Memorial Day on Monday

Memorial Day to honor our men and women 

who died serving the USA 

They gave their lives, some here and some so very far away.

Thousands served, too, 

but made it through. 

Sometimes we forget to honor those still remaining.

And let’s remember those who did all that training;

For each of these good people let’s now pray,

"LORD, help us all to help each other," we will say.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Bravely They Serve, Faithfully We Remember

On Memorial Day we honor veterans who died.

On Veterans Day we honor those who are still alive.

There could be more time for recognition, celebration,

More time given for our thoughtful consideration;

Let us pray for these brave women and men

Who give their lives In the service of our nation.

Yes, fly the flag, watch what we say,

And for their families, we also pray.

And pray for our leaders to do what is right,

Turn from sin’s darkness towards the light.

We, should bravely serve each other, too.

The LORD has a blessing for me and for you.

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

When Holidays H-U-R-T !!!

     Gifts!  cards, parties, family dinners! Name any holiday, the stores are decorated and merchandise abounds. You can’t escape it! But not everyone can anticipate an enjoyable celebration.

     Many men and women have hurt feelings about holidays; most will keep their emotions under careful control.  Here comes Christmas; how do you feel about that? 
        Father’s Day might bring up some unhappy memories.  Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and even New Year's Eve may stir up old baggage that lingers on, every year again wounding the soul.

        Going to church on a holiday may make things worse, if all you’ll hear are platitudes and detailed examples of the perfect dad or the perfect mom or the perfect family.  If a greeting card is too “sweet” or too sarcastic that can hurt.  

      If you wince at the approach of some particular occasion don’t continue in this pattern; there’s a breakthrough for you.  If you are a relative of someone who dislikes certain observances there may be things you can do to ease the situation.

A person needs a strategy.

       Give yourself permission to take a few moments here. Step back from the immediate circumstances and take a dispassionate look at it. 

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

        What to remember?  Lots of sales at the mall?  Take the kids to see a parade downtown?  Watch some TV specials?  
        Here’s your homework.  Look up the info here, and scan other entries when you do a Search on the computer.  
        Remember. A special day to honor those who served us in the armed forces calls for our reexamination of our own understanding.  A special day for prayer for those who now serve and for the families of those who died in serving our country.  A day to thank God for where He has you “for such a time as this.”