Just heard this on one of my local Christian stations, and it just fits this day so well. It's by 33 Miles, and it's called (d'uh!) "Thank You"...
What if in morning when I wake up
Even before I fill my coffee cup
I said thank You
Thank YouWhat if I look at the day and the hours ahead
And before I move forward I bowed my head
And said thank You
Oh I said thank YouWhat if I looked at my life in a different way
Took a little more time to stop and pray
I know it would change all the moments in between
So here I goThank You for everything
Thank You for loving me
It don't even matter what tomorrow brings
Well I will sing myThank You for sun and rain
For what You give and take away
For all Your goodness I will always say
Thank YouOh I'll say thank You
What if I lost everything that I had
I could smile and somehow still be glad
And say thank You
Thank youCause life is joy, life is pain
But the prayer on my heart will never change
I say thank You
Oh I'll say thank You
Thank You, Father, for all You have done! Thank You for all You will do. Thank You for Your kindness, Your love, Your mercy. Thank You, Jesus, for Your life, and thank You for loving me. I don't know why You do, but I am thankful!
The Father of our nation, a man of humility, integrity, and deep faith. Indeed, he was a blessing to our fledgling country, and set a high standard for all who followed him.
First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere— uniform, dignified and commanding—his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns.
How far have we fallen from the foundations our godly forebears gave to us! I pray that God will somehow have mercy on America and raise up sound leaders who will help us return to the principles which birthed this land.
Happy birthday, President Washington!
Last night at church, during the meeting for the Bible study groups going through Experiencing God, our pastor asked us to respond to one of the statements from the video, which had first made an appearance in last week's study:
I hear many people say, "I really struggle trying to have time alone with God." If that is a problem you face, let me suggest something; make the priority in your life to love Him with all your heart... People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem. (p. 59)
The silence in the room went on for a while. I know that *I* didn't want to say anything because I know it's a problem in my life.
But as the members of our little group opened up, I listened and realized that I wasn't all that unusual: we all had problems getting away and finding time alone with God. We all struggled with guilt and a lack of faithful time with our loving Father. I wasn't alone in this.
Suddenly I realized that God doesn't require me to sit and study the Bible for hours on end - that's important, but that's not a relationship. I realized that I didn't have to meet with Him from 6:23 a.m. to 6:48 a.m. every day for a "quiet time" - that's legalistic. I didn't have to have a set schedule of 10 minutes of prayer, 15 of Bible study, three hymns, one teaching program and an hour of interceding for my country and my family... No.
God simply wants me to spend some time... with Him. He just wants me to talk... to Him. The irritations and fears and triumphs of the day need to be discussed... with Him. That wonderful song which touched my heart so much needs to be shared... with Him.
God just wants me to be with Him and love Him.
You know, He gave me a great example last week (which, being Madam Sieve-for-Brains, I promptly forgot): I was driving in to pick up the Munchkin at school, and I got a little nudge to just turn off the car radio and drive in the quiet. Suddenly, I started talking:
God, I really don't know how to do this. I mean, really, I am totally clueless here! I feel so out of control, I don't know what to do next, and I know I'm failing You. Sometimes I don't know why You bother with me; I'm a terrible Christian, and I don't love You as I should, but I don't know how! I'm feeling frustrated because I can never get it right, and absolutely helpless to move one way or another, and I just feel so STUCK! You have got to fix this, God, 'cause I don't know how and it's driving me completely out of my mind with irritation and disgust for myself!!! AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!
And just as I wound down, a little tendril of peace wiggled into my heart. Just a little piece, and it seemed to say, "It's OK. I've got you."
That's all.
But when I recalled the event last night, I realized... that's enough. That was all I needed to remind me of the God of the WHOLE UNIVERSE, who really and truly loves little ol' me... and just wants me to spend time with Him.
Even if it is in the car on the way to school. The glory of God, wrapped up in the mundane routine of life.
You know... God... is really - really! - COOL!
I'm on board!
Our brave and wonderful troops deserve every bit of thanks we can give them. So don't hesitate - just say "Thanks."
No politics, no sermonizing, no debating.
Just a simple
"THANK YOU!"
(Purrs to the always awesome Blackfive)
I am thankful for the God who gave me life.
I am thankful for all He has given.
I am thankful for the country I live in, which He blessed so abundantly.
I am thankful for the leaders He has given us: He has put them there to teach us and to remind us that we do not have absolute control of our lives.
I am thankful for the family I have.
I am thankful for a husband who loves me.
I am thankful for the man who values and considers my opinion.
I am thankful for all the encouragement and support my husband lavishes upon me.
I am thankful that he finds my bones very, very "jumpable."
I am thankful for my man, who honors his vows in every moment he lives.
I am thankful for a child I love, who loves me right back.
I am thankful the Munchkin is healthy and smart.
I am thankful for a good school for the Munchkin.
I am thankful for the snuggles and giggles we share.
I am thankful for adults who love my child and encourage her to develop her talents.
I am thankful for the house I live in.
I am thankful for the food on my table.
I am thankful for my healthy-though-imperfect body.
I am thankful for my friends.
I am thankful for safe travel.
I am thankful for the car which carried us to Florida.
I am thankful for the Sony laptop which connects me to my friends on the internet.
I am thankful for Kender, Raven, GM Roper, Red Queen, Kilo, Adam, Misha, Radio CIA, Sonnabend, Cao, Ward, Leslie, Beth, Scott... and FAR too many others...
I am thankful for so many things I cannot list here, due to my frail memory and limited space.
But, most of all, I am thankful
for the forgiveness offered through the Blood of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He has given to ***ME*** even though I am an unworthy sinner.
Thank You, Lord. You are the Giver of all good things, and I praise Your Name in gratitude for You and for Your abundant blessings upon us all!
Well, sort of... The Marines are coming into town for "Realistic Urban Training," where they will conduct an exercise:
U.S. Marines will conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, then raid a mock terrorist cell during a special training exercise in Chatham Nov. 1-3.
The "Realistic Urban Training," or RUT, exercise is designed to duplicate the kind of situations Marines often encounter in the field, said Capt. Kelly Fushour, public affairs officer for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"Any time we can do training off base, it's a good thing," she said." It's training we can't replicate on base."
