Memorial Day...

"Here Marks the Price of Freedom"

WWII Memorial

Washington D.C.

Memorial Day is special to me. I pray that we do not lose sight for the reason we celebrate Memorial Day, that it will not fade from our conscience. Often we are excited because this holiday gives us a long weekend, the beach, get togethers, picnics, sales, etc. Remember when town would have a parade, that would often end at the local cemetary, where speeches were made, prayers offered up and honoring those who have fallen? We need to never forget those who have paid the price for our freedoms. We need to remember those who have died serving us and their country. We need to teach our younger generation to respect those who have given their lives and not take the freedoms that we are experiencing for granted.

You may ask why this is so close to my heart. Well, when I was 13 years old, I realized that there was ONE that willingly gave up HIS life so that I may live, that I may live forever.

It grieves my heart when I hear of a soldier or officer sacrificing their lives so that we may have peace and freedom, my heart and prayers are with those who love them. I thank them for their ultimate sacrifice.

But not only can we remember those who have died, but those who are currently serving us, those who are willingly putting their lives in danger for us. For each of those who serve us in this way, I pray for you and thank you!

My Mother, My Friend

As I have grown older I have realized that the relationship with my Mom has changed over the years. When growing up she was ultimately my mother, one who taught, who mentored, who disciplined, who encouraged and who trained. She still is my mother, but she has grown to be my friend. She is there whenever I need her but she has allowed me to experience life with it's joys and challenges. She has given me a great gift. By using the tools that she has given I have been able to live life. Proverbs 22:6 states “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” I thank God for her, for her wisdom, love, encouragement. But most of all I thank God for her example, the example of how a Godly woman is suppose to live.
Thank you, Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day
2007

Face To Face

On this day seven years ago, a dear friend and mentor experienced that most awesome sight, the face of Jesus. I can’t even imagine what she is experiencing at this very moment!
Mrs. Dianne always encouraged you to “Look Unto Jesus”, no matter the circumstances. “Embrace your circumstances; it takes more energy to push away than to embrace it”, she would state. In trying to take her advice and execute this, I have learned that in the embracing you will experience His strength, His grace and your relationship with Jesus Christ will be intensified.
Another piece of advice she would give was to “rejoice, always” emphasizing “ALWAYS”, again no matter what the conditions may be.
Her smile was contagious. She was always smiling as she radiated Jesus to others. She had a gentle strength. Mrs. Dianne was someone that would take the time to talk to you, putting down whatever she was doing and speak the truth in love. She had the gift of listening and giving Godly advice. In fighting the fight God put before her, she fought in His strength, allowing Christ to flow through her.
Mrs. Dianne was a lady who showed hospitality to all. She would open her home to anyone that needed a place to rest their head or just to invite them in for a cool drink and a “Berger Cookie”.
I truly miss her, but know that one day I will see her smile again! I cherish the example of the Christ-filled life she set before me, as I look unto Jesus.
So, I encourage you, to all of you, reading this… “Look unto Jesus”!