CatHouse Chat

God bless Kyle Busch and M&Ms - NASCAR #18 car!!!

Tomorrow night, September 10th, the Richmond International Raceway is hosting the NASCAR Wonderful Pistachios 400 (??? OK, crazy name...), and my Beloved and a friend of his are up there enjoying a guys' weekend out. Well, earlier today, they tweeted this photo to me:

Kyle Busch, who drives #18 (sponsored by M&Ms), is apparently the favorite to win, and I pray he does! Because not only is he racing in the Red White and Blue, M&Ms and Busch have stripped ALL corporate sponsorship logos from the car so that she can race in honor of the fallen of 9/11.

God bless you, sir. Thank you, M&Ms (I am so glad that they are my favorite candy already!)

My Beloved tells me that the tailgate reads,

 

"Never forget!"

In preparation for Resurrection Day (also known as Easter *grinz*)

You know, technology can be a pain and it can be dangerous - but it can also be a blessing. I was listening to my Christian "channel" on Pandora today, and a song by Shane and Shane came up that was PERFECT for today: "Before the Throne of God Above."

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

Isn't it amazing that the God who created all the "infinite" universe - all the stars and galaxies, all the cells and atoms, all the people and animals that exist - would care so much for humanity that He came down to us and lived among us? Isn't it incredible that the God we sin and rebel against every day would still love us so much that He, in the Person of His Son, stands before the Father every moment, interceding for His children? Doesn't it fill you with awe that this perfect, holy, transcendent God would still be so involved with His creation and so desiring to reconcile us to Himself that He would bear all the punishment for our sins and pay the penalty in full on our behalf?!

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

Christian, do you realize that nothing you do can ever make God love you more? Do you realize that nothing you do can make Him love you LESS? Do you realize that He has loved you with an everlasting love and has chosen you as His child from the foundations of the earth? Do you - and I - really understand that no matter how intensely and truthfully Satan may accuse us and bring up all our sin, the sacrifice of the only begotten Son of God as a propitiation for our sins has completely removed all the filthiness of sin? We stand efore God clothed in the perfect righteousness of His Son,m who loved us and gave Himself for our salvation.

Unbeliever, do you understand that God's mercy is deeper than the depths of the sea and more vast than all the heavens, and that He is willing and eager to gather you into His family and into eternal joy - if you will only listen to His Spirit calling your name and repent? The Perfect Father is waiting with open arms and will hold you close in His arms and pour out His love upon you if you will only come to Him!

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Satan is no longer my master; I have a new Master who desires only my eternal good. Satan has been defeated, and my new Master will no longer allow Satan to steal, kill and destroy me. Satan's power over me is broken forever, and if I resist him, he will flee. Instead of a callous slavemaster, I am now under the care and authority of the Loving Father who holds me in His hand and will never leave me nor forsake me. Though the devil may accuse me, I look upon the Author and Finisher of my faith: Christ Jesus, whose Spirit dwells within me... And greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world!

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Jesus cried out on the Cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" The very Son of God, who always did all that the Father commanded and in whom the Father was well-pleased, prayed to His Father for my forgiveness - for your forgiveness! How could God not have heard His Son's prayer and granted it with all His heart?!

Jesus cried out, "IT IS FINISHED!" All the infinite debt for our sins has been completely satisfied - paid in full. Jesus' work on the Cross has fully appeased the just wrath God had toward us, and now His resurrected life brings us into the very presence of His Father. We are now clothed in the spotless white of Jesus perfection and are presented before the Throne of God without stain or blemish.

No further sacrifices, no other acts of atonement are required of us - they would, indeed, be blasphemous! Since Jesus' perfect, complete, and finished work of atonement has been accomplished, Christians are now free to live before Him in grateful love and joy. We can now follow Him in liberty, desiring to do His will out of love rather than fear. We have been loosed from the terror of the penalty of the Law and follow the Spirit of God because the Law is now written on our hearts.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

So I look back to yesterday, Good Friday, and can mourn: it was MY sin that nailed Him to that Cross. But I also look back to Good Friday and rejoice, because Jesus knew my sin before I ever lived - and He loved me enough to provide the only way to gather me into His eternal kingdom.

I contemplate the stillness of this Saturday, when Jesus' body lay in the Tomb and Satan had apparently defeated God... I see that sad stillness and I look forward to Sunday, Resurrection Day, when Jesus rose from the grave in triumph over sin, death, and Satan. Jesus' resurrection is the proof of His completed work on the Cross - proof that God the Father had fully accepted the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf.

It. Is. FINISHED!

He is risen - He is risen indeed!

Christ has triumphed over my sin, and I can only live a life of loving gratitude and joy for all He has done for me.

Do you know Him? Have you bowed before Him to say "thank You"? Have you laid your life and hopes and dreams at His feet, knowing that He will remake them into an everlasting hymn of praise and glory to His name? Do you understand that though you give up your life to Christ, He will give it back to you transformed into holy perfection and multiplied to an eternal expression of His abundant life?

All I can do is echo His praises and point you to His perfection and love...

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

(crossposted to Virginia Virtucon)

Passover

Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.

‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you.

So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’”

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. It will come to pass when you come to the land which the LORD will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. Then the children of Israel went away and did so; just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. (Exodus 12:1-28, NKJV)

A few thousand years ago, God called His chosen people out of Egypt - but not before He had brought a series of judgements upon the land where they lived. Most people think that these judgements were only against Egypt, but here you see that the Jews who did not listen to and obey God's command would also suffer the consequences of the wrath of God.

The blood on the doorposts pointed to the sacrifice required to pay for the consequences of sin "for without shedding of blood, there is no remission" of sin. (Hebrews 9:22) Someone, something, must be given up to placate the wrath of the Holy and Perfect God against the sins of man.

This past Sunday, Christians celebrated Palm Sunday commemorating  Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

God presented His perfect, unblemished Lamb - His only begotten Son - to His chosen people. At the exact right time, in precisely the right manner, Israel's rightful Lord and King entered Jerusalem to the shouts of praise from thousands of people:

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

       “ Tell the daughter of Zion,
      ‘ Behold, your King is coming to you,
      Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
      A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

      “Hosanna to the Son of David!
      'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
      Hosanna in the highest!”

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11)

God had returned to Jerusalem!

But only a few days later was Passover, the reminder of God's mercy in sparing the firstborn of Israel - and this time, God had provided His own Lamb, His judgement fell on that Lamb, and the Wrath of God wase poured out upon His Son who had offered Himself up as a propitiation for us all.

