CatHouse Chat

General Peter Pace - a true Marine

And God bless him for it! Chris, over at the Mason Conservative, posts this video, which I must share with you:

Humility, grace, honor, dignity, and a dedication to do what is right... Dear Lord in heaven above, we need more men of this quality!

Technorati Tags: Peter Pace, US Marines, honor, character

****BRAVO!!!****

Alton alerted me to this video featured over on Breitbart.tv -

Mexican flags
Uploaded by dollarsandsense123

Make sure you go on over and digg it - and read those comments! My favorite is by stealthboy:

What's it going to take to get Americans angry enough to realize we are being invaded? I'm sick of seeing Spanish in all the stores I go to now. I'm sick of all the liberals playing the race card whenever anyone tries to discuss illegal immigration (Note: Illegal, not legal). This crap has to stop, and I'm glad this guy took a stand. He's a true hero in my book.

No joke! We are being invaded, and our government - at the local, state, AND federal levels - has betrayed the trust we placed in it to KEEP OUR BORDERS SECURE.

I have nothing against people who want to come to this country - I welcome them! - but if they refuse to do it legally, then *I* don't want them here. We have enough trouble with crime among our proper citizens - I don't want proven lawbreakers here, too.

The "Bowl of Embrace" doesn't measure up

When AMERICA commemorates heroes who have sacrificed themselves to serve their countrymen, who have shown extraordinary courage, who have dedicated themselves to liberty, or who have shown incredible courage in the face of adversity, THESE are the memorials we build to honor them:

 

 

Just as a small sampling...

America builds triumphant MONOLITHS! We build soaring statues, we erect meaningful and wrenching reminders of the blood, sacrifice, and INTEGRITY of our heroes.

We don't construct namby-pamby, enemy-appeasing "Bowl of Embrace" drivel!

The concept of the "Bowl of Embrace" is just too disgusting, cowardly, and appeasing for me to outline, so I will direct you to Cao, GMan, and Justin, who offer far better descriptions and denunciations.

But never forget that when proper Americans fashion and forge a memorial to courage, honor, and bravery, we produce something that says

IN YOUR DAMN FACE!!!!

to our enemies!

This "Bowl of Embrace" is an abomination, and ought to be replaced (as should the Twin Towers) with something that BEGS the Islamofascist terrorist murderers to try and destroy them. We need to raise up memorials which scream

• We will never surrender!
• We will never back down!
• We will never forget!
• We will hunt you to the ends of the earth and destroy every last evidence and memory of your intolerant, barbaric and insane ideology!

Technorati Tags: Bowl of Embrace, Crescent of embrace, cowardly, appeasing, islamofascist, terrorists, murder, barbarian

Hope Rides Alone: An American Hero answers the CodePink/Int'l Answer/MoveOn crowds...

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)

Technorati Tags: SGT Eddie Jeffers, in memory, killed in action, essay, patriot

Duncan Hunter at Gathering of Eagles

What a great guy... He spoke from the heart, with passion and love for our country and our men and women in uniform. He was also the only presidential candidate to show up for this important gathering!

Congressman Hunter graciously stopped for a couple of words with me, and a polite bystander took this photo:

Technorati Tags: Duncan Hunter, Gathering of Eagles

Arlington Cemetery

CatHouse Chat pauses to bow in prayer, honoring our sacred dead and asking for safety and God's blessing on our living heroes who are standing the Watch.

UPDATE: Video added -

Visitors to the Tomb of the Unknowns are very quiet, very respectful, which is entirely appropriate for such a sacred place. The guards take 21 paces in each direction, then they pause for 21 seconds with each change of direction. This represents one of the highest honors offered to our military service members: the Twenty One Gun Salute. I need to research this tradition to find out the significance of the number "21."

I have an hypothesis, though - twenty-one is three times seven (d'uh!). Both "three" and "seven" are considered to be important and perfect numbers in the Judeo-Christian tradition. "Three" is representative of the Trinity, for instance, and "seven" could refer to the seven days of Creation. I dunno, it's just a wild-eyed guess on my part, and I'm probably totally wrong...

I was unable to get the video of the Changing of the Guard this time because the battery of my video camera was used up COMPLETELY for yesterday's rally (I'll convert and post it all, I promise!), and my little purse camera couldn't have held it all (not to mention that I'd only get *one* level of zoom once I started recording).

I'm thinking of coming up for Spring Break, and bringing the Munchkin - in which case, I will certainly get a record of the ceremony, which is conducted every half hour when the Memorial is open.

Gold Star families!!! (Edited and bumped)

Thank God for the Gold Star families who were here. They were welcomed warmly - applause and cheers and "thank you!"s resounded - and gave the love back freely. They spoke about how proud they were of their sons, and how much those heroes would have appreciated Gathering of Eagles.

Tears ran down my face as they gave their testimonies and testified to their sons' bravery.

America is blessed beyond measure to have men and women of such courage and character who stand between us and harm, and freely give their lives to guard our freedom.

When I saw the MoveOn, Code Pink, and Answer traitors spitting on these men and women by their actions, I had to wonder...

Does America deserve all the heroes who have died for her?

I don't think we are worthy of them.

Fight and Win in Iraq!

Loved this sign - it looked very similar to the moonbats' posters, so you had to look again.

Che is DEAD! Get over it!

Thank God for Petraeus!

Just in case you can't read this, it says:

Thank God for Petraeus, because the Democrats betray us!"

Opening remarks...

Say it, brother!

Awesome patch!!

Continuing to add patriots

Begining to gather the Patriots

Are you AWAKE yet?!

