May 27, 2008 at 7:28 am (Holidays)
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No.11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
The “unofficial beginning of summer”; the first picnic of the year; a day off from work; a good day for a nap. What does Memorial Day mean to you?
When I was a child, it was ALWAYS the “Kasparek Reunion”. My father had 12 brothers and sisters. That meant there were many aunts, uncles, cousins. We would all gather at Aunt Louise’s home. She had a ball field in her yard with acres of property. We ate, played ball, rode in Uncle John’s jeep, chased the sheep, and had a blast! It was so much fun! I really looked forward to this reunion.
Yesterday, we had a relaxing day with both our kids and my sister, Judi and her husband, Howard. Nothing exciting, just some food and fun conversation. In the early evening, we went to a church softball practice. Once again, nothing exciting, just good conversation and fun!
I had gotten up at 5:30 am and I took two walks. I was really tired so I went to bed early. Looking back on yesterday, there was nothing exciting, but it was a really good, relaxing day. It felt good to be with people that I really enjoy and with whom I can laugh!
What did you do yesterday?
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May 22, 2008 at 2:37 pm (Helping Others)
This week I watched as “winners” were chosen on two “reality” (?) shows. On Dancing with the Stars, Kristi Yamaguchi was chosen as the top dancer this season. Being a figure skating fan, I have followed Kristi’s career as she won the Worlds and then the Olympic Gold! I was so proud of her!
Last night on American Idol, the Battle of the Davids was finally decided. The rocker, David Cook won by over 12 million votes! He was so moved, he actually cried! It was pretty emotional to watch.
It feels so good to be the winner! To be on top of it all and finally get the prize – that is victory! The winner has it all: accolades, fulfillment, the prize. Have you ever experienced that? Maybe not to the extent of Kristi or David, but I am sure we have all had victories.
Living in the victory is very dangerous place to be. It is easy at that point in time to “sit back on your laurels” and enjoy success! In fact, we declare, “I deserve this! I am going to take a break!” In my devotions this morning, I read Joshua 1. Two and half of the tribes were given their portion of land east of the Jordan River. They could have sat back and rested and enjoyed it. But in verses 14 and 15, God tells the men of these tribes, “You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest, as He has done for you.” It reminds me of Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
There is so much more to victory than the thrill. Don’t waste your victories. Share the momentum and energy with those who have gotten there yet. Then victory is so much sweeter!
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May 18, 2008 at 5:45 pm (Attitudes)
In Psalm 139, David tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully created by God Himself. That is a wonderful thought! God created me – and He loves me!
Quite often I wonder why God created me this way! Why am I so afraid of snakes? And why did He make me with such a quirky personality? Why does He allow me to put my foot in my own mouth so often? But reality is – God created me this way – and He loves me! He desires to continue to work on me and improve me. He wants to perfect me for His purpose. I feel so valuable when I think that way!
However, I need to use that same line of thought when it comes to others! How often have I thought, why is that person that way? But God created EVERY person for His purpose. He wants to perfect in each of us His way! So the next time I get irritated with the mouthy 9 year old, or frustrated with the nosy 90 year old, Lord, show me how much you love that person!
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May 14, 2008 at 7:38 am (Focus)
“The man who forms the habit of beginning without finishing has simply formed the habit of failure.” Streams in the Desert It has often been said that hardest step in completing anything is the first one. But I am not so sure about that! There are many edifices (Monsour Hospital in Jeannette) that began with great fervor. But somewhere along the way, the “excitement” of the finished project is lost. The “fun” in the work is no longer there. This happens often on short-term missions trips. Everyone is enthusiastic and motivated until the first case of “Montezuma’s revenge” hits. Then the rest of the time is set “just enduring”.
This journey called “life” is sometimes a struggle. I am praying today that I will complete what God has set before me; that I will continue even when the excitement is not what it used to be! Because the prize is in the finishing!
I never completed my college education. I have less than one year to go…but I quit before I received the prize. I have regrets about that. But it has made me realize the need to finish what I begin. I don’t want to be a quitter. I want to be a finisher. I want to finish well! How about you?
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May 5, 2008 at 9:59 pm (Family)
Twenty-four years ago, God gave to Paul and me a precious gift, Natasha. This past Thursday, she graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. She is the MOST determined young woman I have ever met. She has taught me so much about perseverance. She is incredible when she puts her mind to something!
Graduation was more than I could have ever expected. I knew that I would cry, and I did. I knew I would be excited, and I was. I knew that I pride would make me want to “burst a button”, and it did! But also, I am finding myself anticipating the wonderful journey that God is taking Tasha. He has great plans for her. Not just plans for the future, but plans for right now. Watch out world, HERE SHE COMES! NOTHING will stop her!
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39
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May 4, 2008 at 8:03 am (Reality)
Some things in life are simply what they appear to be. (What a profound statement!)
Last weekend, while we were entertaining a few young couples in our home, two people, who will remain nameless (Beckman and Malllory), snuck onto our driveway and outlined the body of a “dead” person. They then wrapped yellow police tape around the driveway. It appeared to be a crime scene! When we came out of the house, around 10 pm, we found it to be really funny! Of course, we knew exactly who had done it. And of course, I had to “one up them”. Sunday morning I wrote a name in the chalked off form of the body, and then put flowers around it as a “memorial”.
One neighbor thought it was a crime scene. Another thought we were making a statement about abortion. But in reality, none of it had any significance. It was simply a funny joke! And I want to take my hat off to Beckman and Malllory. That was a good one! You got me!
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Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No.11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
