... life. They are now leaving us at the rate of 1500 per day. I see many of them carrying our flag in parades and participating in military funerals. They tell me the veteran's organizations need more veterans to help them with these duties now. This is due to the failing health and the deaths of most ... Welcome Home Story as told to me by a Viet Nam Veteran who prefers to remain anonymous. The other day I was walking into the local Wal-Mart store when I noticed an older man walking beside a younger man. The younger man was wearing army fatigues. I was curious so I stopped and asked," ... Nam Veteran) We often forget to be thankful to those who serve our country, protect us from terrorism, and preserve our freedom. We have veterans living today that have served us in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and The Persian Gulf. We have those on active duty who are serving our country right ...

... God bless every one of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all our military service personnel. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP IT SAFE! [Author Unknown-from Ruthie, via 'The Inspired Buffalo ' (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories ... , AND saved the life of a Marine! God bless every one of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all our military service personnel. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP IT SAFE! [Author Unknown-from Ruthie, via 'The Inspired Buffalo ... (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... spring flowers into wreaths, crosses, and bouquets. When they had done this, they placed one of these arrangements on each veteran's grave. The veterans of the village also led a processional to the cemeteries and flags were flown at half-mast all over the town in honor of those who had died in the war. ... , made arrangements of spring flowers into wreaths, crosses, and bouquets. When they had done this, they placed one of these arrangements on each veteran's grave. The veterans of the village also led a processional to the cemeteries and flags were flown at half-mast all over the town in honor of those who had died ... War but at that time it was known as “ Decoration Day ”. There was understandably a great need across our land for families to honor the soldiers who had died in the war. There were groups of people both in the North and the South who were decorating graves and honoring their loved ones who had died ...

... he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heart broken, the father asked for permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was granted. The captain had also asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for ... Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man ... Taps (Story Of Two Soldiers) This article is from a recent American Legion Newsletter. It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During ...

... on time. All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove. I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for ... and I was growing more and more impatient. The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Because it was close to Memorial ... , a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque. My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time. All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, ...

... The Visit My dad, Angelo, was in the hospital in Tacoma, Washington. A former Marine and veteran of the Korean War, he was having his third knee replacement surgery. A long and very painful operation was going to be made even worse because Dad was going through it alone. There was no ... The Visit My dad, Angelo, was in the hospital in Tacoma, Washington. A former Marine and veteran of the Korean War, he was having his third knee replacement surgery. A long and very painful operation was going to be made even worse because Dad was going through it alone. There was no ... I do from here? I picked up the phone and called information for the Puyallup, Washington, Marine Corps recruiting station, where I joined the Marines ten years before. I thought that if I could talk to a Marine and explain the situation, maybe one of them would visit my dad. I called the ...

... But someone needs to remind us. At 1800 hours I was to have dinner with the families and staff of the Family Readiness Group. I love military time. It clearly reminds me of exactly how many hours I have lived or wasted each day. 1800 is 6: 00 p.m. telling me 18 hours has ... I say" forced" because it always pains me. You know I hate goodbyes. I run to the television when I hear about a returning soldier or unit. You couldn't stop me from smiling if you hit me with a baseball bat. I love happy endings. Until last weekend though, I had never ... yours, mine and hours" You can read all about them. You see them on television daily. But what about those who love them? Soldiers. I have forced myself to watch news reports of units being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. I say" forced" because it always pains me. You know ...

... rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements ... Valentine's Day Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled ... . I didn't like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn't the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings. Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. ...

... each one. There were many small American flags at grave sites across the cemetery. Daddy and Mama talked about how those flags were placed there by veteran organizations to honor the soldiers who had served our country, many of them giving their lives to keep our country free. Next, we drove what seemed to me ... had given their lives for our country. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW and, later in life, he became a veterans service officer, a job that he held dear until the day the bugle sounded at his own grave site. It is important for us to teach our children and ... many small American flags at grave sites across the cemetery. Daddy and Mama talked about how those flags were placed there by veteran organizations to honor the soldiers who had served our country, many of them giving their lives to keep our country free. Next, we drove what seemed to me to be a very long ...

