Watch this youtube video which paints the picture of the power of an ideal you believe in, a cause you stand for and an unrelenting passion to do what you must. Have a truly inspirational day and may your dreams be realised and lived.

This video is about Greenpeace’s campaign to keep oil and gas exploration out of Antarctica and was a lesson in impossible ambitions: sometimes, you achieve them. Kelly Rigg talks about persistence, imagination, and the lessons we can learn from a campaign to save a continent.

Courtesy of http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/

About Greenpeace

Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action.

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by:

• Catalysing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change.
• Defending our oceans by challenging wasteful and destructive fishing, and creating a global network of marine reserves.
• Protecting the world’s ancient forests and the animals, plants and people that depend on them.
• Working for disarmament and peace by tackling the causes of conflict and calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
• Creating a toxic free future with safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals in today’s products and manufacturing.
• Campaigning for sustainable agriculture by rejecting genetically engineered organisms, protecting biodiversity and encouraging socially responsible farming.

Greenpeace is present in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

Check this out! I love the way they integrate the many instruments and voices together from the many diffrent cultures and people! WOW! There is an actual foundation for it too! What a great cause, check it out below…

Exerpt from http://playingforchange.org/mission

The Playing For Change Foundation is dedicated to creating positive social change through music education. We are driven by the belief that peace and change are possible through the universal language of music. By providing children a safe place to learn, flourish and express themselves, PFCF helps provide a creative alternative to the struggles many of these children face daily.

Music’s global impacts are explored via interaction with other schools, students, teachers and musical traditions. Our music schools are designed to benefit the students and the communities where they live. Each school belongs to its local community. Materials and labor for the buildings are locally sourced and supplied. When possible, instruments are made by and purchased from local artisans, classes are taught by local teachers, and the schools are owned and administered by local community members. The community is invested in the success of its school.

Many of the regions the Playing For Change Foundation works within suffer from extreme poverty, lack of basic resources, limited medical care and educational resources, past conflicts and genocide, unstable governments, and a host of infectious diseases.

Thanks to the amazing people we have met on our journey– people in the poorest towns and villages who still manage to find hope in the midst of their daily struggles– we believe now more than ever in the resiliency of the human spirit, and in music’s ability to transform a dire situation into a hopeful one.

In our ongoing effort to connect the world through music, our direction has been shaped by where we have been and by those who have inspired us along the way. With this in mind, we strive to:

• Continue progress and foster sustainability with schools currently in development.
• Develop new music schools and programs in new regions.
• Establish valuable partnerships and collaborate with other organizations.
• Expand the opportunities and resources available to communities in need.
• Offer opportunities for our supporting community of donors continue to be involved.
• To be an access point for various forms of aid, including to clean water, electricity, and medical resources
• Create positive change through music education.

About Team Hoyt  

This has to be one of the most inspirational movies I have watched and here is only a short trailer of it. This is the song that inspired the world, the man that changed history and risked everything. He spoke for those who could not, made the blind see and led a movement that would change the world. This is a short summary of Williams life. Never underestimate an ideal you believe in, a cause you stand for and an unrelenting passion to do what you must.

“So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the [slave] trade’s wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected its abolition.”

In the late 1700s, when William Wilberforce was a teenager, English traders raided the African coast on the Gulf of Guinea, captured between 35,000 and 50,000 Africans a year, shipped them across the Atlantic, and sold them into slavery. It was a profitable business that many powerful people had become dependent upon. One publicist for the West Indies trade wrote, “The impossibility of doing without slaves in the West Indies will always prevent this traffic being dropped. The necessity, the absolute necessity, then, of carrying it on, must, since there is no other, be its excuse.”

By the late 1700s, the economics of slavery were so entrenched that only a handful of people thought anything could be done about it. That handful included William Wilberforce.

Wilberforce had political ambitions and, with his connections, managed to win election to Parliament in 1780, where he formed a lasting friendship with William Pitt, the future prime minister. But he later admitted, “The first years in Parliament I did nothing—nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.”

But he began to reflect deeply on his life, which led to a period of intense sorrow. “I am sure that no human creature could suffer more than I did for some months,” he later wrote. His unnatural gloom lifted on Easter 1786, “amidst the general chorus with which all nature seems on such a morning to be swelling the song of praise and thanksgiving.” He had experienced a spiritual rebirth.

He began to see his life’s purpose: “My walk is a public one,” he wrote in his diary. “My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me.”

In particular, two causes caught his attention. First, under the influence of Thomas Clarkson, he became absorbed with the issue of slavery. Later he wrote, “So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the trade’s wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected its abolition.”

