Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns --- All three missed it --
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance, Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is
the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path,
he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10' an d 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.' Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of
their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends
five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, 'No way, Sir!' Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance, Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is
the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path,
he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10' an d 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.' Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of
their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends
five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, 'No way, Sir!' Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My kind of dog!
The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.
He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant "go away but come back and find me". The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. He enjoys the company of cats.
K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner
Thought you'd find this interesting.
Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!
Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Nothing against Michael
I have nothing against Michael Jackson - in fact I enjoyed his music. I however support our military 100% and I am shocked that more people don't. To think that all the major networks carried the funeral of MJ that lasted several hours and when we lose a military person, they get a brief 30 second segment on the news. What is wrong with our networks.
JMO!
JMO!
Another email this from a soldier
Subject: Letter from a Soldier
>> I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on
>> Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an
>> entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent
>> millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many
>> people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I
>> respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my
>> rant..
>> > >
>> > > Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their
>> minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the
>> country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to
>> flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to
>> hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
>> > > Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden
>> he's
>> a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What
>> about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those
>> Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still
>> raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United
>> States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the
>> people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them
>> because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier
>> dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for
>> IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of
>> GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and
>> instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
>> > >
>> > > I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN
>> CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for
>> every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to
>> PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American
>> people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom
>> that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have
>> provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because
>> there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we
>> will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or
>> write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood,
>> sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
>> > >
>> > > Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to
>> pass
>> this along if you want.
>> > >
>> > > Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is
>> serving in the military;
>> > >
>> > > "So that others may live..."
>>
>> I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on
>> Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an
>> entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent
>> millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many
>> people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I
>> respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my
>> rant..
>> > >
>> > > Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their
>> minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the
>> country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to
>> flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to
>> hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
>> > > Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden
>> he's
>> a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What
>> about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those
>> Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still
>> raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United
>> States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the
>> people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them
>> because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier
>> dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for
>> IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of
>> GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and
>> instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
>> > >
>> > > I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN
>> CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for
>> every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to
>> PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American
>> people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom
>> that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have
>> provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because
>> there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we
>> will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or
>> write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood,
>> sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
>> > >
>> > > Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to
>> pass
>> this along if you want.
>> > >
>> > > Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is
>> serving in the military;
>> > >
>> > > "So that others may live..."
>>
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Just a reminder - received in an e-mail
While the focus today, tomorrow and for the next God-knows-how-many-days
> will be the death of a pop culture icon; while many will mourn, wail and
> quite literally make fools of themselves over it and while as many will
> speak endlessly about it, allow me, if only for a moment, to remind us all
> that others have died this month; others whose lives were cut short; others
> who leave behind loved ones and whose families will dearly miss them;
> families who'll suffer with much more dignity and honor than we'll be
> exposed to on the tube in the coming days.
>
> Yes... it's true... we've suffered a great loss... but forgive me while I
> tell you that I'm not talking about the king of pop music.
>
>
>
>
>
> These American military members died in Iraq this month:
>
> Sergeant Justin J. Duffy
> Specialist Christopher M. Kurth
> Specialist Charles D. Parrish
> Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer
> Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo
> Sergeant Joshua W. Soto
> Captain Kafele H. Sims
> Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling
>
> And these members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:
>
> Sergeant Jones, Ricky D.
> Specialist Munguia Rivas, Rodrigo A.
> Command Master Chief Petty Officer Garber, Jeffrey J.
> 1st Sergeant Blair, John D.
> Sergeant Smith, Paul G.
> Staff Sergeant Melton, Joshua
> Sergeant 1st Class Dupont, Kevin A.
> Specialist O'Neill, Jonathan C.
> Chief Warrant Officer Richardson Jr., Ricky L.
> Specialist Silva, Eduardo S.
> Lance Corporal Whittle, Joshua R.
> Major Barnes, Rocco M.
> Major Jenrette, Kevin M.
> Staff Sergeant Beale, John C.
> Specialist Jordan, Jeffrey W.
> Specialist Griemel, Jarrett P.
> Specialist Hernandez I, Roberto A.
> Sergeant Obakrairur, Jasper K.
> Staff Sergeant Hall, Jeffrey A.
> Private 1st Class Ogden, Matthew D.
