But John Wayne has several other paeans to the simple greatness that is America:
Ah, we miss you, Duke!
--- I posted this three years ago, and it was well received. And so I post it again in hope that it lifts up someone's spirit and reminds them of the foundation of this great country on its birthday. Here is the wonderful mix that Alton made for me. He'd asked me to record this post, and then he added music. Listen or read - but enjoy either way! .---
Two hundred thirty three years ago, a group of men - men of influence, wisdom, and courage - gathered together to sign a Document and birth a Nation:
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
And so began the war for our Independence, a war where we threw off the stifling apron-strings of our Mother, Britain, and began our journey of discovery. The War was long, and fraught with set-backs, disasters, tremendous hardship, and discouragement. But through it all, one man held true to the ideal and fought with dogged determination to keep his army and his new country from giving in.
General George Washington. He was not necessarily a brilliant man, but he was honorable and resolute. He had been given the duty of defeating the British and winning the War, and he pursued his orders with unflinching persistence.
And in October of 1781, the British General, Cornwallis, surrendered at Yorktown, VA.
The United States of America was free.
But freedom doesn't come easily. The States had adopted the Articles of Confederation in early 1781. The Articles gave the States many sovereign powers, and any changes to the Articles had to be approved by nine of the thirteen States. Federal power was practically non-existent: it couldn't raise taxes, it couldn't regulate trade, it couldn't stop States from printing their own money.
With authority to act scattered throughout the States, and an anemic central government, America threatened to dissolve into a group of bickering little provinces. The States had their own armies, their own international ambassadors, they argued over interstate trade, the justice system left quite a bit to be desired. In other words, it was a bit of a mess!
In 1786, after much unrest and disputes among the States, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton petitioned that the Constitutional Convention convene to write a new Constitution which would strengthen and unify our young Nation. The man the Convention elected to preside over this process was none other than George Washington, the man all Americans look on as our First Father. General Washington was reluctant - he had recently lost his brother, and he preferred to remain at Mount Vernon, managing his lands. Finally, however, he accepted the duty, and made his way to Pennsylvania.
Under his calm influence, eventually each of the States made compromises and came to agreements, negotiated the power of the Federal Government and State Governments, outlined the authorities of the branches of the Federal Government, and placed the ultimate power of Government firmly in the hands of the People. The first draft was accepted in August of 1787 after months of wrangling and debating. Five weeks later, on September 17th, the convention dismissed, and the Constitution went to the States for ratification. It wasn't until July of 1788 that the Convention received word that the ninth State, South Carolina had ratified the Constitution.
Finally, enough States had accepted the Constitution to begin to implement its laws. Of course, there was further debate about the Bill of Rights, which were passed by a total of three quarters of the States by late 1791, but now America had her "supreme Law of the Land," which began:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Thus we began to work out this fine balance between the Power and Authority of the People, and that of the Government. Men and women have stepped up to serve our country in war and in peace throughout our 230-year history. Elected officials, military, police, firemen, medical personnel, charity organizations, human rights groups, and so many more have furthered the cause of Freedom and Liberty in our country.
But for me, no group deserves our honor and our respect more than the men and women who serve her in our Armed Forces. Each man and woman who enters the military takes this oath:
...I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same...
Our men and women do not swear to a particular leader. They are not members of a cult of personality. They swear to uphold the Law, and the Supreme Law of the United States of America is the Constitution.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the Fourth of July means to me. "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," "We the People," and "I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same."
Happy 233rd birthday, America! I love you dearly, and pray that God will continue to bless and guide you. I pray that you will always be that "shining city on the hill," a light and example to the rest of the world of Freedom and Liberty.
Happy birthday!
hen
in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and
to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station
to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent
respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare
the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
This year in seventh grade has been a real time of growing and blossoming for my Darling Munchkin. All through the year, she's been a good student and earned high praise from many people. Yes, there have been some bumps in the road - she's not perfect, after all (pretty darn near it, though, IMHO!) - but all in all, her sweet attitude and bright mind had delighted my Beloved and me throughout the year.
This year she earned the praise of her band teacher, gained an invitation to attend Governor's School summer camp (she'll be studying biology), was recognized as a national honor student, won a D.A.R. award for their annual essay contest, and now has been recognized with an incredible scholarship to an excellent school!
Today, she was going to get her braces applied. However, her English teacher called me yesterday to let me know about the scholarship and mentioned that my Munchkin might like to be there for the last day of school! So, of course I rescheduled, and her dad drove home early from a business trip...
The Munchkin has no idea of what's going on, and I pray that I'll be updating this post with details about the scholarship as well as pictures of her reaction when she hears about it!
UPDATE!
The Munchkin is awestruck and delighted! I found out that the school awarding the scholarship, Chatham Hall, contacts her current school and requests the teachers to give them the name of the deserving student, so this is indeed an honor.
Here's the text of the award:
The Chatham Hall Book Award Scholarship is intended for a student who is in strong academic standing and demonstrates leadership and a love of learning. Additionally, this student should possess talents which, given the opportunity to attend an all girls' boarding school [the Munchkin would be a day student], can become talents which carry her far beyond the classroom. She may be a singer, a writer, a poet, a pianist or guitarist, a debater, an athelete or a leader through community service. Georgia O'Keefe was the kind of student just described. She was bright and articulate yet those were not her true gifts - art was her calling and Chatham Hall provided the training, motivation and support which allowed her to fully realize her gifts and share them with the world.
This year's award book will be Georgia O'Keefe: An Eternal Spirit, by Susan Wright. As you may know, Georgia O'Keefe is a Chatham Hall graduate and former Chatham Hall art teacher. When considering giving up her art career, Georgia turned to her Chatham Hall mentor and former Head Mistress, Mae Willis, who encouraged her to continue working to perfect her art as Mae was convinced Georgia was talented and would find success. Chatham Hall continues to be that place that nurtures the creative mind while challenging the intuitive mind and encouraging the moral heart. Chatham Hall grows young women who are well rounded leaders and citizens of the world.
In addition to offering the award book to this deserving female student, Chatham Hall is waiving the admission application fee and offering a [$] scholarship for each year she attends Chatham Hall should the Book Award Scholarship recipient enroll.
We are honored, delighted and truly blessed that our Darling Munchkin has earned this award!
We are, of course, going to be having a family gathering tomorrow at CatHouse Central to enjoy friends and family and the long weekend.
But this weekend is in memory and celebration of the men and women in our armed forces who gave the last, full measure of devotion to this country, so it's appropriate to remember and honor them.
Back in February, HBO aired an incredible movie - "Taking Chance." I was upset that I couldn't watch it, but heard so many enthusiastic endorsements of it - including from my Beloved Husband, who saw it while traveling - that I had to order it. I recieved notice near the beginning of May that it had shipped, but was down in Orlando helping my Mom when it arrived.
Today, while cleaning out the cooler in preparation for this weekend's festivities, lo and behold, there was the package from Amazon...
So now I have the perfect movie to remember and honor our citizan soldiers who have laid down their lives so that this country remains free.
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:19-24, ESV)
Yesterday we got a lot of (much needed) rain, and this morning the air is crisp and clear like fine crystal. The rising sun coaxed mist from the damp ground and gilded the trees with a soft glory. Birds are singing, a light breeze stirs the air, and God is on His throne!
... He really is. I cannot say just how wonderful He has been to me. I cannot fully explain to any of you just how kind and loving He has been this past week. He's been holding out His hand to me for so long, pointing out sin and inviting me back to His loving arms. I've known the sin, I've known it WAS sin, and I just kept returning to it, like a dog to its own vomit.
My head knew it was sin, and my wayward heart just. kept. on. sinning!