According to Frushour, about 100 Marines will take part in the three-day Chatham exercise, which is being conducted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Role players" posing as Al Queda terrorists are scheduled to arrive Thursday, Nov. 1, and will be "inserted" in a house in town. [link]
Works for me! Any support and assistance our citizens can give to the training of our armed forces should be offered unstintingly - and maybe we'll have some part in hunting those murderous barbarians down and sending them on to the "72 Virginians" who are waiting for them!
Ah, well, nevertheless, I did do some catching up yesterday, and realized that the MacArthur Daily Bible started selections from Ephesians on Sunday. We'll have one more day - tomorrow - reading Ephesians, and then go on to start Philippians on Saturday.
But reading Ephesians 1 and 2 yesterday was just so uplifting to me that I thought I'd share some thoughts with you about the wonderful, incredible grace of God and His infinite and perfect love for His children... (and as I'm writing down there below the fold, I realize that the first three paragraphs of Ephesians are so awesome, that I probably won't go past them today!)
For those who care, today's selected readings are Isaiah 59 and 60, Psalm 115:1-8, Proverbs 26:23, and Ephesians 5:17-33. Actually, Isaiah has had a LOT of great things the past several chapters, so I might also post about some excerpts from this great prophet of God's Word...
Continue reading "What is it with me and the "catching up on my Bible reading again"?!" »
The CatHouse bows in prayer and thanksgiving for a fallen hero, and the honorable example he lived.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job. [all emphasis mine]
This is an excerpt from an essay written on February 1st of this year by SGT Eddie Jeffers, and I would urge you to read it, as well as two others, "Freedom Feels Good," and "Real Deal in Ramadi."
On Thursday, September 20, 2007, SGT Jeffers laid down his life for the ideals and convictions he cherished. Thank God for his Christian convictions: because of them, SGT Jeffers was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior by a host of angels. And I know that as he knelt at the foot of the Throne, he was blessed when God his Savior reached down, lifted him up and said,
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things, and I will give you charge over many. Enter into the joy of your Lord!"
SGT Jeffers' father wrote,
It is with great personal sadness but joy in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I announce the death of my son Eddie Jeffers. Eddie was killed around 7 am Iraqi time from an accidental vehicle roll-over. Although our personal loss is traumatic, we know he is in a better place. All of you have been so wonderful to my son and my family and he was so blessed and humbled by your love for him. He told me this past summer after the wonderful gift you gave his wife and him that he didn't understand why people were so generous and kind to him. You see to Eddie, he was just doing his job and what he believed was his life mission from God.
I've said this often; Eddie was my hero. My dear brother in Christ Rod Martin told me that Eddie died a hero for not just the soldier he was but the person. Eddie, through his writing, touched so many people's lives, yours and you so lovingly touched ours back.
We thank you in advance for your condolences and prayers. Please pray especially for Eddie's wife Stephanie; as you can imagine she is devastated. Our prayer is that Eddie's death will exalt Christ as did his life.In lieu of any flowers we are asking all donations be given to the Fisher House in memory of Eddie; he loved that charity.
Will you join me in honoring an American hero, who followed his Savior in laying down his life for his friends? Please donate as much as you can to Fisher House, which "...donates 'comfort homes,' built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury."
And will you also read his essays, and commit to cherishing and nurturing this great country that he loved so much?
Let's honor him - and his fallen brethren - by bringing our troops home... VICTORIOUSLY!
(Crossposted to the Wide Awakes and the Cotillion)
I cannot believe the absolutely incredible, fantastic, wonderful and cheerful customer service I just got! Pottery Barn's associates have just set the standard for how customer service ought to be done.
Last year in April, I ordered three sets of scrolled curtain rods for the windows in my dining room and living room. The Beloved Husband just finished installing the set in the living room, and we opened the box for the two sets that were going to frame the dining room windows... *GASP!* There was only one set in the box! What were we going to do?!
The Beloved Husband, wise man that he is, urged me to call Pottery Barn - after all, if we didn't ask, then the answer would definitely be "no," right? And so, with great trepidation and more than a little pessimism, I called.
Oh. My. GOSH!
I introduced myself as their "idiot customer for the day," and the associate laughed and asked if I had my order number handy. I did (yay, packing slips!), and she pulled my record up right away.
Oh, dear! Another problem: Pottery Barn no longer stocks these scrolled curtain rods... Hm.
The lady said not to worry, perhaps we could find something similar to use as an alternate, and started searching - and here's what she came up with. They will work beautifully in my dining room! How wonderful: we'll take two sets for the dining room, and return one of the scrolled sets (neither the Beloved Husband nor I were too enthusiastic about taking the living room set down, after all!). The Pottery Barn lady said she'd arrange for UPS to pick up the box on Monday, and that we should get the new rods by next Friday.
Um, but you know, the originals I ordered were $79 per pair, and the new ones are $109 each - how would she like me to handle paying the difference?
"Oh, no - no charge at all! It was our mistake in the first place, so please let us take care of this for you!"
[goggle eyes] [jaw hitting floor] [speechless with awe]
OK, folks, if you don't immediately place Pottery Barn at the front of the list for places to shop household goods, then you are absolutely CRAZY!
God bless Pottery Barn for their superior service, excellent products, and for showing me that there ARE still companies out there who emphasize fantastic customer service!
Yesterday's post about walking the tightrope of the Christian life received many thoughtful comments, which I truly appreciate (hey, please feel free to keep the discussion going!). Today, however, I wanted to turn to the joyful part of Christian life. Really, Christians should be the most joyful people in life, even in the midst of trial, because we have so much to be thankful for - and we know Who to thank!
Psalm 103 has a lot to say about this:
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Well, why should we bless the Lord? Why should we always have a thankful attitude?
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Ah! So, there are benefits when we love and serve the Lord - there are things that He does, out of the goodness of His heart, because He loves His children:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
God forgives our sins. When we come to Him and accept the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf, when we trust Him and take Him at His Word, when we obey His righteous commandments, the Lord shows Himself strong on our behalf. Over and over and OVER again in the Bible we read of the Saints who have gone before, the Saints who waited patiently on the Lord for the Day of Christ, the Day of Salvation. No one in the Old Testament saw that Day - but we have. Instead of looking forward to what appears to be an uncertain future event, we look back to a specific day and time when God Himself accepted all our punishment in His own body and redeemed us from the slavery of sin.
The True Healer came and healed our greatest disease - completely and eternally.
Not only that, but He also bestows upon His children every good thing. The Lord God Almighty is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills; He owns all the treasures of the Universe, and all the glory of Heaven. Out of the riches of His abundance, He blesses His children with all that they need, and so much that they desire.
