I had a date today. And it was a hot one, not as much heat as humidity though. We went to the movies. My date had good manners and even shared his popcorn and drink with me. He didn’t even mind holding my hand while we were walking, very impressive for an eight year old boy.
I took my oldest son to see a movie today, just the two of us. The movie was a little too adventurous for my younger son, he gets scared very easily, and he stayed with my parents. As we were walking into the theater, I noticed how tall my son is getting. I am 5’4”, and he comes up to my shoulder. Pretty tall for an eight year old, I think in the next two years he will catch up to me. He was excited to be at the theater and then to know that he could get popcorn and a drink!! He could hardly wait for the movie to start.
As we sat in the theater, we were talking about different things before the movie started. We were the only people in the theater until the previews started. All sorts of things were going through my mind…happy thoughts, sad thoughts, and lots of things in between.
I was happy to be with him. We don’t often have times with just the two of us. It was a time when I could just enjoy him, and I did. I enjoyed that he would still hold my hand walking in the mall. I enjoyed that he would talk to me and ask me lots of questions, as always! I enjoyed looking at him and seeing the man he will someday be. I almost told him that he was a good date, but he still thinks that kind of stuff is yucky and I didn’t want to spoil it!
I was sad, too. I was seeing the man that he will someday be. We are working so hard during these years that God gives us with him, to help him be the man that God created him to be. It is a little bittersweet to get a glimpse of it though.
I even thought of Proverbs 31. This proverb, in the original language, is an acrostic poem. Lemuel’s mother taught it to him to help him remember the traits of a godly wife. I am sure they are God inspired, or they would not appear in our Scripture. What kind of “words of wisdom” will my sons remember from me? I hope they will remember the Word of the Lord that I try to teach them. I hope they will remember that I tried to daily seek Him and His will for my life. I hope they will see me strive to be a godly wife and mother. I hope they will look for this in their future wives.
A lot of thinking for a dark movie theater.
When we got to my parents to pick up my other son, my dad was not there, he had gone to the store. My mom was inside with my younger son and my nephew. With my dad’s car missing, my son said, “I better get in to help Gi, she will have her hands full in there!” I told him that I think she could handle it, but it blessed my heart that he wanted to help.
It was a good day. It was a great date. I can’t wait for the next one.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Pictures!!
I am making my way into the 21st century. I bought a new digital camera this weekend. I will begin posting pictures as soon as I read the manual, load software, and figure all this out. I promise to add some color and personality to this blog.
Please don't give up on me!
Please don't give up on me!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Christmas in July!
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, four calling birds……….
It’s July, right?? Yes, but I ran across an email I wrote during the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and thought I would share it as a “Christmas in July” post.
The Twelve Days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas and end on January 5, Epiphany--or Three Kings Day. It is thought that the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song was a secret code song written during the persecution of the Catholic Church in England.
Day four of the song is the four calling birds’ day. According to the code, we celebrate that “my true love” (God) gave to us the four calling birds (the four gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Aren’t we glad He did!!
Consider the impact of the Gospel on the world, and personally in your own life. I thought about this last week. If it was up to me, and thankfully it wasn’t, I may have ordered them differently. Would I have put John first, to begin the New Testament with “In the beginning was the Word.” just like the Old Testament begins “In the beginning God created…?” Or would I have begun with Mark, whose gospel read like a screenplay--very action oriented--who starts with quoting Malachi and has John the Baptist in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord. Mark writes the fulfillment of prophecy from 400 years earlier at the end of the Old Testament. Or would I have chosen Luke, the “investigative reporter”. His gospel was based on eyewitness testimony and was meant for a very wide audience, to convince them that what they had heard about Jesus was true.
But God chose Matthew to begin the New Testament. Through His sovereignty, He chose the canon of New Testament scripture to begin with Matthew. Was this because Matthew cited so many Old Testament prophecies that were only fulfilled in Jesus? Was it because of the clear presentation that Jesus is the Messiah? I don’t know. I do know that each of the gospels is special in the God-breathed words that we read today. They each give us the Word of God.
And after you read them--your life can never be the same.
Thank your True Love for the four calling birds.
It’s July, right?? Yes, but I ran across an email I wrote during the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and thought I would share it as a “Christmas in July” post.
The Twelve Days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas and end on January 5, Epiphany--or Three Kings Day. It is thought that the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song was a secret code song written during the persecution of the Catholic Church in England.
Day four of the song is the four calling birds’ day. According to the code, we celebrate that “my true love” (God) gave to us the four calling birds (the four gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Aren’t we glad He did!!
Consider the impact of the Gospel on the world, and personally in your own life. I thought about this last week. If it was up to me, and thankfully it wasn’t, I may have ordered them differently. Would I have put John first, to begin the New Testament with “In the beginning was the Word.” just like the Old Testament begins “In the beginning God created…?” Or would I have begun with Mark, whose gospel read like a screenplay--very action oriented--who starts with quoting Malachi and has John the Baptist in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord. Mark writes the fulfillment of prophecy from 400 years earlier at the end of the Old Testament. Or would I have chosen Luke, the “investigative reporter”. His gospel was based on eyewitness testimony and was meant for a very wide audience, to convince them that what they had heard about Jesus was true.
But God chose Matthew to begin the New Testament. Through His sovereignty, He chose the canon of New Testament scripture to begin with Matthew. Was this because Matthew cited so many Old Testament prophecies that were only fulfilled in Jesus? Was it because of the clear presentation that Jesus is the Messiah? I don’t know. I do know that each of the gospels is special in the God-breathed words that we read today. They each give us the Word of God.
And after you read them--your life can never be the same.
Thank your True Love for the four calling birds.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
One small step..................
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took the first human steps on the moon. I am sure it was a very exciting time. If you listen to old recordings from the time, you can hear his words "One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."
The next words he says are not found in the official recording, but can be found in many places online. If you saw the landing, you may remember hearing the words on the live telecast.
