Thank You to ALL who gave for our freedom

Residents of Sunscape RV Resort gathered this morning in the Community Room at 9:00 AM to honor our Veterans.  The Coolidge High School ROTC came and participated in our ceremony and celebration of our heroes.  It was very moving, to me, and I cried through most of the ceremony, as did several others, I noticed.

Flags lined the parking lot of the Community Building where the ceremony was held.

Veteran Dale Schoeneberger, park manager, was the emcee and did a great job.Veteran George Smith gave the opening prayer, which is where my first tear fell.  It was beautiful.Then there was the flag presentation of the Color Guard.And the singing of the National Anthem. (so glad I stuck tissues in my pocket.)The next part of the ceremony, I had never heard the meaning of and I loved it:

The Flag Folding Ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

Here is a typical sequence of the reading as we heard it this morning (copy and pasted from http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html):

 

(Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)

 

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. 

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. 

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto,

"In God We Trust."

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. I had never heard or read this before and was thrilled to hear references to the Christian beliefs our nation was founded on and the several mentions of God.  We ARE a Christian nation and it's past time for the Christians of this nation to remember that.

Next was the recognition of the POW-MIA:

Our attention was turned to a small table in a place of honor on the stage. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! (ring bell)

The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell)

The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms
who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! (ring bell)

The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember! (ring bell)

The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember! (ring bell)

A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! (ring bell)

There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember! (ring bell)

The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! (ring bell)

The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember! (ring bell)

Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember! (ring bell)

Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember! (ring bell)

Next, the ROTC honored Veterans in the hall from each branch of the military, with a song.  From my seat, I got only a couple of pictures.The guest speaker was Staff Sergeant Sylvia Herrera with the Arizona National Guard, who has served in Iraq.  Her speech was real and heartfelt as she expressed her appreciation and the appreciation of her comrades to those who appreciate their service to this nation and it's citizens.  She also read a poem that she wrote while in Iraq, awaiting her order to come home.We are so glad she came and shared her message with us this morning.

Veterans, Thank You.

 

Making a Difference

As our Sunscape Church Fellowship begins to pray about and volunteers step out to be a part of the Kid's Hope project at the Eloy elementary schools, I found this fifteen minute Bible study to be helpful in reminding us of >>>The Blessing of Generosity.<<<   Thelma Taylor is leading out in this project.  She and I drove over to Eloy school and spoke with the superintendent and were received graciously.  We are welcome to volunteer to sit with an at-risk child once a week, listening to them read, help them with spelling, encourage them.... in a word, LOVE them.  Each volunteer will be required to pay for a background check which is $65.  Each volunteer will also have a prayer partner back in the park who will be praying for them and their student.  Thelma is paying $35 for her background check and I am paying the rest for her, as she has asked me to be her prayer partner, I also want to help with the cost.  Already, about seven people have told Thelma that they want to be a volunteer.  Thank You, Jesus!  Now I am challenging you to pray for these volunteers and the children they minister to, that they will see Jesus in them.

We are quickly approaching the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.  Check out the possibilities in your community to meet needs and share the love of Jesus.  You will be the most blessed.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (New Living Translation)

View commentary related to this passage

2 Corinthians 8

A Call to Generous Giving

¹ Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. ² They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

³ For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. ⁴ They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. ⁵ They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

⁶ So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. ⁷ Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

⁸ I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

⁹ You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

2 Corinthians 8:15

View commentary related to this passage

¹⁵ As the Scriptures say,

   “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
      and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

Sunday Surprise

Don is preaching with such loving boldness and I love it.  He started the "I AM" series this morning.  Today, his text was "the woman at the well" as Jesus ended his conversation with her with, "I AM the Messiah."  Did you know that after the woman met Jesus, she forgot all about the water she had gone after and went back into town telling everyone that she had met the Messiah who gave her "living water?"  It's just something that happens when we meet Jesus... we want to share Him with everyone.

We were up to 154 in church this morning and twenty in the choir.  It's great to see the folks coming back to church as they return from their summer homes and vacations.