With tenderness and love and kindness, our Father gives us strength and comfort, He lifts us up on wings like eagles'.
The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
God executes perfect justice. His children may rest assured that everyone will be judged righteously. Although we may not see the judgment here on earth - and, really, what business is it of ours that we must see judgment descending on our "enemies"? - we know that God Himself will take care of it. The omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent God of all Creation will reveal all the motives of the heart, He will know all the extenuating circumstances. There will be nothing hidden from Him. And when we are judged by Him, every mouth will be stopped, because His judgement will be in absolute righteousness - and no one will be able to deny it.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
Our Father does not leave us in the dark, wondering what He wants of us. He has given His Word to guide and encourage us, and He has even given us His Spirit to live in us as our Comforter and Friend. His still, small voice is ever in our ear - we have only to be still and listen. His love and generosity are displayed to us a thousand ways each day, often in ways we don't even recognize!
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
Although we stumble and fail in our obedience, God still is merciful and loving. He forgives our sins and give us His strength to overcome them. He disciplines us as a loving, perfect Father, always intending our eternal good. Even though each sin we commit is an infinite crime against Him, He is still gracious and does not deal with us proportionately. Instead, His hand is ever stretched out in invitation and love: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
God does not give us what we do deserve, and He does give us what we don't deserve. He lifts us up out of the mire, removes us from the dominion of darkness, and transfers us to the solid Rock and the Kingdom of Light and Holiness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Did you ever think about how you can travel eastward forever, and never reach the west? If you travel north, eventually you will reach the North Pole and start heading south, but the same is not true for east and west. There is no "West Pole." When God takes your sins away, He takes them away! They're gone! His children stand before Him clothed in the perfect righteousness of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
God knows we are frail and fallible. He knows we are weak. He knows all our sins before we even confess them to Him: He knows everything! Do you realize that when Jesus hung on the Cross, He knew about all your sins already? He knew about the ones you'd committed before you bowed down before Him, and He knew all the ones we'd commit after salvation.
He knows.
And you need to know that nothing you do can make Him love you more... And nothing you do can make Him love you less! God's love for His children is infinite and perfect and unchanging. He has set His heart upon you and you are the apple of His eye. He will never leave you nor forsake you, and He has prepared a place for you in Heaven at His side - and He's planned it that way from before He even created the heavens and the earth.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
God takes care of His own. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, God says that "...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." God is actively looking for His children who are loyal to Him. God is looking for men and women after His heart, He is searching for those who want to be obedient.
Upon His children - and only upon His children - He lavishes His incredible mercy and grace. The Hebrew word I most love is (and I'll mangle typing it, I know) "hesed" (updated with this link, which is a good discussion of the meaning of "hesed"). God's wonderful "lovingkindness." Although God showers His common blessings over each and every person on this earth day after day, He reserves His best blessings and His enduring love upon His people, His Called-Out-Ones, His Saints.
The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.Bless the LORD, O my soul!
And so, with all these blessings that God lavishes over us, how can we not raise our voices in gratitude and praise? How can we not rejoice in His love and providence? How can we resist making a joyful noise unto our Sovereign and Savior? Our adoration of His love, kindness, strength and goodness should make the universe reverberate with the echoes of our devotion and esteem!
So, my friends, what are you going to add to the chorus? Here's my list for the day:
Now, what are you waiting for? Join in and count all your blessings - even the mundane ones!
Thanks to the Darling Munchkin's spelling list this week, I have come across the American's Creed. I don't know why I've never heard of it before: it's been around for a while.
Nevertheless, I present it here for your edification - we would ALL do well to memorize it and keep it in the forefront of our thoughts every day.
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies. [emph. mine]
Amen! THAT is what every American should pledge! (Of course, I would end it "... to defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic," but that's just me...)
Oh, and speaking of spelling lists, all her words this week are taken from founding and important American documents and speeches: The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the American's Creed, and the Gettysburg Address. I am very thankful, because this gives me an opening to discuss the meaning of these words, and explain how critically important they are to our country and our culture. Every opportunity I'm given, I try to use to train the Munchkin in being a good citizen and a thinking, independent patriot.
God bless America - or, more importantly,
I'd like you to meet someone. He's a Marine. His name is Faoa Apineru, and he should be dead - but he's not. Instead Apineru, or "AP" as they call him, is learning to live with PTSD, and the aftermath of his terrible injuries.
The VA hospital in Palo Alto has a lot of people like AP. Mostly men and some women who were injured while in uniform, most of them from Iraq or Afghanistan. The VA has a polytrauma center, so troops with more than one injury can get help for all their problems, and a brain injury rehabilitation unit, called BIRU, for the guys who took one to the head.He hangs out with other wounded Marines. Cpl. Jason Poole, who also had a severe head wound and nearly died, is his best friend.
"I don't have much family around here, so the Marines are my family," AP said. "That's what attracted me to them in the first place. It reminds me of my culture."
AP is from Samoa - but he doesn't remember his childhood, because the injury to his brain destroyed a lot of his memory.
In 2005, AP was in Anbar Province when his unit was attacked. Being a true Marine, his first concern was for his men - but he was the one who was terribly injured:
"The first thing I remember is screaming. I remember trying to stop screaming. You know, that Marine Corps crap about not showing your feelings. Then I heard my Marines. They were doing the same thing. They were screaming, too. So I let go and it went blank. Then I heard my Marines yelling, 'AP! AP!' and they were trying to pull me out of the vehicle. Then I went blank again."AP went in and out of consciousness. He remembers someone trying to cut off his bloody uniform, and saying that he didn't appear to be hurt.
He thought he was shaken but physically fine. He took off his protective glasses and looked in what was left of the humvee's side mirror. Blood sprayed from his nose and a big gash close to his ear.
"I just thought, 'Oh my God. I'm f -- ed,' " he said.
He thought maybe the gash was just a deep scratch. He tried to stem the flow of blood with his finger. His finger sunk in deep.
"I remember getting cold, real cold, even though it was hot outside as hell," he said. "I remember my lance corporal talking to me, saying, 'Come on, AP, the chopper is coming. It won't be much longer.' But I couldn't really hear anything. My hearing was blocked. I saw everything in black and white."
AP wasn't listening to the medic or the other Marines. But his training kicked in when his lieutenant came over and told him to stay awake.