According to the scientific data, the moon should be covered with moon dust in very thick layers. The lunar module was actually built on stilts to land in all the dust. The astronauts were told to be prepared to sink in the moon dust when they walked. The moon was supposed to be covered in millions of years of dust, but it wasn't. Armstrong was surprised when he stepped on solid ground. What did this mean? How old was the moon? How did it get there? Where did they make the mistakes?
"And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." Genesis 1:16-19
The next words he says are not found in the official recording, but can be found in many places online. If you saw the landing, you may remember hearing the words on the live telecast.
According to the scientific data, the moon should be covered with moon dust in very thick layers. The lunar module was actually built on stilts to land in all the dust. The astronauts were told to be prepared to sink in the moon dust when they walked. The moon was supposed to be covered in millions of years of dust, but it wasn't. Armstrong was surprised when he stepped on solid ground. What did this mean? How old was the moon? How did it get there? Where did they make the mistakes?
"And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." Genesis 1:16-19
Saturday, July 19, 2008
In the beginning........
Beginnings. In modern times, this is a very controversial subject. It is not for me. I know the truth and believe it. The true story of the beginning is told in the Bible, in the book of Genesis. In fact, that is what the word Genesis means, “Beginnings”. In my opinion, it is a key book of our faith. Have you ever considered your view of this book? Is Genesis a book you consider filled with “children’s stories”?
The first verse of Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”, is a key verse to me. In order to BELIEVE the first verse of John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”, the logic follows that you must believe the other verse. I did not realize that I did not BELIEVE that for years. I was trying to change the truth of the Bible to fit “science”. I realized that I was trying to discount a first hand description of creation. God wrote it-inspired it-and He was there. This is a subject close to my heart. If you are interested, just ask, and I will tell you how God showed me the error of my way of thinking. I am thankful to be one of God’s creations and under His authority. It makes my life much easier to live when I know I must be obedient to Him.
I am trusting that you will take a new look at Genesis. I have mentioned before that I love the Old Testament--I love the New Testament too--that I think we “gloss over” it and view it as children’s Bible stories. While there are many people that our children should know, and know how God was faithful to them, there is a lot to learn for all ages in there. Through the Beth Moore study of The Patriarchs, I came to know, love, dislike, be disappointed by, rejoice with and cry with these chosen founders of the faith. We came to see the DYSFUNCTION in families, the tragic situations, and the very opposite of “children’s stories”. I know I felt sorry for Rachel, made her my favorite “wife” and then got disappointed in her for scheming. I got mad at the brothers for their treatment of Joseph, and then was sad when the consequences changed their lives, and rejoiced as they became the “band of brothers”. I loved Joseph, and then realized be was a brat!
I think this has been the lesson for me, that this is how God wants us to see them. The Bible is the inspired word of God. He wrote the book. He told us this stuff, all the “dirty laundry”. It helps us to see us in them. We can feel the hopelessness of Leah, as her life was not what she thought it would be, and many ladies can feel it personally. We can feel the “control issues” of Rebekah, as she wants to “help” God, and once again, many of us know firsthand. There is hope in seeing the human frailties of the Patriarchs. God used them, and their weaknesses, for His purposes. He can use us too. And most of all, through their weaknesses, we see the strength of El Elyon--the Most High.
Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is the book of how God created us, and showed us the need for a Redeemer. It is the beginning of our faith. And it shows us that through it all, HE IS FAITHFUL!!!!
The first verse of Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”, is a key verse to me. In order to BELIEVE the first verse of John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”, the logic follows that you must believe the other verse. I did not realize that I did not BELIEVE that for years. I was trying to change the truth of the Bible to fit “science”. I realized that I was trying to discount a first hand description of creation. God wrote it-inspired it-and He was there. This is a subject close to my heart. If you are interested, just ask, and I will tell you how God showed me the error of my way of thinking. I am thankful to be one of God’s creations and under His authority. It makes my life much easier to live when I know I must be obedient to Him.
I am trusting that you will take a new look at Genesis. I have mentioned before that I love the Old Testament--I love the New Testament too--that I think we “gloss over” it and view it as children’s Bible stories. While there are many people that our children should know, and know how God was faithful to them, there is a lot to learn for all ages in there. Through the Beth Moore study of The Patriarchs, I came to know, love, dislike, be disappointed by, rejoice with and cry with these chosen founders of the faith. We came to see the DYSFUNCTION in families, the tragic situations, and the very opposite of “children’s stories”. I know I felt sorry for Rachel, made her my favorite “wife” and then got disappointed in her for scheming. I got mad at the brothers for their treatment of Joseph, and then was sad when the consequences changed their lives, and rejoiced as they became the “band of brothers”. I loved Joseph, and then realized be was a brat!
I think this has been the lesson for me, that this is how God wants us to see them. The Bible is the inspired word of God. He wrote the book. He told us this stuff, all the “dirty laundry”. It helps us to see us in them. We can feel the hopelessness of Leah, as her life was not what she thought it would be, and many ladies can feel it personally. We can feel the “control issues” of Rebekah, as she wants to “help” God, and once again, many of us know firsthand. There is hope in seeing the human frailties of the Patriarchs. God used them, and their weaknesses, for His purposes. He can use us too. And most of all, through their weaknesses, we see the strength of El Elyon--the Most High.
Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is the book of how God created us, and showed us the need for a Redeemer. It is the beginning of our faith. And it shows us that through it all, HE IS FAITHFUL!!!!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Designer Clothes!
This is my attempt at a fashion post. But let me warn you, it will not be like the others you may read!
I am a window shopper. I could look at lots of things, and not really buy much. I believe in sales, with prices in red and an extra 40% percent off of that. And if you use your 30-60-90 card, you get an extra 15% off. I have in my mind what I am willing to pay and will not pay more. I do have some black pants that I wear to church that cost me $1.98!! Now that is a deal. If I don’t get a deal, I just won’t buy.