No? Well, grab your coffee and then click this video. You'll be rockin' in NO time!

Thanks, Wild Thing!

Technorati Tags: tanks, explosives, pump it up

Pottery Barn ROCKS THE WORLD!!!

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!

Technorati Tags: Pottery Barn, customer service

The Fourth of July (2007 Edition)

--- I posted this last year, 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 my blog brother, Alton, made for me. He'd asked me to record this post, and then he added music. Listen or read - but enjoy either way!

I would also encourage you to go over to Rick Moan's site, where he is "liveblogging" the events which happened July 2, July 3, and July 4 of 1776. He is an excellent and imaginative writer, and you won't be disappointed.---

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 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 231st 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!

America's heritage: Fort McHenry

As I said, today I visited Fort McHenry, and it was wonderful! I was greeted by Old Glory, of course:

She is so beautiful! I was reminded of Michael W. Smith's song, "There She Stands" -

When the night
Seems to say
All hope is lost
Gone away
But I know
I'm not alone
By the light
She stands
There she waves
Faithful friend
Shimmering stars
Westward wind
Show the way
Carry me
To the place
She stands
Just 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 stands
There she flies
Clear blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands
When evil calls itself a martyr
When all your hopes come crashing down
Someone will pull her from the rubble
There she stands
We'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 stands
By the dawn's
Early light
And through the fight
She stands

She does stand. She is still waving over the land of the free and the home of the brave, no matter that there are those who want to pull her down.

Anyway - back to Fort McHenry. There's an EXCELLENT video by the History Channel (I spoke about it here) that is well worth watching.

The War of 1812 is actually America's second war for independence. Britain was taking our sailors off of merchant ships and impressing them into British service (one of the many factors of the war), and we didn't take too kindly to that. Another little factoid most people don't realize about this "forgotten" war, is that the Battle of Baltimore - the most famed battle, and the one which inspired our National Anthem - didn't actually take place until September, 1814. So, our fondness for playing the 1812 Overture is actually a mistake on this point, besides the fact that it was written to celebrate the victory of Russia over Napoleon's French army...

As you leave the Visitors' Center, there is a large statue of the brave man who commanded Fort McHenry that fateful night.

Major George Armistead.

When he arrived in Baltimore in 1814, he commissioned a huge flag from Mary Pickersgill. He wanted a "a flag so large that the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance" and that is the flag which Francis Scott Key saw flying proudly the morning after the battle.

Consider the situation: in August of 1814, Washington had been sacked, President Madison had been forced to flee the city, and our fledgling country was in disarray. The Major probably knew that a rallying point - a glorious symbol - was desperately needed.

I doubt, however, that he had any inkling of the critical importance that flag would have in our country's history. Neither could he have imagined the inspiration it has provided to our nation down the years.

Here is the front entrance to Fort McHenry. To the left, out of frame, is the ravelin, which protected the front gate so troops could move out into battle safely. It also stored ammunition, and provided a base to catch any attackers in the defenders' crossfire.

Here's a picture from inside the ravelin, looking up and out. The grate to the right blocks a doorway that leads into an ammunition room. The angle of the stairs as well as the depth below grade helped to protected any powder from exploding due to a stray mortar.

I probably ought to have taken a picture from the outside, but, well... Ooops...?

 This is one of the cannons which surround the fort. Most aren't from the Battle of Baltimore, but instead they're dated to the Civil War. Fort McHenry was fortified by the Union forces, but it never came under attack by the Confederacy.

It's actually quite interesting - the technology was pretty sophisticated. You can see the tracks at the lower left of the picture, which helped swing the gun from side to side. Some time after the Civil War, if I recall correctly, these guns were upgraded with "hydraulic" pistons. When the gun was fired, the recoil would slam it to the back of its frame. The pressure which the recoil built up in the piston would move the gun up to the load/fire positions. This made the process of load-fire-repeat much faster and more efficient.

Look at the size of those critters, though - pretty impressive, huh?

How about some video? This is a video I took from the top of one of Fort McHenry's bastions -

I took another from the interior of the fort as well:

Fort McHenry it truly inspiring, and you really need to go and visit yourself. If you're quiet and really listen, you might hear the voices of the men who served here. They would whisper their stories in your ear, they would tell of blood and fear and courage.

They would remind you of why they fought and died - and ask you to love and serve the country for which they sacrificed.

Men and women throughout America's history have stepped forward and lived this verse of "America the Beautiful" -

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

Do you love your family, your country, more than yourself? Do you understand and cherish America's founding concepts of duty, service, self-control, honor and courage?

Will America - will we - return to God our Savior and Provider, God who has blessed us beyond compare, and allow Him to refine our gold?

Will we be able to answer "YES!" to Francis Scott Key's question:

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Technorati Tags: Fort McHenry, Star Spangled Banner, anthem, Armistead, Baltimore, patriot

The United States Naval Academy

Yesterday I had the honor of going on board the US Naval Academy and taking a tour. I had to park on the street off-base (with a two hour time limit, no less! Yikes!), but it wasn't a long walk to the Visitors' Center.

My timing happened to be spot on, and I was able to join up with a tour which had just started. Our guide was a lady who had been a Naval Officer herself (along with her husband, and I believe that one of her two sons had just been sworn in as a plebe last week), and she was very knowledgeable and informative.

The tour took about an hour and a half, and it was well worth  the $8 I paid. It also made me realize - dimly - that for all my assumptions on how hard the Academy is, in reality it's even harder than I thought. These young men and women are busy all day long, every day is packed full of learning, training, sports, and extracurricular activities (ECAs) to mould them into well-rounded leaders.