"I kept thinking, 'This is a lieutenant in the Marine Corps, I better do what he says. Thank God he did that."
Thank God that AP is a Marine - thank God he listened to and obeyed his lieutenant!
You need to go read the whole article and see how bravely our troops face the consequences of their choices. They may demur, but when it gets right down to it, each and every one of them is a hero. **OUR** job is to give them the respect and honor they so richly deserve, and to make sure that America finishes the job with dedication and determination.
Do not let their sacrifices be in vain. Do not let America drop the ball because of cowardice or boredom. Do not let America ignore their service and tarnish their honor.
Do not let America become unworthy of her sons and daughters who stand on the front lines and fight for freedom.
(Thanks, Raven.)
In a rare - but welcome! - instance of seriousness, Scott Ott, editor of the satire site, Scrappleface, responds to an e-mail:
The victims of Katrina are not really the victims of Katrina herself. The tragedy began long before the hurricane hit.
Natural disasters have always happened and always will. While,
mercifully, they don’t occur every day in every place, they are common
enough that we ought to have an expectation that bad things can and
will happen. We need to cultivate the inner resources in ourselves, our
children and our neighborhoods to cope with the inevitable. When we
cede that power and responsibility to the federal government, we
surrender a part of what makes us human and leave ourselves more
vulnerable to the tempest.[...]
Our state-run schools and spoon-fed media have conditioned us to
look to government. They’ve also trained us to take offense at any
expression of love that doesn’t result in government intervention and
redistribution of taxpayer dollars. ‘Compassion’ has been redefined as
‘entitlement’ and thus stripped of its power and utility.The devastating impact of this mindset is the apparent withering of
the individual spirit and of community cooperation which have been the
hallmarks of this great nation.But all is not yet lost, and perhaps not so much is lost as we have been led to believe.
These are just two little excerpts, and yet the whole piece sings of the beauty and durability and perseverance of the human spirit.
Please go read the whole thing!
(HT to my beloved blog-brother, Kender)
"You'll be in my heart..."
The men and women of our military are the best, the brightest, the BRAVEST, and they are in my heart. They are in my soul. They are in my prayers.
How I wish I were able to pray over and hug and thank each one personally - they are true heroes, fighting against opression with honor and valor... Even when their civilian authority falters in their courage and perseverance.
I ask our military to remember this:
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot."Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation."
And also, this:
God bless our men and women in uniform!
(HT to Beth at Blue Star Chronicles... Thanks, sister!)
...With a beauty quite divine
Perfect in this world of sin
On this silent, holy night
So begins the title track of Selah's Christmas album, Rose of Bethlehem. I've enjoyed this group's beautiful, harmonic singing, especially since they add tunes and rhythms unfamiliar to American ears. Their songs are also theologically sound, and remind me of the Great God I love and serve.
This song continues
There's a fragrance much like hope
That it sends upon the wind
Reaching out to every soul
From a lowly manger's cribChorus:
Oh, Rose of Bethlehem
How lovely, pure and sweet
Born to glorify the Father
Born to wear the thorns for meThere's a Rose in Bethlehem
Colored red like mercy's blood
Tis the flower of our faith
Tis the blossom of God's loveThough its bloom is fresh with youth
Surely what will be He knows
For a tear of morning dew
Is rolling down the RoseChorus
There's a Rose in Bethlehem
With a beauty quite divine
Perfect in this world of sin
On this silent, holy night
Two thousand years ago, Christ came softly and graciously into this tired and sin-cursed world. His pure and perfect beauty, the beauty of God made flesh, shines out through the centuries to all the world. The glory He gave to His Father in His faithful life and in the thorns He wore at His death, the hope and salvation He won for His children must ever be at the forefront of our minds.
Remember, although He was born to live among us - "Immanuel," God dwelling with us - He was also born to die for us. And so during this wonderous season, let us lift our minds and voices and spirits to praise and glorify the God who came to give us abundant life...
... His life.
(Linked at the Carnival of Christmas and at the Christmas Alliance.)
Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christ, Carnival of Christmas, Christmas Alliance, Selah, Rose of Bethlehem, music
As I sit here in the living room writing this, the Christmas tree's lights are off, the house's heat system is quietly blowing warm air, and I'm watching deer browse in my front yard, not 20 yards away. The sky is clear, and brightens a little with each typed word, the cats are stretching themselves awake, and my child and husband lie in our bed with the soft morning light guilding their peaceful faces.
My poor little Munchkin will be staying home from school today: she woke up at 4:30, not feeling too well, so we invited her to climb in with us. After a few twitches and wriggles, she fell back to sleep, cradled between Mom and Dad. When I woke at 7, I reached over and touched her face, which was fairly warm, and made the decision to let her sleep.
And then, I watched her sleep. I watched the curve of her cheek reflect the dawn, and gave thanks to our Maker that He has given me this treasured gift. As I left the bed to start my coffee, I looked at the two of them, husband and daughter, slumbering quietly together, and gave thanks yet again.
God has, indeed, blessed me greatly.
And I love my life!
May God's rich blessings rest on you and your family today. May He remind you of all the lavish blessings He has bestowed upon you,
and may He help each and every one of us to walk in His grace with humble and grateful hearts.
I pray also that God manifests Himself strongly in the lives of the men and women in our Armed Forces. I pray that He upholds them in honor and valor, that He guides them in His wisdom and grace, that He strengthens their minds and spirits, and that He guards and protects them as they fulfill their duties.
Thank You, Father, for Your abundant gifts of love and mercy. Thank You for Your salvation. I pray that You draw many to You, and that we may walk faithfully and joyfully in the shadow of Your wings. Glory to Your Name, O Lord - glory and power, majesty and honor, and praise and thanksgiving to Your holy Name!
(This post will remain at the top until further notice. Updates are below the fold, and for new posts please scroll down. Thank you!)
Project Valour-IT is a charitable project to raise funds to provide voice-activated laptops for our wounded troops. Each year, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine teams "compete" to see who can raise the most money for this project. Don't worry though - all the money will be distributed as needed; all our wounded heroes will benefit.
Make a donation to this worthy cause!
The goal this year is to raise $180,000.00 - or more! - and I've joined up to help Cassandra of Villanous Company raise money for the Marine Team.
Chris Rice, "Untitled Hymn (Call on Jesus)" from his Run the Earth, Watch the Sky album
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus... AND LIVE!
Can you do this? Have you taken His nail scarred hand, and accepted your Lord and His gift to you?