If you are from around this area, you probably know the store that I frequent from the descriptions. The other day I was discussing with a friend my shopping at this store. I can look through racks of sale clothing and come away with a hand full to try on. I will guarantee you that each of the items is from a certain designers line. She owns many different clothing lines, but all are under her main line. It is funny to me. I can spot a shirt I like and say “That is so-and-so, I like her stuff!”
How did I end up with all the same labels? Did they all start out as the same shirt and turn into something different by spending time on the rack? Or was it because the same designer had designed them all, and part of her showed in all of them?
Behind this story is the lie that evolution wants us to believe. The reason that the DNA of animals and humans are so similar is that they all came from the same one cell organism that came out of primordial ooze. The line of logic that follows that idea proves itself to be false. We could discuss the ideas of macro evolution, punctuated equilibrium, and Chaos theory, but we won’t. It is not true.
Could it be as simple as it seems? The reason the DNA is similar is……..the Designer. Could one Master Designer have designed and created it all!
I told you, not your same old fashion post!
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17
I am a window shopper. I could look at lots of things, and not really buy much. I believe in sales, with prices in red and an extra 40% percent off of that. And if you use your 30-60-90 card, you get an extra 15% off. I have in my mind what I am willing to pay and will not pay more. I do have some black pants that I wear to church that cost me $1.98!! Now that is a deal. If I don’t get a deal, I just won’t buy.
If you are from around this area, you probably know the store that I frequent from the descriptions. The other day I was discussing with a friend my shopping at this store. I can look through racks of sale clothing and come away with a hand full to try on. I will guarantee you that each of the items is from a certain designers line. She owns many different clothing lines, but all are under her main line. It is funny to me. I can spot a shirt I like and say “That is so-and-so, I like her stuff!”
How did I end up with all the same labels? Did they all start out as the same shirt and turn into something different by spending time on the rack? Or was it because the same designer had designed them all, and part of her showed in all of them?
Behind this story is the lie that evolution wants us to believe. The reason that the DNA of animals and humans are so similar is that they all came from the same one cell organism that came out of primordial ooze. The line of logic that follows that idea proves itself to be false. We could discuss the ideas of macro evolution, punctuated equilibrium, and Chaos theory, but we won’t. It is not true.
Could it be as simple as it seems? The reason the DNA is similar is……..the Designer. Could one Master Designer have designed and created it all!
I told you, not your same old fashion post!
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Doctor is in.
Advice. People like to give it to you, whether you want it or not. And we like to dish it out to others just as freely. Think about the advice you have been given in life, whether sought out or not. Did you get any really bad advice?? I have.
When my oldest was a baby and toddler, I was a part of a mothers group at a church. This is where I got my bad advice. We had a speaker one month that was talking to us about the stresses of motherhood. I still remember her telling us “To stop worrying about missing your quiet time, sometimes life happens.” It was the worst advice ever. I didn’t know it at the time, but I do now after the damage.
Life, for all of us, can get crazy at times. You can be a mother of small children, a mother home schooling her children, a full time working woman, a full time student, a retired woman, and I would dare say even a man and have a crazy life. The craziness just changes.
It was during the craziness of diapers, feedings, and looking for adult conversation that I received my bad advice. Whew! What a load off, I didn’t have to worry about the quiet time being checked off the list, God would understand. I didn’t need to feel guilty about it anymore. The problems were just beginning. Not worrying about it one day turns into a week and into a month and into a year. Could I look back on a year and count how many quiet times I had? I would try again and repeat the cycle over and over. It would continue until God taught me some lessons.
Here is what I learned………..it is not about a checklist. When you begin to miss a quiet time, you see the need for it. It is not about 1. Read a Bible verse, check 2. Pray, check, check 3. Check it off the list, check, check, check. It is discovering the Words your Creator wrote for you. It is talking to the all-powerful, loving God about the love He shows us, the life He gave us, and how He wants us to live that life. It is the process of knowing God and becoming more like His Son. It is knowing that you can’t live a day without Him. These are the blessings that come from a relationship with the Most High.
Now, who is to blame for all those missed blessings? The speaker, for giving bad advice that she thought young mothers needed. Or was it the mothers group for letting someone give unbiblical advice to a group of impressionable young women. Or should I blame the church. Ultimately, the blame belongs to me. I knew when I heard it that it was bad advice, but since it came from a speaker I thought it was true. I can not blame anyone else for my own sin.
We are all in different places in our spiritual walk with the Lord. The wonderful thing about Him is that He meets us where we are. He was there every morning when I wasn’t. He is there waiting for you now.
Go and meet Him, I am sure it will be a wonderful conversation.
When my oldest was a baby and toddler, I was a part of a mothers group at a church. This is where I got my bad advice. We had a speaker one month that was talking to us about the stresses of motherhood. I still remember her telling us “To stop worrying about missing your quiet time, sometimes life happens.” It was the worst advice ever. I didn’t know it at the time, but I do now after the damage.
Life, for all of us, can get crazy at times. You can be a mother of small children, a mother home schooling her children, a full time working woman, a full time student, a retired woman, and I would dare say even a man and have a crazy life. The craziness just changes.
It was during the craziness of diapers, feedings, and looking for adult conversation that I received my bad advice. Whew! What a load off, I didn’t have to worry about the quiet time being checked off the list, God would understand. I didn’t need to feel guilty about it anymore. The problems were just beginning. Not worrying about it one day turns into a week and into a month and into a year. Could I look back on a year and count how many quiet times I had? I would try again and repeat the cycle over and over. It would continue until God taught me some lessons.
Here is what I learned………..it is not about a checklist. When you begin to miss a quiet time, you see the need for it. It is not about 1. Read a Bible verse, check 2. Pray, check, check 3. Check it off the list, check, check, check. It is discovering the Words your Creator wrote for you. It is talking to the all-powerful, loving God about the love He shows us, the life He gave us, and how He wants us to live that life. It is the process of knowing God and becoming more like His Son. It is knowing that you can’t live a day without Him. These are the blessings that come from a relationship with the Most High.