God in His grace and mercy just keeps calling to me - my loving Father calling me to come back to safety and back to a loving, whole relationship with Him. And, so I have. I feel the pull, but I am going to rely on God's strength to say "no" and be obedient to His will rather than my sinful nature. It may be difficult to stay on God's path for my life, but I know that I can do it because it is God's power working in me, not my power. It is God who began this work in me and who will complete it. It is God's power in me that is greater than the power of my sin.
I am blessed with so many good and godly people in my life: my parents, my grandmother (who is with the Lord), several friends, and many people I've met through the internet. I am blessed with a wonderful family - a husband and daughter who I dearly love and who bring joy to my heart and a smile to my lips EVERY SINGLE DAY.
But, in particular, I want to thank my pastor and my church for being unafraid to preach the Gospel without shame:
Thanks, Hank. Thanks also to Roger, who told me of this local Church, who is also my Bible Study teacher, and who has been teaching God's word with simplicity and strength. I learn more about God, I grow closer to God, and I want to serve God more because of my church's encouragement and instructions.
Along with Pastor Hank and Roger, I also want to thank Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle for his sermon on Predestination. I just finished listening to it, and it was so humbling and yet incredibly uplifting that I need to post it as well. It is long, yes, but well worth a very careful listen. In particular, if you only have limited time, listen to the last half - and then marvel at the wondrous grace and love and mercy and kindness of the one true God:
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_b.png?x-id=b2bdbd87-e4b2-4851-ae76-7b3367cf02d3)
Virginia Beach has lost one of their honored sons.
May God comfort his family and friends, and may He continue to bless and guide the men and women who stand against evil.
God bless you and keep you. May He honor your service and guard your family.
I SOLD MY FIRST QUILT!!!!
"Quilts from Aunt Kat - Unique quilts for your unique child"
Mom and Dad's cleaning people saw this one as I was finishing the binding, and fell in love with it. So, they purchased it for their 2 month old granddaughter! I finished up the binding and ran it through the washer and dryer, so it's all ready for them to pick up when they get to Mom and Dad's today.
[bouncing happily]
So, if you've got a baby coming, or a grandbaby, and want a unique and sturdily made quilt to give them, let me know!
(Of course, this means that I've got to finish the binding on two other quilts, make several others, take pictures of each, and set up my PayPal Storefront Widget... So... Off to the salt mines! LOL)
UPDATE: OK, I've gotten the PayPal storefront widget up and running... So, go on over, drool over the quilts (all pic are clickable for a larger size and descriptions) and either buy or tell your parent/grandparent-to-be friends to take a look-see ;-) Thanks to all my wonderful, fanTAStic friends for all their encouragement on this new endeavor!
I'm sure that when Tony Snow passed into eternity, he was greeted with those words from his Savior.
I am thankful that I went over to the Corner today and linked out to Kathryn Jean Lopez's article about Tony's funeral yesterday. She quoted from President Bush's eulogy which ended with this paragraph:
And so today we send this man of faith and character and joy on his final journey. Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God. May he find eternal rest in the arms of his Savior. And may the Author of all creation watch over his family and all those who loved him, admired him, and will always cherish his memory.
Kathryn comments:
In an environment where man and manhood are often subject to derision, it’s important to celebrate good men who aren’t afraid to recognize there’s a power greater than their own. It’s important to celebrate good men who know the right order of things. It’s important to celebrate good men who have some clue as to what to do with a charge like King David’s; they know that ultimately it’s the charge of another King, who promises more than any presidential candidate — even Barack Obama! — can. And their examples are living moral compasses in a confusing world.
And Snow, like Bush, wasn’t holier than thou about it. They’re but men — that’s the point — and they’re men who love life, love love, love fun. They’re men not threatened by tears, especially if the topic is family, but with no interest in being feminized. Tony’s brother Jim said of their childhood, Tony was evidence that “you can get into a little trouble and still turn out okay.” What a relief to boys the world over. When the time came to put away childish things, we all saw Tony Snow as a protector (in a national sense, even) and provider (why he left the White House, to make sure he could give his family everything he could before he had to go obediently serve Him who promises “better…bigger” for eternity).
The president said: “Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God.” As he made his way elsewhere, he left behind an inspiring example of commitment to the eternal. May we all keep our hearts open enough so that light from the City of God can shine in, even on the chaos of life on the Potomac.
Indeed.
UPDATE: *sigh* And the picture cannot do the sunset justice, of course...
God is, indeed, GOOD!
--- I posted this last year from the year before, and it was well received. And so I post it again in hope that it lifts up someone's spirit and reminds them of the foundation of this great country on its birthday. Here is the wonderful mix that Alton, made for me two years ago. He'd asked me to record this post, and then he added music. Listen or read - but enjoy either way!
04 July, 2008 - I've made some minor edits, so the audio version won't match exactly with this written version. Have a blessed and safe celebration of our Independence!
Two hundred thirty two years ago, a group of men - men of influence, wisdom, and courage - gathered together to sign a Document and birth a Nation:
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
And
so began the war for our Independence, a war where we threw off the
stifling apron-strings of our Mother, Britain, and began our journey of
discovery. The War was long, and fraught with set-backs, disasters,
tremendous hardship, and discouragement. But through it all, one man
held true to the ideal and fought with dogged determination to keep his
army and his new country from giving in.
General George Washington. He was not necessarily a brilliant man, but he was honorable and resolute. He had been given the duty of defeating the British and winning the War, and he pursued his orders with unflinching persistence.
And in October of 1781, the British General, Cornwallis, surrendered at Yorktown, VA.
The United States of America was free.
But freedom doesn't come easily. The States had adopted the Articles of Confederation in early 1781. The Articles gave the States many sovereign powers, and any changes to the Articles had to be approved by nine of the thirteen States. Federal power was practically non-existent: it couldn't raise taxes, it couldn't regulate trade, it couldn't stop States from printing their own money.
With authority to act scattered throughout the States, and an anemic central government, America threatened to dissolve into a group of bickering little provinces. The States had their own armies, their own international ambassadors, they argued over interstate trade, the justice system left quite a bit to be desired. In other words, it was a bit of a mess!
In 1786, after much unrest and disputes among the States, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton petitioned that the Constitutional Convention convene to write a new Constitution which would strengthen and unify our young Nation. The man the Convention elected to preside over this process was none other than George Washington, the man all Americans look on as our First Father. General Washington was reluctant - he had recently lost his brother, and he preferred to remain at Mount Vernon, managing his lands. Finally, however, he accepted the duty, and made his way to Pennsylvania.
Under
his calm influence, eventually each of the States made compromises and
came to agreements, negotiated the power of the Federal Government and
State Governments, outlined the authorities of the branches of the
Federal Government, and placed the ultimate power of Government firmly
in the hands of the People. The first draft was accepted in August of
1787 after months of wrangling and debating. Five weeks later, on
September 17th, the convention dismissed, and the Constitution went to
the States for ratification. It wasn't until July of 1788 that the
Convention received word that the ninth State, South Carolina had
ratified the Constitution.
Finally, enough States had accepted the Constitution to begin to implement its laws. Of course, there was further debate about the Bill of Rights, which were passed by a total of three quarters of the States by late 1791, but now America had her "supreme Law of the Land," which began:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Thus we began to work out this fine balance between the Power and Authority of the People, and that of the Government. Men and women have stepped up to serve our country in war and in peace throughout our 230-year history. Elected officials, military, police, firemen, medical personnel, charity organizations, human rights groups, and so many more have furthered the cause of Freedom and Liberty in our country.
But for me, no group deserves our honor and our respect more than the men and women who serve her in our Armed Forces. Each man and woman who enters the military takes this oath:
...I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same...
Our men and women do not swear to a particular leader. They are not members of a cult of personality. They swear to uphold the Law, and the Supreme Law of the United States of America is the Constitution. At this time, they are engaged in combat against an enemy that hates everything America stands for, and unfortunately, some of those enemies are here at home. As civilian citizens, we owe it to them to honor their service and to protect the freedom, independence and dedication to duty which our Founders bequeathed to us.
