For My Adult Children

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity; it dares all things, and remorselessly crushes down all that stands in its path.”  ~Agatha Christie

 Stay with me as we begin with Matthew 7:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7&version=NIV please take some time to read it, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you through the reading.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person – He believed in me.” ~Jim Valvano

First and foremost, know that God did not bring us this far in our life’s journey just to watch us tear each other apart.  There have been phone calls, e-mails, angry exchanges, etc., that are not edifying this family, but are dividing us and we are fast destroying ourselves.  There is a malicious spirit of division and anger and hatred and jealousy and envy ministering to everyone!  And, as spiritual head of this family, I will not tolerate it and I do now speak the judgements of Christ upon these spirits.  They will not stand, nor will they minister to anyone, for they are judged according to His word.  Seek your heart and repent.

“Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.  ¹⁰Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.  ¹¹Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.  ¹²If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide.  ¹³But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, ¹⁴with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.”  Psalm 55: 9-14

Secondly, I have known our Lord my whole life – I am a sinner saved and forgiven by a loving and gracious God Who has guided me my entire life.  I am an ordained Deacon in the house of God since 1977, with a responsibility to lead others and cover them spiritually according to His purpose.  I seek nothing to feed my flesh, for this responsibility comes with tremendous spiritual warfare as a side effect.  You have no idea the path I have trod or the battles I have fought, so stop judging me according to your little crooked yardsticks.

“We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.” ~I Corinthians 2:16-1

Those of you with new-found religion be careful with the stones in your path for they are easy to pick up and throw at others – God will judge each one accordingly – it is not your job, nor is it my fault – I will not own it.  Your insecurity and jealousy have caused you to undermine and destroy relationships within this family, further planting a seed of division and unrest and strife – in essence, you have usurped a position of authority that is not yours to walk in and God will never honor your efforts.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ²For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Matthew 7:1-2 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20

I have been, and remain, the spiritual authority over this family – I cover you in the spirit lest that which I battle on a daily basis should hit you full force – that is my job as your mother and spiritual authority and head of household throughout your lives.  And remember there is nothing you can ever do or say that will ever limit my unconditional love for you and I am always here to pick up the pieces of your life – always!

“Don’t let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God’s promises. God’s promises still stand. And God’s promises are stronger than our failures.”  ~stitchinbythelake.blogspot.com

Always start with the man in the mirror – it is never easy to own what is yours but, oh, so much easier to blame everyone around you for what is happening in your life.  Remember that you live with your choices:  I do not make nor do I control your career choices, your daily diet regimen, your daily log of activities, or your daily life decisions.  If you are not happy, change yourself! Do not blame me! You are adults! If your relationships are not working out the way you envisioned, examine your own heart first!  I have never asked you nor have I ever urged you to be unfaithful, jealous, insecure, angry, etc. – that is a character trait you picked up and a choice you made to embrace and walk in – own it!

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.  You don’t blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the President.  You realize that you control your own destiny.”  ~Albert Ellis 

“Christians need to stop attacking other people while ignoring the sin in their own life. Correction should start with the person in the mirror, not the stranger on the sidewalk. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.” ~Billy Graham, based on Matthew 7:3

If you are holding onto anger and bitterness of the past, let it go!  Stop the blame game and seek professional counseling, get on your knees and cry out to God! Do not pick up the phone and feed the spirits of hate, bitterness, envy, or division.  If you truly seek to heal and make this family live before God as an honor and glory unto His Name, knee prayer is more effective than feeding the evil that is among us.  Let us move on from this place!

“I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt to this day. I have moved from one tent site to another, from one dwelling place to another.”  1 Chronicles 7:5 

“Conquer the angry man by love; conquer the ill-natured man by goodness; conquer the miser with generosity; conquer the liar with truth.”  ~The Buddha

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”  ~Buddha 

“Hate, resentment, and anger are parasites that feed off the heart until there’s nothing left for love to live on.” ~Richard Paul Evans 

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”  ~Pablo Picasso

I will not be bullied into silence – never again!  I stopped being a victim and a survivor in 1991 when I started living my life in full force unto His glory.  My Beloved is mine and I am His!  And I let no one take my crown! Revelations 3:11.  I have fought and crawled my way into His presence and I determine to stand on Higher Ground tonight!