The Naval Academy is really something which cannot be adequately described (certainly not with the impressions from the two hours I spend on board), and so I'll post pictures with brief descriptions and not try to play tour guide.

Before I begin, however, I would like to remind you of one of the Academy's distinguished graduates, Robert A. Heinlein.

Heinlein was the first-ever recipient of the Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 1974. He was considered one of the giants of early science fiction; his influence on the genre continues to this day.

Heinlein graduated from the Academy in 1929, and only served for five years, when he was discharged due to pulmonary tuberculosis. His Academy and Navy years shaped him, however, and he remained a strong patriot all his life. 

In 1988, Heinlein died, but if he had lived, this Friday, 07 July, 2007, would have been his 100th birthday.

OK... On to the pictures!

 

Ah, the eternal rivalry...!

Dahlgren Hall, which was originally the armory. Now it's a temporary dining hall while the main facilities are being refurbished.

Bancroft Hall, with Tecumseh Court in front. The plebes are sworn in in the Court, and the Brigade musters there to march into meals.

Inside Bancroft Hall, looking up to the entrance of Memorial Hall.

Memorial Hall enshrines the names of men and women of the Academy who have given their lives in service to our country. Presiding over it is the flag from Oliver Hazard Perry's ship, the USS Lawrence. Perry's friend, Capt. James Lawrence spoke these words again and again as he lay dying on the deck of the Chesapeake:

During the War of 1812, Lawrence commanded the U.S.S. Hornet, which captured the H.M.S. Peacock, and was promoted to Captain as a result. On June 1, 1813, commanding a new and untrained crew on the 49-gun frigate U.S.S. Chesapeake off Boston, Lawrence accepted a challenge from Philip Bowes Vere Broke, captain of the 38-gun H.M.S. Shannon. Four years Lawrence's senior, Broke had commanded the Shannon for six years, and had the best trained crew in the Royal Navy.

In less than 15 minutes, Lawrence's crew was overwhelmed. Mortally wounded, Lawrence shouted, "Tell the men to fire faster and not to give up the ship; fight her till she sinks!" True to his words, every officer in the Chesapeake's chain of command fought until he was either killed or wounded. Even so, the battle was lost in under an hour, the Chesapeake was captured, and Lawrence died four days later, leaving his wife and a daughter.

In honor of Captain Lawrence, a group of women stitched the words "Don't Give Up The Ship" into a flag. The flag was presented to Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the U.S.S. Lawrence - named for Captain Lawrence - in the summer of 1813. Perry went on to capture an entire squadron of British ships in the battle of Lake Erie, on September 13, though not before every officer on the Lawrence - except for Perry and his 13-year-old brother - was either killed or wounded.

Lawrence's words became the motto of the U.S. Navy, which has named numerous ships in his honor, and Perry's flag now hangs in a place of honor at the United States Naval Academy. Copies may be seen at other Navy installations and, of course, in Burlington. Far less well known is Lawrence's last command to his crew - "Burn her!"

Beautiful, meaningful and noble traditions are built upon this kind of fire, courage and dedication.

The Naval Academy Chapel - imposing but not threatening, displaying a firm and anchored faith in God.

On each side of the main aisle are four beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. On the right, they depict nautical verses from the Old Testament, and on the left side, verses from the New Testament.

This is a view looking back. Up top is a votive ship, hanging above a statue of Christ. The pedestal is inscribed with the words, "Come unto Me."

Finally at the front of the Chapel is this window (also Tiffany) of Christ walking on the water. Above it is a large plaque with the opening words of the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father Strong to Save"

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep,
Its own appointed limits keep.

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea! Amen.

Eternal Father, lend Thy grace To
those with wings who fly thro' space,
Thro wind and storm, thro' sun and rain,
Oh bring them safely home again.

Oh Father, hear an humble prayer,
For those in peril in the air! Amen.

Oh Trinity of love and pow'r,
Our brethren shield in danger's hour,
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them where so e'er they go.

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea! Amen.

Indeed. And Father, I thank You for the men and women who have stepper forward to serve their country. I ask Your blessing on their lives: give them courage and strength, lead them in honor and duty, cleanse and enlighten their hearts and minds, and protect them by Your almighty power.

Technorati Tags: Naval Academy, Eternal Father, chapel, Annapolis, Navy, Tiffany windows, Bancroft Hall, Dahlgren Hall

Remember me?

Ah. I had never seen this video before, so I am grateful to the Blog Father for noting it, and to Real Clear Politics for bringing it to his attention.

Thank you, Lizzie. I do remember. I will always remember.

God bless these men and women who sacrifice so much out of love for their families, their neighbors, and their country.

Ruth Graham on her way Home?

It may be that God is calling another of His saints Home.

Billy and Ruth Graham have given America and the world an incredible blessing with their ministries and their example. When Ruth goes Home, I will grieve with the Grahams, but I will also celebrate a life full of gentle and dedicated godliness.

My prayers are with the Graham family.

Technorati Tags: Ruth Graham, Billy Graham

"TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!!"

Twenty years ago today, President Ronald Reagan laid the challenge before the Soviet Union in stirring words which still resonate with us today.

"The importance of freedom."

"We believe that freedom and security go together."

"The advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace."

"Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

The wall finally came down, and the joy of a reunited country was displayed throughout the world:

God bless you, President Reagan.