> Private 1st Class Wilson, Matthew W.
>
> Let's remember and honor this day those whose deaths are truly impacting.
>
> God rest them and God comfort their loved ones they've left behind.
>
> And may God use their deaths to remind us all of the shortness of our days.
> will be the death of a pop culture icon; while many will mourn, wail and
> quite literally make fools of themselves over it and while as many will
> speak endlessly about it, allow me, if only for a moment, to remind us all
> that others have died this month; others whose lives were cut short; others
> who leave behind loved ones and whose families will dearly miss them;
> families who'll suffer with much more dignity and honor than we'll be
> exposed to on the tube in the coming days.
>
> Yes... it's true... we've suffered a great loss... but forgive me while I
> tell you that I'm not talking about the king of pop music.
>
>
>
>
>
> These American military members died in Iraq this month:
>
> Sergeant Justin J. Duffy
> Specialist Christopher M. Kurth
> Specialist Charles D. Parrish
> Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer
> Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo
> Sergeant Joshua W. Soto
> Captain Kafele H. Sims
> Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling
>
> And these members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:
>
> Sergeant Jones, Ricky D.
> Specialist Munguia Rivas, Rodrigo A.
> Command Master Chief Petty Officer Garber, Jeffrey J.
> 1st Sergeant Blair, John D.
> Sergeant Smith, Paul G.
> Staff Sergeant Melton, Joshua
> Sergeant 1st Class Dupont, Kevin A.
> Specialist O'Neill, Jonathan C.
> Chief Warrant Officer Richardson Jr., Ricky L.
> Specialist Silva, Eduardo S.
> Lance Corporal Whittle, Joshua R.
> Major Barnes, Rocco M.
> Major Jenrette, Kevin M.
> Staff Sergeant Beale, John C.
> Specialist Jordan, Jeffrey W.
> Specialist Griemel, Jarrett P.
> Specialist Hernandez I, Roberto A.
> Sergeant Obakrairur, Jasper K.
> Staff Sergeant Hall, Jeffrey A.
> Private 1st Class Ogden, Matthew D.
> Private 1st Class Wilson, Matthew W.
>
> Let's remember and honor this day those whose deaths are truly impacting.
>
> God rest them and God comfort their loved ones they've left behind.
>
> And may God use their deaths to remind us all of the shortness of our days.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy Day after the 4th
Celebration is officially over - at least the 4th - but we must remember to celebrate our military currently serving, served in the past and those who laid their life down for our freedom. Never forget those either.
Since this is based on my organizing I thought that I would share some tips with all of you.
I recently moved from an apartment into a house with a pool. What a difference all the room can make. I don't have enough furniture to fill the rooms yet. How nice is that.
Anyway - I must stress the importance of marking the boxes as you pack them. I did basic generic marking such as kitchen and how I wish I would have been more specific such as kitchen - pots and pans, etc. But what made things worse we the boxes I used had been used to move into the apartment, then my parents used them and we had markings all over them. In a case like that I would suggest using the boxes upside down and have all the new marking on the bottom which now is the top of the box! That has been a time consuming project of unpacking.
Since this is based on my organizing I thought that I would share some tips with all of you.
I recently moved from an apartment into a house with a pool. What a difference all the room can make. I don't have enough furniture to fill the rooms yet. How nice is that.
Anyway - I must stress the importance of marking the boxes as you pack them. I did basic generic marking such as kitchen and how I wish I would have been more specific such as kitchen - pots and pans, etc. But what made things worse we the boxes I used had been used to move into the apartment, then my parents used them and we had markings all over them. In a case like that I would suggest using the boxes upside down and have all the new marking on the bottom which now is the top of the box! That has been a time consuming project of unpacking.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
As you are having your bar-b-ques, etc. don't forget to say a prayer of thanks to the many men, women and their families who are fighting for our freedom.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Old Man (it's a great story)
As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open. The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.
I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, 'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at our age.' And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.
I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as
I got near him I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.' He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me.
Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to p ay them if they could follow me back down and help him. The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and ppeared
to be comforting his wife.
When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman. When I
shook hands with him earlier he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?' He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood.
They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card. He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife.
I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves.
Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off. For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name....... Congressional Medal of Honor Society."
