I was just talking to someone earlier today about how the cost of so many different things were impacted by the price of gas last year, when it was up around $4.00 per gallon combined with the big push of Ethanol. If you remember, food prices increased quite a bit during that time, as well as most anything else that had to be transported. It was quite the double-whammy.
Well, here we go again with this disastrous Cap and Trade bill that just passed the U.S. House. I’m sure that nobody in our government sat down and thought about the overall consequences. Or, maybe they did, and they just decided that these were necessary cost increases. But, we know for sure that those at The Heritage Foundation have thought about this and for our benefit have written a great little article about it.
So, nationalizing Healthcare is supposed to lower and better control cost, but yet another piece of legislation that the same government leaders are in the process of pushing through will possibly drive the cost of Healthcare up even more. Hmmm? Maybe this is really an intended consequence.
Finally, Memorial Day Weekend is here! Even though I will probably have to work some over the weekend, it’s nice that I have one extra day to be home with the family and not have to go into the office. So, at some point this weekend, I’m sure we’ll be relaxing by the pool or in the pool, maybe going to see a movie and cooking some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Basically, doing as much relaxing, playing around, eating and celebrating as we can. But, as I thought about it, I had to ask myself, what are we celebrating?
I, like just about everybody, was getting caught up in the thought of this being just a fun weekend. The reality is, it is so much more than that. My thoughts now turn to, “why am I able to have so much fun this weekend?” Who makes it possible for us to enjoy spending time with friends and family over the next few days? My thoughts have now turned to the those that have served, fought for, been wounded for, and died for, this great country of ours. Yes, the real reason for Memorial Day Weekend is not for us to just have fun, relax and enjoy ourselves, but to remember those that have made it possible for us to have the freedom to celebrate this weekend.
In these next few lines I want to remember and pay tribute to all those that have served in the different branches of the Armed Services. Thanks to those that have gone before us, and fought for, and in many cases died for the freedoms that we enjoy today. And, thanks to those that serve today, standing guard, protecting and fighting for our freedoms.
I pay tribute to my deceased father, who, in his day, served in the Army during World War II. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He fought and was wounded for our country. In all my life, until now, I’ve never taken the time to think about his contribution to the freedoms we have today. So, even though he’s been gone for many years, I honor him and say THANK YOU!
I say thank you to my brother, who served in the Air Force in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I thank him for his willingness to serve and defend our country.
Now, I have a nephew serving in the Navy. And, I want to make sure and thank him for his service. Even though he’s early in his career there, I appreciate him none the less.
So, this weekend, while you’re celebrating with your family and friends, enjoying yourself, having a good time, at the pool, on your boat, taking a trip, having a big juicy burger or steak, or whatever, take the time to remember who’s made it possible for you to have the freedom to do so. Remember those that have sacrificed greatly for you to enjoy yourself. If you take the time to do so, you may find yourself more appreciative for this weekend than ever before and you may enjoy yourself more than you ever have.
As an added extra, I heard this on the radio today and it sent chills up and down my spine. I think it’s a good reminder of why the members of our Armed Services are willing to sacrifice all for our country.
Wow, it’s been quite a few months since I’ve written anything on my blog. It seems like I’ve either been too busy or too physically and/or mentally tired, or all the above, to sit down and write something. But, today is a new day. Today is a different day, and one that I thought deserved my time and attention. It’s one that I really should take the time and reflect on life, just because of the significance of today. For today is my 22nd wedding anniversary.
Yes, 22 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long because it really hasn’t seemed like it. Time has really flown by. I guess time does really fly when you’re having fun. I know many times that’s said in jest, but I really do mean it. If you know my wife, you know that life with her could only be fun. And, it is.
My wife is a blessing. She is a great gift from God. It is a joy to live each and every day with her. I find it hard to believe that the Lord decided to bless me so richly. But, He did, and I just thank Him everyday and just go with it. I always feel that I’m the luckiest guy in the world because I have the best wife in the world. I know, other guys feel the same way about their wives, but this is my time to gloat and this is my blog.