(Tip of the Tiara to Virginia Virtucon for pointing out the videos)

Technorati Tags: Ronald Reagan, tear down this wall, communism

The heroes who defend our freedom

I have no words - I NEVER have the perfect words! - to honor the heroes past and present who have guarded our freedom. The men and women who have served our country in our military have blessed America with such honor, courage and dedication, that it is impossible to extol their actions and dedication in a manner that offers proper appreciation.

All I can say to them is

Thank you. Thank you, and I promise to raise my child to honor and cherish your sacrifices. I promise to train her to give you her thanks and appreciation for your service.

I promise that if she chooses to become one of you, I will give her the foundation to serve with honesty and godly courage, so that her name will be among those who have given nobly and acted in integrity and bravery to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.

God bless our men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve the United States of America.

May He keep you in His will, may He guide and protect you, and may He keep you in His truth so you defend truth and freedom and honor wherever you serve.

And, may He turn our media around so they  give you your due honor (thanks - profound thanks - to Chris Muir, who created this strip...)

God bless the men and women who have defended Reality, and who have given their lives and honor in service and with faithfulness!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today I am celebrating the birth of a wonderful man - my Daddy.

Yes, I still call him Daddy, because he's always been the sweetest and most loving of dads. Not every man can be a dad - no. Too many, especially these days, don't seem to have the time or the motivation to be true dads to their kids.

But I have been blessed with a man who wasn't just a dad: my dad was and is a Daddy! He went that extra mile and gave that extra hug; he listened for the millionth time and still offered that understanding smile; and he watched me grow and then build a family while only ever offering encouragement and praise. My Daddy would crawl across the Sahara Desert without water before he would let any of his family go without something we needed!

My Daddy is a Gentleman to the very tips of his fingers: he is always there to help a friend, he opens his hand in loving generosity, his word has always been his bond, and he loves people in whatever circumstance he meets them. My Daddy is a sweet guy, but he gets righteously stubborn when the cause is just. His heart is tender and always putting others first.

Daddy's body is getting weaker, and he gets frustrated when his mind doesn't work the way he wants it to, but he is still willing to accept and give hugs and love with people who have honored and appreciated him for so long. I know that I won't have him for too much longer, so I want to love and cherish him as much as I can while I have the opportunity.

Fortunately, although Daddy is in the sunset of his life, God is Daddy's favorite Person. Daddy knows Who will be waiting for him on the other side of this life, and he's still amazed and thankful for God's wondrous grace. Daddy has showed me his gratitude for all the blessings God has poured out on his life. Daddy has taught me an appreciation for the simple joy of salvation, and an uncomplicated faith in the God who is our Rock and our Redeemer.

Daddy loves his family: he adores Mom, who is his sun and moon, and whom he loves with all his heart. Daddy loves his son, my older brother and the only boy, who is wise and strong. Daddy loves his daughters, my younger sister and me, and he believes them to be beautiful and talented (and for my sister, in particular, I'll agree with both with complete enthusiasm!), and he watches over us all in prayer. He still enjoys spoiling us rotten, too!

And so...

WHEREAS Kat's Dad has proven himself to be a man of strong and upright character,

WHEREAS he has loved his family with every fiber of his being,

WHEREAS he has lived a joyful, generous, and thankful life,

WHEREAS he has loved kindness and grace even to his own hurt,

WHEREAS he has been forgiving and humble in all his ways,

WHEREAS his loyalty and faithfulness have been wonderfully inspiring to others,

and, WHEREAS he has been the most loving of husbands, fathers, and community influences,

THEREFORE, I, Kat of CatHouseChat.com, cherished daughter, and honored offspring of this illustrious and blessed man, do declare and proclaim that this day, the twenty-fourth of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, the most happy and joyous of birthdays to my mostest beloved Daddy, who I love dearly!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

(... but you know it was because you read Kipling's Just So Stories to me every time I was sick, right? *wink!*)

I can’t believe I missed this!

Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis, was on Fox&Friends recently and speaking about the new Creation Museum which is opening on 28 May. I've known about Answers in Genesis for years, and they have been a great encouragement to my faith. It was a huge eye-opener to me when I saw evidence that proved I could trust the Bible from the very first verse. Ken Ham was instrumental in this, and I have supported that ministry for a long time. I am so pleased that this museum - 100% privately funded, as Mr. Ham points out - is finally ready to open!

Mr. Ham presented himself well, which didn't surprise me. I've only ever listened to him before (he has a very good sense of humor!), and to see him was a treat. Of course, the Australian accent helps capture my attention, LOL. I must also add my appreciation for the Fox&Friends crew, who were interested and respectful, and allowed Mr. Ham to have his say.

Yes, I'll probably get flack for letting y'all know that I'm a creationist, and that's OK. Not my problem: it's God you want to argue with (Warning: arguing with God is a losing proposition!)

Anyway, here's the video (you will have to click on the link at Fox), and here's a list of some verrrrrry interesting books:

• Strobel, Lee, The Case for a Creator
• Ward, Peter and Donald Brownlee, Rare Earth
• Dembski, William, The Design Revolution
• Gonzalez, Guillermo and Jay Wesley Richards, The Privileged Planet
• Behe, Michael, Darwin's Black Box
• --, Science and Evidence for Design in the Universe
• Denton, Michael, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis
• Wilson, John, Uncommon Dissent
• Johnson, Philip, Darwin on Trial

If you're absolutely opposed to a Creator, I'm certainly not going to convince you. I can't change your mind, and that's all right: it's not my job to do so. But I do request that you don't go slinging mud on what *I* believe, because I have looked over quite a bit of evidence and quite a few of the arguments on both sides. I have been convinced that the whole universe is a special creation, crafted with intelligence and care, and that the Creator has revealed Himself through the Bible.