From Third Day's album, Wire "You Are Mine" -
It doesn't take much for my heart to break
You have done it for what seems a millionth time
Whenever I hear of Your saving grace
and how You gave Your life in exchange for mineChorus:
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
and why You ever chose to call me child
and I remember just by Your sacrifice
I can say that I am Yours and You are mineIt doesn't take much for me to shed a tear
You have done so many things to make me cry
Whenever I think all that I've done wrong
And everything You have done to make it rightChorus
It doesn't take much for my heart to break
You have done it for what seems a millionth time.
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
And why You ever chose to call me child
Sometimes I wonder why You even love me
And why You ever chose to call me child
And I remember it's by Your sacrificeI can say that I am Yours and You are mine.
I can. Thank You for Your gift to me, Jesus. Thank You for being the Lover of my soul. Thank You for Your grace and mercy and kindness. Thank You for Your guidance and Your discipline.
I do not know why You chose to call me, but I am so grateful that You did!
As Third Day sings in another song, "Your Love, O Lord" -
Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings
Thank You, Father!
Glenn Reynolds quoted me recently, but didn't mention my name... I got a little miffed (which was wrong), and so I'm going to try to get some sort of blog burst going about the REAL issue:
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Every town in this country depends on men and women who volunteer their time and effort to save lives. Certainly, most metropolitan areas have paid or contract personnel, but there is no substitute for the backbone of these services, which depend upon volunteers.
These volunteers range, in the general sense, from candy-stripers to advanced medical technitians and firemen - and they all have one goal in mind:
To provide the best service to give health, life, and safety to the community
That's no quote from a website for any service... That is simply WHAT THEY **DO**
These men and women sacrifice their time and talents to provide their communities with the best health and safety services they can.
How can you climb aboard and lend your efforts?
These men and women -whether they are paid or volunteers - serve their communities with valor and dedication. Please let them know how much they are valued, and do whatever you can to assist them and make their jobs easier!
Please, blog about volunteering and training in First Aid. Keep this topic up and vibrant! I don't care if you link to me (well, I'd LIKE it, I won't lie, LOL), but remind people that they can make a difference in their communities: it all starts...
WITH ***YOU!!!***
Blogging about this:
Raven has spent the last 18+ months encouraging me, kicking me in the ass, pushing me to do better, and being one of the best internet friends I could wish for. She has been an irritant, a clown, a burr under the saddle, a pushy broad, a thought-provoker and a HUGE blessing to me, every day and every hour.
She is one of the real "Ladies of the Blogosphere," and her blog And Rightly So just turned two...
Please go on over and express your appreciation for Raven's love and passion for life and dedicated, quality healthcare - among so many other critical and fundamental things - and tell her
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!
I love you, Raven: you are a real friend and a Lady in the truest sense of the word. God has blessed me with you, and I cannot tell about all the wonderful blessings you have given back to me!
Technorati Tags: EMS, Fire Rescue, volunteer
Two hundred thirty one years ago today, the Continental Congress established our Navy. From two ships intended to act more like customs vessels, to our current size of over 300 ships and almost 400,000 men and women, our Navy has served and defended the United States of America with courage and honor.
Speaking as the wife of a retired Naval Officer, and as the daughter of a World War II Navy veteran, it is the Navy that is my favorite branch of the DoD. The Marines rock, the Army is awesome, the Airforce is stupendous, and the Cost Guard is fantastic (yes, I include the Coasties in our Armed Forces!) - but the US Navy is all these things and more!
Come on, we've got hot ships:
We've got fast planes:
We've got cool missles:
We've got stealthly submarines:
We've got guys that kick ass:
And we've got men and women who go out and do the job, day after day, with honor and bravery:
So, God bless them all, amd may all the citizens of the United States of America give them the honor and respect that these men and women - past and present - have earned. May the Navy always be blessed with the service of men and women of integrity and courage!
Happy Birthday to the United States Navy!
(h/t to Ms Underestimated)
Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig have been freed!
The freeing of FOX correspondent Steve Centanni, 60, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, ends the longest-running drama involving foreign hostages in Gaza.The two journalists were dropped off at Gaza City's Beach Hotel by Palestinian security officials. A tearful Centanni embraced a Palestinian journalist briefly as he entered, then rushed upstairs as Wiig followed.
Centanni, in a phone interview shortly after his release, said "I'm fine. I'm just so happy to be free."
He said he was so emotional because he was out and alive.
"There were times when I thought 'I'm dead,' and I'm not," Centanni said. "I'm fine. I'm so very happy."
Definitely a wonderful answer to prayer, and a perfect way to wake up rejoicing!
I am so glad that their families and friends can now celebrate the return of their loved ones, and I hope that Mr. Centanni and Mr. Wiig recover quickly from their ordeal.
Technorati Tags: Steve Centanni, Olaf Wiig, FoxNews, journalists, kidnap, hostages, Gaza, Palestine
I've just signed up with the 2996 Project to commemorate one of the fallen from September 11th.
On the fifth anniversary of the atrocity committed against America, we will celebrate the lives of those who died on that day. Instead of glorifying the barbaric terrorists who murdered so many, we will remember the lives and the heroism of each person who died.
I have been blessed to remember and honor Timothy A. Roy, a Sergeant with the NYPD.
The Project still need around 500 more bloggers to complete this tribute to each and every person who was killed that terrible day. Please consider going over and signing up. You will need to do some of your own research, but the Project is well organized, and your honoree's information will come up with Google, About, Ask, MSN, etc., links to assist you.
And never, ever forget!
(Crossposted to Kender's Musings)
Technorati Tags: 9/11, September 11, 2996 Project, Timothy A. Roy, victims
Here's your Monday morning wake-up ("WAKE UP, America!") video.
Mom showed me this when I was last down in Orlando, and one of my friends, Seth, just asked me a question which reminded me that I hadn't posted it. So - here it is:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Diamond Rio - "In God We Still Trust"
The lyrics:
You place your hand on His bible, when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments an' all our money too.
An' when we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand:
There's no separation, we're one nation under Him.In God, we still trust here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the going gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.Now there are those among us,
Who wanna push Him out.
And erase his name from everything,
This country's all about.
From the schoolhouse to the courthouse,
They're silencing His word,
An' now it's time for all believers,
To make our voices heard.In God, we still trust here in America,
He's the one we turn to every time the goin' gets rough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America,
Here in America,
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America, in God, we still trust.