... men were killed, with hundreds of thousands more injured. The" war to end all wars" took a horrific human toll and transformed Europe. However, on Christmas Eve in December 1914 one of the most unusual events in military history took place on the Western front. On the night of Dec. 24 the weather abruptly became cold, freezing the water and slush of the trenches in which the men bunkered. On the German side, soldiers began lighting candles. British ... The Christmas Carol BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-When World War I erupted in 1914 launching the first great European war of the 20th century, soldiers on both sides were assured they would be home by Christmas to celebrate victory. That prediction proved to be false. The men on the fronts did not get home for Christmas as the war dragged on for four years. During that time 8.5 million men were killed, with hundreds of thousands more injured. The" war to ...

... crucifixion, and resurrection through the eyes of an innocent child. Following the pageant the actors all assembled in the foyer to be greeted by the audience. As we passed by some of the soldiers Bailey screamed out," Bad soldier, don't you hurt Jesus" The actor who portrayed Jesus was some distance away surrounded by well-wishers and friends. Bailey broke away from us and ran toward Him, wrapping herself around His legs, holding on for dear life. He hugged her ... through His resurrection. It is a spectacular event, with live animals and hundreds of cast members in realistic costumes. The magi enter the huge auditorium on llamas from the rear, descending the steps in pomp and majesty. Roman soldiers look huge and menacing in their costumes and makeup. Of all the years we have attended, one stands out indelibly in my heart. It was the year we took our then three-year-old granddaughter, Bailey, who loves Jesus. She was mesmerized ...

... girls away. Families were separated and some were murdered. We were forced to march and work for many miles without food. We were often hungry and we were given very little food. There was very little food. The soldiers burned everything in our village and during our forced march we lost all sense of time and place. Miraculously we were able to get away from the soldiers during one rainy night. After several weeks in the tropical forest we made our way back ... those memories were real tonight in order to bring us Christmas. However, this Christmas Eve things were different and I knew Christmas would never come. Every one was sad and desperate because of what happened last April when the so-called Army of Liberation attacked our village and took all the young boys and girls away. Families were separated and some were murdered. We were forced to march and work for many miles without food. We were often hungry and we were given very little ...

... and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face. Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used ... going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military ...

... Spider's Web A young soldier found himself in a terrible and hopeless battle. The enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades found themselves hastily retreating from the battle field in defeat, running away in fear for their very lives. The enemy gave chase. This young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, but soon found himself cut off from his comrades in arms. He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave ... Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled into the cave, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies. He also made a bargain with God, one which I (and perhaps you too ?) have made before. He promised that if God saved him, he would serve Him for the remainder of his ...

... humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle-please, Sir. Your Faithful, but tired, Warrior. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces LOCATION: The Battlefield SUBJECT: Transfer Dear Soldier: Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present My reasons: You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word ... began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I ...

... all of the talent and potential that I see in this great young man On the other hand, every day is a big day for my son-in-law Brock, who is stationed with his Army unit in Baghdad. Brock is a soldier with the soul of a poet, and he has a duffle bag full of dreams for his future, all of which are on hold until he completes this, his third tour of duty in Iraq. For today he shares a dream with ... for him, and hope the producers see all of the talent and potential that I see in this great young man On the other hand, every day is a big day for my son-in-law Brock, who is stationed with his Army unit in Baghdad. Brock is a soldier with the soul of a poet, and he has a duffle bag full of dreams for his future, all of which are on hold until he completes this, his third tour of duty in Iraq ...

... at the gas station. His name was Michael. We chit chatted about the weather and such for a few minutes. But I was curious. I always am when I'm around senior citizens. He just got out of the Veterans hospital and was visiting a friend." I was told I could get the #6 bus and it would take me into Public Square" he said." I waited two hours. I guess it ain't comin !" He spoke to me ... his 23 years as an Air Force pilot. Bombed Berlin. He served in England for a good portion of that time. I was overwhelmed with his story. I asked how he felt about killing people. He said it was part of his job." My father told me not to think about it. But I can't help it" I thanked God for connecting me with him. He continued. Two of his sons were killed in Vietnam. He had eight ...