So, you're not going to change my mind, either.

Therefore, if we get into a discussion in the comments, let's agree to disagree with civility and grace, because I will delete any snide and derogatory remarks from either side.

The wonders of ‘net searches

I was just running through my Sitemeter hits, and saw that one visitor had found me via this search (for this post). But one of the other results was from February at BlackFive, which had this video posted:

Oh, yeah. Yes, indeed. Thank you so much, Subsunk - I needed that...! You made a perfect video to go with Trace Adkins' lyrics...

The “Captain Kirk” of the blogosphere rides again!

Bill Whittle's posting again! Part one here, and part two, here...

Go read one of the most inspiring and sensible essayists ever!

NOW!!!

R.I.P., Jerry Falwell (UPDATED)

No, you weren't always right; yes, sometimes you went off track; but I have no doubt that you loved and served your Lord and Savior with all your heart.

Reverend Jerry Falwell, the Baptist minister who used television to bring his message to millions and then founded the Moral Majority to help politically mobilize the religious right, has died. He was 73.

The cause may have been a heart-rhythm abnormality, said cardiologist Carl Moore of Lynchburg General Hospital in Virginia. Falwell was found without a pulse in his office in Lynchburg at 11:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m., Moore said. Falwell had a history of heart trouble. [link]

'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

May God give His peace and comfort to the Falwell family, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Liberty University, and all the many people whom Rev. Falwell had mentored and blessed though his long years of service.

UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Bolling mourns:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, Dr. Jerry Falwell. Dr. Falwell was a great Virginian and a great American who made significant contributions to our Commonwealth and our nation. He was a man of strong, unwavering faith whose leadership helped advance Christian and conservative values.

Dr. Falwell will be greatly missed, but his legacy will not be forgotten. He started Thomas Road Baptist Church and grew a congregation from 35 to over 24,000 members. He founded Liberty University and built it into the preeminent Christian university in the United States."

"My heart and prayers go out to Dr. Falwell's wife Macel, his children Jerry, Jr, Jeannie and Jonathan and the entire Liberty University and Thomas Road communities. I know they will all be strengthened by the knowledge that while Dr. Falwell has left us he has now gone home to be with the Lord.

As does AG McDonnell:

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Dr. Jerry Falwell, and the many thousands of Virginians whose lives he touched. Through Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University, and his other ministries, Dr. Falwell became a friend to individuals all across the world. Through his strong Christian ministry and his philanthropic efforts, the lives of individuals across the world were improved. His love for our state and nation was extraordinary. He was a man of strong faith and values which will guide Dr. Falwell's family and friends, and the Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University community, through this difficult time.

UPDATE 2.0: I've been seeing a lot of hatred and absolutely vile and insane things posted about Rev. Falwell across the 'net. All I have for these people are the very words of Jesus:

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Rest in peace, Pastor Jerry. You loved your God with all your heart, and all your mind, and all your soul, and all your strength. Enter into God's rest, where sin and sorrow - and the slurs of man - cannot touch you.

A young heroine defends life and property

Via Misha the Most Excellent -

Two illegal aliens, Ralphel Resindez 23 and Enrico Garza 26, probably believed they would easily overpower a home alone 11 year old Patricia Harrington after her father had left their two story home.

It seems the two crooks never learned two things, they were in Montana and Patricia had been a clay shooting champion since she was nine. Patricia was in her upstairs room when the two men broke through the front door of the house. She quickly ran to her father's room and grabbed his 12 gauge Mossberg 500 shotgun.

Resindez was the first to get up to the second floor only to be the first to catch a near point blank blast of buck shot from the 11 year olds knee crouch aim. He suffered fatal wounds to his abdomen and genitals. When Garza ran to the foot of the stairs, he took a blast to the left shoulder and staggered out into the street where he bled to death before medical help could arrive.

It was found out later that Resindez was armed with a stolen 45 caliber handgun he took from another home invasion robbery. The victim, 50 year old David Burien, was not so lucky as he died from stab wounds to the chest. [link]

Well, there are two criminals who have received swift justice. Good for Patricia - quick thinking and quick actions probably saved her from being raped and murdered.

In my search for more backup than the link from Liberty Forums, though, I did see this caveat linked on Whackbag.com:

Raphael Resendez-Ramirez was the infamous "Railroad Killer" illegal alien / serial murderer. He eventually was captured. I would wager that this is an invented account, and the writer borrowed part of Raphael's name for it. There's absolutely nothing on the web (aside from this verbatim account itself - complete with "Butte" misspelled) to indicate this ever actually happened, or that anyone named Patricia Harrington ever was a champion clay-shooter anywhere...

I hope it's not a false story - the courage of the young lady is remarkable - but I suppose I'm going to have to keep looking for confirmation. Can any of my readers help out? I'll check Snopes, but any googling y'all want to do to see what you can find would be welcome!

UPDATE: It may be probably is apocryphal - check out the thread associated with the caveat - but there are real stories out there about young people defending themselves and their families...

An accused group of thugs were thwarted by a 12-year old with a gun. It happened in Greenville when police say five masked men stormed into a house and started beating up the child's father.[link]

An overnight home invasion robbery attempt in northeast Harris County ended in a hail of gunfire that left two suspects dead.

Investigators said a 17-year-old was home with his cousin when four armed men kicked in the door and started shooting.

