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Happy 4th of July! It is almost time to celebrate the birthday of our great nation. Land of the free and home of the brave is 241 years old next week.  What would be a nice gift? Exactly what do you give a nation or wish for it on its 241st birthday? How about peace? Peace. That sounds wonderful.  Our nation could use some peace.

Many songs have been written about America.  Our national anthem, “God Bless America,” and “This Land is Your Land” are just a few.  One of my favorites is Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” It never ceases to touch my heart or bring a tear to my eye.

“If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA”

Do you feel the same way? Do you love this land? After the worst mud-slinging election that I can remember Americans are still fussing and feuding. Instead of putting aside their personal feelings and working together, many are intent on continuing to argue and debate. On Facebook I have even noticed a profile picture was an upside down U.S. flag. This is so disrespectful. There are rules and codes concerning our glad and the respect it deserves. According to United States Flag Code, “8(a)The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Political reasons do not validate flying the flag upside down.

Times have changed drastically. The nation that was formed in 1776 is much more different than it was then. It makes me ponder what our forefathers would think if they could see the disharmony today. Would they be proud of their children or ashamed.  Is this the nation they dreamed it would become?

When it’s all said and done we are all still Americans, citizens of this country. It deserves your respect, support, and love. We can make it a better place to live by working together and not continually fighting. Let’s give America and Americans peace for her birthday this year. It couldn’t hurt. In fact, it would only help.

“Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.” I Peter 2:17 NLT

 

Do you like to play game? I love games. Cards, board games, charades, word games, or even hide and seek are all fun to me. My entire family has played games as far back as I can remember. When I was small we played “I Doubt It,” “Button, Button,” “Kick the Can,” “Crazy 8’s”, and a list that would fill up this entire page. In High School we had “Monopoly” tournaments and played a word game called “Probe”. They make good memories and help keep minds sharp, too.

Recently our kids, grandkids, and my parents came over for dinner on Sunday night. It was a nice family evening of food, family, and fun. I played a game with my twin granddaughters, M&M (yes, they are sweet as candy), and son. The game was called “Things.” Have you played it? My hubby ventured out from in front of the television to see why we were laughing and hollering. We were having a ball! One person, the reader, reads a question that everyone answers on a piece of paper. He then reads the answers and the others try to guess who said which answer. Try playing this with twins. Very difficult. A couple of times mother and son had similar or the same answers.

Questions were all over the place. “Things you should not say to a policeman when getting a ticket” or “Things you wish your parents had told you.” One grand girl said to the latter, “take socks to a sleepover.” Parents, remember that. Our same answer came on “Things that need a referee” to which we both said…….”this game!”  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree here.

My aha moment came with question “Things you would buy if you won $1 million.” My son dreamed of a better vacation for his family while I wanted a vacation home large enough for our entire family in the Smoky Mountains. We were both shamed by the girls’ responses. “Help for the homeless” and “Give to charity and homeless people.”  Wow, what generous answers!

This Mother’s and Gram’s heart swelled with love and pride. My son has done a fabulous job teaching his children priorities and what is really important in life.  Let’s not forget his dear wife.  It was a tag team job. The girls have gentle, loving, giving souls already. Their answers were much better than ours. Obviously this was just a “what if” game, but they still answered with their hearts.

How were your answers? Did you play along with us?  How would your children or grandchildren do? Make memories with them and use a fun game to teach lessons, too. Sometimes you might be the one that learns something.  You might be pleasantly surprised!

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21 NIV

  

I love animals, most of them anyway. My house doesn’t feel quite like a home without at least one dog and cat. Unfortunately within the past year or two my senior pets all crossed that rainbow bridge except my eleven year old Peke-a-poo protector Samson. I laughingly asked my hubby “please don’t ever tell Sam he’s a d.o.g.” To which he replied “Don’t worry. He wouldn’t believe me anyway.” That’s how important my furbabies are to me. They are family.

Previously at different times I had two Siamese cats, and this is the breed for me. I knew it was important to me that I rescue and not buy my pet so I searched and found the Siamese Cat Rescue Center. They are nationwide and divided into regions. I completed an application, got references, and received a telephone interview. The objective of this organization is to place the right cat with the right person. I was asked what I was looking for in a cat: lap sitter or active, gets along with animals and children, chatty, likes affection or a loner. After the conversation the interviewer determined a male cat, no younger than 18 months or so would be right for us, but no “torties”. I was excited and ready. Bring on the kitties!

Looking at the pictures I discovered I liked them all. I wanted a cat so I put in to be considered for a few of them. For one reason or another each time the adoption just didn’t work. There were family health issues, the cat wouldn’t do well with kids or dogs, or it was outside our transport area. After five months I had almost given up hope, but not JoAnn, my Fairy Catmother. She was diligently watching for the right match. She knew what I needed and had it down to a science. A male, lap sitter, love bug, chatty, playful, good with kids and dogs. JoAnn worked endlessly to make sure I received the “purrfect” pet. She assured me the right one was out there and just hadn’t come along yet. “Be patient.”