Now, who is to blame for all those missed blessings? The speaker, for giving bad advice that she thought young mothers needed. Or was it the mothers group for letting someone give unbiblical advice to a group of impressionable young women. Or should I blame the church. Ultimately, the blame belongs to me. I knew when I heard it that it was bad advice, but since it came from a speaker I thought it was true. I can not blame anyone else for my own sin.
We are all in different places in our spiritual walk with the Lord. The wonderful thing about Him is that He meets us where we are. He was there every morning when I wasn’t. He is there waiting for you now.
Go and meet Him, I am sure it will be a wonderful conversation.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Cloudy, with a chance of............
Cloudy. That’s the name that has stuck. What a name, huh? He is my nephew. Today he is three years old.
My sister was working that day in 2005 when she called me. She thought she might be going into labor. She was going to call her doctor when she got off the phone with me. My parents called me a little later and said her water broke at work and she was on the way to the hospital. He was coming two weeks early, which is so unlike his mother, who does not know the word early.
Early caught everyone off guard. She had not planned to stop working yet, so all her appointments had to be rescheduled. I could not get to the hospital , because I had no one to keep the kids. The nursery was not done. The baby clothes had not been washed. Nothing.
He ended up coming by c-section, and I was able to make it to the hospital in time. Red hair, full lips, and blue eyes. He looked just like his mother. He still does. (With a glint of mischief in his eyes from his dad!) But, no name. They still had not picked a name.
There were more surprises to come. A major infection for my sister. Two more surgeries and home health care would follow for weeks. She had to go back into the hospital and the baby stayed with my parents. I would go and help. After that, due to her husband’s work schedule, she and the baby stayed with my parents and we took care of her. It was a long road.
Most of the major events in our lives were surprises to us. We can plan as much as we want, but in the end it is God’s plan that is followed. We will someday know why God planned things the way He did. Now, we have to trust in Him and His ways. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139 is a chapter that is thought of a lot with babies. How God plans us and knits us in our mothers womb. The last verses are what I pray for my nephew on his third birthday. “Search me, God, and know my heart…..lead me in the everlasting way.”
I took my boys to see him the next day. My oldest asked his name. I told him that he did not have one yet. He said, “His name is Cloudy, since it is cloudy outside today.” We started calling him that, and kept calling him that, even after he was given a name. It seems to fit him.
Happy Birthday, Cloudy! We love you!
My sister was working that day in 2005 when she called me. She thought she might be going into labor. She was going to call her doctor when she got off the phone with me. My parents called me a little later and said her water broke at work and she was on the way to the hospital. He was coming two weeks early, which is so unlike his mother, who does not know the word early.
Early caught everyone off guard. She had not planned to stop working yet, so all her appointments had to be rescheduled. I could not get to the hospital , because I had no one to keep the kids. The nursery was not done. The baby clothes had not been washed. Nothing.
He ended up coming by c-section, and I was able to make it to the hospital in time. Red hair, full lips, and blue eyes. He looked just like his mother. He still does. (With a glint of mischief in his eyes from his dad!) But, no name. They still had not picked a name.
There were more surprises to come. A major infection for my sister. Two more surgeries and home health care would follow for weeks. She had to go back into the hospital and the baby stayed with my parents. I would go and help. After that, due to her husband’s work schedule, she and the baby stayed with my parents and we took care of her. It was a long road.
Most of the major events in our lives were surprises to us. We can plan as much as we want, but in the end it is God’s plan that is followed. We will someday know why God planned things the way He did. Now, we have to trust in Him and His ways. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139 is a chapter that is thought of a lot with babies. How God plans us and knits us in our mothers womb. The last verses are what I pray for my nephew on his third birthday. “Search me, God, and know my heart…..lead me in the everlasting way.”
I took my boys to see him the next day. My oldest asked his name. I told him that he did not have one yet. He said, “His name is Cloudy, since it is cloudy outside today.” We started calling him that, and kept calling him that, even after he was given a name. It seems to fit him.
Happy Birthday, Cloudy! We love you!
Monday, July 14, 2008
ME....ME...ME!
Me first! That’s mine! Don’t touch me!
Ahh…..the sounds of playing children echo through the house.
The US Army has nothing on motherhood. “The hardest job you’ll ever love!” I think they stole the motto from a mom. The hard thing about raising a child is the delayed and intangible results. God is using me to shape these little boys into future men. It is not as much about the children they are today, as the adults they will be in the future. I am thankful that my boss, God, has given me the guidelines, the Bible, to carry me through this endeavor.
In recent years, God has created a hunger for His Word in me. (That will be a subject of another post on another day!) This has changed parenting. It has helped me to point the way to the final authority, God. It lets us show our children a God that cares about everything in our lives. It shows God as He is, loving, merciful, and yet just and disciplining. Our oldest has some problems with fear, and when he has problems, I always ask “What does Joshua 1:9 tell us?” and he can quote it and tell you that there is no reason for fear, for God is always with us. I also point out, that God knew Joshua was scared or He would not have told him not to fear. Another example is the MEMEMEs! This is a battle right now. We need to think of others first. We are working on Matthew 20:25-28 right now. We need to learn to be a servant. It must be sinking in a little….my youngest came into the kitchen the other week and wanted a juice box. I told him he could get one out of the fridge. I watched as he walked back out, arms full of four juice boxes. He had taken one to his brother and cousins that were playing in another room. It might be something small, but it showed me his heart, that he was thinking of them.
Now, just so you don’t think I am preaching, I could write pages on things I have done wrong. I could not tell you how many times I have answered “Because I said so!” instead of taking the time to look at my children’s hearts. I am sure I have ignored things I should have dealt with, but I know they will come back again.
