May 27, 2024

What is Memorial Day?  It is a national holiday as we remember and mourn those military who died in any American war. A friend of mine always called Memorial Day "Decoration Day." I'm sure it's because of all the American flags that decorate graves in remembrance of those who died serving our country. 

I certainly think of the slogan "some paid the ultimate price to defend our country" and "freedom isn't free." We have not fought a battle on our own land since the Civil War.

After traveling to Gettysburg in 2014 and seeing the extent of that war through land and cities, I can't imagine what a present day war would look like here...we may not even live through an atomic blast to see the carnage.

Maybe age and experience bring a person to realize more and more what we have to lose. That means no longer taking elections for granted, sticking our head in the sand and not voting. I think it even means keeping abreast of local and national news. Being concerned about our future now can prevent future tragedies. It all begins with each of us. 

I don't know about you but I don't want to know another friend who gave his life to defend us.  This world of ours is too small; what happens across the globe can certainly end up on our turf!

Let's not only remember those who have died in various military conflicts but let us become aware of very important issues that are very pertinent today so peace can reign, not anger and war! A blessed Memorial weekend to each of you!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Merry-Go-Round

OK, have you ever had life hit you and it seemed like a merry-go-round that you couldn't get off? My life has been like that now for a year, with many big things happening. I won't bore you with all those details but only one. 

A few weeks after my knee surgery, Jan. 30, I developed pains that ultimately have led to a need for neck surgery. Details don't matter. I am waiting for clearance from cardiology for the surgery to be scheduled. The details matter to me, however, because I am also taking care of other huge decisions because of surgery and recovery. 

What I am realising is that I am on the merry-go-round but someone is pushing it, not me!!  Last night someone told me, "don't worry, it'll all turn out the way it's supposed to!" That comment has touched my spirit like you wouldn't believe. 

I think when we have done all in our power to deal with an issue as well as we can, it's time to trust that Higher Power, whom I call God, and know that He is God, not me! It also calms me as I realise others are with me in this journey with their care, concern and prayers!

Consider your own times in life that the "merry-go-round" just seemed to never stop...but eventually it did!  And it will for me, too!! But for the time being, life is making me a bit dizzy and wobbly  on my feet!!  

Courtesy of Pixabay

Same Weekend!

This weekend is a rare one!  A very special one to me, however.  My birthday and Mother's day came on the same weekend! I remember going fishing with my husband, and pulling over to use a phone booth to call mom, to wish her happy Mother's day. 

It's a bit bittersweet now, with all those memories and mom being gone.  Sitting in church this morning I remembered many relatives and friends who were moms.  What a better place to remember, in church, as I offered up prayers for each one. 

In one way or another, I am the person I am because of having been touched somehow by each of them.  As I celebrate my birthday and receive well-wishes from family and friends, I realize how blessed I am and have been! 

Even though I have tried minimizing this date, and the futility of it, I am thankful to God for the health I have.  There is a little rust in the joints that will be getting some overhauling done but I've got a good mechanic doing the work!! 

So, to all those blessed to have a birthday on the same weekend as Mother's Day, happy birthday and Happy Mother's day!!  I wish you many blessings!!

Flowers from Sis Sheri

Pain in the Neck

"Pain in the neck."  I almost laughed when these words came to me!  Often we refer to this phrase when someone bugs us and we say they're a real pain in the neck! What do we do about that pain?

I think there are times when that pain doesn't even get our attention.  Sort of an under the radar of our awareness, so we really might ignore it.  Then as that irritation gets worse we try different avenues to deal with it. 

That takes some time, for sure. But time comes when this pain really has gotten our attention and we try to "push the envelope" to find someone to help us figure out how to get rid of it.

Sometimes we find ourselves seeking professional help to the tune of a couselor, therapist, family doctor, even a surgeon. If the "pain in the neck" is a real pain in the neck, or any physical pain in the body, we may even refer to massage, chiropractic or physical therapy. There are so many resources, arent there!

One resource for many is prayer, asking the "Great Physician" for guidance.  Then an inspiration may come, a friend may say something that seems to point us in a direction; that indeed becomes our answer. 

It is no fun for any "pain in the neck" but trusting those who know more than we do can bring us to a resolution we never would have thought of ourselves!  Sometimes the solution is easy but often is complex and challenging. Time and trust are helpers! Good luck with all your "pains" whether physical, relational or spiritual.        

Courtesy of Pixabay