The Lord has blessed me with a wife that loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is a woman that has a big servant’s heart. My wife always has a great outlook on life. Even in the midst of trials, she’s always filled with joy and that joy is infectious. She is a wonderful Mom, who loves our kids beyond measure. Together, we have been blessed with 4 beautiful kids (another of God’s great gifts). She is my ultimate compliment in life, in that her personality compliments mine perfectly. When they say that opposites attract, it’s true. The Lord has given me the perfect mate because her strengths are not mine and mine are not hers. Most of all, though, my wife loves me and accepts me, as me. Regardless of my faults, failures, good points and victories, she loves me. And, I thank her for that. She is a great wife and friend.
So, as I think back on the last 22 years, I realize what a wonderful time it has been. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, who I love dearly. It’s such a joy to be with her each day. I look forward to all of our future days together.
I’m sure you all saw the TV commercials leading up to Christmas this year, where there was a kid thinking back on a Christmas past, where they had received the best Christmas present imaginable at that time, like the Big Wheel, or the Christmas present that made their cousin so jealous. And, then they fast foward to the present, where the kid is now in their 30s or so, and they’re looking at their brand new Lexus, with a red bow on top, as they say the words “the best Christmas gift ever”.
I’m sure you’ve all had those Christmases over the years where you thought, this was it! This was absolutely the best Christmas, where I received the best Christmas gift ever! Nothing can ever top this! Come on, think about it. What Christmas gifts conjure up those memories of a Christmas so unforgettable? I know I have mine from the past. Mine was a bike I received as a kid, then a motorcycle at age 12, or the great watch that I received last year that I’ve worn just about every day since. There have been others as time has moved on.
But, yesterday, Christmas of 2008, all other Christmases, all other Christmas gifts will forever pail in comparison. For yesterday, I received the ABSOLUTE best Christmas gift ever.
It was Christmas morning and we had just finished opening the presents under the tree. At that time, my oldest son said that he had something else for everyone and he ran upstairs to his bedroom. In a minute he came back downstairs with 5 hand-written letters in his hand. One for each of his sisters, his little brother, his Mom, and me. I was already surprised and touched that he actually took the time to write 5 letters to us all. We asked him if he wanted us to read them out loud or to ourselves, but he didn’t care. So, we gave each other the option to read it out loud or not. My youngest daughter chose to read hers out loud and so she began. I was so pleased and moved by the love and care for his little sister that poured from the words that she read. I know that that had to really touch her heart knowing that she had a big brother like that. To be honest after that, I can’t remember who read theirs next or what it said because my wife and I had already begun to get choked up. Each letter to his siblings expressed, love, appreciation for them and him asking them for forgiveness for things he had done against them. Wow!
Then, I decided to read mine out loud. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before I couldn’t control my emotions and the tears began to flow. I’m not one that’s easily moved to tears and it has to be something that really hits me and hits me deep. It’s such a rare occasion that I had to endure the chorus from other members of the family saying “Oh my gosh, he does have emotions”. I actually had to laugh when that was said. Do you know how weird if feels to be laughing and crying at the same time? I actually had to have my youngest son finish reading the last couple of sentences because I couldn’t continue. Anyway, I was so moved and blessed by the things he had written. His words are and will be an encouragement to me. As a Dad, I often wonder am I doing things right, am I teaching them correctly, am I raising them right, am I spending enough time with them, am I making a difference in their lives? Well, by God’s grace, and by God putting it on his heart to write these letters this year, I have received an affirming answer. I never really expected to read anything like what I read in that letter yesterday.
Too many times in life and especially at Christmas time, we’re too focused on the material gifts that we get. We don’t see the great gifts that are right there all the time in front of us. Our relationships with our family members (kids, spouse, brothers, sisters, Mom, Dad, etc.) are more important than any material gift could ever be. Fortunately, I was awaken to that fact this Christmas. And, in the same fashion as the Lexus commercials, I think back to Christmases past and the times I have said “this is the best Christmas gift ever” and then I fast forward to Christmas present, and as I hold the letter from my oldest son in my hand, I can truly say with tears in my eyes and without a doubt, “this is the ABSOLUTE best Christmas gift EVER”!