In case you didn’t know, God has a wonderful sense of humor. The exact behavior He is disciplining me over, He has me discipline my children over. He wants me to get the point…..it’s not pretty to act that way. The lesson He is trying to teach me, He does so through my children.
You see the lesson of “Me first” is a lesson of dying to self. The lesson He teaches me today and everyday…. Galatians 2:19-20 “For through the law I have died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
I am not trying to stop a behavior from my boys; I am trying to change their hearts. God wants the same thing from me, my heart.
Ahh…..the sounds of playing children echo through the house.
The US Army has nothing on motherhood. “The hardest job you’ll ever love!” I think they stole the motto from a mom. The hard thing about raising a child is the delayed and intangible results. God is using me to shape these little boys into future men. It is not as much about the children they are today, as the adults they will be in the future. I am thankful that my boss, God, has given me the guidelines, the Bible, to carry me through this endeavor.
In recent years, God has created a hunger for His Word in me. (That will be a subject of another post on another day!) This has changed parenting. It has helped me to point the way to the final authority, God. It lets us show our children a God that cares about everything in our lives. It shows God as He is, loving, merciful, and yet just and disciplining. Our oldest has some problems with fear, and when he has problems, I always ask “What does Joshua 1:9 tell us?” and he can quote it and tell you that there is no reason for fear, for God is always with us. I also point out, that God knew Joshua was scared or He would not have told him not to fear. Another example is the MEMEMEs! This is a battle right now. We need to think of others first. We are working on Matthew 20:25-28 right now. We need to learn to be a servant. It must be sinking in a little….my youngest came into the kitchen the other week and wanted a juice box. I told him he could get one out of the fridge. I watched as he walked back out, arms full of four juice boxes. He had taken one to his brother and cousins that were playing in another room. It might be something small, but it showed me his heart, that he was thinking of them.
Now, just so you don’t think I am preaching, I could write pages on things I have done wrong. I could not tell you how many times I have answered “Because I said so!” instead of taking the time to look at my children’s hearts. I am sure I have ignored things I should have dealt with, but I know they will come back again.
In case you didn’t know, God has a wonderful sense of humor. The exact behavior He is disciplining me over, He has me discipline my children over. He wants me to get the point…..it’s not pretty to act that way. The lesson He is trying to teach me, He does so through my children.
You see the lesson of “Me first” is a lesson of dying to self. The lesson He teaches me today and everyday…. Galatians 2:19-20 “For through the law I have died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
I am not trying to stop a behavior from my boys; I am trying to change their hearts. God wants the same thing from me, my heart.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fancy Creamers
Fancy Creamers……do you use them? You know the big bottles of flavored creamers for coffee. They have such wonderful flavors in them, and new ones arriving with each season. My top picks would be Blueberry Cobbler and Coconut Cream.
It has become the running joke at my church for our Ladies Ministry… “You need to come, because we will have fancy creamers!” You know, in the Baptist church you never have a gathering without food…..ever. And in modern times, you don’t have a ladies gathering without coffee and fancy creamers. We were horrified one Tuesday morning to come to Bible study and find three large bottles of fancy creamers left out since Sunday! All had to be poured down the drain.
There is something about those fancy creamers. They take a dark and bitter drink and turn it into something light, sweet and yummy!
I have two friends I talked into trying my favorite creamers. My friend in Tennessee thought I was strange to put Coconut creamer in my coffee…..until she tried it! It is wonderful! My dear friend here at home thought I was nuts about the Blueberry Cobbler creamer……until she tried it! She even took it a step further, her favorite is Blueberry Cobbler creamer mixed with Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee! She will tell you that now she is spoiled, she does not want to drink plain old coffee anymore, she wants the fancy creamer added!
My question is this, what kind of fancy creamer are you?
In a world filled with darkness and bitterness, we are called to be salt (or sweet) and light. John 3:19 tells us that the Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than the Light. God had a plan to bring the people to this Light. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that the believers are the salt and light of the world. Verse 16 says “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The world walking in darkness, sees the light and wants to be in the light. Back in John 3, Jesus tells us that anyone who lives by truth comes to the light. The people want this Light in their lives. We are the ones that show the way. We bring sweet and light into the world, until they don’t want the dark and bitter, they want the Light that we have.
Just like my friend, the old way does not work for them anymore, they want the fancy creamer.
It has become the running joke at my church for our Ladies Ministry… “You need to come, because we will have fancy creamers!” You know, in the Baptist church you never have a gathering without food…..ever. And in modern times, you don’t have a ladies gathering without coffee and fancy creamers. We were horrified one Tuesday morning to come to Bible study and find three large bottles of fancy creamers left out since Sunday! All had to be poured down the drain.
There is something about those fancy creamers. They take a dark and bitter drink and turn it into something light, sweet and yummy!
I have two friends I talked into trying my favorite creamers. My friend in Tennessee thought I was strange to put Coconut creamer in my coffee…..until she tried it! It is wonderful! My dear friend here at home thought I was nuts about the Blueberry Cobbler creamer……until she tried it! She even took it a step further, her favorite is Blueberry Cobbler creamer mixed with Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee! She will tell you that now she is spoiled, she does not want to drink plain old coffee anymore, she wants the fancy creamer added!
My question is this, what kind of fancy creamer are you?
In a world filled with darkness and bitterness, we are called to be salt (or sweet) and light. John 3:19 tells us that the Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than the Light. God had a plan to bring the people to this Light. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that the believers are the salt and light of the world. Verse 16 says “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The world walking in darkness, sees the light and wants to be in the light. Back in John 3, Jesus tells us that anyone who lives by truth comes to the light. The people want this Light in their lives. We are the ones that show the way. We bring sweet and light into the world, until they don’t want the dark and bitter, they want the Light that we have.