Here in America
Dear Father, call us back to You. This glorious country was founded in prayer and love for You. We earned our freedom by Your power and Your grace. You have uniquely blessed us with a rich land; a wide, generous land teeming with variety and beauty. The work of Your hand is before us each and every day, and we rarely lift our hands in praise and thanksgiving.
Call us back to You, Lord! Send Your Spirit like a fire, and revive us again!
Techorati Tags: Diamond Rio, video, music, country music, In God We Trust
Extreme Mortman, a fellow Virginia blogger, has alerted me to ThanksUSA.org, which is organizing a national treasure hunt. This charity was started by two industrious people: Kelsi Okun (8) and Rachel Okun (10), and they are raising funds for scholarships for our military families.
Make sure you go over to Extreme Mortman for his interview with these two young ladies, and then go support the cause!
David, over at Third World County, sends me over to this Google Video:
Thank you, veterans! God bless you!
Twenty years ago, in Corpus Christi, TX, a young woman - just 22 years old - walked down the aisle on the arm of her beloved Dad. At the front of the little church on the Naval base, a young man - just 24 years old - waited for her. He was dressed in choker whites that had only a single, gold bar on the shoulder.
It was a small ceremony - just close family and a few friends who were in the area. The music played, and the minister said those old, old words over them, and the young man and woman pledged their lives to each other.
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God - and in the face of this company - to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly - but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace.K, do you take D to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep him, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?
I will. And so began my married life to this wonderful young man.
Now it's twenty years later, and I still look back on that day with joy. I am still married to this young man. Oh, we've changed, of course - a little greyer, a bit heavier, a little wiser - but when I look at him, I still see that young Navy Ensign waiting for me at the front of the church.
Father in Heaven, thank You so much for giving this man to me. Thank You for his love and care of me. Thank You for all the rich blessings You keep showering upon us. Thank You for our beloved daughter, who is such an amazing mix of the two of us. Thank You for keeping us together through all of life's trials and tribulations, in uncertainty and joy, in travels and at home. Thank You, thank You, for this brave and honorable man!
Honey, thank you for being such a fantastic husband. I love you more now than I did twenty years ago, and I'm looking forward to at least another forty more. You are my hero, my lover, my friend, and my joy. You are the best possible man for me, and I am astounded and greatful for the way you compliment me and provide strentgh to my weakness and calm to my storm. There is no one in the world I would rather have to sleep by, to cook for, to raise a child with, to live with until death do us part - than you.
I love you, Beloved. Happy Anniversary!
Betsy Newmark and the Anchoress pick up this story from the Southern, a newspaper in southern Illinois:
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One of those friendships involved a Kabul rug merchant who pulled Gile aside before he left the country. The merchant told Gile the story of an elderly man, so overwhelmed with gratitude to the United States for its intervention in the conflict that he made a gift for President Bush - a gift that was a year in the making and made, given the conditions of the country, under penalty of death.Gile was astonished when he saw the hand-knotted rug, a portrait of Bush, filled with Christian and Catholic symbolism. Filling the center of the rug is an incredible likeness of Bush, dressed in religious vestments, standing at a podium decorated with the official seal of the country and flanked by two waving American flags.
Directly above Bush is Jesus with a sacred heart and stigmata carefully knotted into the rug's pattern. The rug also shows cherubs and, apparently in an homage to both Bush and a fallen Northern Alliance leader, two lions.
"(Ahmed Shah) Masood was often called 'the Lion of Panjshir.' As one of the country's military leaders, he put some very, very heavy licks to the Soviets and then turned around and delivered the same to the Taliban," Gile said. "He was assassinated two days before 9/11."
One corner of the rug reads, "President George W. Bush," while the opposing corner has the words, "Number one champion."
Gile said he was impressed by the man's efforts.
"For this man to sequester himself away for a year to hand knot this rug speaks highly of his gratitude," he said. "And for an extraordinarily devout Muslim to have taken very strong Christian and Catholic symbology and incorporate them into the rug is amazing. He may come from a different religious culture, but he was respectful enough to do that, and that is very interesting and humbling."
Indeed. This really is the mission of America - to free people who are cruelly oppressed, while ensuring our national security. Yes, our security is the primary goal, but America has always had a big enough heart that it is never our only goal.
I truly hope that Grayson Gile, who recieved the rug and accepted the mission of presenting it to President Bush, is successful in his mission.
And somewhere in Afghanistan, a man who now lives free will have the satisfaction of knowing that the leader of the free world knows that someone is thankful for the strength and determination of the United States of America.
"Sunday Thoughts" has its first airing today on Wide Awakes Radio at 4:30pm, ET (3:30 CT, and 1:30 PT).
Today, I'll be talking a bit about my doctrine, using the Nicene Creed as an outline. This one is going to be a it heavy, but I believe that my listeners need to know where I stand. Future "Sunday Thoughts" will be a bit lighter in tone, generally speaking
So don't forget to tune in for my first show!
I won't be on live, so if you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to e-mail me at cathousechat -AT- gmail -DOT- com.
Next week, I'm planning to discuss the tiredness we often feel in the midst of our rat-race-crazy lives. Of course, God may have other ideas He wants me to talk about, so if He wants to change the schedule, I'm gonna listen to Him!
Yesterday when I was "on air" with Cao and Terry, I mentioned the fact that my father had stood at the foot of Ens. George Gay's bed, while Ens. Gay debriefed Dad's C.O. Mr. Gay was the sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8, at the Battle of Midway.
I couldn't remember the Ensign's squadron at the time, but that was fortunate. Very soon after I got off the air, I recieved an e-mail which gave me the needed info, and continued:
I first heard of him, from all places- In a poem on the wall of the Tribune Tower- while replacing the decking of one of the towers. Let me see if I can dig it up.
How delightful! I e-mailed our listener back and asked him to send me a copy of that poem if he had the time and opportunity. Today, my friend L.S. Mope, Imperial Liaison Officer, Imperial Pork Purveyor, and Master Infidel, has dug up a copy with the assistance of John Dewey of the Tribune Properties.
My deepest gratitude goes out to both men, and I reproduce it here in its entirety:
Victory at MidwayOne man left to tell the story
Of Torpedo Squadron Eight
Splendid story of the glory
Of a rendezvous with fate.Fifteen planes with thirty heroes!
(Twenty-nine were doomed to die.)
