MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE!

"Action speaks louder than words!"

Never Forget!

It's Memorial Day Weekend, & I thought I would create a Blog to Honor all Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Join with me in celebrating the lives of all those serviceman, who laid it all "on the line" to serve & protect us! God Bless Ewe & Ewer families!



Ewe can't give any more than Ewer Life!

An "Attitude of Gratitude" is always in style!

Thank Ewe for the sacrifices that EWE made for us!

The history of Memorial Day dates all the way back to three years after the Civil War! On May 5,1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans-The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR),-established "Decoration Day", as a time for our nation to decorate the graves of our war dead with flowers. Major General John A. Logan declared  May 30th, as the official date to observe "Decoration Day"! It is believed that the reason for that date being chosen was because flowers would be in bloom across the country.

Take a moment to Remember!

We Salute EWE!

Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington D.C.,was the location of the first large observance that was held in May, of the year 1868.  Presiding over the ceremonies that day was Ulysses S. Grant. After speeches, children from the Soldier's & Sailor's Orphan's Home, & members of the GAR, strewed flowers over both Union & Confederate graves, singing hymns, & saying prayers. Many states dispute over which was the first to observe this practice of honoring their war dead. One of the earliest of these observances occurred April 26, 1866, where a group of woman decorated the graves of the fallen soldiers from the Battle of Shiloh with flowers.

"In everything give Thanks,..."

Our hearts help us to Remember!

About 25 locations have claimed to be the origin of Memorial Day, however, in 1966, Congress, & President Lyndon Johnson, 
declared Waterloo, N. Y., as the official "birthplace" of Memorial Day! A ceremony took place there on May 5, 1866, that honored Civil War dead, by closing businesses ,& flying flags at half-staff. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30th, across the nation. It was not until after World War 1, however, that they decided to honor all those who have died in all American wars!

" The greatest leader will be the servant of all..."

"Be strong & courageous, do not tremble or be afraid, for the Lord God is with thee..."

In 1971, Congress officially declared Memorial Day, formerly referred to as Decoration Day, as a national holiday, to be observed on the last Monday in May. Also, in the year 2000, to ensure that the memories of the fallen heroes are never forgotten, Congress passed "The National Moment of Remembrance Act",P.L.106-579, creating a White House Commission on the "National Moment of Remembrance". The Commission's charter was to " encourage the people of the U.S. to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom & opportunity", by encouraging & coordinating commemorations in the U.S. of Memorial Day & the National Moment of Remembrance.

"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I"

We Salute our Heroes & Thank God for EWE!!

When Gen. Logan first ordered his troops to decorate their graves "with  the choicest flowers of springtime", he urged “ We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.” Following, about 5000 people placed small American flags on each grave, which became a tradition which is still practiced today. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause at 3 P.M. on Memorial Day , for a minute of silence to remember & honor those who have died in service to their country. Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada explains: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day."

Happy Memorial Day!

Who is SAMUEL CHRISTIAN?

No "Lion", Snuggling is one of Sam's favorite activities!

In today's Blog, I'm continuing the  tradition of blogging for each of my grandchildren's birthdays. Today, May 1st, is my grandson Samuel Christian's 16th birthday! "Sam", whose name means "Integrity", has a life verse of; "To practice righteousness and justice is more acceptable to The Lord than sacrifice," Proverbs 21:3. Walking this verse out must be challenging at times for Sam, since he is the youngest brother of 3 older sisters! Yet, according to his mother Jenny, he is a real "Prayer Warrior", & as a youngster, really enjoyed snuggling with family members. Sam is also quite "Tech Savvy" & has even shown his Pop-Pop a thing or two on the computer! I hope Ewe come to appreciate Sam as much as I do!

Sam, is the youngest of 4, & has a real "Tiger" in his tank!

Don't mess with my LEGOS!

I'm not "LION" to EWE! Sam loves "striped" candy!

First, "Faith" in God is definitely a solid part of Samuel Christian's foundation. At 11 years old, Sam was a real Prayer Warrior! He had a prayer cloth from Israel that he carried with him to bed. As part of his evening prayers, Sam prayed for protection over his mind while he's sleeping. These prayers help him to rest peacefully & Jesus kept his thoughts positive & free from nightmares! He also enjoys singing his favorite song from church, one of which is called, "Roaring Like a Lion"! Growing up in the church, Sam was voted "Clubber of the Year" in AWANA for his age group, & his favorite memory verse in AWANA is John 3:16.

Prayer Changes EWE!



This "Prayer Warrior" happens to be Sam's favorite color!



Prayer really works "PURR"TY GOOD!

 Next, Samuel Christian, while growing up, loved the typical activities of a young boy. He admired the Superhero Spiderman, who fought against evil in the world, & enjoyed playing with his Spiderman "Stuff" when he was younger!  His favorite play activity growing up was building things with his Legos! As he grew a little older, Sam took an interest in the show, "The Office"! Sports are another of Sam's interests, especially SOCCER, which is a sport that both of his parents excelled in. He presently plays for his high school team, which happens to be coached by his Dad!

You can say he really "gets a KICK out of it", because Sam likes to Score Lots of Goals!!I guess Ewe might say that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"!


When playing soccer, Ewe must start out SLOWLY!

Sam gets a "kick" out of  Hippos playing soccer!

Ewe really "Have a Ball" playing soccer! It sure beats Trunk or Treat!