... . I smiled back as one of the two women said" Good morning" to us, as they were unloading a wheelchair from the side of a large white van. Sitting in the wheelchair was a gentleman dressed in a military uniform. I looked down and noticed that both his pant legs were folded beneath his knees. I also noticed officer's bars on his uniform." Good morning, Captain ," I said as I saluted him." And a good morning to ... make it over his curb ," said the officer." I'm sure you can, sir ," said the man, as he also saluted the Captain. Roger Jr. and I grabbed hold of the wheelchair handles and as the soldier pushed forward on the wheels of his chair, Roger and I pushed forward. Up and over the cement hump he went, with no difficulty, whatsoever. As one of the women pushed him through the doorway of the restaurant, the large ...

... but who could not. Every third period on Mondays and Wednesdays I would hesitantly enter the crowded locker room. The sweat-stained air would slap me in the face as the door swung open and I entered the row upon row of military-green metal lockers. There I would change into my unfashionable gym attire causing the fashion editors of GQ Magazine to go into coronary arrest. After lacing up my high-top sneakers I would go out into the" big room" facing the horrors of the ... Hitting The Top I have always had a passionate hatred for gym class. Whether it was the arm-pit stained T-shirts, the navy-blue gym shorts, or the sneakers with an odor that would put Pepe Le Peu to shame, I couldn't say, but I know I hated it. The twice-weekly ordeal by torture was devised to separate those who can from those who would like to but who could not. Every third period on Mondays and Wednesdays I would hesitantly enter the crowded ...

... we talked about some of the coming church functions and then she said she'd like to share something with me. I prepared myself to listen to a Mother ’ s heart as she bravely spoke. Her son had been a Vietnam veteran and was battling some type of disease and emotional problems from his years during the War. He was in and out of the VA Hospital in the state where he resided. She had sent him a card inviting him to have Thanksgiving and Christmas ... her, as she was all alone. And then she received the call from the hospital about his death. She knew she couldn't make the trip, and she and Renι ’ s father made the arrangements with the Veterans Administration the week before. She said he had been to see her a few months ago, and they spoke on the telephone often, but his battle had been a hard one and she remembered their last conversation, and how he looked when he had ...

... raking was only part of his responsibilities with our town's Parks Department. He also planted and pruned trees and grew and transplanted flowers. But the job he cherished above all was printing panels with the names of local youngsters who entered military service. Leo worked neatly and with a great eye for space. After all" Joe Jones" and" Carmine Santodominguez" had to fit the same size panels on our civic honor roll. Leo made every name readable. Leo received the ... pruning trees, chalking and raking athletic fields and updating the honor roll. The" boys" at Moon's Tavern had the same daily question." What's new, Leo? Leo would say," Danny Gardella just joined the Navy. Remember what a great fullback he was? All state last year" After work one day, Leo was despondent. He told his drinking buddies that Carl Paine was killed in the Battle of the Bulge." Where's that ?" Red Franklin ...

... had broken his legs. Life comes in fragments and more is never given to you" It happened that after a few weeks the country went to war, and all the young men of the town were forcibly taken for the military. Only the old man's son was left because he was crippled. The whole town was crying and weeping, because it was a losing fight and they knew that most of the young people would never come back. They came to the old ... but he is still with you. Our sons are gone forever" The old man said again," You go on and on judging. Nobody knows! Only say this, that your sons have been forced to enter the army and my son has not been forced. But only God, who sees the total picture, knows whether it is a blessing or a misfortune" Judge not, otherwise you will never become one with the total. With fragments you will be ...