Plunging though a cloud of Zeros
Down the danger-ridden sky.Twenty-nine, with proud devotion,
Ere the fatal flight was done
Vanished in the hungry ocean -
But the victory was won!One man left to tell the story
Of a rendezvous with fate -
Tell the story of the glory
Of Torpedo Squadron Eight.
I don't know the circumstances which led to this poem being chiseled into the walls of the Tribune Tower - and I'm assuming it's this Tribune Tower in Chicago - but I am so glad that it was.
What have we become today, that there are no verses, no monuments, no visible honor given to the many, many heroes and heroines who so selflessly serve this country today?
Thank you, L. S. Mope, for putting another facet on the diamonds in my Father's memory!
Actual traffic for our first day FAR exceeded Wide Awakes Radio projections...
THANK YOU!!!!
However, that means that our temporary server is a bit, um, steamy. Folks, it's smoking! You guys sent us so much support and traffic and interest that... Baby, the server just couldn't keep UP!!
So! The proper server for Wide Awakes Radio is scheduled to be installed Friday, (UPDATE: and active Saturday) (and yikes! UPDATE yet again: this is the proper post that ought to be linked for info) and from what I understand it's possible that we'll be down until that server is activated. I could be wrong, and I'll keep you updated...
But, WOW!!!! Your support and interest made this happen, and we'll be back as soon as God gives us the path.
Which - if I know Kender (which I *DO*) - just might possibly (not probably... just POSSIBLY!) be tomorrow... ;-) (Yep... I'm an optimist, and have boundless faith in our stupendous staff!)
Technorati tags: Wide Awakes Radio, Wide Awakes, WAR
I just got off my first session as a "live" host - On Air Talent - on Wide Awakes Radio. Cao and Terry Dillard were on with me, and right at the end, we got a quick check in with JACK IDEMA!
It was fun, we had a great exchange - Israel, Discovery, our beloved and honored troops - and I am charged UP!!!
Gee. Maybe I can do LIVE radio, after all ;-)
(UPDATED: With some revision about the Articles of Confederation and correction of dates, thanks to BDM, of Fact of the Matter)
Two hundred thirty 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 HappinessWe 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 persistance.
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 recieved 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 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 230th 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!
My buddy Beth at MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy has the perfect follow up to my previous post. She got a segment from Fox&Friends on FoxNews this morning (?) and got it up on YouTube:
I love ED. She's gutsy, committed, and passionately devoted to our troops. She's a great American!
Today is, of course, Fathers' Day - and I am blessed to have a wonderful Daddy, as well as being married to a guy who is a wonderful Daddy.
They are both good, honorable men, gentle of voice and strong in their convictions. They both treat their children and wives with deep love and affection. They are both family men, enjoying the joys and challenges of Fatherhood. They both laugh and enjoy life immensely, love to tease their wives and kids, and hold their Moms in high esteem.
I must be the luckiest woman in the world to have such great Dads in my life. I am proud to say that the Beloved Husband is very much like my Dad, and I hope and pray that the Darling Munchkin will be able to say the same thing one day.
Fathers, love your wives and love your daughters (well, certainly your sons, too, but I'm speaking from the distaff side at the moment); you can give them no better gift. The woman who has a loving and dependable Dad is, indeed, richly blessed!
Happy Fathers' Day Daddy! Happy Fathers' Day, Beloved Husband! You are the best guys in the world!
May this flag of red, white, and blue continue to fly over this great country for many, many years to come. I pray that we, as a nation, remember what the colors in our Seal, and thus, our Flag symbolize:
Our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, celebrates the courage, bravery and determination of our forefathers to remain free and independant. I love learning about that fight at Ft. McHenry and the sheer "we-will-NEVER-give-up" cussedness displayed by those brave men during that fight. Frances Scott Key did a beautiful job writing down these magnificent words (all emphasis is mine):
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And Michael W. Smith has a beautiful song, "There She Stands," which is a beautiful celebration of what our flag has been through, and the hope it has given so many:
When the night / Seems to say
All hope is lost / Gone away
But I know / I'm not alone / By the light
She standsThere she waves / Faithful friend
Shimmering stars / Westward wind
Show the way / Carry me / To the place
She standsJust when you think it might be over
Just when you think the fight is gone
Someone will risk his life to raise her
There she standsThere she flies / Clear blue sky
Reminds us with red / Of those who died
Washed in white / By the brave / In their strength
She standsWhen evil calls itself a martyr
When all you hopes come crashing down
Someone will pull her from the rubble
There she standsWe've seen her flying torn and tattered
We've seen her stand the test of time
And through it all the fools have fallen
There she standsBy the dawn's / Early light / And through the fight / She stands
There She stands.
Thank You, Father, for this blessed land You have given us. Thank You for men of wisdom and conviction who founded this country on Your Word. Thank You for the men and women who have fought so bravely to keep us free. Thank You for the men and women who are fighting now, serving their country with honor and valor. Thank You, Father, for the leaders You have given us: each and every one is there in their place according to Your will and You plan.
We lift up this Nation, Lord, and ask You to continue to bless us. We ask that You continue to guide us, to protect and nurture us. But most of all, Lord, I pray that You send Your Spirit among us to draw us all to You. I pray that You bring Your revival to this beloved land, so we may again serve you with all our mind, all our heart, all our strength, and all our spirit. Revive us, O Lord, that we may shine forth Your love and Your grace through this weary world. Revive us that we may boast in Your strength and Your wisdom.
Revive us so we may praise Your Name to the very heavens, and proclaim once more: "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the LORD!"
Linked at basil's Blog, Stuck on Stupid and the Cigar Intelligence Agency; and check out Flag Day entries from Third World County, Euphoric Reality, Random Yak and Diane's Stuff.
Also, you really need to go over to Rightwing Nuthouse because Rick Moran has an excellent post about our passion for our Flag, along with some very interesting history.
Today is Flag Day. I think it fitting that we honor not only our flag but also the "free men" who "stand between their loved homes and the war's desolation" around the world, protecting us and reminding us all what the flag truly means - simple, patriotic love for one's home and country.This love, shared by tens of millions of Americans, has lately been belittled, sneered at, even thought of as "evil" in some quarters. The flag itself has taken something of a beating in recent decades, used and abused by both commercial enterprises and thoughtless dissidents who shamelessly appropriate the feelings Americans have for our national emblem to sell everything from soap to cars. Or, in the case of the haters of liberty, to deliberately incite rage by burning it. There are even some who wish to supplant the nobility of what the flag represents by injecting all the sins (both real and imagined) committed by American governments over two hundred years into our national symbol in order to mold it into an emblem of shame.