My last post that I wrote had to do with drama also. It seems to be a theme running through our family at this time. I was faced with the decision whether or not to combine this with my previous post. But, I decided that I should write separate posts about my 2 oldest kids.
So, is there such a thing as a “Drama King”? I don’t know. I’ve never heard the term used, but you never know. My oldest son is not really a “Drama King” in the sense of how the term “Drama Queen” is used, but he has had a couple of significant Drama related things happen to him recently that I thought were worthy of a post. So, in regards to those things, I’ll call him a “Drama King”.
My oldest son is one that really enjoys theater and has what I think is a gift in that area. He has the peronality for it, a strong, clear voice, and a knack for putting himself into character.
He, like my oldest daughter, is giving himself in service to our church this Christmas Eve, in our church’s Christmas Eve services. He is one of the Wise Men Apprentices. I was able to watch a little bit of the rehearsal yesterday and he did a really good job. It is such a thrill to see him using his abilities in that way. It is going to be such a great joy to be serving our Lord at the same time, on the same stage, on Christmas Eve. I can’t wait.
Most recently though, he landed the lead role in his upcoming school play, which will happen in February. This was a great thrill for him and I can’t wait to see the play. Unfortunately, we have 2 more months to wait. Anyway, he is hard at work with rehearsals and putting every ounce of energy he has into something he enjoys.
This past year has been a year of accomplishments for him that I hope he will always remember. I hope that he will reflect back on them and see God’s hand in them. His accomplishments of recovering from reconstructive knee surgery over a year ago, to making his school basketball team, to now getting the lead in the play. He has come so far.
I say the title of this post kind of tongue and cheek because although I do affectionately call her a “Drama Queen” around the house, I know that deep down she truly has a servant’s heart. I speak of my oldest here, who has over and over again impressed me and shown me what a true servant she can be, allowing God to use her through her love for theater and performing arts.
As parents, my wife and I have always encouraged our kids to find an area to serve in our church. My wife and I both believe strongly that God has given each of us gifts, abilities, talents and passions of our heart, that He can use for His glory and to build up the church body. In other words, find an area that you think you can contribute in, and get involved.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched my oldest flourish and just take off. As a teenager she started out getting involved in our children’s ministry. This soon morphed into involvement in a children’s ministry worship team. In this ministry I was blessed to watch her lead the young kids in praise and worship of our Lord. I watched her blossom into a leader, being relied on and depended on by the adult leadership of the group. What a great joy and thrill it was for her to be recognized for her leadership and willingness to stepup. Now, her service in our children’s ministry has grown into her role as what we call a “Large Group Leader”, which is responsible for the worship and teaching of a large group of kids. This role involves music, theater, leadership, teaching, her outgoing personality, and her overall love for kids. You can’t imagine the joy I feel when watching her use her gifts. I am truly amazed and blessed.
Now, as we approach Christmas, I will have the privilege and thrill of watching her use her gifts to bless those who attend our Christmas Eve services. She is a dancer and angel in our Christmas Eve service. She has been hard at work for a couple of months already leading up to this. I look forward to being able to see her do her thing. The unfortunate thing is that I won’t get to watch it as it happens, I’ll have to watch it via video. That’s because I will have the joy of being on the same stage, at the same time with her. Not dancing or acting, but doing my thing.
I really don’t quite understand why you never hear this kind of stuff on the news, but oh well. Thank God for news sites on the internet and the blogosphere. Some more good news about Iraq was posted by the Gateway Pundit again today. One of the more interesting things about it is that it shows that the Iraqi government seems to have a true appreciation for the relationship they have with us. It points out that different and sometimes bickering factions within the Iraqi government can even come to agreement that their relationship with the U.S. is important (Hmm, I wonder if some in our government can learn that there are more important things than their own agenda). This is so contrary to the gloom and doom, Iraq hates us, everybody hates us news that the MSM reports.