Just like my friend, the old way does not work for them anymore, they want the fancy creamer.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost, do you remember it? Saturday morning TV fun in the late ‘70s. The show was about a dad and his son and daughter, Rick, Will, and Holly Marshall, that went on a rafting trip and ended up in “prehistoric” times with the dinosaurs. There is a whole blog post in that one statement. One about creation science, the lies of evolution, and erosion of educational freedoms, but we will save that for another day…………
The show was from Sid & Marty Krofft….remember shows like H.R. Pufnstuff, The Bugaloos, and Sigmund & the Sea Monsters. Every week we watched the family battle dinosaurs, the Sleestaks (yuck!), and other creatures as they tried to find the way back home. And there was even a theme song...I don’t remember it other than ‘Land of the Lost….Land of the Lost’. Can you imagine living in such a world? A world where you just didn’t fit in, a world where enemies were attacking from all sides, a world in which you struggled to keep your family united, a world where you just wanted a safe place……………..sound familiar?
As Christians, we live in our own ‘Land of the Lost’. As believers in Christ, we are surrounded on all sides by people that think we are strange, not fitting in with them. 1Peter 4:4 tells us that the world is surprised that we don’t “plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation--and they slander you.” As believers in Christ, we are surrounded by attacks from all sides. Ephesians 6 assures us that we will have these battles, and how to suit up to fight them. As believers in Christ, we fight to keep the commandments to our family….to honor our father and mother (Exodus 20:12), to honor our marriage (Exodus 20:13), to love our spouses (Ephesians 5:22-32), and to raise godly children (Deuteronomy 6). We want to keep the thief at bay (John 10:10). Yes, we are living in the “Land of the Lost”.
Now, in the TV show, they never made it home, they got cancelled after three seasons. We will make it home. Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” chapter, tells us that we don’t belong here, there is a country we can not see, and the faithful believe in the promise of it. There is a promise of it, of a place made for us. In John 14, Jesus tells us that He goes to prepare a place for us, and will receive us to Himself. He tells us that we even know the Way home…”I am the way, the truth and the life.” We have the assurance of a Way home, much better than the TV family.
As we walk through our “Land of the Lost”, we have a much easier journey; we know how ours will end. We have the Word to help us through the journey. What Scripture helps you in your journey? I want to know.
By the way, Will Farrell is making a Land of the Lost movie, but nothing compares to the original.
The show was from Sid & Marty Krofft….remember shows like H.R. Pufnstuff, The Bugaloos, and Sigmund & the Sea Monsters. Every week we watched the family battle dinosaurs, the Sleestaks (yuck!), and other creatures as they tried to find the way back home. And there was even a theme song...I don’t remember it other than ‘Land of the Lost….Land of the Lost’. Can you imagine living in such a world? A world where you just didn’t fit in, a world where enemies were attacking from all sides, a world in which you struggled to keep your family united, a world where you just wanted a safe place……………..sound familiar?
As Christians, we live in our own ‘Land of the Lost’. As believers in Christ, we are surrounded on all sides by people that think we are strange, not fitting in with them. 1Peter 4:4 tells us that the world is surprised that we don’t “plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation--and they slander you.” As believers in Christ, we are surrounded by attacks from all sides. Ephesians 6 assures us that we will have these battles, and how to suit up to fight them. As believers in Christ, we fight to keep the commandments to our family….to honor our father and mother (Exodus 20:12), to honor our marriage (Exodus 20:13), to love our spouses (Ephesians 5:22-32), and to raise godly children (Deuteronomy 6). We want to keep the thief at bay (John 10:10). Yes, we are living in the “Land of the Lost”.
Now, in the TV show, they never made it home, they got cancelled after three seasons. We will make it home. Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” chapter, tells us that we don’t belong here, there is a country we can not see, and the faithful believe in the promise of it. There is a promise of it, of a place made for us. In John 14, Jesus tells us that He goes to prepare a place for us, and will receive us to Himself. He tells us that we even know the Way home…”I am the way, the truth and the life.” We have the assurance of a Way home, much better than the TV family.
As we walk through our “Land of the Lost”, we have a much easier journey; we know how ours will end. We have the Word to help us through the journey. What Scripture helps you in your journey? I want to know.
By the way, Will Farrell is making a Land of the Lost movie, but nothing compares to the original.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Myrtle Beach Days
"Myrtle Beach days, we’ll have some fun in the waves"………..Beach music, do you know it?? I do. My parents love beach music. They grew up with it. They dance to it and taught my sister and I how to dance to it. They have taught it to my sons, the music, not the dancing….yet. My oldest can hear a song start and tell you if it is beach music. His Poppi has trained him well.
If you are not from the South, let the education begin. Beach music has its home in the state of South Carolina. In fact, the dance of beach music, the Shag, is the state dance of South Carolina. It is a laid back dance with a simple count. Those that can do it well make it look effortless. My attempt at it is not pretty, but I know enough to dance with my dad. My sister does much better, she is the coordinated one. My guess is she will teach her son soon, he is 3. But the music is fun, Southern rythym and blues with a beat that you can count. The official home of the music and the dance is the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. That brings me to my story……
My husband was at Youth Camp last week with the Youth group from our church. He spent the week in the barracks with teenage boys. My sons and I spent the week with my parents at their vacation house at the beach. My sons love their dad. The constant question is “What time will Daddy be home?”. I knew better than to stay home with Daddy not here. We went where they could be distracted.
My sons love the beach, the beach house, the golf cart, the pool, the whole experience. My mom and dad intentionally bought the house for childhood memories for my children. They know how hard it is to raise a family on one income, and they wanted us to be able to take vacations.
My husband and I had this conversation last week about raising children. The memories we are making for them. I know now that we did not have it easy growing up, but I don’t remember that. I have lots of memories of time spent with my family. Most of my memories involve the church and how my parents served there. That is what I remember, not the little budget for groceries. That is what we want for our children.
