Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day 2012 reflection: I do not think there was a day that went by over this past weekend where I did not think about today -- about Memorial Day. I know a part of me feels more connected and a whole lot more grateful for those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, mostly due to being a military spouse. And in part, I also feel humbled by those families who have been left in the shadows of their loved one that passed on for their sacrifice for our country -- their country.

With each military action movie I watch -- like Battleship, Independence Day, and even War Horse -- comes a more grateful heart to those who love our country, the United States of America, to have sacrificed their lives for what freedoms we hold dear. These movies serve as a reminder about how real war is, and even the possibility of what happens during war stricken times.

Please do not let their sacrifice be in vain, no matter what your beliefs are, no matter if you believe in war or not, they died for you to have that freedom of speech. For that, you should be grateful because in some countries this freedom of speech is not free.

How did you celebrate this weekend? How did you reflect on what today means to you? My husband, kids, and I spent almost all weekend with friends doing one thing or another. It was a fantastic weekend. To be honest, it is because of these particular friends that leaving here (when that day comes) will be so hard (saying we leave here before they do). I also spent time just thinking about the freedoms we enjoy, the widows, children, and family members to these soldiers.

Anyway, my husband and I went and did a little shopping today to get me a dress for a wedding we are invited to while we are visiting family. As we were pulling into a parking stall, I asked him, "Honey, do you know what the real meaning of Memorial Day is?" I continued and said, "To me, it is about those who have served and lost their lives for the freedoms that we have." He replied, "And to me, it is not just about those who have actually died for those freedoms, but those who have served and have been severely wounded for the freedoms that we have because they have to live each day as a reminder of that war." WOW! My husband's personal meaning of what Memorial Day is left me speechless.

Remember this: Memorial Day may be the day that we reflect on those who have served our country and lost their lives defending the freedoms of this great nation, but let it also serve as a reminder, just as my husband said:

"...It is not just about those who have actually died for those freedoms,

but those who have served and have been severely wounded for the freedoms that we have."

Photo from Google Image search.

Happy 2012

HAPPY 2012 TO Y'ALL!

What are your new year's resolutions? Do you even make resolutions each year?

I am one who does not [usually] make resolutions each year. I think this has to do with mainly not wanting to let myself and/or others down when those goals are not achieved.

However, this year I am making a couple goals a.k.a. resolutions:

1. To be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" James 1:19-20).

2. Learn to RESPOND; rather than to REACT. Yes, there is a difference. Here is an article I read about responding and reacting. I love how the gal who wrote the article says: "Now, how can we learn to respond instead of react? Well, you can't learn it on the spur of the moment; it has to be built into your character and into your mind. The more you get into God's Word, the more you spend time with the Lord each day in fellowship and prayer, the more prepared you will be to respond. You have to build in those spiritual muscles, which are there for you when you need them." The basis of this article/website is on Christian Working Women. However, I do believe this article and much that the author speaks about on the posts can pertain to anyone (by simply replacing the words with man, daughter, wife, mother, father, son, friend, cousin, etc).

See how goal number 1 and goal number 2 go hand-in-hand? If I am in God's Word daily, meditating on His scripture, I will learn to respond, being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Will this all happen overnight? No. Because of the characteristic I already have that is in my heart and mind, it will take some time to learn to be this way; on more of a normal, everyday basis. Please be gracious to me if you happen to be on the receiving end. Know that I will feel horrible and will apologize.

With all this being said, I have one more goal:

3. To be the best mama, wife, and homeschool teacher that the LORD will have me to be in 2012. I have approached our kiddos with setting a goal or two for 2012 (afterall, setting goals is a good thing to do). I told them what my goals are and when I came to number 3, all three of them said "But you already are!" Forcing the tears back, but with watery eyes, I looked beside me and behind me and said "Do you see someone else here that is?" and laughed. They laughed and said "You already are a great mom and the best homeschool teacher in the world!" Even with my shortcomings, these kiddos surely know how to make a mama feel ultra blessed!!

Setting realistic goals will keep things in perspective and give you priority to what is most important. For me, this priority leans heavily on making Jesus the center of my life!

Have an amazing 2012 -- no matter the circumstances you are in or what may come!!!

Google Image Search