Once again, I say many thanks to our great military. The men and women that serve in our armed services are just outstanding. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your service and daily sacrifice.
Also, thanks again to our President Bush for hanging in there and being committed to success in Iraq.
As I sit here on a quiet morning after Thanksgiving, I finally have a chance to look back and reflect on what I’m thankful for. I know, you think I would have or should have done this yesterday on Thanksgiving, but it was a busy day and by the end of it, I was tired and didn’t feel like thinking about it. Actually, doing it a day after Thanksgiving is pretty good for me because normally I neglect to think about it at all. I’m one of those that most of the time just takes for granted how blessed I am. But, not this time.
For my God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the salvation that I have by His gift of grace that He made possible by His blood that was shed on the cross.
For my wonderful wife of 21 great years and the fantastic mother that she is. Everyday is a great day because of her. She is such a special and wonderful gift from God.
For the blessing of 4 great kids who are all special in their own unique way. They are a joy and make life a great adventure.
For family in general. For the time we’re able to spend together, thinking back on old times and catching up on what’s currently going on in each other’s lives.
For friends. I’m blessed with a group of great friends who are supportive and always there.
For a great church and church family. A church that is commited to teaching the Gospel of Christ and reaching the lost for Christ. Also, a church family that lives out their Christianity by taking time to serve others on Thanksgiving day at another local church. It was a blessing to serve others on Thanksgiving day, but double the blessing to be able to do it alongside other members of my own church. It made yesterday even more special.
For the privilege of living in America and the freedoms that we have in this great country. May God continue to bless this country. For those that serve and protect our great country day in and day out (Our fantastic men and women in our military).
For a good job that God has blessed me with. I thank God for the privilege it is to work and the skills that He’s given me. I pray that I do it as if unto Him.
For the necessities in life that God provides each day; shelter, food, water, clothing and the additional blessings that He has given.
For God’s wonderful creation that we are able to enjoy and have been given the privilege to use and take care of.
Especially this Thanksgiving, take time to think about what you’re thankful for. Don’t be like I normally am and just neglect to think about them.
I just came across something on The Gateway Pundit blog that I haven’t heard anything about anywhere else. Maybe it’s because a bunch of bloggers organized it (WAY TO GO), but I think it still should have gotten some media attention. If nothing else, the charts and graphs that show the progress that’s been made should be getting some attention. But, oh, maybe if that kind of information got out to the masses, then maybe everyone would begin to think that our efforts in Iraq have really been a success.
Many, many thanks to our military! We are forever grateful.
The other day at the breakfast table my youngest son and I were reviewing his spelling words for the week as we usually do over breakfast. This was the first time that we were reviewing this list of words for the week, so the words were new for both of us, except that he had studied them some. Normally, it’s a pretty boring event where I say the word, he spells it, then I ask for him to use it in a sentence and then he gives me one. You know the drill, right?
This day it was a little bit different though. I’ll do my best to relay how this went down in writing, but it may be difficult. So, please use your imagination in reading this.
The first word was “seen”. So, I said the word as usual and he spelled it “s-e-e-n”. No big deal, he spelled it with no trouble. For some reason, I skipped having him give a sentence though. Maybe it was because it was early in the week and I thought he’d be doing good just to get through them. So, I went right to the second word and said “slowly”. Well, I guess since I said it right after he had spelled “seen”, my son, without hesitation, spelled “s——————e——————e——————n”, with this look on his face, like “gosh Dad, are you getting that old?”. Once it hit me that he had spelled “seen” slowly for me, I about fell out of my chair laughing. He didn’t have a clue what was going on. Then I explained to him that I wanted him to spell the word “slowly”, not spell “seen” slowly. He, then got this sheepish grin on his face, and said, “oh”. Then, we both busted out laughing. Needless to say we had a good time with spelling words that morning.
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