... in Fred's mind defined itself." I found the lumber for you ," he said." You did? Where ?" Luther was delighted." Fella I know. He'll let you have it free, you bein ' a veteran and all. He doesn't seem to want you to know who he is, so I'll have to haul it in for you. It's good lumber, fir and pine, cut different lengths and got nails in it, but that's no problem ... and roofed." Where did you get the shingles ?" asked Luther." Same fella ," answered Fred." He's got all kinds of stuff" Luther didn't push. Lots of older folks liked to help out the young veterans anonymously. It was common. It was done! The women fixed the room up inside, and moved Jenny's mother in. The men went back about their business. At supper one evening, Luther told Jenny he would like to do something ...

... 11th Day of the 11th Month In the USA, it is known as Veterans ' Day. In Canada, it is known as Remembrance Day. When I was a youngster, it was just another holiday-a day when stores were closed and more importantly, there was no school. I knew about the war, but I was free to play. I knew people died for our freedom, but I could sleep in. I knew my parents had little when they were growing up because of the war, but I had food on my plate and a day to watch TV. The real meaning of the day was distant to me. Years later, my daughter joined the Brownies. The first year she was a member, I set the alarm to wake us on the morning of 11 / 11. She had to participate in a parade. Every Brownie, Girl Guide, Cub Scout, and Scout had to participate in the ...

... Mother's Day In Georgia The story of" Making Pancakes" reminds me of Mothers Day in Georgia in 1970. I had just retired from the Air Force and was in Milledgeville attending Georgia, College. That Mothers Day Sunday, my family and I were at Molesville Baptist Church waiting for the Preacher to begin when I looked around noticing our 12-year-old son was absent. My wife and I looked at each other with questioning eyes, thinking he was probably outside playing with his friends. Ten or fifteen minutes later the choir was singing and still no son. Thirty minutes later the preacher was well into his sermon and still no son. I knew in my heart of hearts the only thing wrong was his priorities, which as soon as we came face-to-face again, I would direct him into knowing what was important and what was not important. Since we only lived about a block from the church, all through the sermon I was thinking he had ...

... . After the flowers were completed, Grammie dipped them in melted paraffin. Instantly, they were transformed into translucent splendor that rivaled the real thing. With a bit of imagination one could almost smell their fragrant scent. I'm not so sure that Grammie didn't drop a bit of her Evening in Paris perfume from the cobalt bottle into the melted wax. As Memorial Day approached, our teachers explained its significance as a special time to honor and show appreciation to fallen American soldiers. In the mid 50s, WWII was still a haunting memory to many. To commemorate Memorial Day, students and teachers marched from school to the nearest wharf. One of the teachers offered a prayer of thankfulness for soldiers who willingly paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. After singing God Bless America, a student solemnly tossed the wreath of white roses onto the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in honor of those buried or lost at sea. Seeing those white flowers floating on the ...

... Eagle Peak Behind the city of Colorado Springs, at the back of the U.S. Air Force Academy stands a mountain called Eagle Peak which is popular among local hikers, and Scouts in particular. From it's summit you can peer into the depths of the Rocky Mountains on one side or overlook the vast expanse of the Great Plains on the other. Each summer the trail leading to the peak is trod by those who've walked it's track before as well as those who make of it a new experience. The inexperienced hiker is generally always told, if he cares to ask, that the hike will take all day to go up and back. He is told to start early and to set a strong, steady pace for the journey will be difficult and rigorous. The inexperienced hiker who follows this advice and plans accordingly can be easily disappointed and even become angry or confused upon reaching the beginning of the trail, because he can see with his ...

... "" Is there no other way ?"" There is not"" Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice ?"" It would ," the Creator spoke slowly." But to remove the choice is to remove the love" He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed. Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one. Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave." I will stay ," ...

... recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts. very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the ...

... you would be partially right. The me-first attitude is trickling down into the high school and junior high athletes. But in the midst of all of this is a young lady from Wisconsin. I first met Lisa Kincaid on the volleyball court as she played for a rival high school in the conference I coach in. Many times I was on the opposing sidelines and could only watch in awe at her athleticism. The speed of a cheetah, the mental toughness of veteran, and a 32 inch vertical jump! (Unheard of for a high school girl. And she was only a sophomore !) Starting her junior year, I was fortunate enough to coach Lisa on a USA Junior Olympic Volleyball team, and it was during these two years that my wife and I grew to love and respect her. If anyone had a right to be cocky or proud of herself it was Lisa. Besides being one of the best volleyball and basketball players in the ...