I would ask my brothers and sisters in Christ to keep His willing, loving sacrifice before us each and every day of our lives. Because Jesus suffered the full wrath of His Father in our place, we now walk in joyful freedom and loving obedience - or, we SHOULD. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our salvation, and run with perseverance the race He has set before us - looking only unto Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

And I would ask - humbly, with earnest love - that my Jewish friends would turn their eyes upon Jesus and see that their long-awaited Messiah has come! He awaits them with open arms, longing to circumcise their hearts as they have circumcised their flesh. Just as God provided Abraham with the ram, so He has provided His own Lamb for the sins of His people so that the Law will no longer be a curse but a blessing!

As Paul - a Pharisee of Pharisees, a persecutor of Christ, and finally Christ's chosen apostle to the Gentiles - says of his people the Jews:

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:1-13)

And in the meantime, I wish everyone a Passover and Easter filled with thanksgiving and joy, friends and family, and prayerful contemplation of all that our generous, loving and sovereign God has done for us.

SHALOM!

Hi, I'm Gomer, the sheep...

Yeah, a weird title, I know. But it came out of listening to two different Christian programs today that really run together quite well. The first program was from Mark Driscoll at Mars Hill Church:

The second program is from Ravi Zacharias' program, "Just Thinking," from a four-part series called "Worship: A Clue to the Meaning in Life."

Pastor Mark speaks of the parable of the Lost Sheep, wherein the Good Shepherd leaves 99 sheep who are not lost to go search out the one who is lost and carries it home. Dr. Zacharias mentioned the prophet Hosea, who God called to marry a harlot named Gomer as a picture of God's relationship with Israel.

So, hello - I'm Gomer the sheep.

Sheep are dumb. They're weak, they're not very tough, and they often like to wander off and get lost. They're really too stupid to find their way back home, and when they're out away from the flock and the Shepherd, they tend to get into trouble and get beaten up, abused and into some really bad situations. Fortunately, if they belong to the Good Shepherd (in other words, if they really ARE a sheep and not a goat), He always searches them out, puts them on His shoulder and carries them back home. My Shepherd is always on the lookout for me, ready to rescue me from danger, clean me up and get me back with the flock so I can be safe, close to Him.

Gomer was a harlot. Hosea married her and loved her and had two children with her - and she left a happy, secure and loving home and went back to her prostitution. Pretty confusing, isn't it? Why would she leave a good situation to go back to the filth and degradation of whoring herself out? Certainly one could understand if Hosea threw up his hands and had nothing else to do with her - but he doesn't. In obedience to God's command and as a beautiful picture of God's love for His wayward and rebellious people, Hosea searches Gomer out and takes her back as his wife. He never stopped loving her, and he returns her to her home and cherishes her. Just like God keeps searching out His sinful people and keeps pouring out grace into our lives, even when we don't deserve it!

So, hello again: I'm a stupid, weak, wandering, rebellious and sinful sheep named Gomer.

But my Husband, my Savior, my Shepherd keeps searching high and low, chasing after me and carrying me back to Himself, showing me His eternal love and pouring out His infinite grace upon my life. He holds me tight to His heart, and that small reflection in His eye - the one you have to get very, very close to see - that's where I am. He has clothed me in the righteousness of His Son, not for anything that I've done, but just because for some unfathomable reason He has chosen to set His love upon me!

And so, I'm happy to be a stupid sheep named Gomer - and by the grace and guidance of my Beloved Shepherd and Husband, I will get better and walk ever more closely to Him in love and worship.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Romans 8

I think that Romans 8 is the most glorious, the most freeing, the most comforting, and the most uplifting chapter in the whole Bible (well, for me, anyway!). For ten years and more, Romans 8 is where I go when I need reassurance, when I need to remember God's love, and when I need to be reminded of just why I really do want to forsake sin and obey the infinite, awesome and holy God who loves me and gave Himself for me.

Earlier today, I'd posted on Facebook (via my Android YouVersion app) Romans 8:30 -

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

This prompted a couple of "likes" and and a comment from a friend, and here is what I replied:

Romans 8 is probably my mostest favoritest in the whole Bible ;-) The picture of God's infinite kindness and mercy in forgiving all who come to Him through His Son is amazing!

And He doesn't just do that, but He also adopts us and gives us the right to call Him Father - DADDY! He promises us that He will work everything out to make it bring forth good things... He promises us that He will bring us to Himself (see the verse quoted above), and He promises that He is FOR US - and so nothing can really be against us.

Most of all, at the end of the chapter, He promises us that NOTHING can separate us from the love He has for us through His Son - nothing created, nothing above or below, no powers of angels or demons - NOTHING can separated us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

When I meditate on this chapter - and I've returned to it many, MANY times over the past 10 years - it keeps getting deeper and richer and more wonderful to me. I read it and praise the God who made me and who brought me out of darkness and into the glory of His salvation and His kingdom...

I meditate on these words and am astonished that people can refuse this glorious and beautiful eternal gift. How could anyone not see the infinite love that sent Jesus, willingly, to the Cross to die for the sins of His sheep?! How can anyone be told of this marvelous thing and NOT run to God and fling themselves at Him so He can catch us and hold us in His love forever?!

Oh, how I long for God to send His Spirit for the conviction of sin and the resurrection of some particular souls in my life! I know that I need a continual revival in my heart, and I know that I need to live a life of continual repentance and rejoicing in God's great goodness and mercy towards me, but how I long for His blessed and irresistable call to come to... my someone!

God has been BEYOND good to me... and His mercy is over all the earth

Cooking dinner tonight and chatting with my Beloved about "whatever"...Teasing and joking quips bouncing between him, our daughter and me... Seeing our darling daughter make good choices with a wonderful attitude... Getting hugs and love from the BEST hubby and daughter... Being HONORED to teach Sunday School for my group tomorrow... Having good health, a job with a superior boss, a roof over our heads, enough to supply our needs and many wants, an embarrassing amount of truly excellent friends...

God has been so good!

Crystal Lewis proclaims my gratitude PERFECTLY -

God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good
God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good

I don't always say the right things
Boy I try
I don't always live my life the right way
But God is faithful to forgive me
When I fail or fall
I am unworthy of it all
Still He keeps on givin

God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good
God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good

My God has given me
More than I ever dreamed
A precious family
And friends who care for me
Why should he love me so
Oh that Ill never know
I am unworthy of it all
Still He keeps on givin to me

God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good
God's been good to me
Oh God's always been good

It would take hours and days at a time
For me to sit down and write down
All the things Hes done
Let me say this that its nothing I've done
But its the grace He gives freely to everyone

Tell everybody
Tell everybody 'bout it
Tell everybody
Everybody 'ought to know

"God's Been Good to Me" was brought to mind because I heard Crystal's version of "Be Thou My Vision," an old, glorious hymn that I pray - ONE DAY - I may live to the fullest:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

 

 

 

A joy from the past - Kender podcasts the Carnival of Christmas (2009)

For those of you listening to his re-broadcast of the awesome job he did recapitulating the 2009 Carnival of Christmas, here is the original link...

