example of what we should continue to aspire and strive to be. Everything about him, and all he did, exemplified Honor, Integrity, and Loyalty to his oath and to the badge he wore. With his 'armor' polished inside and out, his fellow Officers loved Brother Jason and looked up to him.

He was a fearless Warrior who never backed down in the face of danger and worked diligently to get to the truths that led to justice. But it was his fairness and his unbiased approach to all situations that truly stood out. Always knowing that not everything was as it initially appears to be, Ofc. Ellis took his time in assessing, and then took appropriate actions, always with the safety of his fellow Officers, the People, and himself as a priority. With his courage and with his compassion, Ofc. Ellis dressed each day for work looking forward to what each new day would bring, ready to do whatever he could to Serve and Protect the citizens of his community.

Assigned as the agency's K-9 Officer, as well as a Field Training Officer, Brother Jason took great pride in knowing how integral his duties were and he did it all with a smile and positive attitude. In just 8 years of service, Ofc. Ellis had already racked up numerous awards, commendations, and citations, including Bardstown PD Officer Of The Year in 2008 and the Governor's Award for Impaired Driving Enforcement 2007 and 2008.

Jason was a character when able to let his guard down for those fleeting moments during his tour. No matter how bad a day was going for someone, Ofc. Ellis was able to lighten the mood by finding something positive through anything and was known for his amazing fun-loving sense of humor. Jason loved his community that he worked, often stopping in on local business simply to make sure they were okay but he also took time to get to know each employee and owner. He treated everyone as his personal friend. His respectfulness towards all garnered him much respect in return.

Brother Jason was one heck of a ballplayer too. In fact, he played for the Cincinnati Reds for three years on their minor league team. Jason used this talent to help his community. He was an active coach in youth sports and volunteered his time to help give our younger generation a chance to learn and grow with healthy and responsible choices in life. He simply wanted to make a difference in his small corner of the world ... and what a difference he did make ... and he did it all asking nothing in return.

Strong in his faith, he was rewarded in life with the woman of his dreams and a family. Jason married his college sweetheart and together, they had two sons. Two young boys who will now grow up with only the memories left behind. We must vow to ensure they know how much their daddy was loved and how he truly Lived As Only As Hero Could. This Brave and Benevolent Son, Husband, Father, and Brother Of Blue will be incredibly missed by so very many ... so few will forget the day he was taken from us all too soon ...

At 0253hours, a calls came in from motorists who found a Police Cruiser on the exit ramp of the Parkway with it's lights activated but no sign of activity. A few citizens stopped their cars out of concern. 'That eerie feeling that something was wrong'. Upon further approach, they found Ofc. Ellis outside of his vehicle laying on the ground. When the Kentucky State Police arrived, they found Police Officer Jason Ellis laying on the side of the road, shot to death.

Since Jason was driving a 'pool vehicle' from the PD after his shift ended and not his assigned cruiser, there is no video of what transpired. None of the witnesses are suspect. Preliminary findings suggest Ofc. Ellis exited his cruiser to assist a motorist though no radio call was sent to dispatchers. The Kentucky State Police are lead investigators of this Homicide and we will update as more is learned. Jason's K9 was not with him at the time.

Jason leaves behind his beloved bride, two young sons and K9 partner. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ellis family, the Men and Women of the Bardstown PD, the Kentucky SP, and to all whom have had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing and working along side this True Blue Hero. Special thoughts and prayers are with all the children and young adults that our Brother worked so closely with. This is the first Line Of Duty death for the Bardstown PD. Let us all make sure they all get any assistance they need.

Our Brother, as you now patrol the streets of Heaven may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come ... In Our Brother's Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Sir.

Rest In Peace Police K-9 Officer Jason Ellis ... We Have The Watch From Here. SALUTE!

Zach Sobiech: "You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living"

Who is Zach Sobiech? Maybe you heard his story already. But I felt compelled to share it after reading about Zach's death over on eyes peeled,always

His doctors had given Zach a year to live, and he made the decision that he wanted to spend that time with the people that he loved, at home, doing what he loved, which was songwriting and music. His song, “Clouds,” is a bit of a farewell, written knowing that the time he had left was short. Though what he sings about is tragically sad, its upbeat tone and positive lyrical spin demonstrate his zest and appreciation for life, as well as his peace with his impending death.

For anyone to reach that awareness is a beautiful gift, for it to happen for such a young man, even more so. His music video for "Clouds" went viral and a tribute was made back to him with several celebrities who were moved by his story and were filmed singing his song. This humble young man made it known that the solution to happiness really is so simple.



This evening I watched a documentary about him,"My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech," Actor/comedian Rainn Wilson was moved by Zach’s story, and created the short documentary about Zach on his YouTube channel, SoulPancake.