... , my country. Although things don't look very good sometimes, God is still in control of the universe, including countries and flags. The flag is not an idol to me but a symbol of good and not evil. Our flag stands for our country and for freedom and that freedom has often been costly. Many have served and some given even their lives. My father and my brother served during two different wars and now I have a son in the military. I do not put my trust in flags, constitutions, or governments. You are right about that, Tim, they will not save you. I do put my trust in the God who can save us and who causes kingdoms to rise and fall. If America will turn back to God, she will still be a great country." If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and ...

... -the ball now held in my hand. She turned to me. Her eyes reflected the colored lights." Daddy, what is it ?"" It's Christmas, Sweetie. It's Christ's birthday. We're going to celebrate it" Her sparkling eyes, hanging jaw, and soft skin made me hold my arms out. She ran into them and gave me a hug that could have melted even Scrooge's hard heart. I picked up a cracked green ball, a veteran of the first time I allowed my kids to decorate the tree. They hung all the balls on one branch. When they turned for another, I quickly moved the one before it to a better spot. I laughed when they told Grandma they decorated all by themselves. Near the bottom of the box, I found a brass plaque. It brought back a special memory. It has my son's name and birth date on it. Justin was supposed to be a New Year's ...

... Grammie's Geraniums Geraniums and marigolds were two flowers my mother couldn't tolerate. As a kid, I tended to agree with her. They were a far cry from roses. As the years past like sand through the hour glass, I didn't give geraniums more than a passing thought. While I was in France with my Army husband, I planted flowers by our front door step. No geraniums or marigolds-only sweet scented flowers. While pulling weeds from my small garden one day in June, my husband arrived home just before noon to tell me my grandmother was ill and in the hospital. Of course, my first thought was getting home to see her, but I was way" too pregnant" for the airlines to allow my emergency flight to the states. When we got word that my grandmother had passed away, I went into false labor. Later that week, I delivered my precious daughter. When Lorena was a year old ...

... of their food." Might as well stay here for the night ," said the man with the sling on his arm. I know my eyes got real big and I got a little scared when he put his good arm around me." It's gonna be ok kid. I'll look after you ," said the man who had given me the beans. I slept pretty good considering how cold it was out there by the tracks. There were a few old army blankets that smelled real bad, but they sure were warm and itchy. The next morning we had beans once again for breakfast. That was the first time I ever had coffee and it was real good tasting. Made you feel real warm inside. After breakfast we cleaned up our mess and burned it all in the fire and then we poured water over the fire and made it go out. For most of the day we walked down the railroad tracks. Once in a ...

... of days lost and moments treasured from the past"" Your children grew up ?" he said." Yes they did. But they left me here with the memories. How did you know ?"" I've been there, too ," he said. Now rising to my feet, I could finally see his face. He was an older gentleman with soft white hair tucked into his dark blue stocking cap. The kind I remember wearing when I was in the Navy. His down filled jacket gave him the appearance of a hefty man, but his height, about 5'5" showed him to be small in stature." What brings you here ?" I asked." Well, my grandson was sledding here and somewhere along the way he lost the ring I gave him. He wore it on a chain around his neck. I must have told him a hundred times not to wear it when he's out playing ," he said." Perhaps ...

... thing ?" she quizzed her. She paused too long to answer. I believe a second went by. I leaned in to pick up on this. I mean, if ever I decided to take up knitting, I would need to know" The most important thing" But what she said triggered an entirely different response in me. Ready?" Everything begins with a knot !" she said. Then holding both her index fingers up she added," Two soldiers !" The student ran off. I quickly turned away when she glanced at me. I was having six grade flashbacks. Still, I smiled. I loved what I heard. It registered in my mind like this." Everything begins with a" NOT" Everything I want to change has to begin with a" not"" I'm NOT going to quit !"" I'm NOT going to complain, I'm going to do something about it"" I'm not going to win ...

