Wednesday, January 27, 2010

And To The Republic For Which It Stands

Dear Homeowner, Business Owner, Ordinary Citizen, and/or anyone who may fly an American Flag:


Please pay close attention to the condition of the flag you fly. There are regulations stating the proper way to display, handle, and dispose of a flag. It should not be left out in the rain, it should not be flown in the dark (unless it has a light dedicated to shining on it), and it should be retired when it gets worn.

It amazes me how often I can drive down the street and find a flag that is tattered and torn flying in someone’s yard, or place of business. To me, the carelessness and unconcern that is shown in regard to flying our flag, shows the state of our nation today. Our flag is supposed to stand for something, just like we, as a country, used to stand for something.

The flag means to some of us. It means something to me, because I know the importance. I was brought up knowing of the symbol for which it stands. Both of my Grandfathers fought in World War II. It meant something to them. It meant enough that they were willing to fight for it. They saw horrors that most of us will never know. They saw friends fall beside them, and had to step over them, and keep going. My Grandpa fought hard, and came home to his family. He traveled thousands of miles, to foreign lands, with a company of men, all of whom cared enough about our flag to fight for and sacrifice for it. They cared enough to fight for all the people at home, whether they had met them or not. And they sacrificed alright. They gave their all; each and every one of them. I am here today; because my Grandpa was one of 3 men in that company who made it home. I’m also here today, because the rest of them were willing to fight alongside him.

When I see a torn and tattered flag, I think of my Grandpas. I think of the disrespect it shows to them, when it’s neglected.



***Lord, I pray for those who have fought, and continue to fight for that flag. I pray that we won’t neglect them, or take for granted that for which our flag stands. Give us a passion for helping each other, and not just ourselves. Amen***

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I Am Resolved

I love old hymns.  They speak such truth.  Not that newer hymns don't, but there's just more depth to most of them.  I often have songs randomly pop in my head.  This time I've decided to share.  It's one of my favorite hymns.  My prayer for today, is that you and I will hasten to him.  I pray for resolve. 

I Am Resolved
Words by Palmer Hartsough
James H. Fill­more, Sr.
1896

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.


I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

I will hasten to him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Good & The Bad

We all encounter various things in a day; some good and some bad.  So, here's a tiny peek into my day. 

I like to save the best for last, so...

THE BAD 
This is the stack of customer profiles I had to print.  There's really no good reason for doing this.  Everybody who saw me thought it was nuts.  I did it because I was told to do it.  My supervisor's boss thought that to go through them, it would be best to "have something we can touch."  I think, in doing this little project, I have single-handedly wiped out an entire forest.  Way to go green. 

THE GOOD
It's unusually cold today.  I don't handle cold very well.  I easily get cold, and it's very hard for me to warm up.  
My hubby, of course, knows this about me.  He also knows that our office is usually kept colder than I like.  I'm not alone, either.  I could name several people who keep a blanket in their chair, or a space heater under their desk. 
I got a call this morning, asking me to meet Hubby downstairs.  This is why he wanted to meet me.  To bring me starbucks. 

(It's not in the starbucks cup, because we're allowed to have drinks only if they are in the approved cup, with the company logo.  It is, however, an authentic white chocolate mocha.  MMmmm...) 

My hubby is awesome.  He should write a pamphlet on being a good husband.  :)   

Monday, January 4, 2010

I Need Your Help

You may or may not know that my husband and I are currently living in 29' 5th wheel camper while we build a small apartment.  This has been quite the experience, as the camper is old and not in very good shape. 
One of the biggest challenges we face is cooking.  The oven doesn't work well.  It does well for cooking things like biscuits, but we tried a frozen lasagna and it didn't do the job.  What we do have is burners on top of the stove, as well as an electric skillet.  We eat out a lot, but that gets old and expensive very quickly.  We're limited on what we are able to cook, and I run out of ideas quickly. 

Here's where you come in...

If you have any recipes that don't require an oven or counter space, and you'd like to share them with me, it would be much appreciated!