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”  ~Harvey Fierstein

Paul’s Helpful Words to Young Timothy
^“11Tell people that this is what they must do. ¹²Let no one show little respect for you because you are young. Show other Christians how to live by your life. They should be able to follow you in the way you talk and in what you do. Show them how to live in faith and in love and in holy living. ¹³Until I come, read and preach and teach the Word of God to the church.”  1 Timothy 4:11-13 NLV

This weighs heavy on my heart this day.  Like it or leave it, it remains your choice, and I apologize to no one, for I am beyond angry at this point.  Know that I am tired of the bullshit calls and the “he said that you said that she said that you told her”, etc., etc.  Seriously? How old are you? Realize, too, that as long as your father lives, I reserve the absolute right and God-given power to share any and all information vital to the survival of this family with him – he remains your father and I have never, ever shut the door to your relationship with him or your right to reach out to him – how dare you question my right to call your dad when I need to share certain aspects of this family with him!  Especially when he asks, “So what’s going on?”  You are truly shamed before God!

“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”  Proverbs 19:26

I want everything to come to a grinding halt!  Cease fire and stand down!  I also do not want your callous feedback or rebuttals or excuses or your unsolicited opinions!  Enough is enough!  Those of you who asked me to stand down in your life, I have honored that request, so honor mine.  The phone calls and the e-mails stop now!  Step up to the plate and own it and stop tearing the family apart!  Ask yourself, “Are my actions honoring God?”  Stop blaming me for the direction your life has taken, and please leave me out of the middle! Suck it up, Buttercups!

For those of you still honorable enough and willing to call me “Mother”, a gift God has bestowed on me, I remain Your Mother in Christ.

Love,
Mom

The Gift

My God is an Awesome God!

There is a God! And, yes, Virginia, He does exist and is most gracious!

One of my neighbors, Mr. D went hunting for pecans this morning, and in an alley in Lubbock, Texas, he found a gift wrapped box sitting next to a dumpster. He hesitated for a few minutes but loaded it into his truck along with his pile of pecans.

Once he returned home he discovered that the gift wrapped box contained brand new unopened gifts for children. Well, his children are all grown adults, and as Mr. D has a heart of gold (he reminds me so much of my father), he offered it for the two beautiful children that my daughter babysits, whose lives are in turmoil due to their parents bickering and playing their head games with each other.

What a God-send this is! Having spent most of my military allotment on my family, I was down to $1.00 in my bank account!  (Not to worry, though, as I have survived on 87 cents in my account, for God always provides!)  And I had so wanted to buy these lil guys something special, but simply could not afford it. Alas!

But God could….and He did! For God alone heard the cry of my heart and sent Mr. D on a most secret and carefully planned mission that only He could set up!

Thank You, Lord, for hearing the cries of Your people, no matter how small or weak those whispers can sometimes be….I praise You and I thank You, O, Lord, for providing these two children with something to celebrate You! I pray that You become real to their parents so their life changes and the two can grow up into healthy functioning adults! Heal their tender spirits and continue Your Divine watch over them and keep them safe.

I also thank the person(s) who set out these gifts to bless others less fortunate. I pray that You bless them a thousand-fold for their most kind and gracious deed. They are truly Followers of Christ and epitomize true Christian living. I praise You, Lord, for opening their hearts and for placing Mr. D in the right place at the right time. Continue to bless Mr. D and his family with good health, wealth, and continued growth in their walk with You, Oh, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray and I believe into fruition. Amen!

We Praise You and we Honor You Lord for taking care of even the smallest of children: “But Jesus called the children to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” Luke 18:15-17

Yes! My God is an Awesome God!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw

 

Another Page in My Story: Why must I choose?

Okay, so I’ve been working on-and-off on this entry for the last couple of days, and am finally forcing self to focus and write, so we’ll see where this takes us.
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Yeah, well, it’s taken me another two days to gain access to this computer, but I will spare you all the details!
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Am wrestling within my faith and beliefs this early Friday morning, Folks!

