A little more patriotism

My new wreath isn't the only summer decorating that I have going on around here. I had fun putting my mantle together as well as a few more patriotic touches here and there.

Not sure if you can read it, but the "parchment" in the frame is the Pledge of Allegiance. :)

Our living room has a bit of a different set up recently:

We sold our couch to some newlywed friends. Although I do miss having a couch every now and then, I do enjoy the open feel of my living room. (Don't look to closely at that side table though... it is a work in progress!) ;) Here's a post showing how our living room used to be set up. Yes, I DO like the more open feel. Eventually we may purchase another couch, but it may be when we change homes. :)

On the piano:

I am enjoying changing the decor in my cloche - I love having that New Testament in there. Such a piece of my family's history! :) (It was the NT my grandfather received as a soldier in the Pacific in World War 2.)

How about you? Anyone else done some summery/patriotic decorating? I am going to put Mr. Linky up just for fun! Feel free to share your decorating post, or anything else really... I think I'm kindof missing linking up every other week... ;)

That Day

Where were you on "That Day?" May we all be ready for "That Day" to come!

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Update!

We just got word from my cousin Charles (Bernie's brother). Bernie is ok! He and the soldiers with him have all been released from the hospital. Bernie will be returning to desk duty tomorrow! We are so grateful!

Bernie was able to call and talk to his wife, Ashley, and his mom, my Aunt Anita. I know they were so grateful to hear his voice!! He said it made him feel good to know that people care.

This is a more recent picture - Bernie is on the right.

I think that it is so easy for us to forget to pray for our troops who are daily in harm's way. Or it is also easy for each of us just to say a quick "Bless our troops." Thank you all for your special prayers for Bernie. I think that maybe his face, and sharing what has happened to him will hopefully be a reminder to each of us to pray harder for our troops - and to remember that each of our "troops" has a name and a family. We certainly don't know what all our guys are facing daily.

Thanks again for your prayers for our soldier!

Happy Independence Day!

“You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.”

– John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail, April 26 1777

Sunday Blessing

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

from The Star Spangled Banner
by Francis Scott Key

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The picture above is of my inlaw's front porch (a couple of years ago). My MIL is a queen in decorating!!

Between work and getting ready for vbs, I haven't had much time to spruce up for the holiday. However, I did pull this little centerpiece together:

It's not fancy... but it's fun! :) "Have a Coke and a smile!"

And I made this cake for our church dinner tomorrow:

You can find the recipe here. I don't have a regular bundt pan, so the "cathedral" will have to do! :)

Have a Happy Fourth, everyone!!!!

Sunday Blessing

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From every mountainside

Let freedom ring!

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees

Sweet freedom's song;

Let mortal tongues awake;

Let all that breathe partake;

Let rocks their silence break,

The sound prolong.

Our father's God to Thee,

Author of liberty,

To Thee we sing.

Long may our land be bright,

With freedom's holy light,

Protect us by Thy might,

Great God our King.

from My Country 'tis of Thee
by Samuel Francis Smith

Happy Independence Day!!

I hope each of you is having a pleasant Fourth with family and friends! As we celebrate, I thought it would be good to remember what price was paid for our freedom. Here is a video about the first Fourth and what those men went through to be free.

I think this video is a great reminder of the continued price that is paid for our freedom. God bless our soldiers and their families!

A while back, I wrote an article on patriotism. I hope if you have a chance, that you take the time to read it. It is important to continue have patriotism, even if we aren't always happy with the way the country is going.

Three cheers for the red, white and blue!!!

God bless America!

Proud to be American

Today marks a new era for the United States of America. A new president is being inaugurated, and the former president will step down. I want to thank President Bush for all his hard work and for his leadership in the past eight years.

Today should not be the "first time" we are proud to be American, nor should yesterday be the last. Even though many of us may not be pleased with the outcome of November 4th, we can still be patriotic and have pride in our nation. Our patriotism should not be based on the color of someone's skin, but because of the freedoms we all hold dear. We can have pride that we live in a nation that is founded on the fact that all are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

We can have pride in what our nation was founded on - principals of justice, freedom and liberty. We can be proud of our founding fathers: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, the list can go on and on. We can be proud that our nation has a Biblical background -several of the first colonies were founded by those seeking religious freedom... and they found it.

We can be proud of our freedoms. We have the freedom to choose our own leaders through the ballot box. We have the freedom enterprise, earning a living in the best way we can. We have the freedom to spend (most) of our money as we see fit. We have freedom from hunger and want. We have the freedom to speak (and write) what we want. But most of all we have the freedom to worship as we choose. We have freedom to pray and to have a church where we can gather with others. We still have these freedoms.

We can be proud of our military. We can be proud of our veterans. Both of my grandfathers were veterans and served overseas. They were honored to serve their country and I am honored to be related to them. (And I miss them both!) I am also proud to personally know several that serve in our armed forces family and friends, a few of which are currently serving overseas. These men and women are sacrificing much to ensure that we as a nation are secure and safe.

In our pride we must remember. Remember to keep patriotism alive in ourselves and to pass it on to our children. We won’t agree with everything happening in our country. Some things are absolutely appalling, especially the lack of respect for human life. It isn’t popular in some circles to be “patriotic,” but it is something we must hold on to. Without patriotism, a nation will fall.

We must remember our responsibilities. We should take our duties as citizens seriously. Voting is a very important task of every citizen and we should not shirk it. We have the duty to respect the offices of those who have been elected whether or not we agree with their platform.

