Patriotism

Patriotism-love for or devotion to one's country

I recently heard someone say that patriotism is at an all time low in our country. I thought about it for a few minutes, and sadly agreed. It seems people are quick to put down our military, but defend the terrorists who killed our people on our own soil. People seem more willing to fight for these people than they are willing to to stand up for our country, our freedom, our constitution. It seems many are willing to easily give up what our ancestors, our grandparents, parents, uncles, sons and daughters, friends, have fought so hard to defend and preserve. To me, many may not even realize how easily they have been swayed to let their freedoms go and not stand up for them. It's like a lobster. When he gets put in a pot, he doesn't realize he's about to die because the water is cold, but the temperature slowly rises, until before he knows it, he's dead. The same thing is happening in our country. People are letting our rights and freedoms be taken away at an alarming rate, but it's being done in a way where most people don't even realize how much they are losing because it's packaged up nice or it's told to us that we will 'benefit' from it, when it is actually causing us to die as the great nation we once were. Our national news media is partly to blame. They like to twist things around and have amazing control over people's thoughts. If you listen to the national media, the Iraqi people hate America. I had some friends recently spend three weeks there, and they said the opposite it true. For the most part, the Iraqi people have deep respect and gratitude for Americans, and that the Iraqi people actually come up and say thank you. Do you hear that in the news media? No.

Do you remember the brief time after 9-11 when we were actually united as a country, we stood together, ready to fight for our flag and what it stood for? Why did that all change so fast? What made the pride that Americans felt for our country disappear? Why did Americans give up the fight so fast, and roll over and stop supporting our troops, our country, and our flag? Why? In my opinion, it's because of the saturation and mind control of the national media in our country. They tell us to think a certain way, they put down what is true and right, and they tell us how to think and if we don't think that way, we are wrong. We, as a nation, have become media robots, almost like a bunch of brainwashed cult members who have no idea to think for themselves.

I recently read that alcohol abuse is skyrocketing with those serving our country. Their morale is very low. They feel like their country is against them, not supporting them. How sad. No matter what you think of war, you should support your troops, your country! I have relatives and friends currently serving, and I know they are not feeling support from their country, but quite the opposite. One told me she felt more supported for her service by those in other countries than she does her own! That statement broke my heart.

Let me ask you, do you remember our troops? Do you thank them, send them emails and packages to support them, or say thank you when you see one in public places? Are you willing to stand up for your country, for your flag, and be proud to be an American again? It's time to wake up as Americans and take a stand for our freedoms and what is right, to take a stand for our country, and restore some American pride again.

If you need some reminders about our military and what they sacrifice for us, maybe it's a good time to rent Band of Brothers, Flags of Our Fathers, Saving Private Ryan, or Pearl Harbor and remember, and be grateful.

On this Independence week, I pray for patriotism to return to our country, and I pray for our freedoms, our troops, and our leadership.

The Flag

Red signifies hardiness and valour
White signifies purity and innocence
Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice

As we approach the 4th of July, I have a lot of thoughts going through my head, some of which I will share with you throughout the week. Today, I am thinking of our flag. I feel proud, and humble when I see the flag flying. I feel respect, and honor. I feel a strong sense of patriotism for my country when I see Old Glory flying high. I am thankful for those who have fought for the freedom to keep that flag flying, and I think of the many lives that have been given for our freedom, and I am thankful. I am willing to fight for that flag, and I get angry when people deface it or disrespect it.

What does it stand for to you, and how do you feel when you see it?

As we approach Independence day, think of all that flag represents, and if you want, share your comments.

Missed Opportunity

Last night when my husband got home, he asked if I wanted to go out in the boat. It took two seconds for me to decide, so we headed off to the lake. It was a nice night to be on the lake, although a storm came in while we were out there and it got windy, and we had a few times we got rained on. Fortunately, the lightning waited until we got home before it made an appearance.

We were sitting in a little cove, when I turned around to see an eagle coming towards us. This same eagle had flown directly over us about twenty minutes earlier, and we were feeling blessed by that fly by. However, this time, the eagle came from the north, swooped down over the lake about fifty yards from our boat, made a couple more circles in an attempt to get a fish, then came and flew right alongside us, within a few feet of our boat, right at eye level. It was amazing and we both felt very blessed. I also felt sad because my camera and video camera was at home. The memory lives on in my head, but I would have loved to have captured it to live on in an amazing photo opportunity!! The eagle flew around us a few more times, then landed in a large Ponderosa pine where we watched it until we headed back to the boat landing.