I’ve been given an ultimatum on FB to choose between love for family and those who need my prayers and support. So I sit here vacillating between my faith and beliefs and the sheer incredulity of how far a “Christian” will go when he/she is angry at a third-party and I must “choose” between the two relationships.  My heart is staggering under this mockery of one who touts Christ and then demands that I must believe as he/she does lest they cut me off from all contact….really?? Why must I choose? Why cannot I support the both of you without one or the other feeling threatened and vulnerable in a relationship that is between “me and thee”?

I am angry to find myself within the vast mire of your colored judgments and opinions! How dare you question my unwavering love for family! Where are your beliefs? Where is your forgiveness? Why can’t you just let go and move on?! It is none of your business who I call “Friend”, for in judging them, you judge me and question my integrity – and that angers me!

This, then, is why I hate, make that loathe, organized religion!  I consider myself a Follower of Christ, spreading His word as ordained by His Living Word, and will readily share when asked, that, no, I don’t attend any given church, and yes, I am a sinner forgiven by a loving and gracious God. I generally give people the benefit of the doubt until I’ve had time to know them. Granted, this third-party has not been so nice to me in days past, but I was able to forgive and forget and forge on, trusting God through the process as I continued to pray for him.  Now, two years later, I’m being advised to drop this third-party because of his shortcomings, i.e., his “sins”.  Seriously? Who are you to judge?

God, help me!

I’m in a quandary, and while I chose “Family” over “Third Party”  for now, if for nothing else but to maintain some semblance of peace within the family, I still struggle….how many more family members dare I alienate and risk losing (I’m already in the “Outer Camp” with several of them), by “choosing not to choose” ? What would Christ do?

What would you do?
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GEEZ! Maybe I should go back to bed and get up on the other side….oh, wait! It’s against the wall! Which, sadly, is where I am right now….{sigh}

“How often do we wait for God to get our attention? We live our busy, stressful lives and only slow down to talk to God when something breaks. Then He has our full attention. But that’s backward. Look at your life. What do you really want to do? God is doing it somewhere. How do you really want to feel? God is healing someone’s heart. What do you want to know? God is teaching people across the globe. Flag Him down. It will be the brightest spot in His day.

From the Screening Room,
Melinda Ledman”
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=76738a2cd1fb55ce646f0ec2c&id=c49f7a561a

A Grateful Woman

So, have had a rough couple of days physically, but am coming back up.  I’m also hiding from the world!

I made a fast trip to the store a few days ago and am distressed to see Christmas items on the shelves already.  No, I’m not surprised, just fed up with the hedonistic ways of this world!

I sense that at a time of need, i.e., economy, jobs, health insurance, lack of food, our moral values seem to decline into more sensual realms of self-indulgence and pleasure in the things of this world.  Also, I don’t like the Christmas season as the world has come to celebrate it.

I’ve been taught and I believe that worldly celebrations, i.e., birthdays, Christmas, oh, and let’s not forget “Easter” are mere compasses of how far we, as in humanity, have fallen away from the word. Why do we choose to give honor to self and others by ingloriously focusing on “us”, rather than focusing on Christ?  Where in the Bible does it mention birthdays? Did Christ ever have a “birthday party”? I think not….

Which brings me to my next question: Was Jesus born on December 25th or even in December at all?  A major problem with a December birth is that it would have been highly unusual and unlikely for “shepherds abiding in the field” during that wintry, cold time of year; especially since the high meadows in the fields were mostly barren and unproductive by then. (In those days, the flocks were kept in the fields from spring through autumn.)  I believe Jesus’ birth was on or about the annual Feast of Tabernacles, when everyone would have gathered for the census and the taxing as decreed by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2).

So why do Christians celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December? Alas! Enter the Roman Catholic Church! During those days, Rome dominated most of the “Christian” world and the date became tradition throughout most of Christendom.  Since December 21st is the winter solstice (the days get longer and the sunlight returns), the world chose to celebrate the annual return of the sun as a festival on December 25th. Uh-huh!  A Pagan holiday celebrating the SUN, not the SON!  (WOW! Now there’s a light bulb moment!)