My children are storing memories for their futures. A future that I may not be there for. What are the memories we are giving them? What are the memories you are making for your family? I know that my children will remember that they were loved. They had a Gi and Poppi that loved to spend time with them. An Aunt Amy that would act silly with them and let them ride her like a horse. An Uncle Scott that would do sparklers with them and sit in the sand to watch fireworks. A cousin that doesn’t know he is a cousin, he thinks they are his brothers. I want them to remember that we love each other because God loved us and showed us how to love.
"………I don’t care what the West Coast says, love those Myrtle Beach days."
If you are not from the South, let the education begin. Beach music has its home in the state of South Carolina. In fact, the dance of beach music, the Shag, is the state dance of South Carolina. It is a laid back dance with a simple count. Those that can do it well make it look effortless. My attempt at it is not pretty, but I know enough to dance with my dad. My sister does much better, she is the coordinated one. My guess is she will teach her son soon, he is 3. But the music is fun, Southern rythym and blues with a beat that you can count. The official home of the music and the dance is the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. That brings me to my story……
My husband was at Youth Camp last week with the Youth group from our church. He spent the week in the barracks with teenage boys. My sons and I spent the week with my parents at their vacation house at the beach. My sons love their dad. The constant question is “What time will Daddy be home?”. I knew better than to stay home with Daddy not here. We went where they could be distracted.
My sons love the beach, the beach house, the golf cart, the pool, the whole experience. My mom and dad intentionally bought the house for childhood memories for my children. They know how hard it is to raise a family on one income, and they wanted us to be able to take vacations.
My husband and I had this conversation last week about raising children. The memories we are making for them. I know now that we did not have it easy growing up, but I don’t remember that. I have lots of memories of time spent with my family. Most of my memories involve the church and how my parents served there. That is what I remember, not the little budget for groceries. That is what we want for our children.
My children are storing memories for their futures. A future that I may not be there for. What are the memories we are giving them? What are the memories you are making for your family? I know that my children will remember that they were loved. They had a Gi and Poppi that loved to spend time with them. An Aunt Amy that would act silly with them and let them ride her like a horse. An Uncle Scott that would do sparklers with them and sit in the sand to watch fireworks. A cousin that doesn’t know he is a cousin, he thinks they are his brothers. I want them to remember that we love each other because God loved us and showed us how to love.
"………I don’t care what the West Coast says, love those Myrtle Beach days."
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Jose' Kanusi
Do you get it?? Jose’ Kanusi--HO-SAY KAN U SEE--Oh Say, Can you see?? I know, it took me a while too.
I was a Jose Kanusi singer. Impressed, huh? There were eight of us. Two bass, two tenor, two alto, and two soprano singers were in the group. We sang the Star-Spangled Banner at high school games and other functions. I was a replacement. Another soprano had bad grades and was kicked off. I was lucky. I didn’t have to sing every Thursday and Friday at games. I got on in the spring time. We went to all the middle schools and sang to try to recruit singers for the chorus. Chorus of the ‘80s, when we sang Whitney Houston songs….”How will I know??”….bad, really bad. But, that is not what we are talking about today.
The Star-Spangled Banner. Do you know the song? It is a really hard song and in a high key for a national anthem. It is not easy to sing right. But we still love it. The story of it’s writing and how it came to be add to it’s worth as a national anthem. It is a story of pride in a nation and it’s ideals.
Francis Scott Key wrote the song on the back of an envelope. He had spent days as a “guest” on the British ship the Surprise during the war of 1812. He witnessed a night of full bombardment on Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. He was awestruck the next morning, when he saw the American flag still flying over the fort. He knew the sight of the flag in the dawn’s early light was proof of the land of the free still standing.
We know the first verse, and maybe the second. This is my favorite, I think you will know why.
“Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand.
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
I was a Jose Kanusi singer. Impressed, huh? There were eight of us. Two bass, two tenor, two alto, and two soprano singers were in the group. We sang the Star-Spangled Banner at high school games and other functions. I was a replacement. Another soprano had bad grades and was kicked off. I was lucky. I didn’t have to sing every Thursday and Friday at games. I got on in the spring time. We went to all the middle schools and sang to try to recruit singers for the chorus. Chorus of the ‘80s, when we sang Whitney Houston songs….”How will I know??”….bad, really bad. But, that is not what we are talking about today.
The Star-Spangled Banner. Do you know the song? It is a really hard song and in a high key for a national anthem. It is not easy to sing right. But we still love it. The story of it’s writing and how it came to be add to it’s worth as a national anthem. It is a story of pride in a nation and it’s ideals.
Francis Scott Key wrote the song on the back of an envelope. He had spent days as a “guest” on the British ship the Surprise during the war of 1812. He witnessed a night of full bombardment on Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. He was awestruck the next morning, when he saw the American flag still flying over the fort. He knew the sight of the flag in the dawn’s early light was proof of the land of the free still standing.
We know the first verse, and maybe the second. This is my favorite, I think you will know why.
“Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand.
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
Friday, July 4, 2008
National Treasure
When in the course of human events………….Do you know how the Declaration of Independence begins?? Today, this famous document is two hundred and thirty-two years old, and we celebrate our nation’s birthday. We all go and celebrate with family and friends. We eat hot dogs and hamburgers. We watch fireworks and wave flags. But do you actually know what the document says.
I love to read the Declaration. I wish I could write like that, I wish I could think like that! A declaration of the rights that were given to them by the Creator....A declaration of the wrongs committed by the monarch....A declaration of outrage at their unfair treatment....A declaration of surprise at the treatment from their British “brethren”....A declaration of Independence to the world.
I wonder what it would look like if it were written in “politically correct” language of today. I don’t think it would pack the punch that it does, nor would it send the same message. These men were “traitors” and declaring the all-powerful King of England an unfit ruler and tyrant. These men were the movers and shakers of the time. Despite what you may have been told, most were Christians. They knew the Source of Power and the Source of Freedom.