The teen pulled out a shotgun of his own and fired back at the suspects, killing two of them. [link]

The triumph of being a SURVIVOR, and not a victim

I love my friend Raven. She is probably one of the strongest, most joyful, and most honest people I know. She works in health care, and is a passionate advocate for her patients; her care and compassion and determination pour out upon everyone she cares for.

The past few days, I've been helping my parents while Mom goes through knee replacement surgery. It's her second kneee, and the first knee was a nightmare. We've had to be very careful of the medication this time because of the reactions Mom had last time. Through it all, last time and this, Raven has been there - via e-mail, yes, but THERE - for me like a rock. She's never met my Mom - hasn't even seen pictures of her - and yet, long-distance, she's also become my Mom's advocate. Raven has helped me navigate through a very delicate situation with confidence and encouraged me to be a compassionate coach for Mom.

Raven is, simply, the BEST!

And now, she talks a bit about her life and the choices she had made in the past. She talks about how much better it is to be a survivor rather than a victim. This is a lady who has "been there, done that" and BURNED that t-shirt.

I think that all my readers really ought to meet my friend Raven. Go read her post, "About Being A Victim," and see the incredible character and integrity of my favorite blog-sister.

Then you might begin to understand why I filed this post under "Heroes."

Amid the tragedy...

A hero:

Holocaust survivor dies on Holocaust Remembrance Day" would have been a tragic and ironic headline. But for a Holocaust survivor to voluntarily give up his own life on Holocaust Remembrance Day to save the lives of others, during the worst spree shooting in American history, is deeply poignant. It is a connection between the past and the future--a reminder of the countless heroes of the Holocaust, whose stories for the most part will never be told, who gave up their lives to save the lives of others. Perhaps a child named Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust, in part, because someone made such a decision. We may never know.

Rest in peace, Professor Librescu. May God's angels escort you to His throne, and may He crown you with glory and honor for your bravery!

Bill Whittle’s newest is up!

Go read. Now.

Grace and Gratitude

BadRose points me to an article by Barnie Day in the Martinsville Bulletin: "A Decade with Parkinson's Disease" -

But there a dark side to this disease. It is degenerative. It gets steadily worse. It takes me an hour of concentration to dress myself in the mornings and I usually break a sweat before I'm done. Try tying your shoes using your elbows or putting on a tie and buttoning all those buttons that shirts come with using only your feet and you will have some idea of what I'm talking about.

Enough of the macabre. Let us reverse field here. In a very real sense Parkinson's has been an epiphany for me. It has given me empathy for the plight of others, for the burdens they carry, that I never had before. It has given me an appreciation for what is truly good in my life. It has given me insight. It has brought into high relief for me the idiocy of some of the health care policies we as a nation tolerate...

Here's the thing: If you do have Parkinson's, there is a fundamental choice you must make. Will you die with it, or will you live? A stranger helped me decide the answer to that question -- and he never even knew it.

I was sitting in the drive-through line at Hardees, here in Stuart, waiting for a cup of coffee. Not in the line I was in, but off to the right, parallel to it, was a beat-up pickup and a pull-behind trailer loaded with lawnmowers and string trimmers -- and a lot of hand tools -- rakes and shovels and such. Obviously, the owner of this truck made his living doing yard work.

While I waited, he came out of the restaurant carrying his breakfast in a bag. He briskly approached the truck, reached the bag in through the open window and opened the truck door from the inside. Then he bent down and removed one of his legs. He tossed that leg into the back of the truck as one would a stick of firewood, smiled and waved at someone waiting in line behind me, hopped up into his truck and drove away.

"Howya doin'?" the girl at the window asked. (People ask me that all the time. And it's not just idle chit-chat. They really want to know how I'm doing.) She handed me the cup of coffee.

"Never better!"

"Really?"

"I mean it."

Grace under pressure. Courage under trial. Insight amid illness.

We all want to live lives of health and comfort, but "health and comfort" can often lead to sloth and self-satisfaction. When we have no challenges, no trials, it is so easy to be "at ease in Zion." It is easy to ignore the plight of others, it is easy to whine about what you want and don't have, it is normal to be unthankful for all you do have.

Do you remember what the Apostle Paul had to say about this? Paul was arguably the greatest missionary of all time. He was one of the most highly educated men of his time, the start pupil of a rabbi who is famous to this day. Paul had a grasp of theology few can match, and a zeal for God which is inspiring. His writings compose a huge percentage of the New Testament, and through them, God daily adds to His family. God used Paul in wonderful and powerful ways all of Paul's Christian life.

But Paul's life wasn't easy. Look at his testimony to the Corinthians when they doubt him:

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

Paul was put through the wringer: he was persecuted at every turn. Even his brothers and sisters in Christ would unfairly criticize him! And yet, he remained faithful to His God and Saviour, and earnestly preached the faith and the grace of God.

God also blessed him beyond measure and gave him an advance view of Heaven -

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows-- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

But God also gave Paul a trial beyond his persecutions:

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the midst of trial and tribulations, in the midst of illness and pain, in the midst of a torment directly permitted by God, Paul learned strength. Paul learned humility. Paul learned to step aside and be a vessel of God's power, not human "power." Paul learned to "praise God in the storm" so that in Romans 8 he could write:

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What hard blessings has God placed in your life? What things do you hate that you ought to be thankful for? What opportunity has God given to you to take your eyes off of yourself, to shrug off your selfishness and self-involvement and grow into a life of grace and gratitude?

What has God done so that you stop relying on your puny strength, and trust fully in Him?

I pray that in my life God will teach me to be thankful for all His blessings, and to walk humbly before my gracious and loving Father!

God bless Bert Brady!