Yes, I missed an amazing opportunity to get some great eagle pictures. What opportunities are you missing? Is there someone you need to apologize to or to tell them how much you love them? Are you missing a chance at a friendship because you are scared of getting hurt? Do you need to get past old hurts and heal a relationship? Do you need to take time with your spouse, your kids, or your parents, and just spend some quality time with them before the precious moments slip away? Whatever opportunity it is that you are missing, take it today before you don't have the chance to grab it again! Time is precious, and it goes much too fast, so don't waste anymore time in doing what needs to be done. Chances are, you won't regret it!

Modern Day Slide Show

We got back from vacation to Oregon this past weekend. We enjoyed waterfalls, the Bonneville Dam and fisheries, Cannon Beach, Astoria, the Portland Rose gardens, and time with family. On the way home, God blessed us with an amazing sunset in Ritzville. I decided blogging is like the modern version of having people over to see your slide show after you have been on a trip! So, you were warned...haha The good thing with blogging, though, is you can choose not to look at them, or breeze through and then leave, not be stuck for hours watching and listening to the details of someone else's vacation.

My Dad

Although it is late in the day, I just want to write a few words about my dad as Father's day wraps up. We spent part of the day with him, and I am thankful for that opportunity.

My dad is a man who stands up for what he believes in, who loves God, his country, and his family. He has always been a good provider, doing whatever it took to put food on the table and make sure his family was taken care of. He taught us the importance of being true to your word, loving your spouse, and putting God first. He taught us to honor and respect our country and our flag and to always remember and respect those who have fought to keep this country free. My dad is a man of character, value, integrity, who stands on the word of God as his way of determining wrong and right. If my dad says he will do something, he does it, because a person's word is important. He is honest and fair, and is someone who will help out others if he can. I love my dad a lot. There are few men worthy to be a hero anymore, but my dad is my hero.

Thanks for all you have done for us over the years, dad. Thanks for teaching us about God and His word, and about Jesus, and for living it out in your life, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. Thanks for being a great example for us, and for teaching us values and morals, and love.

We love you!

Anniversary

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand it's own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no records of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7



Today my husband and I are celebrating 22 years of marriage! Wow! It doesn't seem that long ago that we were young adults, walking down the aisle to say our I do's. A lot has happened over those 22 years and we've made it through the ups and downs that have been thrown at us. It hasn't always been easy, but we are committed to each other, and our love and our relationship with God, brings us through each situation. We have shared joys and sorrows, hopes, love, laughter and tears. We've shared victories and defeats. We are always by each other's side, and go through life together.

I am thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, and caring husband. I thank God for bringing him into my life and giving us a life to share.

Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together... Amy Bloom

A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendship, all the enjoyment of sense and reason, and indeed, all the sweets of life. ~Joseph Addison

Do You Hear It?

I caught the end of one of my favorite movies as we were packing up to leave our motel room. The movie is August Rush. I love when he says, "The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen."

Where do you hear music? Do you hear it in the birds as they sing, a stream that trickles down a hillside, the wind as it howls, water as it hits the shoreline, whether it be at a lake in a soft, gentle melody, or in a strong concert like setting of the ocean? Where do you hear the music that is all around you, or do you? Do you take the time to hear it or do you rush through life and never hear the beautiful music that God has put all around us? There are many places you can hear the music that is all around you, if you take some time to be quiet and listen.

Take some time today to enjoy the concert that God has made just for you to hear.

Vacation Time

It's midnight, and everyone else that is with me is sound asleep. I would like to be, but it's been a busy couple of days as I started vacation yesterday. I am on the beautiful Oregon Coast! My mom, sis, and nieces are here too. The room, cottage, we are in isn't anything to brag about. I can't believe what they can charge over here for motels! If I would have paid this rate last night in the Portland area, we would have been in one of the nicest hotels in the area!! We were in a nice motel last night, amazing staff, very quiet, and most important to me was it was safe and it was clean!! We could stay almost three nights in Portland for what one here costs, and all the amenities that I listed above, are not a part of this stay. However, we are a less than a block from the beach and we have enjoyed that time to the fullest! I guess this was the first nice day in several days. It was gorgeous today-sunny, great sunset, and in the upper 60's. My nieces are having a blast on their first trip to the ocean. We hope to explore tide pools in the morning, and do some more exploration along the shoreline. The girls really want to see a puffin or a seal, so I hope they get that opportunity. If not, they have still had a great time running into the ocean for the first time ever, running in the sand, exploring for treasures from the sea, and watching large waves roll in tonight. The adults have enjoyed watching them, and getting to act like kids with them.

So, we endure the old not-so-clean, run down, over priced place we are staying, and enjoy each others company and make memories to last a lifetime. We also are enjoying God's amazing power that is seen as you stand beside the ocean and listen to the roar of the waves, as my hubby and I did tonight. The beach was almost empty, and we just sat and listened. Amazing. Humbling. It sure makes us realize how small we are in the whole scheme of God's creation, yet He cares so much about us. How blessed we are, and how fortunate we are to have such a loving God.

Yours For Life

I got this from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. There is a great media presentation at http://www.hutchcraft.com/Yours-For-Life/Presentation/Alpha if you would rather watch and listen to it.

Have you ever felt that something is missing in your life? Maybe you’ve been looking for a relationship to fill some kind of void inside of you. Somehow, no relationship ever seems to fill that hole. You’ve been searching for someone who’s real and something that's right, but you just can’t find the missing pieces.

There’s a relationship that you’re created to have. In the only book God ever wrote, you can discover the relationship you’re missing. It says, “All things were created by Him and for Him.” See, you were created by God and for God. You won’t be complete inside until you belong to Him. The one relationship you can’t do without is a personal relationship with the One who created you. You don’t have this relationship because you’ve run your own life. You were created for Him, but you live for yourself. The Bible says there is a problem. Your sins have cut you off from God. You don’t have a relationship with the One you were made for because sin (or running your life your own way) has created a gap between you and your Creator. You’ve taken a life that was supposed to be lived for God, and you’ve spent it on yourself. There’s a death penalty for hijacking your life. It’s separation from God now and forever.

You see, there’s no amount of good things you can do to get to God. Your only hope is if God comes to you. The good news is…He has. You can have a relationship with God because of what Jesus did. God’s book says, “Christ died for sins to bring you to God.” You did the sinning, but Jesus did the dying on His cross. Because He loves you, Jesus paid the death penalty for every wrong thing you’ve ever done. Then He rose from the dead three days after He died. What you do with Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make. Ultimately, this is a relationship you must choose. God did His part when His Son died for you. Now it’s your move. You need to turn away from a life of “my way” and turn to God in total trust.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” Believing in Jesus is like a drowning person grabbing for a lifeguard and saying, “God, I’m pinning all my hopes of forgiveness and rescue on You.” When have you done that with Jesus? This relationship can be yours for life and forever. You can belong to God from today on if you will tell Him with all your heart something like this:
"Lord, I’m sorry for running my own life. I’ve been living for me. I resign as of today. I believe your Son, Jesus Christ, paid my death penalty when He died on the cross. I’m turning from a life of “my way” and I’m putting all my trust in Jesus Christ to give me a relationship with You and to get me to heaven. Lord, from today on, I’m Yours.”

Relaxing Evening

We went out in the boat last night. It was nice to just go enjoy a beautiful evening, even though the water looked like it was covered in snow from the cottonwood fluff. The fluff was so bad as we left town, that it seriously looked like a snow storm. Despite allergy season, we had a great night and did a little fishing, but mainly just enjoyed being out on the lake. We were graced with the presence of osprey, a wild turkey, grebes, numerous ducks, and a nice man who came along side our boat just to chat and admire our dog for a few moments, and some nice young teens up at the dock who told us a whole bunch of fish stories. We also enjoyed a blue heron who kept flying right in front of our boat, probably four times. I seriously thought at one point it was going to join us in the boat! It must be a male heron, because he really seemed to like our boat, and our Lund boat seems to get men's attention! It is something I don't understand, probably because I'm a girl. To me, it's just a boat. Yes, the nicest boat we've ever had, but it only holds four people at the most, so it's not a show boat. We enjoy it, so guess that is the main thing!

The best site of the night happened just at dusk, which would explain why there are not any pictures of this incredible site. I looked up in time to see two eagles headed right over us. They were flying side by side, then they touched talons four different times as they flew down the lake. It was amazing! They were so close!!! I asked my husband why they couldn't have done that ten minutes earlier so I could have gotten their picture!! Regardless, we enjoyed watching them and felt blessed to have had them fly right over us and put on their little aerial show! We stayed out until we started getting dive-bombed by bats. At that point, I slid my hood over my head, and told my husband to hurry up and get back to the dock! I am not a fan of bats, even if they do eat those pesky mosquitoes!

It was a relaxing night, and a beautiful night. It was nice to spend some time out in the boat with my husband.

An Ode to Iris

The iris flower is one of my favorites in the spring. There are so many wonderful details in the flower! I have some in my yard that I am enjoying right now, and I also enjoyed some over the weekend at Manito Park.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope. ~Lady Bird Johnson

Nature is the art of God. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Audra Foveo

My profession is to always find God in nature. ~Henry David Thoreau

Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.

The Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The meaning of the Iris: cherished friendship, faith, hope, and wisdom, my compliments, promise in love

That's My King!

Remembering

My thoughts today are with a precious family. One year ago today, their beloved wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter went to live with Jesus. She lives on in all who knew her, as she was a light and inspiration to so many. Mangy Moose Acres blogspot is still on the web, and I encourage you to be blessed today and read some of her posts. My prayers today are with her family, who helped her out in so many ways, always there for her, always available, always giving her love and encouragement. We miss Jenny, but she will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched with her life.

Gifts

I was reading a post on Aspire to Lead A Quiet Life the other day, and she was talking about a post she read about listing 1000 Gifts. I challenge you to go read the post for yourself, it really gets your mind thinking about gratitude, and the experience that are unique to my life and the gifts in those experiences. Some of what she says: Yet my list is different than another's for a reason: God has made me uniquely me. The Gift List is about gratitude... but it is more. It is about what defines me and my own personal identity. Will you too begin your list of a Thousand Gifts? It will change your life. Guaranteed.


I started my list a couple days ago. First, I just sat down and wrote out words, simple, usually one word for each thing. Then I started to think about it, and on some of my gifts, I have written nearly a page to say why I am thankful for that gift. Each person's will be different because our lives are different. Even though my husband and I live in the same house and experience a lot of the same things, I am sure that my list will look much different than his.

I take my list with me so I can write when I feel especially grateful for something, or touched by someone or something. I think it's a great way to focus on the good we have in our lives, the blessings that we sometimes overlook. It's also a great tool to have to look over when things are not going so well in our lives. Do you notice the little things and are you thankful for them? Will you join us as we make a list of 1000 gifts? If you want, share some here and bless others.

Some of mine:

~The gift of Jesus Christ, my Savior. Without Him, I would have no hope, but in Him and through Him, I have life and salvation.

~The majesty and grace of an eagle. They are so mighty, yet so graceful as they glide across the clouds.

~Laughter

~Sunsets- One of God's masterpieces

~I am grateful for the gift of having my Gram live out here the last 13 years of her life, and getting to reconnect with her. We had a very special relationship, and I miss her a lot, but cherish the memories we made.

~Growing up in a family that loved each other and cared about each other.

~My husband and all we have been through the past 22 years. He truly is a blessing to me.

~Hummingbirds

~True friends who stick by you through the good times and the bad times.

~Music

Those are just a few. Please share some of yours! Grab a notebook or journal and see how this can change your life.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Dodge Ball

Remember the game of dodge ball? When I was in school, it was a very popular game in gym and at recess. People from one team throw the balls at the other team and you either try to dodge the ball or catch it. If you get hit, you are out. The last one standing in the game is the winner. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that this game was to dangerous, or something, and most schools don't allow it to be played any more. However, I do know of many adult leagues of dodge ball.

Life can be like dodge ball. You line up, you work hard to avoid being hit, but sometimes you have to take the hits as they come. The last one standing seems to be the winner. They don't necessarily win because they are smarter, faster, or bigger. They just learned to dodge the ball better. When the whistle blows, a new game begins and no two games, or outcomes, are the same. We can try to fix or avoid a problem one way in life, but the next time that comes along, it may knock us off our feet. In the game of life, no one can dodge the ball forever. Some have learned too well to dodge responsibility, discipline, and all the tough choices in life.

Most of us play some type of dodge ball in our life. Maybe it's with our spouse, our boss, our co-workers, our parents, or kids. Usually the biggest opponent that we choose to dodge is God. We dodge every attempt He makes to draw us to Him. We look around and are amazed at creation, and wonder if there was a designer, yet we jump out of the way before we answer the question. We can be content to look at others faith, and rely on them to pray for us, to help us through, instead of seeking that relationship with God for ourselves. We say someday we will get that relationship with God in order and stop dodging Him, but what if someday never comes? Stop running and take responsibility for your life NOW! The Creator of the world, of the universe, has invited us to pursue Him, to seek Him, and if we do, He will not dodge us. He will welcome us with open arms and love us.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Proverbs 3:5-7 The Message

Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart and soul... 1 Chronicles 22:19a

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

The Weekend

Surgery recovery is not a fun thing, especially when they have done minimally invasive surgery. I seen to believe I should be further along in recovery than I am, and then I remember that they did remove an organ from my body. My mom was here all weekend to help out, and my husband and my mom got a lot done. I had to just sit back and watch, which is very hard to do especially when it comes to the garden and flower garden area. Mom got everything planted that I hadn't finished and my hubby built me an extra bed for tomatoes because we ran out of room. I think there are still a few tomatoes to plant, but we have some big pots they can be put in.

Yesterday, the whole family was here for my niece's birthday party. We had a great time. The guys all tried to figure out how to finish up the unfinished space in the garden. They came up with some elaborate ideas, but I just want a simple English garden look to the area, so most of those plans were changed and replaced with a new plan. The girls ran through the new sprinkler which is a giant inflatable porcupine and it's quills spray water and they spray quite far as we all found out.

I am thankful for my family. I am especially grateful to my mom and hubby who had to take care of me for three days. I appreciate all you both have done for me!