Unfortunately, I could not post a Carnival this year due to the general craziness of life. God willing, I will have the opportunity to upload some sort of Christmas blessing to the blogosphere... but *sigh* no guarantees!

(UPDATE: I suppose I should link to Kender's site for the broadcast, right? You can find him here and here.)

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! (UPDATED)

This past year has been a very full one for me. Between my glorious trip to Israel and the sadness of my father's death, it seems to have flown by with barely a pause for breath.

Today, as a nation, we make ourselves pause to take that breath and to return thanks to our sovereign God and King. All that He has given us, both through trials and blessings, come from His hand to turn us to Him and to teach us to reflect His glory and holiness. God sheds His grace on both His children and those who hate Him; He is patient and kind in showing forth His love so that all men know His eternal godhead and power - even if they refuse to acknowledge it.

This Thanksgiving, as you enjoy your dinner or football game and the company of family and friends, I pray that you will take some time to reflect on God's love and kindness and the blessings He has poured out into your life. If you have not already bowed your head and trusted in Him with your whole heart, I pray that you will take this opportunity to do so and become His true child, destined for eternal blessing.

Father, as we come before You today, we lift up our voices in praise and gratitude to the only wise God. We offer You our thanks for the protection and provision You have given to us throughout the year, and we humbly ask that - if it be Your will - You continue to set a hedge of protection around us.

You provide for all our needs, Father, and so many of our wants! Help us to remember Your generosity so that we become generous people in response.

Thank You for this prosperous and free country we live in; please allow us to continue to grow in freedom. But more importantly, please send Your Spirit to revive our hearts and turn them towards You so that we may grow in righteousness and holiness. Help us to show our gratitude to You by obeying You and reflecting Your love and glory to the world.

UPDATE: Ah, I've been reminded of George Washington's proclamation of the first day of Thanksgiving, and am reproducing it here. President Washington says it far better than I ever could!

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleafed to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

 

A welcome and surprise late birthday present

.... which provides still more proof that I am, officially, married to the Most Awesome and Wonderful Husband in the Universe™. (Just so y'all know, y'know?)

In January of 1987, just about 6 months after we were married in Corpus Christi, TX, we arrived at our very first duty station in Rota, Spain - VQ-2 (Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2, which is now based out of Whidbey Island, WA)). Thus began what was kind of a three year honeymoon; we both loved our time in Spain and had lots of fun during those three years. We met lots of fun people, ate lots of excellent food (it's stayed with me - but I can't regret it!), traveled, and basically had the time of our life for the Beloved husband's first tour in the US Navy.

One of the things I loved about Spain was a drink called ponche ("pohn-CHAY"), more specifically, Ponche Caballero. I've always called it "Spain's answer to Gran Marnier," but it's not quite that - it's unique to Spain. Ponche is a much "softer" spirit than Gran Marnier; they both have that intense orange aroma, but Ponche is a sweeter liquor. We'd have it in our cafe con leche, we'd drizzle it over a little vanilla ice cream, we'd sip it neat - we'd enjoy it just about any way we could get it!

Well, we left Spain in January of 1990 to begin our journey to two tours in Hawaii (join the Navy and see the world, folks - we lived it!), and I haven't had ponche since. I've often searched for it in liquor stores and asked them to check their distribution lists, to no avail. Once the Internet got up and running and Google really came online (yes, I AM old enough to remember that - I was one of Google's first search customers, LOL), I'd do the occasional search to try and find an outlet for ponche. I did find one about 10 years ago in Miami, but had no way to get it across state lines via a mail service (I didn't think of having it sent to my parents' and picking it up from them [headsmack]), but that one dropped off the results in a couple of years. About a year ago, I did find one source, but didn't think my Beloved would appreciate me spending over $300 to buy six bottles and have them delivered. The price for the ponche wasn't so bad, it was the shipping that cost a fortune! Plus, considering we used to pay about $8 a bottle in Spain, I really couldn't justify such an extravagance.

Well. Enter the Most Awesome and Wonderful Husband in the Universe™! 

SIX BOTTLES!!! Six bottles full of yummy deliciousness...!

I think, after I've put five of the bottles under lock and key (LOL), that I'm going to have to start plotting a Spanish dinner night. *grinz*

THANK YOU to my mostest awesomest wonderfulest Beloved Husband!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good and loving father is an incredible blessing to his daughters

The culture strongly encourages girls to discuss intimate matters only with other women. Who but a woman would understand a woman’s experience?

Of course, this deprives girls of a good relationship with the most important man in their lives. And it also tells them that the only people they should listen to are people who are just like them. So much for empathy. Narcissism, anyone? 

And let’s be clear. While Time Magazine sexes up the topic by referring to sex talks, most girls do not want to sit around talking about gross anatomy with their fathers.

What they do want, and what they would find helpful, is an open line of communication, through which they could learn how boys see them, what it means when boys behave this way or that, how best to negotiate the difficulties of adolescent flirtations. 

Wouldn’t it be a good idea for girls to learn something about the male mind, and, at the same time, to learn how to confide in an adult male whose primary desire is to protect them and help guide their growth and development?

via stuartschneiderman.blogspot.com

I am blessed and honored to be the wife of a man who loves our daughter - now 14 - to pieces. From the day we first heard her heartbeat at my three-month pregnancy check-up and to this day, he has showered her with love and attention, instruction and correction.

I, too, was blessed with a wonderful father, and I can give my personal affirmation that his influence in my life has made me stronger, wiser, more confident and happier than I would have been without him. For a general idea of how much my Daddy affected me and my life, you can check out these posts.

I see in my daughter a similar confidence and self-assurance. She loves attention, but she's not desperate for it. She's confident, but not arrogant. She is open, honest, and truly a joy to be around - and I'm not saying that due to my bias in her favor! I can attribute a lot of my Darling Munchkin's excellent character to the influence and guidance of her father, my Beloved Husband.

So, if you're a father of a daughter, love her and cherish her. Talk to her. Spend time with her... and love her mother, too!

