Independence Day weekend! Many of our friends and love ones, enjoying the backyard cookouts, lounging under the beautiful summer sun, and savoring the fresh air from the lakeside & sea side beaches...
Just a friendly REMINDER!
Please keep "Toothpick, Candy kisses and a Cup" of cold water on hand:
Toothpick - to pick out the good qualities in others ... "It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns." 1 Corinthians 4:4-5.
Candy Kisses - that everyone needs a kiss or a hug every day ... "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
Cup of cold water - "If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:42
GOD BLESS AMERICA, THE LAND OF THE BRAVE
By: Esther
Darkening and threatening clouds, followed by a severe thunderstorm, with blinding downpour of rain, lightning and thunder started our day on our way to church. I wanted to go to a church we were once invited to participate, but after Ben followed our car's GPS, we ended up in a different church after driving a couple of hours.
Finally, the sun came up and the weather ended up fine.
Church was built surrounded by tall, green trees in a beautiful, peaceful place. I decided to bring Ben's book, "Choosing To Live," and a recent piano CD recording by Kelly Mowrer to give to the first person we would meet as a gift. Shierli was all smiles when I handed the book and CD. She is a CRNA (Certified Nurse Anesthetist), who is working in one of the Hospitals in Toledo.
When we entered the main auditorium, a marching drum & bugle music was being played while some uniformed soldiers were marching to the front. This was followed by the playing of the National Anthem which surely gave me tears right away, bringing back the memories of Ben's service during the Dessert Storm.
Three generations of a family were honored for serving our country from the Vietnam War to the present, and the youngest just came back from serving in Iraq. After introducing themselves and relating briefly their services to their beloved country, we all sang, "God Bless America," an uplifting and inspiring song for everyone, many shedding tears.
This was followed by a sermon with a powerful emphasis that only God is bigger than all the earthly "Bullies" that confront each and everyone of us (i.e., bad habits, thoughts, relationships, drugs, etc.) The service closed with the song, "How Great Thou Art," and miniature American flags were given out after the service.
Yes, God Bless America (my adopted homeland) & God is Great!
Evalina, 4 year old sweet young girl from Kenya, bonded with us in Church.