It is more than worth the 22-minute watch. Settle in and your life will be changed. Listen to what he has to say. It is hard to watch the video because many of us are able to relate to it on many different levels. He is gone far too young. But it also a joy to watch because he lived such a full life that he could be proud of, and at peace with, in spite of dying from disease. As they say at the end of the film, he touched so many lives not because he was dying, but because of the way he lived. That is beautiful lesson and something we all should aspire to every day.



After battling osteosarcoma from the age of 14. Tragically, Zach succumbed to cancer this week on May 20, 2013 at the age of 18. His hope: “I wanna be remembered as a kid who went down fighting – I didn’t really lose.”

Zach's funeral was held on Thursday, May 23, and hundreds gathered to celebrate his life.. His memory, and mission to help find a cure for childhood cancer, lives on through his inspirational song, "Clouds." According to the Minnesota newspaper Pioneer Press, 1,200 people attended Sobiech's funeral at the Church of St. Michael in Stillwater, Minn. Outside, the church was decorated with balloons that had Sobiech's "up, up, up" lyrics written on the front

The Sobiech family started the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund to support research of this rare disease.

Zach touched the hearts of millions and spread joy wherever he went. Through his music, his actions and his simple words, he’s is leaving the world a powerful, resounding message:

“You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.”

SoulPancake created a celebrity music video , featuring stars Bryan Cranston, Sarah Silverman, Jenna Elfman, Jason Mraz and Ashley Tisdale, all singing along to Zach's song "Clouds".



Thanks for the song and your spirit, Zach.

A Memorial Day Checklist

GOING TO THE GONE
A checklist for Memorial Day

by Greg Asimakoupoulos

Go look in on your children still asleep
within their bed.
Remind yourself they're safe and warm
because of some long dead.

Go for a walk through cemeteries
lined with little flags.
Take time to ponder homebound heroes
flown in body bags.

Go stand between those granite stones
engraved with names and dates.
Imagine all who died defending
our United States.

Go on and kneel beside a marker
offering a prayer
with gratitude for those who gave their lives
defeating terror.

Go home and count your blessings
from the hands of those now gone.
Then vow to the Almighty that their
mem'ry will live on.

-------------------

Also found on Greg's blog:
http://www.partialobserver.com/article.cfm?id=2941

Copyright 2008 Greg Asimakoupoulos. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.

Greg's great book, "Rhymes & Reasons," is available at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434841855/mikeysfunnies-20

today'sTHOT============================

The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.

=======================================

PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com

===============================

A Vet Funny

When I worked as a medical intern in a local hospital, one of my patients was an elderly man with a thick accent.

It took me some time to understand that he had no insurance coverage.

One thing he had made clear was that he was a World War II veteran, so I had him transported to the Veteran's Administration hospital, where he'd be eligible for benefits.

The next day my patient was back, with a note from the VA: "Right war, wrong side."

[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]

today'sTHOT============================

Always be sincere, even if you don't mean it.

=======================================

PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com

===============================

Prayers for the people of Moore, Oklahoma

Like many of you. Mary Jo and I have been watching the horrific pictures coming out of Moore, Oklahoma since this afternoon. Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones. Life is such a precious gift. A single moment in time can change our lives forever. Give thanks and cherish every moment.

HUMOR TO SOOTHE THE SOUL: WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Brilliant answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about Dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms works at work and works at home & dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. My mom says she don't do spare time.
2. Nothing. She pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

today'sTHOT============================

I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids.

=======================================

PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com

===============================

The time to relax is...

Life Is Too Important...

Air Force Pilot Funny

My husband works in the fuels squadron at an Air Force base, and many of his co-workers complain about the superior attitude of the pilots.

One day the fuel guys decided to put things in perspective for the proud pilots. They all came to work wearing shirts inscribed, "Without fuel, pilots are pedestrians."

[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]

today'sTHOT============================

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

=======================================

PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com

===============================

Pitino Names Horse For Luke Hancock

Final Four MOP Luke Hancock has joined Russ Smith, Gorgui Deng and Peyton Siva as a Louisville player with an extra special place in coach Rick Pitino’s heart, for he too now has a Pitino-owned horse named after him.

“Three Point Luke is the name of the new horse we just bought,” Pitino explained during a Monday press conference with reporters in advance of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, in which a horse he co-owns (Santa Anita Derby winner Goldencents) will run. “I actually didn’t name it. [Trainer] Dennis O’Neill named it.”

Among the four Pitino-owned horses named for players — Russdiculous (Smith), Gorgui (Deng), Siva (Siva) and Three Point Luke (Hancock) — Hancock can definitely lay claim to the best name. Or at least one that sounds most like a horse.