References to God are found in four places in the Declaration. 1. “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.” 2. “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.” 3. “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World, for the Rectitude of our Intentions.” 4. “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence.”
Read the Declaration. I know it can be found in many places on the web. You may not have read it in years, or you may have never read it. It is an amazing document, written by men that were confident in their place in God’s plan. It is full of wonderful ideas, beautiful language, and knowledge of the Creator.
And no matter what you hear, I don‘t think that there is a treasure map on the back.
I love to read the Declaration. I wish I could write like that, I wish I could think like that! A declaration of the rights that were given to them by the Creator....A declaration of the wrongs committed by the monarch....A declaration of outrage at their unfair treatment....A declaration of surprise at the treatment from their British “brethren”....A declaration of Independence to the world.
I wonder what it would look like if it were written in “politically correct” language of today. I don’t think it would pack the punch that it does, nor would it send the same message. These men were “traitors” and declaring the all-powerful King of England an unfit ruler and tyrant. These men were the movers and shakers of the time. Despite what you may have been told, most were Christians. They knew the Source of Power and the Source of Freedom.
References to God are found in four places in the Declaration. 1. “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.” 2. “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.” 3. “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World, for the Rectitude of our Intentions.” 4. “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence.”
Read the Declaration. I know it can be found in many places on the web. You may not have read it in years, or you may have never read it. It is an amazing document, written by men that were confident in their place in God’s plan. It is full of wonderful ideas, beautiful language, and knowledge of the Creator.
And no matter what you hear, I don‘t think that there is a treasure map on the back.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Semper Fi!
Semper fidelis means always faithful! That is the motto of the United States Marine Corps.
Let’s backtrack a little. You might not actually know me in real life. I have a mind full of useless information, or a useless mind full of information, which ever way you want to look at it. This is an example….with apologies to my brother-in-law, because I know that the history of the USMC is not useless information--OO-RAH!!
I am fortunate to have been brought up in a very patriotic family. I have a twelve foot flag pole in my yard with Old Glory flying. My husband is a police officer. My dad is a retired fire fighter, and a veteran of the US Navy (USS Little Rock). My brother-in-law is a “once a Marine, always a Marine”. My paternal grandfather was a US Navy veteran. My maternal grandfather was career military, “a full bird” Colonel in the Air National Guard. He actually was in the Army before WWII and helped start “the Guard” in North Carolina.
Our choir is rehearsing a song that our pastor has requested for the Sunday after Independence Day. It is a medley of the anthems for the United States Armed Services. I love singing this song. It is a song that I sang in the choir at our previous church for many years. We sing the songs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. It is a lot of fun.
There are many things we see/say/sing/hear that we may not understand the “full measure of devotion” that it required. Such is the anthem of the USMC.
“From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli, we will fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea.” This is the first line of the USMC anthem. We will sing it this Sunday. Many will sing it throughout the week as we celebrate our nation’s birthday. Do you know what it means??
“From the halls of Montezuma” is a reference to Chapultepec Castle, also known as the Halls of Montezuma. There was a decisive battle fought by the US Marines here in the Mexican-American War in September 1847. The Marines overtook the castle and occupied Mexico City after this battle. The Marines also remember this battle with the red stripe of the dress uniform, it is known as the blood stripe.
“The shores of Tripoli” remembers the first US battle fought on foreign soil in the First Barbary War in April 1805. It was a war against terror. America refused to be terrorized by the Barbary pirates. America showed itself capable of being a player on the world stage, even as a young country. The USMC remembers this battle through the tradition of officers receiving a Mameluke sword, which resembles the sabers carried in this battle in Derna, Tripoli (modern day Libya).
This is just the example from the USMC. Each of the other branches has a story to tell, one of honor, bravery, brotherhood and freedom.
“Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Let’s backtrack a little. You might not actually know me in real life. I have a mind full of useless information, or a useless mind full of information, which ever way you want to look at it. This is an example….with apologies to my brother-in-law, because I know that the history of the USMC is not useless information--OO-RAH!!
I am fortunate to have been brought up in a very patriotic family. I have a twelve foot flag pole in my yard with Old Glory flying. My husband is a police officer. My dad is a retired fire fighter, and a veteran of the US Navy (USS Little Rock). My brother-in-law is a “once a Marine, always a Marine”. My paternal grandfather was a US Navy veteran. My maternal grandfather was career military, “a full bird” Colonel in the Air National Guard. He actually was in the Army before WWII and helped start “the Guard” in North Carolina.
Our choir is rehearsing a song that our pastor has requested for the Sunday after Independence Day. It is a medley of the anthems for the United States Armed Services. I love singing this song. It is a song that I sang in the choir at our previous church for many years. We sing the songs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. It is a lot of fun.
There are many things we see/say/sing/hear that we may not understand the “full measure of devotion” that it required. Such is the anthem of the USMC.
“From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli, we will fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea.” This is the first line of the USMC anthem. We will sing it this Sunday. Many will sing it throughout the week as we celebrate our nation’s birthday. Do you know what it means??
“From the halls of Montezuma” is a reference to Chapultepec Castle, also known as the Halls of Montezuma. There was a decisive battle fought by the US Marines here in the Mexican-American War in September 1847. The Marines overtook the castle and occupied Mexico City after this battle. The Marines also remember this battle with the red stripe of the dress uniform, it is known as the blood stripe.
“The shores of Tripoli” remembers the first US battle fought on foreign soil in the First Barbary War in April 1805. It was a war against terror. America refused to be terrorized by the Barbary pirates. America showed itself capable of being a player on the world stage, even as a young country. The USMC remembers this battle through the tradition of officers receiving a Mameluke sword, which resembles the sabers carried in this battle in Derna, Tripoli (modern day Libya).
This is just the example from the USMC. Each of the other branches has a story to tell, one of honor, bravery, brotherhood and freedom.
“Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
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