Hallelujah, glory be to our great God!

I heard this song on my Droid this morning, and I had to repost this entry from February, 2007:

I first heard this beautiful song, "Our Great God," on the City on a Hill album Sing Alleluia. It is a rhythmic, driving, and dramatic duet between Mac Powell of Third Day, and Fernando Ortega. I believe Mr. Ortega actually wrote it, as it also appears as a solo on his album Storm.

Because of my odd ear (the first version of a song that I hear and like is always and ever, to me, the "original"), I prefer the duet. However, I highly recommend Mr. Ortega's albums, because they are superb! His voice, the simplicity of his recordings, and the purity of the lyrics - he loves to record old hymns - are simply out of this world, and excellent to listen to and meditate upon.

Of course, when I want to worship from my gut, Third Day cannot be beat. They have a southern-rock style which grabs you, shakes you up, and gets you dancing before the Lord before you know what you're doing! Mac Powell also has a wonderful duet with Randy Travis, "Love Lifted Me," on Randy's Worship and Faith CD. Mac's powerful, growly voice compliments Ortega's light, classical tenor as well as Randy's country bass, and you should go and listen to the samples on all the linked albums - I think you'll find a lot to enjoy.

But the words of this song never fail to make me lift my eyes to Heaven in praise and gratitude to the Living God, who reached down and rescued me from Satan's clutches. I now serve, however imperfectly, the One True God and live in His kingdom of light and love and righteousness.

Eternal God, unchanging,
Mysterious and unknown -

Father, You are so big! You are infinite, and we will never know You entirely. But You have given us Your Word, and so we know that You are holy and just, merciful and loving, righteous and powerful. We know that You created the world and all that is in it, and we know that You have created each and every one of us in Your image.

Your boundless love, unfailing,
In grace and mercy shown.

You shower Your love upon us each and every day: You offer Your salvation with a patient, consistent hand; You send the rain and guide the Sun; You hold the Universe together by the power of Your Word. You sustain our lives and each breath that we take, and You provide us all that we need. We know of Your great love by Your Word and the awesome sacrifice You made for our salvation on the Cross. The bounty of Your goodness and grace pours over us in an everlasting display of Your loving-kindness!

Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight
Around Your glorious throne,
They raise their voices day and night
In praise to You alone.

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory!" Thus sing the the seraphim endlessly, giving due honor and praise to their Creator. The Lord is high and lifted up, He is exalted above all the Universe, for it is His Word that brought everything into existence, and there is nothing made that He has not made. Father, help us to live in praise to You and follow the example of the seraphim; let us always keep Your perfect holiness in our minds, and live openly and humbly before You.

Lord, we are weak and frail,
Helpless in the storm.

Father, without You, we are lost and dead in our sin. We deserve judgment and Hell, yet You have reached down to us and provided Your salvation. You in Your mercy and grace have given us what we cannot earn and do not deserve: Heaven and eternal life. Father, remind us that in our weakness we may rest in You and Your power. Help us remember and trust that You are our mighty fortress, our strong tower of refuge. You hold us in Your hand, and nothing can wrest us from Your embrace.

Surround us with Your angels,
Hold us in Your arms.

Your love is displayed daily in Your protection and provision. Your holy angels watch over us at Your order, and while we are thankful, we still know that it is You and You alone who truly protects us. You will never leave us nor forsake us, and You will never desert us to our foes. We can do all things in the power of Your strength. You and You alone are worthy of our praise and worship. You and You alone deserve all honor and glory!

Our cold and ruthless enemy,
His pleasure is our harm!
Rise up, o Lord, and he will flee
Before our Sovereign God!

Satan is a defeated foe. He is but a creature, and will one day be undone with a simple word from Your mouth. True, he is powerful - but greater is Your Spirit who dwells in us. You have promised that if we resist the devil he will flee, but we can only do that in Your power and strength.

Let every creature in the sea,
And every flying bird;
Let every mountain, every field,
And valley of the Earth;
Let all the moons and all the stars
In all the Universe

Let all of creation acknowledge its Creator. Let all creation bow down before its Lord!

Sing praises to the Living God
Who rules them by His Word!

Our God - the Living God - is Sovereign and in control. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and there is no place we can hide from Him. He sustains the Universe by His power alone, and He does not sleep or grow weary. Our King is on His throne, guiding and protecting, providing and calling, judging and forgiving. His will is unstoppable, and there is none who can resist it. He is perfect in holiness and glory, and there is nothing which can compare with Him!

Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!

Amen!

(I pray that this reminds you - as it does me - of the wonderful, glorious love and grace that God offers to us!)

A cure for the Monday blues...

Well, it's been a long time since I did a "Songs from my iPod" post - possibly because I haven't HAD an iPod for about 2 years. Now, of course, I have my wonderful MotoDroid and can get Pandora. I've also got an awesome BlueTooth-to-radio device by Motorola that my Beloved Husband got me, so I can truly enjoy music wherever I go.

I've set up a Christian "station" for myself on Pandora, and here's what blessed me this morning:

Rebecca St. James' "Song of Love," from her worship GOD album:

Jesus, King of my heart
Father, my peace and my light
Spirit, the joy of my soul You are

Jesus, to you none compare
Father, I rest in Your care
Spirit, the hope of my heart You are

CHORUS:
The heavens declare You are God
And the mountains rejoice
The oceans cry Alleluia
As we worship You Lord
For this is our Song of Love

Jesus, You save my soul
I'll thank You forevermore
Jesus, the love of my life You are

CHORUS

Jesus, I am in awe
Of the love that You have shown
Jesus, how precious You are to me

CHORUS

[source]

Paul Coleman's "The One Thing," from his Let It Go album:

Here I am
In a river of questions
Can I pour my heart out to a listening ear?
I see this life
Its valley's and mountains
And I think of all the roads that brought me here

I've questioned my reasons
The life I'm living
I've questioned my ability 
To judge wrong from right
I've questioned all the things that I've ever called certain
My race, my religion, my country, my mind

But the one thing I don't question is you
You really love me like you say you do
You really love me like you say you do
Hold me
Hold me

I've questioned significance
Meaning and relevance 
Does the work I'm doing really matter at all?
Well I've questioned my friendships
Alliance, dependence
Who will still be here when I fall?

Only one thing doesn't change
Only one thing stays the same
All I know at the end of the day is your love remains

[source]

And finally, Third Day's song, "Medley" (from their Offerings II: All I Have To Give album), has a snippet from the old classic, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" -

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

So, there you go. If you are wearied by Monday and long for the weekend, remind yourself of the true and everlasting Sabbath Rest we have in Jesus. Lay your burdens down at His feet; trust in His strength and promises. "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim," and He will hold us while we sing Him our Song of Love.