... or" Love Me Tender" Your God-given song may be a yard mowed, showing up at the nursing home with a bunch of wildflowers, baking a batch of brownies, or sending a check so a college student can come home for Christmas. Your best tune, the best life-giving music you will ever make, may sound like a long overdue apology, a generous helping of forgiveness, a $100 bill given to a stranger, volunteer work at the Salvation Army, or a Christmas card to one who was sure you had forgotten him or her long ago. If you have a song, won't you please sing it? If all you can do is hum, whistle, or belt out an, old love song from the flappers generation, maybe, just maybe, God can transform it into a hymn clothed in the shekinah of His love. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Keep on singing... ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Addendum-Titus 3: 8" These things ...

... my grandmother, who wasn ’ t quite five feet tall, even in her black grammie shoes. The dahlia flowers themselves were huge and every color of the rainbow. However, their scent left a lot to be desired. When that much energy goes into sheer size, there isn ’ t enough left to make them smell like a rose. Every year since time immemorial, a line of dahlias had skirted the perimeter of Grammie ’ s manicured front lawn like soldiers marching towards the sea. The growing plants became a living, green picket fence that separated her property from that of the neighbors. The actual boundary lines were arbitrary blurs at best, as the land on our island looked as if someone had upset a Monopoly game. Grammie never broke apart the massive tubers before planting unless they were too bulky to fit in their holes that must have measured a foot and a half across. If she could catch an unsuspecting fisherman on his way ...

... was one of these. Finally, after years of imprisonment, the iron doors swung open and Bishop Nicholas walked out, freed by decree of the new Emperor Constantine. As he entered his city once more, his people flocked about him." Nicholas! Confessor !" they shouted." Saint Nicholas has come home" The bishop was beaten but not broken. He served Christ's people in Myra for another 30 years. Through the prayers of this tried and tested soldier of faith, many found forgiveness of their sins through faith in Christ. Nicholas participated in the famous Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. He died about 343, a living legend, beloved by his whole city. St. Nick of yuletide fame still carries faint reminders of this ancient man of God. The color of his outfit recollects the red of bishop's robes." Making a list, checking it twice ," probably recalls the old saint's lectures to children about good behavior. ...

... Old Seven Dollar When we moved to our Itty Bitty Dirt Farm in the late 70 ’ s after my husband Roy retired from the US Navy, he fell heir to a barn full of unidentifiable, valuable junk from the former owners. Way back in the left corner of the barn was a rickety, broken lawn mower trying valiantly to stand on three wheels. Looking at the old mower and the expanse of hay that would become our lawn, and knowing we had a combined brood of kids to feed, he scrounged through the junk piles to find parts to repair the dilapidated machine. However, no amount of digging through the random cultch could uncover the missing wheel. A new spark plug was required for the machine to run with gusto. After a quick trip to the local farm supply store, Roy returned with the replacement parts, a spray can of red paint, and a receipt for seven dollars. Thus Old Seven Dollar was ...

... and let go. Thinking him lost in a crowd one day she found him teaching at a temple and when she questioned what he was doing, he told her he was doing his Father ’ s business. Although quite young, she had to let go. His 33 years of life on earth was consumed with teaching, preaching and miracles. On a dark Friday, the babe born to Mary gave the world His greatest gift. He was taken by Roman soldiers to a wooden cross; where he was nailed and tortured, spit upon and left to die; and yet spoke these words, “ Father, forgive them, they know not what they do ” Friday was a dark day, a day of weeping for Christ ’ s followers, but on Sunday morning, the sun shone and the tomb that was sealed was open and His body was gone. Christ ascended into heaven and all who doubted we hoped, would believe. Just ...

... he saw many fine possessions and important visitors." How powerful that merchant must be !" thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant. To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession." How powerful that official is !" he thought." I wish that I could be a high official !" Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone ...