Thanksgiving Day 3

In 2008 when I wrote "I am thankful that I live in a country where I have the freedom to worship my God" it was a simple statement of fact.  Today I see this freedom attacked from many directions  and I wonder how long before we are not free to express our belief in God and His son Jesus.  How much has already been taken away while we ignored the erosion.  America has become like much of the world, enjoying the gifts from above with no thankful apreciation of the source.

Sadly, this is not only the lost, the atheist, the evil ones; it is also those who profess to be followers of Christ.  Yes, we are all guilty.  We are all sinners subject to the temptations of this world.  The love of pleasurable pastimes, as innocent as a football game or as impure as any of the ten commandments, have become our idols.  No longer do most feel any shame regarding sin. (demonstrated by the many who appear on talk shows to reveal their sins)  Those who seek to follow the Bible are labeled fanatics or extremists. 

I am confused by the prayers of politicians who create bills that become laws.  I  am confused as to why public prayer is allowed at government functions, but our school children are not afforded the same consideration.  I want to personally persue this inequality, but fear it will only hasten the demise of prayer in goverment.

Today I am thankful that in 2013 I am still free to worship God with other Christians in public or in private! 

RESPECT FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Yesterday as I placed my red, white and blue items on the counter at Wal-Mart. The young man behind the register asked, "Already getting ready for July 4th?" I replied, "No, these are for our Memorial Day Celebration."

He rolled his eyes!! That got him a quick history lesson he obviously needed, although his facial expressions proved he could not care less. He was more interested in being a smart aleck. How did he slip through the interview process to gain this job?

When I reminded him that the sacrifices that others have made allowed him to have his job and live in freedom he again rolled his eyes. I was not only surprised by his behavior but very disappointed to think that he represents many of the young people in our society. I left quickly before he experienced my wrath.

I did feel righteous anger, and his employer will be getting a copy of this blog. The young man certainly needs to be put in his place. I have talked to young men in foster care who have absolutely nothing, and they are respectful of America and of me when I speak to them.

The justification of my feelings is in part that I have served as guardian ad litem for three young men who are now serving their country in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. My husband is a veteran of the Viet Nam era. My son in law serves in the Coast Guard. Moreover, as a teen I watched the suffering of a family as they dealt with the death of their young loved one in Vietnam.

No, this Wal-Mart employee did not know who he was speaking to, but that is my point. I could have been the mother or widow of a recently killed soldier for all he knew. Disrespect in itself is abhorrent but disrespect for America and those who are willing to risk their lives to protect you is an abomination.

CHRISTMAS IN YOUR HEART

"He who has not Christmas in his heart,
Will not find it under a tree." Roy L. Smith

~

I often wonder what people are celebrating

when I observe the massive amount of lights,

snowmen and other inflatable decorations

covering the yards.

If they were all believers

and followers of Christ,

then the world would be

a great deal kinder

than it is.

What are they celebrating?


Homes are overflowing

with new toys, clothing

and electronics.

If they do not believe

in the Jesus

whose birth we honor...

What are they celebrating?


I wonder...

although I do not mind.

They resemble toddlers

who wave flags

at military parades.

The little ones do not know

about freedom

or valor.

Yet, they are swept along

by the excitement.

One day

the Christmas celebrants may understand

what it is they are celebrating.

I pray for that day to come.

~

"Behold, You desire truth in the inner being;
make me therefore to know wisdom
in my inmost heart."
Psalm 51:6

What makes Weebles Wobble?

Weebles have a weight at the bottom end,

Weebles wobble when pushed,

but never fall completely over.

~

I feel like a weeble this week.

Except my weight is on my shoulders

I am wobbly, but

With God's help I will not fall over!

~

Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down!

~

It is funny to picture myself tipping over

and then popping back up.

I bet I surprise some people!

LOL

~

"It is for freedom that God has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be

burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galations 5:1

President Brings God back to Schools!

I realized after reading this that something wonderful happened this week in our schools.

Our President indicated in his speech that he wants students to follow his example. He then ended his speech with God Bless You and God Bless America. I encourage all students and teachers to follow your President's example! Ask God's blessing on each other and America each day.

I am so excited that President Obama brought God back to our classrooms!

THANKFUL SIXTEEN - WORSHIP

"I was glad when they said unto me,

let us go into the house of The Lord."

Psalm 122: 1

Today I am thankful for many things. Most importantly, the freedom to worship in the house of the Lord! I am thankful once again for my family, two of my progeny were in worship with me today.

My grandson read scripture today "in front of the whole church!" as he put it. It was a blessing to see him sitting and singing with the children's choir.

He was on cloud nine!!

The Box is Bulging!

My concern about the elections this year is that many are voting pocket book instead of principle. This may be a shortsighted decision. Money comes and goes. Jobs come and go. Principles once gone are hard to get back.

While struggling to pay bills and put food on the table for your family ranks high on your need list, trading your freedom is not the answer.

It appears to be a little like selling your soul to the devil. The only thing that matters is now and the pleasures of money now. What about the future when you want to take a stand on something and find out you have lost the freedom to speak out? What happens when you change your mind and learn that someone else has already changed the rules?

It is about the future of America not the pocket books of America. There are worse things than a recession. Remember Pandora?





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