We had a wonderful surprise today!  Kathy and Tom Burge showed up at the end of church today.  They drove up from Tucson, as they're visiting Tom's brother there, and didn't realize our church services are so early, 8:50.  I have to do a flashback and give you a little background story.  About 7:45, my cell phone rang and I grabbed it and answered without looking if I recognized the number.  A feeble voice said, "I hear you have a church service there."  I replied, thinking it was my cousin, Frieda, playing a joke on me, "Yes'mam, we sure do," in my deepest southern, hick voice.  For a few seconds, I didn't hear anyone on the other end and thought our connection was bad..  "I can't hear you."  The feeble voice said, "What time does church start?"  Now, I'm beginning the think, "this isn't Frieda and this poor lady must think I'm a freak," so I say, "8:50" in my normal voice.  She said, "well, I don't get around so good."  To which I replied, "well, you come if you can," and she thanked me and said goodbye.  While I still thought it was probably someone from within the park, Don had figured out that it was probably someone who was going to surprise us.  He was right.  When I hugged Kathy, she was still laughing and told me that she was laughing so hard at me on the phone that she couldn't talk for a few seconds.  Stinker.

We invited Rick and Wendy to join Tom and Kathy and us at the Olive Garden for lunch.  We were enjoying catching up on what Tom and Kathy have been doing and eating our lunch when suddenly Tom said to Kathy that he was really dizzy and didn't know why.  He thought maybe it was because he hadn't eaten anything, but eating didn't seem to help his dizziness.  After lunch, we took Tom to urgent care and they checked him over real good: EKG and blood work and everything was perfect.  The only thing they found was a slight heart murmur which he's had probably most of his life.  After a while, his dizziness stopped and he felt back to normal.  We sure hope and pray that Tom will be just fine and we sure enjoyed seeing this sweet couple again.  Oh yes, I guess I didn't tell you that we met them in Coffeyville, Kansas, last fall, while they were workamping at Amazon.com. 

Went over to visit with Toma this afternoon, late.  Found this stalk of local cotton she had "planted" in the cactus garden.  Jim killed a rattlesnake in the garden the other day, so I am being very careful when I go over there.  The snake in this picture, lower right, is not real.  Still gives me the creeps.

We are so blessed.

Family

Company's coming.  It's Saturday, so I cleaned the Q.  Not because it's Saturday, but because it needed cleaning and.... family is coming to visit this afternoon:

Carolyn, my cousin, and her husband, Ken.

Frieda, another cousin, and her mom, my Aunt Nella, who is Mama Trudy's baby sister.  Carolyn is Mama Trudy's older sister, Jennie's daughter.  Confused yet?

We had a good, but short visit.  They had been to a memorial in Apache Junction and both had long drives back to there homes.  One in New Mexico, the other in Nevada. 

Now is where I confess that it never crossed my mind to take pictures... until after they were all gone.  You should worry about me.  I'm slipping.

Well, Don and I enjoyed the pot roast soup I made from the leftover pot roast we had last night.  The cornbread I made was good, too.  (picture this: LaVon patting herself on the back... ouch)

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..."

Friday highlight

Today was a quiet day.

The highlight of the day was the evening when Rick and Wendy came over for pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad... and a game of Spades.  This is where the highlight divides.  The game was a highlight for the girls.  Not so much for the guys.

We are so blessed.

Thursday in pictures

We pulled into The Spa today... for our truck.  It was so dusty and dirty with bird poo that it was embarrassed to be seen in public.This is the Ladies Room in The Spa.Ahhh, all clean once again. Don was hungry for BBQ, so we went to the on BBQ place we've found here in Casa Grande.I am not real proud of my choice from this menu, so moving right along... here's the delivery van out in the parking lot.  Notice the curly pig's tail on the back and the pink ears sticking up.  There was also a pig's snout on the front.Yesterday was a cloudy day.  Today, is also a "cloudy" day.  Where?  Right there.About 4:00 PM, the Sunscape Veteran's Day float made a practice run through the park.  This float really makes a statement of appreciation to our Veterans.Our park pet roadrunner came to visit us this afternoon. It was just a run-by... he didn't stay long.

That is our day in pictures.

We are so blessed.      