Throughout this ordeal I prayed and asked God for the right pet at the right time. It was difficult waiting. I was impatient. How silly was that? I asked my Creator and Maker of the universe for the perfect pet at the perfect time and got upset because that hadnt happened. God is good even when we don’t deserve it. He stills loves us and answers prayers.

One day it happened like JoAnn said it would. I watched the pages and saw a new boy. I never believed in love at first sight until I saw my Jesse’s picture. When I viewed it I immediately knew he was my forever furbaby and I was his human. I was in love. The waiting had paid off. He was available for adoption at 9:00 a.m. the next morning so I set a reminder on my iPad. It went off and I signed up as “First in Line” to adopt him! He is a beautiful seal point with sky blue eyes that melt my heart. After being here only three days he was right at home. He and Sam eat sleep, and play together. Jesse follows me around like a shadow, comes running when called and loves to play.  My life has so much joy in it with this sweet boy. Even my husband remarks that it is like we found a missing piece to our family we didn’t know we lost.

Could I have found a nicer, cuter, sweeter, cat? Absolutely not. He’s perfect! God answered my prayer in His time. If I had gotten a cat earlier, I would have missed out on this jewel.  Even though it is hard, the best thing to do is pray and wait. God’s timing is perfect. Believe me, I know from experience.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

P.S.  If you are wanting to adopt a cat, I highly recommend the Siamese Cat Rescue.  They are still checking on us and offer great support.  Their cats come microchipped, with all shots, neutered, and with a goodie bag of food, treats, toys, scratching pad, and surprises.  It is very affordable and offers a senior discount.

Father’s Day is almost here. It is a day to honor and remember fathers and those men that have influenced our lives. I have been so fortunate to have had not only two Christian men as fathers, but also my grandfathers and uncles were as well. The memories I have and am still making are priceless. Having a husband that prays with me is a treasure, too. Every marriage needs God in it. Seeing the Christian man my son is brings joy to my soul as does knowing my daughter married one, too. Godly men come in all ages and are all important.

Who are the men that influence you or have influenced you? Are you honoring them on Father’s Day? Are you making them feel loved and respected? Two of the worst feelings are being ignored or forgotten. Don’t do that to them. Remember all the good times you have shared and reminence with them. Tell them how important they are and what a good job they are doing or have done. Let them know they are appreciated and adored. Encourage the young fathers.

For a long time Father’s Day was rough for me. After losing Daddy the last thing I wanted to do was celebrate fathers. It was a day of sadness and tears for me. I was so young then. God changed that and now I can rejoice in my blessings on Father’s Day. Abba gifted me with Dad almost forty years ago. Dad is awesome. The relationship we have is much different than the one I had with Daddy. Child verses adult, but the love is equally strong. The memories I have with my Daddy are happy memories of the past, and the memories of Dad are still being made. Those are definitely happy ones, too. He is a precious man and I treasure him. His wisdom and values are immeasurable. He is a great role model for the men in our family. Dad loves God and family. He has a servant’s heart.

Uncles equal happy memories for me. When I think of my uncles images of drives in the country, picnics, camping, family gatherings and fun pop into my head. Jokes and partial verses of songs come to mind, too. Uncles are just fun. They laugh, joke, tease, and love. I have one uncle left here on Earth. Dad’s brother could pass as his twin, and I know he loves me dearly as I do him. His laugh is contagious, just like my Dad’s.

How about those grandfathers? Are you fortunate enough to still have yours? So many times I want to ask one or the other of mine something. I want to hold their hands. See the twinkle in their eyes. Hear their loving raspy voices. I miss them.

Don’t for one minute take for granted something that could be taken away in the blink of an eye. Show love now. Tell family how important and loved they are. Pray for God to protect them. If you have grandchildren, be an influential, loving grandparent. If you are a parent, set a good example. Guide and direct them in God’s ways. This Father’s Day, don’t forget the greatest, best of all Fathers. Jehovah, God our Creator and Father. He has provided the perfect example of love.

Happy Fathers Day to my husband, Dad, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in, nephew, and Uncle G! To all the countless men, cousins and friends, who have helped us, I remember and thank you. You are appreciated, loved and respected. To my Father God, thank you for the perfect care you give us. Thank you for fathers.

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Eph. 6:2-3

In my last blog we talked about Memorial Day. My (late) mother-in-law always called us on that day and said “it’s time to decorate the graves”. Her family took that day to not only honor those fallen in service to our country but to remember all of their family no longer here. They didn’t mourn, but they remembered.

Many hours were spent making and buying decorations for tombstones and graves. A list was made with paper and pencil beginning with her mother and trickling down from there. My mother-in-law was the youngest of thirteen children so the list was lengthy. In-laws were included, also. No one was left out.