May God richly bless you today as you trust and follow Him!

(crossposted to Virginia Virtucon)

Twenty four fantastic years!

Happy anniversary to my Mostest Bestest Beloved Husband and me - twenty four years ago, we were married in Corpus Christi, TX, and I've been blessed with a man who loves and cherishes me, adores our child, and is a steadfast friend through thick and thin.

Happy Anniversary, Beloved! Here's to the next 24 - and beyond!

The Kindle app for Android has arrived!

Image via Wikipedia

And this is fanTAStic!

Who needs an actual Kindle? ... Well, OK, it would be nice, but dealing with reading on my phone has proven to be quite convenient.

Anyway, this is awesome timing  considering that I leave on my tour of Israel next Wednesday. I've also found several excellent theological works - John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan, Aquinas - available via the Kindle store that are very inexpensive-to-free. So assuming that my battery holds out in "airplane mode" for a decent time (and yes, I'll be able to charge it in Israel; I'm mainly worried about the flight to/from Tel Aviv), I'll have all the reading material I could possibly want!

Life is good - and God's provision is wonderful!

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The blessings of my life...

I am BEYOND blessed... I am enjoying a quiet night in and around the pool with the Beloved Husband. Hawaiian music (courtesy of Pandora, Verizon Wireless, and my MotoDroid...) playing quietly in the background...

How can life on earth get better?!

Happy Fathers' Day

I wasn't able to post in honor of Mothers' Day since Daddy passed that morning. But today has been peaceful, and I was honored to supply the flowers for the sanctuary in Daddy's honor.

Thank you to all the fathers out there who have stepped up and earned the wonderful title, "Daddy." May God richly bless you and your family!

Google Listen just got a WHOLE lot better....

... mainly because I just figured out that I can add a podcast feed to the "Listen Subscriptions" folder in Google Reader, and it will be picked up by the app on my MotoDroid.

Listen has been driving me insane because it was extremely difficult to find the podcasts I wanted using the search engine in the app. Frankly, I was seriously beginning to wonder if there was a bias against Christian podcasts!

But now I've got my daily Bible reading, J. Vernon McGee's "Through the Bible," and Ravi Zacharias' "Let My People Think." Plus, there are a whole slew of excellent teachers to whom I now have access.

WOOT!

Eulogizing my father, Harry Harlan Stuart II

Yesterday, the mail delivered the CDs of my father's memorial service from 18May, and it was an emotional experience to re-listen to the tributes we paid to him. The service was about an hour and fifteen minutes long, but I've trimmed it down to include only the personal remembrances.

First, Pastor Jim Henry spoke. Pastor Jim is the pastor-emeritus of First Baptist Orlando and past president of the Southern Baptist Convention. As you will hear, we didn't know until the very last minute that he would be able to attend, and it was a great honor that he was able to attend and participate. Pastor Jim is one of the hosts for the tour of Israel I'll be going on next month, and he was very tender toward me the day of Daddy's memorial; I know he'll take good care of us all while we're there in the Holy Land.

Second to speak was Del Wright, of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Del and Daddy had a very close and loving relationship; I am honored to think of him as Daddy's second son. During the two weeks leading up to Daddy's death, Del was a huge encouragement to me. He gave strong and kind support to us all, and his love and respect for Daddy shone through every word and action. He references an award that the local chapter of the FCA gives out, called the Harry H. Stuart Servant Leadership Award. It was created about 14 years ago, and I remember being completely delighted when I was told about it; Daddy, by God's grace, was very much that sort of man!

After Del spoke, we three kids had our say - first my older brother, then me, and finally my darling sister. It was hard for each one of us - I'm sure you'll be able to hear the stress in our voices - but it was such a blessing to be able to stand up and give strong testimony on behalf of Daddy. He was a wonderful man, and we will all miss him.

The other voice you'll hear is Pastor Don Burke, who was our pastor at Greenwich Baptist Church when I was growing up. My parents kept in very close contact with him after we moved from Connecticut to Orlando, and he has truly been a family pastor to us. I didn't include his homily from the service because he spoke more theologically about what it means when a Christian dies, and I wanted to post the tributes to Daddy. I might, at a later date, put up Pastor Don's remarks...

At any rate, this runs about 30-40 minutes I think, and I pray that it will be an encouragement to you.

(EDIT: For some reason, the embedded player that always worked for me is now... NOT. Here is a clickable/downloadable link.)

The picture below is Daddy's American Airlines pilot picture, probably taken about 30 years ago...

The picture above was taken during World War II - Daddy is standing on the left.

Happy birthday to my beautiful Darling Munchkin!

Two days ago (Monday, 24 May) was a rather quiet day for me. Daddy would have been 92 years old, and I'd just completed the first two weeks of my life without Daddy here on earth.

So it is a great joy for me to post these Happy Birthday wishes for my most darling child, who delights her parents every day, and is the Most Wonderful Child in the World™! (Well, IMHO, anyway...)

 

Happy birthday, young lady. You're not a child anymore, but you're not quite all grown up yet, either. You are my precious gift to the world, and I am so blessed and honored that God chose to let your Daddy and me take care of you here on earth. I pray that you will continue to grow up to be a woman of grace and joy and kindness, and that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

I love you, sweetheart - no one could be a better daughter than you!

My remarks at Daddy's memorial service Tuesday

In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul writes,

... I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

My father was a wonderful man: good, honest, loving and gentle. He loved his family with every fiber of his being. We are his heritage; his gift to the world. And there is very little that can match, much less surpass, that legacy. But I'd like to tell you about the gift my father gave me which is even better than all that.

The most important gift Daddy gave me is his faith. From the time he placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ, Daddy lived out his faith in every moment of his life and with everyone he met. Daddy was not a perfect man before he believed in Christ, and he was not perfect after, but he knew his Savior, and he knew to the depths of his soul the love and forgiveness that Christ gave to him. Daddy's faith was simple, but not simplistic; child-like, but not childish. Daddy's faith never wavered. It was pure, strong and true; he was never ashamed of it and was always willing to proclaim his Savior in word and in deed.

Everyone who met Daddy would tell me about what a good man he was. But really, it is because of his faith that Daddy had such a good name, an excellent reputation, and was known for his love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - which is the fruit of the Spirit of God. My father was a good man because he believed in his Savior, and his life was a journey toward being transformed into the image of Christ.