1 Peter 2:11-12 instructs us to live Godly lives in a pagan society: “¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

And, yes, I did half-ass celebrate this Pagan holiday for the sake of my kids when they were little, especially, since everyone in school celebrated and I didn’t want them feeling left out; but we just sorta-kinda went through the empty rituals, and I eventually pulled us away from that. But, I never did believe in that jolly old man and his side-kicks! But that’s another story for another day! lol

I do relish celebrating Thanksgiving at the end of the harvest season (my dad was a farmer and we grew-canned-butchered to get us through the winter months), but I firmly believe that we should live in a thankful state every day of the year; after all, do His blessings not shower upon us 365 days a year? Before you say, “No”, realize that you are blessed every morning when you wake up breathing!  The word extols the offering of praise and thanksgiving through music and song – a celebration of our Lord and all He has done for us, for the real test of thankfulness and the state of being grateful comes under much more difficult circumstances, no matter what. “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:2

In “Gratitude: The Attitude that Transforms” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss*, Fanny Crosby writes, “Oh, what a price we pay for our personal and collective ingratitude! After more than two decades of ministry to hurting people, I have come to believe that a failure to give thanks is at the heart of much, if not most, of the gloom, despair, and despondency that are so pervasive even among believers today. I have also come to believe that many of the sins devastating our society can be traced to the root of unthankfulness.

Sadly, our modern culture is experiencing an epidemic of ingratitude. Like a poisonous vapor, this subtle sin is polluting our lives, our homes, our churches, and our society.

But that means a grateful woman will be like fresh air in a world contaminated by bitterness and discontentment.

It all comes down to the choice we make about our attitude.”

And, so, dear Readers, let us determine to live in that state of grace and gratitude that should so define us as His people! For there’s only one person who even claimed to die for our sins. There’s only one person who backed up that claim by walking out of His grave under His own power, because only someone who has eternal life can give it. Jesus alone paid the price so you and I wouldn’t have to.

Have a great day!

*http://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/gratitude-the-attitude-that-transforms/

http://thelivingword.org/_global/tobeachristian.htm

From A Pity-Party to Standing on His Promises

So, didn’t write anything yesterday due to illness, frustration, and a little heart-break. Started my Saturday morning at 5am still feeling slightly frustrated and angry, having spoken to my Sister on Thursday morning.

The first week of October delivered a phone call from Sister, advising me that our small town was heading up a campaign for the 22nd annual Make A Difference Day, the nation’s largest day of volunteering scheduled for 27 October of this year. These projects provide the community with many volunteers for home repairs, with no out-of-pocket costs to the homeowners affected, so it’s a rare opportunity for those of us who are retired senior citizens and surviving life on very limited incomes.

So I made a phone call to our local Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) who came out and spoke with me.  Now, I have several projects that are a necessity around my home, i.e., an 8″ hole in the attic roof where the exhaust vent from my stove  is too short and leaves a good 12″ hole between the pipe and the outside vent, so that everything escapes into my attic; no ceiling insulation in the garage conversion, so heat/cold are totally unstable, depending on the weather; no running water in the master bathroom because I have yet to install my pedestal sink and I lack good plumbing skills; and an electrical short in my hallway due to can lights needing replacement.  And these are just the major issues.

The CEO came over, took notes, and said she would submit “the report” to the English teacher in charge of this year’s work detail and said someone would call me if my request “was approved”.  HA! Fat Chance, right?! Seems as if I always get the short end of the deal! (Alas! Pity Poor Me!)  At any rate, on Thursday, Sister informed me that the English teacher had followed up with their request for assistance.

Now I should be happy and excited that they are receiving the help they need, and I am, don’t get me wrong.

But how do the Powers-That-Be determine who to help? They need sheetrock on their ceiling entryway due to repairs not finished when their electrical went out.  My electrical can lights shoot out sparks, is a major fire hazard, and they need to be replaced…..ho-hum! (Arched eyebrows and crossed arms here!) Good thing I have the Fire Department on speed dial, although with my Son serving as a Volunteer Fire Fighter, I don’t relish making that phone call and explaining my “negligence” to either him or the Fire Chief!

