Memorial Day 2017

'You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.' -- Nehemiah 9:17

We have an America that we can be proud of, despite all the social issues, the crime and the financial woes. We have not only our history, but our present, and our future ahead of us. We who believe in the original tenants of the founding fathers will continue to do so. And we will stand for what we believe to be right and good.

We have a military that no other country can rival. Oh, there may be some pomp and circumstance in uniforms and marching that may show us up now and then, but in the things that matter, no. No one can match it. Our men and women in uniform are dedicated, they love their country, and they will die to defend it.

That is why we have Memorial Day. It is the day set aside to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who went to war or simply to serve and did not return the way they went. Many have never returned, but lie in unmarked graves in countries far away. But the memories remain, the heartaches are still present, along with the great pride in those that have been lost.

In some neighborhoods, and even cities and towns, flying our flag is prohibited or restricted. This is a travesty. Our flag should be flown by whoever wants to fly it, wherever they wish to do so, and on any day, week, month, year they wish to display it. It is our right to do so. People have died for our flag, for all it represents. 

I am honored to be a military mom. I will not ever be ashamed of that. I will ever be proud of my two boys, and the freedoms they both have fought for. While none of us like war, and do not ever want to take someone else's life, it is sometimes necessary to preserve our way of life, our very freedoms that make our country a place people want to be. 

So today, do like me, and remember those who gave everything for our freedom. They gave because they believed in the cause. I am proud of each and every one of them. And my prayer is that their families understand the honor each man and woman is afforded by Americans who understand that freedom is not free, a price must be paid, and their loved ones who paid it are appreciated and honored forevermore. 

In Nehemiah's day, he was distressed because of the damage caused by the fall of Jerusalem. He believed in and loved his home, and he trusted God to restore it. This took faith on his part, to trust God, to ask his king to allow him to travel to Jerusalem to look into the situation, and to take a stand, and encourage others to do so as well, as enemies came against them continually. But the city was rebuilt, the walls were erected, and the people were protected once again.  Because God is a gracious God. Always.

Enjoy your Memorial Day. And remember...always remember.

Blessings!

STAYING FREE - THANK YOU!

As my husband and I drive home from a rare weekend away together, I am reminded of how very fortunate we are. We have the privilege of being able to travel anywhere we wish to go in our own land. We are free to purchase items we need and want, we are free to interact and enjoy relationships with those of different cultures, religions and beliefs.

We need not worry about being censored when we speak of political issues, of government policies, good or bad, or of our elected leaders. We do not fear our fellow Americans, and we move about in our society, rich, poor, or in-between, with a measure of security and acceptance.

Why is this true, even though our forces are engaged in two wars, our economy is losing ground every day in some sector, and our unemployment is at record highs? Why, when we see and hear of turmoil and strife that affects every nook and cranny of our complicated social structure?

It's because we stay free. It is because we are America. It is because there is a back bone, a remnant, if you will, of those of us who have not given up, who have not caved in, who refuse to buckle under the pressure to become a socialist nation. It is because we still have our freedom, and so many of us will stand up for it, no matter the cost. It is because despite the fact that our nation, in large part, has turned away from God, there are many who worship and adore Him, pray to Him, and ask continually for protection for our people, and our land.

When prayer is offered up to the Heavens with pure hearts, motives, and love, God always hears. When we, who are sinners saved by grace, turn to Him, and plead for our nation, He keeps His Word to us. As long as there are those of us who will continue to do as He has commanded we do, we will never lose our freedom. Because freedom, true freedom, is a gift that only comes through knowing Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Today, give thanks for staying free, to God , and to our military, wherever they are, and whatever they do, because tney are God's warriors. They are willing each and every day to put their own lives on the line for you and for me. They know the price they may have to pay, but they are willing. Praise them, hug and kiss them, but make sure you are truly thankful for them. And tell them, please. As the mom of two young men in our U.S. Army, and friends with those whose children have paid that very high price, I cannot tell you how proud my heart is of them, and of their families. We have been truly blessed in tnis nation to have a totally volunteer military system, made up of those who wish to serve their nation, their countrymen, and anyone from other places who call tnis great place home.

This is MEMORIAL DAY! Thank you, current military, veterans, past and present ! And thank you, God, for making sure we STAY FREE!

Blessings!