I stand before you, saved by that same God's mercy, in large part because of the faith my father lived before my eyes. His patience with me, his daily prayers on my behalf, his quiet talks - all these were used by God to draw me to my Savior. Daddy's calm persistence, his unpretentious life, and his unreserved love are all earthly examples of God's great love for all of us. This is my father's best gift to me; the legacy for which I will always be thankful.

Right now, I mourn because I miss Daddy so much. He's always been my Daddy, a title too few fathers earn these days. But I can rejoice in my grief because I know the promise of God that I just read from Thessalonians. I know where Daddy IS: he is in Heaven with Jesus Christ. In Heaven, Daddy will never again know sorrow or pain or suffering. Instead, he is in eternal glory and worshiping the Savior he loved so much. He has heard that wonderful welcome from God's own lips: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord." Daddy is perfectly, absolutely happy and blessed.

Right now, I rejoice because I have hope. Not the "hope" of "Oh, I hope I win the lottery" or "I hope it will rain tomorrow" or "I hope there's chocolate cake for dessert" (although that would be great - Daddy loved chocolate cake!) - no. Not that kind of hope. I have the hope - I have the real confidence - in the unshakable promise of the God who cannot lie, the Almighty Savior who loved us and gave Himself for us, that I will see Daddy again some day in the very presence of God. In my grief, that knowledge, that promise, is the ray of glory that lights up all the dark corners.

While he was alive, Daddy prayed for each one of his family. His deep desire was for each of us to know the God he loved and served. He would never have said this, because he was not a prideful man, but his life was lived out before our eyes - the eyes of his family and his friends and his acquaintances - as a prayer that this quiet, deep, transforming faith be born in our hearts as it was in his.

My father's body is now ash and will be scattered over the waters. And we all mourn. Yet I say to you, rejoice!, for my father is alive and well, and lives forevermore!

But now I have a question for you: what will you do with Daddy's faith? Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." I ask you today to take this faith to yourself; hear that voice of God whispering in your soul, and join the real family, the eternal family. I ask you, as Daddy would, to place your trust in his God - Christ Jesus who is also my Savior - and continue the legacy of faith that Daddy lived.

I'll miss you, Daddy. I'll see you soon.

God's encouragement for me today

From Isaiah 51:

"Listen to Me, My people;
And give ear to Me, O My nation: 
For law will proceed from Me, 
And I will make My justice rest 
As a light of the peoples. 
My righteousness is near, 
My salvation has gone forth, 
And My arms will judge the peoples; 
The coastlands will wait upon Me, 
And on My arm they will trust.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, 
And look on the earth beneath. 
For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, 
The earth will grow old like a garment, 
And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; 
But My salvation will be forever, 
And My righteousness will not be abolished. 
Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, 
You people in whose heart is My law: 
Do not fear the reproach of men, 
Nor be afraid of their insults. 
For the moth will eat them up like a garment, 
And the worm will eat them like wool; 
But My righteousness will be forever, 
And My salvation from generation to generation. ... (vv. 4-8)

I, even I, am He who comforts you. 
Who are you that you should be afraid 
Of a man who will die, 
And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 
And you forget the LORD your Maker, 
Who stretched out the heavens 
And laid the foundations of the earth; 
You have feared continually every day 
Because of the fury of the oppressor, 
When he has prepared to destroy. 
And where is the fury of the oppressor? 
The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, 
That he should not die in the pit, 
And that his bread should not fail. 
But I am the LORD your God, 
Who divided the sea whose waves roared— 
The LORD of hosts is His name. 
And I have put My words in your mouth; 
I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, 
That I may plant the heavens, 
Lay the foundations of the earth, 
And say to Zion, ‘You are My people." (vv. 12-16)

Father I thank You for being my Rock and my Salvation. Thank You for giving me comfort and strength. You alone are God, and Your power upholds the universe. You are my God; who shall I fear? Father, let me walk in Your love and peace today. Draw me ever closer to You, and have Your way in me so that I am conformed to the image of Your Son. Help me learn how to let my light so shine before men that they may see my good deeds and glorify You.

Bill Whittle does it again

His newest video for PJTV is an absolute MUST SEE. Bill, through his essays and videos - and through his gracious and humble attitude towards this little "no one" - has become a true hero to me, and I think after you watch this video you'll understand why.

What a serious jab to my own self-satisfied complacency! Our country is such a treasure that has been gifted to us by God through out Founders - and we have the responsibility and joyful duty of engraving the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution upon our very hearts, second only to the love for God and His supreme Law.

Go watch - and create yet another living copy of the Declaration!

REPENT!!!! Oh, by God's mercy and grace... Repent!

Folks, we Christians in the United States (and I do include myself) are selfish, complacent and unfeeling.

We live in the richest nation on earth - resources, opportunities, finances, families - and yet, although America is the most generous nation on earth, the Christian Church has not stepped up to the plate and given to God's work proportionately to the blessings He has HEAPED upon us.

I am convicted and shamed by my own selfishness and concern for the future. I need to be slapped in the face with God's promises to provide for the needs of His children and His promise to pour out blessing to faithful givers. He does not promise financial blessings, but rather to bless the influence and grace of our inheritance in Heaven.What a treasure could be waiting for us, if we only open wide our hands and give back to God that which is already His!

Yes, for some, He will add blessing upon blessing financially - because He has found faithful servants (or is testing the servants whom He has blessed with financial assets) who will still put His Kingdom before their own needs. God is searching for men and women to bless richly so they can bless others according to His provision in their lives.

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church spent 30+ hours in Haiti after the earthquake. I ask you to please watch the whole video... And then do what God lays on your heart.

We in America have been given riches beyond measure. The poverty line in Haiti is roughly $1300.00 a year, and 80% of the population can't even make that...

As Christians, we have no percentage guideline for giving to the Church in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Folks, for us, Jerusalem is our home, Judea is our community/state, Samaria is our nation... And the "end of the earth" is all our brothers and sisters in Christ who need our help to spread the wonderful Gospel of Salvation.

Do you earn $10,000? Can you offer $10 - at least???? Do you earn $60k? Can you give $500? Do you earn whatever, and realizing the blessings God has given you - just by being born to this prosperous and blessed country!! - you realize you need to give back to His Kingdom by loving, supporting and encouraging your brothers and sisters in a far country?

Please watch the whole video... and then give all that you possibly can to rebuild, uplift and encourage the Church in Haiti and all her people.