And God bless the troops he welcomes home!

Oh, I **wish** I were near an airport like Dallas/Ft. Worth so I could do this...

Thank you so much to ABC News for doing this story - it's a welcome change from the defeatist rhetoric that seems to fill our media.

Bagpipes Crying...

There's something about bagpipes - that haunting, mournful wail which can somehow transform itself into a paean of perseverance and victory never fails to grab my heart, tear it open, and wring emotion out of me. Ah, but perhaps that's the Scottish blood my ancestors bequeathed to me...

Nevertheless, when the pipes play "Amazing Grace," everything stops. My head turns toward the dirge, and my eyes search for pristine uniforms standing at attention. My body straightens, my hand comes over my heart, and my head bows in prayer.

Another hero has come home.

Another saint has entered the kingdom.

Another family endures the terrible loss, and looks forward to the triumphant reunion with their beloved. Another family remembers the promises of God:

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations...

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels...

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name...

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne...

He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

I just found this video by a country group - Rushlow Harris - that I'd never heard of:

But thanks to Blackfive, I also see another version of the video. He also talks about the Navy SEAL Commander who pretty much wrote the lyrics, and links to an article in That's Country magazine which tells a little more of the story.

Never, EVER!, forget the sacrifice our men and women in uniform have offered up so courageously. Honor them, respect them, support them, and pray for their honorable victory!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

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."

Amen. May God continue to guide, protect, and strengthen the Armed Forces of the United States of America!

God bless you, AP (no, not the press)

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.)

Two MUST reads...

Here - a mom of two Marines speaks her mind to an insensitive lout. You go, mom - I would have been far less kind!

"I'm sorry." "What?" he said. I repeated "I'm sorry". He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I shook my head as I said, "I'm sorry you feel the way you do about Marines. I have two Marine sons." His expression began to turn into...what, I'm still not sure, but it looked too closely like the start of a contemptuous sneer for my liking. My voice started to shake. "It doesn't even occur to you does it, that our Marines have done nothing wrong - they just do their job. You think they're guilty of murder just because they're MARINES." His mouth started to move, but I put up my hand and stopped him before he could talk. "I don't know why you said what you just said, or why you feel the way you do - but I know one thing. My sons and every Marine I personally know has more intelligence, honor, courage and decency than you'll develop over your whole miserable, unimportant life." By this time I am ashamed to say, I've totally lost my bearing. Tears are pouring down my face. I said thickly, "There's more worth inside the sorriest Marine than there is in the man standing in front of me right now." He started to say something, but again I interrupted. "Your level of sheer ignorance about the Marine Corps make me sad. The fact that better men than you could ever be, have died so you could stand here and talk about them is even sadder. But the saddest thing about you is...you're not even smart enough to know just how right I am. I'm so, so sorry for you."

And here - the Rocky Mountain News does it again, and portrays the honor of our military and the pain they go through. You may remember their story about a Marine CACO, back in November, 2005... Well, Jim Sheeler, the writer of both articles has done it again... (I wonder if they've got him on his own page...?) He's fantastically talented!

For the past three weeks, Rick Anderson had been the quiet rock, steadying his family, comforting them, looking out for everyone, the way he had taught his son to do, the way his son was doing.

He spoke at his son's funeral in Longmont and said he cried long and hard during his private, personal conversations with God.

On the outside, with his friendly face and salt-and-pepper moustache, he looked more like the real estate salesman that he is, rather than a former member of one of the most elite special warfare units in the country.

But after all of the quiet, all of the stoicism, Rick Anderson stood at the empty gravesite, took a deep breath and let out a Navy SEAL war cry that carried over the headstones.

"HOOYAH, KID!" he shouted at his son's casket, his voice breaking.

"YOU DID GOOD."

On "Muddling through"

But we "muddle through." As I've gotten older, I've become ever more convinced that one of the keys to happiness is enjoying the "muddling," and being cognizant of your blessings while doing so.

Yes.

Go read it ALL.

***YES!!!***

"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:

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."

God bless our men and women in uniform!

(HT to Beth at Blue Star Chronicles... Thanks, sister!)

Project Valour-IT - Go, Marines!

(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.

Happy Birthday, Marines! (Project Valour-IT)

God bless the US Marines; may they forever strike terror into the hearts of our enemies, and inspire love and respect in the hearts of the American people!

The fund drive for Project Valour-IT ends (so to speak - donations are always gratefully accepted on behalf of these brave warriors) tomorrow, and the Navy has beaten the Marines to the goal of $45,000.00. Well, Daddy was in the Navy in WW2, and Hubby is retired Navy, so I suppose that if anyone had to beat Team Marine, I'm glad it was the Navy.

HOWEVER!!!! Team Marine still needs to raise at least another $10,000.00 by tomorrow (as I write this)!

Now, I've put in another $100 of my own - which isn't much - but Cassandra, our team leader, tells us that there is a very generous individual who will match, dollar for dollar, up to

$2,500.00!!

for every donation up to 11:59pm tonight.

What amazing generosity! So, my $100 is now, actually, $200!

Please hit the donation button below, or at the top of my blog and donate to support this worthy cause - it's a fantastic way to say, "Happy Birthday, Marines!" It's also a great way to get a head start on showing our Veterans how much we love and appreciate them.

Bill Whittle in Wide Awakes Radio! TONIGHT!

Kender has scored a HUGE, MASSIVE coup: Bill Whittle, of EjectEjectEject will be on tonight at 10pm (ET) and 7pm (PT) will be on LIVE tonight. Kender will not be able to take phone calls, but feel free to e-mail him at [email protected] if you have questions for Mr. Whittle.