Freedom isn't free, and the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the Fourth of July means to me. "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," "We the People," and "I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same." I would hope that each citizen of this beloved country would rededicate themselves to the principles of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution and work together to keep America strong and just.
Happy 232nd birthday, America! I love you dearly, and pray that God will continue to bless and guide you. I pray that you will always be that "shining city on the hill," a light and example to the rest of the world of Freedom and Liberty.
Happy birthday!
UPDATE: Here are some other extremely worthy posts to read -
Curled up on a quilt with a book and a cat - oh, yeah, she's got my genes, that's for sure!
*sigh* Life must be soooo hard for her! LOL
BTW, that's a whole cloth quilt I did on a peach sateen about seven years ago. I had a lot of fun doing it (probably ought to do another), although the "blank canvas" was occasionally a bit intimidating. Hm. I have more sateen fabric; I could make up a simple Amish-style quilt top and do another quilt focus on quilting technique [ponder, ponder, ponder]...
I remember and honor the Fallen, for they gave their life's blood to protect and preserve our freedom.
I remember and honor the Families, who have raised up the men and women who have served their country.
I remember and honor the Veterans, for they stand as Ebenezers and remind us of the vast debt we owe to our men and women in uniform.
I remember and honor those currently Serving, for they are our strength and shield, our best and bravest.
The stern and solemn lyrics from little-known stanzas of two of America's favorite hymns come to mind. First, from "America, the Beautiful"
O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!
"Till selfish gain no longer stain/The banner of the free!"
America, much though I love her, has the terrible fault of selfishness running like a canyon through our national character. Thank God for the men and women who have refused to succumb to it and instead have stepped forward with resolve in their heats and said, "Behold, here am I. Send me."
I pray that God's grace will turn our hearts away from our selfishness so that we may be worthy of the sacrifice our military makes.
The second hymn is the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," our national hymn:
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
Godly freedom. Freedom to choose, freedom to act, freedom to speak, freedom to worship, freedom to work, freedom to own property.
It used to be that the freedom we had, we exercised in self-restraint, self-control, and self-discipline - now I wonder if those qualities exist outside the military. We have become a lazy, selfish, conceited culture, a gathering of jaded dilettantes and spectators at the Coliseum games.Yet we still manage to produce men and women of character and integrity who step forward to defend and protect us and who are willing to offer their lives in service to their country and its citizens.
So, for this Memorial Day, I ask you to join with me and take a sober look at yourself. We must see what our mirrors truly reflect and meditate on whether we do merit the willing service of the men and women of our armed forces.
I don't think I do.
But, I think I'm going to try from now on.
Thank you, veterans. Thank you, active duty service personnel!
And thank you to the families of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. I will not forget, and I will train up my child to honor and respect those who are America's heroes.
On Saturday, 24 May, 2008, my most darling Daddy reaches a significant milestone: he turns 90 years old! Yep, that's right, Daddy's reached the big nine-oh - and it's been ninety years packed full of all sorts of joy, kindness, laughter, pain, smiles, and gracious character.
Daddy was born in Seattle, WA, in 1918. He had two older sisters (who are already in Heaven), and an older brother, who died before Daddy was born. Unfortunately, this wasn't the only sad thing in his young life; his father died when Dad was only 2, so he never really knew him. His Mom and sisters, however, raised him to be a true gentleman whose word was his bond, and who had a kind word for everyone.
Daddy served as a supply officer in World War II, including a tour on Midway - during the time of the Japanese attack. Daddy doesn't talk much about the war - mainly about the good times he had on Oahu when on leave - but he does recall that he stood at the bedside of Ensign Gay when the Ensign gave his report to Daddy's senior officer. That's all he's ever said about it, but his voice was choked with emotion.
Eventually, Daddy got his pilot's license (his eyesight wasn't good enough for the Navy to train him), and went to work for American Airlines. He eventually advanced to the position of pilot, and flew the Boeing 707 during his last years of employment - he loved that plane! I remember that he took me with him to Salt Lake City one time. We had dinner in a Japanese restaurant where we took our shoes off, donned paper slippers, and sat in cushions at a low table. It was my first taste of Japanese food, and I've loved it ever since. On the way back, one of the flight attendants taught me how to use chopsticks, although she had a hard time, since I'm left-handed ;-) Daddy also took me with him to Aruba for his very last flight; I remember I got to sit in the cockpit when the official pilot allowed Daddy to fly the take off (Daddy was supposed to dead head back).
Daddy and I have always been able to talk together. Mom has often said that he and I think very much alike (which I would dispute; I think I'm much more like Mom!). But, I've always been able to go to him with my problems, ask him to explain something, talk theology, or just sit and enjoy each other's presence. Once when I was a young teen, one of the men who had been hired to paint the inside of our house left me a note, inviting me to run away with him. Back in the day, I had no idea of older men (he must have been about 30 -ooooo) being attracted to young teens (I think I was about 15), and I was very upset and frightened. What did I do? I ran to my Daddy, right away... And that man was gone!
All my friends who have met Daddy have remarked at how sweet he is. One friend even wished he was her father - but then, her dad was a pretty awful guy. When I graduated from Greenwich Academy in 1982, my 41 classmates voted me "Daddy's Girl," a title I rejoice in to this day.
Daddy's not perfect, of course; there have been times when he's disappointed me, and I know I've returned the favor more than once. But I have never doubted his love for me, my brother, and my little sister. He pretty much idolizes my Mom! Daddy has treated all of us with a tender and loving generosity which is the ideal for all true dads. As a matter of fact, I'm also a fine example of the premise that women marry men who are very much like their fathers; the Beloved Husband has a similar personality, he's also a wonderfully loving husband and father, and he has the same easy-going and kind manner as Daddy.
So, my beloved father, I wish you a happy 90th birthday, and I pray that God will grant you many more years with us.
I love you, Daddy. You're the best Daddy in the world for me, and I thank God every day for the gift He gave me in you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
UPDATE: I had sent an announcement to my lists and several other folks about Daddy's birthday. One of those people was Chris Muir of Day By Day, a man I greatly admire for his talent, his humor, and his kindness and graciousness. I hoped he might find just a quick minute to stop by and type a simple "Happy Birthday" .... But he did so much more:
Chris, this is... I am... speechless. Dumbfounded. That is Daddy to a "T"!!! Thank you so much, from the very bottom of my heart! Truly, you are a gentleman of the first rank, and I am honored by your gift!
Just heard this on one of my local Christian stations, and it just fits this day so well. It's by 33 Miles, and it's called (d'uh!) "Thank You"...
What if in morning when I wake up
Even before I fill my coffee cup
I said thank You
Thank YouWhat if I look at the day and the hours ahead
And before I move forward I bowed my head
And said thank You
Oh I said thank YouWhat if I looked at my life in a different way
Took a little more time to stop and pray
I know it would change all the moments in between
So here I goThank You for everything
Thank You for loving me
It don't even matter what tomorrow brings
Well I will sing myThank You for sun and rain
For what You give and take away
For all Your goodness I will always say
Thank YouOh I'll say thank You
What if I lost everything that I had
I could smile and somehow still be glad
And say thank You
Thank youCause life is joy, life is pain
But the prayer on my heart will never change
I say thank You
Oh I'll say thank You
Thank You, Father, for all You have done! Thank You for all You will do. Thank You for Your kindness, Your love, Your mercy. Thank You, Jesus, for Your life, and thank You for loving me. I don't know why You do, but I am thankful!
The Father of our nation, a man of humility, integrity, and deep faith. Indeed, he was a blessing to our fledgling country, and set a high standard for all who followed him.