A Masterpiece from Horizon to Horizon

I haven't posted in a few days.  Not much going on.  We made some visits to ailing residents.  On Saturday, this is what I found when I stepped out of the Q with my laundry... a dust storm!  This was not here earlier.

After lunch, the dust settled and it was once again beautiful, so T and I got our eight miles in.  It's also warming up again after a couple of days of cool.

Sunday was great!  Don's message was so good.  The Holy Spirit was present and as one man stated, "I just wanted to run up and down the aisles, shouting."  I'm not sure where he's been worshipping before he got here, but I'm happy he enjoyed worshipping with us. 

We were invited to Barney's for lunch with about thirty others.  Thankfully, it's a buffet, so we all got seated and were enjoying a good meal pretty quickly.

Sunday afternoon, I rode first, alone, without being prompted by anyone... eight miles.  Aren't you proud of me?  I had been back at the Q for about an hour when "my conscience" knocked on the door, so guess what?.... I rode six more miles with her.  That's a total of fourteen miles for Sunday!

Monday, a day of rest for us.

Tuesday, there was a park meeting in the community room with the manager.  Don went.  T and I rode our bikes, skipping the meeting.  Glad we did.  We were mentioned in regard to almost running over someone in a golf cart with our bikes...  the manager!!! Oooops.  We'll catch that stop sign next time.  Hey, I slowed down and looked both ways.

Tuesday afternoon, I rode (in her car) with T over to Eloy to visit with the superintendent of schools there about a volunteer program for those in our park who are interested in encouraging at-risk students.  It was a great meeting... she was very receptive and eager to have volunteers.  Volunteers will need to be finger-printed and a background check done.... $65/each.  We'll cross that "bridge" when we have volunteers.  Thelma is a retired Michigan teacher who loved her job, and the student that is assigned to her will be blessed beyond measure.  We want the community around and outside of the church here at the resort to miss us if we are ever not a church here anymore.  (Does that make sense?)

While I was gone, I missed Abby on The Ellen Show this afternoon.  I was upset until I found it today on YouTube... just the part Abby is in.  I love what she said about seeing her family again one day.  (don't forget to mute my playlist before watching this video)

Now it's Wednesday.  We went to Casa Grande and found a portable ice maker on sale at Target.  We've been looking for one for over two years.  Yeah!! No more buying bags of ice!

It's been cloudy all day, so I knew the sunset was going to be beautiful.  As the sun was setting, I walked around the cactus garden click pictures in the dusk.  I just love this miniature.... ... upon closer inspection... what are those holes in the top?  Oh how cute!  Salt and pepper shakers!I must ask Toma what kind of tree this is.  It has dropped it's beans all over the ground... .... only a few beans, you see. The sun is setting... right on cue.I love the glow of the setting sun on the cactus garden.  

.... and then I turned around.  Oh my!

The sky was on fire!!!

I have done nothing to these pictures... no editing. Most of these are toward the east, northeast and southeast.From second to second, the clouds and sun painted a new picture.  Enjoy.Is this not amazing?!~

I apologize that this post is long.  Hope you enjoyed the pictures.  Wish you were all here to witness The Master Setting the Sky on Fire.

"And all these things will be added unto you."  We are so blessed.

~*~*~*~

Worry is like a rocking chair — it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.
— Dorothy Galyean

Abby

Abby Rike, our friend who was on The Biggest Loser show this season, will be on The Ellen Show, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd and on The Today Show the 3rd, as well, in the 8 o'clock hour (CST). What an amazing lady she is and we pray only awesome things for her future.  Set your DVRs.

Making Your Bible Come Alive

from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Why is it that sometimes when we read the Bible we leave our common sense at the door? You don’t just pick up a book, open it at random, and start reading in the middle of a paragraph. The book wouldn’t make any sense. In order to understand and get the full appreciation for the book, we read it sequentially and in paragraphs or units. When you read the Bible, read for quality not quantity. Don’t see how much of the Bible you can read. See how much of the Bible you can assimilate and apply! Maybe what you need to do is spend a week studying one verse.
ACTION POINT:
In your Bible reading today, stop and ask yourself, "What is God telling me?" Not "What does this say?" But "What is God saying to ME?" Then seek to put that into practice today.

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