Thursday, November 11, 2010

Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave!

Today is Veterans Day. While saying 'Thank You!" seems completely inadequate, it is a simple but too infrequent gesture. If you woke up this morning in the United States of America, you have the great privilege of living in the last best place on Earth, courtesy of our veterans past and present. The very least you can do is say thank you - every chance you get.

This aired on CBS Sunday Morning two years ago, but it is well worth watching again.... One of the world's richest men wants us to remember our Veterans. Here's what he's doing personally to say 'thank you'... Grab a tissue.

 
  In memory of those who gave the last full measure...
From "The Fallen", by Laurence Binyon Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Katherine Jenkins, "Hymn To The Fallen"


Sunday, July 11, 2010

For Colt

Sometime in the early morning hours of July 11, 2010, God called our beloved grandson Colt home.  We are heartbroken to be without him, but we also rejoice that he is now free from the constraints of his wheelchair, physical limitations and pain.

Colt was the consummate sports fan.  He loved anything and everything sports and was studying for a career in teaching or coaching.  Heaven's football team has a new QB today, and the Detroit Red Wings have the best guardian angel they could possibly hope for.

We will miss you terribly, Colt, but we'll see you again one day soon.  In the meantime we will carry you in our hearts.  We love you.


This song was one of Colt's favorites.  Tell all your loved ones how much you love them every day, just in case tomorrow never comes.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Israel! Israel!



Israel!  Israel!

Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel; Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the land with peace, and its inhabitants with lasting joy. And let us say: Amen


Israel! Israel! celebrates the reclaiming of the Promised Land by the Jewish people in 1948 and expressed the vision the Holy Temple will be rebuilt.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bye Bye Bayh

For Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, the latest Democrat to flee Obama's sinking ship.



Sunday, January 24, 2010

Old Time Gospel Sunday

I read a few years ago that some churches, overrun with politically correct nonsense, were removing this hymn from their songbooks because it contains 'militant imagery'. Although being seen as politically incorrect is reason enough for me to post it, it also happens to be a great, spiritual hymn. Gird your loins, Christian soldiers...if you don't think you will have to fight to defend your faith (with words if not swords), you ain't paying attention.

"Onward Christian Soldiers", performed by unidentified choir

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Doin' The 'D'

It's official.... I'm a dinosaur.

Last night I finally got to use the theatre tickets I received for Christmas. I showered, washed my hair, put on some make-up and donned my best little black dress. I thought that was standard procedure for people bound for the 'legitimate theatre' in a major city. How wrong I was!

Yes. Detroit has a thriving theatre and cultural district. But I digress.

My excursion into culture shock began at the restaurant, an iconic Italian gem of the best old-school sort, with tuxedo'd waiters and antipasto platters on every table. Seated all around us were fellow patrons dressed in perfectly appropriate attire - for a backyard barbeque. Honestly, people. I know it's Wednesday night, but couldn't you clean up a little?

As I suspected, most of the restaurant's great unwashed were also theatre-bound.

Detroit's premier live-theatre venue is the Fisher Theatre, housed in Detroit's historic Art Deco treasure the Fisher Building. The 1928, Albert Kahn-designed skyscraper is so magnificent it is often called Detroit's largest art object.  The Theatre entrance, located in the building's lavish vaulted lobby, is shown in this photo.

When you aren't motivated to fix yourself up a bit for this, my guess is you just don't care enough to make the effort for anything.

You ain't seen nothin' yet.

I thought the tennis shoes, T-shirts and jeans were bad, but it was about to get worse.  The young woman seated next to me, clad in tank top and stretch pants, pulled off her shoes, put her white-footie-sock'd feet IN THE SEAT and plopped a huge box of candy between her legs from which she noshed throughout the performance.  Really.

More evidence of the coarsening of our society.

Silly me.  Even in a blue-collar town, even in difficult economic times, I still think there are things worth dressing up for, if for no other reason than to show respect for the occasion.  Who knows; it might even help us feel better about ourselves for a little while. You know... special.

Ah, respect for self and others.  Another antiquated notion.  I miss it.  See?  I am a dinosaur - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

For Jason

I just learned that a dear 'online brother' went home to the Lord one month ago today. Jason was a tremendous inspiration to everyone who knew him; his loving, generous spirit could not be bound by disabilities or wheelchairs. Now he is released from his pain and I picture him dancing for joy. Good-bye for now, Jason. I'll miss you, but we'll meet again soon.


If you didn't know Jason, learn more about his extraordinary life here.