First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere— uniform, dignified and commanding—his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns.
How far have we fallen from the foundations our godly forebears gave to us! I pray that God will somehow have mercy on America and raise up sound leaders who will help us return to the principles which birthed this land.
Happy birthday, President Washington!
Last night at church, during the meeting for the Bible study groups going through Experiencing God, our pastor asked us to respond to one of the statements from the video, which had first made an appearance in last week's study:
I hear many people say, "I really struggle trying to have time alone with God." If that is a problem you face, let me suggest something; make the priority in your life to love Him with all your heart... People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem. (p. 59)
The silence in the room went on for a while. I know that *I* didn't want to say anything because I know it's a problem in my life.
But as the members of our little group opened up, I listened and realized that I wasn't all that unusual: we all had problems getting away and finding time alone with God. We all struggled with guilt and a lack of faithful time with our loving Father. I wasn't alone in this.
Suddenly I realized that God doesn't require me to sit and study the Bible for hours on end - that's important, but that's not a relationship. I realized that I didn't have to meet with Him from 6:23 a.m. to 6:48 a.m. every day for a "quiet time" - that's legalistic. I didn't have to have a set schedule of 10 minutes of prayer, 15 of Bible study, three hymns, one teaching program and an hour of interceding for my country and my family... No.
God simply wants me to spend some time... with Him. He just wants me to talk... to Him. The irritations and fears and triumphs of the day need to be discussed... with Him. That wonderful song which touched my heart so much needs to be shared... with Him.
God just wants me to be with Him and love Him.
You know, He gave me a great example last week (which, being Madam Sieve-for-Brains, I promptly forgot): I was driving in to pick up the Munchkin at school, and I got a little nudge to just turn off the car radio and drive in the quiet. Suddenly, I started talking:
God, I really don't know how to do this. I mean, really, I am totally clueless here! I feel so out of control, I don't know what to do next, and I know I'm failing You. Sometimes I don't know why You bother with me; I'm a terrible Christian, and I don't love You as I should, but I don't know how! I'm feeling frustrated because I can never get it right, and absolutely helpless to move one way or another, and I just feel so STUCK! You have got to fix this, God, 'cause I don't know how and it's driving me completely out of my mind with irritation and disgust for myself!!! AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!
And just as I wound down, a little tendril of peace wiggled into my heart. Just a little piece, and it seemed to say, "It's OK. I've got you."
That's all.
But when I recalled the event last night, I realized... that's enough. That was all I needed to remind me of the God of the WHOLE UNIVERSE, who really and truly loves little ol' me... and just wants me to spend time with Him.
Even if it is in the car on the way to school. The glory of God, wrapped up in the mundane routine of life.
You know... God... is really - really! - COOL!
I'm on board!
Our brave and wonderful troops deserve every bit of thanks we can give them. So don't hesitate - just say "Thanks."
No politics, no sermonizing, no debating.
Just a simple
"THANK YOU!"
(Purrs to the always awesome Blackfive)
I am thankful for the God who gave me life.
I am thankful for all He has given.
I am thankful for the country I live in, which He blessed so abundantly.
I am thankful for the leaders He has given us: He has put them there to teach us and to remind us that we do not have absolute control of our lives.
I am thankful for the family I have.
I am thankful for a husband who loves me.
I am thankful for the man who values and considers my opinion.
I am thankful for all the encouragement and support my husband lavishes upon me.
I am thankful that he finds my bones very, very "jumpable."
I am thankful for my man, who honors his vows in every moment he lives.
I am thankful for a child I love, who loves me right back.
I am thankful the Munchkin is healthy and smart.
I am thankful for a good school for the Munchkin.
I am thankful for the snuggles and giggles we share.
I am thankful for adults who love my child and encourage her to develop her talents.
I am thankful for the house I live in.
I am thankful for the food on my table.
I am thankful for my healthy-though-imperfect body.
I am thankful for my friends.
I am thankful for safe travel.
I am thankful for the car which carried us to Florida.
I am thankful for the Sony laptop which connects me to my friends on the internet.
I am thankful for Kender, Raven, GM Roper, Red Queen, Kilo, Adam, Misha, Radio CIA, Sonnabend, Cao, Ward, Leslie, Beth, Scott... and FAR too many others...
I am thankful for so many things I cannot list here, due to my frail memory and limited space.
But, most of all, I am thankful
for the forgiveness offered through the Blood of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He has given to ***ME*** even though I am an unworthy sinner.
Thank You, Lord. You are the Giver of all good things, and I praise Your Name in gratitude for You and for Your abundant blessings upon us all!
Well, sort of... The Marines are coming into town for "Realistic Urban Training," where they will conduct an exercise:
U.S. Marines will conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, then raid a mock terrorist cell during a special training exercise in Chatham Nov. 1-3.
The "Realistic Urban Training," or RUT, exercise is designed to duplicate the kind of situations Marines often encounter in the field, said Capt. Kelly Fushour, public affairs officer for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"Any time we can do training off base, it's a good thing," she said." It's training we can't replicate on base."
According to Frushour, about 100 Marines will take part in the three-day Chatham exercise, which is being conducted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Role players" posing as Al Queda terrorists are scheduled to arrive Thursday, Nov. 1, and will be "inserted" in a house in town. [link]
Works for me! Any support and assistance our citizens can give to the training of our armed forces should be offered unstintingly - and maybe we'll have some part in hunting those murderous barbarians down and sending them on to the "72 Virginians" who are waiting for them!
Ah, well, nevertheless, I did do some catching up yesterday, and realized that the MacArthur Daily Bible started selections from Ephesians on Sunday. We'll have one more day - tomorrow - reading Ephesians, and then go on to start Philippians on Saturday.
But reading Ephesians 1 and 2 yesterday was just so uplifting to me that I thought I'd share some thoughts with you about the wonderful, incredible grace of God and His infinite and perfect love for His children... (and as I'm writing down there below the fold, I realize that the first three paragraphs of Ephesians are so awesome, that I probably won't go past them today!)
For those who care, today's selected readings are Isaiah 59 and 60, Psalm 115:1-8, Proverbs 26:23, and Ephesians 5:17-33. Actually, Isaiah has had a LOT of great things the past several chapters, so I might also post about some excerpts from this great prophet of God's Word...
Continue reading "What is it with me and the "catching up on my Bible reading again"?!" »
The CatHouse bows in prayer and thanksgiving for a fallen hero, and the honorable example he lived.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job. [all emphasis mine]
This is an excerpt from an essay written on February 1st of this year by SGT Eddie Jeffers, and I would urge you to read it, as well as two others, "Freedom Feels Good," and "Real Deal in Ramadi."
On Thursday, September 20, 2007, SGT Jeffers laid down his life for the ideals and convictions he cherished. Thank God for his Christian convictions: because of them, SGT Jeffers was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior by a host of angels. And I know that as he knelt at the foot of the Throne, he was blessed when God his Savior reached down, lifted him up and said,
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things, and I will give you charge over many. Enter into the joy of your Lord!"
SGT Jeffers' father wrote,
It is with great personal sadness but joy in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I announce the death of my son Eddie Jeffers. Eddie was killed around 7 am Iraqi time from an accidental vehicle roll-over. Although our personal loss is traumatic, we know he is in a better place. All of you have been so wonderful to my son and my family and he was so blessed and humbled by your love for him. He told me this past summer after the wonderful gift you gave his wife and him that he didn't understand why people were so generous and kind to him. You see to Eddie, he was just doing his job and what he believed was his life mission from God.
I've said this often; Eddie was my hero. My dear brother in Christ Rod Martin told me that Eddie died a hero for not just the soldier he was but the person. Eddie, through his writing, touched so many people's lives, yours and you so lovingly touched ours back.