So I’ve been up since 5am, halfway between tears and anger, but still hanging on to my humor and my faith in a God who is far wiser than Self. Who am I to question why my wants aren’t being met? After all, as God reminds me amidst my “Pity Party”:  “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 NIV and “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”  Matthew 6:26 NIV

I am truly grateful, O, God, that I have everything I need, which You alone have provided: my children, our health, food on the table, a roof over our heads, and the love and warmth and grace that abounds within my children. The rest will come and go, and we will manage.  Thank You, too, Lord, that I woke up to breathe another day of life! This weekend’s readings from the Daily Devotional at The Upper Room (http://devotional.upperroom.org/) reminds me that “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Psalm 118:24 NIV and“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 NIV

So, Thank You, Lord, for Your Grace as I stumble through this glorious life which You have breathed into me! May I continue to live my life as a testament of Your love and Your grace for all the world to see, that You may be honored and glorified in our midst. In Jesus’ Name I pray, and I believe! AMEN!

LIGHTING THE FIRE AGAIN

Looking at the Lord’s warning to the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:4), the Ephesians are a model of cooled-down faith. Their fervor is gone, though they’re still going through the motions of serving God and even defending the faith.

Christ’s warning to the Ephesians extends to modern-day believers whose hearts have grown cold. He looks at distracted and complacent Christians who are laboring for every reason but the right one, and He cries out, “What I want is not your empty service; I want you!”

The heart cools gradually as a person gives higher priority to other relationships and activities than to the Lord. Our enemy Satan has subtly shaped how the word “idol” is perceived. He’s limited the definition to false gods. The truth is, anything that distracts from God qualifies as an idol. For example, the god of this age is sports. So many believers know more about stats than Scripture and show more passion in the stands than in a worship service.

Returning to a life of passionate service for God begins with repentance. We must assume responsibility for drifting away from our first love. Then, we’re to put Jesus Christ back on the throne of our heart and reconnect with Him through regular prayer and Bible meditation.

God desires an intimate relationship with every believer. So let me ask you a question: Are you excited about Jesus? Our best and purest devotion will be to whatever or whomever we prioritize above all else. If that is not Jesus, repent and let Him rekindle the flame of your first love.

Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc.
All rights reserved
www.intouch.org
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It’s a fine line we tread as parents. Our inclination is to always rush in and rescue, when in fact, God is chastising our sons and our daughters in the same way He disciplined us so that they become totally His! We are but stewards of their lives until they awaken to the age of reckoning and become responsible for their own decisions. Even at my age, I am still learning to stay out of the middle and just let God, but it is the hardest part of my parenting that I wish I could just skip altogether!

The Living Word has a couple of old Kingdom Proverbs that have given me courage and hope throughout my life: “We ignore the cries of our prophets in travail”¹ and “We don’t mind if our bones and muscles ache if tonight we stand on higher ground.”²   These two statements have sustained me through some of the roughest potholes in my journey through life, but I know that travail and dying to oneself is a necessity in order for us to gain the purity and the sanctification as true Sons of God. “For if I have been crucified with Christ, then I have been identified with His death on the cross and the life which I now live in the flesh, not the life which I long to live and pray to live, but the life I now live in my mortal flesh, the life which all men can see, I live by the faith of the Son of God.”³
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1, 2 The Creed of the Prophets, by John Robert Stevens, The Living Word
3 My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. March 21 Daily Devotional: INTEREST OR IDENTIFICATION?

My Forgetfulness {sigh} Rather, My Mind May Be Slipping!

Midway through this afternoon, I realized that while I may not have been maintaining this blog, I have been rather busy posting notes in Facebook, my other contact with the outside world, for the last few months.

I don’t have a vehicle so I stay in touch via the internet, even for shopping. Unfortunately, I guess this sorta, kinda makes me a recluse – an absent-minded loner. Alas!

At any rate, I have visited my notes on FB and decided to incorporate some of those writings into this Blog, so I do apologize for some of these notes that are somewhat dated, but it should provide further insight into my life and my writing.

I coerced my daughter into giving up her computer time, yes, we fight over it, lol, so that I could transfer what I needed, rather copied and pasted to save myself some time and effort!  I will return tomorrow morning with my morning rantings and ravings, so stay tuned! and G’nite!

