Lest We Forget

All Gave Some ~ Some Gave All

Those who did give ALL are the heroes we are to honor and memorialize this Memorial Day. Veteran's Day coming in October will be to celebrate all veterans, past and present, certainly including those who serve now. But giving ALL means those men and women who have fallen while giving service to our country - our honored Dead. In 1868 it was initiated and was called Decoration Day - a special day to pay tribute to our patriots by decorating their graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. I read yesterday that in Arlington Cemetery, Washington, D.C, that 1500 servicemen from all branches of our military, spent three hours placing U.S. flags on the 300,000 graves at that location. I know you've seen pictures of Arlington with row after row after row of those white crosses and spotted here and there the Star of David also. I believe also it is where the Unknown Soldier's grave is located where our President places the wreath on his grave as a representative of all Americans.

As I write this, I'm feeling so touched and overwhelmed really, that each American buried in some grave in our land and other lands, died fighting for freedom. Each of their lives mattered. Truly mattered. They each had hopes, dreams, feelings. They each were born of a mother, loved and mourned by a family and friends.

They gave ALL --- All of their tomorrows,

So that we could have our Todays --

Living in Freedom....

Now that sure humbles me - as I live in my little life - aggravated by small problems, depressed by large losses, giving in tiny gestures, but not giving much - certainly not All. The very least I can do is to write this to remind myself and others that these Fallen Americans thought we and our freedom and way of life were Worth It. Oh my goodness. Lord, it's so overwhelming. I know each of their lives meant something to You too. They must have believed that You died to make Men holy and they died to make Men free.

God, Family, Country, Freedom, Duty and their Sacred Honor -

And their precious blood, poured out for America's Freedom.

Surely our sacred duty is to acknowledge their sacrifices, honor their lives and appreciate what they were willing to give for us. If not today (tonight), then surely tomorrow.

I pray their lives and deaths will never be wasted. Thank you dear, generous countrymen. Thank you for this overwhelming gift.

God, please continue to Bless America,

Home of the Free

Because of the Brave...

Gratefully,

Cynthia K.

Clinging to the Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross


On a hill far away, stood an rugged cross

The emblem of suffering and shame.

And I love that old cross

Where the Dearest and Best

For a World of lost sinners was slain.


So I'll cling to the old rugged cross,

Til my trophies at last I lay down.

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.


I will ever be True to the old rugged cross

It's shame and reproach gladly bear.

For the Dear Lamb of God

Left His glory above to suffer

And die for us there.


So I'll cherish the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down.

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it some day for a crown.


I had the privilege of singing this old hymn for the last two Easters for my ladies' bible study/prayer group. There are many new sacred songs today, but there is something so special about the old, familiar hymns. I think it is a shame that so many young people have never heard many of these great standards - it's a heritage they are are truly missing out on and that could be lost if not paid attention to. After all, we love Vintage!! Many of the old sacred hymns are the same ones that the beautiful ladies in the Victorian images that we so love, sang as they were worshipping the Lord (in their pretty dresses and huge hats).

So whenever I am asked to sing, I always try to pick out an old special hymn or at least a sacred song from the 1940s, 50s or 60s. I don't want them to die out and they surely do teach the gospel, simply and beautifully.

Most importantly, the grave could not keep Jesus down, on the third day, He arose, with a mighty triumph in His soul. He bought salvation, healing, peace and heaven for us. We just each need to ask Him for forgiveness and tell Him you accept his sacrifice on the cross, ask Him to come into your heart and life, and He promises that He will. It takes a decision and an act of your will, so come to Jesus, He is waiting for you. There is room at the cross for you....

Clinging to Him this Resurrection Day,


Cynthia K.

The Stairway to Heaven

My cousin, Michael Gene, went to heaven a couple of days ago. He waged a valiant battle against cancer which brought death to his body, but his spirit, soul, personality - who Mike really IS is immortal and lives on. We didn't lose him - we know exactly where he is - with his Savior, Christ Jesus. He's there with his Lord because Mike had accepted the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, his sins were forgiven and everlasting life was awarded to him just as our God has promised.

In a couple of hours, I'll be on my way to San Antonio to join in a celebration of his earthly life and his new heavenly life. God is so good! Make sure that you and yours don't leave earth without Him. Jesus has paid the price for you, He's bought the ticket, now you simply have to receive it and thank Him for it.

Cynthia K.