We must remember to pray for our leaders, our most important responsibility. God has commanded it in His Word. We can pray that they will make wise decisions - decisions that are in agreement with the Bible. God directs the hearts of leaders, just as He directs the flow of rivers. Nothing is out of His control. We can remember that no matter what, God is above all. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, (and President of presidents!) Nothing takes God by surprise.

God Bless America!




Image Sources:
Washington
Freedom to Worship
Girl with Flag
Pledge of Allegiance

Just a Reminder...

VOTE and PRAY!!!!

McCain/Palin 2008!

My Little Soapbox

Politics isn't a subject that I frequently discuss on my blog. I'm not a big political junkie, but this upcoming election has me concerned. Some of you may have noticed the new "sticker" on my sidebar. I'm sure I don't agree with Sen. McCain on every issue, but he is the one most likely to win that agrees most with what we (Mark and I) believe in and stand for. His main opponent, what he stands for and is involved in, is not who I want leading the country. Quite frankly, he frightens me. (FYI, I'm not stating his name in an attempt to keep out of search radars.) However, I do know whatever happens in Nov. is in God's control.

One of the main reasons I choose to support McCain is his answer to this question:

Without hesitation, McCain acknowledged that human rights begin at conception.

I also think Sarah Palin is a great choice for VP. I was a little hesitant at first, and still have a few reservations - not from her qualifications - but from the fact that she is wife and mother. This post by Sheila at To Love Honor and Vacuum really helped me in how I saw Palin. (If you have time, it's well worth the read!) Sometimes God chooses to put women in authority, especially when the men aren't capable or won't stand up for right. Just look at Deborah in the Bible. It's also great to see a lady in her position, acting like a lady! :)

Then there is this video of Palin speaking:

There are the world’s standards of perfection … and then there are God’s, and these are the final measure. Every child is beautiful before God, and dear to Him for their own sake. (Emphasis mine.) WOW! I love how she puts this!

As I have gotten older and have gained some "life experience," the more important every human life becomes to me. I don't understand how anyone could take the life of an innocent child.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139: 13-14

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Well, those are a few of my thoughts. I hope you are encouraged to vote your conscience come November, or before for you early voters! I am not telling anyone how to vote, just stating where I stand. You are welcome to leave your thoughts below, please be respectful. (I'm not concerned about my regular readers, only those that are looking for controversy.) :)

Come back tomorrow for regular, non-political posting! :) ...a yummy recipe - my mouth is watering already. Maybe I need to make a trip to the grocery store for ingredients! :)

Blessings!

Do Not Forget

It is so easy for us to forget the horrors of September 11, 2001 the farther we get from that day. I don't like to dwell on sad things, especially on my blog, but I feel that it is important for us to remember the sacrifices that were made (continue to be made) and the fact that we are still in a WAR.

I'm sure you each remember where you were when you heard the terrible news. I was at Bible college in Cincinnati. One of my friends came into class and told us the first account of the events in New York. I remember being more horrified as I learned more. By the end of the week, many of us were convinced that we would soon be seeing many of our boys off to war. Although, things haven't quite reached the magnitude of World War II, I know that many of us have family or close friends that serve our country in one way or another. Here are two of my heroes:

Ryan (left) is Mark's brother and a volunteer fireman.
Max (right) is a Marine reserve currently finishing up a 9 month tour in Iraq.
Max is a close friend of our family.
Please pray a special prayer for him and his wife, Amber.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Graphic courtesy of Home Sweet Home Graphics.

Our Fourth!

Today in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time. (It wouldn't hurt each of us to read over it every now and then. Click on the link for the text of the Declaration.) In a letter to George Washington enclosed with the Declaration, John Hancock wrote:

That our affairs may take a more favorable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and the American colonies, and to declare them free and independent states; as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you , and to request you will have it proclaimed at the head of the army in the way you shall think most proper.

(From the book 1776, by David McCullough, page 135-6.)

So in the spirit of the season, I am posting my patriotic pictures! :) My parents, Mark and I, and Angie all went up together to spend the Fourth with Mark's family. We had a great time - ate lots of great food, played games, and watched fireworks. Here are the pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

4th Weekend Fun

My mother-in-law has quite a knack for decorating. She decorates for (almost) every season. She had some cute things set out for the Fourth, and she said that I could share them with you here.

Mom's Patriotic Decor

I hope everyone is having a great week! I hope to post some knitting pictures tomorrow, so stay tuned! :)

Blessings!

I Pledge Allegience...

I thought about posting this on Veterans Day, but it is too good to wait. However, today in 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the "Star Spangled Banner." I hope y'all enjoy it!

"Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance" was first introduced on the Red Skelton Show on January 14, 1969. It has since been twice read into the congressional record of The United States and has received numerous awards."




We need more public figures with this view - especially that last line... "Wouldn't it be a pity..." I wonder if he had any idea of what America would be like in thirty years?

Happy Fourth!!!!

To all of our friends and family... have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! ~ Patrick Henry

I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master. ~ Thomas Jefferson

So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men. ~ Voltaire

Michael W. Smith: There She Stands

Happy Independence Day!!

Today in 1836, Texans declared their independence from Mexico. Forty-one delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and unanimously adopted a Declaration of Independence. The Republic of Texas is Born!


Source - Handbook of Texas Online:
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/RR/mzr2.html


This picture was taken at the Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth. The flag is a 1839 Republic flag, note the tilted star. It is part of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Texas Confederate Collection. (also note Mark reflected in the glass.) :)

(It is also Sam Houston's birthday.)