In this, they and all the haters will fail. As long as there are men willing to pick up the standard when it falls, the flag will continue to represent all of the good and noble things about this country, forcing us to wipe a tear from our eye whenever we see it pass, remembering all that it means to be an American.
Amen, Rick - and thank you very much!
I've posted before about how much I love my husband, how much I respect and adore him. Each and every day he is a blessing to me, and I just saw a video on CMT by Faith Hill which reminded me of the wonderful man God has given me.
How lucky I am to have him, to hold and cherish him, and to be married to my best and most beloved friend in the whole world!
So, my love, this one's for you: Faith Hill's "The Lucky One" -
'cause you're mine
That's all i need to know
The sunshine's everywhere we go
It's so right cause i've got you to hold
Every night yeah
I'm the lucky one
I'm the lucky one
You're mine, I'm yours, and the Munckin is ours.
God has blessed me beyond imagining, sweetheart, and I'm the lucky one!
Julie Banderas, of FoxNews's show the Big Story Weekend, gives a passionate smack-down to Shirley Phelps-Roper, speaking for the Westboro "Baptist" Church. Phelps-Roper thinks she and her church are speaking for God, but they are so far out of the grace of God they can only preach His hatred of sin.
Yes, God hates sin, but these cultists do not "speak the truth in love," and they do not show God's love and compassion for powerless sinners. Westboro members also seem to deliberately target the families in their grief, instead of going out and offering a ministry to sinners.
That's what God wants us to do: go out and serve those who are sick, showing them the great love of the God Who came down from Heaven to die on a Cross.
Ms. Banderas give a passionate defense of the truth, and exposes the hatred and pride at the heart of the Westboro cult.
God bless you, Ms. Banderas. May He bless you wonderfully for holding fast to His true Word.
(As a side note, the person who posted this clip on YouTube apparently didn't think too much of Ms. Banderas - claims she "loses it." Well, I wish more Christians would stand up and "lose it" like this when confronting such heresy and hatred!)
Today is Memorial Day. Today, we remember the brave and honorable men and women who sacrificed so much to keep our country safe and free. How can we even begin to properly honor their memory, or to say a true "Thank you!" to the men and women, still living, who have or are still serving?
May I offer what I did this weekend? We went to Washington, D.C., on Friday, and had a personally guided White House tour on Saturday morning. After that, we walked down to the National Mall, and saw the World War II Memorial:
The Korean War Memorial - beautiful and moving.
Thank you to all the Veterans and their families - but, most of all, thank you to the men and women of our Military who have laid down their lives in service to America.
The Tree of Freedom has been liberally watered with the Blood of Patriots: and *I* for one, honor and cherish that, and pledge to raise up my child to venerate the lives given.
May God bless out Military and their families, and may He welcome our honored dead into His Heaven.
God bless our land, and may He draw our hearts to Him again to serve and rejoice in Him!
Yes, today is the Darling Munchkin's tenth birthday - she's hit the double digits!
Eleven or so years ago, the Beloved Husband and I felt it was time to have a child. I, personally, was excited but scared to death: would I be a good Mom? And so, at the proper time, the Lord gave us this child. My pregnancy was easy, and even labor wasn't too bad (the Beloved husband would dispute that, LOL). It took a few weeks to get into a comfortable routine and to figure out this beautiful baby girl, bu we managed.
Now, ten years later, we're more in love with this child than ever. She's bright and cuddly, full of laughter, and interested in everything. She's been blessed with excellent health (I think she's had antibiotics only about five times in her whole life!), and a charming personality. She adores her Daddy - they talk science and mechanics and forts and sports. She loves tickle fights and roughousing and tormenting her favorite guy.
Me - well, she blesses my heart each and every day with her love and affection. We sing together, discuss politics (yes, we do) and theology (absolutely!). We look at this created world and marvel together at the excellence of God's handiwork and imagination. We cuddle and tickle and read and love on each other every day.
The Munchkin has been so wonderful to raise! We are so happy that God has given us this incredible gift of love and snuggles wrapped up in such a charming form.
So, my beloved daughter - Happy Birthday from your weird and wacky Mom. I love you, Munchkin: you're the BEST!
My dad is 88 years young today.
I am so blessed to have him as my dad, and I think he's the second best guy in the universe (the Beloved Husband, of course, is the BEST - and Daddy heartily approves). Growing up, he was always there for me. He has always been kind and gracious, and I don't believe I've ever heard him be harsh or rude to anyone.
My high school graduating class (only 42 of us, if I recall correctly) voted me as "Daddy's Girl," an honor I still relish.
So, here's to my dad - the BEST Dad in the Universe for me, chosen by God Himself to show me the strength and kindness and gentleness that is the true standard of masculinity.
I love you, Daddy! Many happy returns of the day...
-- From your favorite Middle ChildI just wanted to post something quick to say "Thank you!" to my blog-brother, Kender.
Kender has been a mainstay of the Wide Awakes, and he's moved Heaven and Earth to set up Wide Awakes Radio, despite what's happening in his own life with his health and other issues. He has called ME on a regular basis to encourage me and chat with me, all while dealing with what's going on in his own life.
I know that he's doing the same with many other people, and that he's a huge blessing in many MANY people's lives.
And so, I want to give a shout-out and much love to a man who is an example of courage, determination, optimism, and joy:
my beloved blog-brother, KENDER, the Robin Goodfellow of the blogosphere, a joy in *my* life, and a Gentleman sans peur et sans reproche.
God bless you, Kender - 'cause you've been a wonderful blessing to me!
Love you, crazy man, and - Lord willing - we'll meet in person soon!
Raven, you are a blessing to me, and a wonderful cherished friend!
Thank you SOOOOO much for the glorious package you sent: I'm gonna wallow in the coffee tomorrow, and search out the best, most memorable uses for all the lovely, yummy STUFF you sent!
** blushing **
Thank you, sister... I love you a LOT, too!
(Pics below the fold)
Thank you to the men and women serving... Thank you, and God bless you!
(HT to the Beloved Husband)
(Crossposted to Adam's Blog)
Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?"
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
Jesus said to her, "Mary!"
She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
And my friend, Always On Watch, posts the beautiful and triumphant hymn, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today:"
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Alleluia, He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!
Crossposted to the Wideawakes
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