So, click on the Wide Awakes Radio microphone down on my right sidebar, and listen in to what ought to be an awesome FANTASTIC interview!

Eject!EjectEject! posts... Thank God!

Bill Whittle posts another essay... I'm going over right now to revel in the awesomeness that he writes...

War happens (Project Valour-IT breaking news)

Oh, dear. John of Argghhh! has posted a questionable link to something he's describes as a "Marine Masseuse," which he claims is the reward Team Marine give out to those who donate to the BEST Team (note to the obtuse: the BEST Team is a reference to the Marines, you ninny! *LOL*)

Cassandra, our illustrious Team leader, is having none of it, of course, and fires back with a devastating salvo:

...Don't end up like Donovan. We understand why tatoos are so much on his mind of late.

We hear he had an unfortunate "accident" after the Milblogs conference a few months ago. He really shouldn't have gone out drinking afterwards... those Army buddies can be *so* untrustworthy...

You must go see the photographic evidence!

(UPDATE! Oh, and Linda has invoked Captain Jimmy Bones and His Devil Dog Marines - if y'all let these guys down, you'll be regretting it even at the Pearly Gates!)

Go, Team Marine!!

Technorati Tags: Project Valour, Marines, charity, donations, voice, laptops, wounded

Project Valour-IT UPDATE

Well, as of about 7am, ET, the Marine team is showing in second place, with $14,400.00 of the $45k goal raised. You know who's ahead of us? Those crazy Army dudes!

Well, recruits, this just isn't right! I want all of you to hit that "make a donation" button right below and do your duty as a red-blooded, patriotic American and

SUPPORT THE MARINE TEAM!!!

The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

God bless 'em!

Go here for more background on Project Valour-IT - it's a good cause, and a small way we can so our appreciation to the men and women who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, and in service of the cause of freedom.

Technorati Tags: Marines, Project Valour, charity, Soldiers Angels

The love of a Father for his son

What a beautiful and uplifting video! And Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine" is a perfect accompaniment. (HT with deep gratitude to BlackFive)

Here's his story:

Lemons into lemonade

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?

• take First Aid/CPR courses
• train with Fire/Emergency medical units
• get certified in advanced emergency rescue courses
• support your local emergency service squads
• promote awareness about Fire/Emergency Rescue needs and issues
• ... (among many other things - be helpfully inventive!)

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:

• Beth at Blue Star Chronicles
• Viva La Blog
• basil (yay, basil!)

Patterico and Stashiu talk about Gitmo

Patterico has scored a coup because of his honest and upfront blogging: one of his commenters, Stashiu3, served at Gitmo, and has agreed to tell his story.

The terrorists at Guantánamo knew the American by the name "Stashiu." Readers of this blog know him as "Stashiu3." Stashiu has been reading and commenting on this blog since July 2006, but only recently mentioned that he had been stationed in Guantánamo. When I read that, back on September 17, I immediately e-mailed Stashiu to ask him if he would be willing to speak with me on the record about Guantánamo, and let me publish the results of our conversation. He agreed, and this series of posts is the result.

Although I know Stashiu's real name, I am not going to publish it. Stashiu has received death threats from around a dozen Al Qaeda members. Some of the threats have been made in anger, some have been attempts to intimidate -- and some have been simple statements of intent . . . like the detainee who threatened to have Zarqawi cut off the heads of Stashiu and his family.

I am very much looking forward to this series of posts, and will be reading the comments of each carefully, as Stashiu will be doing his best to answer questions that Patterico's readers might have. There will, apparently, be five parts (e.g. four more posted over the next few days) to the interview.

Patterico has done his homework and verified Stashiu's identity, but is keeping it as private as he can to protect Stashiu and his family. He also stated that Stashiu has read each of the posts already to verify that Patterico is indeed posting what Stashiu is saying. As Patterico says in the update to this post:

A reader expresses concern that I have revealed too much regarding Stashiu's identity. This is an issue that he and I discussed extensively. I warned him that including certain details would probably reveal his identity to anyone with a basic knowledge of Google. Stashiu allowed me to retain those details, reasoning that anyone determined enough to find him probably could anyway. I am allowing him to review the posts before publication for the sake of accuracy, so he knows exactly what I am saying about him.

Please make sure you keep an eye on Patterico's blog for this sure-to-be fascinating interview!

Iraq the Model makes the point

... and makes it eloquently:

Are those who demand an apology from the pope ready to apologize for some of their own mistakes? Or have they never made any mistakes?

Regardless of what the pope said, the Arab and Muslim world, through the tense and offensive reactions, showed once again how incapable its leaders are to respond to criticism in a civilized way.

Here we always insist that the greatest miracle of the prophet is the words he was sent with, the same words that tell Muslims to use logic and kindness in their attempts to invite others to the Islamic faith, the same words that discourage them from using a rude or repulsive tone in their conversations.

The sad thing is that in spite of all these advices, most of the common people and the elites choose offensive, rude if not violent reactions as a first measure to counter criticism.

One friend reminded me of the assassination attempt that targeted the former pope two decades ago wondering what the reaction of the pope was…as we all know he eventually visited the assailant and pardoned him.

No mosques were blown up and no speech of a clash of civilizations was made.

So why don't we admit that the "other" is better than us at responding rationally when criticized? Why don't we learn from others?

When we closed our ears to anything that doesn't match our beliefs and refused all criticism wasn't that enough reason for the deterioration of our civilization?

Make sure you go read the whole thing!