~ Courtesy of Christian History

Extended (Part 2)

Extended (Part 3)

Dear family and friends,

Finally, the launch of Heart 2 Heart (Real People, Real Stories) and I am so excited to bring you my very first interview for Inspire Library with Peter Irvine. I first met Peter at a networking function many years ago and I remember how down to earth and relatable Peter was when he was sharing his story. I immediately approached him and thanked him for sharing how faith has made a difference in his business life. You see for me, I thought faith and business were kind of two separate things and Peter really showed me that they are very much one of the same thing and infact, God wants us to be wealthy. Wealthy more than just financially (of course that helps) but wealthy in wisdom, knowledge and in all areas of life (Spiritual, Mental, Vocation, Familial, Physical, Social, Financial). I have since then become really good friends with Peter and he has personally helped me in growing my own business. In sharing my story with Peter, I have learnt a great deal from him and thought that I would share it with everyone…so sit back, relax and open your heart and mind ready to be inspired.

Here is a little bit about Peter taken from http://www.peterirvine.com.au/

Peter’s Vision
“To see business people come alive to their full purpose and incredible potential in life.”

Peter’s Mission
“To input into the lives of business leaders through practical teaching materials, books, CD’s, DVD’s, speaking engagements and consultancy advice coming from a solid base of trailblazing experience in the advertising, franchising and retail arenas. To see businesses lift to a new level in marketing, franchising and community involvement. Inspiring and helping business leaders establish a purpose beyond themselves that motivates and stretches them.”

Co-founder of Gloria Jeans Coffees franchise.
On the team that launched McDonald’s in Australia.
Keynote Speaker & Business Consultant.

Peter has had over 40 years experience in business at a high profile management level. Peter first started his professional career as a junior at DDB Needham, Sydney – which became the second largest advertising agency in Sydney.

Over a span of 33 years at DDB Needham, Peter acquired an extensive portfolio of business expertise, commencing in media planning and buying, progressing to Media Director for Sydney and National Campaigns, then onto General Manager and finally ending his career at DDB Needham as Managing Director.

Whilst at DDB Needham, Peter was part of the team who launched McDonalds in Australia.

In 1996 Peter branched out into franchising and in conjunction with his business partner Nabi Saleh, established the Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchise in Australia.

Since they opened their first coffee house in November 1996, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has grown to be the largest specialty coffee retailer and one of the fastest growing franchise organisations in Australia. Today there are over 466 Gloria Jean’s stores and kiosks across Australia and over 877 coffee houses in 38 countries worldwide.

In January 2005, Peter and Nabi purchased the international Master Franchise brand and supply and roasting rights for all countries.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees has continued to grow, demonstrating excellence in franchising and setting the standard internationally for Australian franchise models. This was recognized in 2005 when Gloria Jean’s Coffees won the PricewaterhouseCoopers Excellence in Franchising – ‘Franchisor of the Year’ Award.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees has also won a number of other awards including:
2006 ‘International Franchisor of the Year’ FLA Singapore
2006 American Express ‘Supreme Reward for Best Retailer’ and Bank of Queensland ‘Best Franchise Award’
2007 ‘Western Sydney Exporter Award’ Premier’s NSW Export Awards
2007 ‘Food Franchisor of the Year’ Excellence in Franchising awards PricewaterhouseCoopers
2008 ‘Innovation Award’ at MYOB excellence in Franchising awards
2008 ‘Western Sydney Exporter Award’ Premier’s NSW Export Awards
2009 BRW ‘Fast Franchises Award of Excellence’ (placing achieved over seven consecutive years)

To learn more about Gloria Jean’s Coffees awards and achievements:
www.gloriajeanscoffees.com.au

Peter Irvine is a regular speaker at industry forums and events, including Franchise Council of Australia events, the National Retailers Convenation and the BRW Franchising Round Table, where he talks about a range of franchise and business industry issues including legislation, motivational business advice and his signature speech – “20 things that will catapult or hinder you from achieving your vision.”

Peter is available for speaking engagements and consults to a wide range of businesses.

On first glance, Charice looks like any other teenager: pretty, petite and filled with non stop energy. But when the sweet-faced 17-year old opens her mouth to sing – with a profound, rich and soaring 10 decibel voice from every inch of her 5 feet 1 inch body – the audience quite literally gasps. And at 13 million hits and counting on YouTube tell us, that audience is growing at a staggering pace. Fast forward to May 2010: Charice’s US debut CD is scheduled to be released on 143/Reprise Records with her single, “Pyramid” featuring labelmate Iyaz (who recently spent four weeks at #1 with his international smash hit, “Replay”). “Pyramid” will be released to Top 40 radio in March with remixes already getting airplay at the clubs.

“I’m so proud of this record and feel so lucky that I had the chance to work with some of the best songwriters and producers out there. Every note and every word is right from my heart,” says Charice.

But let’s begin at the beginning: Born and raised in the Philippines, Charice’s talent was discovered at age 4 when her mother, also a singer, noticed her daughter’s loud, rather enthusiastic version of “Happy Birthday” and decided to teach her proper vocal technique. By age 7, Charice was competing in local contests and belting out songs.