I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. Remember, old men like him gave us FREEDOM for America ' America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them! Remember, freedom isn't Free, thousands have paid the price so we can all enjoy what we have today. GOD BLESS AMERICA
I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, 'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at our age.' And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.
I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as
I got near him I said, 'Looks like you're having a problem.' He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me.
Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old man that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to p ay them if they could follow me back down and help him. The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and ppeared
to be comforting his wife.
When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman. When I
shook hands with him earlier he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, 'What outfit did you serve with?' He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood.
They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card. He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife.
I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves.
Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off. For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name....... Congressional Medal of Honor Society."
I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. Remember, old men like him gave us FREEDOM for America ' America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them! Remember, freedom isn't Free, thousands have paid the price so we can all enjoy what we have today. GOD BLESS AMERICA
Monday, March 16, 2009
Have a blessed day
When I say good morning I mean to say:
G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to
M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!
G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to
M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Child's View of the Bible
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are
teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God,
darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think
He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't
embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the
Garden of Eden.
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived
to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his
kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some
animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would
have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his
brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot
roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston.
Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after
God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice,
lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top
Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies.
Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.
He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My
teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on
the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't
have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New.
He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too,
because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a
barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and
the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible
vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some
Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the
Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is
foretold in the book of Revolution.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are
teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God,
darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think
He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't
embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the
Garden of Eden.
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived
to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his
kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some
animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would
have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his
brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot
roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston.
Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after
God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice,
lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top
Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies.
Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.
He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My
teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on
the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't
have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New.
He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too,
because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a
barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and
the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible
vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some
Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the
Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is
foretold in the book of Revolution.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Tampon
Please read the whole thing,,, You'll love it
I am reminded that "God Works in Mysterious Ways "
Tampons (A TRUE STORY)
Tampons to the rescue in Iraq !! Don't worry, it's a good story, and worth reading. It's even humorous in parts. It's from the mother of a Marine in Iraq .
My son told me how wonderful the care packages we had sent them from the ladies auxiliary were and wanted me to t ell everyone thank you.
He said that one guy we'll call Marine X, got a female care package and everyone was giving him a hard time. My son said, 'Marine X got some really nice smelling lotion and everyone really likes it, so every time he goes to sleep they steal it from him.' I told my son I was really sorry about the mistake, and if he wanted I would send Marine X another package. He told me not to worry about Marine X because every time I send something to him, he shares it with Marine X.
He said when my husband and I sent the last care package, Marine X came over to his cot picked up the box, started fishing through it, and said, 'What'd we get this time?'
But my son said they had the most fun with Marine X's package. He said he wasn't sure who it was supposed to go to, but the panties were size 20, and he said one of the guys got on top of the Humvee and jumped off with the panties over his head and yelled, 'Look at me, I'm an Airborne Ranger!!!!'
One of the guys attache d the panties to an antenna and it blew in the wind like a windsock. He said it entertained them for quite awhile. Then of course.......they had those tampons. When he brought this up, my imagination just went running, but he continued.
My son said they had to go on a mission and Marine X wanted the Chap-Stick and lotion for the trip. He grabbed a bunch of the items from his care package and got in the Humvee. As luck would have it he grabbed the tampons too, and my son said everyone was teasing him about 'not forgetting his feminine hygiene products.'
He said things went well for a while, then the convoy was ambushed and a Marine was shot. He said the wound was pretty clean, but it was deep. He said they were administering first aid but couldn't get the bleeding to slow down, and someone said, 'Hey! Use Marine X's tampons!' My son said they put the tampon in the wound. At this point my son profoundly told Me, 'Mom, did you know that tampons expand?' ('Well....yeah!')
They successfully slowed the bleeding until the guy got better medical attention. When they went to check on him later, the surgeon told them, 'You guys saved his life. I f you hadn't stopped that bleeding he would have bled to death.' My Son said, 'Mom, the tampons sent by the Marine Moms by mistake saved a Marine's life.'
At this point I asked him, 'Well, what did you do with the rest of the tampons?'
He said, 'Oh, we divided them up and we all have them in our flak jackets, and I kept two for our first aid kit.'
I am absolutely amazed by the ingenuity of our Marines. I can't believe that something that started out as a mistake then turned into a joke, ended up saving someone's life. My sister said she doesn't believe in mistakes. She believes God had a plan all along. She believes that 'female care package' was sent to Marine X to save our Marine.