We thank you in advance for your condolences and prayers. Please pray especially for Eddie's wife Stephanie; as you can imagine she is devastated. Our prayer is that Eddie's death will exalt Christ as did his life.In lieu of any flowers we are asking all donations be given to the Fisher House in memory of Eddie; he loved that charity.
Will you join me in honoring an American hero, who followed his Savior in laying down his life for his friends? Please donate as much as you can to Fisher House, which "...donates 'comfort homes,' built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury."
And will you also read his essays, and commit to cherishing and nurturing this great country that he loved so much?
Let's honor him - and his fallen brethren - by bringing our troops home... VICTORIOUSLY!
(Crossposted to the Wide Awakes and the Cotillion)
I cannot believe the absolutely incredible, fantastic, wonderful and cheerful customer service I just got! Pottery Barn's associates have just set the standard for how customer service ought to be done.
Last year in April, I ordered three sets of scrolled curtain rods for the windows in my dining room and living room. The Beloved Husband just finished installing the set in the living room, and we opened the box for the two sets that were going to frame the dining room windows... *GASP!* There was only one set in the box! What were we going to do?!
The Beloved Husband, wise man that he is, urged me to call Pottery Barn - after all, if we didn't ask, then the answer would definitely be "no," right? And so, with great trepidation and more than a little pessimism, I called.
Oh. My. GOSH!
I introduced myself as their "idiot customer for the day," and the associate laughed and asked if I had my order number handy. I did (yay, packing slips!), and she pulled my record up right away.
Oh, dear! Another problem: Pottery Barn no longer stocks these scrolled curtain rods... Hm.
The lady said not to worry, perhaps we could find something similar to use as an alternate, and started searching - and here's what she came up with. They will work beautifully in my dining room! How wonderful: we'll take two sets for the dining room, and return one of the scrolled sets (neither the Beloved Husband nor I were too enthusiastic about taking the living room set down, after all!). The Pottery Barn lady said she'd arrange for UPS to pick up the box on Monday, and that we should get the new rods by next Friday.
Um, but you know, the originals I ordered were $79 per pair, and the new ones are $109 each - how would she like me to handle paying the difference?
"Oh, no - no charge at all! It was our mistake in the first place, so please let us take care of this for you!"
[goggle eyes] [jaw hitting floor] [speechless with awe]
OK, folks, if you don't immediately place Pottery Barn at the front of the list for places to shop household goods, then you are absolutely CRAZY!
God bless Pottery Barn for their superior service, excellent products, and for showing me that there ARE still companies out there who emphasize fantastic customer service!
Yesterday's post about walking the tightrope of the Christian life received many thoughtful comments, which I truly appreciate (hey, please feel free to keep the discussion going!). Today, however, I wanted to turn to the joyful part of Christian life. Really, Christians should be the most joyful people in life, even in the midst of trial, because we have so much to be thankful for - and we know Who to thank!
Psalm 103 has a lot to say about this:
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Well, why should we bless the Lord? Why should we always have a thankful attitude?
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Ah! So, there are benefits when we love and serve the Lord - there are things that He does, out of the goodness of His heart, because He loves His children:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
God forgives our sins. When we come to Him and accept the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf, when we trust Him and take Him at His Word, when we obey His righteous commandments, the Lord shows Himself strong on our behalf. Over and over and OVER again in the Bible we read of the Saints who have gone before, the Saints who waited patiently on the Lord for the Day of Christ, the Day of Salvation. No one in the Old Testament saw that Day - but we have. Instead of looking forward to what appears to be an uncertain future event, we look back to a specific day and time when God Himself accepted all our punishment in His own body and redeemed us from the slavery of sin.
The True Healer came and healed our greatest disease - completely and eternally.
Not only that, but He also bestows upon His children every good thing. The Lord God Almighty is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills; He owns all the treasures of the Universe, and all the glory of Heaven. Out of the riches of His abundance, He blesses His children with all that they need, and so much that they desire.
With tenderness and love and kindness, our Father gives us strength and comfort, He lifts us up on wings like eagles'.
The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
God executes perfect justice. His children may rest assured that everyone will be judged righteously. Although we may not see the judgment here on earth - and, really, what business is it of ours that we must see judgment descending on our "enemies"? - we know that God Himself will take care of it. The omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent God of all Creation will reveal all the motives of the heart, He will know all the extenuating circumstances. There will be nothing hidden from Him. And when we are judged by Him, every mouth will be stopped, because His judgement will be in absolute righteousness - and no one will be able to deny it.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
Our Father does not leave us in the dark, wondering what He wants of us. He has given His Word to guide and encourage us, and He has even given us His Spirit to live in us as our Comforter and Friend. His still, small voice is ever in our ear - we have only to be still and listen. His love and generosity are displayed to us a thousand ways each day, often in ways we don't even recognize!
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
Although we stumble and fail in our obedience, God still is merciful and loving. He forgives our sins and give us His strength to overcome them. He disciplines us as a loving, perfect Father, always intending our eternal good. Even though each sin we commit is an infinite crime against Him, He is still gracious and does not deal with us proportionately. Instead, His hand is ever stretched out in invitation and love: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
God does not give us what we do deserve, and He does give us what we don't deserve. He lifts us up out of the mire, removes us from the dominion of darkness, and transfers us to the solid Rock and the Kingdom of Light and Holiness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Did you ever think about how you can travel eastward forever, and never reach the west? If you travel north, eventually you will reach the North Pole and start heading south, but the same is not true for east and west. There is no "West Pole." When God takes your sins away, He takes them away! They're gone! His children stand before Him clothed in the perfect righteousness of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
God knows we are frail and fallible. He knows we are weak. He knows all our sins before we even confess them to Him: He knows everything! Do you realize that when Jesus hung on the Cross, He knew about all your sins already? He knew about the ones you'd committed before you bowed down before Him, and He knew all the ones we'd commit after salvation.
He knows.
And you need to know that nothing you do can make Him love you more... And nothing you do can make Him love you less! God's love for His children is infinite and perfect and unchanging. He has set His heart upon you and you are the apple of His eye. He will never leave you nor forsake you, and He has prepared a place for you in Heaven at His side - and He's planned it that way from before He even created the heavens and the earth.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
God takes care of His own. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, God says that "...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." God is actively looking for His children who are loyal to Him. God is looking for men and women after His heart, He is searching for those who want to be obedient.
Upon His children - and only upon His children - He lavishes His incredible mercy and grace. The Hebrew word I most love is (and I'll mangle typing it, I know) "hesed" (updated with this link, which is a good discussion of the meaning of "hesed"). God's wonderful "lovingkindness." Although God showers His common blessings over each and every person on this earth day after day, He reserves His best blessings and His enduring love upon His people, His Called-Out-Ones, His Saints.
The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.Bless the LORD, O my soul!
And so, with all these blessings that God lavishes over us, how can we not raise our voices in gratitude and praise? How can we not rejoice in His love and providence? How can we resist making a joyful noise unto our Sovereign and Savior? Our adoration of His love, kindness, strength and goodness should make the universe reverberate with the echoes of our devotion and esteem!
So, my friends, what are you going to add to the chorus? Here's my list for the day:
Now, what are you waiting for? Join in and count all your blessings - even the mundane ones!
Thanks to the Darling Munchkin's spelling list this week, I have come across the American's Creed. I don't know why I've never heard of it before: it's been around for a while.
Nevertheless, I present it here for your edification - we would ALL do well to memorize it and keep it in the forefront of our thoughts every day.
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies. [emph. mine]
Amen! THAT is what every American should pledge! (Of course, I would end it "... to defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic," but that's just me...)
Oh, and speaking of spelling lists, all her words this week are taken from founding and important American documents and speeches: The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the American's Creed, and the Gettysburg Address. I am very thankful, because this gives me an opening to discuss the meaning of these words, and explain how critically important they are to our country and our culture. Every opportunity I'm given, I try to use to train the Munchkin in being a good citizen and a thinking, independent patriot.