God and Hot Chocolate

This is a very special guest post from my Darling Munchkin. She's been wrestling with an application essay, and didn't fall in love with either of the two defined questions for the three choices she had. This morning, she wrote this in school, and it fit in beautifully with the "what one important question did you wish we'd asked" option.

With her very kind permission, I am posting it here:

God and Hot Chocolate

God is in hot chocolate,
you may not believe it,
but He is.
He is in buttons, clouds, and a windy day.
His favorite home may be the smile of a child
or the warmth of sitting by a fire.
He's in the everyday things,
that we take for granted.
The silent comfort of darkness
right before one falls asleep,
or the feel
of a loved one's hair.
The sound of a pencil,
transferring one's thoughts into words,
or the silence of a graveyard on a still day.
He's in all things healthy and sound.
Lettuce leaves, a single dandelion,
or a newborn's eyes.
God is in the earth.
He is our life and our love,
He is the wind rushing past our ears,
He is the precipice we stand on,
waiting to take the plunge.
He is the water we drink,
and that we swim in.
He is the most precious of gems,
and the most common of stones.
He is the fire that keeps us warm,
and keeps the monsters at bay.
And despite all our faults, He loves us.
(Maybe we should just
take a moment
to slow down and see Him)

That's my most Darling Munchkin, and I'm so proud of her! Thirteen years old, and this is the sort of thing that pops up in her brain...

Thank You, Father, for this delightful and precious gift You've given to us. I pray that she always brings glory and praise to You, and that she serves You wholeheartedly all the days of her life!

"God gave the best He had...

... to save the worst He could find."

Have you ever thought about that? It would be like you or me taking in the molester and murderer of our child, paying the penalty of his horrific crime, and accepting him and cherishing him as if he were a most beloved member of the family.

How amazing!

Romans 5 says that, while we were enemies of God - sinful, rebellious, and altogether ill-deserving of His love and kindness - Jesus died for us. He didn't wait for us to be sorry; He didn't wait for us to get our act together. No. The very Breath of Heaven saw our hopeless and vile condition, and came to seek and save the lost.

The very worst He could find.

You and me.

Isn't He AWESOME?!

Now it's REALLY Christmas...

All my life, I remember my mom setting up the Hummel figurines in the manger scene. When they went on their honeymoon in 1955, my parents went to Europe, and one of their stops was in Germany where Mom bought the core of the Hummel manger scene. Over the years, she added a few extras, and for Christmas 1995 when I was pregnant with the Darling Munchkin, Mom gave me the whole crêche ensemble.

And so, each year for Christmas I've tried to keep the tradition going. I gather evergreen sprigs and white fairy lights, and set up the crêche...

I worship the God who humbled Himself and came to earth as a baby, born in a rude stable. He lived a perfect life, showed us the love of His Father, died on the Cross to pay for our sins, and rose to prove that His grace and mercy were absolutely all that sinful man needed to be reconciled to his Creator God.

Christ Jesus, I praise You for all You did for me... but Your humble birth reminds me that You know all my trials, and You know all my pains and worries. Savior, be reborn in me today, and may I praise Your Name and live so that I lift Your life up to all people!

May you have a blessed Christmas, filled with the love and peace of God who gave His Son so that we may be gathered into His family and reconciled with our holy Creator!

(Just playing)

... with my new Droid phone from Verizon Wireless... I am very much enjoying it, and it's going to be interesting to see what new and fun stuff I discover over the next few days (weeks?) of learning the phone. So far, it's been pretty easy - and I'm just bubbling over with giggles of joy, thanks to my outrageously indulgent and wonderful hubby who spoils me so... ;-)

Guess what I'm doing????? Wooohooooo!

[UPDATE: This is a picture I took of my new Droid with my old LG Voyager, just before my new baby was activated. The Voyager is a good phone, and I really enjoyed having it... But the Droid is

OOOOOOOOOOO! WHEEEEEEEE!!!
WOW!!!

So... Thankyouverymuch, LG... But - BYE! And thank YOU, Verizon Wireless, for finally getting off the fence and bringing in a truly innovative and exciting phone!]

Twenty years ago, the wall came tumbling down

Twenty-two years ago, President Reagan challenged Gorbachev and the Soviet Union to tear down the wall between east and west Germany:

This week, we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of that wall coming down. My husband was based in Spain at the time, and we watched on AFN television as history unfolded. Only two months prior, we were in Munich at Oktoberfest. We spoke with a German couple who earnestly insisted that the wall would never be removed and that Germany would never be reunited.

I think - I hope! - that they rejoiced when proven wrong.

This is the kind of wonderful, amazing and uplifting historic moment that can happen when America stands firm on principle and does not yield to tyranny. When we lead from our foundation of liberty and justice, the world will follow. Tyrants fall, evil is defeated, slaves are set free and liberty is proclaimed.

I pray that God will again bless this land with strong leaders of good character and moral fortitude, so that America can be that shining city on a hill again.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Why the Berlin Wall Fell (online.wsj.com)
• Why the Berlin Wall came tumbling down (telegraph.co.uk)

"The Warrior Song" - supporting the Armed Forces Relief Trust

I highly recommend this song - it rocks, it rolls, it marches, and it's a militant tribute to the Warriors of our Armed Forces! ALL proceeds from sales on iTunes (after iTunes takes their cut) will go to the Armed Forces Relief Trust:

The mission of the Armed Forces Relief Trust is to assist the military aid societies by providing a single vehicle to accept donations that will benefit the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. Examples of such assistance may include payment for a soldier's airfare to fly home for his father's funeral, a special reading program for a sailor's daughter, special medical attention for a pilot's expectant spouse, or college tuition for a soldier's child.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I offered my time and services to Navy-Marine Corps Relief, and it was very worthwhile. Honoring and serving those who serve and  protect us should be the joyful duty of each and every citizen of these United States!

So, play the song (here are the lyrics), and get ready to cheer for our Armed Forces!

The Real Santa Claus

I love our Marines - and I love commercials like this!

I truly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the real image of all our men and women in uniform: tough, dedicated, honorable, courageous - and also tender, protective and giving.

Right now, Project Valour-IT, created and sponsored by Soldiers' Angels is going on in the blogosphere:

Project Valour-IT helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Items supplied include

Voice-controlled Laptops - speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities)

Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

Cassandra is leading for the Marines, USNI Blog sails for the Navy, the Mudville Gazette flies for the Air Force, and BlackFive humps for the Army - I would ask my readers to please go to any one of these worthy blogs and offer your support to this magnificent cause. All money is pooled and goes to those most in need without regard to their branch of service; the fund raiser is simply a "friendly" (HAH!) competition between the services to see who can raise the most for this charity. Competition ends on November 11th, but donations are always accepted on behalf of our men and women in uniform.

