"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
"Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divine"
We sang this beloved hymn, "America, The Beautiful", yesterday in church. That is the verse that stood out to me as we honored the memory of those who gave their all for our country. It really makes us stop and think about all that we hold dear...how quickly it can be taken away, and if it weren't for the courage of men and women standing for what is right and true and good, and being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country...what we have could be lost forever. Something to think about, and thank the Lord for these precious heroes.
So how are you spending today? Perhaps some are having a picnic or barbeque with friends and family? Our church is having an annual cookout at the Parsonage today, but we are unable to participate this year. Hubby is having a "medical procedure" tomorrow that requires extensive "preparation" today, and so we are staying home. We are sorry to miss out on the fellowship with our church family, but some things just can't be helped. We did have a nice lunch with our kids yesterday after church here at home. I cooked a Boston Butt Roast in the crockpot on Saturday and made it into pulled pork, so we had pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, and Rose brought some deviled eggs. We also had coleslaw and/or a tossed salad with some of Rose and Benton's fresh cherry tomatoes from their own garden! It was all good, and there were plenty of leftovers for me to eat to today so I don't have to cook anything and tempt my hubby with tantalizing aromas while he is unable to have anything but liquids.
The only "picnickers" at our house today are the Sand Hill Crane Family. They pass through every so often to say hello and check the yard to see if there's anything good to nibble on. Can you believe how big George and Abe have gotten? They are now two months old, and the are just about as tall as their parents. I don't think they are flying yet, at least not that I've seen. From what I've read, they probably won't start flying until they are about 3 months old, so probably sometime toward the end of next month.
George and Abe, or is it Georgianna and Abby? Or George and Abby? I don't know. They are both very close in size, so it is difficult to tell if one is decidedly bigger than the other, which would indicate that it is a male. Time will tell...maybe...
Not sure if I showed you the latest pictures of the "Century Plant (Agave)." I showed them on Facebook, but not all of you are there. Yes, it is blooming, and the second picture shows you just how tall it really is.
Well folks, I really don't have much to share today. Thank you all for your kind words on my recent post about the "anniversary" of our son Matthew's passing ten years ago. Your kinds words were very comforting to me. I did not take the time to answer everyone, but each and every message is a treasure to me. Thank you. These kinds of "anniversaries" are never easy, as many of you also know from your own experiences with the loss of loved ones. However, I think it is important to keep the memory alive of our dear ones in whatever way is "comfortable" for us. Sometimes it is just too painful for some to do that, and that is understandable. But we each do what is most meaningful to us. Thank you again for your understanding.
Okay, dear friends, I need to wrap this up. It is quite warm outside, about 94 degrees, and bright and sunny. I'm thankful for a cool house and that I don't have to go out and work in this heat. My thoughts and prayers go out for those who do. And also for those who are having bad storms and other serious weather issues. I have a feeling this is going to be a difficult summer. May God be with each one of you and your loved ones and keep you safe and sound.
Oh, in case you'd like to hear it, our choir sang a really pretty song yesterday entitled "Peace". It was very appropriate for times were are experiencing now in our world.
Here it is:
"Lord, give us peace..."
(be sure to go all the way to the beginning of the video to hear/see the song)
Amen.