God bless America - or, more importantly,
I'd like you to meet someone. He's a Marine. His name is Faoa Apineru, and he should be dead - but he's not. Instead Apineru, or "AP" as they call him, is learning to live with PTSD, and the aftermath of his terrible injuries.
The VA hospital in Palo Alto has a lot of people like AP. Mostly men and some women who were injured while in uniform, most of them from Iraq or Afghanistan. The VA has a polytrauma center, so troops with more than one injury can get help for all their problems, and a brain injury rehabilitation unit, called BIRU, for the guys who took one to the head.He hangs out with other wounded Marines. Cpl. Jason Poole, who also had a severe head wound and nearly died, is his best friend.
"I don't have much family around here, so the Marines are my family," AP said. "That's what attracted me to them in the first place. It reminds me of my culture."
AP is from Samoa - but he doesn't remember his childhood, because the injury to his brain destroyed a lot of his memory.
In 2005, AP was in Anbar Province when his unit was attacked. Being a true Marine, his first concern was for his men - but he was the one who was terribly injured:
"The first thing I remember is screaming. I remember trying to stop screaming. You know, that Marine Corps crap about not showing your feelings. Then I heard my Marines. They were doing the same thing. They were screaming, too. So I let go and it went blank. Then I heard my Marines yelling, 'AP! AP!' and they were trying to pull me out of the vehicle. Then I went blank again."AP went in and out of consciousness. He remembers someone trying to cut off his bloody uniform, and saying that he didn't appear to be hurt.
He thought he was shaken but physically fine. He took off his protective glasses and looked in what was left of the humvee's side mirror. Blood sprayed from his nose and a big gash close to his ear.
"I just thought, 'Oh my God. I'm f -- ed,' " he said.
He thought maybe the gash was just a deep scratch. He tried to stem the flow of blood with his finger. His finger sunk in deep.
"I remember getting cold, real cold, even though it was hot outside as hell," he said. "I remember my lance corporal talking to me, saying, 'Come on, AP, the chopper is coming. It won't be much longer.' But I couldn't really hear anything. My hearing was blocked. I saw everything in black and white."
AP wasn't listening to the medic or the other Marines. But his training kicked in when his lieutenant came over and told him to stay awake.
"I kept thinking, 'This is a lieutenant in the Marine Corps, I better do what he says. Thank God he did that."
Thank God that AP is a Marine - thank God he listened to and obeyed his lieutenant!
You need to go read the whole article and see how bravely our troops face the consequences of their choices. They may demur, but when it gets right down to it, each and every one of them is a hero. **OUR** job is to give them the respect and honor they so richly deserve, and to make sure that America finishes the job with dedication and determination.
Do not let their sacrifices be in vain. Do not let America drop the ball because of cowardice or boredom. Do not let America ignore their service and tarnish their honor.
Do not let America become unworthy of her sons and daughters who stand on the front lines and fight for freedom.
(Thanks, Raven.)
In a rare - but welcome! - instance of seriousness, Scott Ott, editor of the satire site, Scrappleface, responds to an e-mail:
The victims of Katrina are not really the victims of Katrina herself. The tragedy began long before the hurricane hit.
Natural disasters have always happened and always will. While,
mercifully, they don’t occur every day in every place, they are common
enough that we ought to have an expectation that bad things can and
will happen. We need to cultivate the inner resources in ourselves, our
children and our neighborhoods to cope with the inevitable. When we
cede that power and responsibility to the federal government, we
surrender a part of what makes us human and leave ourselves more
vulnerable to the tempest.[...]
Our state-run schools and spoon-fed media have conditioned us to
look to government. They’ve also trained us to take offense at any
expression of love that doesn’t result in government intervention and
redistribution of taxpayer dollars. ‘Compassion’ has been redefined as
‘entitlement’ and thus stripped of its power and utility.The devastating impact of this mindset is the apparent withering of
the individual spirit and of community cooperation which have been the
hallmarks of this great nation.But all is not yet lost, and perhaps not so much is lost as we have been led to believe.
These are just two little excerpts, and yet the whole piece sings of the beauty and durability and perseverance of the human spirit.
Please go read the whole thing!
(HT to my beloved blog-brother, Kender)
"You'll be in my heart..."
The men and women of our military are the best, the brightest, the BRAVEST, and they are in my heart. They are in my soul. They are in my prayers.
How I wish I were able to pray over and hug and thank each one personally - they are true heroes, fighting against opression with honor and valor... Even when their civilian authority falters in their courage and perseverance.
I ask our military to remember this:
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot."Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation."
And also, this:
God bless our men and women in uniform!
(HT to Beth at Blue Star Chronicles... Thanks, sister!)
...With a beauty quite divine
Perfect in this world of sin
On this silent, holy night
So begins the title track of Selah's Christmas album, Rose of Bethlehem. I've enjoyed this group's beautiful, harmonic singing, especially since they add tunes and rhythms unfamiliar to American ears. Their songs are also theologically sound, and remind me of the Great God I love and serve.
This song continues
There's a fragrance much like hope
That it sends upon the wind
Reaching out to every soul
From a lowly manger's cribChorus:
Oh, Rose of Bethlehem
How lovely, pure and sweet
Born to glorify the Father
Born to wear the thorns for meThere's a Rose in Bethlehem
Colored red like mercy's blood
Tis the flower of our faith
Tis the blossom of God's loveThough its bloom is fresh with youth
Surely what will be He knows
For a tear of morning dew
Is rolling down the RoseChorus
There's a Rose in Bethlehem
With a beauty quite divine
Perfect in this world of sin
On this silent, holy night
Two thousand years ago, Christ came softly and graciously into this tired and sin-cursed world. His pure and perfect beauty, the beauty of God made flesh, shines out through the centuries to all the world. The glory He gave to His Father in His faithful life and in the thorns He wore at His death, the hope and salvation He won for His children must ever be at the forefront of our minds.
Remember, although He was born to live among us - "Immanuel," God dwelling with us - He was also born to die for us. And so during this wonderous season, let us lift our minds and voices and spirits to praise and glorify the God who came to give us abundant life...
... His life.
(Linked at the Carnival of Christmas and at the Christmas Alliance.)
Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christ, Carnival of Christmas, Christmas Alliance, Selah, Rose of Bethlehem, music
As I sit here in the living room writing this, the Christmas tree's lights are off, the house's heat system is quietly blowing warm air, and I'm watching deer browse in my front yard, not 20 yards away. The sky is clear, and brightens a little with each typed word, the cats are stretching themselves awake, and my child and husband lie in our bed with the soft morning light guilding their peaceful faces.
My poor little Munchkin will be staying home from school today: she woke up at 4:30, not feeling too well, so we invited her to climb in with us. After a few twitches and wriggles, she fell back to sleep, cradled between Mom and Dad. When I woke at 7, I reached over and touched her face, which was fairly warm, and made the decision to let her sleep.
And then, I watched her sleep. I watched the curve of her cheek reflect the dawn, and gave thanks to our Maker that He has given me this treasured gift. As I left the bed to start my coffee, I looked at the two of them, husband and daughter, slumbering quietly together, and gave thanks yet again.
God has, indeed, blessed me greatly.
And I love my life!
May God's rich blessings rest on you and your family today. May He remind you of all the lavish blessings He has bestowed upon you,
and may He help each and every one of us to walk in His grace with humble and grateful hearts.
I pray also that God manifests Himself strongly in the lives of the men and women in our Armed Forces. I pray that He upholds them in honor and valor, that He guides them in His wisdom and grace, that He strengthens their minds and spirits, and that He guards and protects them as they fulfill their duties.