Sam knows Ewe can't be " Chicken" when it comes to playing soccer! 

Third, Sam likes school & is a very bright & interested student. He enjoys Reading & P.E. & is extremely talented in Math & Technology! He also has been selected as a member of his school's Math Field Day winning team! He gets a lot of his skills from his parents Jenny & Nick, who are both Tech whizzes! Sam is also very kind to his classmates & has a very "tender" spirit. Online education has been challenging for Sam, & a majority of other students in general, however, it looks like in the classroom school has come back for good!

Sam participates well in his class!

Did EWE know that P.E. class keeps YOU "on the run"?



When it comes to using Technology, Sam doesn't "Monkey" around!

Getting calls at Soccer games really gets Sam's "Goat"!


Finally, Samuel Christian loves his family! At home, Sam really enjoys playing with his sister Alyssa. He watches very little TV but prefers using his vivid imagination to create a variety of things with Legos, playing video games, & sharpening his skills in Math!! Samuel Christian also enjoys playing cards with his Grammy & Pop-Pop, & swimming in the family pool with his sisters! Sam is also fortunate to have a large family of aunts & uncles, that brings him Lots of Joy! For Sam, life at "16" is Sweet!


Sometimes the water in the pool is "Too Cool"!

Sam's kindness helps make family life more fun!

Sam likes sharks, as long as they're not in his family pool!

SWIMMING sometimes helps Sam escape from his sisters!

It's always Good to have a "TIGER in Ewer Tank" while swimming with family!

 Sheep that are managed by a loving Shepherd are healthier & happier! He daily meets all their needs, which results in a more peaceful family life.



Strong families can change both a community & a nation!

Did EWE know that "Loving" Shepherds lead sheep to real LIFE?

As Ewe follow the path that the Good Shepherd has for Ewe today, be encouraged!  God is at work in the lives of young people, like Samuel Christian, teaching them to love God, to love their family, & to pray like warriors for their world!


 "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18

Each year, Sam's Birthday has "BALLOONED" into something really "SPECIAL!

Thank EWE Sam for Ewer Kindness & Compassion!

HAPPY "16"th  BIRTHDAY SAM!

Generosity Cured the "KAT" !

Go ahead & admit it! EWE know that I'm cute!

As we settle into the new season of Spring, (highly anticipated by northerners) we're once again reminded of God's "Generosity" to our earth. The return of birds, flowers, & " new life", are all reminders of how our Heavenly Father replenishes the earth this time each year! Yes, God is indeed GENEROUS! 

Webster defines generous as::  1.freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things; 2. providing more than the amount that is needed or normal: abundant or ample; 3. showing  kindness and concern for others.

"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”  
Steve Mariboli

Being "Generous" with Ewer "HUGS" will surprise even Ewer enemies!



When Ewe are "generous", Ewe tend to attract a crowd!



Generosity demonstrates itself in unique ways! Ewe even get to share another's burden!

In the world of nature, Meerkats embody one of the most cooperative societies in the animal world. Meerkats, which are related to the mongoose, are positioned almost at the very bottom of the food chain, living in a hostile African desert ,where danger lurks around every bend. Meerkats have a diet consisting of lizards & bugs, and finding water can, at times, be challenging! This is especially true during the dry seasons, which have almost wiped out their groups, also known as "gangs". Yet, with all these obstacles, they still make time to foster tight-knit communities that consistently display random acts of kindness!

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”   JOHN BUNYAN

EWE must remember to constantly "Be on the Lookout" for each other!

I'm looking to perform a "Random Act of KINDNESS"!

 

 Meerkats, are considered  "generous" for a number of reasons. First, while the gang forages during the day, certain Meerkats
volunteer to act as guards, or sentinels. They sacrifice their food gathering for the safety of the gang! They alert the gang if danger arrives, & then all "high-tail" it for their underground burrows, or caves. Another reason they are considered generous is because of the way they care for their young. Young Pups are initially taught how to find their own food. Meerkats are 82% insectivores. If pups can't find food on their own, they emit a high-pitched squeal directed toward the adults. At this point, random adults will respond to their cry for help, & feed the pups! Meerkas don't store food, so giving the pups food is a personal sacrifice! The final reason Meerkats are considered generous, is due to the concern  that they take for each member of the community. They baby-sit for each other's baby pups, & truly believe "It takes a village", to raise a "gang". In conclusion, whether it's  protecting, guarding, feeding, or caring for each other's families, Ewe have to tip Ewer hat to the Meerkats, & their freely given generosity!

. "You only keep what you give away." 
R. E. Phillips

 "For it is in giving that we receive.” Francis of Assisi
 



Generously, "giving of Ewer-self "to others, is really what life is all about!

Did EWE know that that being "generous" to others is actually FUN?

 

Sheep experience the blessings of having a Shepherd that "Generously" gives of Himself to the task of daily supplying the needs of His flock. Sheep benefit from these daily acts of love, & are drawn to their Shepherd!



God loves a cheerful giver.
-- 2 Corinthians 9:7

Do EWE see why I'm not worried about health care?

As Ewe travel through Ewer day, look for opportunities to thank Ewer Good Shepherd for all that He gives to Ewe. Filled with gratitude, look for people to share His blessings with. It will definitely set Ewer course for a fulfilling day!

 

 

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
  Acts 20:35