In 2007, a web-savvy fan began posting a series of Charice’s performances on YouTube including appearances on the Filipino talent show “Little Big Star” and the popular South Korean talent show “Star King.” She instantly became an authentic internet sensation attracting the attention of American TV shows. Appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show were followed by several performances on the Oprah Winfrey Show. “You are a force to be reckoned with. That voice comes from something bigger than yourself,” raved Oprah.

Enter 15-time Grammy winning producer David Foster who invited Charice to perform on his David Foster and Friends PBS Show in Las Vegas alongside such star studded Foster produced talents as Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and Josh Groban. When the “David Foster and Friends” show returned to the Mandalay Bay the following year, Charice received no less than six standing ovations. In between the two Vegas appearances, Charice went on to perform with Andrea Bocelli (“The Prayer”) in Tuscany and Celine Dion at her Madison Square Garden show in New York City.

During Charice’s most recent appearance on Oprah Winfrey, her heart stopping song “Note To God” written by multi-Grammy winning songwriter Diane Warren became an instant Top 10 hit on iTunes. Charice also had a featured role in the recent “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie.

Next stop for Charice, “I want to sing AND dance with Justin Timberlake,” she laughed. Her 13 million fans certainly look forward to seeing that.

Excerp taken from http://www.charicemusic.com/

Check this video out and see how Charice is living her dream! You can too! Inspire and be Inspired!

I came across this video as I was browsing the net last night and couldn’t help but feel compassionate towards the many thousands of people in our midst doing without the simple pleasures in life. Makes me think, perhaps there is more to life than the selfish existence of oneself for oneself. I kinda feel that Narayanan is a saint living in our midst! This is truly faith in action… check out the video and then sit back and reflect. SEE the JOY of GIVING! Inspire and be inspired…

Narayanan Krishnan (born 1981) is an Indian chef turned social worker. He quit his career as a leading chef and began supplying meals to the homeless in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, beginning in 2002.

Krishnan was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He was an award-winning chef with Taj Hotels, Bangalore and was short-listed for an elite job in Switzerland. During a visit to his family, before heading to Europe, he said, “I saw a very old man, literally eating his own human waste out of hunger. I went to the nearby hotel and asked them what was available. They had idli, which I bought and gave to the old man. Believe me, I had never seen a person eating so fast, ever. As he ate the food, his eyes were filled with tears. Those were the tears of happiness.”

Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003, which helps to feed the homeless and mentally-disabled in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to 400 indigent and elderly people in Madurai.

He also provides haircuts and shaves to give extra dignity to those he serves. He was selected as one of the Top 10 in “CNN heroes 2010″ list

We know Aung San Suu Kyi as “a golden bird in a cage “; she is a valuable icon representing freedom and democracy of which the suppressed population of Burma much hopes for. In the West she stands out as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, she has been awarded countless prizes for her effort, among them the Nobel Peace Prize. I have uploaded 2 videos of Aung San, one an interview with her about Beliefs and Values, and below the Trailer of movie made about her. Worth watching!

Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace laureate, symbolises the struggle of Burma’s people to be free.

She was born on June 19th, 1945 to Burma’s independence hero, Aung San, who was assassinated when she was only two years old.

Aung San Suu Kyi was educated in Burma, India, and the United Kingdom. While studying at Oxford University, she met Michael Aris, a Tibet scholar who she married in 1972. They had two sons, Alexander and Kim. On March 27 1999, while Aung San Suu Kyi was in Burma, Michael Aris died of cancer in London. He had petitioned the Burmese authorities to allow him to visit Suu Kyi one last time, but they had rejected his request. He had not seen her since a Christmas visit in 1995. The government always urged Suu Kyi to join her family abroad, but she knew that she would not be allowed to return.

Aung San Suu Kyi had returned to Burma in 1988 to nurse her dying mother and was immediately plunged into the country’s nationwide democracy uprising. Joining the newly-formed National League for Democracy (NLD), Suu Kyi gave numerous speeches calling for freedom and democracy. The military regime responded to the uprising with brute force, killing up to 5,000 demonstrators. Unable to maintain its grip on power, the regime was forced to call a general election in 1990.

As Aung San Suu Kyi began to campaign for the NLD, she and many others were detained by the regime. Despite being held under house arrest, the NLD went on to win a staggering 82% of the seats in parliament. The regime never recognised the results of the election.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been in and out of arrest ever since. She was held under house arrest from 1989-1995, and again from 2000-2002. She was again arrested in May 2003 after the Depayin massacre, during which up to 100 of her supporters were beaten to death by the regime’s militia. Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest in Rangoon. Her phone line has been cut, her post is intercepted and National League for Democracy volunteers providing security at her compound were removed in December 2004.

She has won numerous international awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament and the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom. She has called on people around the world to join the struggle for freedom in Burma, saying “Please use your liberty to promote ours”.

Aung San Suu Kyi was found guilty of breaking the terms of her house arrest after an American man, John Yettaw, swam to her house and refused to leave. She was sentenced to 18 months under house arrest on 11 August 2009.

Source: Wikipedia