Thank You, Father, for Your abundant gifts of love and mercy. Thank You for Your salvation. I pray that You draw many to You, and that we may walk faithfully and joyfully in the shadow of Your wings. Glory to Your Name, O Lord - glory and power, majesty and honor, and praise and thanksgiving to Your holy Name!
(This post will remain at the top until further notice. Updates are below the fold, and for new posts please scroll down. Thank you!)
Project Valour-IT is a charitable project to raise funds to provide voice-activated laptops for our wounded troops. Each year, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine teams "compete" to see who can raise the most money for this project. Don't worry though - all the money will be distributed as needed; all our wounded heroes will benefit.
Make a donation to this worthy cause!
The goal this year is to raise $180,000.00 - or more! - and I've joined up to help Cassandra of Villanous Company raise money for the Marine Team.
Chris Rice, "Untitled Hymn (Call on Jesus)" from his Run the Earth, Watch the Sky album
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus... AND LIVE!
Can you do this? Have you taken His nail scarred hand, and accepted your Lord and His gift to you?
From Third Day's album, Wire "You Are Mine" -
It doesn't take much for my heart to break
You have done it for what seems a millionth time
Whenever I hear of Your saving grace
and how You gave Your life in exchange for mineChorus:
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
and why You ever chose to call me child
and I remember just by Your sacrifice
I can say that I am Yours and You are mineIt doesn't take much for me to shed a tear
You have done so many things to make me cry
Whenever I think all that I've done wrong
And everything You have done to make it rightChorus
It doesn't take much for my heart to break
You have done it for what seems a millionth time.
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
And why You ever chose to call me child
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
And why You ever chose to call me child
And I remember it's by Your sacrificeI can say that I am Yours and You are mine.
I can. Thank You for Your gift to me, Jesus. Thank You for being the Lover of my soul. Thank You for Your grace and mercy and kindness. Thank You for Your guidance and Your discipline.
I do not know why You chose to call me, but I am so grateful that You did!
As Third Day sings in another song, "Your Love, O Lord" -
Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings
Thank You, Father!
Glenn Reynolds quoted me recently, but didn't mention my name... I got a little miffed (which was wrong), and so I'm going to try to get some sort of blog burst going about the REAL issue:
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Every town in this country depends on men and women who volunteer their time and effort to save lives. Certainly, most metropolitan areas have paid or contract personnel, but there is no substitute for the backbone of these services, which depend upon volunteers.
These volunteers range, in the general sense, from candy-stripers to advanced medical technitians and firemen - and they all have one goal in mind:
To provide the best service to give health, life, and safety to the community
That's no quote from a website for any service... That is simply WHAT THEY **DO**
These men and women sacrifice their time and talents to provide their communities with the best health and safety services they can.
How can you climb aboard and lend your efforts?
These men and women -whether they are paid or volunteers - serve their communities with valor and dedication. Please let them know how much they are valued, and do whatever you can to assist them and make their jobs easier!
Please, blog about volunteering and training in First Aid. Keep this topic up and vibrant! I don't care if you link to me (well, I'd LIKE it, I won't lie, LOL), but remind people that they can make a difference in their communities: it all starts...
WITH ***YOU!!!***
Blogging about this:
Raven has spent the last 18+ months encouraging me, kicking me in the ass, pushing me to do better, and being one of the best internet friends I could wish for. She has been an irritant, a clown, a burr under the saddle, a pushy broad, a thought-provoker and a HUGE blessing to me, every day and every hour.
She is one of the real "Ladies of the Blogosphere," and her blog And Rightly So just turned two...
Please go on over and express your appreciation for Raven's love and passion for life and dedicated, quality healthcare - among so many other critical and fundamental things - and tell her
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!
I love you, Raven: you are a real friend and a Lady in the truest sense of the word. God has blessed me with you, and I cannot tell about all the wonderful blessings you have given back to me!
Technorati Tags: EMS, Fire Rescue, volunteer
Two hundred thirty one years ago today, the Continental Congress established our Navy. From two ships intended to act more like customs vessels, to our current size of over 300 ships and almost 400,000 men and women, our Navy has served and defended the United States of America with courage and honor.
Speaking as the wife of a retired Naval Officer, and as the daughter of a World War II Navy veteran, it is the Navy that is my favorite branch of the DoD. The Marines rock, the Army is awesome, the Airforce is stupendous, and the Cost Guard is fantastic (yes, I include the Coasties in our Armed Forces!) - but the US Navy is all these things and more!
Come on, we've got hot ships:
We've got fast planes:
We've got cool missles:
We've got stealthly submarines:
We've got guys that kick ass:
And we've got men and women who go out and do the job, day after day, with honor and bravery:
So, God bless them all, amd may all the citizens of the United States of America give them the honor and respect that these men and women - past and present - have earned. May the Navy always be blessed with the service of men and women of integrity and courage!
Happy Birthday to the United States Navy!
(h/t to Ms Underestimated)
Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig have been freed!
The freeing of FOX correspondent Steve Centanni, 60, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, ends the longest-running drama involving foreign hostages in Gaza.The two journalists were dropped off at Gaza City's Beach Hotel by Palestinian security officials. A tearful Centanni embraced a Palestinian journalist briefly as he entered, then rushed upstairs as Wiig followed.
Centanni, in a phone interview shortly after his release, said "I'm fine. I'm just so happy to be free."
He said he was so emotional because he was out and alive.
"There were times when I thought 'I'm dead,' and I'm not," Centanni said. "I'm fine. I'm so very happy."
Definitely a wonderful answer to prayer, and a perfect way to wake up rejoicing!
I am so glad that their families and friends can now celebrate the return of their loved ones, and I hope that Mr. Centanni and Mr. Wiig recover quickly from their ordeal.
Technorati Tags: Steve Centanni, Olaf Wiig, FoxNews, journalists, kidnap, hostages, Gaza, Palestine
I've just signed up with the 2996 Project to commemorate one of the fallen from September 11th.
On the fifth anniversary of the atrocity committed against America, we will celebrate the lives of those who died on that day. Instead of glorifying the barbaric terrorists who murdered so many, we will remember the lives and the heroism of each person who died.
I have been blessed to remember and honor Timothy A. Roy, a Sergeant with the NYPD.
The Project still need around 500 more bloggers to complete this tribute to each and every person who was killed that terrible day. Please consider going over and signing up. You will need to do some of your own research, but the Project is well organized, and your honoree's information will come up with Google, About, Ask, MSN, etc., links to assist you.
And never, ever forget!
(Crossposted to Kender's Musings)
Technorati Tags: 9/11, September 11, 2996 Project, Timothy A. Roy, victims
Here's your Monday morning wake-up ("WAKE UP, America!") video.
Mom showed me this when I was last down in Orlando, and one of my friends, Seth, just asked me a question which reminded me that I hadn't posted it. So - here it is:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Diamond Rio - "In God We Still Trust"
The lyrics:
You place your hand on His bible, when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments an' all our money too.
An' when we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand:
There's no separation, we're one nation under Him.In God, we still trust here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the going gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.Now there are those among us,
Who wanna push Him out.
And erase his name from everything,
This country's all about.
From the schoolhouse to the courthouse,
They're silencing His word,
An' now it's time for all believers,
To make our voices heard.In God, we still trust here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the goin' gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America,
Here in America,
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America
Dear Father, call us back to You. This glorious country was founded in prayer and love for You. We earned our freedom by Your power and Your grace. You have uniquely blessed us with a rich land; a wide, generous land teeming with variety and beauty. The work of Your hand is before us each and every day, and we rarely lift our hands in praise and thanksgiving.
Call us back to You, Lord! Send Your Spirit like a fire, and revive us again!