A HEARTFELT STORY OF LOVE AND A FINAL SALUTE TO OUR FATHER, OUR HERO: MR. HUGH BATEMAN IMPSON, JR.

Mon 20120528 1406hrs

My brother-in-law Donald just informed me that on this day of honoring our fallen heroes, my Father-In-Law, Mr. Hugh Bateman Impson, Jr., quietly slipped away this morning, completely at peace, at 08:30 Pacific Daylight Time. But Mr. Hugh was much more than my Father-In-Law – he was my second Dad.

Dad, who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, was a highly regarded soldier and his love for his country was unwavering. He was a great man, a loving and supportive husband, a father of eight, a beloved grandpa and great-grandpa, and a great soldier; and in true fashion, “he chose today to leave this world on the wings of eagles”.

Due to his chronic illness and the distance in miles, I have not seen or spoken to Dad since April 2008 when my Marine son graduated USMCRD, San Diego. I remember his eyes glistening with tears as he witnessed my son’s graduation.  My son specifically wanted Grandpa present as he loves and esteems his father Paul and his grandpa Hugh, and was so proud to follow the family’s Military tradition. I do hope Dad was proud!

The Word reminds us that, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” I believe God will shed His blessings on us at this time; for it is now when our faith is tested the most, that our faith will see us through the sorrows of this trial. Yet, we must never forget the joy in having had Dad in our lives.  I know that our unity in love and faith will keep Dad’s family strong and available for each other.

One of my favorite poems has always been HIGH FLIGHT by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., and those were the first words I remembered after reading Donald’s message, especially in light of his reference to “on wings of eagles”:

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HIGH FLIGHT
by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

 

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. “Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious burning blue, I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”

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Dad, I know you’re flying with the angels right about now, but I just want to thank you for always being there and for supporting my family, especially when Paul was stationed OCONUS during our stint in the Army.  You always provided us with words of love and encouragement, and, on occasion, your words of admonition when needed. Thank you for loving us and accepting us, and most especially for accepting James as one of your own and for taking him under your wing at a time he most needed you.  We will miss you greatly, but we know that we will meet again one day.  Be at peace, and know that you are much loved.

I love you much, Dad!
Teresa

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

A Little Boy Meets God

Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:10am

Shared by my friend Doris, please take 60 seconds to read this wonderful story.  It will give you time to settle your brain, gather your thoughts, calm down, and be blessed!

A little boy wanted to meet God.  He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.  When he had walked about three blocks, he met an old man sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons.  The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase.  He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at the young boy.

His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.  Again, he smiled at him.  The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.  As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug.  He gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.     She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied, “I had lunch with God.”  But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what?  He’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, “Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied “I ate potato chips in the park with God.”  However, before his son responded, he added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”

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Our God still sits on the throne!  You may be going through a tough time right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can.  Keep the faith!  Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime!  Embrace all equally!  Share this with people in your life who have touched your life in a special way.  Let them know how important they are.

“Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and family reading this. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power.  Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.  Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.  Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace.  Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings, and their comings, in Jesus’ precious name.  Amen.”

 

ON BEING AN AMERICAN….

Originally Published on FB by Semper Fi Sisters
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:16am
https://www.facebook.com/SemperFiSisters/posts/29114189760934420120202

At a time when politicians tend to apologize for our country’s prior actions, here’s a refresher on how some of our former patriots handled negative comments about our country.

John F. Kennedy’s Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 1960’s when DeGaulle decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaulle said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible. Rusk responded, “Does that include those who are buried here?” DeGaulle did not respond.
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When in England ,at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of ’empire building’ by George Bush. He answered by saying, “Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.”
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There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers, including French and American, were taking participants. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, “Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?” A Boeing engineer stood up and quietly replied, “Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people.  They are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities.  They have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships.  How many does France have?”
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A US Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the United States, English, Canadian, Australian and French navies.  At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, “Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?” Without hesitation, the American Admiral replied, “Maybe it’s because the Brit’s, Canadians, Aussie’s and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.”
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Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. “You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. “Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.” The American said, “The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.” “Impossible! Americans always have to show their passports upon arrival in France!” The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show my passport to.”