Please return the devotion our troops give to us: donate generously!

The commercial, of course, doesn't have anything to do with Project Valour-IT; it promotes the Marine Corps' annual Christmas Charity, Toys for Tots.

So many families, especially in this time of economic trouble and unemployment, do not have the resources to bring the joy of giving to their children. The Toys for Tots program is a way that you can help - and it's sponsored by those tough, gritty Marines who stand on the front line every day in defense of our country. These men and women, feared and hated by the bad guys of the world (and with good reason!), open their hearts to the most vulnerable of us all: children in need.

A truly valorous heart is courageous, dedicated, persistent, honorable, compassionate, and loving. The men and women who wear the uniforms of our Armed Services are excellent examples of valor, and we are all blessed by their selfless service.

Please join with them to serve the children and their wounded brethren. Let them know that we honor them as our brothers and sisters and that we care about the things they cherish.

Turning rotton lemons into a double scoop chocolate sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles

Let me just set the stage by saying that the longest stretch of sleep I've had in the last twelve weeks was that one Wednesday night when Marlo forgot who she was for a second and slept for a solid four hours. That's it. Since then it's been two hours here, thirty minutes there, just enough to want to walk outside and play hopscotch in the middle of I-80.

via www.dooce.com

Seriously! Yes, I do need to give a mild caution about some of the language, and it is a long read... But stick with it: if you're a parent, if you've ever had an appliance die just when you needed it the most, and if - amid all the tribulation - a blast of sunshine lasered down to light up your life... Then you'll know what this woman is talking about.

HUGE kudos to Jeff Piraino, manager of the executive offices of the Whirlpool Corporation in Michigan, but an even greater BRAVO! to Jason Avila of Bosch Appliances.

Read the whole thing. Trust me.

A gracious invitation...

... that I am honored to accept.

Last night, Jim Riley, of Virginia Virtucon, blessed me with an invite to join his warped and twisted crew (his words, not mine! LOL) over at VV. I still need to wrestle with the WordPress login for some reason [irritated Kat-glare], but as soon as that's straightened out, I'll be pleased to join in all the "warped and twisted" fun.

Currently, I'm planning on bringing the occasional "home and hearth" type post to the round up, but I'm sure someone is going to truly piss me off at one point or another, in which case I daresay there will be some sharing of political snark.

But I want to say thank you, again, to Jim and his crew for the very flattering invitation... Now let the assimilation begin!

You know what's really awesome?

Mmmmmm. Sitting in the living room, looking out at our little slice of the world, giving kittiskritchies to one of my purrs, sipping my morning mocha, and devouring a cantelope from our garden...

That's awesome!

Thank You, Father, for all Your kind and abundant blessings!

God is faithful - and He has His people EVERYWHERE

We had a nasty scare today: we accidentally left my Hilton Grand Vacations beach bag at A-Bay today, and when we returned for it -within about 20 minutes - it was gone. A nearby family said that a gentleman had asked them if it was theirs, so we went looking for him and didn't find him.

Up and down A-Bay beach we went, and I confess that I fretted quite a bit. That wasn't surprising, since it had BOTH our wallets, BOTH our cell phones *AND* my beautiful Canon Rebel XSi camera!

But before I went completely off the rails, God in His kindness and grace reminded me to focus on HIM and His plan. Whatever happened - whether the bag turned up untouched or whether we had to wade through the nightmare of identity fraud - whatever happened, He was watching over me and my family. He would take care of it one way or another, and EVERYTHING would work out to His glory and to encourage me in my faith and help me learn to walk closer to Him.

God gave me opportunity to give a small witness of confidence in Him to several people, and I pray that His name will be glorified by it.

And God does not leave His children floating in the abyss! He didn't have to, but He chose in His grace to reward my poor effort of active faith with the return of the bag - the Beloved Husband is picking it up at the Hilton hotel's lost and found right now. The gentleman who picked it up did not leave his name, but I firmly believe that he was one of God's "earthly angels" doing the work of service and encouragement.

God is good. He is kind. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He's watching over me.

Thank You, Lord!

John Wayne tells the story of America

Thanks to my dear blog brother, Michael, I am reminded of this wonderful presentation: "America - Why I Love Her" -

But John Wayne has several other paeans to the simple greatness that is America:

Ah, we miss you, Duke!

(Repost) The Fourth of July (2007 2009 edition)

--- 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,

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 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!

Have a blessed Fourth of July!

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

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.

— John Hancock

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

My Darling Munchkin: God's blessing in my life, and a wonderful child

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!

 

Perfect timing for Memorial Day

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.

Oh, what a beautiful morning!

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!

God is so good...

... 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:

Receive him, Father - and comfort his family

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.

In Memoriam
Michael Smith Phillips
Virginia Beach Police Department
Honor. Integrity. Service.

God bless you and keep you. May He honor your service and guard your family.

I forgot to tell you!

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!

"Well done..."

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.

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The gorgeous end to another day in paradise...

UPDATE: *sigh* And the picture cannot do the sunset justice, of course...

Indeed,

The heavens declare the glory of God;
         And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
         And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
         Where their voice is not heard.
 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
         And their words to the end of the world.

God is, indeed, GOOD!

Independence Day!

--- 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 -

• Cassandra explains why she *IS* patriotic
• LC Crunchie, at the Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler, talks about the sacrifices the Signers made
• Bob Krumm reports on the 1,215 soldiers who re-enlisted today, the largest re-enlistment ceremony in history
• Jammie Wearing Fool posts Red Skelton's magnificent recitation of the Pledge... MUST WATCH!!!
• Make sure you check out the Open Post at Stop the ACLU for others' contributions!

--- 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 -

• Cassandra explains why she *IS* patriotic
• LC Crunchie, at the Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler, talks about the sacrifices the Signers made
• Bob Krumm reports on the 1,215 soldiers who re-enlisted today, the largest re-enlistment ceremony in history
• Jammie Wearing Fool posts Red Skelton's magnificent recitation of the Pledge... MUST WATCH!!!
• Make sure you check out the Open Post at Stop the ACLU for others' contributions!

She's her mother's daughter for sure...

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 those who serve

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.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! [UPDATED in a very special way]

(This is a sticky post, and will remain on top until Saturday, 24 May, at about midnight - PLEASE stop by the comments and wish Daddy a Happy Birthday!)

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!