Techorati Tags: Diamond Rio, video, music, country music, In God We Trust
Extreme Mortman, a fellow Virginia blogger, has alerted me to ThanksUSA.org, which is organizing a national treasure hunt. This charity was started by two industrious people: Kelsi Okun (8) and Rachel Okun (10), and they are raising funds for scholarships for our military families.
Make sure you go over to Extreme Mortman for his interview with these two young ladies, and then go support the cause!
David, over at Third World County, sends me over to this Google Video:
Thank you, veterans! God bless you!
Twenty years ago, in Corpus Christi, TX, a young woman - just 22 years old - walked down the aisle on the arm of her beloved Dad. At the front of the little church on the Naval base, a young man - just 24 years old - waited for her. He was dressed in choker whites that had only a single, gold bar on the shoulder.
It was a small ceremony - just close family and a few friends who were in the area. The music played, and the minister said those old, old words over them, and the young man and woman pledged their lives to each other.
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God - and in the face of this company - to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly - but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace.K, do you take D to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep him, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?
I will. And so began my married life to this wonderful young man.
Now it's twenty years later, and I still look back on that day with joy. I am still married to this young man. Oh, we've changed, of course - a little greyer, a bit heavier, a little wiser - but when I look at him, I still see that young Navy Ensign waiting for me at the front of the church.
Father in Heaven, thank You so much for giving this man to me. Thank You for his love and care of me. Thank You for all the rich blessings You keep showering upon us. Thank You for our beloved daughter, who is such an amazing mix of the two of us. Thank You for keeping us together through all of life's trials and tribulations, in uncertainty and joy, in travels and at home. Thank You, thank You, for this brave and honorable man!
Honey, thank you for being such a fantastic husband. I love you more now than I did twenty years ago, and I'm looking forward to at least another forty more. You are my hero, my lover, my friend, and my joy. You are the best possible man for me, and I am astounded and greatful for the way you compliment me and provide strentgh to my weakness and calm to my storm. There is no one in the world I would rather have to sleep by, to cook for, to raise a child with, to live with until death do us part - than you.
I love you, Beloved. Happy Anniversary!
Betsy Newmark and the Anchoress pick up this story from the Southern, a newspaper in southern Illinois:
|
|
|
One of those friendships involved a Kabul rug merchant who pulled Gile aside before he left the country. The merchant told Gile the story of an elderly man, so overwhelmed with gratitude to the United States for its intervention in the conflict that he made a gift for President Bush - a gift that was a year in the making and made, given the conditions of the country, under penalty of death.Gile was astonished when he saw the hand-knotted rug, a portrait of Bush, filled with Christian and Catholic symbolism. Filling the center of the rug is an incredible likeness of Bush, dressed in religious vestments, standing at a podium decorated with the official seal of the country and flanked by two waving American flags.
Directly above Bush is Jesus with a sacred heart and stigmata carefully knotted into the rug's pattern. The rug also shows cherubs and, apparently in an homage to both Bush and a fallen Northern Alliance leader, two lions.
"(Ahmed Shah) Masood was often called 'the Lion of Panjshir.' As one of the country's military leaders, he put some very, very heavy licks to the Soviets and then turned around and delivered the same to the Taliban," Gile said. "He was assassinated two days before 9/11."
One corner of the rug reads, "President George W. Bush," while the opposing corner has the words, "Number one champion."
Gile said he was impressed by the man's efforts.
"For this man to sequester himself away for a year to hand knot this rug speaks highly of his gratitude," he said. "And for an extraordinarily devout Muslim to have taken very strong Christian and Catholic symbology and incorporate them into the rug is amazing. He may come from a different religious culture, but he was respectful enough to do that, and that is very interesting and humbling."
Indeed. This really is the mission of America - to free people who are cruelly oppressed, while ensuring our national security. Yes, our security is the primary goal, but America has always had a big enough heart that it is never our only goal.
I truly hope that Grayson Gile, who recieved the rug and accepted the mission of presenting it to President Bush, is successful in his mission.
And somewhere in Afghanistan, a man who now lives free will have the satisfaction of knowing that the leader of the free world knows that someone is thankful for the strength and determination of the United States of America.
"Sunday Thoughts" has its first airing today on Wide Awakes Radio at 4:30pm, ET (3:30 CT, and 1:30 PT).
Today, I'll be talking a bit about my doctrine, using the Nicene Creed as an outline. This one is going to be a it heavy, but I believe that my listeners need to know where I stand. Future "Sunday Thoughts" will be a bit lighter in tone, generally speaking
So don't forget to tune in for my first show!
I won't be on live, so if you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to e-mail me at cathousechat -AT- gmail -DOT- com.
Next week, I'm planning to discuss the tiredness we often feel in the midst of our rat-race-crazy lives. Of course, God may have other ideas He wants me to talk about, so if He wants to change the schedule, I'm gonna listen to Him!
Yesterday when I was "on air" with Cao and Terry, I mentioned the fact that my father had stood at the foot of Ens. George Gay's bed, while Ens. Gay debriefed Dad's C.O. Mr. Gay was the sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8, at the Battle of Midway.
I couldn't remember the Ensign's squadron at the time, but that was fortunate. Very soon after I got off the air, I recieved an e-mail which gave me the needed info, and continued:
I first heard of him, from all places- In a poem on the wall of the Tribune Tower- while replacing the decking of one of the towers. Let me see if I can dig it up.
How delightful! I e-mailed our listener back and asked him to send me a copy of that poem if he had the time and opportunity. Today, my friend L.S. Mope, Imperial Liaison Officer, Imperial Pork Purveyor, and Master Infidel, has dug up a copy with the assistance of John Dewey of the Tribune Properties.
My deepest gratitude goes out to both men, and I reproduce it here in its entirety:
Victory at MidwayOne man left to tell the story
Of Torpedo Squadron Eight
Splendid story of the glory
Of a rendezvous with fate.Fifteen planes with thirty heroes!
(Twenty-nine were doomed to die.)
Plunging though a cloud of Zeros
Down the danger-ridden sky.Twenty-nine, with proud devotion,
Ere the fatal flight was done
Vanished in the hungry ocean -
But the victory was won!One man left to tell the story
Of a rendezvous with fate -
Tell the story of the glory
Of Torpedo Squadron Eight.
I don't know the circumstances which led to this poem being chiseled into the walls of the Tribune Tower - and I'm assuming it's this Tribune Tower in Chicago - but I am so glad that it was.
What have we become today, that there are no verses, no monuments, no visible honor given to the many, many heroes and heroines who so selflessly serve this country today?
Thank you, L. S. Mope, for putting another facet on the diamonds in my Father's memory!
Actual traffic for our first day FAR exceeded Wide Awakes Radio projections...
THANK YOU!!!!
However, that means that our temporary server is a bit, um, steamy. Folks, it's smoking! You guys sent us so much support and traffic and interest that... Baby, the server just couldn't keep UP!!
So! The proper server for Wide Awakes Radio is scheduled to be installed Friday, (UPDATE: and active Saturday) (and yikes! UPDATE yet again: this is the proper post that ought to be linked for info) and from what I understand it's possible that we'll be down until that server is activated. I could be wrong, and I'll keep you updated...
But, WOW!!!! Your support and interest made this happen, and we'll be back as soon as God gives us the path.
Which - if I know Kender (which I *DO*) - just might possibly (not probably... just POSSIBLY!) be tomorrow... ;-) (Yep... I'm an optimist, and have boundless faith in our stupendous staff!)
Technorati tags: Wide Awakes Radio, Wide Awakes, WAR
I just got off my first session as a "live" host - On Air Talent - on Wide Awakes Radio. Cao and Terry Dillard were on with me, and right at the end, we got a quick check in with JACK IDEMA!
It was fun, we had a great exchange - Israel, Discovery, our beloved and honored troops - and I am charged UP!!!
Gee. Maybe I can do LIVE radio, after all ;-)
