{"author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler","total_quotes":52,"quotes":[{"text":"During my road trip of life I have encountered many potholes, areas under construction, delays caused by others on the same road, and 18 wheelers that seemed like they were only there to prevent me from arriving at my destination. Through it all my next stop is just down the road and I still have my 4 tires (faith, health, family, and friends) It's also so important to remember the Lord just lets you THINK you're in the drivers seat, its up to you to KNOW who is really in control.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["faith","gods-grace","hopeful-and-encouraging"],"id":3720,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"Envision life as you're juggling 6 balls. The balls are called faith, work, family, health, friends, and integrity. But one day, you realize that work is a rubber ball. If dropped, it will bounce back. The other 5 balls faith, family, health, friends, \u0026 integrity are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be surely scuffed, nicked, or even shattered. Grasp this concept and you will have the beginnings of balance in your life.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["choices-and-consequences","life-lessons","personal-development"],"id":12758,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"As long as you're actively trying to achieve your goals your successes are rewards and your short comings are lessons learned.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["leadership","military","selfless-service-contentment"],"id":29492,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"There are circumstances which can only be created and remedied in a crucible of fury, fire, and destruction like the serotinous cones of the Jack Pine and Lodgepole Pine trees. Only after exposed to extreme heat and enormous pressures will the cone open to begin anew and flourish amongst the cleansed but desolate landscape. Also, like the unpredictable restrained power of a dormant volcano storing it's potential energy over long periods of time gives way to this planets most enchanting display of scenic beauty to stark nightmarish backdrops. Egos are like wildfires to me because they start small but uncontrolled they will get out-of-hand and devour without prejudice. However, egotistical people are part of life and the best defense is a good offense with fire breaks dug in advance anticipation and left in place for when the right conditions present themselves where you must decide to fight that fire or be consumed by it.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["ego-consciousness","equality-and-attitude","leadership-development","military"],"id":39895,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"Fear is a liar and a good one at that, Fear feeds on self doubt and insecurities both internal and external. Know this, optimism, faith, and resilience are like penicillin to fear if it has been allowed in. But the best course of action is to not feed it in the first place.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["confidence","military","strength-through-adversity"],"id":45183,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"We are one people until you decide we are one person in the churning sea of humanity.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["humanity","humility","oneness","unity"],"id":56424,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"You have a nearly a 0% chance of affecting change in others attitudes, behaviors, and skullduggery. However, you have a 100% chance of affecting your own attitude, behavior, resiliency, and reaction to all things within your direct ability to shape the outcome.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["inspirational","leadership","military","self-improvement"],"id":61891,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"Leading your Soldiers with the safety on as a condition of your own personal complacency is no different than running into battle with your firearm on safe yelling BANG BANG BANG!!! An Army leaders unlimited source of ammo are the Army Values and the Warrior Ethos.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["army-life","leadership-development","military","warrior"],"id":62983,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"You can't fake a great steak nor can you convince a raging bull to give you a easy eight second ride.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["cowboy","leadership-development","military","tenacity"],"id":68591,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"},{"text":"What do I and a diamond have in common? We are tough, brilliant, and carbon based entities which evolved into something better under immense pressure, tribulation, and trials.","author":"Donavan Nelson Butler","tags":["character","leadership-characteristics","military","symbolism"],"id":77647,"author_id":"Donavan+Nelson+Butler"}],"pagination":{"page":1,"page_size":10,"total":52,"pages":6,"next":"?page=2\u0026page_size=10"}}