When we would take her and her sister it wasn’t a sad affair. No, not at all. Actually it was the opposite. We had a drive in the country to the cemetery. As we wound from one site to another stories were told and lives were remembered. Names of friends, neighbors, and ministers were noted. Sure, tears were shed, but not all of them were sad. A lot of happy tears and laughs were had during those trips. Our children learned valuable family history that is recorded nowhere except in their memories. Like the loved ones these trips were precious.

Isn’t that the way trips to the cemetery should be? Happy memories and family stories instead of sadness and tears of sorrow? Unfortunately that can’t always happen. Some deaths are too fresh, too unexpected, and just too hard to get over quickly or at all. We just get through them, one day at a time.

There was a death that affected me like that when I was twelve. I would think that by my age, a grandmother, I would be over it. Nope. Not now and I suppose not ever. It is just something I have learned to get through in my life. If you are dealing with this, my prayers are with you. It does get easier through prayer and time. God will also use you to help another who is beginning the journey you have already been taking. Remember, your saved loved ones are waiting for you in Heaven with Jesus. Certainly they are happy.

Find joy in your memories and keep telling family stories. Like my mother-in-law’s stories, they may only exist in the memories of your children and grandchildren’s minds now. Better yet, write a little family memoir to preserve the memory for future generations to read. Your loved one will always be remembered. Pray for your family, all of them. Make sure they know Jesus and have taken His gift of salvation. Don’t you want the whole family together in Heaven? Leave no one behind. Why not have a big family reunion there? Oh, happy day!

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
I Thess. 4:13-18 ESV

How much do you know about Memorial Day? It is much more than the Indy 500 and unofficial start of summer or three day weekend. The first Memorial Day was May 30, 1868. This was a day for people to decorate graves of Civil War soldiers and originally known as Decoration Day. Unfortunately, grievously the United States lost many men during that horrible war against itself. Approximately 620,000 died during the Civil war. That is a staggering number. 620,000.

May 30th was chosen because no Civil War battles were fought that day and flowers across the nation would be in full bloom to decorate the graves. It remained that date until 1971. Then it became a federal holiday known as Memorial Day and was changed to the last Monday of May.

In honor of those who died, the American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. It should then be raised to the top. Since 2000, all Americans have been encouraged to stop for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.

Red poppies are a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. People, men and women, wear them to honor those who died in war. Especially on Memorial Day you will see a lot of red poppies.

Scouts can be seen placing flags on the graves in the National Cemetery. What a great honor for a young scout to do this.

This Memorial Day think about your life, your freedom, and how you are privileged to live. Without those that unselfishly gave their lives defending our country, our freedom, and us, what would our lives be? Very different indeed.

Memorial Day is a time to remember those that gave all for our country, for us. It is our responsible to take care of what and who was entrusted to us and honor our military and especially God. We need to keep remembering and pass those memories on to teach our children. Children need to learn about our holidays… that they are more than a day off and that our country and freedom were paid for with the blood of brave men and women. There is a price for freedom.

We live in a great country with strong roots. Many people have lived and died for this land of ours. Let us always remember you brave soldiers. Those that stood and stand between us and the enemy. Pray for them, our leaders, and our country. May God continue to bless America.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV

There are many different stages in life from childhood to golden years. One of the most hard to understand and adjust to for us was empty nest. Did you have problems or is your nest still chirping? We had friends tell us how great it is. No kids equals no rules. Whoopee! Problem was we loved our children and hated seeing each one of them fly the nest. We weren’t exactly rule breakers either.

Isn’t it funny how parents spend their lives making sure children turn into independent, successful adults but don’t want them to leave home? It was fun to have the house all to ourselves for a few days but before the week was over I was ready for them to come back. My daughter stayed home until she got married. Our son and daughter-in-law bought a house a few weeks before their wedding. He moved in to work on it and she waited until they were married. Our house has never felt quite right without them.

Then when the grandbabies started coming I wished for a life that I saw on television shows where families all lived in one great big house. You know, like Dallas. We did this when we went on vacation together. We rented one big cabin with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms with one huge great room. I loved it! This mama hen likes all her chicks, their chicks, and her old rooster under one roof.

Family is where I find the truest form of love next to Jesus and then my husband. Jesus died for me. There can be no truer love than that. Hands down. My dear husband has loved me for many years, since 1982. We finish each other’s sentences and communicate wordlessly with a look. It is as natural for me to love him as it is for me to breathe. Love for family is like that. Undying, unconditional love. The kind that lasts forever. I want the best for each of my children, and I include their spouses when I speak about my kids. I get tears of love when I think about my grandchildren and my prayers for their future. It is comforting that I don’t know what their future holds but I know Who holds their future. I am thankful that my children are Christians and are raising their children in the church.

Cherish your children. Teach them what they need to know. In a short time your nest will be empty and those fun days just a memory. The next chapter is fun in a different way. Arm your children for their future so that they might in turn teach their own kiddos. Get ready for the empty nest. It comes to all of us.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:14-15 NIV

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Prov. 22:6 NIV