Either way, our efforts have boosted the morale of many Marines, provided much needed items for our troops, AND saved the life of a Marine! God bless every one of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all our military service personnel.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP IT SAFE!
I'm not breaking this one. If I get it a 1000 times, I'll forward it a 1000 times!
Let us pray... Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!
Please send this on after a short prayer. Prayer for our soldiers. Don't break it!
Prayer: 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.
There is nothing attached. Just send this to people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
GOD BLESS YOU FOR PASSING IT ON
This is the day The Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.. GOD Bless,
I am reminded that "God Works in Mysterious Ways "
Tampons (A TRUE STORY)
Tampons to the rescue in Iraq !! Don't worry, it's a good story, and worth reading. It's even humorous in parts. It's from the mother of a Marine in Iraq .
My son told me how wonderful the care packages we had sent them from the ladies auxiliary were and wanted me to t ell everyone thank you.
He said that one guy we'll call Marine X, got a female care package and everyone was giving him a hard time. My son said, 'Marine X got some really nice smelling lotion and everyone really likes it, so every time he goes to sleep they steal it from him.' I told my son I was really sorry about the mistake, and if he wanted I would send Marine X another package. He told me not to worry about Marine X because every time I send something to him, he shares it with Marine X.
He said when my husband and I sent the last care package, Marine X came over to his cot picked up the box, started fishing through it, and said, 'What'd we get this time?'
But my son said they had the most fun with Marine X's package. He said he wasn't sure who it was supposed to go to, but the panties were size 20, and he said one of the guys got on top of the Humvee and jumped off with the panties over his head and yelled, 'Look at me, I'm an Airborne Ranger!!!!'
One of the guys attache d the panties to an antenna and it blew in the wind like a windsock. He said it entertained them for quite awhile. Then of course.......they had those tampons. When he brought this up, my imagination just went running, but he continued.
My son said they had to go on a mission and Marine X wanted the Chap-Stick and lotion for the trip. He grabbed a bunch of the items from his care package and got in the Humvee. As luck would have it he grabbed the tampons too, and my son said everyone was teasing him about 'not forgetting his feminine hygiene products.'
He said things went well for a while, then the convoy was ambushed and a Marine was shot. He said the wound was pretty clean, but it was deep. He said they were administering first aid but couldn't get the bleeding to slow down, and someone said, 'Hey! Use Marine X's tampons!' My son said they put the tampon in the wound. At this point my son profoundly told Me, 'Mom, did you know that tampons expand?' ('Well....yeah!')
They successfully slowed the bleeding until the guy got better medical attention. When they went to check on him later, the surgeon told them, 'You guys saved his life. I f you hadn't stopped that bleeding he would have bled to death.' My Son said, 'Mom, the tampons sent by the Marine Moms by mistake saved a Marine's life.'
At this point I asked him, 'Well, what did you do with the rest of the tampons?'
He said, 'Oh, we divided them up and we all have them in our flak jackets, and I kept two for our first aid kit.'
I am absolutely amazed by the ingenuity of our Marines. I can't believe that something that started out as a mistake then turned into a joke, ended up saving someone's life. My sister said she doesn't believe in mistakes. She believes God had a plan all along. She believes that 'female care package' was sent to Marine X to save our Marine.
Either way, our efforts have boosted the morale of many Marines, provided much needed items for our troops, AND saved the life of a Marine! God bless every one of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all our military service personnel.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP IT SAFE!
I'm not breaking this one. If I get it a 1000 times, I'll forward it a 1000 times!
Let us pray... Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!
Please send this on after a short prayer. Prayer for our soldiers. Don't break it!
Prayer: 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'
Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.
There is nothing attached. Just send this to people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
GOD BLESS YOU FOR PASSING IT ON
This is the day The Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.. GOD Bless,
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
How Great Thou Art
I received this link in an email. I love country and gospel music and when I get them both together - what a blessing. Here is Alan Jackson singing "How Great Thou Art".
http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm
Enjoy and God Bless
http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm
Enjoy and God Bless
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Garbage Truck
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!
The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.
Don't take it personally.Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets."
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.
Don't take it personally.Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets."
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
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